JP2019162493A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a Pachinko game machine capable of enhancing technical intervention.SOLUTION: In a Pachinko game machine, one or more obstacle members capable of changing a flow-down direction of game balls are arranged between a tip part of a valve element 47 and an external end of a top board part 81. A flow-down flow path is formed as a ball flow path in a plurality of lines having a flow path width equal to and more than two times a diameter of a game ball. In a position downstream from the flow-down flow path, and upstream from a plurality of game nails that are arranged below a center accessory 80 in a row and guide the game balls to a side of a start pocket 51, a single row ball flow path, which has a flow path width less than two times the diameter of the game balls, is not provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to pachinko gaming machines.

  As a representative example of a gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine has a large number of gaming nails, windmills, winning holes, out openings, etc. arranged on the gaming board constituting the gaming area, and is almost at the center of the gaming area. It is generally known that a center accessory is attached and an effect display device that displays an effect image corresponding to game development is provided in the opening of the center accessory (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Then, after determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start opening provided in the game area, the determination of whether or not the result is out of order, for example, a three-line design is displayed in a variable manner. After the symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined non-winning manner, if the result of the success / failure determination is a big win, for example, the symbol having three rows is variably displayed and then the symbol is pre-determined. And a special game (a big hit game) is established in which the variable winning opening which is normally closed is opened.

JP 2014-33892 A

  In recent years, in order to differentiate from the conventional model, there is a tendency that a larger display device is attached. Along with this, when the center role is enlarged, the game area formed around it becomes relatively narrow, so that the range in which the game ball can flow down in the game area is restricted. Therefore, no matter where the player aims, the ball flow hardly changes, and as a result, there is a problem that the player has less room for technical intervention.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a subject, and it aims at providing the pachinko game machine which can improve technical intervention property.

  In order to achieve such an object, the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention includes a game board in which a game area in which game balls flow down is formed, and a start opening provided in the game area and into which a game ball can enter. Non-special game when the decoration member disposed in the game area, the determination unit for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start port, and the result of the determination is successful Special game execution means that can shift to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the state, and a game ball passes between an outer rail provided on the game board and an inner rail provided on the inner rail A pachinko gaming machine configured such that a possible guide passage is formed, a launching device is used to drive a game ball along the guide passage into the game area, and the game ball flows down in the game area; The game in the guide passage Provided in the vicinity of the exit opening of the game ball to the area, the valve body swings in a direction to open the exit opening, allowing the game ball to flow into the game area, the valve body A ball return prevention valve that prevents the return of the game ball to the guide rail by swinging in the direction of closing the outlet opening, and an upper part of the decorative member, and in the region on the extension of the guide passage, A top plate portion that forms an upper passage through which a game ball can pass along the outer rail with the rail, and a tip portion of the valve body and the top plate portion provided in the game area A flow channel for flowing down the game ball that has flowed in between the outer end portion located on the outlet opening side of the valve body, and between the distal end portion of the valve body and the outer end portion of the top plate portion, One or more obstacle members capable of changing the flow direction of the game ball are provided. The flow channel is formed as a double-row ball channel having a flow channel width that is twice or more the diameter of the game ball, and is arranged in a row downstream from the flow channel and below the decorative member. In the position upstream of the plurality of game nails that guide the game ball to the start port side, there is no single row ball flow path having a flow width less than twice the diameter of the game ball. It is characterized by.

  According to the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the game by increasing the technical intervention.

It is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a control block diagram of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the main control board and effect control board of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows a special symbol success / failure lottery table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the symbol table per special symbol. It is a front view of a game board. It is a front view which shows the left side of a game board. It is a front view which shows the upper side of a game board. (A) is a perspective view of the big prize opening device, (b) is a plan view of the big prize opening device. (A) is a front view which shows the state which removed the shielding cover member of the special winning opening apparatus, (b) is a top view which shows the state which removed the shielding cover member of the special winning opening apparatus. (A) is a perspective view which shows the non-operation state of the big prize opening device which removed the shielding cover member, (b) is a perspective view which similarly shows the operation state of the big prize opening device which removed the shielding cover member. It is a perspective view which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the big prize apparatus from diagonally upward. It is a perspective view which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the big prize apparatus from diagonally downward. It is a front view which shows the upper side of the game board which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a model in which two functions corresponding to the conventional first type pachinko gaming machine are mixed, and the first game (first special symbol game) and the second game. (Second special symbol game) can be developed.

[This embodiment]
A front view and a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. First, an overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Basic configuration of gaming machine>
First, the basic structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured with a rectangular frame size adapted to the front of the opening of the outer frame 1 which forms a vertically fixed holding frame configured in an outer rectangular frame size, and can be opened and closed. The front frame 2 that forms a frame is attached so that it can be opened and closed laterally and opened and removed by upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3a, 3b arranged on the left front edge of each other, and is called a double lock provided on the front right edge. The locking device 4 is always used to maintain the closed state engaged with the outer frame 1.

  On the front side of the front frame 2, a glass frame 5 and a ball tray unit 6 are assembled so that they can be opened and closed laterally and detachably using hinge mechanisms 7 a, 7 b, 7 c provided on the left side of the front side. It is always used in a closed state covering the front surface of the front frame 2. A game board 20 is detachably set and held on the upper part of the front frame 2 located behind the glass frame 5, and a game area PA in front of the game board 20 through the double-layer glass of the glass frame 5 that is always held closed. Can be viewed.

  On the front side of the glass frame 5, there are provided a frame lamp (LED lamp) 10 that emits light according to the game development status, and a speaker 11 that generates sound effects according to the game development status. The ball tray unit 6 is provided with upper and lower ball trays (an upper ball tray 8 and a lower ball tray 9) for storing game balls. A button 15 is provided, and a launch handle 12 for performing a launch operation of the game ball is provided on the front right side of the lower ball tray 9.

  The game board 20 is configured based on a board formed in a rectangular flat plate shape using a synthetic resin material such as an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, or an ABS resin. A substantially circular game area PA on which a game ball can roll is defined on the front surface of the game board 20, and a general prize opening is provided in the game area PA along with a large number of game nails (not shown in FIG. 1) and a windmill. 50, first start opening 51, second start opening 52, operation gate 53, winning prize opening 60 and other various winning openings, first special symbol display device 71, second special symbol display device 72, first special drawing Various display devices such as a holding lamp 73, a second special figure holding lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and an ordinary drawing holding lamp 76 are provided. A center accessory 80 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area PA, and the screen of the effect display device 70 is provided so as to be visible through a central opening of the center accessory 80. At the lower end of the game area PA, there is provided an out port 29 through which the game balls that have tumbled down without entering each winning port are discharged to the back side of the game board 20. Hereinafter, each component provided in the game board 20 is demonstrated in order.

  The general winning opening 50 includes a general winning opening switch 501 for detecting the entry of a game ball. Note that the plurality of general prize opening switches 501 may be configured as dual-purpose switches for the plurality of general prize opening 50. Note that a game ball entering the general winning opening 50 does not trigger any lottery.

  The first start opening 51 is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to the first special symbol game, and includes a first start opening switch 511 for detecting the entry of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the first start opening 51 triggers the first special symbol lottery.

  The second start opening 52 is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to the second special symbol game, and includes a second start opening switch 521 for detecting the entry of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the second start opening 52 triggers the second special symbol lottery. The second start port 52 includes a normal electric accessory 522 and a normal electric accessory solenoid 523 for opening and closing the normal electric accessory 522. The ordinary electric accessory 522 is variable between a closed state where it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start port 52 and an open state where a game ball is easier to enter than this state. Here, the second start port 52 is arranged directly below the operation gate 53, and if the ordinary electric accessory 522 is in an open state, the game ball that has passed through the operation gate 53 can easily enter. The second start port 52 is provided in an area closer to the right side in the game area PA. Therefore, in the easy-to-enter state, when the game ball is launched toward the game area PA, it is easy to enter the second start port 52 by hitting the right area, so-called right hit. Yes.

  The operation gate 53 is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to a normal symbol game, and includes an operation gate switch 531 for detecting the passage of a game ball. Note that the passage of the game ball to the operation gate 53 triggers a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to expand the ordinary electric accessory 522 arranged immediately below the gate.

  The big winning opening 60 is formed as a variable winning opening that is opened when a big win or a small win is won in the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special prize opening 60 includes a special prize opening switch 641 for detecting the entry of a game ball, and a special electric accessory 642 called a so-called attacker device, and for opening and closing the special electric accessory 642. The large winning opening solenoid 643 is provided. The special electric accessory 642 changes between a normal state in which a game ball cannot enter or difficult to enter the grand prize opening 60 and an open state in which a game ball can enter or can easily enter. The big winning opening 60 is provided in a right side area in the game area PA. Therefore, in the special game state, when a game ball is launched toward the game area PA, hitting the right area, so-called right hit, makes it easy to enter the big winning opening 60.

  The first special symbol display device 71 performs variable display and fixed display of the first special symbol when the game ball enters the first start port 51. The first special symbol display device 71 is composed of, for example, 7-segment LEDs, and the first special symbol variable display is expressed according to the blinking pattern of each segment, and the blinking of the segment stops and switches to the lit display. One special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The stop symbol of the first special symbol is formed by numbers or symbols expressed by combinations of segments.

  The second special symbol display device 72 performs variable display and fixed display of the first special symbol when the game ball enters the second start opening 52. The second special symbol display device 72 is composed of, for example, seven-segment LEDs, and the second special symbol variable display is expressed according to the blinking pattern of each segment. 2 Special symbols are finalized. The stop symbol of the second special symbol is formed by numbers or symbols expressed by combinations of segments.

  The first special figure reservation lamp 73 and the second special figure reservation lamp 74 are each composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is indicated by lighting / flashing display of the lamps. Express (up to 4). The number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol is a number related to the random number value acquired based on the ball entering the first starting port 51 during the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game. Yes, the acquired random number value is held, that is, the number of times the determination of the success / failure is temporarily held until the acceptance / rejection determination permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value. The number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is a number related to the random number value acquired based on the ball entering the second starting port 52 while the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing or during the execution of the special game. Yes, the acquired random number value is held, that is, the number of times the determination of the success / failure is temporarily held until the acceptance / rejection determination permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value.

  The normal symbol display device 75 is composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and performs normal symbol variation display and confirmation display by lighting and blinking display of the lamps. In the present embodiment, for example, the normal symbol variation display is expressed in such a manner that the two lamps are alternately turned on and off, and depending on which lamp is finally turned on and stopped, Notify the lottery result. The ordinary figure holding lamp 76 is composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and represents the number of reserved balls (up to four) for normal symbols by lighting / blinking display of the lamp. On the left side of the normal symbol display device 75, a round indicator 77 for displaying the number of round games in the special game (the number of rounds: the number of times that the special electric accessory 642 operates continuously) is provided.

  The effect display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a decorative pattern and a notice effect that fluctuately display / stop in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Hold display. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, the first special symbol is synchronized with the decorative symbol display unit 700 on which the decorative symbol change display or the notice effect display is executed, and the first special symbol hold lamp 73. The first special figure hold display section 701 that executes the hold display of the second special figure hold display section 702 that executes the hold display of the second special symbol in synchronization with the second special figure hold lamp 74 Is provided. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is employed as the effect display device 70. The decorative symbol display unit 700 is provided with three rows of display areas (a left display area Z1, a middle display area Z2, and a right display area Z3) serving as a decorative display variable display area on a predetermined effective line (not shown). The left symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the left display area Z1, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the middle display region Z2, and the right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the right display region Z3 are stopped and displayed. The In the special figure hold display sections 701 and 702, in a normal display mode, when an operation holding ball of a special symbol is generated, a holding image of a white circle is displayed, whereas when the operation holding ball is digested, it corresponds. The reserved image is lost. The reserved images are displayed in order according to the order in which the special symbols actuated on-hold balls are generated (the order of entering the balls), and a maximum of four can be displayed on each of the on-hold display units 701 and 702.

  The center accessory 80 is installed around the effect display device 70, and has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the screen of the effect display device 70, and decoration. The center accessory 80 is provided with a movable accessory 24 that executes a production operation according to the game development status. The movable accessory 24 includes a driving source such as a stepping motor or a solenoid. Further, the center decoration 22 is provided with a board lamp (LED lamp) 25 that emits light according to the game development status. In the following description, for convenience, the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 25 are also collectively referred to as “effect lamp LP”. The board surface configuration of the game board 20 will be described in detail later.

  Next, the basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. On the back side of the front frame 2, a back set board 30 having a window that communicates with the front and rear at substantially the center and formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the front frame 2 is detachably attached. Each part of the back set board 30 has a storage tank 31 for storing a large number of game balls, a tank rail 32 extending from the storage tank 31 with a gentle downward slope to the right, and a lower end connected to the right end of the tank rail 32. A ball supply passage 33 extending to the ball, a prize ball payout unit 34 for paying out a game ball guided by the ball supply passage 33, and a prize for guiding the game ball discharged from the prize ball payout unit 34 to the upper ball tray 6. A ball passage portion 35 and the like are provided.

  On the back side of the game board 10, there is a main control board 100 for comprehensively controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM, an effect control board 200 for controlling the overall effects, image display according to game development, and control of sound effects. An image control board 300 for performing is attached. In the present embodiment, the effect control board 200 and the image control board 300 constitute a liquid crystal unit in an assembled state integrated with the effect display device (liquid crystal display device) 70. On the other hand, on the back side of the back set board 30, the payout control board 400 that performs control related to the launch and payout of the game balls, and the power received from the game facility side to supply power to various control boards and electric / electronic components. A power supply board 500 or the like is attached. In order to prevent unauthorized modification, these control boards are respectively placed at predetermined positions on the back of the game board 20 or the back set board 30 in an assembled state housed in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure and a sealing structure. Arranged. These control boards and the electrical / electronic components of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PM are connected to each other via a harness (connector cable) so that the pachinko gaming machine PM can be operated.

<Control configuration of pachinko machines>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, each control board mounted in the pachinko gaming machine PM according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing a control configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM.

  The main control board 100 includes a main CPU 101 that performs various arithmetic processes related to games, a ROM 102 that stores control programs and various data, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area and buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, a peripheral board, A main control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 110 configured to include an I / O port circuit 104 for inputting / outputting signals to / from the device is mounted, and the main CPU 101 plays a game according to a control program stored in the ROM 102. It is configured to execute main control related to the progress. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the main control board 100 is reset when a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock and the main CPU 101 malfunctions or runs out of control. It operates as a separate system from the WDT circuit for returning to the normal state, the CTC circuit that enables real-time interrupt generation and time measurement, and the program processing (software random number) by the main CPU 101 to generate a predetermined random number (built-in random number). A random number generation circuit and the like are mounted, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The main CPU 101 executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performing arithmetic processing based on detection information from each switch. The RAM 103 is a backup RAM as a nonvolatile storage unit that is backed up by a backup power supply (VBB) generated in the power supply substrate 500. The backup area of the RAM 103 is an area for storing data such as a stack pointer and each register held when the power is turned off when the power is turned off. ), The state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before power-off based on the information in the backup area.

  The main control board 100 is electrically connected to a general winning opening switch 501, a first starting opening switch 511, a second starting opening switch 521, an operation gate switch 531, a big winning opening switch 641, and the like. Detection signals from various switches are input to the main CPU 101 via the O port circuit 104. The main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 71, a second special symbol display device 72, a first special symbol hold lamp 73, a second special figure hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a general figure hold lamp. 76, and is further electrically connected to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 623 and the special electric accessory solenoids 643, 653, and is controlled by the main CPU 101 via the I / O port circuit 104. Signals are sent to various display means and various solenoids.

  The main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and communicate only in a single direction from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. Various effect control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. Data cannot be transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the main control board 100 cannot be requested to transmit data.

  The effect control board 200 includes a sub-main CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processes related to a game effect based on an effect control command from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores an effect control program and various data, and a work serving as a temporary storage area. Equipped with an effect control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 210 that includes a RAM 203 that functions as an area and a buffer memory, and an I / O port circuit 204 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices. The sub-main CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to the game effect according to the control program stored in the ROM 202. In addition, although not shown, the production control board 200 is reset when a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock, or when the sub main CPU 201 malfunctions or runs away. WDT circuit that returns to normal state, TPU circuit that outputs various signals based on the system clock, interrupt controller that activates various interrupts such as timer interrupts based on signals from the TPU circuit, etc. for inputting and outputting serial data A serial communication circuit and the like are mounted, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The effect control board 200 is an effect control process based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command for instructing the image and sound to the image control board 300, and a lamp control signal for controlling the lamp connection board 91. (Lamp data), a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92, and the like are generated. The effect control board 200 is connected to the image control board 300 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and image control commands related to images and sound are transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300. A response command (ACK command) indicating that the image control command has been successfully received is transmitted from the image control board 300 to the effect control board 200.

  The effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a lamp connection board 91 on which a plurality of LED drivers are mounted, and a lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the lamp connection board 91 is transmitted via a serial communication circuit. Send. In this example, the production control board 200 and the lamp connection board 91 employ clock-synchronized serial communication, and are transmitted by a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. In synchronization with the clock signal, the ramp control signal is transmitted bit by bit through the data line. The lamp connection board 91 has a built-in LED driver that functions in response to a lamp control signal for LED driving transmitted from the effect control board 200, and switches on / off the switches in the circuit based on the lamp control signal. Thus, the drive current is supplied to or cut off from the effect lamp LP, and the effect lamp LP is turned on or off.

  Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a plurality of motor drivers 92, and a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92 is transmitted to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. Send. The motor driver 92 supplies a drive current to the stepping motor of each movable accessory 24 by switching on / off the switch in the circuit based on the drive control signal for the accessory drive transmitted from the effect control board 200. Alternatively, control is performed so that each movable accessory 24 is operated by being shut off. The data transmission to the motor driver 92 employs a parallel communication method.

  The image control board 300 includes a sub-sub CPU 301 that performs various arithmetic processes related to image effects based on an image control command from the effect control board 200, a ROM 302 that stores image control programs and various data, and a work area that is a temporary storage area. And an image control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 310 that includes a RAM 303 that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit 304 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices. The sub-sub CPU 301 is configured to execute main control related to the image effect according to the control program stored in the ROM 302. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the image control board 300 has a VDP that generates image data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the sub-sub CPU 301 and an effect content based on the control signal acquired from the sub-sub CPU 301. A sound source IC for generating acoustic data is mounted. The VDP is a so-called image processor, reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to an instruction from the sub-sub CPU 301, and transmits a video signal (image data) generated by image processing to the effect display device. The VPD is connected to a high-speed VRAM used for developing / processing image data read from the image ROM. The sound source IC reads the acoustic data stored in the audio ROM in response to an instruction from the sub-sub CPU 301, and outputs the acoustic data generated by synthesizing the data to the speaker 11 via the amplifier (digital amplifier).

  The payout control board 400 is composed mainly of a payout CPU 401, ROM 402 and RAM 403. The payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout payout unit 34 is driven based on a payout control command from the main control board 100 to pay out a prize ball. And the ball feed mechanism 13 and the launch mechanism 14 are driven synchronously based on the operation amount of the launch handle 12 to control the launch of the game ball.

  Although not shown in detail, the power supply board 500 includes a normal power supply circuit for generating a normal power supply used by each control board based on a primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility of the game island, and a backup power supply. (VBB) is generated, and a power-off monitoring circuit for monitoring power-off due to a voltage drop is provided. The electronic / electrical parts such as control boards and game machines Supply the necessary power. A power switch for starting a power circuit is connected to the power board 500, and when the power switch is turned on on the assumption that the primary power is supplied from the power supply device of the game island, the power board A predetermined power is supplied from 500 normal power supply circuits to each control board. The power supply board 500 is configured to be able to detect that the power supply from the power supply device on the amusement island has been cut off. , To the effect control board 200 and the payout control board 400. The backup power supply circuit is charged when power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine PM from the power supply device on the game island. Further, a RAM clear switch (not shown) is connected to the power supply board 500 for temporarily erasing the temporarily stored contents of the RAM 103 of the main control board 100 and setting initial values when the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on. ing. The RAM clear switch may be connected to the main control board 100 instead of the power supply board 500, for example.

<Basic operation of pachinko machines>
The pachinko gaming machine PM configured as described above can be used in a game in which the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the gaming island of the gaming facility, and the front frame 2, the glass frame 5, the ball tray unit 6 and the like are closed and locked. The game is started by storing the game ball in the upper ball tray 8 and rotating the launch handle 12. When the firing handle 12 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 8 are launched one by one by a ball feed mechanism 13 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the back side of the glass frame 5. 14 (see FIG. 3), and is launched into the game area PA by the launch mechanism 14.

  When a game ball rolling down in the game area PA enters one of the general winning port 50, the first starting port 51, the second starting port 52, or the big winning port 60, an award corresponding to the type of the winning port is given. The ball is paid out to the upper ball tray 8 or the lower ball tray 9 by the prize ball payout unit 33. In this example, the number of winning balls when winning in the general winning opening 50 is “10”, the number of winning balls when winning at the first starting opening 51 or the second starting opening 51 is “3”, and a large winning opening. The number of winning balls when winning 60 is “15”. Further, when a game ball enters the first start port 51 or the second start port 52, a lottery random number value of the special symbol game is acquired, and the random number value is temporarily stored as a reserved ball of the special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number. . Then, when a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, a special symbol win / no-go determination, symbol determination, and variation pattern determination are performed on the lottery random number value related to the earliest holding ball, and in a manner according to the determination result The special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72, and the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the effect display device 70. The variation display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed synchronously after the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern has elapsed.

  When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed in a stop mode indicating a big hit, the game shifts to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, and the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 60 starts. Is done. The stop pattern of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit is, for example, a mode in which the types of three symbols match. In the present embodiment, as a special game, a round game is set to 16 times (16 rounds), a 16R special game, a round game is set to 8 times (8 rounds), and a round game is 2 times. 2R special games set in (2 rounds) are provided.

  In this embodiment, regardless of whether the transition is made to the 16R special game, the 8R special game, or the 2R special game, the probability variation of the special symbol after the special game ends until the number of times the special symbol changes reaches a predetermined end number. The function works uniformly. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine called a so-called “ST machine”, which is a time-changing probability changing machine with a probability changing entry rate of 100%. Therefore, in this embodiment, the state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol is operating (also referred to as “special symbol probability variation state”) does not continue until the next big hit, but the probability variation state of the special symbol is maintained. The time period (also referred to as “ST period”) is limited to a predetermined number of final times (also referred to as “ST number”). When the special symbol probability variation function is activated, a lottery with a special symbol jackpot probability higher than the normal probability state is performed, so that a new special game is generated relatively early.

  On the other hand, after the special game is over, the special symbol variation time shortening function may operate in association with the special symbol probability variation function or independently of the special symbol probability variation function. When the special symbol variation time shortening function is in operation (also referred to as “special symbol short-time state”), the average variation time of special symbols and decorative symbols tends to be shorter than the normal state. The number of success / failure lotteries per unit time is improved (easy to acquire big hits per unit time can be improved).

  When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the state shifts to a state in which a so-called electric chew support function is activated (referred to as an “entry easy state”). In the easy-to-enter state, as an example of the electric chew support function, the normal symbol probability variation function, the normal symbol variation time shortening function, and the normal electric accessory 522 opening extension function are activated, so that the second starting port 52 is entered. This is a state where the ease of entering the ball is enhanced. In this easy-to-enter state, the possibility that the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol per certain time will increase more than usual and the ease of entering the second start port 52 will also increase, so that the second start port 52 will be entered. The possibility that the number of balls entering will increase. When the normal symbol probability changing function is activated, the normal symbol winning probability is higher than the normal probability state. When the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the normal symbol variation time is reduced more than usual. When the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 522 is activated, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 522 becomes longer than usual. Therefore, the operation of the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chew support function increases the chance of obtaining a winning ball by entering the second starting port 52 during the period, so that the number of possessed balls is hardly reduced. The game can be continued.

  Below, for convenience of explanation, the gaming state in which the special symbol probability variation function, the special symbol variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function are activated is also simply referred to as “probability variation state”, and only the special symbol probability variation function is activated. The gaming state that has been played is also referred to as a “latency probability changing state (latent state)”, and a state in which no function is activated is also referred to as a “normal state”.

<Main functional configuration of pachinko machines>
Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine PM (mainly the main control board 100 / effect control board 200) according to the present embodiment will be described with additional reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry judging means 110, a game lottery random number generating means 120, a holding control means 130, a prior judgment means 135, a special symbol lottery processing means 140, a normal symbol lottery processing means 145, Special game control means 150, symbol display control means 155, electric accessory control means 160, gaming state control means 165, error monitoring control means 170, main information storage means 180, command transmission / reception means 190 are included. Note that each of the above-described means in the main control board 100 is configured by main CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, hardware such as an electronic circuit provided on the main control board 100, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like. Is a functional representation of things.

  The ball entry judging means 110 is configured to detect each prize winning opening based on detection signals from the general winning opening switch 501, the first starting opening switch 511, the second starting opening switch 521, the operation gate switch 531, the big winning opening switch 641, and the like. Judgment of game balls.

  The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit of the main control microcomputer 110 by software and adds a soft random number per special symbol to be described later to this to be used for the lottery of special symbols. Generate random numbers per special symbol. The game lottery random number generation means 120 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by the program processing of the main CPU 101. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. As this software random number, a soft random number per special symbol that is added to the above-mentioned built-in random number to form a random number per special symbol, a soft initial value random number per special symbol for determining an initial value and an end value of the soft random number per special symbol, Special symbols for determining the special symbol stop symbol random number used to determine the winning symbol (the combination of symbols that will activate the conditional device) as the special symbol stop symbol, the initial value and the end value of the special symbol stop symbol random number Stop symbol initial value random number, special symbol variation pattern random number used for selection of special symbol variation pattern, normal symbol random number for normal symbol use lottery, normal symbol random number initial value and end value Includes initial value random numbers per normal symbol to determine, normal symbol variation pattern random number to use for selection of variation pattern of ordinary symbols, etc. That. These software random numbers are updated once every time timer interrupt processing occurs, and the remaining time of the interrupt cycle is maintained even when timer interrupt processing is not being executed for the initial value random number (during loop processing). Update using.

  The hold control means 130 includes a special symbol hold control means 131 and a normal symbol hold control means 132.

  The special symbol hold control means 131 is a lottery random number value related to a special symbol game, which is a random number value per special symbol, per special symbol, when the game ball enters the first start port 51 or the second start port 52 The design random number value and the special design variation pattern random value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation reserved ball information of the first special design or the second special design. The special symbol holding control means 131 is a main information storage means that combines the action holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (4) with the entering order of the holding balls. The first special symbol reservation storage area of 180 or the second special symbol reservation storage area is temporarily stored.

  In the first special symbol reserved storage area and the second special symbol reserved storage area, a reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), a reserved 2 storage area (2 A reserved storage area), a reserved 3 storage area (third reserved storage area), and a reserved 4 storage area (fourth reserved storage area). Each reserved storage area can store a random number value per special symbol, a random number value per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number value as a set as the operating reserved ball information. The operation hold ball information is stored in the order of the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area, while the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage. Digested in order of area (first-in first-out principle). In addition, when the operation hold ball information in the hold 1 storage area is digested, the operation hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower number storage areas, respectively. At the same time, the contents of the reserved 4 storage area are cleared to zero.

  Further, the special symbol hold control means 131 has a first special symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second special symbol for counting the number of active hold balls of the second special symbol. It has a symbol holding ball number counter. The special symbol hold control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one special reserved action ball is acquired as an update process of the number of special reserved action balls. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  Further, when the special symbol holding control means 131 updates (adds or subtracts) the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect control command ("symbol storage" This is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This one command includes information on both the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In principle, the action-reserved balls of each special symbol are digested in the order of entry, but in this embodiment, the variable special symbol is displayed with priority over the first special symbol. In order to adopt so-called preferential digestion, while there is an operation reservation ball related to the second special symbol game, regardless of the presence of the operation reservation ball related to the first special symbol game, the operation reservation related to the second special symbol game It is configured to preferentially digest spheres. In addition, under this priority digestion, if there is an operation reservation ball of the second special symbol, even if there is an operation reservation ball of the first special symbol, the operation reservation ball of the first special symbol is digested. Will be put on hold.

  The normal symbol hold control means 132 is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the operation gate 53, and is a random number value for a normal symbol, a random number value per normal symbol, a symbol random value per normal symbol, a normal symbol variation pattern, A random value is acquired, and the random value is managed as the operation reservation ball information of the normal symbol. The normal symbol holding control unit 132 stores the normal symbol operation holding ball information in the normal symbol holding storage area of the main information storage unit 180 in a form combined with the order of entering the holding balls up to a predetermined upper limit number (four). Memorize temporarily. Further, the normal symbol holding control means 132 has a normal symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of normal reserved operation balls. The normal symbol hold control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one normal reserved actuated ball is acquired as the update processing of the number of held normal symbols of the active normal symbol. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  The pre-determination unit 135 executes a pre-determination for a pre-reading notice when the operation holding ball having a special symbol is acquired at a predetermined pre-determination timing. As an example of the pre-determination timing, (1) when waiting for hitting and when the action holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is not operating, (2) waiting for hitting and When the support holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the support function is operating, (3) When the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or small hit, It is time to satisfy. Specifically, the pre-determining means 135 reads out the random number value corresponding to the currently acquired operation holding ball from the first special symbol holding storage area or the second special symbol holding storage area of the main information storage means 180, and determines whether or not Pre-determination (pre-judgment pre-determination), pre-determination (design pre-determination) related to symbol lottery, and pre-determination (variation pattern pre-determination) related to variation pattern lottery are sequentially executed. The pre-determination table used for each pre-determination is not shown in the figure, but corresponds to the total number of random numbers in the same way as the lottery table (special symbol success / failure lottery table, special symbol-per-symbol table, variable pattern table) described later. The area to be divided is divided into a plurality of areas, and a lottery result is assigned to each area. In this lottery result, a success / failure prior determination number, a symbol prior determination number, and a variation pattern prior determination number are set as numbers indicating the results of each prior determination (also referred to as “preliminary determination numbers”). Then, the preliminary determination means 135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as “preliminary determination command”) including information on the preliminary determination result (preliminary determination number), and this is generated in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. To store.

  The special symbol lottery processing unit 140 includes a special symbol success / failure determination unit 141, a special symbol stop symbol determination unit 142, and a special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143. The special symbol lottery processing means 140, when the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the special symbol perturbation stored in the first storage area (hold 1 storage area) of the special symbol reservation storage area in the main information storage means 180 The numerical value, the random symbol value per special symbol, and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are read out and stored in the special symbol success / failure determination region, the special symbol determination region, and the special symbol variation pattern determination region of the main information storage unit 180, respectively. Here, “the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied” is, for example, (1) that there is no big hit or small hit, and (2) both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for fluctuation. (3) When all of the conditions of the operation holding ball exist in at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are satisfied, and as a result, the special symbol can start to fluctuate. It is determined that the situation is not correct.

  The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 reads a random value per special symbol from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the determination of the success / failure, and the determination result corresponds to any one of the big hit, the small hit, and the loss. Decide what to do. The result of this determination is temporarily stored in a special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 (for example, big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, loss data “00H”), and is used in the subsequent processing. After that, it is cleared when the special symbol changes. The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 holds a special symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to in the determination of success / failure.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the special symbol winning / losing lottery table, where (A) is referred to in the normal state (low probability state), and (B) is referred to in the probability variation state (high probability state). The In this special symbol winning / losing lottery table, random numbers per special symbol and judgment results of big hits, small hits, and off are associated, and the winning probabilities for big hits and small hits are determined according to the associated random number range. Is determined. As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the special symbol game winning / losing lottery, in the normal state (low probability state), only when the random number value falls within the range of “0 to 217”, it is a big hit. On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high probability state), the range of the big hit is expanded, and not only when the random value falls within the range of “0 to 217” but also when the random number falls within the range of “218 to 2170”. Become. That is, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the jackpot lottery probability varies from the low probability state (about 1/300) to the high probability state (about 1/30). As described above, the range corresponding to the jackpot changes according to the gaming state, but the winning probability of winning the jackpot is equal between the winning lottery of the first special symbol and the winning lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number value per special symbol does not correspond to the big hit range, if it falls within the predetermined range, it is a small hit. In this example, only the winning lottery of the first special symbol is configured to have a small win, but for example, a small hit is also provided in the winning lottery of the second special symbol, and the winning lottery of the second special symbol is determined. However, the winning lottery of the first special symbol may be configured to be a small hit with a high probability.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the result of the first or second lottery determination. The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 has a first special symbol stop symbol table and a second special symbol stop symbol table which are referred to when determining the stop symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing an example of the first special symbol stop symbol table. In the first special symbol stop symbol table (for jackpot symbol), three types of stop symbols (big hit symbols) “A”, “B”, and “C” are assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. . In this example, for convenience of explanation, the contents of jackpot (the number of operations of the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, the operation pattern of the big prize opening 60) are also appended to each jackpot symbol. The numerical value “84” in parentheses means the number of operations of the special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, that is, the ST number. In this table, the stop symbols “A” to “C” of the first special symbol are classified according to the type of jackpot. Specifically, the symbol “A” is associated with the 16R specific short-time symbol, the symbol “B” is associated with the 8R specific short-time symbol, and the symbol “C” is associated with the 2R specific short-time symbol. In this embodiment, the “special symbol” is the symbol that activates the probability variation function of the special symbol after the end of the special game, and the “temporary symbol” is the shortened variation time of the special symbol after the special game ends. The symbol that activates the function (and the electric chew support function), the “timeless no symbol” is a symbol that does not activate the variable time reduction function of the special symbol (and the electric chew support function) after the special game ends. Yes (the same applies to the second special symbol described later).

  Symbols A and B are specific symbols indicating a so-called “probability big hit” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to the special symbol probability variation state (high probability state). The special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function are limited to the period until the end without generating a big hit or until the next big hit within the ST number. Will be granted. For the pattern A, the specified number of rounds for the special game is 16 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 60 in one round game is about 30 seconds. As for the pattern B, the specified number of rounds for the special game is 8 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 60 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol C is a specific symbol showing a so-called “latent probability variation big hit” which does not shift to the special symbol short-time state and the easy-to-enter state while shifting the gaming state to the special symbol probability changing state (high probability state) after the end of the special game. The probability variation of the special symbol is limited until the special symbol variation count ends without generating a big hit within the ST count, or until the next big hit occurs within the ST count. Only the function will be given (the special symbol variation time reduction function and the electric support function will not be given). For the symbol C, the specified number of rounds for the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 60 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  On the other hand, in the first special symbol stop symbol table (for miss symbol), a single stop symbol (miss symbol) “HA” is uniquely assigned to the special symbol halt symbol random value. In the first special symbol stop symbol table (for small hit symbol), a single stop symbol (small hit symbol) “K” is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. In the case of a small hit, the game state is not triggered when the game state is changed, and the game state is maintained before and after the winning lottery.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram schematically showing an example of the second special symbol stop symbol table. In the second special symbol stop symbol table (for jackpot symbol), two types of stop symbols (big hit symbols) “D” and “E” are assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. In this example, for convenience of explanation, the contents of jackpot (the number of operations of the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, the operation pattern of the big prize opening 60) are also appended to each jackpot symbol. In this table, stop symbols “D” and “E” of the second special symbol are classified according to the type of jackpot. Specifically, the symbol “D” is associated with the 16R specified short-lived symbol, and the symbol “E” is associated with the 8R specific short-lived symbol.

  Symbols D and E are specific symbols indicating a so-called “probability big hit” in which the game state after the end of the special game is shifted to a special symbol probability variation state (high probability state). The special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function are limited to the period until the end without generating a big hit or until the next big hit within the ST number. Will be granted. For the symbol D, the specified number of rounds for the special game is 16 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 60 in one round game is about 30 seconds. For the symbol E, the specified number of rounds in the special game is 8 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 60 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  In addition, in the second special symbol stop symbol table (for the off symbol), a single stop symbol (out symbol) “HD” is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value.

  Here, in this embodiment, as described above, there are three types of jackpot types: 16R big hit (16R specific short-time symbol), 8R big hit (8R specific short-time symbol) and 2R big hit (2R special short-time symbol). Is provided. The expected value for winning a prize ball in the special game (the expected value for winning a prize ball) is 16R big hit> 8R big hit> 2R big hit. As can be seen from the above description, if the winning lottery of the first special symbol is a big win, the 16R big hit is selected with a probability of 30%, whereas the winning lottery of the second special symbol is selected. In the case of a big hit, a 16R big hit is selected with a probability of 70%, so that the player who wins the second starting port 52 wins more balls than the first starting port 51. It is advantageous to the player in that it can be done.

  The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 holds a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when a variation pattern of the special symbol is selected. The special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143 selects one variation pattern table from among a plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the lottery determination. Each variation pattern table defines a plurality of types of variation patterns, and a determination value (range of random values) for determining the variation pattern is set according to the special symbol variation pattern random number value. The variation pattern is determined based on which judgment value the numerical value belongs to. As for the various variation patterns, the variation time is determined for each variation pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and it is assumed that the symbol variation by the decorative symbol composed of multiple symbols is also executed at the variation time. Is defined as Specifically, a variation pattern that can take a non-reach variation mode as a symbol variation process, a variation pattern that can take a normal reach (N reach) variation pattern as a symbol variation process, and a variation mode with reach as a symbol variation process There are fluctuation patterns that eventually develop into super reach (SP reach).

  In the present embodiment, there are three types of variation pattern selection states, such as “normal variation state α”, “shortened variation state β”, and “special variation state γ”. Here, the normal variation state α is a state in which a variation pattern of a special symbol is selected with reference to a normal variation pattern table selected when the gaming state is a normal state. The shortened variation state β is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is selected with reference to the shortened variation pattern table selected when the gaming state is the probability variation state. The special movement state γ is allowed to be selected only for a certain period (in this example, a period of 10 symbol variation displays: referred to as “limited period”) immediately after the end of the special game when the gaming state is a latent state. This is a state in which a special symbol variation pattern is selected with reference to the special variation pattern table.

  In addition, the special symbol lottery processing means 140 selects the special symbol variation pattern, and then instructs the production control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, so that the production control command (“ (Referred to as a “variation pattern designation command”), a production control command (referred to as a “design designation command”) including information on special symbols and gaming states, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “variation start command”). This is also stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

  The normal symbol lottery processing unit 145 includes a normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146, a normal symbol stop symbol determination unit 147, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148. When the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol lottery processing unit 145 reads the normal symbol random number value and the normal symbol variation pattern random value stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol holding storage area, They are stored in the normal symbol success / failure determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, respectively.

  The normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146 reads out a random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage unit 180 and executes the determination of success / failure, and determines whether the determination result corresponds to hit or miss. decide. The result of this lottery lottery is temporarily stored in the normal symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180, and after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the variation of the normal symbol is stopped. The normal symbol success / failure determination means 146 holds a normal symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to at the time of the success / failure lottery. Referring to the symbol winning / losing lottery table, in the probability variation state (high probability state) of the normal symbol, for example, referring to the normal symbol winning / losing lottery table with a probability of “282/283”, the normal symbol winning / losing lottery is executed. To do.

  The normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table and assigns a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a win, and allocates a predetermined off symbol when the result is wrong. It has become.

  The normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148 reads the normal symbol variation pattern random number value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, and refers to the normal symbol variation pattern table to display the variation display of the normal symbol in the normal state. In, a relatively long variation time is selected (for example, seven types of “4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, and 10 seconds” are uniformly selected). On the other hand, a relatively short variation time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is selected in the short time state (easy entry state) of the normal symbol.

  The special game control means 150, when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a big win, according to the determined big hit symbol, the demonstration related to the start demonstration effect and the end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the special game. Determine the production time. Also, the special game control means 150 provides an effect control command (referred to as a “hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of the start demo effect to the effect control board 200 side, and an effect for instructing execution of the end demo effect. A control command (referred to as “big hit end demo command”) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. Note that the jackpot start demo command also serves as an opportunity to determine the contents of a series of jackpot effects (start demo effect, round effect, end demo effect) developed during the special game on the effect control board 200 side. The special game control means 150 generates an effect control command (referred to as a “round effect designation command”) for instructing the start of a round effect corresponding to each round game in each round game during the special game. This is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This round effect designation command includes information on the current number of rounds, information on detection of the big prize opening switch 641, and the like. Regarding the execution time for special games, 1) Start demo time is from the time of the big hit symbol stop to the predetermined time from the start of the first round game, 2) End demo time is from the end of the last round game to the end of special game 3) Varying at least one of the start demonstration time and the end demonstration time related to the big hit according to the state at the time of the big hit fluctuation, while the predetermined time until the hour (just before the first fluctuation starts after the big hit ends) May be. When any of the demonstration times is varied, it is preferable to shorten the demonstration time if a big hit is made in the probability variation state (easy entry state). Further, even for the same big hit symbol, as described above, the demo time may be varied depending on whether the big hit in the normal state or the big hit in the probability variation state.

  In addition, when the result of the lottery is a small hit, the special game control means 150 determines the demonstration performance time related to the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the small hit game. decide. The special game control means 150 also provides an effect control command (“small hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of a small hit start demo effect and an effect control command (“small hit for start of a small hit end demo effect). An end demo command ") is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

  The symbol display control means 155 includes a special symbol display control means 156 and a normal symbol display control means 157. The special symbol display control means 156 displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 71 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and confirms and displays the first special symbol after the variation display. Let Further, the special symbol display control means 156 displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 72 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and displays the second special symbol after the variation display. Confirm display. The special symbol display control means 156 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operating states of the first special symbol display device 71 and the second special symbol display device 72 are monitored based on the special symbol game status in the main information storage means 180. The special symbol display control means 156 requests the effect control board 200 to confirm the decoration symbol when the special symbol fluctuation is stopped (that is, when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes “0”). An effect control command (referred to as “variation stop command”) is generated. The normal symbol display control means 157 variably displays the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 75 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the ordinary symbol, and displays the regular symbol after the variation display. The normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operating state of the normal symbol display device 75 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 180.

  If the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a big win, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 643 as a special game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The object 642 is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 642 is defined as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for a specified number of rounds (16R, 8R, 2R in this example). . The electric accessory control means 160 holds a big prize opening opening counter for storing the number of operations of the special electric accessory 642 (that is, the number of rounds being executed). Here, when the big hit type is so-called 16R big hit (symbols A and D) or 8R big hit (symbols B and E), the big winning opening 60 is opened for about 30 seconds at the maximum in one round game. On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called 2R big hit (symbol C), the big winning opening 60 is opened for about 0.05 seconds at the maximum in one round game. Here, the closing condition of the special winning opening 60 in the special game (the condition for ending the unit game) is the progress of a winning period for a predetermined number of game balls or a predetermined number of seconds.

  In addition, when the result of lottery determination of the special symbol is a small hit, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 643 as a small hit game process after the special symbol is determined and displayed. The special electric accessory 642 is opened for a short period of time. The small hit game is composed of one round game, and is distinguished from a special game composed of a plurality of round games. Here, when the 2R special game and the small hit game described above are compared, although they are internally different, the point of the same opening / closing time (0.05 seconds) and the number of times of opening / closing are the same (the former is Since one opening and closing per round is twice in two rounds, and the latter is common in two opening and closing per round twice, a game with an approximate opening time / opening pattern is developed.

  In addition, when the winning combination of normal symbols is won, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 523 to open the ordinary electric accessory 522 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric accessory control means 160 opens the ordinary electric accessory 522 for an extremely short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas it is normally electric in the easy to enter state (electric chew support state). The accessory 522 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) compared to the normal state.

  The gaming state control means 165 determines the gaming state after the special game and switches the gaming state after the special game based on the type of the big winning symbol when the result of the special symbol winning lottery is a big hit. In the present embodiment, as described above, since it is a so-called ST machine with a number cut, the game state after the special game has a predetermined number of end times, that is, the ST number of times, when the special symbol variation counts from the end of the special game. The special symbol probability changing state continues until it arrives (however, if the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the special symbol probability changing state ends with the change). In addition, when the small hit is made during the ST period, the ST number is not reset to zero (recovered), and the ST number is continuously counted before and after the small hit occurs. In the present embodiment, the number of STs is set to 84 times, but it is needless to say that the number may be set to other numbers. As described above, in the present embodiment, the probability variation state of the special symbol, which is the state in which the special symbol variation time reduction function and the electric chew support function are activated in association with the special symbol probability variation function, and the probability of the special symbol The gaming state transitions between a “latency probability changing state (latent state)” in which only the fluctuating function is activated and a “normal state” in which no function is activated. At this time, if the gaming state is a probability variation state or a latent probability variation state, the jackpot winning probability is a high probability state (special symbol probability variation state), and if the gaming state is a normal state, the jackpot winning probability is a low probability state (special Symbol non-probability change state). In addition, since each game state has already been described, redundant description is omitted here. Here, if the result of the lottery for the special symbol is a big hit, even if the game state before the big hit is a normal state or a special symbol probable state (probability change state or latent probability change state), During execution, the game is in a normal state, and after the special game is over, the special symbol probability change state (probability change state or latent probability change state) is uniformly limited up to the number of STs. On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a small hit, if the game state before the small hit is the normal state, the game state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also in the normal state. In addition, if the game state before the small hit is a special symbol probability change state (probability change state or latent probability change state), the game state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also a special symbol probability change state (probability change state or latent state). (Probable change state).

  Further, the game state control means 165 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the type of jackpot (type of jackpot symbol A to E) when the result of the lottery is a big hit, and special Switch the variation pattern selection state after the game. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting the above variation pattern table. The switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is when the special game ends or when the end number of times of the variation pattern selection state has expired. In this embodiment, as described above, there are three types of variation pattern selection states, such as “normal variation state α”, “shortened variation state β”, and “special variation state γ”. In addition, since each variation pattern selection state has already been described, redundant description is omitted here. In this embodiment, when the big hit symbol A, B, D, E is selected (in the case of 16R or 8R big hit), (1) Immediately after the end of the special game, the number of fluctuations is within the ST period (84 times). In some cases, the state stays in the shortened fluctuation state β, and (2) stays in the normal fluctuation state α after the end of the ST number, that is, after the 85th execution. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol C is selected (in the case of 2R jackpot), (1) Immediately after the end of the special game, stays in the special variation state γ only for the limited period of 10 variations, (2) End of the limited period Later, when the number of fluctuations is within the ST number (84 times), stays in the shortened fluctuation state β. (3) After the ST number ends, that is, after the 85th time as the number of fluctuations, stays in the normal fluctuation state α. To do. Of course, the period until the first hit occurs normally stays in the fluctuation state α. Then, the gaming state control unit 165 generates an effect control command (referred to as “gaming state designation command”) including the current gaming state information and variation pattern selection state information, and stores this command in the main information storage unit 180. Store in the area.

  The error monitoring control unit 170 monitors input information of the I / O port circuit 104 and inspects a magnetic detection signal by a magnetic sensor, a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, a radio wave detection signal by a radio wave sensor, a door / frame opening signal, and the like. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command including the error information (“error effect designation command”) is requested to indicate an error state effect to the effect control board 200. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the door opening switch is a detecting unit for detecting whether or not the glass frame 5 is opened, and the frame opening switch is a detecting unit for detecting whether or not the front frame 2 is opened. The back set release switch is a detecting means for determining whether or not the back set board 30 is open. Further, the magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting a so-called goto action.

  The main information storage means 180 stores random number value information acquired in special symbol games and normal symbol games, operation holding ball information of special symbols and normal symbols, game states related to special symbol games and normal symbol games (probability change state, time reduction state, Information on easy entry), information on variation pattern selection status, result information on winning / failing lottery (win, small hit, off), information on stop and variation patterns on special symbols and regular symbols, information on special games (round) Number, release time, release mode (number of releases per round game), etc.), status information indicating the operating state of the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric accessory 642, production control command It is configured to temporarily store data information and the like, and has a predetermined storage area for storing each information.

  The command transmission / reception means 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 to the effect control board 200 by a parallel transmission method when a command transmission request is made. Has been. Each effect control command has a 2-byte structure including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. Bit 7 of the EVENT data is “0”. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output to each of MODE and EVENT. In principle, the effect control command generated in each process is transmitted for each interrupt period in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control board 200 includes an effect lottery random number generation means 210, an effect control means 220, a lamp effect control means 230, an accessory effect control means 240, an error effect control means 250, and a sub-main information storage means 260. , Command transmission / reception means 270. Note that each of the above-described units in the effect control board 200 is configured by sub-main CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, hardware such as an electronic circuit arranged on the effect control board 200, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 202. Is a functional representation of things.

  The effect lottery random number generation unit 210 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by the program processing of the sub main CPU 201. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. This software random number includes the prefetching notice lottery random number used for the lottery of whether or not the prefetching notice effect can be executed, the prefetching notice pattern random number used for selecting the prefetching notice pattern, the decoration design random number used for selecting the stop pattern of the decoration design, the decoration Examples include a random effect pattern random number used to select a design variable effect pattern, a notice effect random number used to select a notice effect pattern, a jackpot effect pattern random number used to select a jackpot effect pattern, and the like. The update time of these random numbers is updated using the remaining time when the command analysis is not performed in the production control side main process described later.

  The effect supervising means 220 includes an effect mode control means 221, a hold information display control means 222, a prefetch notice control means 223, a decoration symbol determination means 224, a variable effect determination means 225, a notice effect determination means 226, and a big hit effect determination means 227. Including.

  The holding information display control means 222 includes a first reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the second special symbol. Have. When the holding information display control means 222 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the first holding ball number counter and the second holding ball are based on the information of the operation holding ball number included in the symbol storage number command. Update the value of the number counter. In addition, the hold information display control unit 222 applies the action hold ball of the first special symbol to the hold display portions 701 and 702 of the effect display device 70 based on the values of the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter. Control is performed to display the number of reserved images corresponding to the number and the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of active reserved balls of the second special symbol. In the normal display mode, when a special design operation holding ball is generated, a white display hold image is displayed. On the other hand, when a hold change pre-reading notice effect described below is executed, it becomes a target of a pre-reading notice. The reserved image can take any one of “blue”, “green”, “red”, and “rainbow” as a special display mode (display color) from “white” of the normal display mode (display color) . The above four special display modes are related to the reliability that the lottery result is a big hit (referred to as “big hit reliability”), and are “blue”, “green”, “red”, “rainbow” The jackpot reliability is set to be higher step by step. In this example, when the reserved image changes to “rainbow”, the big hit is deterministic in the pre-reading operation holding ball. Note that, in the hold change prefetch notice effect, the change in the display mode of the hold image may be expressed by a shape, a pattern, or the like instead of the display color.

  The prefetch notice control means 223 determines whether or not the prefetch notice can be executed by a lottery when the predetermination command is received from the main control board 100. The pre-reading notice control means 223 distinguishes the information of the first special symbol pre-determined result and the information of the second special symbol pre-determined result, and enters each of up to a predetermined upper limit number (4) of the operation holding balls. The information is temporarily stored in the pre-read information storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 in a form combined with the order. This prefetch information storage area has the same configuration as the reserved storage area of the main control board 100, and in the order of entering the start ports 51 and 52, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), A hold 2 storage area (second hold storage area), a hold 3 storage area (third hold storage area), and a hold 4 storage area (fourth hold storage area) are provided. Each reserved storage area can store information on the result of prior determination, information on the design prior determination result, and information on the variation pattern prior determination result as a set.

  When the prefetching notice control means 223 determines whether or not the prefetching notice can be executed, the prefetching notice control means 223 makes a prefetching judgment (“prefetching judgment”) for the operation holding ball that is the target of the prefetching notice based on the prejudgment result by the main control board 100. (Also called). Usually, the pre-reading notice is generated as one aspect of a so-called continuous notice effect that predicts the possibility of a big win or reach effect over a plurality of continuous display of decorative symbols. When it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect (continuous notice effect) can be executed, information on the pre-determining command from the main control board 100 (pre-judgment result) and information on the symbol memory number command (the number of currently operating suspended balls) are obtained. Analyzing, a pre-reading notice effect pattern over a plurality of continuous variable displays is determined by lottery for an operation hold ball (referred to as “trigger hold”) that triggers the generation of this pre-reading notice effect. Note that there are various types of prefetching notices such as a pending change prefetching notice effect, a chance eye prefetching notice effect, and a background change prefetching notice effect.

  The effect mode control means 221 controls the transition of the effect mode in accordance with the game state designation command from the main control board 100 and the consistency with the game state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side. Execute. In the present embodiment, a normal effect mode Mα, a probability change effect mode Mβ, and a latent effect mode Mγ are included as the three types of effect modes, and the variation patterns of the special symbols instructed from the main control board 100 are the same. In addition, the variation effect pattern (details will be described later) for specifying the specific content of the symbol variation effect is set differently for each effect mode. On the effect display device 70, an effect mode notification image (in this example, a background image to be displayed on the back of the decorative symbol) corresponding to the effect mode in which the user is currently staying is displayed, and the background images are different for each effect mode. Since it is set, the player can recognize which effect mode he is currently staying in from the type of background image.

  The decorative design determining means 224 is configured to combine the final stop symbols of the decorative symbols (the left symbol, the middle symbol, the character symbol) based on information (variation pattern information, character production number information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100. The left symbol is determined by lottery. In this example, three symbol sequences including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured. This decorative design is formed by, for example, an identification element made up of numbers or letters. In this example, ten types such as numbers “1” to “9” and characters “S” are set as identification elements. Each decoration symbol circulates in each display area Z1, Z2, Z3 in the order of “1” → “2” → “3” →... → “8” → “9” → “S” Display.

  The decorative symbol determination means 224 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when a combination of stop symbols of decorative symbols (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. As the plural types of tables, there are a stop symbol pattern table for big hits, a stop symbol pattern table for small hits, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach. The decorative symbol stop symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols, and includes “stop symbol indicating jackpot (big hit symbol)” and “stop symbol indicating loss (loss symbol)”. The big hit symbol indicating the specific big hit (probable big hit) is a combination of stop modes (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”) in which three symbols having the same odd number are arranged. The big hit symbol indicating the normal big hit (non-probable big hit) is a combination of stop modes (for example, “2.2-2.2”) in which three symbols with the same even number are arranged. The off symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, “1 · 3 · 8”) in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol having a number different from the other numbers. Here, of the out-of-order symbols, the out-of-reach symbol is a combination of stop modes in which only the middle symbol is shifted back and forth by several frames in a state where the left symbol and the right symbol are coincident (for example, “3 · 1 · 3”). Become. In the case of a “stop symbol indicating a small hit (small hit symbol)” or a 2R big hit symbol even if it is a big hit symbol, for example, a combination of predetermined stop modes such as “3, 5, 7” is used. There is a case. The stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is predetermined for each variation effect pattern described below. In this embodiment, in principle, the decorative symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol. However, if the variation effect pattern has a very short variation time, the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped almost simultaneously, and if it is a special variation effect pattern, the right symbol → middle symbol → left symbol It can also be stopped in sequence. At this time, if it is not the stopping order of the above principle (left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol), the big hit expectation degree tends to be relatively high.

  Based on the information (variation pattern information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100, the variation effect determining means 225 defines the variation process (effect process) from the variation start to the stop in the variation display of the decorative symbol. Determine the production pattern. In the present embodiment, the design variation effect (reach effect) performed after the reach display includes a reach effect with a simple effect content (normal reach effect) and a reach effect (super reach effect) where the effect content develops midway. . The variation effect determining means 225 holds a plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation effect pattern, and a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol is selected from the plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables. ) Is selected. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern random value and the variation effect pattern are associated with each other according to the result of the variation pattern lottery of the special symbol (that is, the reach type). Here, a basic pattern (for example, “normal reach A”, “super reach A”, etc.) of the symbol variation is determined as the variation pattern on the main control board 100 side, whereas the variation control pattern on the effect control substrate 200 side Based on the basic pattern, a detailed pattern of design variation (for example, “normal reach A1, A2, A3...”, “Super reach A1, A2, A3. In this way, the variation display pattern of the decorative design defines a variation display mode of the decorative design, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of variation of the decorative design to the end of the variation. The timing for generating the notice effect at the stage is also defined as a time schedule.

  The notice effect determining means 226 determines the notice effect pattern that defines the content of the notice effect that is executed at each stage of the decorative symbol change process according to the scenario of the change effect pattern described above. The notice effect pattern includes an effect pattern that displays an image or animation of a specific character temporarily or stepwise, an effect pattern that outputs a specific sound, an effect pattern that operates a movable accessory, and the like. The notice effect is executed in parallel with the variation display of the decorative symbol and suggests in advance that the jackpot reliability that the symbol variation stops in the jackpot mode is high. The notice effect includes a notice effect that is executed before the reach state occurs (including when the reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and a notice effect that is executed after the reach state occurs. Each of the announcement effects has different jackpot reliability. Basically, the announcement effect displayed after the occurrence of the reach has a relatively higher reliability of the announcement effect displayed after the occurrence of the reach. It is high. The notice effect determining means 226 maintains a notice effect pattern table to be referred to when selecting the notice effect pattern for each type of the notice effect, and according to the type of the notice effect generated according to the scenario of the variable effect pattern. A notice effect pattern table is selected. The notice effect determining means 226 refers to the notice effect pattern table selected above and, based on the notice effect pattern random number value obtained from the effect lottery random number generating means 210, draws a lot of kinds of notice effect patterns. Choose one. In addition, as a kind of specific notice effect pattern, a comment notice effect pattern, a background notice effect pattern, an SU (step-up) notice effect pattern, a group notice effect pattern, a cut-in notice effect pattern, an accessory movable notice effect pattern, Etc. are prepared. This notice effect is basically performed by synthesizing one or a plurality of notice effects with the decorative display of the effect display device 70. For this reason, even in the case of decorative display variation display using the same variation production pattern, various production modes can be generated by combining with one or a plurality of notice productions.

  The jackpot effect determining means 227 determines the contents of the jackpot effect (a jackpot effect pattern) for notifying that the special game is being played. The jackpot effect includes a start demonstration effect for notifying the start of a special game, a round effect for notifying that a round game is in progress, and an end demonstration effect for notifying the end of a special game. When the jackpot effect determining means 227 receives the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 100, the jackpot effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect, etc.) based on the jackpot type information stored in the sub main information storage means 260, etc. Pattern, end demo production pattern). In this jackpot production pattern, a jackpot start demonstration production time, a round production time (production time according to the opening pattern of the big prize opening 60) and a jackpot end demonstration production time are set according to the type of jackpot. A series of production contents are set along the time axis. In addition, the jackpot effect determining means 227 executes the start demonstration effect in response to receiving the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 100 according to the jackpot effect pattern, and receives each round effect designation command as an opportunity. An effect is executed, and an end demo effect is executed when a jackpot end demo command is received. In the big hit start demonstration effect, for example, the word “big hit start” is displayed on the screen to announce the start of the special game. In the round effect, for example, the number of currently executed rounds and the number of winning prize balls on the screen are displayed, and various images (animation images and the like) that excite the special game are displayed. In the big hit end demonstration effect, for example, the word “end big hit” is displayed on the screen to notify the end of the special game.

  As described above, the production control unit 220 performs image control commands relating to images and sound based on the decided production contents (prefetching production pattern, consecutive resort production pattern, variation production pattern, notice production pattern, stop design pattern, jackpot production pattern, etc.). And is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  The lamp effect control means 230 controls the lighting of the effect lamp, the emission color, and the like according to the effect contents set by the effect control means 220. The lamp effect control means 230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for controlling lighting of the effect lamp LP (the frame lamp 10, the panel lamp 25), and the lamp corresponding to the determined effect pattern. Data is read, and this lamp control signal (lamp data) is transmitted to the lamp connection board 91.

  The accessory effect control means 240 controls the driving of each movable accessory 24 according to the effect contents set by the effect supervision means 220. The accessory effect control means 240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling the movable accessory 24, and transmits a drive control signal (drive data) corresponding to the determined effect pattern to the motor driver 92. To do.

  The error effect control means 250 is configured to determine an error effect pattern when an error effect designation command is received from the main control board 100 and to notify the gaming machine that an error state has occurred according to the error effect pattern. Yes.

  The sub-main information storage means 260 is configured to temporarily store decoration symbol information, variation effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, control command information, and the like, and a predetermined number for storing each information. A storage area is provided. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing an effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command buffer for storing an image control command to the image control board 300, and an image control board 300 ACK command buffer for storing ACK commands from Each command buffer is composed of a ring buffer and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, image control commands, and ACK commands.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer. The command transmission / reception means 270 generates an interruption based on the input of the strobe signal from the main control board 100 and executes an effect control command reception interrupt process (details will be described later). In this interrupt process, various effect control commands are sent. To get. When the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the strobe signal, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the effect control command reception interrupt process preferentially over other interrupt processes (interrupt processes with a priority level less than 7 described later). ing.

  Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 stores in the sub-main information storage means 260 in order to instruct execution of the effect contents (variation effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative symbol information, etc.) set by the effect control means 220. The image control command thus transmitted is transmitted to the image control board 300 by a serial communication method. In principle, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined period (500 μs in this example) in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. Thereby, the image control board 300 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 200, and causes the effect display device 70 to variably display the effect image including the decorative design according to the scenario of the change effect pattern. The notice effect is displayed in a manner superimposed on the design variation effect at each stage of the variation display process. Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300 and stores the ACK command in the ACK command buffer.

<Board configuration>
Next, the board surface structure of the game board 20 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. 7 is a front view of the game board 20, FIG. 8 is a front view showing the left side of the game board 20, and FIG. 9 is a front view showing the upper side of the game board 20. In FIGS. 7 to 9, the center accessory 80 is simplified for easy understanding of the description.

  As described above, the game board 20 is configured based on a board formed in a rectangular flat plate shape using, for example, a synthetic resin material. On the front surface of the game board 20, an arc-shaped outer rail 41 disposed from the lower left part to the upper right part, an arc-shaped inner rail 42 disposed from the lower left part to the upper left part inside the outer rail 41, A rail ornament 43 formed between the upper right portion of the outer rail 41 and the lower portion of the panel surface and formed in a curved shape that opens leftward. The outer rail 41, the inner rail 42, and the rail ornament 43 A substantially circular game area PA is defined in the enclosed inner side. Further, the outer rail 41 and the inner rail 42 form a guide passage 44 for guiding the game ball launched by the launching mechanism 14 to the game area PA. In the vicinity of the exit opening 44d of the game ball in the guide passage 44, that is, at the tip of the inner rail 42, the game ball discharged from the exit opening 44d into the game area PA through the guide passage 44 is again guided to the guide passage 44. A ball return prevention valve 45 is provided to prevent the valve from returning to the back.

  The ball return prevention valve 45 is swingable and displaceable in a plane parallel to the game board 20 (substantially in a vertical plane) connected to the support 46 provided at the tip of the inner rail 42 and the support 46. And a valve body 47.

  The support body 46 includes a support base 46a that is integrally provided at the tip of the inner rail 42, and a support cover that is detachably attached to the front side of the support base 46a (in FIGS. The description of the support cover is omitted for easy understanding of the operation).

  The valve body 47 is formed with a cylindrical shaft portion 46b to be inserted into the pivot shaft of the support body 46 at an intermediate portion thereof. Further, the valve body 47 further has a thin wall extending linearly from the shaft portion 47b toward the outer rail 41 side. A band plate-like ball contact portion 47a is formed. The ball abutting portion 47 a serves as a launching side contact surface for contacting the game ball that has passed through the guide passage 44 on the front surface side, and the back surface side is configured to contact the game ball that returns from the game area PA toward the guide passage 44. It is the return side contact surface. The return side contact surface of the ball contact portion 47a can be in contact with the restricting portion 46a of the support 46, and when the return side contact surface is in contact with the restricting portion 46a, the valve body 47 in FIGS. The swinging in the rotating direction is restrained. Further, a weight portion 47c for swinging and biasing the valve body 47 counterclockwise by its own weight is provided on the base end side of the valve body 47, and the weight portion 47c is provided on the support body 46. By contacting the bottom 46b, the valve body 47 is prevented from swinging counterclockwise in FIGS. 7 to 9, and the valve body 47 is always held in a substantially vertical posture. In the following, the tip end on the swing side of the valve body 47 (ball contact portion 47a) is also referred to as “the tip end of the ball return prevention valve 45”.

  As described above, the swinging of the valve body 47 in the counterclockwise direction is limited when the weight portion 47c comes into contact with the bottom portion 46b of the support body 46, and the swinging in the clockwise direction is performed by the ball contact portion 47a. It is restricted when it comes into contact with the restricting portion 46b of the support 46. Therefore, the valve body 47 includes a position where the weight portion 47c contacts the bottom portion 46b (referred to as “initial position”) and a position where the ball contact portion 47a contacts the restricting portion 46a (referred to as “maximum swing position”). It is possible to oscillate between. In other words, the valve body 47 closes the outlet opening 44d of the guide passage 44 to prevent the game ball from returning to the guide passage 44 (initial position), and opens the outlet opening 44d to play the game area PA. It is possible to swing between the position (maximum swing position) that allows the game ball to pass through. Here, “the closing of the outlet opening 44d” is not limited to the meaning of completely closing the outlet opening 44d, but a closed state that prevents the game ball in the game area PA from returning to the guide passage 44 side. It is a concept that also includes Further, “opening of the outlet opening 44d” is not limited to the meaning of completely opening the outlet opening 44d, but is an open state that does not prevent the game ball that has passed through the guide passage 44 from being released to the game area PA. It is a concept that also includes

  A center accessory 80 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area PA. The center accessory 80 is formed with a substantially rectangular opening (not shown) so that the effect display device 70 can be viewed from the front side of the gaming machine, and the opening forms the entire accessory in a frame shape. Has been. The center accessory 80 has a decoration associated with the content of the effect displayed on the effect display device 70 on the entire front surface thereof. The center accessory 80 is attached to a through-hole (not shown) penetrating front and rear substantially in the center of the game board 20 and is disposed so as to protrude to the front side (glass frame 5 side) of the board of the game board 20. Has been.

  The center accessory 80 has a warp opening 85 that opens to the outer peripheral side at the left edge thereof, a warp passage 86 that guides the game ball that has flowed into the warp opening 85 downward along the inner periphery of the center accessory 80, A stage 87 is provided that is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the lower edge of the center accessory 80 and that allows the game ball guided by the warp passage 86 to roll substantially in the left-right direction.

  The game area PA is based on the center actor 80 at the substantially center, the upper area PA1 which is the upper area of the center actor 80, the left area PA2 which is the left area of the center actor 80, and the center actor 80. Is divided into a right area PA3, which is the right area of the center object 80, and a lower area PA4, which is an area below the center accessory 80. More specifically, the upper area PA1 is an area above the later-described ball inlets 911 to 913 or above the later-described top plate portion 81 between the outer rail 41 and the upper area PA1. The left area PA2 is an area below the ball entrances 911 to 913 described later and above the road nail 95M described later between the inner rail 42 and the center accessory 80. The right area PA3 is an area below the shock absorbing member 97 and above the big prize opening 60 between the rail decoration 43 and the center accessory 80. The lower area PA4 is a remaining area obtained by excluding the areas PA1, PA2, PA3 and the center role 80 from the game area PA.

  The upper area PA1 is an area where a game ball is shot by the launch mechanism 14, and branches to the left and right from the approximate center of the upper portion of the center accessory 80 (in this example, slightly to the right of the upper center). Thus, the game ball driven into the left part flows down to the left area PA2, and the game ball driven into the right part flows down to the right area PA3. That is, when the firing handle 12 is operated with less than the reference rotation amount, the game ball flows down on the left side of the approximately center in the left-right direction in the upper area PA1. In this case, the game balls flow down on the board in the order of the upper area PA1, the left area PA2, and the lower area PA4. On the other hand, when the firing handle 12 is operated at a reference rotation amount or more, the game ball flows down on the right side of the approximate center in the left-right direction in the upper area PA1. In this case, the game ball flows down on the board in the order of the upper area PA1 → the right area PA3 or the upper area PA1 → the right area PA3 → the lower area PA4.

  In the left area PA2, a plurality of game nails 95, a windmill 96, and the like are arranged, and a game ball driven into the upper area PA1 is directed toward the lower area PA4 through the windmill 96, the warp port 85, and the like. A left-handed channel structure (details will be described later) for flowing down is formed.

  In the right area PA3, a plurality of game nails 95, an operating gate 53, a second starting port 52, and the like are arranged, and a game ball driven into the upper area PA1 is moved to the operating gate 53, the second starting port 52, A right-handed flow path structure (detailed later) for flowing down toward the lower area PA4 is formed. Further, in the vicinity of the boundary between the upper area PA1 and the right area PA3, a buffer member 97 capable of colliding with a game ball driven toward the right area PA3 is fixed by a screw or the like. The buffer member 97 is made of, for example, an elastic body such as rubber or urethane, and the momentum of the game ball is moderately reduced by the collision of the game ball launched at the right hit.

  The lower area PA4 is provided with a plurality of game nails 95, a general winning port 50, a first starting port 51, a large winning port 60, an out port 29, and the like, from the left region PA2 or the right region PA3. The game balls that have flowed down can enter any of the general winning opening 50, the first starting opening 51, and the big winning opening 60 according to the route distributed in the left area PA2 or the right area PA3. If no ball is entered in any winning opening, the game will flow down to the out opening 29. Of the plurality of game nails 95 disposed in the lower area PA4, the plurality of game nails 95 ("road nail" disposed in a row from the vicinity of the windmill 96 toward the first start port 51. 95M ”) is set to guide the game ball that has flowed down to the right side of the windmill 96 toward the first start port 51.

≪Left-handed channel structure≫
In the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted as the left-handed channel structure of the game area PA. The “flow path” in this example is defined between a predetermined rail member (outer rail 41, inner rail 42, rail ornament 43) and the center ornament 80, and the game ball is directed from upstream to downstream. In this embodiment, which refers to an area that can flow down, it is mainly divided into a left-side downflow path (left-side downflow area) and a right-side downflow path (right-side downflow area), which will be described later. It is divided into a game ball flow area and a game ball flow area on the right side of the board). Further, the “flow path” is synonymous with an area where game balls can flow down, and one flow path (one area where game balls can flow down) is substantially formed by a row of game nails. In some cases, a plurality of partial flow paths through which a game ball can pass are formed that are divided right and left or diagonally. In this example, one flow path (the game ball One area that can flow down). In addition, the partial flow path (integrally formed flow path) formed of resin or the like, or the flow path configured by arranging two or more molded portions close to each other (for example, the big winning opening 60 In addition to (upper part), two rows of “continuous nail arrangement” in which game nails are continuously arranged may be prepared (closely arranged in two rows), thereby forming a “channel” or “partial channel”. (In this embodiment, it functions as a partial flow path). However, in this case, when a plurality of game nails in each row are arranged with a distance through which game balls can pass, they are not regarded as continuous nail arrangements. In other words, a case where the game balls are arranged at a distance where the ball cannot pass is regarded as a continuous nail arrangement. Further, the partial flow path has a flow path length shorter than that of a single-row spherical flow path (single-sphere area), which will be described later. In this case, it is desirable that the distance is shorter than the distance of the longest nail passage, which is the longest continuous nail passage.
(1) There are a plurality of ball inlets defined by an obstruction member such as a game nail 95 between the tip of the ball return prevention valve 45 and the outer end of the center accessory 80. The ball entrance is an area through which a game ball can pass.
(2) A game nail 95 or the like between the inner rail 42 and the center accessory 80 at a predetermined position (predetermined height position) downstream from the plurality of ball entrances and upstream from the lower area PA4. There are a plurality of ball outlets partitioned by obstruction members. The ball exit is an area through which a game ball can pass. The upstream from the lower area PA corresponds to, for example, upstream from the plurality of road nails 95M, upstream from the windmill 96, upstream from the warp port 85, and the like.
(3) In a range from a plurality of ball inlets to a plurality of ball outlets, a flow channel (flow region) for guiding a game ball that has passed through any of the plurality of ball inlets to any of the plurality of ball outlets. Exists. Therefore, it can be said that the sphere inlet is an inlet portion of the flow channel (flow region) and the sphere outlet is an outlet portion of the flow channel (flow region).
(4) The flow-down flow path (flow-down area) is a double-row ball flow that is set to a size that is at least twice the diameter of the game ball and has a flow width that allows the game balls to flow down in two or more rows (multiple rows) It is formed as a path (double row sphere region). The double row sphere flow path (double row sphere region) is a region where game balls can flow down in multiple rows regardless of the presence or absence of obstacle members such as game nails. Therefore, in the double-row sphere flow path (double-row sphere area), the flow path is substantially divided into a plurality of parts by obstacle members such as game nails, and each partial flow path includes at least one game ball. The case where it can flow down is also included. Therefore, substantially, it can be understood that the double-row sphere flow path (double-row sphere region) is an assembly of partial flow paths. Here, the relationship between the number of ball inlets and the number of ball outlets is “plural: plural”. That is, two or more ball inlets and two or more ball outlets are set. At this time, each ball inlet and each ball outlet are not associated with each other, that is, the game ball flows out from which ball outlet depending on which ball inlet the game ball flows into. It is not decided uniformly. Therefore, even when a game ball flows into any ball inlet, the game ball can flow out from any of a plurality of ball outlets.
(5) There is no one-row sphere channel (one-row sphere region) between the sphere outlet of the flow-down channel (falling region) and the upper end of the lower region PA4. In this example, the single-row sphere flow path (single-sphere area) is an intensive flow path having a flow width through which game balls can pass in a single line in order to make the flow path (ball flow) of game balls uniform. (Or region). That is, the channel (or region) is formed with a channel width wider than the diameter of one game ball and narrower than the diameter of two game balls. In other words, the interval that affects the flow direction (vector) of the game ball is less than the diameter of the game ball (even if the behavior of the game ball occurs in the passing region, the behavior width is one game ball. If the flow path length is a predetermined length (predetermined distance), a single-sphere flow path (single-sphere area) is set. The “predetermined length” is not limited to a straight line distance, and may be converted as a total distance along the curved line as long as it satisfies the definition of the flow path. Moreover, as this predetermined length, as an example, among the nail passages (in this example, divided into three nail passages by continuous nail arrangement) constituted by a plurality of nail 95M, It is desirable to be longer than the distance of the nail channel which is the longest continuous nail arrangement.

  Now, a specific example of a left-handed channel structure to which such a configuration is applied will be described.

  A top plate portion 81 facing the outer rail 41 in a substantially vertical direction is integrally formed on the upper portion of the center accessory 80. The top plate portion 81 forms an introduction passage 48 through which the game ball can pass with the outer rail 41 on the extension of the guide passage 44. In the range from the vicinity of the boundary between the upper area PA1 and the left area PA2 to the approximate center of the upper portion of the center accessory 80 (in this example, slightly to the right of the upper center), Projections (first projection 811, second projection 812, and third projection 813). The projecting portions 811, 812, and 813 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the extending direction of the outer rail 41. When each of the protrusions 811, 812, and 813 has a relatively high possibility of a player entering a predetermined winning opening (in this example, the first starting opening 51) by driving a game ball aiming at the position. Part (so-called “bump position”). In addition, on the upper surface side of the top plate portion 81, two slope surfaces 81a and 81b that are gently inclined toward the lower left are formed on the left side with respect to the approximate center of the upper portion of the center accessory 80. On the right side, an arc surface 81c that is curved in an arc shape with the convex toward the outer rail 41 is formed, so that the game balls that are driven into the upper area PA1 are distributed to the left area PA2 or the right area PA3. .

  The first protrusion 811 is a portion that is formed at the left end of the first slope surface 81a and has a convex shape toward the outlet opening 44d side of the guide passage 44, and is the first indentation position in this example. It corresponds to. One game nail 95 (right specific nail 95T described later) is disposed close to the tip of the first protrusion 811, and a game ball is about to reach the protrusion (first indentation position). Substantially collides with the game nail 95, so that the game nail 95 can be included as the first insertion position. In the present example, a concave portion 814 that is formed continuously with the lower end of the first protrusion 811 and has a concave shape toward the outlet opening 44d may also be included as the first bump position. The game ball bounced back at the first position is introduced into the left area PA2.

  The 2nd projection part 812 is a site | part which becomes a level | step difference between the 1st slope surface 81a and the 2nd slope surface 81b, and is equivalent to the 2nd bump position in this example. The game ball bounced back at the second throw-in position rolls in the left direction on the first slope surface 81a and is introduced into the left area PA2. In other words, the second protrusion 812 acts as a rebound surface for rebounding the game ball toward the left area PA2.

  The third projecting portion 813 is provided at the approximate center of the upper portion of the center accessory 80 (in this example, slightly to the right of the upper center) and is a portion that forms a step between the second slope surface 81b and the arc surface 81c. Yes, corresponding to the third indentation position in this example. The game ball bounced back at the third hit position rolls left on the slope surfaces 81a and 81b and is introduced into the left area PA2. In other words, the third protrusion 813 acts as a rebound surface for rebounding the game ball toward the left area PA2. The third protrusion 813 allows the game ball to pass when it is right-handed to be guided to the right area PA3 along the introduction path 48 of the upper area PA1, while on the front side of the third protrusion 813. The entry to the right area PA3 of the game ball at the time of left-handed movement that moves to the side of the third protrusion 813, such as falling on the top plate 81, is reduced. Here, the corner 81R2 between the third protrusion 813 and the second slope 81b is an R shape having a larger radius than the corner 81R1 between the second protrusion 812 and the first slope 81a (that is, (Rose shape) That is, in the case of a game ball having the same launch strength, the third protrusion 813 is configured to more easily get over the corner than the second protrusion 812. This is because, when the launch strength of the game ball to the right region PA3 is weak, the game ball rolling from the left to the right on the second slope surface 81b gets over the third protrusion 813 to the right region PA3. While restricting the entry and preventing the weak hit to obtain the so-called over-winning, when the launch strength of the game ball to the right area PA3 is strong, the game ball makes the third protrusion 813 This is because the entry into the right area PA3 is allowed to get over to secure the entrance to the second start opening 52, the big winning opening 60, and the like. The “over winning” refers to a phenomenon in which a game ball that exceeds a predetermined number (10 balls in this example) predetermined in the big winning opening 60 in a round game (unit game) in a special game. . In addition to the case where this overwinning occurs accidentally, for example, an irregular hit is made (by hitting the 10th ball weakly and then hitting the 11th ball toward the right area PA3). The ball may also be generated by an intentional operation by the player, such as causing the ball and the eleventh ball to enter the grand prize opening 60 almost simultaneously. Therefore, if the game ball reaches the third protrusion 813 when left-handed, the game ball can be bounced back toward the left area PA2 and flowed down as intended by the player. Even when a game ball (tenth ball) hitting the right aiming for winning reaches the third protrusion 813, the game ball is prevented from bouncing back toward the left area PA2 and flowing down to the right area PA3. . In addition, in the introduction passage 48 between the outer rail 41 and the top plate portion 81, the game nail 95 is in a range from the second projection portion 812 to the third projection portion 813 (the upper portion of the second slope surface 81b). No obstacle member such as is arranged.

  Further, at a position below the top plate portion 81 in the center accessory 80, a left side wall portion 82 that forms the left edge portion of the center accessory 80 and a right side wall portion that forms the right edge portion of the center accessory 80. 83 is provided. The left side wall 82 faces the inner rail 42 in the left-right direction, and the right side wall 83 faces the rail decoration 43 in the left-right direction.

  A plurality of ball inlets 911, 912, and 913 for allowing the game ball to flow down to the left area PA2 are formed between the tip of the ball return prevention valve 45 and the outer end of the center accessory 80. Here, the “outer end portion of the center accessory 80” in the present embodiment is defined as follows. That is, it is a part of the outer shape of the center accessory 80 facing the upper area PA1, and is arranged so as to face the outer rail 41 without passing through other members such as a game nail, so that it is possible to play a game with the outer rail 41. Of the inclined or arcuate portions that form a gap that allows the passage of the sphere, the end portion that is disposed closest to the tip of the ball return prevention valve 45 is defined as the “outer end portion of the center accessory 80”. To do. In addition, when the other area | region of the center accessory 80 does not overlap on the straight line which connects from the front-end | tip part of the ball | bowl return prevention valve 45 to a certain end part of the center accessory 80, this certain edge part is " It may be defined as “the outer end of the center accessory 80”. Further, when there is no nail above the certain end of the center accessory 80 in the upper area PA1 above the ball return prevention valve 45, the certain end is referred to as “center accessory 80”. It may be defined as “the outer end of”. Furthermore, when satisfying any of the plurality of definitions, the “outer end portion of the center accessory 80” may be used. Moreover, it is good also as "the outer end part of the center accessory 80" when satisfy | filling all the said some definitions, or satisfy | filling two or more combinations. The “outer end” is a concept including, for example, a projecting end, a stepped end, a square end, and the like. The “part of the outer shape of the center accessory 80 facing the upper area PA1” is a part that forms at least a part of the upper surface side of the center accessory 80, and corresponds to the top plate portion 81 in this example. The “inclined or arcuate part” is the whole or a part of the top plate portion 81, and corresponds to the slope surfaces 81a and 81b and the arc surface 81c in this example. At this time, the “outer end portion of the center accessory 80” is preferably a portion that functions as a bump position. In this example, the “outer end portion of the center accessory 80” is an end disposed at a position closest to the tip of the ball return prevention valve 45 in the top plate portion 81 (slope surfaces 81a, 81b and arc surface 81c). That is, the first protrusion 811 that functions as the first projection position corresponds to the first projection position.

  Specifically, there are three game nails 95 (on the virtual line X connecting the two in the plane parallel to the board surface) between the tip of the ball return prevention valve 45 and the first protrusion 811 ( (Referred to as “specific nails 95T”), and three spherical inlets 911, 912, and 913 are formed by being separated from each other by these specific nails 95T. That is, a first ball inlet 911 is formed between the tip of the ball return prevention valve 45 and the shaft portion of the left specific nail 95T, and the shaft portion of the left specific nail 95T and the shaft portion of the central specific nail 95T A second ball inlet 912 is formed between the shafts of the central specific nail 95T and a shaft (first protrusion 811) of the right specific nail 95T. Each of the ball inlets 911, 912, and 913 includes a gap having a width larger than the diameter of the game ball, and is formed so that the game ball can pass therethrough. In the present example, among the plurality of ball inlets 911, 912, 913, the third ball inlet 913 arranged on the rightmost side is such that the game ball driven into the upper area PA1 flows into the third ball inlet 913. The target region is configured such that the possibility of entering the first starting port 51 is relatively higher than the flow into the other ball inlets 911 and 912. In this example, even when the game ball reaches any one of the first, second, and third injecting positions, it easily flows into the third ball inlet 913 that is the target area. It is configured as follows.

  In this example, the game nail 95 is applied as an obstacle member for partitioning the ball inlets 911, 912, and 913. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the game nail 95 may change in the flow direction of the game ball. Any obstruction member other than the game nail 95 may be applied as long as it is a structure on the board surface. In this example, the ball entrances 911, 912, and 913 are partitioned by obstacles arranged on the imaginary line X. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and obstacles located near the imaginary line X are not limited thereto. It may be partitioned by a member or an obstacle member positioned above the imaginary line X. That is, it is desirable that one or more obstacle members overlap or overlap with the imaginary line X between the tip of the ball return prevention valve 45 and the outer end of the center accessory 80.

  Downstream of the plurality of ball inlets 911 to 913, a left flow channel (left flow region) 91 extending from the ball inlets 911 to 913 to a substantially vertical center of the game area PA, and a left flow channel (left side) A left distribution channel (left distribution area) 92 is provided that is continuously connected to the lower end of the flow-down area 91 and extends to the vicinity of the lower area PA4 (in the vicinity of the nail 95M). Hereinafter, the left-handed flow channel (left-handed flow region) 91 and the left-handed flow channel (left-handed flow region) 92 may be collectively referred to as a “left-handed flow channel” without being distinguished from each other.

  The left flow channel (left flow region) 91 is defined between the inner rail 42 and the left wall 82 of the center accessory 80, and has a size at least twice the diameter of the game ball. Thus, the game balls are formed in a flow path width that can flow down in two rows. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the left flow channel (left flow region) 91 can move in the flow channel by a distance of at least one game ball in the left-right direction (including the left-right diagonal direction). It has become. Also, a plurality of game nails 95 (referred to as “game nail group 95A”) are provided in the left-side down flow path (left-side down area) 91 from the upstream side to the downstream side along the substantially horizontal center of the flow path. Are arranged in a row, and the flow path is substantially divided into a left partial flow path and a right partial flow path. Each of the left partial flow channel and the right partial flow channel is formed to have a flow channel width that allows the game ball to flow down. The game ball that has flowed into the left flow channel (left flow region) 91 The partial flow path or the right partial flow path can flow down. In the above-described game nail group 95A, a gap having a width that allows one game ball to pass for each of the plurality of game nails 95 is formed. Therefore, the game balls flowing down the left flow channel (left flow region) 91 can go back and forth between the left partial channel and the right partial channel through the gap.

  At the lower end of the left flow channel (left flow region) 91, there are provided two ball outlets 914 and 915 that are separated by a plurality of game nails 95 and serve as exit portions of game balls from the flow channel. . That is, the left spherical outlet 914 is disposed corresponding to the left partial flow path in the left downstream flow path (left downstream area) 91, and the right spherical outlet 915 is disposed corresponding to the right partial flow path. . Each of the ball outlets 914 and 915 includes a gap having a width larger than the diameter of one game ball, and is formed so that the game ball can pass therethrough. As described above, the left flow channel (left flow region) 91 is provided with two ball outlets 914 and 915 with respect to the three ball inlets 911, 912 and 913. In other words, in terms of the relationship between the number of ball inlets and the number of ball outlets in the left flow channel (left flow region) 91, “multiple: plural” can be used. As described above, as the path of the game ball in the left flow channel (left flow region) 91, it is possible to go back and forth between the left partial channel and the right partial channel. Therefore, the plurality of sphere inlets and the plurality of sphere outlets are not necessarily associated with 1: 1. That is, even if it flows into any of the three sphere inlets, it does not determine which of the two sphere outlets flows out.

  The left distribution channel (left distribution channel) 92 is defined between the inner rail 42 and the left wall 82 of the center accessory 80, and has a size at least twice the diameter of the game ball. Thus, the game balls are formed in a flow path width that can flow down in two rows. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the left distribution channel (left distribution channel) 92 can move a distance of one or more game balls in the left and right direction (including the left and right diagonal directions) in the channel. It has become. The left distribution channel (left distribution channel) 92 is provided with a plurality of game nails 95 and windmills 96 as route changing members, and the flow path of the game ball passes through the warp port 85. And the route toward the road nail 95M and the other route. Therefore, it is possible to create a variety of flow paths of game balls when left-handed.

≪Right-handed channel structure≫
In the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted as the right-handed flow path structure of the game area PA.
(1) On the upstream side of the right area PA3, there is a single row sphere flow path (single sphere area), but on the downstream side of the right area PA3, there is no single row sphere flow path (single sphere area). As described above, the one-row sphere flow path (one-row sphere region) in this example has a flow path width through which game balls can pass in a single line in order to make the flow path (ball flow) of game balls uniform. An intensive flow path. That is, the channel is formed with a channel width wider than the diameter of one game ball and narrower than the diameter of two game balls.
(2) No winning opening is arranged on the upstream side of the right area PA3, while any winning opening is arranged on the downstream side of the right area PA3.

  Now, a specific example of a right-handed channel structure to which such a configuration is applied will be described.

  The right region PA3 includes a right-side downstream channel (right-side downstream region) 93 that extends from below the buffer member 97 to a substantially vertical center of the right-side region PA3, and the right-side downstream channel (right-side downstream region). A right distribution channel (right distribution area) 94 extending from the lower end of 93 to the upper end of the lower area PA4 is provided. Hereinafter, the right flow channel (right flow region) 93 and the right distribution channel (right distribution region) 94 may be collectively referred to as a “right-handed channel” without being distinguished from each other.

  The right flow channel (right flow region) 93 is defined between the rail decoration 43 and the right wall 83 of the center accessory 80, and is narrower than twice the diameter of the game balls, and the game balls are only in one line. It is formed to have a passage width that can pass through. That is, the right flow channel (right flow region) 93 is formed as a “single sphere channel (single sphere region)” in this example. The right flow channel (right flow region) 93 is provided with a plurality of buffer projections 99 projecting into the flow channel on the inner surface side forming the flow channel. It is possible to reduce the momentum of the game ball that is flowing down by the contact.

  The right distribution channel (right distribution area) 94 is defined between the rail decoration 43 and the right wall 83 of the center accessory 80, and has a size at least twice the diameter of the game ball. Thus, the game balls are formed in a flow path width that can flow down in two rows. Therefore, the game balls that have flowed into the right distribution channel (right distribution region) 94 can move a distance of at least one game ball in the left-right direction (including the left-right diagonal direction) in the channel. It is possible. That is, the right distribution channel (right distribution region) 94 is not formed as a “single-sphere channel (single-sphere region)” in this example. A plurality of game nails 95 capable of changing the flow direction of the game ball are planted on the board surface facing the right distribution channel (right distribution area) 94, and the operation gate 53 and the second gate are arranged below the game nail 95. A start port 52 is provided. The game balls that have flowed into the right distribution channel (right distribution area) 94 are distributed by the plurality of game nails 95 to either a path that passes through the operating gate 53 or a path that does not pass through the operating gate 53. . The game ball that has passed through the operation gate 53 flows down toward the second start port 52 disposed immediately below the operation gate 53, and can be easily entered if the ordinary electric accessory 522 is in an open state. Yes. On the other hand, when the game ball does not pass through the operation gate 53, it flows down the right distribution channel (right distribution area) 94 as it is, and is directed toward the big prize opening 60, and the special electric accessory 642 If the ball is in an open state, the ball can be easily entered.

  As described above, in the right-handed flow path, the right distribution channel (right distribution area) 94 that is the periphery of the big winning opening 60 does not form a single-sphere path (single-sphere area), while the big winning opening 60 In the right-side down flow passage 93 (right-side down flow region) that is separated from the first row ball flow passage (one-row ball region).

[Action]
Next, in order to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment, the characteristic operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described. Hereinafter, the flow channel (flow region) is simply referred to as “flow channel”, the distribution channel (distribution region) is simply referred to as “distribution channel”, and the single-sphere channel (single-sphere region) is simply “ This is referred to as “single-row sphere flow path”, and the double-row sphere flow path (double-row sphere region) is referred to as “double-row sphere flow path” (the same applies to modified examples described later).

≪Left-handed game≫
When the game state is the normal state, the second start port 52 arranged in the right area PA3 is not easily opened, and even if the second start port 52 is opened, the opening time is short, so It is rare for a ball to enter. For this reason, in the normal state, the game ball is left-handed in order to cause the game ball to flow down to the left area PA2 where it is easy to enter the first start port 51. When a game ball is launched by the launching mechanism 14, the game ball passes through the guide passage 44 and collides with the valve body 47 of the ball return prevention valve 45 to press it in the opening direction (clockwise direction), and the outlet opening 44d and the like. Released to the game area PA. When the game ball passes through the outlet opening 44d, the valve body 47 of the ball return prevention valve 45 swings in the closing direction (counterclockwise direction) due to the weight of the weight portion 47c, and the initial position before the subsequent game ball arrives. Return to. At this time, when performing left strike (weak strike), the operation amount of the launching handle 12 is adjusted to be less than the reference rotation amount, and the game ball driving position is set to the left side of the left and right center of the top plate portion 81. . When left-handed (weakly hit) in this way, the inertial force of the game ball differs according to the operation amount of the launch handle 12 (the magnitude of the launch strength), and the fall of the game ball within the upper area PA1 according to the launch strength The point (falling position) changes regularly or irregularly.

  When the game ball is shot very weakly (referred to as “choro hit”) with the amount of operation less than a certain amount within this weak hit range, it must reach any of the plurality of protrusions 811, 812, 813. However, it flows into any of the plurality of ball inlets 911, 912, and 913 (except for the case of a foul ball). In this case, the game ball flows into one of the first ball inlet 911, the second ball inlet 912, and the third ball inlet 913 according to the amount of choro hitting.

  On the other hand, when the amount of operation is set to a certain amount or more in this weak hit range and the game ball is shot into the hit position (referred to as “bump hit”), the game ball has a plurality of protrusions 811, 812, 813. Collide with one and be bounced back. For example, when a game ball is driven relatively weakly within the range of hitting, the game ball collides with the first protrusion 811 (specific nail 95T on the near side) and bounces back and flows into the third ball inlet 913. To do. When a game ball is driven relatively moderately within the range of hitting, the game ball can exceed the first protrusion 811, but most of the game ball falls before the second protrusion 812 and the second After colliding with the two protrusions 812 and bounced back, they flow down the first slope surface 81a and flow into the third ball inlet 913. When hitting a game ball relatively strongly within the range of hitting, it is possible to cross the first protrusion 811 and the second protrusion 812, but most of them fall before the third protrusion 813 and After colliding with the three protrusions 813 and bounced back, the first slope surface 81a and the second slope surface 81b flow down and flow into the third ball inlet 913.

  The game ball that has flowed into any of the ball inlets 911, 912, and 913 flows down the left flow channel 91. As described above, the left downstream flow channel 91 is formed to have a flow channel width that is twice or more the diameter of the game ball, and the game ball is positioned between the flow channels that are substantially divided on the left and right by a row of game nails. Can come and go between each other. Therefore, a plurality of flow-down paths are secured for the game balls that have passed through the ball entrances 911, 912, and 913. Two ball outlets 914 and 915 are arranged at the lower end of the left flow channel 91, and the ball inlets 911 to 913 and the ball outlets 914 to 915 are not necessarily associated with each other at 1: 1. That is, even if a game ball flows into any of the three ball inlets 911 to 913, it is not determined from which of the two ball outlets 914 to 915 the game ball flows out.

  The game balls that have passed through the ball outlets 914 and 915 flow into a left distribution channel 92 that is formed continuously with the left flow channel 91. The left distribution channel 92 is for distributing a flow path to the lower area PA4 of the game ball. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the left distribution channel 92 passes through the warp port 85, the route toward the road nail 95M, and other routes by the game nail 95 or the windmill 96 as a route changing member. It is distributed to. As described above, the distribution destination of the game balls in the distribution flow path is not determined uniformly depending on which ball outlet 914, 915 has passed. Therefore, even if any of the ball outlets 914 and 915 flows into the distribution channel, the flow path of the game ball is not always the same path (the flow of the game ball is not always constant). Absent).

  Specifically, whether or not the game ball brought to the right side of the left distribution channel 92 flows into the warp port 85 opened in the left wall portion 82 of the center accessory 80 by the plurality of game nails 95. You can sort them out. The game ball that has flowed into the warp port 85 passes through the warp passage 86 and is guided to the stage 87. The game ball guided to the stage 97 is guided to the vicinity immediately above the first start port 51 while rolling on the stage 87. In this way, the game ball that has entered the warp port 85 can easily enter the first start port 51 via the warp passage 86 and the stage 87. On the other hand, the game balls that are not distributed to the warp port 85 or the game balls that are brought to the center of the left distribution channel 92 are arranged on the wind turbine 96 side by the game nails 95 arranged in approximately two rows above the wind turbine 96. When the game ball comes into contact with the windmill 96, the flow path of the game ball is distributed to either the left or right of the windmill 96. The game balls distributed to the right side by the windmill 96 flow down on a plurality of game nails 95 (road nails 95M) arranged substantially linearly, so that the game balls are arranged at the left and right centers of the lower area PA4. It is guided toward the first starting port 51 and enters the first starting port 51 or the general winning port 50, or flows into the out port 29 without entering any winning port. If the plurality of game nails 95 do not reach either the warp port 85 or the windmill 96, or if the windmill 96 does not lead to the road nail 95M, the left side of the windmill 96 flows down to the general prize opening. 50 or enter the out port 29 without entering the general winning port 50.

  In this way, when playing a left-handed game, the game ball is divided by adjusting the operation amount of the launch handle 12 (the launch strength of the game ball) in accordance with the player's own skill, and by separating the game balls. Changes can be made to the flow path. At that time, it is expected that regularity may occur in the flow path of the game ball according to the position where the game ball is thrown in, so that the rate of entrance to the first start port 51 can be improved. Can do. Therefore, the room for the intervention of the skill of the player increases, and the interest of the game can be improved.

≪Right-handed game≫
In the specific game state or the special game state, the game ball is played right-handed in order to cause the game ball to flow down to the right area PA3 where it is easy to enter the second starting port 52, the big winning port 60, or the like. Here, the “specific game state” is a state in which the probability of transition to a special game is higher than the normal state, and includes a special symbol probability variation function, a special symbol variation time reduction function, and an electric chew support function. Is a state in which at least one of the functions is activated. In this example, it is a condition that at least the electric chew support function (the easy entry state) is activated as the specific gaming state.

  When a game ball is launched by the launching mechanism 14, the game ball passes through the guide passage 44 and collides with the valve body 47 of the ball return prevention valve 45 to press it in the opening direction (clockwise direction), and from the outlet opening 44d. Released to the game area PA. When the game ball passes through the outlet opening 44d, the valve body 47 of the ball return prevention valve 45 swings in the closing direction (counterclockwise direction) due to the weight of the weight portion 47c, and the initial position before the subsequent game ball arrives. Return to. At this time, when making a right strike (strong strike), the operation amount of the firing handle 12 is adjusted to be equal to or greater than the reference rotation amount, and the game ball is placed at the right side of the top plate 71 from the right and left center.

  The game ball driven to the right side of the third protrusion 713 along the outer rail 41 passes through the introduction passage 48 between the outer rail 41 and the top plate portion 70, and enters the right region PA3 (right flow channel). 93). As described above, the right flow channel 93 is formed so that the channel width is narrower than twice the diameter of the game ball, and the game balls can pass only in one row. Therefore, the game balls that have flowed into the right flow channel 93 always follow the same flow channel, and flow out downward from the right flow channel 93 in a uniform ball flow.

  The game ball that has flowed out of the right flow channel 93 flows into the right distribution channel 94 that is continuously connected to the right flow channel 93. The game balls that have flowed into the right distribution channel 94 are distributed to either a path that passes through the operating gate 53 or a path that does not pass through the operating gate 53 by a plurality of game nails 95 as path changing members. The operation gate 53 is disposed directly under the gap between the pair of game nails 95, and a game ball can flow into the gap between the game nails 95. Directly below the operating gate 53 is a second start port 52 that is opened for a predetermined time when a normal symbol winning lottery executed when the game ball passes to the operating gate 53 is won. Has been. In this example, as long as the game ball passes through the operation gate 53 in the process of flowing down the right distribution channel 94, the game ball flows down toward the second starting port 52, and at that time, the normal electric accessory 522 is used. If is open, the game ball enters the second start port 52.

  On the other hand, the game balls that have not passed through the operation gate 53 in the right distribution channel 94 flow down to the lower area PA4 as they are. A big prize opening 60 is provided in the right portion of the lower area PA4 located below the right distribution channel 94. The big winning opening 60 is arranged at a position where a right-handed game ball (a game ball flowing down the right area PA3) can easily enter. At this time, in this example, unless the game ball flows into the operation gate 53 and the second starting port 52 in the process of flowing down the right area PA3, the game ball flows down toward the grand prize winning port 60. If the electric accessory 642 is in an open state, the game ball enters the grand prize winning port 60. Therefore, in this example, when the special electric accessory 642 is in the open state, the possibility of generating waste balls is reduced.

  In this way, when playing a right-handed game, the right area PA3 is more troubled with game nails 95, accessories, etc. in the right area PA3 than in the left area PA2 in order to enable a quick game in the special game state or the specific game state. A small number of members are arranged. Therefore, the game ball launched into the right area PA3 is less likely to be interfered with the flow path by the obstacle member, and the arrival time to the second starting port 52 or the big winning port 60 is shortened.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the plurality of ball inlets 911, 912, and 913 that are partitioned from each other by the obstacle member such as the game nail 95 between the tip of the ball return prevention valve 45 and the outer end of the center accessory 80. Even if a game ball is caused to flow into any of the ball inlets, the flow path of the game ball is arranged in various ways without being collected downstream. Accordingly, by arbitrarily switching the game ball driving position into the game area PA according to the skill of the player, a change occurs in the flow path (ball flow) of the game ball, and the ball enters the winning opening. Since the rates can be made different, it is possible to enhance the technical intervention of the player and improve the interest of the game.

  In this embodiment, three ball inlets and two ball outlets are formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a plurality of ball inlets and a plurality of ball outlets are formed. If so, the number can be set appropriately. Further, a part of the plurality of sphere entrances and the plurality of sphere exits may correspond 1: 1.

<Big prize opening>
Next, the big prize opening device 600 used as the big prize opening 60 according to the present embodiment will be described. 10 to 14 show a specific configuration of the special prize opening device 600. As shown in FIG. 10A, the special prize opening device 600 includes a front part 601 and a rear part 602 provided behind the front part 601, and the game board 20 has a front part 601. Is fixed at a predetermined position in the game area PA. The front portion 601 bears a part of the gauge configuration and design in the game area PA, and the back portion 602 is not shown in the drawing but is opened in a component opening (not shown) formed in the game board 20. A part of the game board 20 is protruded from the back of the game board 20 by being inserted.

  The front portion 601 of the big prize opening device 600 is provided with a substrate portion 603, a shielding cover member 604 (cover member), a ball passage forming portion 605, a horizontal shutter member 606, a falling door member 607, and the like. A shielding cover member 604 is attached to the front surface of the substrate portion 603, and most of the front surface of the substrate portion 603 is covered with the shielding cover member 604.

  The board portion 603 is a flat plate member that is screwed to the surface of the gaming board 50. When viewed from the front of the gaming machine, the board portion 603 is provided at predetermined sites such as the upper right corner, the lower left corner, and the left interruption portion of the outer peripheral edge. , Screw holes 603a to 603c for mounting on the game board 20 are provided. And the board | substrate part 603 is arrange | positioned and fixed to the site | part of the lower right corner of game area PA.

  The shielding cover member 604 has a flat plate-like main body portion 604a, and is continuously formed in a U shape on the lower edge portion and the left and right side portions of the main body portion 604a as shown in FIG. A partition wall portion 604b is projected. Further, the shielding cover member 604 is fixed in combination with the central portion of the board portion 603, and opens upward in a band shape between the board portion 603 and can receive and flow down the game ball. A falling space is formed. Further, the shielding cover member 604 is made of light-transmitting transparent plastic, so that the inner flowing space can be visually recognized from the outside (front side).

  As shown in FIG. 11A, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B, the above-described spherical passage forming portion 605 is configured by a combination of a plurality of ribs having a predetermined shape. Protrudes toward. The protruding amount of the ball passage forming portion 605 from the board portion 603 is set to be somewhat larger (about several millimeters) than the diameter of the game ball and to be substantially the same throughout. Here, FIGS. 11A and 11B and FIGS. 12A and 12B show a state in which the shielding cover member 604 is removed.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the ball passage forming unit 605 forms an inflow ball guide unit 608, a first winning guide unit 609, and a second winning guide unit 610. The game ball that has entered the guide unit 608 is guided to different paths according to the state of the horizontal shutter member 606 described above. That is, the inflow ball guide unit 608 configures a game ball passage that changes the flow direction of the game ball flowing down from above and guides it from the right side to the left side when viewed from the front of the game machine. In addition, the first winning guide unit 609 and the second winning guide unit 610 constitute a game ball path that guides the entered game ball downward when a game ball flowing down the inflow ball guide unit 608 enters. ing.

  Among these, the inflow ball guide portion 608 includes a receiving portion 608a, a connecting portion 608b, and a discharging portion 608c in a horizontal row, and between the receiving portion 608a located at the right end and the connecting portion 608b located in the middle, A gap between the connecting portion 608b and the discharge portion 608c located at the left end is slightly larger (approximately several millimeters) than the diameter of the game ball and forms the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a. Is interposed. Further, the receiving portion 608a is inclined from the right to the left at a predetermined angle and is curved with the right end portion obliquely upward to the right. The connecting portion 608b is formed at a position somewhat lower (several millimeters) than the left end portion of the receiving portion 608a, and is inclined linearly downward from right to left. The discharge portion 608c is formed so as to be continuous with the connection portion 608b via a gap, and is inclined linearly from right to left.

  A first entrance 609a between the receiving portion 608a and the connection portion 608b and a second entrance 610a between the connection portion 608b and the discharge portion 608c are the first shutter portion 606a provided in the horizontal shutter member 606. In addition, the second shutter portion 606b is closed as shown in FIG. 12A during normal time (when the special prize opening device 600 is not in operation). That is, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the horizontal shutter member 606 includes a main body portion 606 c molded into a rectangular plate shape, and a plate-like first shutter portion that is spaced left and right at the front edge of the main body portion 606 c. 606a and a second shutter portion 606b. The size of the first shutter unit 606a and the second shutter unit 606b is set so that the vertical and horizontal dimensions are somewhat larger (about several millimeters) than the game ball. Further, the first shutter portion 606a and the second shutter portion 606b are inclined downward from right to left with the same inclination as that of the receiving portion 608a, the connecting portion 608b, and the discharging portion 608c.

  Further, the first shutter unit 606a and the second shutter unit 606b have a corresponding positional relationship with the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a, respectively. In normal times, the horizontal shutter member 606 is stopped at the forward movement position, and the first shutter portion 606a and the second shutter portion 606b protrude forward of the substrate portion 603 as shown in FIG. Thus, both the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a are closed. In this state, the game ball that has flowed into the receiving portion 608a of the special prize opening device 600 reaches the discharge portion 608c through the first shutter portion 606a, the connection portion 608b, and the second shutter portion 606b, and is further discharged. It is discharged from the portion 608c toward the general winning opening 50 and the first start opening 51. Here, the drive mechanism of the horizontal shutter member 606 will be described later.

  In addition, a speed reducing portion 611 for reducing the speed of the game ball flowing down the inflow ball guide portion 608 is provided at a position in the middle of the inflow ball guide portion 608. The speed reducing portion 611 is configured by rib-like protrusions 611a and 611b that are integrally provided on the substrate portion 603 and the shielding cover member 604. There are two protrusions 611a on the board portion 603 and two protrusions 611b on the shielding cover member 604. The protrusions 611a and 611b are shaped in the width direction of the inflow ball guide portion 608 (the game machine's It has a triangular prism shape toward the center in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the upper ends of the protrusions 611a and 611b are inclined surfaces that become lower toward the front.

  The two protrusions 611a of the board portion 603 are separated from each other at a predetermined distance that is slightly (several millimeters) larger than the diameter of the game ball at a portion immediately above the connection portion 608b. The positional relationship between the two protrusions is the same for the two protrusions 611b of the shielding cover member 604. In addition, regarding the positional relationship between the protrusion 611a of the board portion 603 and the protrusion 611b of the shielding cover member 604, both the protrusions 611a and 611b sandwich the upper space of the connection portion 608b and the game ball flows downward (game) It is set to be shifted by a predetermined amount (about the radius of the game ball) in the left-right direction). As shown in FIG. 10B, the upstream one of the two protrusions 611 a of the substrate portion 603 is more first than the upstream one of the two protrusions 611 b of the shielding cover member 604. It is located on the side close to the entrance 609a.

  By providing such a deceleration unit 611, the game ball flowing down the inflow ball guide unit 608 is decelerated by interfering with at least one of the four projections 611a and 611b. Then, the game ball moves toward the downstream side of the connection portion 608b in a state where the speed is lower than that when the game ball flows into the inflow ball guide portion 608 and when it reaches the speed reduction portion 611.

  The first winning guide unit 609 and the second winning guide unit 610 described above are configured so that the first winning slot 609a and the second winning slot 610a and the second winning slot 610a and the second winning slot 610a and the second winning slot 610a are operated in a non-normal time when the large winning opening device 600 is operated. With the opening of the entrance 610a, the game ball can enter. That is, in a non-normal state, the horizontal shutter member 606 is lowered to the retracted position, and the first shutter portion 606a and the second shutter portion 606b are retracted toward the rear of the substrate portion 603. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a are exposed, and the inflow ball guide 608, the first winning guide 609, and the second winning guide 610 are exposed. And communicate.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the special prize opening device 600 is activated as described above by winning the winning lottery for operating the special prize opening device 600, and special games and small hits related to the winning. This is a case where a game is executed. In addition, the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a are opened by the first shutter unit 606a and the second shutter unit 606b during a round such as a special game, and between rounds when a plurality of rounds are repeated. In the (round interval), the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a are closed by the first shutter portion 606a and the second shutter portion 606b.

  The first winning guide section 609 and the second winning guide section 610 include a first detection ball guide section 609b, a first discharge ball guide section 609c, a second detection ball guide section 610b, and a second discharge ball guide section 610c, respectively. Have. In addition, a prize is given to a portion between the first detection ball guide portion 609b and the first discharge ball guide portion 609c and a portion between the second detection ball guide portion 610b and the second discharge ball guide portion 610c. A first winning sensor 79a and a second winning sensor 79b are arranged as the mouth switch 641. These winning sensors 79a and 79b are proximity sensors, and various micro switches or the like can be used as the proximity sensors. Furthermore, various types such as a contact type, a non-contact type, a mechanical type, an optical type, and an electromagnetic induction type can be adopted as the microswitch.

  Each winning sensor 97a, 97b has a rectangular casing 612a, 612b having a thickness smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and detection holes 613a, 613b for allowing the game ball to pass in the thickness direction. Further, the winning sensors 97a and 97b are respectively connected to the first detection ball guide unit 609b and the first discharge ball guide unit 609c, and the second detection ball guide unit 610b and the second discharge ball guide through the detection holes 613a and 613b. The part 610c is communicated so that the game ball can flow down. The winning sensors 97a and 97b are mounted on the first winning guide portion 609 and the second winning guide portion 610 with their longitudinal directions different from each other by approximately 90 °. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11A and the like, the first winning sensor 97a is oriented in the longitudinal direction in the left-right direction on the front side of the board portion 603, and the first winning sensor 97b is oriented in the longitudinal direction. , Which is directed in the front-rear direction passing through the substrate portion 603.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first detection ball guide portion 609b is bent from the right side to the left side when viewed from the front at an intermediate position, and the game ball dropped on the first detection ball guide portion 609b The first detection ball guiding portion 609b once interferes with the inner wall and is decelerated before passing through the first winning sensor 97b. In this embodiment, a rib 609d having a predetermined protruding amount (for example, 1 mm or less) is provided in the center of the inner wall behind the first detection ball guide portion 609b so as to follow the shape of the first detection ball guide portion 609b. It has been. The rib 609d prevents the ball from being caught in the first detection ball guide portion 609b. Note that not only the first detection ball guide portion 609b but also the second detection ball guide portion 610b may have a bent shape, or ribs may be provided on the inner wall.

  Further, in a situation where the horizontal shutter member 606 is retracted and the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a are opened, the game balls flowing down the inflow ball guide 608 are located on the upstream side. The ball enters the ball opening 609a, is detected by the first winning sensor 79a, and is discharged from the first winning guide section 609. However, there may be a case where a part of the game balls jumps over the first entrance 609a and reaches the second entrance 610a on the downstream side from the connection portion 608b. In such a case, the game ball that has reached the second entrance 610a enters the second winning guide 610, is detected by the second winning sensor 79b, and is discharged from the second winning guide 610. As described above, since the speed reducer 611 is provided between the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a, a game ball that has not entered the first entrance 609a is temporarily placed. Even so, the momentum of the game ball is sufficiently weakened by the speed reduction unit 611 in front of the second entrance 610a.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the shielding cover member 604 is transparent as described above, the game that flows down the inflow ball guide portion 608, the first winning guide portion 609, and the second winning guide portion 610 as described above. The state of the sphere can be visually recognized by the player through the shielding cover member 604.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13 and the like, the above-described lodging door member 607 has a flat door 607a, and includes a first winning guide 609 and a second winning guide 609a. It is arranged below the winning guide 610. As shown in FIGS. 12B, 13, and 14, the falling door member 607 is in a positional relationship corresponding to the game ball collection port 614 that is opened in a rectangular shape in the substrate portion 603. The fall door member 607 is pivotally supported so as to be pivotable in the front-rear direction around the lower edge portion, and as shown in FIGS. 11 (a), 11 (b) and 12 (a) in a normal state. The game ball collection port 614 is closed. As shown in FIG. 11A, the length (opening dimension) of the game ball collection port 614 is discharged from a portion inside the right end (upstream end) of the receiving portion 608a in the inflow ball guide portion 608. The length reaches the right end (upstream end) of the portion 608c. The length in the left-right direction of the fallen door member 607 is also approximately the same as the opening size of the game ball collection port 614.

  When the big prize opening device 600 is operated, as shown in FIG. 12B, the fall door member 607 tilts so that the lower edge portion is the base end and protrudes forward of the substrate portion 603 toward the upper edge portion. To do. Then, the lodging door member 607 opens toward the upper first winning guide portion 609 and the second winning guide portion 610 and receives the game balls discharged from the first winning guide portion 609 and the second winning guide portion 610. Then, it guides to the collection passage 616a behind the substrate portion 603. Then, the game ball that has entered the recovery passage 616a is guided to the recovery hole 616b opened at the left end portion through the inclined surface that is lowered from the right to the left, and is guided from the recovery hole 616b toward the back side of the game board 50. Is done.

  In this embodiment, sensors for detecting a game ball are not provided in the collection hole 616b, and at least a count in the vicinity of the game board 20 is performed for a game ball that has entered the game ball collection port 614. It is supposed not to be broken. Therefore, when the game ball collection port 614 opened and closed by the fallen door member 607 is opened, the above-mentioned out port is compared with the game ball detected by the first winning guide unit 609 or the second winning guide unit 610. Performs the same ball discharge function as 29. In addition, the player can visually recognize the operation of the overturning door member 607 and the state of the game ball collection port 614 in the open state through the transparent shielding cover member 604. Further, the space between the fallen door member 607 and the ball passage forming portion 605 is covered with a shielding cover member 604 serving as a cover member, and the first winning guide portion 609 and the second winning guide are provided to the game ball collection port 614. Only game balls released from the unit 610 can enter.

  Further, unlike the horizontal shutter member 606, the lying door member 607 is continuously open during the operation of the special prize opening device 600. And even when a plurality of rounds are repeated, the lodging door member 607 continues to be open from the start of the first round to the end of the last round. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the timing at which the falling door member 607 is opened and the horizontal shutter member 606 is closed at a timing before the horizontal shutter member 606 is opened at a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). The fall door member 607 is closed at a timing after a predetermined time (for example, 1 second).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B and FIGS. 12A and 12B, a game ball passage port 615 is formed in the upper right portion of the substrate portion 603. The game ball passage port 615 is located below the receiving portion 608 a and is isolated from the inflow ball guide portion 608 by the ball passage forming portion 605. Further, the game ball can enter the above-described flow-down space from the right side portion of the shielding cover member 604, and the game ball that has flowed into the big prize opening device 600 below the inflow ball guide portion 608 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14 and the like, it is guided rearward through a shielding cover side guide rod 604c formed on the shielding cover member 604 and a substrate side guide rod 603d formed on the substrate portion 603.

  Next, the above-described back surface portion 602 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the back surface portion 602 includes a shutter drive unit 621, a passage constituting unit 622, and a falling door member drive unit 623. The shutter drive unit 621 moves the above-described horizontal shutter member 606 forward and backward, and includes a solenoid frame 624 (see FIG. 14) and a link arm member 625 on a support frame 621a that opens upward and surrounds the front, rear, left, and right. And so on.

  A link arm member 625 is connected to the solenoid portion 624 via a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown), and the horizontal shutter member 606 is loosely connected to the link arm member 625 via a slide hole 625a. It is connected to. The solenoid unit 624 is turned off at the normal time when the special prize opening device 600 is not operating, and the horizontal shutter is set with the link arm member 625 rotated forward as indicated by a solid line in FIG. 11B. The member 606 is advanced. Further, in a non-normal time when the special prize opening device 600 is operating, the solenoid unit 624 is turned on, and the link arm member 625 is rotated backward as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The horizontal shutter member 606 is retracted. That is, as the solenoid unit 624 is turned on / off, the link arm member 625 swings back and forth, and the horizontal shutter member 606 moves forward or backward linearly. The advancement / retraction of the horizontal shutter member 606 is guided by the substrate portion 603, the support frame portion 621 a, and a passage configuration unit 622 described later.

  In the passage configuration unit 622, the above-described spherical passage formation portion 605 is formed on the front surface of the support frame portion 622a that is open upward and surrounds the front, rear, left, and right. Further, a shutter drive unit 621 is mounted on the passage configuration unit 622, and the passage configuration unit 622 supports the shutter drive unit 621 from below.

  The falling door member drive unit 623 opens the aforementioned game ball collection port 614 on the front surface of the rectangular box-shaped casing 623a, and the lower left and right ends of the falling door member 607 are located in front of the left and right sides. A door support portion 626 is rotatably connected. Further, although not shown in the drawings, the fall door member drive unit 623 includes a solenoid for opening and closing the fall door member 607, a spring for urging when the fall door member 607 is closed, and the like in the housing portion 623a. ing. Further, the passage constituting unit 622 is placed on the falling door member driving unit 623, and the falling door member driving unit 623 supports the passage constituting unit 622 from below.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the special prize opening device 600 includes a first connector 627 that electrically connects to the main control board 100 via various relay boards, a fall door member drive unit 623, and a passage. And a second connector 628 for making electrical connection with the constituent unit 622. Power supply to various electrical devices, output of signals from the winning sensors 79a and 79b, supply of control signals to various solenoids, and the like are performed using the first connector 627 and the second connector 628. .

  According to the pachinko gaming machine PM provided with the large winning opening device 600 as described above, the first ball opening 609a (upstream opening) which becomes the upward large winning opening by the shutter type mechanism using the horizontal shutter member 606. ) And the second entrance 610a (downstream entrance) are simultaneously opened and closed. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the size in the height direction as compared with a type that opens and closes a front-facing large winning opening by a fallen door type mechanism. Then, by utilizing the space vacated by the miniaturization, the shape of the big prize opening device 600 and the degree of freedom of the mechanism design can be increased, and other parts and game nails are arranged around the big prize opening device 600. With regard to the above, the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

  In addition, in the inflow ball guide portion 608, the first entrance 609a is located upstream of the second entrance 610a, and a game ball that has flowed into the inflow ball guide 608 must enter the first entrance 609a. It is supposed to pass. Therefore, only the first entrance 609a can be used as a big prize opening of the pachinko gaming machine PM. In addition, the vertical and horizontal opening dimensions of the first entrance 609a are somewhat larger than the diameter of the game ball, which is a big prize compared to the conventional type in which the big entrance is secured in a horizontally long belt shape. The mouth is shrunk. Therefore, in order to secure the function of detecting a game ball that has entered as a result of opening, which is the minimum function of the grand prize opening device 600, it is possible to reduce the size in the left-right direction. The degree of freedom in designing the mouth device 600 can be increased.

  In this embodiment, since the second entrance 610a is provided downstream of the first entrance 609a, even if a game ball jumping over the first entrance 609a is generated, The ball opening 610a can be used as a preliminary big winning opening. Then, when the special winning opening apparatus 600 is operated, it is possible to prevent the generation of gaming balls spilling from the special winning opening apparatus 600, and it is possible to quickly finish counting a predetermined number (here, ten) of gaming balls. Further, since the inflowing ball guiding portion 608 is formed with the first winning opening 609a and the second entering opening 610a in combination with the large winning opening, it is easy to secure the opening width of the large winning opening, and the efficiency. A game ball can flow down and be discharged well.

  Further, a speed reducing portion 611 is provided between the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a, and the game ball flowing down the inflow ball guide portion 608 interferes with the protrusions 611a and 611b in the speed reduction portion 611. It is supposed to be. Therefore, the speed of the game ball heading toward the second entrance 610a can be weakened by the deceleration unit 611. The game balls that have passed without entering the first entrance 609a can be more reliably entered into the second entrance 610a.

  In particular, in the right part of the game area PA, the space is occupied by the center decoration 80 and it is difficult to arrange the nails, etc., and the parts where the nails etc. are sufficiently arranged (for example, the left part of the game area PA) Compared to, the speed of game balls that flow down tends to be faster. The behavior of the game ball that has entered the grand prize opening device 600 is also difficult to stabilize, which may cause chattering in the winning sensors 79a and 79b, damage to the winning sensors 79a and 79b, and the like. However, as in the present embodiment, the receiving portion 608a of the inflow ball guide portion 608 is curved to change the flow direction of the game ball from the vertical direction to the left and right directions, or the speed reduction portion 611 is provided in the inflow ball guide portion 608. By doing so, the momentum of the game ball heading toward the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a can be sufficiently reduced. Note that a speed reduction unit 611 may be provided in front of the first entrance 609a to decelerate the game ball toward the first entrance 609a.

  Further, the deceleration of the game ball by the deceleration unit 611 leads to an increase in the time during which the game ball exists on the inflow ball guide unit 608. Therefore, the possibility of generating more winnings than the prescribed number (here, 10) in the large winning opening device 600 is increased, and from this point of view, so-called over winning or over winning is likely to occur. It is possible to become.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the horizontal shutter member 606 is used, and the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a, which are the big winning entrances, are reduced in size as compared with the prior art. It is. Therefore, it is possible to relax design conditions such as maintaining the posture and friction of the horizontal shutter member 606 and the guide portion (not shown) of the horizontal shutter member 606, and easily ensure smooth operation of the horizontal shutter member 606. become able to.

  In other words, in the case of a large winning opening device of the type in which the door is raised or laid down as in the conventional case, since the large winning opening opens toward the front, the thickness (the vertical dimension) of the large winning device is large. Become. In addition, because the plate-shaped door is rotated around the lower edge, the solenoid used as the drive source has a relatively large output that can generate a moment sufficient to move the door. Is required. In addition, depending on the elastic force of the spring used to return the door, the weight of the game ball may add and the door may not close or open unexpectedly, so care must be taken when selecting the spring. .

  Also, in the case of a large winning opening of the type in which the shutter is moved forward and backward, if the opening (large winning opening) opened and closed by the sliding of the shutter is large as in the conventional case, the influence of various factors such as friction, wear, and dirt. In some cases, the shutter may not be closed. Furthermore, if an equal force is not applied to the shutter, the shutter tilts, and this may cause a case where the shutter does not operate smoothly.

  However, like the big prize opening device 600 in the present embodiment, the horizontal shutter member 606 is used, and all the game balls are guided to the first entrance 609a (and the second entrance 610a), thereby winning the big prize. It is possible to reduce the size of the mouth and to reduce the size of the shutters (here, the first shutter portion 606a and the second shutter portion 606b) that block the winning prize opening. Further, there is no restriction that the overall shape and size of the horizontal shutter member 606 must be determined in accordance with the shape and size of the big prize opening, and the weight of the horizontal shutter member 606 and the shape of the main body 606c are eliminated. Can be liberalized. And, by making the shape and size of the main body 606c of the horizontal shutter member 606 free, a design that suppresses the influence of various factors such as friction, wear, and dirt can be performed. In addition, it becomes possible to relax the design requirements for the equalization of the force applied to the main body 606c and the inclination, and the design of the shutter mechanism is facilitated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of troubles related to the opening / closing of the special winning opening.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the second entrance 610a is provided, the game ball that has flowed into the inflow ball guide unit 608 is won across the rounds when the large prize opening device 600 is operated. It becomes possible. In other words, the game ball that has flowed into the inflow ball guide unit 608 just before the end of a certain round cannot close the first entrance 609a and enter the first entrance 609a. In addition, when the next round is started after a predetermined period (round interval) between rounds and the horizontal shutter member 606 is retracted, the game ball is moved between the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a. If it remains in the middle, the game ball can be guided to the second winning guide section 610 via the second inlet 610a to generate a winning. Further, in this embodiment, since the speed reducing portion 611 is provided on the upstream side of the second entrance 610a, the speed reduction portion 611 enters the second entrance 610a across the round. Can increase the possibility of Here, the round interval may be a period of less than 1 second, for example.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the horizontal shutter member 606, the falling door member 607 is provided, and the operation of the falling door member 607 can be visually recognized by the player via the shielding cover member 604. ing. For this reason, it is possible to make a player perceive through the appearance of the fallen door member 607 that the special prize opening device 600 has started to operate or is in operation.

  In other words, the first shutter portion 606a and the second shutter portion 606b that close the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a are directed only to the thickness portion with respect to the player, and further, the thickness dimensions thereof. The vertical and horizontal dimensions excluding are reduced to the diameter of the game ball. For this reason, even if the 1st shutter part 606a and the 2nd shutter part 606b operate | move, it is also considered that a player does not notice that these operate | moved.

  However, as in the present embodiment, the fall door member 607 is attached, and the fall door member 607 is operated in accordance with the operation timing of the first shutter portion 606a and the second shutter portion 606b, thereby opening and closing the winning prize opening. It is possible to achieve the same perceptual effect as in the case where the fallen door member 607 is used. And it becomes easy to aim at the timing of a launch start when a player launches a game ball in accordance with the start of operation of the special prize opening device 600. Further, the operation of the overturning door member 607 can appeal the occurrence of a hit (especially a big hit), and can increase the degree of satisfaction with the hit of the player.

  Here, when the small hit occurs, the fall door member 607 is not operated, only the horizontal shutter member 606 is operated, and when the big hit occurs, both the fall door member 607 and the horizontal shutter member 606 are operated. It is also possible to adopt. There is also an operation mode in which the falling door member 607 is operated only when a big hit such as the above-described 16R probability change that can be expected of the ball is generated, and only the horizontal shutter member 606 is operated in the case of another big hit. Adoption is possible. Furthermore, even if it is a big hit such as 16R probability change, an operation mode in which the falling door member 607 is opened only in a predetermined big hit is also conceivable.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the shielding cover member 604 is provided, and the space between the falling door member 607 and the ball passage forming portion 605 is covered with the shielding cover member 604. Therefore, the game balls entering the game ball collection port 614 can be only the game balls released from the first winning guide unit 609 and the second winning guide unit 610. The first and second shutter portions 606a and 606b and the falling door member 607 can share a functional game ball to provide a functional sense of unity with respect to the handled game ball.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the open period of the lodging door member 607 extends over the period from the start of the first round to the end of the last round, and the horizontal shutter member 606 moves forward and backward according to the number of rounds. During this time, the lodging door member 607 continues to open. That is, the falling door member 607 continues to open across the rounds when the special prize opening device 600 is operated. Furthermore, the fall door member 607 opens before the horizontal shutter member 606 and closes after the horizontal shutter member 606. Therefore, the game balls released from the first winning guide unit 609 and the second winning guide unit 610 can be guided into the game ball collection port 614 without overflowing. In addition, the opening operation of the falling door member 607 can promptly notify that the special prize opening device 600 has been activated.

  In designing the production when the prize winning opening device 600 starts to operate, for example, in the development stage, the time from when the game ball is launched until the gaming ball reaches the prize winning opening device 600 is measured a predetermined number of times and averaged. It is conceivable to determine the operation timing of the fallen door member 607 and the horizontal shutter member 606 based on the calculation result. Then, by making the content of the effect based on the operation timing of the fallen door member 607 and the horizontal shutter member 606, when the player hits the right, the occurrence of a game ball that does not enter the big prize opening is suppressed, and the special game It is possible to speed up digestion.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the speed reducing portion 611 is provided in the inflow ball guiding portion 608, the speed of the game ball heading from the first entrance 609a to the second entrance 610a can be reduced. . Therefore, the game ball that has passed through the first entrance 609a can be more reliably entered into the second entrance 610a. Furthermore, at the end of the above round, the game balls that could not be entered due to the closing of the first entrance 609a are rounded up to the next opening of the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a. Then, it becomes possible to enter the second entrance 610a.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the speed reduction unit 611 is provided in the path of the game ball from the grand prize opening device 600 toward the second start port 52, so that the speed reduction unit 611 makes a prize related to the second start port 52. It is possible to adjust the rate. Even if it is difficult to adjust the tendency of the game balls to flow down due to restrictions on the arrangement of nails around the winning prize opening device 600 and the second start opening 52, the reduction unit 611 allows the arrangement of the nails and the like. It becomes possible to supplement the constraints.

  Further, by devising the configuration of the speed reducing portion 611, it is possible to further adjust the winning rate related to the second start port 52. As a device of the configuration of the speed reduction unit 611, the arrangement, size, and shape of the protrusion 611a, the structure of the speed reduction unit 611, and the like can be considered. Moreover, as a structural change of the deceleration part 611, for example, the surface of the connection part 608b of the inflow sphere guide part 608 can be formed into a corrugated shape having upper and lower undulations.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which only one winning prize opening is provided in the game area PA is adopted. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the winning prize opening is also arranged below the first start opening 51. And you may employ | adopt the structure provided with two big prize openings in game area PA. An open / close blade member may be added in the vicinity of the big prize opening device 600, and this open / close blade member may be used as the first big prize port relating to the first special symbol game. In this case, it is possible to aim for winning in the first big winning opening by so-called right-handed hitting the game ball toward the right side of the game area PA. Furthermore, you may employ | adopt the structure which has the horizontal shutter member 606 and the fall door member 704 in a 1st big winning opening.

  Further, in this embodiment, the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a of the grand prize opening device 600 are opened and closed by a horizontal shutter member 606 integrally including a first shutter portion 606a and a second shutter portion 606b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first shutter portion 606a and the second shutter portion 606b are driven separately, and the first entrance 609a and the second entrance 610a are You may make it open and close with a time difference. In that case, an operation mode in which the opening of the second entrance 610a is started while the first entrance 609a is being opened or after being closed can be exemplified.

[First Modification]
Next, a gaming machine according to a first modification of the present embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the first modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration. The description will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described. Here, FIG. 15 is a front view showing the upper side of the game board 20 according to the first modification.

  In the above-described embodiment, three ball inlets are formed between the tip of the ball return prevention valve 45 and the outer end of the center accessory 80. However, in the gaming machine according to this modification, Two ball inlets are formed between the tip of the return prevention valve 45 and the outer end of the center accessory 80.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, between the tip of the ball return prevention valve 45 and the first protrusion 811 (on the virtual line X connecting the two in a plane parallel to the board surface), One game nail 95 (referred to as “specific nail 95T”) is planted, and two ball inlets 911 and 913 are formed by being separated from each other by the specific nail 95T.

  Therefore, also in this modification, the relationship between the number of ball inlets and the number of ball outlets is “plural: plural”. That is, two or more ball inlets and two or more ball outlets are set. At this time, each sphere entrance and each sphere exit are not associated 1: 1. That is, depending on which ball inlet the game ball flows into, it is not uniformly determined from which ball outlet the game ball flows out. Therefore, even when a game ball flows into any ball inlet, the game ball can flow out from any of a plurality of ball outlets.

  As described above, in the first modified example, the plurality of ball inlets 911 and 913 separated from each other by the obstacle member such as the game nail 95 between the tip end portion of the ball return prevention valve 45 and the outer end portion of the center accessory 80 are provided. Even if a game ball is allowed to flow into any of the ball inlets, the flow path of the game ball is arranged in various ways without being collected downstream. Accordingly, by arbitrarily switching the game ball driving position into the game area PA according to the skill of the player, a change occurs in the flow path (ball flow) of the game ball, and the ball enters the winning opening. Since the rates can be made different, it is possible to enhance the technical intervention of the player and improve the interest of the game.

[Second modification: Asymmetric board surface]
Next, a gaming machine according to a second modification of the present embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the second modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to parts having the same configuration. The description will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

  In the game board 20 in this modified example, although not shown, as a so-called left-right asymmetric board surface, a) operating gates 53 in both the left area PA2 and the right area PA3 ("first operating gate 53L" in the left area, “Second operation gate 53R”) is disposed in the region, and b) the first start port 51 is disposed at the center of the lower region PA4 below the center accessory 80 and at the center of the lower side PA4. A configuration is adopted in which the second starting port 52 is disposed directly below the port 51, and c) the big winning port 60 is disposed below the second operating gate 53R. Note that the first start port 51 and the second start port 52 are arranged at positions that overlap vertically, and the upper portion of the second start port 52 is blocked by the presence of the first start port 51 under normal circumstances. The form (so-called cup electric Chu) is adopted.

  The first operation gate 53L is arranged in the middle of the left-hand flow channel 91 or in the middle of the left-hand distribution channel 92, and a game ball that flows down the flow channel when left-handed is an obstacle such as a game nail 95. Whether or not to pass through the first operating gate 53L is determined by the member. A windmill 96 is arranged downstream of the first operating gate 53L, and the game balls distributed to the right side by the windmill 96 are a plurality of game nails 95 (road nails) arranged substantially linearly. 95M) By flowing down, it is guided toward the first start port 51 and the second start port 52 disposed in the center of the lower area PA4, and enters the first start port 51 or the second start port 52. The ball flows or flows into the out port 29 without entering any winning port.

  The second operation gate 53R is disposed in the vicinity of the upper end of the right distribution channel 94, that is, in the vicinity of the outlet of the right flow channel 93 as a single-sphere flow channel. Therefore, the game ball released from the right flow channel 93 when hitting right is guided to the second operation gate 53R side, and the entrance rate to the second operation gate 53R is increased. A big winning opening 60 is disposed directly below the second operating gate 53R, and as long as the game ball passes through the operating gate 53R, the gaming ball flows down toward the big winning opening 60. At that time, if the special electric accessory 642 is in an open state, the game ball enters the big prize opening 60. On the other hand, if the special winning opening 60 is in the closed state, the game ball flows down the upper surface of the special electric accessory 642 and is guided to the first start opening 51 and the second start opening 52. In addition, the game balls that have not passed through the second operation gate 53R and have flowed near the winning prize opening 60 are also guided to the first start opening 51 and the second start opening 52. As described above, the present modification is configured such that the game ball can pass through the second operation gate 53R and can enter the second starting port 52 in both cases of left-handed and right-handed. Has been.

Here, in the above-described embodiment, when the normal symbol winning / losing lottery is won, the normal electric accessory 622 is opened for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas the easy entry state is achieved. In the (specific game state), the ordinary electric accessory 622 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) compared to the normal state. On the other hand, in this modified example, when the gaming state is the normal state (non-entry easy state), the winning probability in the normal symbol winning / determining determination is set to a low probability, but the normal symbol winning / determining result is Is elected, even in the normal state, the ordinary electric accessory 522 is opened for a relatively long time, for example, 0.5 seconds, then closed for 1 second, and then opened for another 5 seconds. Configure to be able to. In that case, it is good also as a structure by which only the long open pattern (for example, 4 seconds) is always selected as the open pattern of the normal electric accessory 522 in a normal state, or a long open pattern (for example, 4 seconds) and short open Both patterns (for example, 0.2 seconds) are prepared, and in specific cases (for example, when a plurality of normal symbols (winning symbols) are prepared and won with specific symbols) Only the long open pattern may be selected. In this case, the selection rate of the winning symbol A related to the long open pattern and the winning symbol B related to the short open pattern is, for example, 1:10 (in terms of winning probability, 1/100: 1/10, etc.). In other words, the long open pattern may be less likely to be selected (the winning symbol B in the normal state is open for 0.2 seconds). At that time, in the case of the winning symbol A in the easy entry state, “2 second release → 0.5 second closing → 2 second release”, in the case of the winning symbol B in the easy entry state, “1 second release”. → 0.5 seconds closed → 1 second open → 0.5 seconds closed → 1 second open. Moreover, in the normal state, you may perform the production | presentation which alert | reports whether it will be a long open pattern. As an example, a character or an image such as “Electric Chu Long Release!” Appears on the screen. Furthermore, in the normal state, a suggestion effect for causing the user to expect whether or not a long open pattern is planned may be executed. As an example of this, not only “Denki Chu Long!” Is displayed on the screen, but also a number of characters and image squares such as “Sorry ...” are displayed like a roulette, corresponding to the final stopped square. An event may be made. In other words, "Sorry ..." does not open long. With regard to the normal state fluctuation display related to the operation holding ball generated by entering the second start opening 52 when the normal state is long open, a special effect that does not appear in the fluctuation display of the first special symbol in the normal state is executed. You may comprise.

  For this reason, in this modification, it goes without saying that when the game state is a probable change state (easy entry state), the game ball launched into the game area PA is operated even in the normal state (non-entrance easy state). The game to enter the gate 53 and the second start port 52 can be executed with high frequency. At this time, in both cases of left-handed and right-handed, the game ball can be made to enter the second starting port 52. However, in the case of left-handed, a plurality of game balls flow in the process of flowing down the left area PA2. Since the flow down path can be irregularly changed by the book game nail 95 and the windmill 96, the time value required to reach the second start port 52 can vary greatly. On the other hand, in the case of right-handed, the game ball flows down the right area PA3 in the process of flowing down the uniform flow path on the upstream side by a single-row flow path, and on the downstream side, it is more disturbed than the left area PA2. Since the number of members is small and the flow path can be a substantially regular and smooth spherical flow, the time value required to reach the second start port 52 is unlikely to vary greatly. That is, when a right-handed game is executed, in order to enable a quick game in a special game state or a specific game state, the right area PA3 has a smaller distribution width of the downflow path than the left area PA2, A small number of obstructive members such as game nails 95 and accessories are arranged. For this reason, the game ball launched into the right area PA3 is less likely to be interfered with the flow-down path by the obstacle member or the like, and the arrival time to the second starting port 52 or the big winning port 60 is shortened.

  As described above, in the second modified example, the time value required to flow down the left area PA2 and reach the second start port 52 after the game ball is hit at the time of left hit, and the game ball is hit at the time of right hit. A difference (temporal difference) is given to the time value required to flow down the right area PA3 and reach the second starting port 52, and a ball flow rich in change depending on how to hit the game ball is realized. By doing so, it is possible to suppress a decrease in interest with respect to the ball flow in the game area PA and expand the range of game play.

[Third modification: high-speed digestion]
Next, a gaming machine according to a third modification of the present embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the third modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the present embodiment described above, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration. The description will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

  In this modification, a board surface configuration substantially similar to that of the above-described embodiment is employed. Here, in the right area PA3, the operation gate 53 and the second start port 52 are arranged close to each other in the vertical direction, and as long as the game ball passes through the operation gate 53 in the process of flowing down, If the ordinary electric accessory 522 is in an open state at that time, the game ball enters the second start port 52.

  In the present modification, the game ball is moved within the time from when the game ball passes through the operation gate 53 (detected by the operation gate switch 531) until the game ball reaches the second start port 52. It is comprised so that the process regarding the normal symbol game performed with a passage may be completed. In the present example, “the process related to the normal symbol game” is executed when the game ball passes through the operation gate 53. b) A normal symbol lottery process (normal symbol win / fail determination, normal symbol stop symbol) Determination, normal symbol variation time determination), b) normal symbol variation display processing and stop display processing in the normal symbol display device 75 based on the lottery result, and c) processing of operating the ordinary electric accessory 522. Including. At this time, in the easy-to-enter state (specific game state), a relatively short time value (for example, “0.1 second”) is selected as the normal symbol variation display process as the normal symbol variation display process. In addition, in the easy-to-enter state (specific game state), when the result of the normal symbol winning / rejecting determination is a win, the normal electric accessory 522 is operated for a relatively long time (for example, 4) For 2 seconds).

  Under such circumstances, when the game ball passes through the operation gate 53, if the determination result of the normal symbol executed by the passage of the game ball to the operation gate 53 is a win, the game ball is Before reaching the second starting port 52, the normal electric accessory 522 is opened through the normal symbol variation display and stop display (the game ball is directly moved to the second starting port 52). It is possible to enter). As an example, A) The time from the passing of a game ball to the operating gate 53 until the normal symbol change start to change stop to the release of the normal electric accessory 522 is A (seconds). The time required for the passed game ball to reach the vicinity of the ordinary electric accessory 522 is B (seconds), and c) after the game ball is passed through the operation gate 53, the normal symbol variation start-variation stop-normal electric accessory 522 If the time from the opening of the motor to the closing of the ordinary electric accessory 522 is C (seconds), and d) the shooting interval of one game ball is 0.6 (seconds), A <B <C and A <0 .6 is established.

  As described above, according to the third modified example, the operation gate 53 and the second big prize opening 52 are arranged in series vertically, and the normal electric accessory 522 is opened when the game ball passes through the operation gate 53 as an opportunity. Since the game ball can enter the second start port 52 as it is, the number of balls that enter the second start port 52 per unit time in the specific game state (at least easy to enter state). It is possible to increase the arrival time of the big hit winning by increasing the variation efficiency of the second special symbol (the average digestion speed of the game) by increasing.

  As described above, when high-speed digestion is adopted, there is a possibility that the baseball base per unit time may increase. Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, “3” is adopted as the number of winning balls when winning at the second starting port 52, but in this modification, the number of winning balls when winning at the second starting port 52 is adopted. “1 piece” is adopted. For example, in the above-described embodiment, in the specific gaming state, when 100 gaming balls are shot per minute (100 balls / minute), 1/3 of them enter the second starting port 52 and the remaining If 2/3 is set to be a spilled ball (out ball), the number of symbol variations is 33 and the number of prize balls is 99. On the other hand, in this modification, when 100 gaming balls are shot per minute (100 balls / minute) in a specific gaming state, when almost all of them are set to be able to enter the second starting port 52, The number of changes is 100, and the number of prize balls is 100. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the base of the prize ball per unit time substantially constant while realizing high-speed game digestion.

[Fourth modification: Winning effect]
Next, a gaming machine according to a fourth modification of the present embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the fourth modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the present embodiment described above, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration. The description will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the 16R special game and the 8R special game, a long open round game corresponding to the number of rounds (“long open unit game”) is executed, and in the 2R special game, the round number is handled. A configuration in which a short open round game (“short open unit game”) is executed is illustrated. In this modification, a long open unit game and a short open unit game are mixed in a plurality of round games (one special game). As an example, 1) 16R special game A: all long open, 2) 16R special game B: long open up to 8R, and the remaining 8R open short (open once per 1R), 3) 16R special game C: long up to 4R Open and the remaining 12R are short open (open once per 1R), 4) 8R special game A: all open long, 5) 8R special game B: open long until 4R, the remaining 4R open short (open once per 1R) 6) 8R special game C: all short open (open once per 1R), 7) 2R special game: all short open (open once per 1R). In this case, 6) and 7), which are all short-opening, are special effects with an in-count prize, all 1) and 4) are special effects, with a non-count-in prize, and the other is long-open and short-open. Therefore, a special effect may be executed with a non-count winning prize in the long opening, and a special effect with a counting winning prize in the short opening. Here, the long open unit game is a unit game in which the grand prize winning opening 60 is opened for a relatively long period (30 seconds in this example) so that it is possible or easy to enter the big winning prize opening 60. I mean. The short opening unit game is a unit game in which the big winning opening 60 is opened for a relatively short period (0.05 seconds in this example) so that it is impossible or difficult to enter the winning opening 60. That means. In any unit game, if there are more than the specified number (10 balls in this example) of game balls before the predetermined opening period ends, the special winning opening 60 is temporarily closed. The

  In the present modification, in a special gaming state, when a game ball enters the big winning opening 60, a predetermined winning effect is generated. This winning effect includes a normal winning effect, an over winning effect, and an in-count winning effect.

  First, during the execution of the long open unit game, a normal winning effect is generated every time a gaming ball enters the big winning opening 60 until the specified number (10 balls) is reached. In this normal winning effect, on the effect display device 70, for example, an image for informing the number of balls entered into the big winning opening 60 is displayed (incremented display every time a game ball enters), or a specific LED is lit up. Or

  Subsequently, during the execution of the long open unit game, when there are game balls (over winning) exceeding the specified number (10 balls), an over winning effect is generated. Here, as described above, “over winning” means that a predetermined number or more of game balls (in this example, the 11th and subsequent game balls) are entered before the large winning opening 60 is closed. A phenomenon. As an example of this over winning, even if the game ball of the 10th count reaches the big winning opening switch 641 in the big winning opening 60, even if the subsequent gaming ball does not reach the big winning opening switch 641, it is a big win. If there is a situation where a ball is entered in the mouth 60, the big winning opening 60 is closed by detecting the interval period (the 10th count with the big winning opening switch 641), and even after the closing, the big winning opening switch 641 is closed. In the period in which the detection of the game ball by is valid), it is considered that the player has entered the ball even if the big prize opening 60 is closed (that is, it becomes a target for a prize ball). In the over winning effect, when the eleventh and subsequent game balls are won (over winning) in the long open unit game, an image for informing the number of winning balls to the big winning opening 60 is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 70. In addition, as a special effect, for example, a letter “GET!” Is displayed and a special sound effect is generated.

Next, when one or more game balls are entered during the execution of the short opening unit game, an in-count prize winning effect occurs. On the other hand, in-count winning refers to a phenomenon in which a game ball enters the big winning opening 60 in a short opening unit game that is difficult or impossible to enter the big winning opening 60. In the in-country winning effect, when a game ball wins in a short opening unit game (in-count winning), an image for displaying the number of winning balls to the big winning opening 60 is displayed, and as a special effect, for example, “GET! "And a special sound effect are generated. That is, in the present modification, the over winning effect and the in-count winning effect are combined in the same special effect. In both cases, the possibility of entering the grand prize opening 60 is extremely low, but it is possible to enter the grand prize opening 60 by an intentional operation or an accidental phenomenon. This is because they share the same special effects, so it is possible to achieve uniformity as a production effect, and this prevents the limited use of hardware resources of the gaming machine. It becomes possible to do. Of course, the over-winning effect and the in-count prize-winning effect may be effects of different display modes. However, when the grand prize opening 60 is long open, a special effect is not generated by winning in the count (even if the effect is generated, it is not a special sound effect but a normal sound effect effect). . It should be noted that the big prize opening device 600 exemplified in the above-described embodiment is easier to win than the conventional door-type big prize device (door-type attacker) even when the opening is short, so the count when the opening is short. The winning prize production is easily performed.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment and modification, If it is a range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can improve suitably. In addition, the components described in the above embodiments and modified examples are appropriately combined, or some of the components described in the above described embodiments and modified examples are deleted or converted by known / conventional techniques, etc. These are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the game board 20 is formed as a left-right asymmetric board surface, but is not limited to this configuration, and may be formed as a left-right symmetrical board surface. In the above-described embodiment, the left distribution channel is disposed downstream of the left flow channel in the left region PA2, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the left distribution channel may be omitted. . Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the top-plate part 81 is formed as a part of center center object 80 (namely, although both are formed as an integrated object), it is not limited to this structure, The center accessory 80 and the top plate 81 may be formed separately. In the above-described embodiment, an example of an open / close-type wing-shaped electric chew has been described as the ordinary electric accessory 522 (second start opening 52), but this configuration is not limited, and the open / close type A door-type electric chew or an open / close-type electric chew may be applied.

  In addition, in order to make the technical significance of the present invention clearer and easier to understand, the constituent features of the embodiment illustrating the present invention are listed based on the above-described embodiment. However, the configuration requirements listed below are merely examples, and the configuration requirements listed above are added to these configuration requirements as well as the combination and separation (higher level conceptualization) of these configuration requirements. May be.

The pachinko gaming machine of the aspect illustrating the present invention (1) is
A game board in which a game area where game balls flow down is formed, a start opening provided in the game area and into which a game ball can enter, a decorative member provided in the game area, and a start opening NG determination means for executing the NG determination when the game ball enters the game, and a special game execution that can shift to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the non-special game state when the NG determination result is a win A guide passage through which a game ball can pass is formed between an outer rail provided on the game board and an inner rail provided on the inner rail, and the game ball is moved to the guide passage by a launching device. A pachinko gaming machine configured to drive the game ball along the game area and flow down the game ball in the game area,
Provided in the vicinity of the exit opening of the game ball to the game area in the guide passage, and allowing the game ball to flow into the game area by swinging the valve body in a direction to open the exit opening. A ball return prevention valve that prevents the game ball from returning to the guide rail by swinging in a direction in which the valve body closes the outlet opening; and an extension of the guide passage provided at an upper portion of the decorative member. A top plate portion that forms an upper passage through which the game ball can pass along the outer rail with the outer rail in the upper region;
A flow channel provided in the game area, for flowing down the game ball flowing between the tip of the valve body and the outer end located on the outlet opening side of the top plate,
Between the tip of the valve body and the outer end of the top plate portion, one or more obstacle members capable of changing the flow direction of the game ball are disposed,
The flow-down channel is formed as a double-row sphere channel having a channel width more than twice the diameter of the game ball,
At a position downstream of the flow-down channel and upstream of the plurality of game nails arranged in a row below the decorative member and guiding the game balls to the start port side, The pachinko gaming machine is characterized in that a single-row spherical channel having a channel width less than twice the diameter is not provided.

The pachinko gaming machine of the aspect illustrating the present invention (2) is
A game board formed with a game area in which a game ball flows down, a start opening provided in the game area and into which a game ball can enter, and a game area disposed in the game area at least on the left side area; And a right and left area decoration member, a determination unit for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start opening, and a game result that is more than the non-special game state when the result of the determination is a win. A special game execution means capable of shifting to a special game state advantageous to a player, and a guide passage through which a game ball can pass between an outer rail provided on the game board and an inner rail provided on the inner rail A game machine configured to drive a game ball into the game area along the guide path by a launching device, and to cause the game ball to flow down to either the left area or the right area in the game area Because
Provided in the vicinity of the exit opening of the game ball to the game area in the guide passage, and allowing the game ball to flow into the game area by swinging the valve body in a direction to open the exit opening. A ball return prevention valve for preventing the return of the game ball to the guide rail by swinging in a direction in which the valve body closes the outlet opening;
A top plate portion that is provided on an upper part of the decorative member and forms an upper passage that allows a game ball to pass along the outer rail between the outer rail and the outer rail in a region on the extension of the guide passage;
A flow-down passage provided in the game area and allowing a game ball flowing between the tip of the valve body and the outer end located on the outlet opening side of the top plate to flow down in the left area; With
Between the tip of the valve body and the outer end of the top plate portion, one or more obstacle members capable of changing the flow direction of the game ball are disposed,
The flow-down channel is formed as a double-row sphere channel having a channel width more than twice the diameter of the game ball,
In the left region, a position downstream of the flow-down channel and upstream of a plurality of game nails arranged in a row below the decorative member and guiding the game balls to the start port side Is not provided with a single-row sphere channel having a channel width less than twice the diameter of the game ball,
In the right region, a pachinko gaming machine is provided with a single-row ball channel having a channel width less than twice the diameter of the game ball.

The pachinko gaming machine of the aspect illustrating the present invention (3) is
A game board in which a game area where a game ball flows down is formed, a start opening provided in the game area and into which a game ball can enter, and an open state and a closed state provided in the game area. The winning / notifying determination is executed by using a winning prize opening, a decorative member arranged in the game area and dividing the game area into at least a left area and a right area, and a game ball entering the start opening. If the result of the determination is winning, if the result of the determination is winning, special game execution means for executing a special game that can make the big prize opening an advantageous state for the player, and a game state after the completion of execution of the special game Specific game transition means for controlling the game state to have a specific game state after completion of the execution of the special game having a normal game state and a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state; Provided A guide passage through which a game ball can pass is formed between the rail and an inner rail provided inside the rail, and the game ball is driven into the game area along the guide passage by a launching device. A pachinko gaming machine configured to be able to execute a left-handed game that flows down to the left region and a right-handed game that flows down the game ball to the right region,
Provided in the vicinity of the exit opening of the game ball to the game area in the guide passage, and allowing the game ball to flow into the game area by swinging the valve body in a direction to open the exit opening. A ball return prevention valve for preventing the return of the game ball to the guide rail by swinging in a direction in which the valve body closes the outlet opening;
A top plate portion that is provided on an upper part of the decorative member and forms an upper passage that allows a game ball to pass along the outer rail between the outer rail and the outer rail in a region on the extension of the guide passage;
A flow-down passage provided in the game area and allowing a game ball flowing between the tip of the valve body and the outer end located on the outlet opening side of the top plate to flow down in the left area; With
Between the tip of the valve body and the outer end of the top plate portion, one or more obstacle members capable of changing the flow direction of the game ball are disposed,
The flow-down channel is formed as a double-row sphere channel having a channel width more than twice the diameter of the game ball,
In the left region, a position downstream of the flow-down channel and upstream of a plurality of game nails arranged in a row below the decorative member and guiding the game balls to the start port side Is not provided with a single-row sphere channel having a channel width less than twice the diameter of the game ball,
In the right side area, a single-row sphere channel having a channel width less than twice the diameter of the game ball is provided,
In the normal game state, the player's advantage is relatively higher when performing the left-handed game than when performing the right-handed game,
In the specific gaming state, the pachinko gaming machine is characterized in that the player's advantage is relatively higher when the right-handed game is performed than when the left-handed game is performed.

PM Pachinko machine PA gaming area PA1 upper area PA2 left area PA3 right area PA4 lower area 1 outer frame 2 front frame 5 glass frame 20 game board 41 outer rail 42 inner rail 43 rail decoration 44 guide passage 45 ball return prevention valve 47 Valve body 48 Introduction passage 51 First start opening 52 Second start opening 60 Big prize opening 70 Production display device 80 Center object (decorative member)
81 Top plate part 91 Left-side down flow path (down-flow path, double-row sphere flow path)
92 Left distribution channel 93 Right flow channel (single-sphere channel)
94 right distribution channel 95 game nail 96 windmill 100 main control board (whether determination means, special game execution means, specific game transition means)
200 Production control board

Claims (1)

A game board in which a game area where game balls flow down is formed, a start opening provided in the game area and into which a game ball can enter, a decorative member provided in the game area, and a start opening NG determination means for executing the NG determination when the game ball enters the game, and a special game execution that can shift to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the non-special game state when the NG determination result is a win A guide passage through which a game ball can pass is formed between an outer rail provided on the game board and an inner rail provided on the inner rail, and the game ball is moved to the guide passage by a launching device. A pachinko gaming machine configured to drive the game ball along the game area and flow down the game ball in the game area,
Provided in the vicinity of the exit opening of the game ball to the game area in the guide passage, and allowing the game ball to flow into the game area by swinging the valve body in a direction to open the exit opening. A ball return prevention valve for preventing the return of the game ball to the guide rail by swinging in a direction in which the valve body closes the outlet opening;
A top plate portion that is provided on an upper part of the decorative member and forms an upper passage that allows a game ball to pass along the outer rail between the outer rail and the outer rail in a region on the extension of the guide passage;
A flow channel provided in the game area, for flowing down the game ball flowing between the tip of the valve body and the outer end located on the outlet opening side of the top plate,
Between the tip of the valve body and the outer end of the top plate portion, one or more obstacle members capable of changing the flow direction of the game ball are disposed,
The flow-down channel is formed as a double-row sphere channel having a channel width more than twice the diameter of the game ball,
At a position downstream of the flow-down channel and upstream of the plurality of game nails arranged in a row below the decorative member and guiding the game balls to the start port side, A pachinko gaming machine characterized in that a single-row spherical channel having a channel width less than twice the diameter is not provided.

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