JP2018110956A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can dramatically enhance interest.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine 10 is provided with a game area, and by game balls entering a specific area inside an upper variable winning device unit provided for the game area, a jackpot state composed of a plurality of rounds is generated. A win/lose lottery is performed on the basis of that game balls are made to enter a lower variable winning device unit that is in an open state only during a final round in the jackpot state, and on the basis of the lottery result, a trigger corresponding unit is in an open state. On the basis of game ball entry into the trigger corresponding unit, control to put the upper variable winning device unit into an open state is performed as specific processing advantageous to a player that easily causes a next jackpot state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  As a kind of gaming machine, for example, a big hit lottery is performed when a launched game ball enters the starting port, and if the lottery result is a big hit, a big hit state advantageous to the player (special gaming state) There are known pachinko machines that generate

  In this type of pachinko machine, for example, a big hit lottery is performed in response to a game ball entering the start opening, and a symbol as identification information is variably displayed on a predetermined variable display device. For example, the symbol that is variably displayed is fixed and stopped in a specific combination such as “777”, and a big hit state is generated. When the big win state occurs, the operation of opening the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device for a predetermined time is repeated a plurality of times, and the player can enter a number of game balls by putting the game ball into the big prize opening. Can be obtained as a prize ball.

Further, in recent years, when a specific condition is satisfied, for example, when the jackpot symbols are arranged in odd numbers such as “777”, a high probability mode in which the probability of occurrence of the next jackpot state is high after the jackpot state is ended. A pachinko machine can also be found (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Also, the variable winning device is temporarily opened and closed based on the winning of the game ball at the starting port, and when the gaming ball that has won the variable winning device at this time wins the V zone provided in the variable winning device, There are also pachinko machines in which a special gaming state occurs and the variable prize-winning device is repeatedly opened and closed so that many game balls can be awarded.

JP 2004-000736 A

  However, in the above prior art, the game itself in the jackpot state that wins a large number of prize balls does not include the game that triggers the next jackpot state, so after the jackpot state occurs, the player There is a risk that the player's interest in the game in the jackpot state may be diminished simply by digesting the game in the jackpot state. In this sense, further improvement of interest has been desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of dramatically improving interest in gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

  In the following, each means suitable for solving the above-mentioned purpose will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect etc. peculiar to a corresponding means are added as needed.

Means 1. A game area in which a game ball fired by a predetermined launching means is guided;
Variable entry means provided in the game area and switchable between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter;
An entrance detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the variable entrance means;
A gaming state control means comprising a plurality of special prize states and capable of generating a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state;
An opening / closing control means for controlling the variable entry means to be open in a predetermined number of special prize states including at least a final special prize state, which is a part of the multiple special prize states;
A gaming machine, comprising: a specific process execution means for executing a specific process advantageous to a player that makes it easy to generate a next special game state based on an input of a detection signal from the incoming ball detection means.

  According to the above means 1, the next special game state is determined based on entering the game ball into the variable ball entry means that is opened in a predetermined number of special prize states including the final special prize state in the special game state. A specific process advantageous to the player that is likely to occur is executed. Therefore, the game itself in the special game state includes a game that leads to the occurrence of the next special game state, and it is possible to dramatically improve the interest for the player with respect to the game in the special game state. . The same applies to the following means, but "a part of a plurality of special prize states and a predetermined number of special prize states including at least the last special prize state" Rather, it means a special prize state for a predetermined number of times from the final round including the final special prize state. For example, in a configuration in which a special game state consisting of 15 special prize states is generated, a case where control is performed to open the variable pitching means in the 14th and 15th special prize states is given as an example. Further, when the predetermined number of times is one, the variable entrance means is controlled to be opened only in the final special prize state.

  Mean 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the specifying process is a winning lottery process for determining whether or not to generate a next special game state.

  According to the above means 2, the winning lottery process for determining whether or not to generate the next special gaming state is performed in a predetermined number of special prize states including the final special prize state in the special gaming state. It is possible to dramatically improve the interest of the player for this game.

Means 3. A game area in which a game ball fired by a predetermined launching means is guided;
Variable entry means provided in the game area and switchable between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter;
An entrance detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the variable entrance means;
A gaming state control means comprising a plurality of special prize states and capable of generating a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state;
An opening / closing control means for controlling the variable entry means to be open in a predetermined number of special prize states including at least a final special prize state, which is a part of the multiple special prize states;
A specific process execution means capable of executing a specific process advantageous to the player to easily generate the next special game state;
A gaming machine comprising: lottery means for performing a winning lottery process for determining whether or not to execute the specific process based on an input of a detection signal from the entrance detection means.

  According to the means 3, the same effects as the means 1 and 2 can be obtained.

Means 4. The opening / closing control means includes
In the normal gaming state, the variable pitching means is kept closed,
In the special gaming state, the variable pitching means is switched from the closed state to the open state in a predetermined number of special prize states including the final special prize state, and when a prescribed time has elapsed or a prescribed number of gaming balls have entered the special prize state. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the game machine is configured to be able to execute an opening / closing process to be in a closed state when detected by a ball detecting means.

  According to the above means 4, by setting the upper limit such as the specified time and the specified number, the upper limit is also imposed on the number of times that the specific process (lottery process) that is advantageous to the player to easily generate the next special game state is executed. Can be determined. As a result, it is possible to suppress the problem that once the special game state occurs, the next special game state will surely occur.

Means 5. A game area in which a game ball fired by a predetermined launching means is guided;
A first variable pitching means provided in the gaming area and capable of switching between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter;
First entry detection means capable of detecting a game ball entered into the first variable entry means;
A gaming state control means comprising a plurality of special prize states and capable of generating a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state;
A first opening / closing control means for controlling the first variable entry means to be open in a predetermined number of special prize states including at least a final special prize state, which is a part of the multiple special prize states;
Lottery means for performing a predetermined winning lottery process based on an input of a detection signal from the first entrance detection means;
Display means for performing stop display in a predetermined manner based on the lottery result of the winning lottery process after the variable display;
A second variable ball entry means provided in the game area and capable of switching between an open state in which a game ball can be entered or can be entered easily, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot be entered or is difficult to enter;
Second entrance detection means capable of detecting a game ball entering the second variable entrance means;
Second opening / closing control means for performing control to open the second variable pitching means when at least a winning result is obtained by the winning lottery process;
A game comprising: a specific process execution means for executing a specific process advantageous to a player based on an input of a detection signal from the second ball detection means, which makes it easy to generate a next special game state. Machine.

  According to the means 5, the same effects as the means 1 and 2 can be obtained. Further, in this means, the winning lottery is performed based on the game ball entering the first variable entry means, the second variable entry means is opened based on the lottery result, and the second variable entry means is entered. The above specific process is executed based on the incoming game balls. For this reason, compared with the case where a specific process is only performed based on the entrance to a 1st variable entrance means, gameability increases and the improvement of the further interest can be aimed at. In order to acquire the next special game state, it is necessary to go through a plurality of steps as described above. As a result, it is possible to suppress the problem that once the special game state occurs, the next special game state will surely occur.

Means 6. A game area in which a game ball fired by a predetermined launching means is guided;
Start ball entry means that can enter a game ball,
A starting ball detecting means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the starting ball entering means;
A special variable pitching means provided in the gaming area and switchable between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter;
Special open / close control means for performing control to open the special variable ball entry means based on at least input of a detection signal from the start ball entry detection means;
A specific entry portion where a game ball entered into the special variable entry means can enter,
Specific entry detection means capable of detecting a game ball entered into the specific entry part;
Based on the input of the detection signal from the specific entry detection means, a gaming state control means capable of generating a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, consisting of a plurality of special prize states;
A first variable pitching means provided in the gaming area and capable of switching between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter;
First entry detection means capable of detecting a game ball entered into the first variable entry means;
A first opening / closing control means for controlling the first variable entry means to be open in a predetermined number of special prize states including at least a final special prize state, which is a part of the multiple special prize states;
Lottery means for performing a predetermined winning lottery process based on an input of a detection signal from the first entrance detection means;
Display means for performing stop display in a predetermined manner based on the lottery result of the winning lottery process after the variable display;
A second variable ball entry means provided in the game area and capable of switching between an open state in which a game ball can be entered or can be entered easily, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot be entered or is difficult to enter;
Second entrance detection means capable of detecting a game ball entering the second variable entrance means;
A second opening / closing control means for performing control to open the second variable pitching means when at least a winning result is obtained by the winning lottery process,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the special opening / closing control means controls the special variable pitching means to be open based on an input of a detection signal from the second pitching detection means.

  According to the means 6, the winning lottery is performed based on the game ball entering the first variable entry means, the second variable entry means is opened based on the lottery result, and the second variable entry means. Based on the entry of the game ball into the ball, control is performed so that the special variable ball entry means is opened. That is, the chance that the game ball enters the special variable ball entry means increases. As a result, the chance that the special gaming state occurs increases, and the interest for the player is improved. As a result, the same effect as the above means 5 is achieved. As in this means, the special variable ball entry means is opened based on the game ball entering the starting ball entry means, and the special variable ball entry means is opened while the special variable ball entry means is open. In a gaming machine in which a special game state occurs based on a game ball that has entered the specific ball entry part, one game ball enters the start ball entry means and the special variable ball entry means is open. If other game balls do not enter the special variable ball entry means in a timely manner, the special game state does not occur. For this reason, the configuration of this means exerts a special effect in increasing the chance of occurrence of a special gaming state.

  Mean 7 The second variable entry means is configured to be switchable between an open state in which a game ball can easily enter and a closed state in which the game ball is difficult to enter, and also serves as the start entry means. A gaming machine according to claim 6.

  According to the means 7, the variable entry means provided for the existing start entry means can be utilized as the second variable entry means without newly providing the second variable entry means. An increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

Means 8. A special entry detecting means capable of detecting a game ball entered into the special variable entry means;
The special opening / closing control means includes
Opening and closing processing for opening and closing the special variable pitching means in a special prize state other than the predetermined special prize state among a plurality of special prize states in the special gaming state is configured to be executed a special prescribed number of times, and a special prescribed time 8. The gaming machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the opening / closing process is terminated when the time elapses or when a special prescribed number of game balls are detected by the special entry detecting means.

  Means 9. 9. The means 8 according to claim 8, wherein the other special award state is configured to be able to shift to a next special award state on condition that a game ball enters the specific entrance part in the special award state. Gaming machine.

  According to the above means 9, once the special gaming state occurs, it is possible to suppress a problem that the next special prize state is surely shifted to and the next special gaming state is necessarily generated.

Means 10. The second opening / closing control means includes
At least when a winning result is obtained by the winning lottery process, the second variable pitching means is switched from a closed state to an open state, and when a second specified time has elapsed or a second specified number of game balls are The gaming machine according to any one of means 5 to 9, wherein the game machine is configured to be able to execute an opening / closing process to be in a closed state when it is detected by a ball entry detecting means, a second specified number of times.

  According to the means 10, the same effect as the means 4 can be obtained.

Means 11. The first opening / closing control means includes
In the normal gaming state, the first variable pitching means is kept closed,
In the special gaming state, the first variable pitching means is switched from the closed state to the open state in a predetermined number of special prize states including the final special prize state, or when the first prescribed time has elapsed or the first prescribed number 11. The means according to any one of means 5 to 10, wherein an opening / closing process for closing the game ball when the game ball is detected by the first entrance detecting means is configured to be executed a first specified number of times. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 11, the same effects as the means 4 can be obtained.

  Means 12. 12. A gaming machine according to any one of means 5 to 11, further comprising a change counting means capable of changing the change display in the display means a predetermined number of times.

  According to the means 12, for example, when the number of change display is set smaller than the first specified number, a specific process (lottery process) advantageous to the player that makes it easy to generate the next special game state is executed. Limit the number of times As a result, it is possible to suppress the problem that once the special game state occurs, the next special game state will surely occur. Note that “change” can be replaced with the words “accumulate”, “reserved”, “store”, “stored / stored”, “stock”, “hold”, etc., but in short, the change display can be replaced. It only needs to be able to be done later.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

  A. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine. As more detailed mode examples, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a ball launching means (such as a launch motor) for playing a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the launch A ball path (ball guide path of the rail unit) that guides the played game balls to a predetermined game area, and each game component (general winning port, variable winning device, operating port, variable display unit, etc.) arranged in the gaming area ).

  B. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a bullet ball gaming machine having a gaming area extending in a substantially vertical direction. As more detailed mode examples, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a ball launching means (such as a launch motor) for playing a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the launch A ball path (rail guide path of the rail unit) for guiding the played game ball to a predetermined game area extending in a substantially vertical direction (for example, the game area is constituted by a game board surface, etc.), and each of the game areas arranged in the game area A ball ball game machine comprising game parts (general winning opening, variable winning device, operation opening, variable display unit, etc.) and configured so that the behavior of a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can be visually recognized. .

  C. The gaming machine in each of the above means or each of the above ball game machines is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine of the state which open | released the inner frame and the front frame set. It is a front view which shows the inner frame etc. in the state which open | released the front frame set. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a front view of an upper variable prize-winning apparatus unit. It is a perspective view of a game ball distribution mechanism. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a part of game ball distribution mechanism. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame and a game board. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a 1st control board unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a 2nd control board unit. It is a front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of a pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the opening / closing control process of an upper variable prize-winning apparatus unit. It is a flowchart which shows a jackpot control process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during round operation. It is a flowchart which shows a process during round closure. It is a flowchart which shows the winning process of a lower variable winning apparatus unit. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol fluctuation | variation process. It is a flowchart which shows the opening / closing control process of an opportunity corresponding | compatible unit. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a command determination process. It is a flowchart which shows prize ball control. It is a flowchart which shows ball rental control.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 shows a lower plate unit in which a front frame set 14 serving as a front door is opened with respect to an outer frame 11 described later and an inner frame 12 serving as a support frame. It is a perspective view showing the state where 13 was removed. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the front frame set 14 is removed from the pachinko machine 10. However, in FIGS. 2 and 3, for the sake of convenience, a configuration in a game area on the surface of the game board 30 to be described later is shown blank. .

  The pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. The opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set so as to extend vertically to the left when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame 12 can be opened forward by using the opening / closing axis as an axis.

  A lower tray unit 13 is attached to the inner frame 12 at the lowermost portion, and a front frame set 14 is attached to correspond to a range excluding the lower tray unit 13. The front frame set 14 is attached to the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. Like the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 is located on the front side with an open / close axis extending vertically to the left when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. It can be opened.

  The lower tray unit 13 is provided with a lower tray 15 as a ball receiving tray at a substantially central portion, so that game balls discharged from the outlet 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. Reference numeral 24 denotes a sound output port from the speaker 249 (see FIG. 2), and reference numeral 25 denotes a ball release lever for discharging the game ball from the lower plate 15 downward.

  A game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as “handle”) 18 is disposed on the right side of the lower plate 15 so as to protrude to the front side. An ashtray 26 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15.

  On the other hand, an upper plate 19 serving as a ball receiving plate is provided above the lower plate 15. Here, the upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray that temporarily stores the game balls and guides them to a game ball launching device as launching means while aligning them in a line. The upper plate 19 is integrally formed with the glass frame portion that supports the glass 137 in the front frame set 14.

  In FIG. 3, the inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 20 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially circular window hole 21 is formed at the center of the resin base 20. A game board 30 (see FIG. 4) is detachably mounted on the rear side of the resin base 20. The game board 30 is made of a rectangular plywood, and is attached in a state in which the peripheral edge thereof is in contact with the back side of the resin base 20 (inner frame 12). Accordingly, a substantially central portion of the front surface portion of the game board 30 is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 21 of the resin base 20. The resin base 20 is provided with an opening detection sensor 22 that detects opening of the front frame set 14. Although not shown, an open detection switch for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is also provided.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In the game board 30, general winning holes 31a and 31b, lower variable winning device unit 32, opportunity corresponding ports 33a and 33b, opportunity corresponding unit 34, upper variable winning device unit 37 and the like are arranged in through holes formed by router processing. Installed from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like.

  Here, the arrangement positions of the general winning openings 31a, 31b and the like will be described. An upper variable prize-winning device unit 37 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 30, and an opportunity corresponding unit 34 is provided below the upper variable prize-winning device unit 37 as a starting ball entering means, and below the opportunity corresponding unit 34. The lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 is disposed at the left and right sides of the opportunity corresponding unit 34, and the opportunity corresponding ports 33a and 33b are provided as starting ball entering means, respectively, and the left and right sides of the respective opportunity corresponding ports 33a and 33b. General winning ports 31a and 31b are arranged outside. As is well known, a game ball enters the above-described general winning ports 31a and 31b, lower variable winning device unit 32, opportunity corresponding ports 33a and 33b, opportunity corresponding unit 34, and upper variable winning device unit 37, and an output of a detection switch described later. Thus, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and a game ball that has not entered the various winning units (a winning device, a winning port, a starting port, etc.) passes through the out port 36 and is not shown. Guided towards the discharge path. A number of nails are planted on the game board 30 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (functions) such as the windmill 27 are arranged.

  Here, the upper variable winning device unit 37 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. The upper variable winning device unit 37 is connected to a main control device 261 (main board), which will be described later, through electric wiring (not shown), and is controlled by the main control device 261. The upper variable winning device unit 37 constitutes a special variable winning means in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the upper variable winning device unit 37. The upper variable prize-winning device unit 37 includes a substantially hollow main body 401, a game ball distribution mechanism 402 below the main body 401, a moving body 403 that moves up and down above the game ball distribution mechanism 402, and a main body A game ball rolling unit 404 provided at the top of the unit 401, a pair of opening and closing members 405a and 405b pivotally supported at both the left and right sides of the game ball rolling unit 404, and a game ball rolling A guide passage 406 for guiding the game ball from the back side of the moving unit 404 to the game ball sorting mechanism 402 is provided. A count switch 223b, which will be described later, is provided in the middle position of the guide passage 406. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper variable winning device unit 37 includes a moving body motor D1 for moving the moving body 403 up and down, and blade solenoids D2, D3 for opening and closing the blades 405a and 405b. And are provided.

  6 is a perspective view of the game ball sorting mechanism 402, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the game ball sorting mechanism 402. As shown in FIG. The game ball distribution mechanism 402 is fitted into a base portion 411, a surrounding frame portion 412 attached to the upper portion of the base portion 411, a motor 413 fixed to the base portion 411, and a recess 412 a of the surrounding frame portion 412. And a rotating body 414 rotatably supported on a rotating shaft 413a of the motor 413.

  The rotating body 414 has a plurality (ten in this embodiment) of accommodating portions along the periphery. The plurality of storage units are configured by a plurality (eight in this embodiment) of first storage units 421, one second storage unit 422, and one third storage unit 423. The first housing portion 421 is configured in a substantially U shape with a lower surface inclined so that the game ball can be transferred outward in the radial direction of the rotating body 414. The second housing portion 422 has a bridged lower surface that is stretched along the circumferential direction of the rotating body 414, and is not shown so that a game ball can be transferred from the bridged lower surface toward the center of the rotating body 414. It has a configuration with a drop opening. The third housing portion 423 is configured to be able to hold a game ball so that the game ball does not roll out in a radial outward direction of the rotating body 414. In the present embodiment, the rotating body 414 is configured to continuously rotate in a normal state (normal game state) or a big hit state (special game state).

  On the other hand, in the recess 412a of the surrounding frame portion 412, a first passage port 425 is formed at the side wall portion, and a second passage port 426 and a third passage port 427 are formed at the bottom portion. For convenience, reference numerals are omitted, but of course, the base portion 411 is also provided with holes corresponding to the second passage port 426 and the third passage port 427.

  The first passage port 425 is for discharging the game ball accommodated in the first accommodation portion 421 to a ball discharge portion (not shown). That is, when the rotating body 414 rotates and the position of the first storage portion 425 that stores the game ball coincides with the position of the first passage port 425, the game ball is discharged from the first storage portion 421. ing.

  The second passage port 426 is formed near the center axis of the rotating body 414, and is for discharging the game ball stored in the second storage portion 422 to a ball discharge portion (not shown). That is, when the rotating body 414 rotates and the position of the drop port of the second storage unit 422 that stores the game ball coincides with the position of the second passage port 426, the game ball is discharged from the second storage unit 422. It is like that.

  The third passage port 427 is formed near the periphery of the rotating body 414, and is used for discharging the game ball stored in the third storage portion 423 to a ball discharge portion (not shown). That is, when the rotating body 414 rotates and the position of the third storage portion 423 that stores the game ball coincides with the position of the third passage port 427, the game ball is discharged from the third storage portion 423. ing. The third passage port 427 is connected to a specific area as a specific entrance portion (not shown) in which a specific area switch 223a (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, is arranged, and the game ball discharged from the third passage opening 427 Is detected by the specific area switch 223a. That is, the first storage portion 421 and the second storage portion 422 have a function of guiding the game ball to the first passage port 425 and the second passage port 426 that are not connected to the specific region, and the third storage portion 423 is connected to the specific region. It has a function of guiding the game ball to the third passing port 427.

  A first shielding mechanism 431 that shields the first passage port 425 is provided in the vicinity of the first passage port 425, and a second shielding mechanism 432 that shields the third passage port 427 in the vicinity of the third passage port 427. Is provided.

  The first shielding mechanism 431 includes an operating part 435 that is pivotally supported between the base part 411 and the surrounding frame part 412 and a first solenoid 436 that drives the operating part 435. The operating portion 435 is provided with a first shutter 437 that closes the first passage port 425. The first shutter 437 is in a position to open the first passage port 425 in the normal state, that is, in the non-excited state of the first solenoid 436. When the first solenoid 436 is excited, the operating unit 435 rotates. Then, the first shutter 437 moves to a position where the first passage port 425 is closed. Accordingly, the first passage 425 is closed by the first shutter 437, and the game ball cannot pass through the first passage 425.

  The second shielding mechanism 432 includes an operating part 441 that is pivotally supported between the base part 411 and the surrounding frame part 412, and a second solenoid 442 that drives the operating part 441. The operating portion 441 is provided with a second shutter 443 that closes the third passage port 427. In the normal state, that is, in the non-excited state of the second solenoid 442, the second shutter 443 is in a position where the third passage port 427 is opened, and when the second solenoid 442 is excited, the operating unit 441 rotates. Then, the second shutter 443 moves to a position where the third passage port 427 is closed. Accordingly, the third passage port 427 is closed by the second shutter 443, and the game ball cannot pass through the third passage port 427.

  Next, the normal symbol display device 41 provided in the lower variable winning device unit 32, the opportunity corresponding unit 34, and the upper variable winning device unit 37 will be described in detail based on the relationship between the three. The lower variable winning device unit 32 constitutes the first variable pitching means (variable pitching means) in the present embodiment. The opportunity corresponding unit 34 constitutes the second variable entry means and the start entry means in the present embodiment. The normal symbol display device 41 constitutes the display means in this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 includes a substantially flat opening / closing member 32a that is pivotally supported so that the game ball is in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won in a normal state (normal game state). As described later, the game ball is configured to be in an open state in which a winning can be won in the final stage of the big hit (special game state). Then, the open state is maintained until the first specified time (29.5 seconds in the present embodiment) elapses or the first specified number (for example, 10) of winnings is reached, and then the closed state is set. In the present embodiment, this opening / closing operation (opening / closing process) is performed only once at a specified number of times (first specified number of times) in the final stage of jackpot.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a normal symbol display device 41 that variably displays a normal symbol is provided at the lower part of the upper variable prize-winning device unit 37 when a game ball wins the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32. Yes. The normal symbol display device 41 includes a display unit 43 for normal symbols and a holding lamp 44, and is configured to be able to display “O” or “X” as a normal symbol. Each time the game ball wins the lower variable winning device unit 32, for example, the normal symbol is displayed (variable display) at a high speed such as “O” → “X” → “O” →. As will be described later, the present embodiment is configured such that the normal symbol stop display is performed only after the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 in the open state is in the closed state. If a new game ball wins the lower variable winning device unit 32 during the normal symbol variation display, the corresponding normal symbol variation display is performed after the end of the variation display at that time. It is configured to be performed. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44. ing. However, the maximum number of holding times is not limited to this. For example, the maximum number of holdings may be set to 8 in order to wait for the normal symbol variation display for 8 times.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the opportunity handling unit 34 includes a pair of opening / closing members 34a pivotally supported so as to be in a closed state in which a game ball is difficult to enter in a normal state (normal game state). When the “O” symbol is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 41, the game ball is configured to be in an open state in which a prize can be won. Then, the open state is maintained until the second specified time (for example, 2.0 seconds) elapses or the second specified number (for example, one) of winnings is received, and then the closed state is set. This opening / closing operation is configured to be performed a second specified number of times (one time in the present embodiment) every time the symbol “◯” is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 41.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 as a rail member for guiding the game ball launched from the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 30. Thus, the game balls launched are guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 is formed of a ring-shaped resin molded product, and includes an inner rail constituent part (inner rail part) 51 and an outer rail constituent part (outer rail mounting part) 52 that are integrally formed in an inner and outer double. Have. The inner rail constituting portion 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except for about 1/4 of the upper portion. Further, the outer rail constituting portion 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side portion) faces the inner rail constituting portion 51. In such a case, the inner rail constituting portion 51 and the outer rail constituting portion 52 mainly constitute a guide rail, and each of the rail constituting portions 51 and 52 is guided by a ball by a portion (left portion toward the left) that is parallel with a predetermined interval. A passage is formed.

  Next, the game area will be described. The game area is partitioned and formed in a substantially circular shape by the inner peripheral part (inner and outer rail constituent parts 51 and 52) of the rail unit 50. In particular, in this embodiment, the game area is partitioned on the board surface of the game board 30. Is much larger than before. In the present embodiment, when the game area is viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, guidance that is a parallel part of the inner and outer rail constituting parts 51 and 52 among the area surrounded by the inner rail constituting part 51 and the outer rail constituting part 52. The area excluding the rail area.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, in the resin base 20, below the window hole 21 (game board 30), a launch rail 61 for guiding the game ball immediately after being launched from the game ball launcher is attached. The firing rail 61 is fixedly attached to the resin base 20 integrally with the metal plate 62 behind the firing rail 61, and is configured to extend linearly at a predetermined firing angle (launch angle). Accordingly, the game ball that is launched in accordance with the turning operation of the handle 18 is first launched obliquely upward along the launch rail 61 and then guided to a predetermined game area through the ball guide passage of the rail unit 50 as described above. It is like that.

  Further, there is a gap of a predetermined interval between the firing rail 61 and the rail unit 50 (guidance rail), and a foul ball passage 63 is formed below the gap. Therefore, if the game ball launched from the game ball launching device does not reach the game area and returns to the inside of the guide rail as a foul ball, the foul ball is discharged to the lower plate 15 through the foul ball passage 63. The Further, the game ball launching device is provided with a ball striking ball, and the game ball is fired with the rotation of the ball striking center around the shaft portion.

  In addition, the code | symbol 67 in FIG. 3 is the discharge port connected to the upper plate 19, and a game ball is discharged to the upper plate 19 through this discharge port 67. FIG. An open / close shutter 68 is attached to the discharge port 67. Although detailed disclosure of the drawings is omitted, the shutter 68 is rotatable about the shaft portion provided along the lower side portion thereof, and is in a state where the front frame set 14 is opened (state of FIG. 3). The shutter 68 substantially closes the discharge port 67 by a biasing force such as a spring. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by a ball passage rod 69 (see FIG. 2) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14. Note that the game ball is discharged to the lower plate 15 in the open state of the front frame set 14.

  In the middle of the foul ball passage 63, a lower pan full tank switch (not shown) for detecting that the lower pan 15 is full of balls is provided so as to form a part of the bottom of the passage. When the balls are dispensed in a large amount in a short period of time, the balls start to accumulate on the lower plate 15 after the upper plate 19 is full. Thereafter, even if the balls continue to be paid out, if the balls in the lower plate 15 are not pulled out, the balls start to accumulate in the middle of the foul ball passage 63. It is stopped by a payout control device 311 described later.

  Next, the front frame set 14 will be described with reference to FIG. The front frame set 14 is formed with a substantially elliptical window 101 so that most of the game area can be viewed from the outside. A pair of glass 137 having a rectangular shape is attached to the front frame set 14 at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction. In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around it (for example, a corner portion). These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state at the time of big hit or predetermined reach.

  In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is disposed below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123. If the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated in a state where a bill or a card is inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball is lent according to the operation. . The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as there is a remaining amount on the card or the like. Is done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays remaining amount information such as a card. It should be noted that the ball rental operation unit 120 is not necessary for a pachinko machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine.

  Further, the locking mechanism of the front frame set 14 is integrated with the locking mechanism of the inner frame 12, and the main body of the integrated locking mechanism G1 (see FIG. 8 and the like) is located on the back side of the inner frame 12. Is provided.

  Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 9 is a rear view showing the configuration of the game board 30 in the inner frame 12.

  First, an overall outline of the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. In the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged on the back side (actually the back side of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30) so as to be arranged vertically or horizontally, or to be stacked in front and back, A game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are divided into two mounting bases to form two control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30. ing. In this case, the main board and the sound lamp control board are mounted on one mounting base to form a unit, and the dispensing control board, launch control board, and power supply board are mounted on the other mounting base to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit is referred to as “first control board unit 201”, and the latter unit is referred to as “second control board unit 202”. In addition, since the dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally referred to as a back pack, the unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203”. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

  As will be described later, the first control board unit 201 having a substantially L-shape is arranged at substantially the center of the pachinko machine 10, and the second control board unit 202 is arranged therebelow. Further, the back pack unit 203 is arranged in a region partially overlapping the first control board unit 201.

  Further, a back frame set 215 is attached to the back surface of the game board 30 so as to surround the upper variable winning device unit 37. The back frame set 215 is a thin resin molded product (for example, made of ABS) provided so as to stick to the back surface of the game board 30 and is formed with a game ball collecting mechanism for collecting game balls won in various winning portions. Has been. Specifically, below the back frame set 215, the general winning ports 31a and 31b, the lower variable winning device unit 32, the trigger corresponding ports 33a and 33b, the trigger corresponding unit 34, and the upper variable winning device unit 37 (see FIG. 4 respectively). A recovery passage 216 is formed corresponding to the game board opening and gathering at one location on the downstream side. In addition, a discharge passage board 217 made of resin (for example, made of polycarbonate resin) is also attached to the inner frame 12 below the game board 30, and discharge balls are sent to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 in the discharge passage board 217. A discharge passage 218 for guiding is formed. Therefore, as exemplified by the phantom line in FIG. 9, the game balls won in the general winning openings 31a, 31b and the like are all collected through the collection passage 216 of the back frame set 215, and further the discharge passage of the discharge passage board 217. It is discharged outside the pachinko machine 10 via 218. In addition, the out port 36 (see FIG. 4) similarly communicates with the discharge passage 218, and the game balls that have not won any winning opening are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge passage 218.

  Also, on the back surface of the game board 30, a winning detection mechanism (entrance detecting means) for detecting the passage of gaming balls such as various winning holes is provided. Specifically, a winning port switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning ports 31 a and 31 b on the front side of the game board 30, and a count switch 222 is provided at the lower variable winning device unit 32. The count switch 222 is a switch that counts the game balls won in the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 in the final stage of the jackpot. The count switch 222 constitutes first entrance detection means (entrance detection means) in the present embodiment.

  Further, the upper variable winning device unit 37 is provided with a specific area switch 223a and a count switch 223b. As described above, the specific area switch 223a is a switch that determines that a game ball that has won the upper variable prize-winning device unit 37 in a big hit state has entered the specific area, and the count switch 223b is a switch that counts the winning balls. . The specific area switch 223a constitutes a specific entrance detection means in the present embodiment. The count switch 223b constitutes special entrance detection means in this embodiment.

  In addition, a trigger corresponding unit switch 224a is provided at a position corresponding to the trigger corresponding unit 34, and a trigger corresponding port switch 224b is provided at a position corresponding to the trigger corresponding ports 33a and 33b. The opportunity corresponding unit switch 224a constitutes the second incoming ball detecting means and the starting incoming ball detecting means in the present embodiment. The trigger corresponding port switch 224b constitutes a start ball detection means in the present embodiment.

  The specific area switch 223a and the count switch 223b are connected to the board relay board 226 through electric wiring (not shown), and this board relay board 226 is further connected to a main board (main controller 261) described later. Also, the winning port switch 221 and the count switch 222 are connected to the winning port relay board 227 via electric wiring, and the winning port relay board 227 is further connected to the main board (main control device 261) via electric wiring. Yes. On the other hand, the opportunity corresponding unit switch 224a and the opportunity corresponding port switch 224b are directly connected to the main board (main control device 261) via the electrical wiring without passing through the relay board.

  Although not shown in the drawings, the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 is provided with a solenoid for driving the opening / closing member 32a, and the trigger corresponding unit 34 is provided with a solenoid for driving the opening / closing member 34a. ing. In FIGS. 8 and 9, reference numeral 228 denotes a set handle including a hitting ball and the like, and reference numeral 229 denotes a firing motor. The game ball launching device is constituted by the set handle 228, the firing motor 229, and the like.

  The detection results detected by the winning sensing mechanism (detecting means) are taken into a main board (main control device 261) described later, and a payout command (game ball of the game ball) corresponding to the winning situation each time is received from the main board. The number of payouts) is transmitted to the payout control board. Then, a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls) are paid out by the output of the payout control board. Note that the number of award balls (game balls) to be paid out corresponds to each winning portion (general winning ports 31a, 31b, etc.). For example, in the present embodiment, the number of payouts corresponding to the general winning ports 31a and 31b, the trigger corresponding ports 33a and 33b, and the trigger corresponding unit 34 is four, and corresponds to the lower variable winning device unit 32 and the upper variable winning device unit 37. The number of payouts to be made is set to 15.

  Next, the first control board unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the unit 201.

  The first control board unit 201 has a mounting base 251 having a substantially L shape, and the main control device 261 and the initialization device 543 (board box 263) and the sound lamp control device 262 (board box 265) are mounted on the mounting base 251. ) And are installed.

  The main control device 261 includes a CPU that controls the main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port for communicating with various devices, and a random number used in various lotteries. It includes a main board including a generator, a clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization, and the like.

  The initialization device 543 is electrically connected to the RAM erase switch 323, detects whether the RAM erase switch 323 has been pressed, and transmits the detection result to the main control device 261. (Refer to FIG. 13).

  The main board and the RAM erasing switch circuit 543a are housed in a board box 263 (encapsulating means) made of a transparent resin material or the like, thereby constituting a main controller 261 and an initialization unit 543. The substrate box 263 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing unit 264 (sealing means) so that the substrate box 263 is sealed.

  The RAM erase switch 323 that is electrically connected to the initialization device 543 is a switch that is operated when the pachinko machine 10 is returned to the initial state when the power is turned on. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, 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 when returning from the power failure (power recovery) It has become. Therefore, if the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, when the hall is closed), the state before the power is turned off is stored. If you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, turn on the power while holding down the RAM erase switch 323. We are going to throw it in.

  As the sealing unit 264 as the sealing means, any configuration can be applied as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened, but here, the sealing unit 264 has a configuration in which five sealing members are connected. The box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened by inserting a locking claw into the long hole of the member. The sealing process by the sealing unit 264 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the opening / sealing process again even after the operation. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into the long hole of at least one sealing member among the five sealing members constituting the sealing unit 264. And when opening the board | substrate box 263 by the malfunction of the accommodated main board | substrate etc., the connection of the sealing member in which the latching claw was inserted, and another sealing member is cut | disconnected. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claws are inserted into the long holes of the other sealing members. If the history of opening the board box 263 is left in the board box 263, it can be easily found that the illegal opening has been performed by looking at the board box 263.

  The voice lamp control device 262 includes a CPU that controls voice and lamp display according to instructions from the main control device 261 (main board), and a voice lamp control board that includes ROM, RAM, various ports, and the like. The sound lamp control board is housed in a board box 265 made of a transparent resin material or the like. A power relay board 266 is mounted on the sound lamp controller 262, and power supplied from a power board described later is output to the sound lamp controller 262 via the power relay board 266. .

  A board box 263 in which the main controller 261 (main board) and the initialization device 543 are accommodated on one board mounting surface is disposed in a horizontally oriented direction, and an audio lamp control is provided on the other board mounting surface. A board box 265 in which the device 262 (sound lamp control board) is accommodated is arranged in a vertically long direction. In particular, the main control device 261 (board box 263) is arranged on the near side when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the sound lamp control device 262 (board box 265) is arranged on the back side.

  Next, the second control board unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the unit 202.

  The second control board unit 202 has a horizontally long mounting base 301 on which a payout control device 311, a firing control device 312, a power supply device 313 and a card unit connection board 314 are mounted. The payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, and the power supply device 313 are provided with a control board including a central control CPU, a ROM, a RAM, various ports and the like as is well known. The payout of prize balls and rental balls is controlled by the substrate. The launch control board of the launch control apparatus 312 controls the launch motor 229 in accordance with the player's operation of the handle 18, and the power supply board of the power supply apparatus 313 generates a predetermined power supply voltage required by various control apparatuses. Is output. The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball lending operation unit 120 on the front surface of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown). is there. Note that the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit.

  The payout control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection substrate 314 are respectively configured to be accommodated in substrate boxes 315, 316, 317, and 318 made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the dispensing control device 311, similarly to the main control device 261 described above, the box base and the box cover that constitute the substrate box 315 (encapsulating means) are connected by the sealing unit 319 (sealing means) so that they cannot be opened. Thus, the substrate box 315 is sealed.

  The payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse so that the ball jam is eliminated (return to the normal state). It has become.

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. The back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a back pack 351 molded with resin and a payout mechanism portion 352 for a game ball are integrated, and a rear view seen from the back of the pachinko machine 10 is shown in FIG.

  The back pack 351 has a substantially flat base portion 353 and a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine and has a horizontally long, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover 354 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 upper variable prize-winning device unit 37.

  In addition, a payout mechanism portion 352 is disposed on the base portion 353 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 351, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows (two rows) of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, the tank rail 356 is arranged vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. A case rail 357 is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor 358a. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19.

  A vibrator 360 that applies vibration to the tank rail 356 is attached to the tank rail 356. Therefore, if a ball clogging occurs near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is driven to eliminate the ball clogging.

  The payout mechanism 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 that relays a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 that takes in the main power from the outside. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, AC 24V main power via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

  Also, the base 353 of the back pack unit 203 is provided with an opening 391 for the external relay terminal plate 230, so that the external relay terminal plate 230 can be removed and operated even when the back pack unit 203 is fixed. It is possible.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the pachinko machine 10. The main controller 261 (main board) of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. Various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  The RAM 503 is a stack area that stores the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501, the return address of a control program executed by the CPU 501, and a work area (work area) that stores various flags, counters, I / O values, and the like. ) And a backup area 503a. The RAM 503 is configured to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 503a. Data is backed up.

  Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  The backup area 503a stores values such as a stack pointer, each register, and I / O when the power is shut down (including when a power failure occurs, the same applies hereinafter) when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure. At the time of power-on (including power-on due to power failure cancellation, the same applies hereinafter), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before power-off based on the information in the backup area 503a. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is shut off by normal processing (see FIG. 15), and on the contrary, returning of each value written to the backup area 503a includes power-on (including power-on due to power failure cancellation). The same processing is performed in the main process (see FIG. 14). The N501 terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, when a power failure occurs due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When the signal SK1 is input to the CPU 501, the NMI interruption process as the process at the time of power failure is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. Connected to the input / output port 505 are an initialization device 543, a payout control device 311, a lower variable winning device unit 32, an opportunity corresponding unit 34, an upper variable winning device unit 37 (ordinary symbol display device 41), and other switches not shown. Has been.

  The initialization device 543 is provided with a RAM erase switch circuit 543a, and a RAM erase switch 323 is electrically connected to the RAM erase switch circuit 543a. The RAM erase switch circuit 543a is a circuit that outputs a RAM erase signal SK2 for clearing backup data to the main controller 261 when the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed when the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, the data in the RAMs 503 and 513 (backup areas 503a and 513a) of the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 are cleared. As described above, the initialization device 543 and the main control device 261 are housed in the board box 263.

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by a payout motor 358a. The CPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, has a stack area for storing the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 511, various flags and counters, A work area (work area) in which values such as I / O are stored, and a backup area 513a are provided. In the work area, a payout permission flag 513b in which the payout permission of the prize ball by the payout control device 311 is set, a command reception flag 513c that is set when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and main control A command buffer 513d for storing a command transmitted from the device 261 is provided. The RAM 513 is configured to hold (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a. Data is backed up.

  Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 513a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  The backup area 513a stores a stack pointer at the time of power interruption, a value of each register, I / O, a storage pointer and a read pointer in the command buffer 513d, etc. when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like. When the power is turned on, the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is shut off based on the information in the backup area 513a. Writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is shut off by the main process (see FIG. 25), and restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. As with the CPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SK1 is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When input to the CPU 511, NMI interrupt processing as power failure processing is immediately executed.

  The payout permission flag 513b is a flag for setting a prize ball payout permission, and is turned on when a specific command for permitting the payout of prize balls is transmitted from the main control device 261, and when the specific command is received, It is turned off when returning to the setting process or before power-off. In the present embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command for instructing the initial processing of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command for instructing payout of a prize ball, and the main controller 261 having been restored to power. There are three payout return commands to be transmitted in this case.

  The command reception flag 513c is a flag for confirming whether or not the payout control device 311 has received a command. The command reception flag 513c is turned on when any command is received, and, similarly to the payout permission flag 513b, This is turned off when the power is restored before the power is shut off, and turned off when the received command is determined by a command determination process (see FIG. 28) described later.

  The command buffer 513d is configured by a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area. When commands are stored in all storage areas, the ring buffer is at the start of the storage area. The return command is configured to be updated. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer 513d are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 via a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. Main controller 261, launch controller 312 and payout motor 358a are connected to input / output port 515, respectively.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the gaming machine by the launch motor 229, and the launch motor 229 is permitted to drive when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, a firing permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, a sensor signal is detected that the player is touching the handle 18, and a firing stop switch that stops firing is operated. On the condition that it is not done, the launch motor 229 is driven, and a game ball is launched with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the handle 18 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

  Further, the power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 10 and a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure or the like. The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, generates + 12V power for driving various switches and motors, + 5V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, etc. These + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. Note that operation power (+12 V power, +5 V power, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SK1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. Based on the output of the power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute a power failure process (NMI interrupt processing). The power supply unit 541 is a drive voltage of the control system for a time sufficient for execution of the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. It is configured to maintain the output of the bolt at a normal value. Therefore, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure process (NMI interrupt process).

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. Each control process executed mainly by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processing of the CPU 501 is roughly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a stop to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). There is NMI interrupt processing activated by signal input. For convenience of explanation, first, timer interrupt processing and NMI interrupt processing will be described, and then main processing will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 every 2 msec, for example.

  In FIG. 16, first, in step S301, reading processing of various winning switches is executed. That is, the state of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main control device 261 is read, and the state of the switch is determined and the winning detection information is stored. More specifically, the detection signal is determined by determining whether or not a detection signal is input from the award opening switch 221, the count switch 222, the specific area switch 223a, the count switch 223b, the trigger corresponding unit switch 224a, and the trigger corresponding port switch 224b. Is entered, winning detection information with a winning is stored. Based on these winning detection information, a payout allowance command for the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning portion such as the opportunity corresponding ports 33a and 33b is output to the payout control device 311 in an external output process of a normal process described later.

  Thereafter, in step S302, the normal symbol random number counter C4 is updated, and this process is terminated. Here, the normal symbol random number counter C4 will be described. The normal symbol random number counter C4 is used for a lottery to determine whether or not to stop the symbol “O” in the normal symbol display device 41, and is incremented by 1 within a range of, for example, 0 to 250 each time it is updated. The loop counter is configured to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The counter is updated periodically (once every timer interruption) by the processing of this step S302, and the updated value is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower variable winning device unit 32. Is done. In addition, the RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area as a storage area composed of one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth holding areas). The value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is stored in time series in accordance with the winning history of the game balls to the variable winning device unit 32. The number of random number values to be won is 219, and the range is “5 to 223”. Thus, the stop probability (winning probability) of the “◯” symbol in the normal symbol display device 41 is set to be relatively high in this embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interruption, the state of the main controller 261 at the time of power-off is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main controller 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process. In step S401, the CPU 501 stores the power interruption occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power interruption occurrence information, and performs the NMI interruption process. finish.

  The above NMI interrupt processing is executed in the same manner in the payout control device 311, and information on occurrence of power interruption is stored in the backup area 513 a of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. The NMI interrupt process of FIG. 17 is started. The contents are as described above.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a main process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. This main process is started upon reset when power is turned on.

  First, in step S101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, in order to set a predetermined value in the stack pointer and wait for the sub-side control device (sound lamp control device 262, payout control device 311 etc.) to become operable, for example, Wait processing is performed for about 1 second. In the subsequent step S103, RAM access is permitted.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed (ON). If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S113 to clear (erase) the backup data. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, it is determined in the subsequent step S105 whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if it is not set, no backup data is stored. In this case as well, the process proceeds to step S113. If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S106, and in the subsequent step S107, whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. That is, the effectiveness of the backup is determined. If the RAM determination value calculated here does not match the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, the backed up data is destroyed, and the process also proceeds to step S113 in this case.

  In the process of step S113, a payout initialization command (and a voice initialization command, etc.) is transmitted in order to initialize the payout control device 311 (and the sound lamp control device 262 and the like) which is a sub-side control device. Thereafter, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S114, etc.). Note that the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Instead of the RAM determination value, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S114, etc.). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power interruption is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 503 (step S114 or the like). That is, in step S114, the used area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S115, the initial value of the RAM 503 is set. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S112, and the routine proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, the power-off occurrence information is set, and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Execute the process (process when power is restored). That is, in step S108, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S109, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared. In step S110, a command for returning the control device on the sub side to the gaming state at the time of power-off is transmitted, and in step S111, the used register is returned from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S112, and the routine proceeds to normal processing described later.

  Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As its outline, the processes of steps S201 to S208 are executed as a periodic process with a period of 4 msec.

  In FIG. 15, first, in step S201, output data such as a command updated in the previous process is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. For example, the presence / absence of winning detection information is determined. If there is winning detection information, a winning ball payout command corresponding to the acquired winning ball is transmitted to the payout control device 311. In addition, control signals for driving various actuators such as the upper variable prize-winning device unit 37 are also output here.

  In step S202, the winning ball counting signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S203, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Thereafter, the opening / closing control processing of the upper variable winning device unit 37 is performed in step S204, the jackpot control processing is performed in step S205, the winning processing of the lower variable winning device unit 32 is performed in step S206, and the normal symbol variation processing is performed in step S207. In step S208, opening / closing control processing of the opportunity handling unit 34 is performed. Details of the processes in steps S204 to S208 will be described later.

  After that, in step S209, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If no power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, it is determined in step S210 whether or not the next normal processing execution timing has been reached, that is, a predetermined time from the start of the previous normal processing (4 msec in this embodiment). ) Or not. And if predetermined time has already passed, it will transfer to Step S201 and will repeat the processing after the above-mentioned Step S201. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal process, this step is repeatedly executed until the next normal process execution timing is reached.

  In step S209, if the information on occurrence of power supply interruption is set, the power supply is cut off. Therefore, the processing after step S211 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power supply interruption. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S211, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area in step S212, and the value of the stack pointer is saved in the backup area 503a in step S213. To remember. Thereafter, in step S214, a power-off notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is transmitted to another control device (such as the payout control device 311). In step S215, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Thereafter, the RAM access is prohibited in step S216, and the infinite loop is continued until the power is completely shut down and the processing cannot be executed.

  Note that the process of step S209 is executed at the timing when the series of processes corresponding to the game state change performed in steps S201 to S208 ends or when the remaining time ends. Therefore, in the normal process of the main controller 261, the occurrence information of the power interruption is confirmed at the end of each process, so that the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is less than that in the middle of each process. And can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the main control device 261 can be reduced. . Furthermore, since the generation of interrupt processing is prohibited before data storage (step S211), it is possible to prevent data from being changed when the power is shut off, and to reliably store the state before the power is shut off. .

  Here, the opening / closing control processing of the upper variable prize device unit 37 in step S204 will be described with reference to FIG. The function of this open / close control process constitutes the special open / close control means in this embodiment and the specific process execution means for executing the open / close control process as the specific process.

  First, in step S501, a start winning determination process is performed according to winning in the opportunity corresponding ports 33a and 33b or the opportunity corresponding unit 34. More specifically, the presence / absence of winning detection information (see the timer interrupt process) of the trigger corresponding port switch 224b or the trigger corresponding unit switch 224a is determined. And when there is no winning of a game ball (step S501: NO), this processing is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has been won (step S501: YES), in the subsequent step S502, the driving process of the upper variable winning device unit 37 is executed, and this process is terminated. When the driving process is executed, the blades 405a and 405b are opened in the upper variable winning device unit 37 for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 0.6 seconds). In the present embodiment, the blades 405a and 405b are opened once when the winning detection information corresponds to the trigger corresponding port switch 224b, and the blade 405a when corresponding to the winning detection information of the trigger corresponding unit switch 224a. , 405b are opened twice.

  If the game balls enter the upper variable winning device unit 37 when the blades 405a and 405b are in the open state, the game balls are guided from the game ball rolling unit 404 to the game ball distribution mechanism 402 via the guide passage 406. It is burned. At this time, a game ball is detected by the count switch 223b. When the game ball is guided to the game ball distribution mechanism 402, the game ball is accommodated in any of the accommodating portions of the rotating body 414. Here, when the game ball is stored in the third storage unit 423, the game ball is guided to the specific area and detected by the specific area switch 223a.

  Next, the jackpot control process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The function of the jackpot control process constitutes the game state control means and the special opening / closing control means in this embodiment.

  In step S601, it is determined whether or not the jackpot state as the special gaming state is in consideration of a jackpot / medium flag to be described later.

  If it is determined that the jackpot state is not in effect (the value of the jackpot flag is 0) (step S601: NO), the game ball passes through the specific area based on the winning detection information of the specific area switch 223a in step S602. It is determined whether or not. Here, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area (step S602: NO), this process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, if the game ball has passed the specific area (step S602: YES), a big hit start setting process is executed in step S603, and the process proceeds to step S604. In the jackpot start setting process in step S603, a process of setting 1 indicating that the jackpot state is being set to the value of the jackpot flag for specifying whether or not the jackpot state is in effect, the number of rounds in the jackpot state The process of setting 1 to the value of the round counter that identifies

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S601 that the big hit state is in effect (the value of the big hit flag is 1) (step S601: YES), the process directly proceeds to step S604.

  In step S604, it is determined whether or not the upper variable winning device unit 37 or the lower variable winning device unit 32 is in a round operation, that is, whether or not a round operation flag to be described later is 1. If the value of the round operation flag is 1 (step S604: YES), the round operation processing is executed in step S605, and this processing is terminated. On the other hand, when the value of the round operation flag is not 1, that is, 0 (step S604: NO), a round closing process is executed in step S606, and this process ends.

  Here, the processing during the round operation in step S605 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S701, processing for determining whether or not the value of the jackpot control timer is 0 is executed. The jackpot control timer is a timer that is considered when performing various time controls during the jackpot. In the jackpot control timer, for example, 1.0 seconds is set as the opening time of the blades 405a and 405b during the round, and 2.0 seconds is set as the time during the round closing. If the value of the jackpot control timer is not 0 (step S701: NO), a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the jackpot control timer is executed in step S702, and the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S703, the value of the upper winning counter (or the lower winning counter for counting the number of winnings to the lower variable winning device unit 32) for counting the number of winnings to the upper variable winning device unit 37 is a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment). ) A process for determining whether or not the above is performed.

  Here, when the value of the winning counter is not 10 or more (step S703: NO), the round operation control process of the upper variable winning apparatus unit 37 or the lower variable winning apparatus unit 32 is executed in step S704, and this process ends. The details of the round operations of the upper variable winning device unit 37 and the lower variable winning device unit 32 will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot control timer is 0 in step S701 (step S701: YES), or if the value of the winning counter is 10 or more in step S703 (step S703: YES), the top in step S705. The round operation end setting process of the variable winning device unit 37 or the lower variable winning device unit 32 is executed, and this process is ended. In this round operation end setting process, a process of setting 0 indicating that the round operation is not being performed to the value of the round operation flag, a reset process of a winning counter (upper or lower winning counter), and the like are performed.

  Next, the process during round closing in step S606 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S801, processing for determining whether or not the value of the jackpot control timer is 0 is executed. If the value of the jackpot control timer is not 0 (step S801: NO), a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the jackpot control timer is executed in step S809, and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot control timer is 0 in step S801 (step S801: YES), it is determined in step S802 whether the value of the round counter that specifies the number of rounds in the jackpot state is 1. That is, it is determined whether or not the current round is the first round. In this embodiment, the round when the game ball passes the specific area when the jackpot is not in effect, that is, the round at the time of jackpot determination is the first round, the round is counted as one round, Up to 16 rounds of games are played. This round corresponds to the special prize state in the present embodiment.

  If it is the first round here (step S802: YES), the process proceeds to step S805. On the other hand, if it is not the first round (step S802: NO), it is determined in step S803 whether the current round is the last round. In the present embodiment, since 16 rounds are set as the final round, it is determined here whether or not the value of the round counter is 16.

  If it is the final round (step S803: YES), the process proceeds to step S810. On the other hand, if it is not the final round (step S803: NO), it is determined based on the winning detection information of the specific area switch 223a whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area in step S804.

  And when passage of a game ball is not detected (Step S804: NO), it shifts to Step S810. On the other hand, when the passage of the game ball is detected (step S804: YES), the process proceeds to step S805.

  In step S805, a round number update process is executed. That is, a process of adding 1 to the value of the round counter is executed. In the subsequent step S806, processing for determining whether or not the value of the round counter is equal to or greater than the maximum number of rounds “16” is executed.

  If the value of the round counter is not equal to or greater than the maximum number of rounds “16” (step S806: NO), a setting process for executing the round operation of the upper variable prize-winning device unit 37 is performed in step S807, and this process is terminated. . For example, a process of setting 1 indicating that the round operation is in progress to the value of the round operation flag for specifying whether or not the upper variable winning device unit 37 or the lower variable prize device unit 32 is performing the round operation, A process for setting a value for specifying the execution period of the round operation in the jackpot control timer, a process for setting a timer for specifying the open state time and the closed state time of the blades 405a and 405b, and the number of times of opening and closing the blades 405a and 405b The process of setting the counter is performed.

  When the round operation control process in step S704 is executed based on the setting process, the upper variable prize device unit 37 as described below is applied from the second round (substantially the first round) to the fifteenth round. Round operation is performed. More specifically, an opening / closing process of the blades 405a and 405b and a game ball stopping process are performed.

  When the opening / closing process is executed, the blades 405a and 405b are controlled to open and close a special specified number of times (18 times in the present embodiment) during one round. Then, this opening / closing operation is repeated until a special specified time (for example, 30.0 seconds) elapses or until a special specified number (for example, 10) is won, and then the closed state is entered. Therefore, the function of this round operation control process also constitutes the special opening / closing control means in this embodiment.

  When the game ball stopping process is executed, a control signal is transmitted from the main controller 261 to the first shielding mechanism 431 and the second shielding mechanism 432, and the first solenoid 436 and the second solenoid 442 are excited. Accordingly, the first passage port 425 and the third passage port 427 are closed, and the game balls accommodated in the first accommodation portion 421 or the third accommodation portion 423 are not discharged from the passage ports 425 and 427, and each accommodation portion Stop at. Then, after the opening / closing operation of the blades 405a and 405b is completed, the game ball stop releasing process is executed. That is, a control signal is transmitted from the main controller 261 to the first shielding mechanism 431 and the second shielding mechanism 432, and the first solenoid 436 and the second solenoid 442 are returned to the non-excited state. As a result, the first passage port 425 and the third passage port 427 are opened, and the game balls stored in the first storage portion 421 or the third storage portion 423 are discharged from the passage ports 425 and 427. Then, the next round operation is executed on condition that the game ball enters the specific area. In the present embodiment, the probability that the game ball guided to the game ball distribution mechanism 402 is normally accommodated in the third accommodation unit 423 is 1/10. However, when the jackpot state occurs and the game ball stopping process is performed, if the first game ball is stored in the first storage unit 421 and stopped, the next game played The probability that the sphere is accommodated in the third accommodating portion 423 is 1/9. As described above, assuming that the game balls are successively guided to the game ball sorting mechanism 402 without being stored in the third storage unit 423, and are stored and stopped in the first storage unit 423, the third storage unit The probability that a game ball is accommodated in 423 increases according to the number of game balls that are stopped in the first accommodation portion 421. Since the game ball is not stopped in the second storage unit 422, the probability of being stored in the third storage unit 423 is ½ at the maximum.

  If the value of the round counter is greater than or equal to the maximum number of rounds “16” in step S806, ie, the maximum number of rounds is “16” (step S806: YES), the round operation of the lower variable prize winning device unit 32 is performed in step S808. The setting process for executing is performed, and this process ends. For example, the process of setting 1 indicating that the round operation is being performed to the value of the round operation flag, and the value (29.5 seconds) specifying the execution period of the round operation (opening period of the opening / closing member 32a) The process of setting to is performed.

  When the round operation control process in step S704 is executed based on the setting process, the following round operation of the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 is performed in the 16th round. Therefore, the function of this round operation control process constitutes the first opening / closing control means (opening / closing control means) in the present embodiment. More specifically, the opening / closing member 32a is controlled to be opened only once during one round, and is closed when 29.5 seconds have elapsed after the opening or when 10 game balls have been won.

  Now, when 16 rounds are complete | finished (step S803: YES), the jackpot completion | finish setting process is performed in step S810. For example, a big hit / medium flag reset process (set to 0), a big hit control timer reset process, and the like are performed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, a description will be given of a winning process accompanying winning in the lower variable winning device unit 32 in step S <b> 206.

  In step S 901, it is determined based on the winning detection information of the count switch 222 whether or not a game ball has won the lower variable winning device unit 32. If it is determined that the game ball has not won the lower variable winning device unit 32 (step S901: NO), this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has won the lower variable winning device unit 32 (step S901: YES), in the subsequent step S902, a lower winning counter that counts the number of winning game balls to the lower variable winning device unit 32. It is determined whether or not the value is less than a predetermined number (10 in the present embodiment).

  Here, if the value of the lower prize counter is less than 10 (step S902: YES), 1 is added to the value of the lower prize counter in step S903, and the process proceeds to step S904. On the other hand, when the value of the lower prize counter is 10 or more (step S902: NO), the process proceeds to step S904 as it is.

  In step S904, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls N is less than an upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). Here, when it is determined that the number of reserved balls N is not less than the upper limit value “4” (step S904: NO), this process is ended as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls N is less than the upper limit “4” (step S904: YES), the process proceeds to step S905, and a process of adding 1 to the value of the number of reserved balls N is performed.

  In subsequent step S906, a random number related to the winning is obtained. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 updated in step S302 is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503, and this process is terminated. The process of acquiring a random number related to the winning corresponds to the winning lottery process in the present embodiment, and the function of this process constitutes a lottery means and a change recovery means.

  Next, the normal symbol variation process of step S207 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1001, it is determined whether or not the lower variable winning device unit 32 is currently being opened. Here, when the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 is being opened (step S1001: YES), this process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 is not being opened (step S1001: NO), in the subsequent step S1002, it is determined whether or not the opportunity corresponding unit 34 is being opened in consideration of an opening flag described later. Here, when the opportunity handling unit 34 is being opened (step S1002: YES), this process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when the opportunity handling unit 34 is not being opened (step S1002: NO), it is determined in the subsequent step S1003 whether or not the normal symbol display device 41 is currently displaying the fluctuation of the normal symbol. If the variable display is not being performed, the process advances to step S1004 to determine whether or not the number of reserved balls N is greater than zero. At this time, when the number of reserved balls N is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  If the number of held balls N> 0, the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls N. In a succeeding step S1006, a process for shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the reserved first to fourth areas of the reserved ball storage area to the execution area side, and the reserved first area → execution area, reserved second area → The data in each area is shifted such as the first hold area, the third hold area → the second hold area, the fourth hold area → the third hold area.

  Thereafter, in step S1007, a change start setting process is executed. Here, after performing a setting process such as a timer for setting the fluctuation time, the normal symbol display on the normal symbol display device 41 is started. Further, the process of determining the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is executed, and when the counter value is a hit value, “1” is set to the value of the hit flag. On the other hand, when the counter value is a value corresponding to the deviation, “0” is set to the value of the hit flag. The hit flag is a flag for determining whether or not the opening condition of the opportunity handling unit 34 is satisfied.

  If the above step S1003 is YES, that is, if the change display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S1008 to determine whether or not the change time has elapsed. In step S1009, where the determination is affirmative in step S1008, the normal symbol display device 41 performs determination display. That is, when the acquired value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is a value corresponding to the win, “◯” is determined and displayed, and when the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is a value corresponding to an outage, “ “×” is determined and displayed. On the other hand, in step S1010, which is shifted when a negative determination is made in step S1008, the normal symbol display device 41 is displayed in a variable manner, and the present process ends.

  Next, the opening / closing control of the opportunity handling unit 34 in step S208 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The function of the opening / closing control process of the opportunity handling unit 34 constitutes the second opening / closing control means in the present embodiment.

  In step S1101, it is determined whether or not the release condition of the opportunity handling unit 34 is satisfied in consideration of the value of the hit flag. If the value of the hit flag is not 1 (step S1101: NO), the process proceeds to step S1103. On the other hand, when the value of the hit flag is 1 (step S1101: YES), the trigger handling unit 34 is released in step S1102. In this release process, the trigger response unit 34 is opened, and the release control timer (2.0 seconds in the present embodiment) that is set when controlling the release time of the trigger response unit 34 is set. A process of setting 1 indicating open in the open flag value for determining whether or not 34 is open, and a hit flag reset process (a process of setting the value to 0) are performed.

  In step S1103, it is determined whether or not the value of the opening flag is 1. Here, when the value of the open flag is not 1 (step S1103: NO), this process is ended as it is. On the other hand, when the value of the releasing flag is 1 (step S1103: YES), the process proceeds to step S1104.

  In step S1104, it is determined whether or not the value of the opening control timer is zero. If the value of the release control timer is 0 (step S1104: YES), the process proceeds to step S1107. On the other hand, when the value of the release control timer is not 0 (step S1104: NO), a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the release control timer is executed in step S1105, and the process proceeds to step S1106.

  In step S1106, based on the winning detection information of the opportunity corresponding unit switch 224a, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the opportunity corresponding unit 34. If there is no winning (step S1106: NO), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a winning (step S1106: YES), the process proceeds to step S1107. In step S1107, the opportunity handling unit 34 is closed, and the process ends. In this closing process, the opportunity handling unit 34 is closed, and an opening flag and an opening control timer are reset (both are set to 0).

  Next, payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. For convenience of explanation, the reception interrupt process will be described first with reference to FIG. 26, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process executed by the payout control apparatus 311. The reception interrupt process is a process executed by interruption when the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the payout control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, the other processing executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 is temporarily waited, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, first, the command transmitted from the main controller 261 in step S2101 is stored in the command buffer 513d of the RAM 513, and the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is stored in step S2102. At this time, the command reception flag 513c is turned on, and this reception interrupt process is terminated. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer 513d, the storage pointer is referred to and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the next received command is stored to be stored in the next storage area. The pointer is updated.

  In the present embodiment, the reception process of the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is performed by the interrupt process executed when the command is received. For example, as illustrated in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, before the command determination process (step S2201) is performed, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received. If a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer 513d of the RAM 513. The command reception flag 513c may be turned on, and if a command has not been received, the process may proceed to command determination processing. In such a case, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received by checking a port corresponding to a command input of the input / output port 515 at predetermined intervals.

  Next, main processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the main process of the payout control device 311. This main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S2001, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value set in advance is set in the stack pointer, and an interrupt mode is set. In step S2002, RAM access is permitted, and in step S2003, an external interrupt vector is set.

  After that, in step S2004, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power supply interruption is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. If the occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S2005, and in step S2006, the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. No, that is, the validity of the backup is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 513. It should be noted that it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly stored.

  If power failure occurrence information is not set in step S2004, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (such as a checksum value) in step S2006, the process proceeds to initialization processing of RAM 513 after step S2013. Transition.

  In step S2013, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S2014, the initial value of the RAM 513 is set. Thereafter, in step S2015, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S2012 to permit interruption.

  On the other hand, on the condition that the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in step S2004 and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal in step S2006, the process at the time of power recovery (at the time of recovery from power interruption) Process). That is, in step S2007, the stack pointer before power-off is restored, information on occurrence of power-off is cleared in step S2008, and a payout permission flag 513b permitting the payout of prize balls is cleared in step S2009. In step S2010, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and in step S2011, the used register is restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. In step S2012, an interrupt is permitted.

  After the interruption is permitted in step S2012, it is determined in the process of step S2016 whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a. Here, if the information on occurrence of power supply interruption is set, the power supply is cut off, and therefore, the process after step S2017 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power supply interruption. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S2017, and a command determination process described later is executed in the next step S2018. Thereafter, the contents of each register used by the CPU 511 are saved in the stack area in step S2019, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 513a in step S2020, the RAM determination value is calculated in step S2021, and the backup area 513a is stored. In step S2022, RAM access is prohibited, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the stack area and work area to be backed up in the RAM 513.

  In the process of step S2016, the occurrence information of the power interruption is confirmed after the process performed when the power is turned on, so that the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 is smaller than that in the middle of each process. Less and can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the payout control device 311 can be reduced. .

  Next, timer interrupt processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  In the timer interrupt process, first, a command from the main control device 261 is acquired, and a determination process for the command is performed (step S2201). This command determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating command determination processing performed by the payout control device 311. In the command determination process (steps S2018 and S2201), first, in step S2301, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag 513c is turned on. The command reception flag 513c is turned on when a command transmitted from the main controller 261 is received in the above-described reception interrupt process (see FIG. 26).

  If it is determined in step S2301 that the command reception flag 513c is off, a new command has not been received from the main controller 261, and thus this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2301 that the command reception flag 513c is on, the received command is read from the RAM 513 in step S2302, and the command reception flag 513c is turned off in step S2303. By turning off the command reception flag 513c in step S2303, the processing in steps S2302 to S2311 can be skipped until a new command is received, so that the control of the payout control device 311 can be reduced.

  In step S2304 to step S2306, the type of command read from the RAM 513 is determined. In step S2304, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout initialization command. In step S2305, it is determined whether or not it is a payout return command. In step S2306, it is determined whether the command is a prize ball command. It is determined whether or not.

  If the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is a payout initialization command, it is determined in step S2307 whether or not the payout permission flag 513b is already turned on. If the payout permission flag 513b is turned off, the power is turned on. Since the initialization of the RAM 513 is sometimes instructed from the main controller 261, the work area (area) other than the stack area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0 in step S2308, and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set in step S2309. To do. Thereafter, in step S2311, the payout permission flag 513b is turned on, and the payout permission for the prize ball is set.

  As described above, the main controller 261 performs initialization processing of the RAM 503 after transmitting the payout initialization command, and the payout control device 311 initializes processing of the RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command. Therefore, the timing at which the RAM 503 is initialized and the timing at which the RAM 513 is initialized are substantially at the same time. Therefore, even if the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261 due to a shift in the initialization timing, the RAM 513 is initialized, and control corresponding to the received command cannot be performed. The occurrence of adverse effects can be prevented. In addition, since the payout permission flag 513b is turned on after the RAM 513 is initialized, it is possible to reliably set the payout allowance for prize balls.

  On the other hand, if the payout permission flag 513b has already been turned on in step S2307, the command determination process is terminated without clearing the work area of the RAM 513 and the initialization process of the RAM 513. That is, the process of step S2307 prohibits the RAM 513 from being initialized with the payout permission flag 513b set. The payout initialization command is transmitted only when the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on when the power is turned on. Therefore, the payout initialization command is not received when the payout permission flag 513b is turned on. It is conceivable that the payout control device 311 has recognized the payout initialization command due to the influence of noise or the like. Therefore, if the work area of the RAM 513 is cleared (step S2308) and the initial value setting of the RAM 513 (step S2309) is executed in a state where the payout permission flag 513b is turned on, the payout is not made when a prize ball remains. However, the RAM 513 is prevented from being initialized while the payout permission flag 513b is turned on, so that the player is prevented from being lost. it can.

  Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout return command (step S2304: NO, step S2305: YES), the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before power-off. In order to permit the payout of the winning ball, the payout permission flag 513b is turned on in step S2311. That is, when there is information on occurrence of power interruption and the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power interruption, the payout of the prize ball is permitted. When the payout permission flag 513b is turned on in the process of step S2311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer 513d is completed, so that the read pointer corresponds to the next storage area. Updated to pointer.

  Further, if the command transmitted from main controller 261 is a prize ball command (step S2305: NO, step S2306: YES), the received prize ball number is added to the total prize ball number and stored in step S2310. In order to permit the payout of the prize ball, the payout permission flag 513b is turned on in step S2311. That is, since a prize ball corresponding to the number of prize balls is paid out based on the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 261, the prize ball command is a payout instruction command for instructing the prize ball to be paid out. It is. In addition, when a winning ball command is received, the payout permission is immediately set, so that the winning ball can be paid out early for winning. When the payout permission flag 513b is turned on in the process of step S2311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer 513d is completed, so that the read pointer corresponds to the next storage area. Updated to pointer.

  Note that the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is not a payout initialization command (step S2304: NO), is not a payout return command (step S2305: NO), and is not a prize ball command (step S2306: NO), The command determination process is terminated without turning on the payout permission flag 513b.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. When the command determination process ends, it is determined in step S2202 whether or not the payout permission flag 513b is turned on in the command determination process. Here, if the payout permission flag 513b is not turned on, this processing is ended as it is. That is, it is possible to prevent award balls from being paid out before a command is transmitted from the main controller 261.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2202, the launch permission setting is set for the launch control device 312 in step S2203, the state return switch 321 is checked in step S2204, and the state return operation is determined to be started. Perform a return operation. With this process, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, for example, when the payout motor is clogged, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (return to the normal state). .

  Thereafter, in step S2205, setting of the lower pan full tank state or the lower pan full tank release state is executed in accordance with the change in the state of the lower pan 15. That is, when the lower pan 15 is full based on the detection signal of the lower pan full switch, the lower pan full state is set when the lower pan is full. Set the lower pan full tank release state. In step S2206, the setting of the tank ball absence state or the tank ball absence release state is executed according to the change in the tank ball state of the tank 355. That is, the absence of the tank ball is determined based on the detection signal of the no-ball detection switch. When the tank ball is not used, the setting of the tank ball no-use state is executed. Perform configuration.

  Thereafter, in step S2207, the presence / absence of a state to be notified is determined. If there is a state to be notified, a state display unit (7 segment LED) (not shown) provided in the payout control device 311 is notified.

  In steps S2208 to S2210, prize ball payout processing is executed. In this case, if the prize ball is not paid out and the total number of prize balls stored in step S2201 is not 0 (both NO in steps S2208 and S2209), the process proceeds to step S2210 and a prize ball control process (described later). FIG. 29) is started. Further, if the prize ball cannot be paid out or if the total number of prize balls is 0 (YES in any of steps S2208 and S2209), the process proceeds to a lending payout process.

  Thereafter, in steps S2211 to S2213, a rental ball payout process is executed. In this case, if it is not possible to pay out the rented ball and if a rented ball payout request is received from the card unit (step S2211 is NO, S2212 is YES), the process proceeds to step S2213, and a renting control process (described later). FIG. 30) is started. Further, if a rental ball cannot be paid out or a rental ball payout request has not been received (YES in step S2211 or NO in S2212), a subsequent ball removal process is executed.

  In step S2214, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the ball removal process on condition that the state return switch 321 is checked and the ball removal disabled state is not set and the ball removal operation is not started. In the subsequent step S2215, the control of the vibrator 360 (vibration motor control) is executed on condition that the ball is clogged. Thereafter, the process returns to the top of the payout control process.

  Here, in the winning ball control process shown in FIG. 29, in step S2401, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute payout of the winning ball. In the subsequent step S2402, it is determined from the detection result of the dispensing rotation sensor whether the rotation of the dispensing motor 358a is normal. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process advances to step S2403 to drive the payout motor 358a to execute a retry process and execute a stop process of the payout motor 358a, and then return to the timer interrupt process in FIG.

  If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S2404, and whether or not the game ball is normally counted is determined based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game ball count is not normal, the process proceeds to step S2405, where the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process and the payout motor 358a is stopped, and then the process returns to the timer interrupt process of FIG.

  If the game ball count is normal, the process advances to step S2406 to determine whether or not the game ball count by the payout count switch has reached the total number of winning balls and the payout has been completed. If the payout has been completed, a stop process for the payout motor 358a is executed in step S2407, and then the process returns to the timer interrupt process in FIG.

  In the ball lending control process shown in FIG. 30, in step S2501, the payout motor 358a is driven to pay out the lending ball. In the subsequent step S2502, whether the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal is determined based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S2503, where the payout motor 358a is driven to execute retry processing and stop processing of the payout motor 358a, and then return to the timer interrupt processing in FIG.

  If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process advances to step S2504 to determine whether or not the game ball is normally counted based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game ball count is not normal, the process advances to step S2505 to drive the payout motor 358a to execute the retry process and execute the stop process of the payout motor 358a, and then returns to the timer interrupt process in FIG.

  Further, if the game ball count is normal, the process proceeds to step S2506, where it is determined whether or not the game ball count by the payout count switch has reached a predetermined number of rented balls (25) and the payout is completed. If the payout has been completed, a stop process for the payout motor 358a is executed in step S2507, and then the process returns to the timer interrupt process in FIG.

  As detailed above, the winning lottery is performed based on the game ball entering the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 that is open only in the final round in the big hit state, and the opportunity corresponding unit 34 is determined based on the lottery result. Control is performed to open the upper variable prize-winning device unit 37 as a specific process that is advantageous for the player to make it easy to generate the next big hit state based on the game ball entering the opportunity corresponding unit 34 in the open state. Is called. Thereby, the opportunity for the game ball to enter the upper variable prize-winning device unit 37 increases, and the chance for the big win state to increase. Therefore, the game itself in the jackpot state includes a game that leads to the next jackpot state occurrence opportunity, and it is possible to dramatically improve the interest of the player for the game in the jackpot state.

  In addition, in order to acquire the next jackpot state, it is necessary to go through a plurality of steps as described above. Therefore, once the jackpot state occurs, the next jackpot state is necessarily generated. Can do.

  As mentioned above, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment at all, and it cannot be overemphasized that it can implement with a various form, unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.

  (A) In the said embodiment, it is implemented as the pachinko machine of the type which a big hit state generate | occur | produces when a game ball enters into the specific area | region in the upper variable prize-winning apparatus unit 37. FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be implemented as other types of pachinko machines. In addition to pachinko machines, various game machines such as an arrangement ball machine and a sparrow ball can be implemented.

  For example, as a pachinko machine in which a predetermined winning lottery process is performed based on a game ball entering the starting ball entry means and a winning result is obtained by the winning lottery process, a big win state consisting of a plurality of rounds occurs You may implement. In this case, it is advantageous for a player who is provided with variable ball entry means that is open only in the final round of a plurality of rounds, and that is likely to generate the next big hit state based on the game ball entering the variable ball entry means. Specific processing is executed. Specific processing advantageous to the player that makes it easy to generate the next jackpot state is, for example, a winning lottery process for determining whether or not to generate the next jackpot state, and making it easier for the game ball to enter the starting ball entry means An example is processing.

  (B) In the above-described embodiment, the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 is controlled to be opened only in the final round during the big hit state. The present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which the lower variable prize-winning device unit 32 is controlled to be opened in a predetermined number of rounds from the last round, for example, in the 15th and 16th rounds (2 rounds from the last round).

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a gaming machine, 32 ... Lower variable winning device unit constituting first variable entry means (variable entry means), 33a, 33b ... Opportunity corresponding port as start entry means, 34 ... Second Variable pitching means, triggering unit constituting start pitching means, 37. Upper variable winning device unit constituting special variable pitching means, 41. Normal symbol display device constituting display means, 222. Count switch constituting detection means (entrance detection means), 223a ... specific area switch constituting specific entrance detection means, 223b ... count switch constituting special entrance detection means, 224a ... second entrance detection means, Trigger unit switch constituting start ball detection means, 224b ... Trigger port opening switch constituting start ball detection means, 261 ... Special opening / closing control means, specific processing execution , Gaming state control means, first switching control means, the second switching control means, the switching control means, selecting means, main controller constituting the fluctuation ahead means.

Claims (1)

A game area in which a game ball fired by a predetermined launching means is guided;
Variable entry means provided in the game area and switchable between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter;
An entrance detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the variable entrance means;
A gaming state control means comprising a plurality of special prize states and capable of generating a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state;
An opening / closing control means for controlling the variable entry means to be open in a predetermined number of special prize states including at least a final special prize state, which is a part of the multiple special prize states;
A gaming machine, comprising: a specific process execution means for executing a specific process advantageous to a player that makes it easy to generate a next special game state based on an input of a detection signal from the incoming ball detection means.

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