JP2020022882A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably increasing interest of a game by a game ball flowing down a game area.SOLUTION: On the back side of decoration bodies 612A, 613A that decorate by emitting light, a left downflow passage 652 and a right downflow passage 653 are formed as game ball passages, and in these passages 652, 653, protrusions 612D, 613D are provided as at least one passage display unit extending along the continuous direction of the passage. Therefore, even when the decoration bodies 612A, 613A emit light for decoration, a player can easily grasp these passages 652, 653 before the game starts. Thus, it is possible to suppress the player from feeling distrust or the like with respect to the game balls that have entered the left and right downflow passages 652, 653, so that it is possible to suitably increasing interest of the game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a ball game machine.

  In a typical game machine of the related art, a game ball fired in response to a player's operation enters a game area formed on a game board and flows down the game area. When a game ball flowing down the game area enters the starting port, a lottery is performed in accordance with the entry. A configuration is known in which when a big hit is won in the lottery, a special game state is set and a large number of game balls can be won in the winning opening.

  In such a conventional gaming machine, various ideas have been devised regarding the moving path of the game ball in order to improve the interest of the game by the game ball flowing down the game area. For example, a game in which a warp path for guiding game balls from the outside to the inside of a central structure disposed in the center of a game board is provided, and the game balls are guided to a stage that can be guided to a starting device using the warp path. Machine exists (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-254955 A

  However, in conventional gaming machines, there is still room for improvement in order to enhance the interest of the game.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and has an object to provide, for example, a gaming machine capable of suitably improving the interest of a game played by a game ball flowing down a game area.

The gaming machine according to the present invention, in order to solve the above problems,
A gaming machine having a game area in which a game ball flows through a predetermined entrance,
A decoration part that is configured so that the back side can be seen, and decorates by emitting light,
A game ball passage formed on the back side of the decorative part,
In the game ball passage, at least one passage display unit extending along a continuous direction of the game ball passage,
The decorative portion includes a decorative undulating surface formed on the front side of the decorative portion, and a streak-shaped protrusion formed on the back side of the decorative portion and extending along a continuous direction of the game ball passage,
The passage display unit is characterized in that the passage display unit includes the streak-like projection.

  With the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably improving the interest of a game with a game ball flowing down a game area.

Front perspective view of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in an open state. A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state. A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in yet another open state. Front view of pachinko machine Front view of pachinko machine with front block removed Front view of gaming board Back side perspective view of pachinko machine Rear view of pachinko machine Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine Flow chart showing an example of main control main processing Flow chart showing an example of main control interrupt processing It is an exploded perspective view of a central structure. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a region E1 in FIG. 13. It is the perspective view which looked at the top plate decoration, the upper left front decoration, and the upper right front decoration from the back side. It is a fragmentary sectional view of a central structure. It is the figure which looked at the partial sectional view of FIG. 16 from the front. It is a front view of a central structure. It is a figure explaining the shape of a flow-down passage. It is an enlarged view of area | region E2 in FIG.

  With regard to the embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a pachinko machine 100 as an example of a ball game machine, which is a kind of gaming machine, will be described, followed by a description of a modified example and other types of gaming machines. First, a structural configuration, an electrical configuration, and various control processes of the embodiment of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in order.

<Structural configuration>
First, the configuration of the structural part of the pachinko machine 100 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 are perspective views showing various states of the pachinko machine 100. FIG. 1 shows a closed state of the pachinko machine 100. FIG. 2 shows a front block 102 and an intermediate block 103 integrated with an outer frame 101. 3 shows a state in which the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the rear block 104 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103. Is shown. FIG. 5 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which the front block 102 of the pachinko machine 100 has been removed from the state of FIG. In addition, various wirings are omitted in each drawing, and a part of the configuration of the game board 400 is omitted in FIGS. 3 and 6.

  The pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 101, a front block 102, an intermediate block 103, and a rear block 104, for example, as shown in FIGS. It is configured to be displaceable.

  The outer frame 101 has a function as main body support means for supporting the main body of the pachinko machine 100. The outer frame 101 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a substantially quadrangular frame body in which a top plate 111, a bottom plate 112, a left plate 113, and a right plate 114 are assembled. And is firmly fixed by fixtures (not shown). In the pachinko machine 100, the outer frame 101 is not an indispensable configuration, and the outer frame 101 or the main body corresponding to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101 has the same inner shape as the outer frame 101. A structure in which a supporting mechanism for supporting and a part of a locking mechanism for locking a main body thereof is provided in the island facility may be adopted.

  Intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided on one side of the outer frame 101 in the left-right direction (the left side plate portion 113 side). The outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 are connected (coupled) by the intermediate block supporting mechanisms 121 and 122, and the main body of the pachinko machine 100 rotates one end (left side) in the left-right direction when the pachinko machine 100 is viewed from the front. It is configured to be rotatable forward with the base end side and the other end side (right side) as the rotation tip side.

  The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided at the upper end and the lower end of the outer frame 101, for example, as shown in FIG. In each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, for example, a shaft provided in the intermediate block 103 is supported from below by a shaft support provided in the outer frame 101, and a shaft hole provided in the shaft support is provided. Is configured to be rotatable by being inserted. The configuration in which the main body of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is rotatable is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, a shaft hole is provided on the intermediate block 103 side, and a shaft portion is formed on the outer frame 101 side. Other configurations may be used.

  The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided with a function of releasing the connection state between the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined detachment operation, and the main body of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is attached to the outer frame 101. On the other hand, it is detachably attached. For example, the connection state of the intermediate block 103 to the outer frame 101 is released by performing a predetermined removal operation of opening the intermediate block 103 to the outer frame 101 by a predetermined amount or more and moving the intermediate block 103 upward by a predetermined amount. You. Thus, the main body of the pachinko machine 100 can be detached from the outer frame 101.

  On the front side of the intermediate block 103, the front block 102 is disposed so as to overlap, and the intermediate block 103 and the front block 102 are connected by front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 provided on the left side in front view. The front block supporting mechanisms 131 and 132 have the same configuration as the intermediate block supporting mechanisms 121 and 122, support the front block 102 to be rotatable forward with respect to the intermediate block 103, and remove the front block 102 by a predetermined removing operation. It is configured to be possible.

  The rear block 104 is disposed on the rear side of the intermediate block 103 so as to overlap with the intermediate block 103, and the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 are arranged by rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 (see FIG. 8) provided on the left side in front view. It is connected. The rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 and the front block support mechanisms 131 and 132, and support the rear block 104 to be rotatable rearward with respect to the intermediate block 103. In addition, it is configured to be detachably supported by a predetermined detachment operation.

  Further, the pachinko machine 100 includes an intermediate block locking mechanism that regulates opening and closing of the intermediate block 103 with respect to the outer frame 101, a front block locking mechanism that regulates opening and closing of the front block 102 with respect to the intermediate block 103, an intermediate block locking mechanism, and a front block locking mechanism. A lock operating mechanism operated to unlock and lock the block locking mechanism is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate block 103 is provided with a key cylinder 141 as a lock operation mechanism that is exposed to the front side of the pachinko machine 100 through the opening of the front block 102.

  When a clockwise rotation operation using an operation key (not shown) is performed as a predetermined operation on the key cylinder 141, the movable portion 143 of the intermediate block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 operates. As a result, the engagement between the engaged portion 142 and the movable portion 143 provided on the outer frame 101 as a part of the intermediate block locking mechanism is released, and the intermediate block 103 is opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 101. Become.

  On the other hand, the movable portion 144 of the front block locking mechanism provided on the intermediate block 103 is operated in response to a left rotation operation of the key cylinder 141 by a predetermined operation key. As a result, the engagement between the engaged portion 145 and the movable portion 144 provided on the front block 102 as a part of the front block locking mechanism is released, and the front block 102 is opened and closed with respect to the intermediate block 103. Become.

  Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism for restricting opening / closing of the rear block 104 with respect to the intermediate block 103. By the rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism, the rear block 104 can be switched between a state in which opening and closing are prohibited (opening / closing prohibited state) and a state in which opening and closing are permitted (opening / closing permitted state) with respect to the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined operation. It has been.

  The rear block opening / closing restricting mechanism includes, for example, two open / close restricting portions 150A and 150B provided in the intermediate block 103 and one open / close restricting portion 150C provided in the rear block 104, as shown in FIG. . These three opening / closing restricting portions 150A to 150C are provided with rotating pieces 151A to 151C that can be rotated. The rotating pieces 151A to 151C change their engagement states with the opening portions arranged to be overlapped in the front-rear direction in the closed state of the rear block 104 by the rotation operation. And an openable / closeable posture corresponding to the openable / closeable state. When all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C are set to the opening / closing allowance posture, each of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C can pass through the opening, and the rear block 104 is allowed to open / close with respect to the intermediate block 103. The open / close prohibition posture and the open / close permissible posture may be switched between the open / close prohibition state and the open / close permissible state by changing at least one of the positions and directions of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C. It may be configured to move in a fixed direction, or may be configured to operate by a combination of movement and rotation. Hereinafter, the same applies to a change in posture when a component member in each device shifts between a plurality of postures.

  Of the three rotating pieces 151A to 151C, two rotating pieces 151A and 151B corresponding to a part of them are formed on the rear block 104 in the open / close prohibition state of the rear block 104, as shown in FIG. One rotating piece 151C, which is exposed through the opening to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and corresponds to the remaining portion, is exposed to the front side of the intermediate block 103, as shown in FIG. For this reason, it is not possible to switch all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C to the openable / closable posture only by operating from one side such as the back side of the pachinko machine 100 or the front side of the intermediate block 103. Has been raised.

  Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a game ball movement regulating mechanism for regulating the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102. The game ball movement regulation mechanism is configured by, for example, a combination of a flow-down regulation piece 161 provided in the intermediate block 103 and a regulation change section 162 provided in the front block 102, as shown in FIGS. The flow-down regulating piece 161 is configured to be biased by a coil spring (not shown) to the front side where the front block 102 is located.

  In a state in which the front block 102 is closed with respect to the intermediate block 103 (the closed state of the front block 102), the flow-down regulating piece 161 is in a movement-permissible state in which a game ball is allowed to flow down. The change unit 162 presses and pushes the rear side of the intermediate block 103. The flow-down regulating piece 161 is arranged to be shifted rearward with respect to a guide path (not shown) for guiding a game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 in the movement allowable state. Thereby, in the closed state of the front block 102, the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is allowed.

  On the other hand, in a state in which the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103 (an open state of the front block 102), the pressing of the flow-down regulating piece 161 by the regulation changing unit 162 is released, and compared with the closed state of the front block 102. As a result, a movement-prohibiting state in which the flow-down regulating piece 161 projects toward the front block 102 is set. The downflow restricting piece 161 protrudes into the guide passage in the movement prohibited state, and prevents the downflow of the game ball to the downstream side. Thereby, the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the previous block 102 is prohibited.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 100 has the intermediate block 103 closed with respect to the outer frame 101, for example, at the lower end of the rear side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rotation front end side (left side in rear view). An open / close detection switch 108 for detecting whether or not the operation is performed is provided. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the intermediate block 103 is provided at the lower end on the front side of the intermediate block 103 and at the rotation front end (right side in front view). An open / close detection switch 109 for detecting whether or not the front block 102 is closed is provided for 103.

  Next, each configuration of the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 will be described in order.

 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front block 102 forms a substantially entire front surface of the pachinko machine 100, is a substantially rectangular member having a thickness in the front-rear direction, and decorates a front surface portion of the pachinko machine 100. It has a function as a front decoration means. The front block 102 mainly includes a base frame 201 made of a synthetic resin, and is configured by attaching a plurality of functional components before and after the base frame 201. On the front side of the base frame 201, a front decorative body 210 forming the front side of the pachinko machine 100 surrounds the opening 210A along the outer edge of the opening 210A formed including the central portion of the front block 102 in front view. It is attached to. In a state where the base frame 201 and the front decorative body 210 constituting the front block 102 are combined, the opening 210A is formed to penetrate in a front-rear direction over a wide area excluding the outer peripheral portion to which the front decorative body 210 is attached. Through this opening 210A, the intermediate block 103 including the game board 400 located on the rear side of the front block 102 is configured to be visible to the player.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front block 102 includes a central panel 220 provided on the back side of the base frame 201 so as to close the opening 210A, a main storage mechanism 230 for storing game balls, An auxiliary storage mechanism 240 for storing game balls, and a firing operation device 250 operated by a player to fire the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the front block 102 includes, as a part of the front decorative body 210, an opening peripheral portion 211 surrounding the periphery of the opening 210A, and a front protruding portion below the opening 210A. An upper protruding portion 217, a lower protruding portion 218 positioned below the upper protruding portion 217 and protruding forward, and an upper protruding portion 217 and a lower protruding portion on the right side of the lower protruding portion 218. A flat portion 219 formed of a substantially flat region located on the back side of the projection operation device 218 and on which the firing operation device 250 is arranged is formed. The main storage mechanism 230 is disposed on the upper protrusion 217, and the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is disposed on the lower protrusion 218.

  The center panel 220 has a function as a cover body that allows the rear side to be visible while closing the opening 210A formed through in the front-rear direction when the base frame 201 and the front decoration body 210 are combined. The center panel 220 has, for example, a panel frame 221 (see FIG. 3) attached from the rear side of the base frame 201 and a light-transmitting light fitted into the front side of the panel frame 221 as shown in FIGS. And a light-transmissive rear plate 223 (see FIG. 3) fitted substantially in parallel with the front plate 222 with a predetermined gap behind the panel frame 221. I have.

  The main storage mechanism 230 has a function of storing the game balls obtained according to the progress of the game and the game balls lent from the game hall. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the main storage mechanism 230 includes a storage unit 231, a ball removal mechanism (not shown), and a ball removal operation member 232 that operates the ball removal mechanism. The storage unit 231 has an inlet 231A for allowing game balls to flow from inside the pachinko machine 100 to the storage unit 231 and an outlet (not shown) for allowing game balls to flow from the storage unit 231 to the inside of the pachinko machine 100. A discharge port (not shown) formed upstream of the outlet is provided. By opening the release port, the game ball is released from the storage section 231 to the player without being taken into the pachinko machine 100. The ball removing mechanism has a function of switching the destination of the game ball between the outlet and the outlet.

  The game balls obtained in accordance with the progress of the game and the game balls lent in response to a lending operation performed on a lending operation device 292 described later mainly flow into the storage unit 231 through the inlet 231A. The storage section 231 has an opening formed on the upper side, through which game balls owned by the player are manually inserted, or game balls lent out at the game hall are supplied.

  The game balls that have flowed into the storage unit 231 are sequentially guided to the side where the outflow port and the discharge port are formed (upper right side in FIG. 1) while being aligned in a line. When the ball removing operation (for example, pressing operation) on the ball removing operation member 232 is not performed, the game ball is guided to a launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) described later through the outlet. On the other hand, when the ball removing operation is being performed on the ball removing operation member 232, the game ball is guided to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 1) through the discharge port.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 opens and closes a storage part 241 having inflow ports 241A and 241C (see FIG. 5) and a discharge port 241B (see FIG. 1) of the game ball, and a discharge port 241B. The ball removing mechanism 243 for operating the ball removing mechanism 243 is provided. The game balls or the like acquired according to the progress of the game mainly flow into the main storage mechanism 230, but flow into the storage section 241 through the inflow port 241A when the storage section 231 is full. In addition, even in response to the ball removing operation on the ball removing operation member 232, the game ball flows from the storage unit 231 to the storage unit 241 through the inflow port 241C.

  The bottom surface of the storage unit 241 is inclined downward toward the discharge port 241B. When the release port 241B is opened by a ball removal operation (for example, a pressing operation) on the ball removal operation member 242, all the game balls stored in the storage unit 241 can be sequentially released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. In addition, when the discharge port 241B is completely opened by the ball-pulling operation member 242 by the ball-pulling operation member 242, the release port 241B is kept in the open state until the ball-pulling operation member 242 is returned (for example, a pressing operation again). Will be maintained. A ball overflow switch 249 (see FIG. 10) for detecting whether or not game balls are excessively stored in the storage portion 241 is provided behind the inflow port 241A.

  The firing operation device 250 includes, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a pedestal 251 protruding forward from the flat portion 219 of the front decoration 210, a rotatable firing handle 252 provided around the pedestal 251, A variable resistor 253 (see FIG. 10) that detects the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252, a contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 10) that detects that a player is in contact with the firing handle 252, A firing stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) for disabling the ejection of the game ball accompanying the rotation operation by the operation of the player. When the firing handle 252 is rotated by the player, game balls are emitted from the firing device 330 (see FIG. 3) toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3) at an intensity corresponding to the amount of the rotation operation. Note that when the contact sensor 254 has not detected contact between the firing handle 252 and the player, or when the firing operation has been disabled by operating the firing stop switch 255, the firing handle 252 has been rotated. However, the game ball is not ejected from the firing device 330.

  Further, frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 (see FIG. 10) are provided behind the front decorative body 210 in the front block 102. The frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 are arranged so as to overlap with the opening peripheral portion 211 of the front decoration 210 on the back side, and are attached to the base frame 201. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening peripheral edge 211 includes an upper central edge 211A, a left upper edge 211B and an upper right edge 211C located on the left and right sides of the upper central edge 211A, and a left upper edge. A left edge portion 211D located below the upper edge portion 211B and a right edge portion 211E located below the upper right edge portion 211C as light emitting portions. Devices 271 to 275 are provided.

  The frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 include an upper center frame light emitting device 271 corresponding to the upper center edge 211A, an upper left frame light emitting device 272 corresponding to the upper left edge 211B, and an upper right frame light emitting corresponding to the upper right edge 211C. It comprises a device 273, a left frame light emitting device 274 corresponding to the left edge 211D, and a right frame light emitting device 275 (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the right edge 211E. Each of the frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 has one or a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light emitting means, electronic components such as resistors for controlling the LEDs, and integrates and electrically connects these electronic components. And a printed circuit board.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the front block 102 is provided with, for example, an upper left sound output port 211F and an upper right sound output port 211G above the opening peripheral portion 211 thereof. An upper left sound device 281 and an upper right sound device 282 (see FIGS. 3 and 10) are provided corresponding to the upper right sound output port 211G and the upper right sound output port 211G, respectively. The upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282 are attached to the base frame 201 so as to be located at the back (rear) of the opening peripheral portion 211 of the front decorative body 210.

  In the front block 102, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a game ball lending device 290 is provided on the upper right side of the upper protruding portion 217. The game ball lending device 290 includes a frequency display device 291 that displays a numerical value corresponding to the balance of bills, cards, and the like inserted in a card unit (not shown) arranged alongside the pachinko machine 100, and a game ball lending. A lending operation device 292 operated by the player when receiving the game, and a return operation device 293 operated by the player when returning the bills, cards, and the like inserted into the card unit. When a bill or a card is inserted into the card unit and a lending operation is performed on the lending operation device 292 in a valid state in which numerical values corresponding to the amounts are displayed on the frequency display device 291, the lending operation is performed. In response, a predetermined number of game balls are lent from the payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) of the rear block 104, and the display of the frequency display device 291 is updated with the rent of the game balls. On the other hand, when a return operation is performed on the return operation device 293 in the valid state, a card in which a banknote equivalent or a balance corresponding to the balance is recorded is returned from the card unit in accordance with the return operation.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with an input operation device 260 that allows a player to perform an input operation different from a firing operation. The input operation device 260 includes, for example, a pressing operation device 261 that can perform a pressing operation, a rotation operation device 262 that can perform a rotation operation, and a selection operation device 263 that can perform an up, down, left, and right direction operation. With these operation devices 261 to 263, an effect selection operation for selecting an effect to be executed in the pachinko machine 100, a device setting operation for setting the volume and light amount of each device for executing the effect of the pachinko machine 100, or a player-related operation It is possible to execute an effect setting operation or the like for inputting information and executing the effect of the pachinko machine 100 according to the previous game, and these operations can be executed by the player or the manager of the game arcade as necessary. It has been. Note that an input operation unit (for example, an annular rotation operation unit in the rotation operation device 262) with which the player contacts the input operation device 260 is rotated, moved up and down, or driven by input operation unit driving means such as a motor or a solenoid. It is preferable that the operation such as vibration is configured to be executable by control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, control of the sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10)), either before or after the input operation, or during the input operation, or By operating the input portion at a plurality of timings, it is possible to diversify the effects accompanying the input operation, such as actively prompting the input operation.

  Next, the intermediate block 103 will be described. The intermediate block 103 is a substantially rectangular member having substantially the same size as the front block 102, and has a function of attaching the front block 102 and the rear block 104 to integrate the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100. have. The intermediate block 103 is configured by attaching a plurality of functional components including a game board 400 to a base frame 301.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 includes a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see FIG. 3) which is attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, and a base frame. A game board support mechanism for rotatably and detachably supporting the game board 400 with respect to 301, a game board fixing mechanism for fixing the position of the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, and a game ball on the game board 400. A firing device 330 (see FIG. 3) for emitting, a main control device 370 (see FIG. 4) mounted on the back side of the game board 400 to control the game progress comprehensively, and based on commands from the main control device 370. A sub-control device 390 (see FIG. 4) for controlling game effects and state notification.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the base frame 301 includes a guide passage portion 301A in which a guide passage for guiding game balls discharged from a payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) described later to the front block 102 is formed. A plurality of wirings (not shown) and an opening 301B where the signal relay device 311 is located are provided. The opening 301B has a shape penetrating in the front-rear direction below the game board 400, and a plurality of wirings inserted through the opening 301B are formed of various devices provided in the front block 102 (for example, frame light emitting devices 271 to 271). 275, the upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282) and devices (for example, the main control device 370 and the sub control device 390) provided on the back side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rear block 104. Including the wiring, the signal relay device 311 has a function as a relay board that relays a part of the wiring.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 400 has a flat base 401 having a through hole through which game balls such as an outlet 401A can pass back and forth, and an outer rail that smoothly curves from the lower left to the upper right of the base 401. 402, an inner rail 403 that smoothly curves from the lower right to the upper left of the base 401, a return ball preventing mechanism 404 attached to the upper left end of the inner rail 403, and an upper right end of the outer rail 402. And a recoil prevention member 405 to be attached. The outer rail 402 guides a game ball fired from a firing device 330 described later into a game area. The return ball preventing mechanism 404 prevents the game ball once discharged into the game area from the launch passage 401B formed between the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 facing in parallel to return to the launch passage 401B. The anti-recoil member 405 has a shock-absorbing property to prevent a large rebound of the game ball such that a game ball heading to the right over the upper center of the game board 400 returns to the left through the upper center again. For example, it is formed of a material such as vibration damping rubber.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a return ball passage 163 is formed in a lower portion on the back side of the front block 102. There is a gap between the outer rail 402 and the guide member 335 that guides the game ball from the firing device 330 in the direction of the firing path 401B, and is fired from the firing device 330 but not beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404. The game ball returning in the passage 401B is returned to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 5) from the inflow port 241A (see FIG. 5) via the return ball passage portion 163 disposed below the gap.

  The game ball that has advanced beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 reaches the game area and moves (falls down) in the game area while dropping by its own weight. The game area has a substantially circular outer peripheral shape, and is divided into a shape in which a region having a front-rear width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball is mostly used. The outer periphery of the game area is generally defined by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403, the front side is defined by the rear plate 223 of the central panel 220, and the rear side is defined by the base 401 of the game board 400. Is divided into In addition, various structures provided in the game area will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the launching device 330 includes a ball feed mechanism 331 that sequentially sends game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to a firing position, and a ball feed solenoid 332 that drives the ball feed mechanism 331 (see FIG. 10). ), A firing mechanism 333 that ejects a game ball disposed at a firing position, a firing solenoid 334 that drives the firing mechanism 333 (see FIG. 10), and a game ball fired from the firing mechanism 333 on the game board 400. And a guide member 335 for guiding to the firing passage 401B. The firing device 330 operates in response to the firing operation on the firing operation device 250 as described above, and the driving control of the firing solenoid 334 changes according to the firing operation on the firing operation device 250 to adjust the firing force.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 370 includes a main control board 920 (see FIG. 10) and a two-part board case 371 that houses the main control board 920. The main control board 920 is housed in a light-transmitting board case 371 that is sealed so as not to be opened without leaving a trace.

  The main controller 370 is rotatably attached to the back side of the game board 400. Specifically, a mounting portion 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the back side of the base 401 of the game board 400, and the main control device 370 is mounted on the mounting portion 372. Thus, not only the rear side (front side) of the main controller 370 but also the front side (back side) of the main controller 370 by rotating the mounting portion 372, the main controller 370 is attached to the gaming board 400. It can be easily checked with the camera attached. Main controller 370 may be connected to attachment portion 372 such that it cannot be removed without leaving a trace, and the state of removal of main controller 370 may be easily managed.

  The sub-control device 390 includes a sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10), and a board case 391 having a split structure for accommodating the sub-control board 940. The sub-control board 940 is, for example, like the main control board 920, and is housed in a light-transmitting board case 391 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace. It is attached to the back side.

  Here, various structures arranged in the game area in the game board 400 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board 400.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 includes a base 401, a downflow changing member such as a nail 411 or a windmill 412 that changes the downflow direction or downflow speed of the game ball, and a center arranged at a substantially center of the base 401. The structure 420, a starting device (specifically, a lower middle starting winning device 431) related to a first special symbol disposed below the central structure 420, and a right side with respect to the central structure 420. A starting device (specifically, a right starting winning device 432) related to a second special symbol arranged on the lower side, and a large winning device 433, 434 (specifically, a downstream device) disposed downstream of the right starting winning device 432. Are the right large winning device 433 and the central large winning device 434), the starting device 436 related to the ordinary symbols arranged above (upstream side) the right starting winning device 432, and the upper right side of the gaming board 400 Of the special winning devices 433 and 434 Includes a useful communication actuator 435 disposed on the upstream side, Chuo regular winning device 439A which is disposed on the left and right sides of the winning device 434, and a 439B Te. The game board 400 includes an upper middle start winning device 632 disposed on the upper middle start winning device 632 and functioning in the same manner as the right start winning device 432 as a start device for the second special symbol, and a central structure 420. There is a general winning device 639 arranged on the left side and functioning similarly to the general winning devices 439A and 439B.

  Further, the game board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches as detecting means for detecting the passage of the game ball corresponding to the above-described lower middle starting winning device 431 (see FIG. 10). The entry of the game ball into the predetermined area is detected. For example, a first start prize switch (first start prize switch 441) that detects a game ball that has entered the lower middle start prize device 431, and a second start prize switch that detects a game ball that has entered the right start prize device 432 ( A second starting winning switch 442), a second starting winning switch (second starting winning switch 642) for detecting a game ball entering the upper middle starting winning device 632, and a right detecting a game ball entering the right big winning device 433. Big win switch 443, central big win switch 444 that detects a game ball that has entered the central big win device 434, role-running switch 445 that detects a game ball that has entered the gaming unit 435, and game that has entered the starting device 436. A start switch 446 for detecting a ball, a non-specific feature for detecting a game ball that has entered a non-specific passage (not shown) formed inside the right special winning device 433. A passage switch 447, a specific passage switch 448 that detects a game ball that has entered a specific passage (not shown) formed inside the right big winning device 433, and a game ball that has entered a general winning device 439A, 439B. General prize switches 449A and 449B, general prize switches 649 for detecting game balls entering the general prize device 639, and the like are provided on the game board 400.

  The entrance portion of the game ball of the central structure 420 and the starting device 436 forms a ball entrance, and the game ball that has entered each ball entrance is discharged to the game area. Each prize device, specifically, the lower middle start prize device 431, the right start prize device 432, the upper middle start prize device 632, the right large prize device 433, the central large prize device 434, and the general prize devices 439A, 439B, 639. The entrance portion of the game ball constitutes a winning opening, and the game ball entering each winning opening is guided through a through hole formed in the base 401 to a collection / discharge passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base 401. Is done. The game balls that have not entered each of the winning devices are guided to a collection / discharge passage through a discharge port 401A provided in the most downstream portion of the game area. The game balls guided to the collection and discharge passage are discharged from the pachinko machine 100 to a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided in the game hall. When a game ball enters one of the winning devices, a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning device are paid out from the payout device 540 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Each prize device may be configured separately from other prize devices, or a device in which two or more prize devices (for example, a lower middle start prize device 431 and an upper middle start prize device 632) are integrated. A winning device may be constituted by the above, and a starting device such as the lower middle starting winning device 431 does not necessarily have to be a winning opening in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when a game ball enters, It is good also as an entrance of a game ball discharged again to a game field, without being paid out.

  The lower middle starting winning device 431 according to the first special symbol and the upper middle starting winning device 632 according to the second special symbol, and the general winning device 439A, the general winning device 439B, and the general winning device 639 are respectively provided to them. The entering game ball is guided to the rear side of the base 401 without changing the entry probability of the game ball. Further, the right starting winning device 432 according to the second special symbol has a mechanism for changing the probability of a game ball entering the inside thereof. In addition, the mechanism for changing the entry probability of the game ball does not need to be provided only in the right starting winning device 432 according to the second special symbol. Instead, or in addition, the first special symbol or the second special symbol. May be provided in any one or more of the starting device and the general winning devices 439A, 439B, 639. Further, the mechanism for changing the probability of entry of the game ball may be constituted by a drive means such as an electrically driven solenoid or the like, and is represented by a mechanism operated by the weight of the game ball entering the predetermined area. You may comprise by the mechanism which operates mechanically.

  The right starting winning device 432 according to the second special symbol includes a right entry restriction mechanism 452 for changing the probability of a game ball entering the inside thereof by a transition between an entry permitted attitude and an entry prohibited attitude, and a right entry restriction mechanism. 452 (see FIG. 10). The right entry control mechanism 452 includes a movable piece driven by the right entry control solenoid 462. When the right entry control mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibited position, the movable piece closes the entrance (winning opening). The game ball cannot enter the right starting winning device 432 by taking the arrangement, but when the right approach regulation mechanism 452 is in the entry allowable posture, the movable piece is arranged to guide the game ball into the entrance. The game ball can enter the right starting winning device 432. The right entry restriction mechanism 452, when a game ball that has entered the starting device 436 related to a normal symbol is won by a lottery based on detection by the start switch 446 (hereinafter also referred to as “normal symbol lottery”), enters the right approach In accordance with the drive by the regulating solenoid 462, the state is shifted to the approach allowable posture for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the right large prize device 433 includes a right entry restriction mechanism 453 for restricting the entry of a game ball into the entry permitted position and a prohibited entry position, and a right entry restriction, as shown in FIG. The right approach restriction solenoid 463 (see FIG. 10) that changes the attitude of the mechanism 453 and the transition between the non-guided attitude and the guided attitude cause the game ball that has entered the right special winning device 433 to enter the non-specific passage or the specific passage. A distributing mechanism (not shown) for distributing, and a switching solenoid 465 (see FIG. 10) for changing the orientation of the distributing mechanism and switching the guide destination of the game ball are provided. When the right entry control mechanism 453 of the right large winning device 433 is in the entry prohibited position, the right entry control mechanism 453 closes the entrance (winning opening), so that the game ball cannot enter the right large entry device 433. On the other hand, when the right entry restriction mechanism 453 is in the entry allowable posture, the game ball can enter the right big winning device 433 by the right entry restriction mechanism 453 opening the entrance. In addition, the game ball that has entered the right large winning device 433 is guided to a non-specific passage when the distribution mechanism is in a non-guided posture projecting forward, and is in a guided posture in which the distribution mechanism is immersed rearward. Is guided to a specific passage. The specific path, the non-specific path, and the distribution mechanism are provided to diversify the transition of the game state, and when the game ball enters the specific path, an advantageous game state is given to the player as a privilege. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, the central large winning device 434 has a central entry restriction mechanism 454 that restricts the entry of a game ball into the entrance permitted position and a prohibited entry position, and a central entry restriction, as shown in FIG. 7. A central entry restriction solenoid 464 (see FIG. 10) for changing the attitude of the mechanism 454 is provided. When the central entry control mechanism 454 is in the entry-prohibited position, the game ball cannot enter the central special prize device 434 by closing the entrance (winning opening), but the central entry control mechanism 454 is used. Is in the entry allowable attitude, the central entry control mechanism 454 opens the entry port, so that the game ball can enter the central special winning device 434.

  In addition, as the entry allowable posture and the entry prohibition posture as a mechanism for changing the probability of entry of a game ball into the inside such as the right entry control mechanism 452, the winning opening (or entrance opening) of each device is constituted by each mechanism. In response to a change in the posture of the operating member that switches between a special state in which the game ball can enter and a normal state in which the game ball cannot enter, at least one of the position and orientation of the operating member differs depending on each posture. I just want it. Further, as a mechanism for changing the entry probability of the game ball, such as the right approach restriction mechanism 452, it is not always necessary to set the state in which the game ball cannot enter to the normal state, and to allow the game ball to enter even in the normal state. In the state, the posture of the operation member may be changed to a state in which the game ball is more likely to enter than in the normal state.

  A game ball can enter the right special prize device 433 and the central special prize device 434 when a winning lottery is won. Specifically, the lottery based on the detection of the game ball that has entered the lower middle starting winning device 431 relating to the first special symbol by the first starting winning switch 441 (hereinafter also referred to as “first special symbol lottery”). ), Or that the game ball that has entered the right starting winning device 432 or the upper middle starting winning device 632 according to the second special symbol is detected by the second starting winning switch 442 or the second starting winning switch 642. (Hereinafter, also referred to as “second special symbol lottery”), at least one of the right approaching solenoid 463 or the center approaching solenoid 464 is operated. By this operation, at least one of the right approach control mechanism 453 and the central approach control mechanism 454 takes the approach permitting posture for a predetermined number of times for a predetermined number of times. Further, the distributing mechanism shifts to the guiding posture in accordance with the operation of the switching solenoid 465 after a predetermined time from the transition of the right approaching regulating mechanism 453 to the entry allowable posture, and further switches after a predetermined time from the transition to the guiding posture. Returning to the non-guidance posture in response to the stop of the solenoid 465.

  The winning combination operating device 435 is a device for setting conditions necessary for the right large winning device 433 and the central large winning device 434 to start operating. After winning the jackpot lottery, either the right big prize device 433 or the central big prize device 434 starts operating on the condition that the game ball of the combination operating device 435 passes. For this reason, when a big hit is won, the player can start the special game state at a timing intended by the player. It should be noted that it is not always necessary that either the right large winning device 433 or the central large winning device 434 starts operating on condition that the gaming ball passes through the combination operating device 435. Instead or instead of this, In addition, the configuration may be such that either the right special winning device 433 or the central special winning device 434 starts operating after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the display board 471 to 473 for displaying the symbol change display and the lottery result, and the display apparatuses 476 to 478 for displaying the number of times the game is held are integrated on the gaming board 400, as shown in FIG. A display having a plurality of light emitting units is provided in a lower left portion corresponding to a part of the game board 400. The plurality of light emitting units are partitioned in advance into light emitting areas corresponding to each device, and the state of each device is displayed by the light emitting state.

  Specifically, on the gaming board 400, the first special symbol is fluctuated and displayed along with the first special symbol lottery, or the first special symbol is fixedly displayed with a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result. A special symbol display device 471 relating to a special symbol, and a second symbol for variably displaying the second special symbol in accordance with the second special symbol lottery, or displaying the second special symbol with a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result. A special symbol display device 472 relating to the special symbol, a special symbol reservation display device 476 for displaying the number of hold times of the unit game relating to the first special symbol, and a special symbol hold displaying the number of hold times of the unit game relating to the second special symbol A display device 477 is provided. The right of the unit game related to the first special symbol and the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol are respectively held up to four times. Here, the unit game is one game executed based on one start winning, and is determined based on whether the lottery executed based on one start winning is determined or not, and the lottery is determined based on the winning determination. This refers to a series of games including the start and end of the variable display until the result is displayed.

  When the right of the unit game relating to the first special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, the game ball that has entered the lower middle starting winning device 431 is detected by the first starting winning switch 441 (see FIG. 10). In this case, the right of the unit game relating to the first special symbol is not added. Similarly, when the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, the game ball that has entered the right starting winning device 432 or the upper middle starting winning device 632 is switched to the second starting winning switch 442 or the second starting winning switch 432. Even if it is detected by the 2 start winning switch 642 (see FIG. 10), the right of the unit game relating to the second special symbol is not added.

  Each of the special symbol display device 471 relating to the first special symbol and the special symbol display device 472 relating to the second special symbol is composed of a plurality of light emitting units, and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). . Each of the display of the first special symbol and the display of the second special symbol is represented by a light emitting pattern of a plurality of light emitting units (a combination of light emitting states (light off, light on, blink) including light emitting colors). The special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol determine the number of times of holding by the combination of the light emitting states (off, light, blink) of the two monochromatic light emitting units. indicate.

  In addition, on the game board 400, a normal symbol display device 473 for changing and displaying a normal symbol or displaying a fixed symbol with a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result in accordance with the ordinary symbol lottery, and A normal symbol hold display device 478 for displaying the number of times the unit game right is held is provided. The right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is reserved up to four times. If the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, the unit game right related to the normal symbol is not added even if the game ball that has entered the starting device 436 is detected by the start switch 446.

  The ordinary symbol display device 473 includes a plurality of light emitting units, and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). Usually, a symbol is represented by a light emitting pattern of a plurality of light emitting units. In addition, the normal symbol hold display device 478 displays the number of times of holding based on a combination of the light emitting states (off, light, blink) of the two monochromatic light emitting units.

  Also, on the game board 400, the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner or the decorative symbols are fixedly displayed in the unit game relating to the first special symbol and the second special symbol so as to overlap the rear of the central structure 420. A decorative symbol display device 479 is provided. The variable display and the fixed display of the decorative symbol are controlled by the sub control board 940, and are synchronized with the variable display and the fixed display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol by the main control board 920. In the variation display of the decorative symbol, more complex and diverse effects are executed than in the variation display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It should be noted that the variable display and the fixed display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol and the variable display and the fixed display of the decorative symbol always start changing at exactly the same timing or stop display as the fixed display. It is not necessary to set the timing so that the fluctuation is started at substantially the same timing while providing a slight time difference at each timing, and the final display is performed at substantially the same timing.

  Further, the game board 400 includes a board light emitting device 490 (see FIG. 10) provided on the back side of various structures, and the board light emitting device 490 is associated with the progress of the game based on control by the sub-control board 940. Various light emission effects and status notification by light emission are executed.

  Here, various game states and transitions between the game states will be described. The normal gaming state (hereinafter also abbreviated as “normal gaming state”) is a state in which the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol have a long variable display time (hereinafter also referred to as “non-time saving state”). Corresponding.

  The first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery are set to win a jackpot with substantially the same probability, and, for example, win a jackpot at approximately 1/23. When a big hit is won in either the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, either the right large winning device 433 or the central large winning device 434 starts operating, and the player goes to the winning opening. , A special game state in which a prize ball is easily obtained by winning is generated. The number of prize balls that can be obtained in one big hit is set differently depending on whether the first special symbol lottery is won or the second special symbol lottery. For example, when the first special symbol lottery is won, a certain prize ball (for example, approximately 150 pieces) can be obtained with a probability of approximately 77%, and a prize ball is obtained with no remaining prize with a probability of approximately 23%. Can not. When the second special symbol lottery is won, a large number of prize balls (for example, approximately 250 pieces) are set with a probability of approximately 25% in that it is easier to obtain a large number of prize balls than in the first special symbol lottery. It is possible to acquire a small number of prize balls (for example, approximately 150) with a remaining 75% probability.

  In addition, when a jackpot is won in one of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery, the game shifts to a time-saving gaming state with a preset probability. The probability of shifting to the time-saving gaming state is set differently depending on whether the first special symbol lottery is won or the second special symbol lottery, and is set differently depending on the gaming state in which the winning has occurred. For example, when the first special symbol lottery is won, the game shifts to the time-saving game state at approximately 30% in the normal game state and 100% in the time-saving game state, and the second special symbol lottery is won. In this case, the game state is set to be easily shifted to the gaming state which is more advantageous to the player than the winning of the first special symbol lottery, and the game shifts to the time-saving gaming state at 100% regardless of the gaming state.

  The time saving game state is a state in which the variable display time of the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol, and the ordinary symbol is shorter than the non-time saving state, and a big hit in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery. The winning probability is the same state as the normal gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as “low probability state”). Further, the time-saving gaming state is maintained until the total number of unit games relating to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number (for example, once or 87 times), and thereafter returns to the normal gaming state. . The total number of unit games in which the time-saving game state continues (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of time savings) differs depending on whether the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery is won, and the winning occurs. The setting is also different depending on the playing state. For example, when the first special symbol lottery is won, if it is a win during the normal gaming state, 87 time reductions are selected with a probability of approximately 0.2%, and one time reduction with a probability of approximately 99.8%. The number of times is selected. In addition, when the second special symbol lottery is won, the number of times reduced is set to be easier to be selected than when the first special symbol lottery is won, and the number of times reduced is 87 times with a 100% probability regardless of the game state. Is selected.

  In the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery, a small lottery is also executed separately from the big hit. If a small hit is not won, a small hit may be won. If a small hit is won, the right big winning device 433 is activated for a short time (for example, about 0.1 second). Take an approach-permissible attitude. It corresponds to whether or not the game ball enters a specific passage (a part of the passage provided inside the right special winning device 433) during a period in which the right special winning device 433 is operated based on the winning of a small hit. Then, it is different whether or not to provide a gaming state advantageous to the player. For example, when a game ball enters a specific passage, the right large winning device 433 starts operating again as an advantageous game state, and the entry allowable posture is maintained for a certain time (for example, approximately 1.8 seconds). Take. When a game ball enters a specific passage in the second and subsequent operations of the right big prize device 433 after winning a small hit, the right to operate the right big prize device 433 again is given, and this operation is performed. The process is continued until a predetermined upper limit number (for example, three times) is reached.

  Here, the advantageous game state when the game ball enters the specific passage is not limited to the configuration by the operation of the right big winning device 433 again, but instead or additionally, another advantageous game state A state may be given. For example, a gaming state (hereinafter, referred to as a “high probability state”) in which the time is in a state of reduced working hours and the winning probability of a big hit in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is higher than the normal gaming state. At the same time, also referred to as a “probable change game state”), and may be maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (eg, once or 87 times). good.

  It should be noted that the transition between the gaming state and the gaming state does not necessarily have to have the above-described configuration, and may include a gaming state different from each of the above-described gaming states. It is good also as composition which changes between game states.

  Next, the operation of the main devices of the game board 400 will be described generally in chronological order. On the main control board 920, a winning random number, a big hit symbol random number, a stop pattern random number, and various fluctuation pattern random numbers relating to a special symbol (common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol) are generated. When a game ball that has entered the lower middle starting winning device 431 related to the first special symbol is detected by the first starting winning switch 441 (see FIG. 10), the first special symbol is started. At the time of starting winning of the first special symbol, if the right of the unit game relating to the first special symbol is not held up to the maximum number of times, a winning random number, a big hit symbol random number and a stop pattern random number relating to the special symbol are obtained, It is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control board 920.

  The unit game based on the random number acquired based on the winning winning of the first special symbol is not in the special game state, is not the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and is the unit game related to the first special symbol. If no rights are reserved, it will start immediately after storing these random numbers. In addition, even when the special game state is not in progress, the unit game pertaining to the first special symbol or the second special symbol or the unit game right pertaining to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is reserved. The unit game based on the starting winning prize starts after the unit gaming related to all the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) held before the current prize is completed. When each random number is acquired based on the winning start of the first special symbol during the special game state, the unit game based on the random number is all of the units held before the current start winning after the special game state. It starts after the unit game related to the special symbol.

  Further, the unit game based on the random number acquired based on the winning winning of the first special symbol is started after all the unit games related to the second special symbol are completed. That is, when each random number is acquired based on the start winning of the second special symbol after the current start winning, the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is preferentially executed. The unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol does not necessarily have to be executed in preference to the unit game related to the first special symbol. The first special symbol and the second special symbol are sequentially arranged in the order of the starting winning. May be executed, or the two special symbols may be changed simultaneously instead of being selected.

  If a big hit is won in the first special symbol lottery based on the winning winning of the first special symbol, a stop symbol (corresponding to the big hit lottery of the first special symbol lottery based on the acquired big hit symbol random number) The type of big hit symbol) is determined. The type of the stop symbol corresponds to the type of the big hit, for example, the number of rounds (for example, three rounds, four rounds, and five rounds) corresponding to the number of times the right approaching control mechanism 453 or the central approaching control mechanism 454 takes the approach allowable posture. ), And a plurality of types of jackpots are set in accordance with the type of game state, such as a game state that shifts after the special game state (whether or not to shift to the probable game state). A symbol is set. If the big hit is not won in the first special symbol lottery, a lost symbol different from the big hit symbol is set as a stop symbol.

  After the first special symbol lottery, the first special symbol is determined based on the current game state, the lottery result, the value of the stop pattern random number, the value of the various variation pattern random numbers, and the number of times the unit game right related to the first special symbol is reserved. The change display time of the symbol is determined, and the change pattern of the decoration symbol is selected. After that, the variable display of the first special symbol on the special symbol display device 471 relating to the first special symbol and the variable display of the decorative symbol (fluctuation effect) on the decorative symbol display device 479 are started. The variable display according to the fixed pattern is continued over the display time, and in the decorative design, the variable display according to the variable pattern is continued over the variable display time. Thereafter, as the variable display time elapses, the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is definitely displayed, and a symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol is definitely displayed as a decorative symbol. The fixed display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol is continued for at least a predetermined time.

  When the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is a big hit symbol, the gaming state shifts to the special gaming state after the first special symbol is determined and displayed. In the special game state, the right entry restriction mechanism 453 of the right special winning device 433 and the central entry restriction mechanism 454 of the central special winning device 434 assume the entry allowable posture a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of the big hit. . For example, when a predetermined number (for example, eight) of game balls are detected by the special winning switches 443 and 444 during the respective permissible attitudes of the central approach control mechanism 454, or a predetermined maximum permissible time ( For example, when 29.5 seconds have elapsed, one round ends, and the central entry control mechanism 454 shifts to the entry prohibition position. Thereafter, after a lapse of a predetermined entry prohibition time, the central entry control mechanism 454 returns to the entry permission posture again.

  Only one of the right entry control mechanism 453 and the central entry control mechanism 454 is configured to take an entry allowable posture during the special game state, and after a predetermined standby time has elapsed from the start of the special game state (after the opening period) One) shifts to the first approach allowable posture in (). In addition, the special game state ends when a predetermined entry prohibition time elapses after returning to the final entry prohibition posture and a predetermined standby time elapses thereafter (after the ending period). After the end of the special game state, as described above, the game shifts to the time-saving game state or the probable change game state.

  In various game states, if a game ball that has entered the right starting winning device 432 or the upper middle starting winning device 632 according to the second special symbol is detected by the second starting winning switch 442 or the second starting winning switch 642, 2 Special symbols will be awarded for starting. The control of the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is executed in the same manner as the control of the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is not reserved up to the maximum number of times at the time of the start winning of the second special symbol, each random number related to the special symbol is obtained, and the unit game based on the start winning is executed. Is done. In addition, the determination of the stop symbol corresponding to the second special symbol lottery, the selection of the variation pattern of the decoration symbol, the execution of the variation display, and the transition control of the game state are executed in the same manner as the control relating to the first special symbol. Is done.

  In various game states, when a game ball that has entered the starting device 436 is detected by the start switch 446, a winning random number related to a normal symbol is obtained unless the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is held up to the maximum number of times. Then, it is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control board 920. At this time, if the unit game relating to the ordinary symbol is not being performed, the unit game relating to the acquired ordinary symbol is started immediately after the storage. On the other hand, if the unit game relating to the ordinary symbol is being performed, the unit game relating to the acquired ordinary symbol is started after the completion of the unit game based on the acquired unit game right relating to the ordinary symbol.

  In a unit game related to a normal symbol, it is determined whether or not a winning has been made based on the value of a winning random number. When the winning is made, a predetermined winning symbol is set as a stop symbol. On the other hand, when no winning is made in the ordinary symbol lottery, a predetermined lost symbol is set as a stopped symbol. After the normal symbol lottery, the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is started on the normal symbol display device 473, and in the non-hour reduction state, the fluctuation display in a fixed pattern is continued for a predetermined fluctuation display time, and in the time reduction state. The variable display in a fixed pattern is continued for a predetermined variable display time shorter than the non-time saving state. With a lapse of a predetermined time according to the gaming state, a stop symbol related to a normal symbol is fixedly displayed over a certain period of time.

  When the stop symbol related to the ordinary symbol is a hit symbol, the right entry restricting mechanism 452 of the right starting winning device 432 shifts to the entry allowable attitude at least once after the normal symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, in a case of winning in the non-time-saving state (the normal game state and the special game state), the right start winning device 432 permits the entry for a predetermined maximum entry allowable time (for example, about 0.1 second). When the right start winning device 432 is in the non-time saving state, the predetermined maximum allowable time (for example, about 2.4 seconds) is longer in the case of winning in the time saving state (the time saving game state and the probable change game state). ) Intermittently (for example, divided into two times) to enter the approach allowable posture. However, when a predetermined number (for example, one) of game balls is detected by the second start winning switch 442, the right approach restriction mechanism 452 shifts to the entry prohibited attitude without waiting for the maximum allowable time to elapse. In addition, even if the number of transitions to the entry allowable posture has not reached the predetermined number, the operation of the right starting winning device 432 in the unit game relating to the current ordinary symbol ends.

  Next, the playability of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described. In order to receive the second special symbol lottery related to the right starting winning device 432, first, it is necessary to win in the ordinary symbol lottery, and further, the game ball is placed in the entry permitted state of the right starting winning device 432 based on the winning. The player must enter the right starting winning device 432. The winning probability for the normal symbol in the normal gaming state is the same as the winning probability in the time-saving gaming state, but the staying time in the entry allowable state of the right start winning device 432 based on the winning in the normal gaming state (for example, approximately 0.1 seconds) is set to be extremely shorter than the staying time (for example, approximately 2.4 seconds) in the time saving state, so that the second special symbol lottery related to the right starting winning device 432 is performed in the normal gaming state. The opportunity per unit time that can be received is significantly smaller than the opportunity per unit time that can receive the first special symbol lottery. Conversely, in the time-saving gaming state, the opportunity per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery is significantly greater than the opportunity per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery.

  Therefore, the player wins the big hit in the first special symbol lottery, and in the subsequent special game state, plays a game aiming at the transition to the certain change game state by causing the game ball to enter the specific passage. On the other hand, in the time-saving game state and the probable change game state, the game is performed with the aim of winning a big hit in the second special symbol lottery according to the right starting winning device 432 before each game state is completed.

  Specifically, in the game board 400, a central structure 420 is provided at the center of the game area in which the game ball flows down, and the game ball is mainly placed on the right side of the central structure 420 within a range where the game ball does not flow down. A game technique of flowing down (left-handed game technique) and a game technique of flowing down a game ball mainly via the right side of the central structure 420 (right-handed game technique) can be selectively performed. In the normal gaming state, the player plays a game by a left-handed gaming technique, and in the time-saving gaming state, plays a game by a right-handed gaming technique. In addition, the right large winning device 433 and the central large winning device 434 are arranged at positions where game balls flowing down the right side with respect to the central structure 420 can enter, and play a right-handed gaming method even in a special gaming state. .

  In addition, the game ball can enter the upper middle starting winning device 632 according to the second special symbol located above the central structure 420 in a situation where the game ball is flowing down by the left-handed game technique. . The upper middle start winning device 632 is set to enter a game ball with a very low probability (for example, a probability of approximately 1/60) as compared with the lower middle start winning device 431. The second special symbol lottery received by the entry of the game ball into the upper middle starting winning device 632 is easier to acquire the value (game value) for the player to play the game than the first special symbol lottery, and a big hit In the case of winning, the probability of shifting to the time saving game state is high, and the number of prize balls that can be acquired in the special game state is large. For this reason, during the period of performing the game by the left-handed game technique in the normal gaming state, not only the expectation of the big hit by the first special symbol lottery to the lower middle start winning device 431 but also the upper middle start winning device which rarely occurs. By executing the second special symbol lottery by the entry of the game ball to the game ball 632, it is possible to always expect a chance to acquire a large amount of game value.

  Next, the rear block 104 will be described. 8 and 9 are a rear perspective view and a rear view showing the pachinko machine 100, respectively. In FIG. 8, the outer frame 101 is omitted for easy understanding.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rear block 104 is configured by attaching another member or device to the base 501. The base 501 and the intermediate block 103 are connected by the rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, so that the rear block 104 is supported on the intermediate block 103 so as to be openable and closable.

  The rear block 104 is a game ball tank 510 as a ball storage unit for storing game balls, and rectifies (for example, in one row) game balls continuously on the downstream side of the game ball tank 510 and aligns them in one stage. A tank rail 520 as a ball aligning portion, a case rail 530 as a ball guiding portion for guiding game balls flowing from the tank rail 520 on the downstream side of the tank rail 520, and a payout of game balls on a downstream side of the case rail 530, A payout device 540 for renting out game balls, and guidance as a ball guiding portion for guiding game balls flowing out of the payout device 540 on the downstream side of the payout device 540 to a guide passage (not shown) formed in the base 501. A member 550, a payout control device 560 that controls payout of game balls by the payout device 540 and lending of game balls, and an external power source. A function as a power supply means for converting the power into a predetermined voltage required by the kind of device or the like and outputting the same, and controlling the ejection of game balls based on a firing operation on the firing operation device 250 in cooperation with the main control board 920. A power supply / launch control device 570 having a function as a launch control means, a payout control device 560, a game ball lending device 290 (see FIG. 1), and a card unit (not shown) arranged beside the pachinko machine 100 And a relay device 950 that relays a signal between the two.

  The base 501 is integrally formed of a resin (for example, an ABS resin), and includes a base portion 502 corresponding to a front side portion and a protective cover portion 503 located behind the base portion 502. The upper portion of the base portion 502 is formed in a substantially frame shape along the outer shape of the rear block 104, and the lower portion is formed in a substantially flat shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. It has a function as an attached portion to be attached.

  The protective cover portion 503 is formed in a substantially plate shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. The protective cover portion 503 does not cover the entire back surface of the intermediate block 103, but a part of the rear surface of the intermediate block 103 that needs to be frequently inspected and checked, such as a part of the main control device 370, is provided on the rear surface of the pachinko machine 100. The size is set so as to form a window for exposing to the window. A large number of ventilation holes 503A having a function of improving the heat dissipation of the heat generated by the main control device 370 and the sub control device 390 are formed on the back surface of the protective cover portion 503.

  The game ball tank 510 is a horizontally long box-shaped container opened upward, and game balls supplied from a ball circulation device (not shown) of the island equipment are sequentially supplied to one end in the longitudinal direction. An opening (not shown) is formed at one end of the game ball tank 510 in the longitudinal direction different from the side where the game balls are supplied. The bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is gently inclined in the longitudinal direction, and the game ball supplied to the game ball tank 510 moves to the opening side by its own weight. In addition, the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is also inclined in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) as compared with the longitudinal direction, and guides the game ball to the side where the opening is provided (for example, the front side). . A metal antistatic plate (not shown) is attached to the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 so as to overlap therewith, and the antistatic plate is connected to the ground potential so that the inside of the game ball tank 510 and The static electricity of the game ball on the downstream side is removed.

  The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, and the game ball flows through the opening of the game ball tank 510. The tank rail 520 has a passage forming member 521 that forms a passage of a substantially gutter-shaped game ball having a width through which the game balls pass in a line, and a height gradually increasing as an upper surface of the passage formed by the passage forming member 521. And a rectifying member 522 for rectifying a game ball flowing down the passage having a top surface portion whose height is lowered from a vertically overlapped height to a one-stage height. The passage formed by the tank rail 520 is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and guides the game ball to the side opposite to the game ball tank 510.

  The case rail 530 is formed to be vertically long so as to be continuous below the tank rail 520, and a game ball from the tank rail 520 flows in. On the case rail 530, the game ball is curved left and right so as not to flow vigorously and continues downward. A stored ball switch 591 (see FIG. 10) for detecting a broken ball is attached to a middle portion of the ball passage in the case rail 530. The stored ball switch 591 detects an out-of-ball state in which game balls are not normally replenished in the case rail 530 due to clogging of the ball on the case rail 530 or the upstream side thereof.

  The payout device 540 includes a sending mechanism for sending out game balls, a payout motor 542 (see FIG. 10) as a driving means for driving the sending mechanism, and a payout counting switch 592 (see FIG. 10). In response to the operation of the payout motor 542 based on the control by the payout control device 560, the game balls stored in the ball passage are discharged to the downstream side. Passing of the released game balls through the ball path is detected by the payout counting switch 592, whereby the payout control device 560 (payout control board 930) counts the number of paid out game balls.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the payout control device 560 and the power supply / fire control device 570 are mounted so as to overlap the lower rear surface of the base portion 502 of the base body 501 so as to be located at the lower rear side of the rear block 104. Have been. The rear block 104 including the payout control device 560 and the power supply / fire control device 570 can be continuously used even when the game board 400 is replaced with another game board due to a model change or the like.

  The payout control device 560 includes a payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the payout control board 930. It is housed inside a substrate case sealed so as not to be opened.

  The power / emission control device 570 includes a power / emission control board 900 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the power / emission control board 900. The power / emission control board 900 is similar to the main control board 920. Is housed inside a sealed substrate case.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the pachinko machine 100 includes control circuit devices such as a power supply / emission control board 900, a power supply monitoring board 910, a main control board 920, a payout control board 930, and a sub control board 940. In FIG. 10, a relay circuit device that only relays various signals is omitted. Hereinafter, these main control circuit devices will be individually described in detail.

  The power supply / launch control board 900 includes a power supply unit 901 that supplies power of a predetermined voltage to each unit of the pachinko machine 100 via a power supply path (broken line in the figure), and a launch device in response to operation of the launch operation device 250. A launch control unit 902 that controls the driving of the 330 and a signal relay unit 903 that relays an initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 and a ball overflow signal from the ball overflow switch 249 are provided.

  The power supply unit 901 takes in external power (for example, AC 24 volts) supplied from the outside and converts it into internal power (for example, DC 24 volts), and generates various powers from the internal power. The power generated by the power supply unit 901 is power of a driving voltage (for example, 12 VDC) for driving devices such as various solenoids and various motors, and drives various switches and executes control processing. For example, power of a control voltage (for example, 5 volts DC), power of a backup voltage for retaining the contents of the RAM of the main control board 920, and the like.

  The power supply unit 901 supplies various types of power generated from the internal power to the power supply monitoring board 910, the main control board 920, the payout control board 930, the sub control board 940, and the like. Specifically, the power of the internal power, the driving voltage, the control voltage, and the backup voltage is supplied to the power supply monitoring board 910. The power of the driving voltage, the control voltage, and the backup voltage is supplied to the main control board 920, and these powers are supplied via the power monitoring unit 911 of the power monitoring board 910. To the payout control board 930, power of a driving voltage and a control voltage is supplied. The sub-control board 940 is supplied with power of the driving voltage and the control voltage. The emission control unit 902 and the signal relay unit 903 are supplied with electric power of a driving voltage and a control voltage.

  A power switch 909 is connected to the power supply unit 901, and when the power switch 909 is in an off state, taking in of external power is stopped. The power switch 909 is turned off or a power plug (not shown) connected to the power supply unit 901 via the power switch 909 is pulled out of an external power supply outlet (not shown). The state in which the supply of power to the inside of the device 100 is stopped or the state in which the supply of external power itself is stopped are collectively referred to as a “power failure state”.

  The power supply unit 901 is configured to normally output the power of the control voltage for a predetermined period even after shifting to the power failure state. Accordingly, the main control board 920 can save the state so as to return to the current control state and end the control.

  The launch control unit 902 controls the driving of the ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 of the launch device 330 in cooperation with the main control board 920. The operation of the ball feeding solenoid 332 and the firing solenoid 334 is permitted when predetermined conditions are satisfied. Specifically, the fact that the player is touching the firing handle 252 (see FIG. 1) is detected based on the contact sensor signal from the contact sensor 254, and the firing stop switch 255 for stopping the firing is provided. The firing control unit 902 outputs an on-state firing permission signal to the main control board 920 on condition that the operation is not performed. The main control board 920 outputs a firing solenoid control signal and a ball feed solenoid control signal to the firing control unit 902 based on the firing permission signal and the firing abnormality signal. The firing control unit 902 operates the ball feeding solenoid 332 based on the ball feeding control signal in the ON state, and operates the firing solenoid 334 based on the reception of the firing solenoid control signal in the ON state and the resistance value of the variable resistor 253. Let it. As a result, game balls are sequentially fired from the firing device 330 with an intensity corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor 253 (the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252).

  The signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state initialization signal to the main control board 920 when the initialization switch 907 is pressed. The main control board 920 initializes the storage information stored in the RAM of the main control board 920 in response to receiving the ON-state initialization signal. Note that the initialization switch 907 does not necessarily need to be configured to output a signal to the main control board 920 via the signal relay unit 903. For example, the initialization switch 907 may be directly mounted on the main control board 920. The configuration may be such that the initialization switch 907 is accommodated in the board case 371, so that an unauthorized signal input aimed at a section where a signal is transmitted can be suppressed.

  In addition, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an ON ball overflow signal to the main control board 920 when the ball overflow switch 249 detects a game ball. The main control board 920 outputs a low-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the ON state, and the payout control board 930 receiving the low-speed payout signal outputs the rotation speed (payout) of the payout motor 542. (Payout speed of the game balls from the device 540). In addition, the main control board 920 outputs a high-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the off state, and the payout control board 930 receiving the high-speed payout signal controls the rotation speed of the payout motor 542. Speed up.

  The power supply monitoring board 910 monitors a power supply state from the power supply / emission control board 900, and supplies power and transmits various signals between the power supply / emission control board 900 and the main control board 920. And a signal relay unit 912 for relaying. The power supply monitoring unit 911 also outputs a power failure signal to the main control board 920 in response to the transition to the power failure state, and monitors a DC stable 24 volt voltage which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 901. If the state in which the voltage is less than 22 volts continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the power failure has occurred, and an on-state power failure signal is output to main control board 920. The main control board 920 recognizes the shift to the power failure state by receiving the power failure signal in the ON state.

  The main control board 920 controls the operation of the pachinko machine 100 as a whole. On the main control board 920, an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer is mounted. The MPU includes a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (not shown) storing various control programs and fixed data executed by the CPU, and various data temporarily stored when executing the control programs. And the like (not shown) for storing the same. Various other circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are mounted on the main control board 920. I have. The RAM of the main control board 920 has a configuration in which internal data can be maintained (backed up) by power supply of a backup voltage from the power supply / emission control board 900 even after shifting to a power failure state.

  The payout control board 930 controls the payout operation of the game balls by the payout device 540 according to the instruction from the main control board 920 and the lending operation of the game balls by the payout device 540 according to the operation of the game ball lending device 290. Like the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 includes an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown) and a RAM (not shown), and a timer circuit. Various circuits such as a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are mounted. The payout control board 930 is provided with an input / output port as a connecting means for connecting information communication with another device, and for example, bidirectional information input / output communication with the main control board 920 and the relay device 950 is possible. Are connected to the open / close detection switches 108 and 109, the stored ball switch 591 and the payout counting switch 592 so that only one-way information input communication is possible, and the payout motor 542 is connected to only one-way information. Only output communication is connected. Note that the RAM of the payout control board 930 may have a backup function to maintain internal data for a certain period in a power failure state, similarly to the RAM of the main control board 920, or the RAM of the main control board 920 Unlike this, a configuration in which the internal data is not maintained in the power failure state may be adopted.

  The sub control board 940 controls the operation of various effect devices, various light emitting devices, various audio devices, and the like based on instructions from the main control substrate 920. The sub-control board 940 is provided with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting information communication with another device. , And the input operation device 260 are connected so that information can be communicated in both directions, and the decorative symbol display device 479 and the like are connected so that only one-way information output communication is possible.

<Various control processes>
Next, various control processes executed by the main control board 920 will be described. The control processing in the main control board 920 is roughly divided into a main processing started upon recovery from a power failure state and a main processing that is interrupted periodically (in the present embodiment at a period of 2 ms (milliseconds)). Timer interrupt processing.

  First, a main process executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board 920 (abbreviated as “main control main processing” in FIG. 11).

  In the main processing of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processing (program start processing S1001 to random number initialization processing S1019) for starting up the main control board 920 and initializing various information is executed only once. After that, the interrupt prohibition process S1020 for prohibiting the interrupt, the winning random number initial value counter (part of the RAM) and the big hit symbol random number initial value counter (part of the RAM) for the special symbol, and the normal symbol The random number initial value updating process S1021 for updating the value of the winning random number initial value counter (part of the area of the RAM), and first to fourth variation type counters for determining a variation time, a variation pattern, and the like. Variation counter update processing S1022 for updating the value of the counter (partial area of the RAM) and interrupt permission processing S for permitting an interrupt 023 and is repeatedly executed. If a timer interrupt request occurs before the interrupt permitting process S1023, the timer interrupt process is executed immediately after the interrupt permitting process S1023.

  In a series of control start processing, a program start processing S1001 for setting an initial value to a stack pointer (a partial area of the RAM) for controlling execution of a program, an interrupt mode setting processing S1002 for setting an interrupt mode, and a payout control board A start-up standby process S1003 of waiting for a predetermined time until the 930, the sub-control board 940, and the like start up is executed.

  After the start-up standby process S1003, a process S1004 for determining the output state of the initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 of the power / emission control board 900, a process S1005 for determining the value of the power failure information (part of the RAM), and saving An information storage state determination process S1007 is performed, and it is determined whether or not the stored information in the RAM is to be deleted based on the determination results. Here, the stored information is information necessary for returning to the state of the game before the power failure, and corresponds to a partial area of the RAM that has been updated according to the progress of the game before the power failure, and The value of a counter related to the unit game in the middle, the value of the counter stored by the start winning, and the like are exemplified.

  The storage state of the stored information is determined as follows. First, a checksum value for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM is calculated (checksum calculation processing S1006), and the current checksum value and the power failure monitoring processing S1202 (see FIG. 12) with the transition to the previous power failure state. ), It is determined whether or not the exclusive OR of the checksum value calculated in (2) with the RAM determination value, which is a 2's complement, is “0” (determination processing S1007). It is determined whether or not the checksum value at the time of transition to the power failure state is the same.

  When the initialization signal is in the ON state (S1004: Y), when the power outage information is not the predetermined power outage value indicating that the saving information is saved and ended when the power outage state is shifted (S1005: N), or If the information is not normally stored (S1007: N), a RAM clear process S1008 for erasing the information stored in the RAM is executed. After it is determined that the stored information is normally held (S1007: Y), or after the RAM clear processing S1008 is executed, the hardware for initializing various devices connected to the main control board 920 A ware initialization process S1009 is executed.

  After the hardware initialization process S1009, a process S1010 for determining whether or not the power failure information is a power failure value is performed. If the power failure information is the power failure value (S1010: N), a RAM recovery setting process S1011 for initializing various information including the recovery of the held information and a return command indicating the completion of the setting are set (return command). Output processing S1012). By the return of the held information in the RAM return setting process S1011, the control state of the main control board 920 returns to the control state immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state.

  On the other hand, when the power failure information is not the power failure value (S1010: Y), various information is initialized without restoring the held information (RAM initialization processing S1013), and an initialization command indicating the completion of the setting is output. Is performed (initialization command output processing S1014).

  In the RAM return setting process S1011 and the RAM initial setting process S1013, the power failure information is set to a predetermined energization value different from the power failure value. Even if the error has occurred, all of those error states are released. Further, either the return command or the initialization command is output from the main control board 920 to both the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940, and the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940 that have received the return command or the initialization command. A predetermined initialization process is also performed in each of.

  After the initialization of the RAM according to the situation at the time of start-up (determination processing S1004 to initialization command output processing S1014), if the condition device was activated at the time of the previous transition to the power failure state, the special game state is set. Preparations for returning are performed (special game state return preparation processing S1015). Specifically, in the special game state return preparation processing S1015, the operation states of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are determined, and the processing corresponding to the game state at the time of the power outage state is executed on the sub control board 940. You.

  After the special game state return preparation processing S1015, it is determined whether or not the time reduction state flag is set to determine whether the state is the time reduction state or the non-time reduction state (determination processing S1016). In this case (S1016: Y), a time saving command is output (time saving command output processing S1017). On the other hand, if it is in the non-hours saving state (S1016: N), a non-hours saving command is output (non-hours saving command output processing S1018). After that, the value of the winning random number counter (part of the RAM) relating to the special symbol is initialized (random number initialization processing S1019).

  Next, a timer interrupt process executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process (abbreviated as “main control interrupt process” in the figure) executed by the main control board 920.

  In the timer interrupt process of the main control board 920, first, an interrupt start process S1201 for starting a timer interrupt is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the interrupt control register. As a result, interrupts other than the timer interrupt are prohibited. After that, a power failure monitoring process S1202 and an external information output process S1221 related to substantial control such as progress control of the game of the pachinko machine 100 and monitoring of various sensors are sequentially executed. However, when the game progress is stopped based on the detection of various kinds of injustice (S1207: Y), the control signal output processing S1208 to the external information output processing S1221 are not executed. Finally, an interrupt permission process S1222 for permitting the next timer interrupt is executed, and the current timer interrupt process ends. Hereinafter, various main processes will be described individually.

  In the power failure monitoring process S1202, the value of the power failure information (part of the RAM) is updated based on the output state of the power failure signal output from the power monitoring unit 911 of the power monitoring board 910. Specifically, the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, and when the ON state is detected all three times, it is determined that the power failure is present. If it is not determined in this determination that a power failure has occurred, the power failure information is maintained at the energized value.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the power outage monitoring process S1202 that the power is out, the following process is executed. First, the value of the power failure information is changed from the energization value set in the RAM return setting processing S1011 or the RAM initialization processing S1013 (see FIG. 11) to a predetermined power failure value. In addition, a checksum value for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM is calculated, and a two's complement of the checksum value is set as a RAM determination value. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 enters an infinite loop in which substantial control such as progress of the game and monitoring of various sensors is not performed, and the state of the RAM after the RAM determination value is set is held based on the backup power. You. Since the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, each process of the timer interrupt is executed twice after the reception of the power failure signal is detected for the first time.

  In the random number updating process S1203, the winning random number counter for the special symbol, the big hit symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter for the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, when the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is different from a specified maximum value (for example, “576”), the value is changed to a value larger by “1” than the current value, and the special symbol is changed. When the value of the winning random number counter according to the above is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). However, if the value after the change is the same value as the cyclic initial value for the winning random number counter for the special symbol, the value of the winning random number counter for the special symbol is the same as the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol. , And the cyclic initial value is also set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter.

  The big hit symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter for the ordinary symbol are also updated in the same manner as the winning random number counter for the special symbol. However, as the update range defined by the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value of each counter, a value unique to each counter is set, and a plurality of counters are updated asynchronously. Refers to an initial value counter unique to each counter. For example, the winning random number counter for the special symbol and the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol have the same value range, and the big hit symbol random number counter and the big hit symbol random number initial value counter have the same value range, The winning random number counter related to the ordinary symbol and the winning random number initial value counter related to the ordinary symbol have the same value range.

  In the random number initial value update processing S1204, the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, the big hit symbol random number initial value counter, and the winning random number initial value counter for the ordinary symbol are updated. Specifically, when the value of the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol is different from a specified maximum value (for example, “576”), the value is changed to a value larger by “1” than the current value, and the special value is changed. When the value of the winning random number initial value counter related to the symbol is the specified maximum value, the value is changed to the specified minimum value (“0”). Regarding the symbol random number initial value counter related to the special symbol and the winning random number initial value counter related to the ordinary symbol, the random number initial value counter related to the special symbol is the same except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are values unique to those counters. It is updated in the same way as the value counter.

  In the variation counter updating process S1205, the values of the first variation type counter to the fourth variation type counter for determining the variation time, the variation pattern, and the like are updated. Specifically, when the value of the first fluctuation type counter is different from a specified maximum value (for example, “187”), the value is changed to a value larger by “1” than the current value, and the first fluctuation If the value of the type counter is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). The second variation type counter to the fourth variation type counter are updated in the same manner as the first variation type counter, except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are values unique to those counters. Is done.

  In addition, each winning random number counter, big hit symbol random number counter, stop pattern selection counter, and each variation type counter related to the special symbol and the ordinary symbol need not necessarily have the above configuration, and at least a part of the counter is used as another configuration. For example, a configuration may be employed in which a fixed initial value is updated without using an initial value counter, or a configuration in which a random number generation IC is used without using a program and a value is referred to as necessary. .

  In the game stop determination processing S1206, when the fraud detection information is the fraud detection value, the information is updated to the game stop value, and various information for stopping the game progress is set. On the other hand, when the fraud detection information is not the fraud detection value or is already the game stop value, the game stop determination processing S1206 ends without executing each process for stopping the game progress. The fraud detection information is set to a fraud detection value when various frauds are detected in the fraud detection processing S1211. In the determination process S1207, it is determined whether or not the game is stopped based on whether or not the fraud detection information is the game stop value.

  In the control signal output process S1208, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, the special symbol display device 471 for the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 for the second special symbol, and the normal symbol A signal for controlling various notification devices such as the symbol design display device 473 is output. Further, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, various actuators such as a ball feed solenoid 332, a firing solenoid 334, a right approaching solenoid 462, a right approaching solenoid 463, a central approaching solenoid 464, and a switching solenoid 465 are provided. A control signal is output.

  In the switch reading process S1209, the first start winning switch 441, the second start winning switch 442, 642, the right big winning switch 443, the center big winning switch 444, the combination operating switch 445, the start switch 446, the non-specific passage switch 447. The signal state from each of the specific passage switch 448 and the general winning switches 449A, 449B, 649 is read, and a change in the detection state of the game ball by various switches is detected.

  Specifically, in the switch reading process S1209, the signal states from the various switches are read twice into the input buffer (part of the RAM) at predetermined time intervals, and the signals from the various switches are read. Each time, a signal state read first (hereinafter abbreviated as “first signal state”) and a signal state read second (hereinafter abbreviated as “second signal state”) Based on the detection state detected by the previous timer interrupt (hereinafter abbreviated as “previous detection state”), a change in the detection state of various switches is detected. Then, when the previous detection state is the OFF state, the first signal state is the ON state, and when the second signal state is the ON state, it is determined that each switch has transitioned to the ON state. Then, a detection flag (a partial area of the RAM) corresponding to the type of switch is set. Note that, as described in the power failure monitoring process S1202, even if the power supply is stopped, since each process of the timer interrupt is executed twice, immediately after the power supply is stopped, various switches are turned on. Even when it is started, the detection flags of various switches can be set accurately.

  In the timer updating process S1210, various timers (predetermined areas of the RAM) used for displaying special symbols and ordinary symbols in a fluctuating manner, controlling each game state, and monitoring impropriety are updated.

  In the fraud detection processing S1211, a fraudulent act of forcibly entering a game ball into various winning devices or forcibly operating various winning devices is detected. More specifically, the right start winning device 432, the right big winning device 433, and the central large winning device 434 are forcibly moved to a permissible approaching posture, and a game ball is guided to a specific passage of the right big winning device 433 by vibrating. Induction of forced malfunction of the right starting winning device 432, the right big winning device 433, and the central large winning device 434 by radio waves, guiding game balls to various winning devices by magnetic attraction, lower middle starting winning device 431 , The right starting winning device 432, the upper middle starting winning device 632, the right large winning device 433, and the central large winning device 434 in a situation where there is a high possibility that an illegal act such as guiding a game ball at abnormal timing has been performed. Detect the occurrence.

  In the winning detection response process S1212, control based on detection of a game ball by various switches provided on the game board 400 is executed. Specifically, when the first start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the first start winning switch 441 (see FIG. 10), a medium start winning counter (a predetermined RAM in the RAM) is set. The area) and the first payout counter (a predetermined area in the RAM) are updated. If the second start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the second start winning switch 442, 642 (see FIG. 10), the first payout counter is updated. Also, when the right big win switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the right big win switch 443 (see FIG. 10), or when the game ball is detected by the central big win switch 444 (see FIG. 10). If the central special winning switch detection flag is set based on this, the special winning counter (predetermined area of RAM) and the second payout counter (predetermined area of RAM) are updated.

  In the launch control process S1213, the launch-related information for controlling the launch of the game ball by the launch device 330 is updated. Specifically, the operation flag of the ball feeding solenoid 332 that drives the ball feeding mechanism 331 and the operation flag of the firing solenoid 334 that drives the firing mechanism 333 are updated.

  In the input signal monitoring process S1214, based on the output state of the signal from the open / close detection switch 108 (see FIG. 10) via the payout control board 930, the outer frame 101 (see FIGS. It is detected whether 103 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is closed. Also, based on the output state of the signal from the open / close detection switch 109 via the payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10), the intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is compared with the front block 102 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). 3) is closed or not.

  In the payout state monitoring process S1215, information indicating the payout control state output from the payout control board 930 is monitored, and various payout state commands according to the payout control state are set as necessary. Note that the sub-control board 940 that has received the payout state command causes the decorative symbol display device 479, the upper left sound device 281, the upper right sound device 282, and the like to execute notification according to the type of the payout state command.

  In the payout signal output processing S1216, various prize ball commands are set based on the values of the first payout counter and the second payout counter, as necessary, and output to the payout control board 930. Note that the first payout counter and the second payout counter are updated in accordance with the setting of the prize ball command. For example, the first payout counter is incremented by one each time a game ball corresponding to one winning is detected, and decremented by one each time a winning ball command based on the winning is set. Each time the payout control board 930 executes control for paying out a number (for example, three) of game balls corresponding to the winning (specifically, shortly before the payout is completed), the main control board 920 receives a prize. In a situation where a ball command is requested and payout of prize balls continues, a further prize ball command is output from the main control board 920. The second payout counter is a counter that is updated in response to a winning (for example, 13) having a different number of prize balls from the first payout counter. When 930 is received, the payout control board 930 executes control for paying out a number of game balls corresponding to the award ball command.

  In the special symbol-related process S1217, the control of holding the right of the unit game relating to the first special symbol and the control of the unit game relating to the first special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the hold control of the unit game right related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol is executed. In addition, in the control of the unit game relating to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 471 relating to the first special symbol is executed, and when a big hit is won in the first special symbol lottery, the right special winning device is provided. The operation control of the 433 and the central winning award device 434 is further executed.

  In the special symbol-related process S1217, control for holding the right of the unit game relating to the second special symbol and control for the unit game relating to the second special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the holding control of the unit game right related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol holding display device 477 related to the second special symbol is executed. In addition, in the control of the unit game relating to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 472 relating to the second special symbol is executed, and when a big hit is won in the second special symbol lottery, the right special winning device The operation control of the 433 and the central winning award device 434 is further executed.

  In the normal symbol-related process S1218, the control of holding the right of the unit game relating to the ordinary symbol and the control of the unit game relating to the ordinary symbol are executed. Specifically, in the hold control of the unit game right related to the normal symbol, the operation control of the normal symbol hold display device 478 is executed. In addition, in the control of the unit game relating to the ordinary symbol, the operation control of the ordinary symbol display device 473 relating to the ordinary symbol is executed, and when the ordinary symbol lottery is won, the operation control of the right starting winning device 432 is further executed. .

  In the display control process S1219, the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, the special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol in the special symbol related process S1217, and Based on various information updated to control the operation of the special symbol reservation display device 477 and the like relating to the second special symbol, output data for specifically operating those devices is synthesized. The synthesized output data is output to each device in a control signal output process S1208 based on the next timer interrupt.

  In the motor control process S1220, operation control of various motors is executed. In the external information output process S1221, output data to be output to an external device such as a data display device (not shown) or a management device (not shown) electrically connected to the pachinko machine 100 is set.

<Change of the moving direction of the game ball made by the central structure 420>
Next, a configuration in which the moving direction of the game ball flowing down the game area is changed by the central structure 420 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the central structure 420. FIG. More specifically, FIG. 13 shows a part of the central structure 420 (a top plate decoration 611, an upper left front decoration) mounted on the upper front side which is the side facing the player (ie, the front side). FIG. 612 is a perspective view of the upper right front decoration 613) disassembled with respect to other members.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the top board decoration 611 includes a roof 611B protruding from a position inside the upper end on the back surface of the decoration main body 611A visually recognized by a player. The roof 611B is configured to have an upwardly convex, smoothly curved shape with the apex at the approximate center of the top panel decoration 611. The edge of the roof 611B opposite to the joint with the decoration main body 611A is in contact with the front surface of the central structure 420 on the main body side, whereby the roof 611B is connected to the rear surface of the decoration main body 611A and the central structure 420. Along with the main body-side front surface, the upper side is configured as a spherical passage that is open.

  Therefore, a part of the game ball which is fired from the firing device 330 and enters the upper game area (hereinafter, also referred to as “upper game area”) with respect to the central structure 420, flows down the upper game area, and then the roof 611 </ b> B. Can be reached. As described above, since the roof 611B is configured to have a curved shape that is upwardly convex, the game ball that has reached the roof 611B may have a different shape depending on conditions such as its arrival position and the direction of movement of the game ball at the time of arrival. Roll on 611B in the left direction (arrow Q1 direction) or right direction (arrow Q2 direction).

  In addition, a recess 611C that guides the game ball toward the main body of the central structure 420 is provided substantially at the center (that is, substantially at the top) of the roof 611B. A passage 621 is provided at the end of the recess 611C. Thereby, the game ball that has reached the roof 611B can be guided to the passage port 621 via the concave portion 611C, in addition to being rolled left or right to be discharged from the left end or the right end of the roof 611B. That is, the roof 611B functions as a distribution unit (first distribution unit) that distributes the game balls that have reached the roof 611B to the left, right, or inside the passage 621.

  In the upper right portion on the main body side of the central structure 420, a partition portion 624 is provided for partitioning a game area flowing down by a left-handed game technique and a game area flowing down by a right-handed game technique. The partition part 624 is formed in a plate shape having an inclined surface inclined downward and to the right with a certain gap below the outer rail 402 (see FIG. 7) forming the outer shape of the game area with a certain gap through which the game ball can pass. The formed game ball that passes through the upper side of the partition 624 becomes a game ball that flows down by the right-handed game technique. On the other hand, a game ball passing under the partition 624 becomes a game ball flowing down by the left-handed game technique.

  Therefore, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the game ball flowing down by the left-handed game technique is only a game area (hereinafter, also referred to as a “left game area”) that is continuous from the left to the lower side with respect to the central structure 420. Instead, it passes through a central upper game area located between the left game area and the upper game area. The upper central game area is an area including the inner area of the central structure 420. In the upper part of the central structure 420, it corresponds to an area in which a game ball flows down the left and right sides of the roof 611B. Including. For this reason, the upper middle start winning device 632 is arranged upstream with respect to the left game area. On the other hand, the lower middle start winning device 431 is provided in a part of the left game area, and is arranged downstream with respect to the upper central game area.

  The movement paths of the game balls distributed to the left and right by the roof 611B will be described later with reference to FIGS. On the other hand, the game ball guided to the passage 621 is guided to the distribution device 622 connected to the passage 621. The distribution device 622 is a device that functions as a second distribution unit, and distributes the guided game balls to the upper middle starting winning device 632 or the outside of the starting winning device 632.

  Below the distribution device 622, a flow-down regulating portion 623 is provided. The flow-down regulating portion 623 is configured as an inclined surface whose upper surface is inclined downward from right to left. Each of the inclined surfaces of the flow-down regulating portion 623 has its respective ends in the longitudinal direction in contact with the back surfaces of the decorations 611, 612, and 613 and the front surface of the central structure 420 on the main body side. As a result, the game balls distributed to the outside of the upper middle starting winning device 632 by the distribution device 622 fall onto the flow-down regulating portion 623, and move on the inclined surface of the flow-down regulating portion 623 by their own weight in the left direction (in the direction of the arrow Q3). ). As a result, the game ball enters the left game area (that is, the game area from the left side with respect to the central structure 420).

  Here, the distribution device 622 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a region E1 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the distribution device 622 mainly includes a left distribution passage 622A, a right distribution passage 622B, and a stage 622C. The left distribution path 622A is a path that guides a game ball that has entered through the passage 621 to the left. On the other hand, the right distribution path 622B is a path that guides a game ball that has entered from the passage 621 to the right.

  The stage 622C is provided on each downstream side of the left distribution passage 622A and the right distribution passage 622B. Thereby, when the game ball passes through the left distribution path 622A, the game ball P enters from the left side of the stage 622C and rolls on the stage 622C as shown in FIG. 13, for example. On the other hand, the game ball that has passed through the right distribution path 622B enters from the right side of the stage 622C and rolls on the stage 622C.

  The stage 622C is provided with a concave portion 622D substantially at the center. A concave portion 622E and a concave portion 622F are provided on the left and right sides of the concave portion 622D, respectively. Each of the recesses 622D, 622E, and 622F is configured so that a game ball can be dropped from the front side (that is, the side that becomes the front of the gaming machine). Thereby, the game ball rolling on the stage 622C falls forward from the stage 622C via any of the concave portions 622D, 622E, and 622F.

  An upper middle starting winning device 632 is provided in front of the stage 622C. The upper middle starting winning device 632 is configured to be reciprocally movable in the left-right direction by a driving device (not shown). Therefore, when the upper middle start winning device 632 that reciprocates is at an appropriate position at the timing when the game ball drops from the stage 622C through any of the concave portions 622D, 622E, and 622F, the upper middle start winning device 632 is placed on the stage. The game ball falling from 622C is received, whereby the game ball enters the upper middle starting winning device 632. As described above, the upper middle start winning device 632 is a start winning device according to the second special symbol, similarly to the right start winning device 432. Therefore, when the game ball which has entered the upper middle start winning device 632 is detected by the second start winning switch 642, the start winning of the second special symbol is achieved.

  On the other hand, when the upper middle starting winning device 632 is not at an appropriate position and the game ball dropped from the stage 622C cannot enter the upper middle starting winning device 632, the gaming ball is flowed down as described above. As a result, the game ball rolls leftward (in the direction of arrow Q3) on the inclined surface of the flow-down regulating portion 623 and is discharged to the left game area.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, a description will be given of a movement path of a game ball distributed leftward or rightward (in the direction of arrow Q1 or arrow Q2) by the roof 611B. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the top plate decoration 611, the upper left front decoration 612, and the upper right front decoration 613 viewed from the back side. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the central structure 420 when the decoration main bodies 611A, 612A, and 613A of the decorations 611, 612, and 613 are removed. The decoration main bodies 611A, 612A, and 613A are parts of the top plate decoration 611, the upper left front decoration 612, and the upper right front decoration 613 that function as decoration means visually recognized by a player.

  As shown in FIG. 15, downwardly extending passage walls 612B and 612C are provided upright on the back surface of the decoration main body 612A of the upper left front decoration 612 with a predetermined width therebetween. As a result, a left downflow passage 652 that is continuous in the up-down direction is formed between the passage wall 612B and the passage wall 612C. That is, the left downflow passage 652 functions as a warp path formed inside the central structure 420. Therefore, a game ball rolling on the roof 611B in the direction of the arrow Q1 (that is, a game ball distributed to the left side by the roof 611B) is guided by the downflow passage 652, which is a warp route, and flows down the left downflow passage 652.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a downflow regulating section 623 is provided downstream of the left downflow passage 652. Therefore, the game ball flowing down the left flow-down passage 652 falls on the flow-down regulating portion 623. Thus, the game ball rolls leftward (in the direction of the arrow Q3) on the inclined surface of the flow-down regulating portion 623. That is, the game balls distributed to the left side by the roof 611B flow down the left flow-down passage 652, then roll on the inclined surface of the flow-down regulating portion 623 to the left, and are discharged to the left game area.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, on the back surface of the decoration main body 613A of the upper right front decoration 613, passage walls 613B and 613C extending downward are erected at a predetermined width. Thereby, a right-downflow passage 653 that is continuous in the up-down direction is formed between the passage wall 613B and the passage wall 613C. That is, the right downflow passage 653 also functions as a warp path formed inside the central structure 420. Therefore, a game ball rolling on the roof 611B in the direction of the arrow Q2 (that is, a game ball distributed to the right by the roof 611B) is guided by the right downflow passage 653, which is a warp route, and flows down the right downflow passage 653. .

  Then, the game ball flowing down the right flow-down passage 653 falls on the flow-down regulating portion 623, and rolls leftward (in the direction of the arrow Q3) on the inclined surface. That is, the game balls distributed to the right side by the roof 611B flow down the right downflow passage 653, then roll leftward on the inclined surface of the downflow regulation portion 623, and are discharged to the left game area.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, even the game balls distributed to the right by the roof 611B enter the left game area by passing through the right downflow passage 653 and the downflow restriction portion 623. be able to.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in the pachinko machine 100, between the passage wall 612B and the passage wall 612C, a plate-shaped projection 612D projecting from the back surface of the decoration main body 612A is provided with the passage wall 612B and the passage wall 612C. Are provided substantially parallel to the wall surface.

  The protrusion 612D has a bottom surface (a surface in contact with the back surface of the decoration main body 612A) formed in a substantially rectangular shape extending in a continuous direction (that is, a vertical direction) of the left downflow passage 652 and is adjacent to a longitudinal side of the bottom surface. The side surfaces (that is, the surfaces that are substantially parallel to the wall surfaces of the passage wall 612B and the passage wall 612C) are formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape in which the width decreases as the distance from the back surface of the decoration main body 612A increases. In other words, the protrusion 612D is configured to have a shape in which the height from the bottom surface, which is the installation surface with respect to the decoration main body 612A, gradually increases inward from the longitudinal end of the bottom surface. The plurality of protrusions 612 </ b> D (five in the example illustrated in FIG. 15) are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the continuous direction of the left downflow passage 652.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the left downflow passage 652, a concave portion 652 </ b> A corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 612 </ b> D is formed on a surface facing the protrusion 612 </ b> D. Therefore, the game ball flowing down the left flow-down passage 652 is not vertically dropped, but rather a path formed by the protrusion 612D and the recess 652A, that is, once toward the back side (the bottom side of the recess 652A) and then toward the front side. Go through the returned path.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of protrusions 613D similar to the protrusions 612D are provided between the passage walls 613B and 613C also on the back surface of the decoration main body 613A of the upper right front decoration 613. As shown in FIG. 16, a concave portion 653A corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 613D is formed on a surface of the right-flow passage 653 facing the protrusion 613D. Therefore, also with respect to the right downflow passage 653, similarly to the left downflow passage 652, the game ball is formed by the projection 613 </ b> D and the recess 653 </ b> A, and once goes to the back side (the bottom side of the recess 653 </ b> A) and then to the front side Go through the returned path.

  As shown in FIG. 15, on the back surface of the decoration main body 612 </ b> A, a protruding portion 612 </ b> E is formed on the downstream side of the left downflow passage 652, which extends in a direction intersecting with the continuous direction of the left downflow passage 652. . On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, on the main body-side front surface of the central structure 420, at a position downstream of the protrusion 612E, a direction similar to the protrusion 612E, which intersects the continuation direction of the left downflow passage 652. A protruding portion 652B is formed to be elongated. Thus, the game ball flows down the left downflow passage 652 while colliding with the projections 612E and 652B. Since the mechanical energy of the game ball decreases due to the collision with the protrusions 612E and 652B, the collision between the game ball and the flow-down regulating portion 623 can be eased.

  The curved shape of the roof 611B is configured substantially symmetrically for the purpose of smoothing the distribution of the game balls to the left and right. On the other hand, the inclined surface of the flow-down regulating portion 623 is configured to be inclined downward from right to left. Therefore, inevitably, the distance until the game ball discharged from the left end of the roof 611B and flows down the left downflow passage 652 reaches the flow down regulation portion 623 is equal to the distance from the right end of the roof 611B to the right downflow passage 653. It is longer than the distance to reach the flow-down regulating portion 623. Therefore, the difference in energy when the game ball is dropped (collides) with the flow-down regulating portion 623 between the case where the game ball is discharged from the left end of the roof 611B and the case where the game ball is discharged from the right end of the roof 611B. Therefore, there is a possibility that the behavior of the game ball dropped on the flow-down regulating portion 623 becomes uneven due to the occurrence.

  On the other hand, as described above, the protrusions 612E and 652B that are not downstream of the right-downflow passage 653 are provided downstream of the left-downflow passage 652, which has a longer flowing distance of the game ball than the right-downflow passage 653. Therefore, even when the game balls are distributed to either the left or right of the roof 611B, the behavior of the game balls dropped on the flow-down regulating portion 623 can be smoothed.

  Next, the operation and effect of the pachinko machine 100 relating to the change in the moving direction of the game ball performed by the central structure 420 will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100, as described above, the game balls distributed to the right side by the roof 611B can enter the left side game area by passing through the right downflow passage 653 and the downflow regulation portion 623.

  In a typical game machine of the related art, the game balls distributed to the right side by the distribution unit provided at the upper part of the central structure flow down the right side as it is, and the game balls distributed to the left side flow down the left side as it is. The behavior of the game balls distributed by the distribution unit also affected the position of the game balls flowing downstream. Therefore, in a conventional gaming machine, when a start winning device such as a lower middle start winning device 431 is provided in a game region on the left side of the central structure (that is, a left game region), The player performs a shooting operation of the game ball so as to directly aim at the left game area (left-handed game technique) or to aim the game ball at the distribution section on the left side. As described above, in the conventional gaming machine, the flow starting position of the game ball aimed at by the player becomes uniform, and a large number of the game balls flow down on one side where a bonus related to the game such as a start winning device is easily given. The firing operation of the player was easily limited and lacked unexpectedness.

  On the other hand, according to the pachinko machine 100, even if the player fires the game ball aiming at the right side far from the entrance of the game area (that is, the exit of the launch path 401B), the player places the game ball in the left game area. And let it flow down. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the positions aimed by the player by the shooting operation, and it is possible to give the player unexpectedness. Thereby, the interest of the game can be suitably improved.

  In addition, even if the shooting operation is performed so that a large number of game balls flow down to the right side in the game area, the game ball can be returned to the left game area by the right downflow passage 653 and the downflow regulation unit 623. Even if not only the entry of the game ball into the passage 621 in the central structure 420 from the left side but also the flow of many game balls toward the entry into the passage opening 621 from the right, the game ball can be moved to the left game area. Can be given a privilege related to the game. Also in this respect, the interest of the game can be suitably improved.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, it is possible to enter the upper middle starting winning device 632 on condition that the game ball has entered the passage 621 in the central structure 420. In other words, the game ball does not enter the upper middle start winning device 632 without entering the passage 621. Therefore, when the game ball is fired so as to aim at the entrance to the passage 621 from the right side, the game ball does not enter the passage 621 and the opportunity to enter the upper middle starting winning device 632 is lost. However, since the game balls are distributed to the right side by the roof 611B, there is a possibility that the game balls can pass to the lower middle starting winning device 431. As a result, it is possible to reduce the disappointment of the player due to the loss of the opportunity to enter the upper middle start winning device 632, and in this respect, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the central structure 420 is provided above the lower middle start winning device 431 in a front view of the pachinko machine 100 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the roof 611B of the top plate decoration 611 is positioned so as to vertically overlap the lower middle starting winning device 431. Therefore, the game balls distributed to the right side by the roof 611B pass through the flow-down regulating portion 623. By passing through and moving to the left, the vehicle reaches the lower middle starting winning device 431 through a substantially S-shaped movement path. Therefore, the player moves the game path distributed to the right side by the roof 611B to the lower middle starting prize device 431 because the movement path is different from the path that simply flows down. Can be clearly conscious. Thereby, even if the player fires the game ball aiming at the side distant from the left game area (that is, the right side), there is a possibility that the game ball may pass through the lower middle starting winning device 431. Since the firing operation can be performed while clearly grasping, it is possible to suitably enjoy a game in which the shooting operation is performed aiming at the right side.

  Here, the decorative symbol display device 479 for displaying a decorative symbol according to the result of the first special symbol lottery based on the first special symbol starting winning or the second special symbol lottery based on the second special symbol starting winning is provided. In the front view of the pachinko machine 100, the pachinko machine 100 is provided between the roof 611B and the lower middle start winning device 431. That is, the decorative symbol according to the result of the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery is displayed between the roof 611B and the lower middle starting winning device 431. Thereby, when the game ball is distributed to the right side by the roof 611B, the player follows the moving path of the game ball and, when the game ball enters the lower middle starting winning device 431, looks at the line of sight. Is raised upward from the position of the lower middle start winning device 431, so that the decorative symbol according to the result of the lottery based on the game ball having entered the lower middle start winning device 431 (that is, the first special symbol lottery). Can be visually recognized. After checking the state of the decorative symbol display device 479, the player can raise the line of sight again to visually recognize the distribution of the game balls on the roof 611B located above the decorative symbol display device 479. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player's line of sight from being distracted.

  In the pachinko machine 100, when a game ball enters the passage 621 of the central structure 420, the game ball is guided to the stage 622C, and the upper middle start winning device 632 or the start winning device is operated by the stage 622C. 632. If the game ball has not entered the upper middle starting winning device 632 even though it has entered the passage 621, the game ball falls onto the flow-down regulating portion 623 and is discharged to the left game area. Thereby, even if the player cannot enter the game ball into the upper middle start winning device 632, the player may allow the game ball to enter the lower middle start winning device 431 in the left game area. We can expect that we cannot do it.

  In particular, even when the game ball falls from the concave portion (recess 622D or 622F) on the right side with respect to the position of the upper middle starting winning device 632 that reciprocates in the left-right direction, the game ball is moved to the left game area. Since the player can be guided, the player may be surprised with the moving path of the game ball, and may enter the lower middle start winning device 431 for the game ball moving along the unexpected path. You can expect to have none.

  In a typical game machine of the related art, when a game ball that has entered an entry portion such as the passage 621 does not pass through an advantageous area such as the upper middle start winning device 632, the game ball is converted into a pachinko machine. 100 had been discharged outside. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 100, even if the game ball that has entered the passage 621 does not enter the upper middle starting winning device 632, the game ball is not discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 100, Again, a chance to enter the lower middle start winning device 431 is given. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the disappointment of the player due to the game ball that has entered the passage 621 not entering the upper middle starting winning device 632, and in that respect, it is also possible to improve the interest of the game. .

<Behavior of the game ball according to the falling position to the downflow regulation unit 623>
Next, with reference mainly to FIG. 17, the behavior of the game ball according to the position of falling to the flow-down regulating portion 623 will be described. FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of FIG. 16 as viewed from the front. Note that FIG. 17 also shows a general winning device 639 arranged in a left game area (that is, a game area from the left side with respect to the central structure 420).

  As described above, the game balls distributed to the left side or the right side by the roof 611B flow down the left downflow passage 652 or the right downflow passage 653, and then leftward on the inclined surface of the downflow restriction portion 623 (arrow Q3 direction: FIG. 16) and is discharged to the left game area. Here, as shown in FIG. 17, the flow-down regulating portion 623 is configured such that the longitudinal direction of the inclined surface provided on the upper surface thereof is longer than the width of the roof 611B in the left-right direction. Therefore, when the game ball is distributed to the left by the roof 611B (that is, when the game ball flows down the left downflow passage 652), when the game ball is distributed to the right by the roof 611B (that is, when the game ball is left (When flowing down the downflow passage 652), the falling position of the game ball to the downflow regulation unit 623 is different.

  Specifically, when the game ball is sorted to the left side by the roof 611B, the side near the exit 623A, which is the left end of the flow-down regulating portion 623, is the drop position of the game ball. On the other hand, when the game ball is distributed to the right side by the roof 611B, the side far from the exit 623A (that is, the side near the right end of the flow-down regulating portion 623) is the drop position of the game ball.

  Since the inclined surface of the flow-down regulating portion 623 is configured to incline from right to left, the height (vertical length) with respect to the position of the outlet increases as the distance from the outlet 623A (that is, the left end of the inclined surface) increases. Become. Therefore, as the falling position of the game ball to the flow-down regulating unit 623 becomes farther from the position of the exit of the flow-down regulating unit 623, the height of the fall position with respect to the exit is higher.

  That is, the height of the falling position with respect to the exit differs depending on the direction in which the game balls are distributed by the roof 611B. For example, a game ball distributed to the right by the roof 611B falls to a higher position with respect to the exit than when distributed to the left. Therefore, the acceleration mode of the game ball discharged from the exit of the flow-down regulating portion 623 can be made different depending on the direction in which the game ball is distributed by the roof 611B.

  Specifically, when the game ball is distributed to the left side by the roof 611B and flows down the left flow-down passage 652, the drop point to the flow-down regulating portion 623 is on the side closer to the outlet 623A, and the height with respect to the outlet 623A is relatively high. Low. Therefore, in such a case, the acceleration of the game ball discharged from the exit 623A tends to be relatively small. On the other hand, when the game ball is distributed to the right by the roof 611B and flows down the right downflow passage 653, the drop point to the downflow control portion 623 is farther from the outlet 623A, and the height with respect to the outlet 623A is relatively high. high. Therefore, in such a case, the acceleration of the game ball discharged from the exit 623A tends to be relatively large.

  Therefore, when the game ball is distributed to the left side by the roof 611B, the game ball discharged from the outlet 623A of the flow-down regulating portion 623 easily takes a trajectory J1 flowing down on a side closer to the central structure 420. On the other hand, when the game balls are distributed to the right side by the roof 611B, the game balls discharged from the outlet 623A of the flow-down regulating portion 623 flow down the side farther from the central structure 420 (that is, the side farther than the track J1). It is easy to take the trajectory J2.

  The game ball discharged from the exit 623A of the flow-down regulating portion 623 enters the left game area. Above the left game area, a general winning device 639 is arranged (see FIG. 7). More specifically, the general prize winning device 639 is disposed at a position near the exit 623A of the flow-down regulating portion 623 and slightly to the left of the exit 623A in the left game area.

  By arranging the general prize device 639 at a position slightly to the left with respect to the exit 623A, the possibility that the game ball discharged from the flow-down regulating portion 623 enters the general prize device 639 has passed through the trajectory J2. In this case, it is higher than when passing through the trajectory J1. Therefore, the possibility that the game ball enters the general prize device 639 is higher as the falling point to the flow-down regulating unit 623 is farther from the exit. That is, in the case of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the possibility of entering the general prize device 639 is higher when the gaming balls are sorted to the right by the roof 611B.

  Next, in the pachinko machine 100, an operation and an effect related to the behavior of the game ball in accordance with the position where the game ball is dropped on the downflow restricting portion 623 will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100, the flow-down regulating unit 623 is configured such that the acceleration mode of the game ball discharged from the flow-down regulating unit 623 to the left game area is different depending on the position where the game ball is received. For example, the acceleration mode of the game ball discharged to the left game area differs depending on whether the game ball is distributed to the right side or the left side by the roof 611B. On the other hand, the general winning device 639 is provided at a position having a different possibility of passing according to the position of the game ball received by the flow-down regulating unit 623. Thereby, the possibility that the player can receive the privilege related to the game can be changed according to the position of the game ball received by the flow-down regulating unit 623.

  Generally, the entry of a game ball into an advantageous area such as the general winning device 639 is easily determined by the arrangement of a flow-down changing member such as a nail provided near the advantageous area, and the game ball is placed at a position away from the advantageous area. Behavior is less likely to affect entry into the advantage zone. Therefore, there has been a problem that the player is not interested in only the behavior of the game ball in a part of the game area, but in the pachinko machine 100, as described above, the game ball received by the flow-down regulating unit 623. Can change the possibility that the player can receive the benefits related to the game, depending on the position of the player, so that the player can enjoy the game of moving the game ball in the flow-down regulating section 623, whereby It is possible to suitably improve the interest in the game. In addition, since the possibility that the player can receive the privilege related to the game can be changed according to the direction of distribution of the game balls by the roof 611B, the interest of the game in which the game balls are distributed by the roof 611B can be improved.

  In the pachinko machine 100, the general prize winning device 639 is disposed at a position slightly to the left with respect to the exit 623A of the flow-down regulating portion 623. In other words, the possibility of entering the general prize device 639 is higher when the game balls are distributed to the right side by the roof 611B. Therefore, it is possible to improve interest in firing the game ball at a predetermined position such as a position where the game ball can be distributed to the right side by the roof 611B.

  The game balls distributed to the right side by the roof 611B and a part of the game balls distributed by the stage 622C both pass through the flow-down regulating portion 623. For this reason, although the game ball distributed to the right side by the roof 611B may pass through the track J2, the game ball distributed by the stage 622C may be blocked by the game ball. Since the timing at which the game balls are discharged from the stage 622C fluctuates and is difficult to predict, even if the player aims at the progress of the game balls along the trajectory J2, the progress of some of the game balls is discharged from the stage 622C. A situation occurs that is blocked by the ball. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the right part of the center upper game area from being extremely advantageous as compared with the left part.

<Functions of protrusions 612D and 613D>
Next, the functions of the protrusions 612D and 613D will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 is a front view of the central structure 420. As shown in FIG. 18, an upper left front ornament 612 and an upper right front ornament 613 are provided on the left and right sides of the front upper portion of the central structure 420.

  In the upper left front decoration 612, the decoration main body 612A whose front side is visually recognized by the player is made of a material whose surface is transparent or translucent and capable of transmitting light. On the back side of the decoration main body 612A, a luminous body is provided as a panel surface light emitting device 490 (see FIG. 10), and by causing the luminous body to emit light, light transmitted through the front side of the decoration main body 612A is transmitted to the game board 400. decorate. That is, the upper left front decoration 612 has a function as a decoration means for decorating the game board 400.

  On the other hand, similarly to the decorative main body 612A, the decorative main body 613A of the upper right front decoration 613 is also configured as a hollow body whose surface is made of a transparent or translucent and light transmissive material. Therefore, the upper right front decoration 613 also functions as a decoration means for decorating the game board 400, like the upper left front decoration 612.

  In particular, since the surfaces of the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A are both configured such that the side facing the player (that is, the front side) is configured as an undulating surface (decorated undulating surface), each of the upper left front decoration 612 and the upper right front decoration 613 is used. The decoration function is enhanced.

  Each back surface of the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A is also made of a transparent or translucent and light-transmissive material, like the front surface. Therefore, when the upper left front decoration 612 and the upper right front decoration 613 are viewed from the front side, the player can visually recognize the back side (that is, the back side on the back side of the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A).

  As described above, the flow-down passages 652 and 653 are provided on the back sides of the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A (see FIGS. 15 and 16), so that the player can perform the warping path via the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A. It is possible to visually recognize a game ball flowing down the flow passages 652 and 653 provided in the central structure 420. Therefore, the player can grasp the state in which the game ball distributed to either the right side or the left side by the roof 611B moves on the warp route by visually recognizing through the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A.

  However, since each of the front decorations 612 and 613 has a function as a decoration means as described above and emits light as necessary, the light deteriorates the visibility of each back side of the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A. This makes it difficult for the player to specify the positions of the downflow passages 652 and 653. Accordingly, it becomes difficult for the player to grasp the whereabouts of the game balls distributed by the roof 611B. In particular, since the surfaces of the decorative main bodies 612A and 613A are configured as undulating surfaces, the emitted light is scattered on the undulating surfaces, and the visibility of each back side of the decorative main bodies 612A and 613A is significantly deteriorated.

  On the other hand, the projections 612D, 613D extending in the continuous direction of the flow-down passages 652, 653 are provided in the flow-down passages 652, 653 on the back surfaces (more specifically, on the back sides of the back surfaces) of the decoration main bodies 612A, 613A. Is provided (see FIG. 15). For this reason, in the decorative main bodies 612A and 613A, light is more difficult to transmit in the portion where the protrusions 612D and 613D are provided than in other portions. The decorative main bodies 612A and 613A emit light by a light emitting body provided on the back surface side thereof, and the thickness of the protrusions 612D and 613D in the front-rear direction is larger than that of other parts, so that light is hardly transmitted. This is because the rear surface of the projections 612D and 613D is inclined in the front-rear direction, so that light from the rear side hardly enters the projections 612D and 613D. Therefore, even when each of the front decorations 612 and 613 emits light, the player can visually recognize the portion where the protrusions 612D and 613D are provided as a darker portion than other portions.

  As described above, the bottom surfaces of the protruding portions 612D and 613D (the surfaces of the decorative main body 612A that are in contact with the back surface of the 613A) are formed in a substantially rectangular shape extending in the continuous direction of the flow-down passages 652 and 653. The dark portion is visually recognized as a streak extending in the continuous direction of each of the flow passages 652 and 653. Therefore, the player can specify the positions of the downflow passages 652 and 653 based on the dark portion. Thus, the protrusions 612D and 613D function as passage display means for displaying the flow-down passages 652 and 653.

  In particular, as described above, the surfaces of the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A are configured as undulating surfaces, and while enhancing the decoration effect by light, the visibility of each back side of the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A is deteriorated. Is provided with projections 612D and 613D functioning as passage display means for displaying the flow-down passages 652 and 653, so that the warp path ( The visibility of the flow-down passages 652, 653) can be favorably secured.

  In addition, since a plurality of protrusions 612D and 613D are provided in a direction intersecting with the continuous direction of each of the flow passages 652 and 653, the player can visually recognize a plurality of streaks as dark portions, and The positions of the passages 652, 653 can be easily specified.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the shape of the downflow passage. More specifically, FIG. 19 is a diagram in which a portion of the right downflow passage 653 is extracted from the cross-sectional view taken along the line XA-XA of FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 19, the right-downflow passage 653 is configured as a meandering path by the protrusion 613D and the recess 653A formed on the surface facing the protrusion 613D.

  Thus, the game ball flowing down the right-downflow passage 653 does not flow vertically but flows down a path meandering to the inner side of the central structure 420 (that is, the bottom side of the concave portion 652A). By causing the game ball to meander and flow down, the game ball flows down while colliding with the right downflow passage 653, whereby the flow down speed of the game ball can be reduced. That is, the protrusion 613D has a function as a speed reduction unit. Note that the left downflow passage 652 is also configured as a meandering path similar to that in FIG. Therefore, the protrusion 612D also functions as a deceleration unit similar to the protrusion 613D.

  FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a region E2 in FIG. The right-downflow passage 653 has a passage width W1 in the left-right direction, that is, a separation distance between the passage wall 613B and the passage wall 613C is a distance that allows two game balls to pass at the same time. By adopting such a width, ball clogging in the right-downflow passage 653 can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, in the right downflow passage 653, the width (length in a direction intersecting the continuous direction of the right downflow passage 653) W2 of each section partitioned by the protrusion 613D is the diameter of the game ball (width of the game ball). A smaller distance is assumed. Thus, the game ball flowing down the right-flow passage 653 is rectified by the adjacent protrusion 613D. That is, the protrusion 613D has a function as a rectifying unit.

  As described above, since the flowing game balls are rectified by the protrusion 613D, even in a situation where two game balls pass through the right-flow passage 653 almost at the same time, it is possible to suppress clogging of the balls by those game balls. it can. The left downflow passage 652 is also configured in the same manner as in FIG. Therefore, the protrusion 612D also functions as a rectifying unit similar to the protrusion 613D.

  Next, the operation and effect of the pachinko machine 100 having the protrusions 612D and 613D will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100, since the projections 612D and 613D functioning as passage display means are provided on the back surfaces of the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A, the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A decorate the game board 400 by emitting light. However, the existence of the left and right flow-down passages 652 and 653 can be easily grasped before the start of the game (that is, before the game ball enters the left game area including the lower middle start winning device 431). Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the player from feeling distrust or irritation with respect to the game ball that has entered the game ball passage, the player can enjoy the game started by causing the game ball to enter the game ball passage. Can be. This makes it possible to appropriately improve the interest of the game.

  Further, the left and right downflow passages 652, 653 are passages through which the game balls distributed to the left and right by the roof 611B respectively pass, and a downflow regulation portion 623 is provided downstream of each of the downflow passages 652, 653. Game balls that have passed through the flow-down passages 652 and 653 roll on the flow-down regulating portion 623 and are discharged to the left game area. At this time, the game balls distributed to the right side by the roof 611B pass through the right-downflow passage 653, and then roll from the side near the right end of the downflow restriction portion 623 to the exit 623A. Therefore, when the game ball is sorted to the right by the roof 611B, the ball passes through a relatively long route before entering the left game area. In the pachinko machine 100, as described above, the existence of the right-downflow passage 653 can be easily grasped before the start of the game, so that the player feels distrust of the game ball that has entered the relatively long path. Can be suitably suppressed.

  In the pachinko machine 100, the projections 612D and 613D function as speed reduction means in a meandering portion formed together with the recess 652A, while the projections 612D and 613D function as rectification means. Ball clogging can be suppressed.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be modified and implemented as described below, for example. In this case, each configuration described below may be applied to the embodiment, or a plurality of configurations described below may be combined and applied to the embodiment.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the flow-down regulating unit 623 is configured to receive the game balls distributed by the roof 611B and the distribution device 622. However, the flow-down regulation unit 623 is not necessarily configured by the roof 611B and the distribution device 622. It is not necessary to have a configuration in which game balls distributed by the game are received. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which game balls flowing down the upper game area are directly received.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the game balls distributed to the left or right side by the roof 611B are all discharged to the left game area via the flow-down regulating portion 623, but the game balls distributed to the right side. Does not necessarily have to pass through the flow-down regulating section 623. For example, the game balls distributed to the right side by the roof 611B may be discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 100.

  In recent years, due to enlargement of the central structure and the like, there is a tendency that the size and arrangement of a region in which a game ball flows down in the game region is limited. However, like the pachinko machine 100 of the above-described embodiment, the roof 611B has Since the game balls distributed to either the left or right are guided to the common game area (that is, the left game area), the limited game area can be effectively used.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that game balls are sorted by the roof 611B (first sorting unit) and the sorting device 622 (second sorting unit). No need to provide. For example, the distribution unit may include only the roof 611B. In such a case, it may be configured such that the starting winning of the second special symbol is established based on the game ball having entered the passing port 621.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the roof 611B having the upwardly convex curved shape is adopted as the first distribution unit for distributing the game balls flowing down the upper game area. However, the shape of the first distribution unit Is not necessarily limited to an upwardly convex curved shape. For example, it may be a stage or a croon that distributes the first distribution unit to one of the left side, the right side, and the passage opening. Alternatively, a configuration may be used in which a game ball is distributed to one of a left side, a right side, and a passage opening by the movement of a movable object that moves in a predetermined direction.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the game balls distributed to the left or right by the roof 611B are guided to the left game area by the flow-down regulating unit 623, but the destination guided by the flow-down regulating unit 623 is not necessarily required. It is not necessary to limit to the game area near the entrance of the game area (that is, the exit of the firing passage 401B), that is, the left game area which is the game area from the left side with respect to the central structure 420.

  For example, when the entrance of the game area is provided on the right side, that is, when the game ball is fired from the right side, the flow-down regulating unit 623 moves the game ball distributed by the roof 611B to the central structure 420. It may be configured to guide the player to a game area from the right side (hereinafter also referred to as “right game area”). Also in this modification, similarly to the pachinko machine 100 of the above embodiment, the game balls distributed to the side farther from the entrance of the game area (that is, the left side) are changed to the right game area which is the game area closer to the entrance. Can be entered.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the game balls distributed to either the left or right by the roof 611B are guided to the left game area by the common flow-down regulating portion 623, but the invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the game balls fall to different flow-down regulating portions when the game balls are distributed to the left side by the roof 611 and when the game balls are distributed to the right side.

  In this modification, the flow-down regulating unit in which the game balls distributed to the left fall, and the flow-down regulating unit in which the game balls distributed to the right fall, even if their inclined surfaces have the same inclination angle, Different inclination angles may be used. By setting the inclination angles of the inclined surfaces of the flow-down regulating portions to different angles, it is possible to make the acceleration modes of the game balls discharged from the outlets of the respective flow-down regulating portions different.

  Further, the downflow regulation section where the game balls distributed to the left fall and the downflow regulation section where the game balls distributed to the right fall may be arranged in a substantially C shape in a front view of the pachinko machine 100. Good. In such a case, it is discharged to the left game area or the right game area according to the direction of the distribution.

  (7) In the above-described embodiment, the downflow restricting portion 623 has a configuration in which the inclined surface is inclined downward from right to left. However, if the game ball can move to the left on the downflow restricting portion 623 by its own weight. However, it is not always necessary to limit the downward slope from right to left. For example, the slope of the flow-down regulating portion 623 may have a shape such as a curve or a wave such that the game ball can move to the left side under its own weight on the flow-down regulating portion 623. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the game ball is carried to the left game area by moving the movable body.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the upper middle start winning device 632 is configured to reciprocate in the left-right direction. However, the upper middle start winning device 632 does not necessarily need to be configured to be movable. For example, the upper middle start winning device 632 may be fixedly provided at a predetermined position (ie, does not move).

  (9) In the above embodiment, the game balls that have entered the upper middle starting winning device 632 are configured to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the upper middle start winning device 632 may be penetrated in a direction facing the entrance, and the game ball that has entered the upper middle start winning device 632 may fall on the flow-down regulating portion 623. According to such a modification, it is possible not only to enter the upper middle start winning device 632 but also to enter the lower middle start winning device 431 in the left game area.

  (10) In the above embodiment, the upper middle starting winning device 632 is configured as a starting winning device related to the second special symbol. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. It may be configured as a general prize winning device for giving a ball.

  (11) In the above embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 612D and 613D are provided in a direction intersecting a continuous direction of the left and right flow-down passages 652 and 653. There is no need to limit. For example, a configuration in which one protruding portion 612D, 613D is provided in each of the downstream passages 652, 653 may be adopted. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the number of the protrusions 612 </ b> D and 613 </ b> D provided in each of the downstream passages 652 and 653 is five, but the number is not limited as long as at least one is provided.

  (12) In the above embodiment, the protrusions 612D, 613D are erected on the back side of each of the decorative main bodies 612A, 613A, and the portions corresponding to the bottom surfaces of the protrusions 612D, 613D are visually recognized as dark portions, thereby serving as passage display portions. Although the configuration is made to function, the function as the passage display unit is not necessarily limited to being visually recognized as a dark part. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a streak extending in the continuous direction of the flow-down passages 652 and 653 is formed on the back side of each of the decorative bodies 612A and 613A with a coloring agent having low light transmittance. Alternatively, the streak extending in the continuous direction of the flow-down passages 652, 653 may be visually recognized by the player by causing the decoration main bodies 612A, 613A to emit light so as to be distinguishable from the light for decoration.

  (13) In the above-described embodiment, the continuously extending (that is, a series of) streaks caused by the bottom surfaces of the protrusions 612D and 613D are configured to be visually recognized by the player as the passage display unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. No need. For example, the path display unit may be configured so that a streak extending intermittently (that is, a dotted line) in the continuous direction of the flow-down paths 652 and 653 is visually recognized by the player as the path display unit.

  (14) In the above embodiment, the protrusions 612D, 613D are provided inside the central structure 420, more specifically, on the left and right flow passages 652, 653 provided on the rear side of the upper left front decoration 612 and the upper right front decoration 613. Although the configuration is used in which the path display is used, the path for displaying the path by the path display unit is not necessarily limited to the path provided inside the central structure 420. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a passage display by a passage display unit such as a protrusion is provided for a passage passing through the back side of a structure other than the central structure 420.

  (15) In the above embodiment, the passage display using the protrusions 612D and 613D is performed on the flow-down passages 652 and 653 extending in the vertical direction when the pachinko machine 100 is viewed from the front. Is not necessarily limited to a passage extending in the vertical direction. For example, for a passage extending from the upper left to the lower right such that the game ball can reach the exit by its own weight, a passage display by a passage display unit such as a protrusion may be displayed.

  (16) In the above embodiment, the surfaces of the decoration main bodies 612A and 613A are configured as undulating surfaces, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the surfaces of the decoration bodies 612A and 613A may be smooth surfaces without undulations.

  (17) In the above embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 479 determines whether the first special symbol lottery based on the first special symbol starting winning or the second special symbol lottery based on the second special symbol starting winning. Although the decorative pattern is configured to be displayed, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the decorative symbol display device 479 displays a decorative symbol according to the result of the first special symbol lottery based on the first special symbol starting winning, and the second special symbol lottery based on the second special symbol starting winning. The result may be displayed on another display device.

  (18) In the above embodiment, the general winning device 639 is provided at a position where the passing possibility is different depending on the position of the game ball received by the flow-down regulating unit 623, but the game ball received by the flow-down regulating unit 623 is provided. It is not always necessary to limit the device provided at a position where the possibility of passing differs according to the position of the general winning device. For example, a start winning prize device (ie, a start winning prize device according to a special symbol) to which a lottery right is given based on entry, such as a lower middle start prize device 431, is provided for a game ball received by the flow-down regulating unit 623. It is good also as a structure provided in the position where the possibility of passage differs according to a position.

  (19) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the entrance (passage port 621) of the upper middle starting winning device 632 is provided above the distribution unit (first distribution unit) by the roof 611B has been described. It is not necessary to provide at the position, it may be provided on the side (right side or left side) of the upper middle starting winning device 632 corresponding to the downstream side of the distribution unit by the roof 611B, and the number of entrances is limited to one The number may be two or more.

  (20) The present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine or the like of a different type from the above embodiment. For example, a pachinko machine that can increase the expected value of a big hit until a big hit state occurs a plurality of times (for example, two or three times) including the big hit may be implemented. Further, the pachinko machine may be implemented as a pachinko machine which enters a special game state on condition that a ball wins in a predetermined area after a big hit symbol is displayed. Further, the present invention may be applied to an enclosed pachinko machine in which balls circulate. Furthermore, other than a pachinko machine, the present invention may be implemented as various game machines such as an arrangement ball type pachinko, a sparrow ball, and the like. Further, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko machine, and may be applied to a slot machine, or may be applied to a gaming machine such as a parrot in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined.

<Invention extracted from the above embodiment>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment will be described while showing problems and effects as needed. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in each of the above embodiments is appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses or the like. Further, the meanings and examples of the terms described in each feature may be applied as the meanings and examples of the terms described in other features described in the same wording.

<Feature 10>
A gaming machine having a game area in which a game ball flows through a predetermined entrance,
A first entry hole (passage opening 621) into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter, and a game ball flowing down the game area being closer to an entrance of the game area in a front view of the gaming machine; Or a distribution unit (roof 611B) for distributing to the second side that is farther from the entrance of the gaming area when viewed from the front of the gaming machine,
The game balls distributed to the second side by the distribution unit are arranged in a specific game area formed on the first side with respect to the distribution unit (from the left side to the downstream side with respect to the central structure 420). A first route (right downflow passage 653, downflow regulation unit 623) for guiding to the lower middle start winning device 431 including the lower middle start winning device 431);
A gaming machine comprising:

  In a typical game machine of the related art, a game ball fired in response to a player's operation enters a game area formed on a game board and flows down the game area. When a game ball flowing down the game area enters the starting port, a lottery is performed in accordance with the entry. A configuration is known in which when a big hit is won in the lottery, a special game state is set and a large number of game balls can be won in the winning opening.

  In such a conventional gaming machine, various ideas have been devised regarding the moving path of the game ball in order to improve the interest of the game by the game ball flowing down the game area. For example, there is a gaming machine that structurally changes a moving path of a game ball by providing a distribution unit for distributing the game ball to the left and right above a central structure disposed in the center of the game board (for example, JP 2004-254955 A).

  However, in conventional gaming machines, there is still room for improvement in order to enhance the interest of the game. That is, in the conventional gaming machine, although the moving path of the game ball is diversified, the behavior of the game ball distributed by the distribution unit moves downstream, such as the game ball distributed to the right flows down the right side as it is. This also affects the position of the game ball flowing down. For this reason, the flow start position of the game ball aimed at by the player becomes uniform, and the firing operation of the player is likely to be limited so that a large number of game balls flow down on one side where the benefits related to the game are easily given, It lacked surprisingness.

  On the other hand, in the case of the gaming machine described in the feature 10, the gaming balls structurally distributed by the distribution unit can be moved on a moving route suitable for improving the interest of the game. That is, the game ball distributed to the side (second side) far from the entrance of the game area by the distribution unit can be moved to the side (first side) near the entrance of the game area, and The target position is diversified by the shooting operation, and it is possible to have unexpectedness. Also, even if the player performs a shooting operation so that a large number of game balls flow down to the second side, the game balls can be returned to the first side, so that the player can enter the approach section from the first side. In addition to aiming at the game area, even if a large number of game balls are caused to flow down from the second side to the approaching section, a game privilege in a specific game area can be provided. This makes it possible to appropriately improve the interest of the game.

  The “first side” and the “second side” in the feature 10 change according to the side of the gaming machine where the entrance of the gaming area is provided. For example, as in the above-described embodiment, when the exit of the firing passage 401B is located on the left side of the game area (that is, when the entrance of the game area is on the left side), the left side of the game area is on the “first side”. Equivalent to. In such a case, the right side in the game area corresponds to the “second side”.

  Similarly, the “specific game area” in the feature 10 also changes depending on the side of the gaming machine where the entrance of the game area is provided. For example, as in the above-described embodiment, when the exit of the firing passage 401B is located on the left side of the game area, the “specific game area” is a game area from the left with respect to the central structure 420 (that is, the left game area). Area).

<Feature 11>
The gaming machine according to feature 10, wherein
A game, comprising: a second route (left downflow passage 652, downflow regulation unit 623) for guiding a game ball distributed to the first side by the distribution unit to the specific game area. Machine.

  In recent years, due to an increase in the size of the central structure, the size and arrangement of a region in which a game ball flows down in a game region tends to be limited. On the other hand, in the case of the gaming machine described in the feature 11, both the gaming ball distributed to the first side and the gaming ball distributed to the second side by the distribution unit have a common game area (distribution). The game can be guided to a specific game area formed on the first side with respect to the section, so that the limited game area can be effectively used.

<Feature 12>
A gaming machine according to feature 10 or 11, wherein
On the downstream side of the specific game area, there is provided a first advantageous area (lower middle starting winning device 431) which is an area for giving a more advantageous privilege when passing than when not passing. A gaming machine characterized by the following.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 12, even if the gaming ball is distributed to the second side by the distribution unit, the gaming ball is transferred to a different side (the second side) with respect to the distribution unit. In the game area (specific game area) formed on the (1st side), it becomes possible to pass through the first advantageous area arranged on the downstream side of the specific game area. Accordingly, the player may pass through the first advantageous region to a game ball distributed to a side different from the side where the first advantageous region is provided by the distribution unit. You can expect to have none. Thereby, the interest of the game can be more appropriately improved.

  Note that the “benefit that is more advantageous when passing than when not passing” in the feature 12 is, for example, the right of various lotteries given based on passing, the provision of game value such as prize balls, and the like. . The right of various lotteries given based on passing is, for example, the right of the first special symbol lottery given based on passing (entering) the lower middle starting winning device 431.

<Feature 13>
The gaming machine according to feature 12, wherein
The distributing section is a second advantageous area (upper side) which is an area through which the game ball entered by the approaching section can pass, and which is an area for giving an advantageous privilege when passing the game ball compared to the case where the game ball does not pass. Medium start winning device 632).
The first route guides the game ball to the specific game area when the game ball is distributed to the second side by the distribution unit without entering the entrance. Gaming machine to do.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 13, when the game ball is fired from the second side so as to aim at the approach portion, the game ball does not enter the approach portion and passes through the second advantageous area. Even if the opportunity is lost, the distribution of the game ball to the second side by the distribution unit generates a possibility of passing to the first advantageous area. As a result, it is possible to reduce the disappointment of the player due to the loss of the opportunity to enter the second advantageous area, and in this respect, it is also possible to improve the interest of the game.

<Feature 14>
The gaming machine according to feature 13,
A third game ball that has passed through the entry portion passes through the second side from the position of the second advantageous region without passing through the second advantageous region, and joins the first path. A gaming machine comprising a path (recess 622D, recess 622F).

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 14, even if the gaming ball does not pass through the second advantageous area even though the gaming ball has entered the approach portion, the gaming ball passes through the third route. To join the first path. Thereby, even if the player cannot pass the game ball to the second advantageous area, the player can expect that the game ball may pass through the first advantageous area.

  In particular, since the third route is a route that passes through the second side from the position of the second advantageous region and joins the first route, the player has unexpectedness with respect to the moving route of the game ball. On the other hand, it is possible to expect that the game ball moving along the surprising route may pass through the first advantageous area. Thereby, the interest of the game can be more appropriately improved.

  In a typical game machine of the related art, when a game ball that has entered the entry section does not pass through an advantageous area such as the second advantageous area, the game ball is discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. . On the other hand, in the gaming machine according to the feature 14, even if the gaming ball that has entered the entry section does not pass through the second advantageous area, the gaming ball is discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. Again, the chance of passing to the first advantageous area is provided again. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the disappointment of the player due to the game ball that has entered the entry section not passing through the second advantageous area, and in this respect, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

<Feature 15>
A gaming machine according to any of features 12 to 14,
The distribution unit is provided at a position at least partially overlapping the first advantageous region in the up-down direction when viewed from the front of the gaming machine,
The gaming machine, wherein the first path is provided between the distribution unit and the first advantageous area.

  In the gaming machine according to Feature 15, the gaming ball distributed to the second side by the distribution unit moves along the first route and is guided to a specific gaming area, and then enters the first advantageous area. The route leading to the route may be a route such as a substantially S-shape. Therefore, the player determines that the moving path until the game ball distributed to the second side by the distribution unit reaches the first advantageous area is completely different from the path that simply flows down. You can clearly recognize the travel route. Thus, even if the player fires a game ball aiming at a side away from a specific game area, the player fires while clearly grasping that the game ball may pass through the first advantageous area. Operations can be performed.

<Feature 16>
A gaming machine according to any of features 13 to 15,
Lottery means for selecting whether or not to generate the advantageous game state when a game ball passes at least one of the first advantageous area or the second advantageous area;
A gaming machine comprising: a display device for displaying identification information corresponding to a result of a lottery performed by the lottery means between the distribution unit and the first advantageous area in a game machine front view. .

  In the gaming machine according to the aspect 16, since the display device is provided between the distribution unit and the first advantageous area when the gaming machine is viewed from the front, the player can use the distribution unit to change the game ball to the second distribution area. If the game ball passes through the first advantageous region while following the movement path of the game ball when being distributed to the side, by raising the line of sight upward from the position of the first advantageous region, The identification information corresponding to the result of the lottery based on the game ball passing through the first advantageous area can be visually recognized. After checking the state of the display device, the player can raise the line of sight again to visually recognize the state in which the game balls are distributed in the distribution unit located above the display device. Can be suppressed from being distracted by the eyes.

<Feature 20>
A gaming machine having a game area in which a game ball flows through a predetermined entrance,
A game ball is received, the game ball is received, the first side which is closer to the entrance of the gaming area in a front view of the gaming machine, or far from the entrance of the gaming area in a front view of the gaming machine, as viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A flow-down regulating section (flow-down regulating section 623) for moving to a second side, which is a side, to guide to a specific game area (left game area including the general winning device 639),
The specific game area includes an advantageous area (general prize winning device 639) for giving an advantageous privilege when passing, as compared to when not passing,
The flow-down regulating unit is configured so that the acceleration mode of the game ball discharged from the flow-down regulating unit to the specific game area is different depending on a position where the game ball is received,
The gaming machine, wherein the advantageous region is provided at a position having a different possibility of passing in accordance with the position of the game ball received by the flow-down regulating unit.

  In a typical game machine of the related art, a game ball fired in response to a player's operation enters a game area formed on a game board and flows down the game area. When a game ball flowing down the game area enters the starting port, a lottery is performed in accordance with the entry. A configuration is known in which when a big hit is won in the lottery, a special game state is set and a large number of game balls can be won in the winning opening.

  In such a conventional gaming machine, various ideas have been devised regarding the moving path of the game ball in order to improve the interest of the game by the game ball flowing down the game area. For example, there is a gaming machine that structurally changes a moving path of a game ball by providing a distribution unit for distributing the game ball to the left and right above a central structure disposed in the center of the game board (for example, JP 2004-254955 A).

  However, in conventional gaming machines, there is still room for improvement in order to enhance the interest of the game. That is, in the conventional gaming machine, the moving path of the game ball is diversified, but the moving path is merely for changing the moving direction, and the game when the game ball is discharged from the moving path is changed. The behavior of the sphere was not considered. In addition, the entry of the game ball into the advantageous area is easily determined by the arrangement of a flow-down changing member such as a nail provided near the advantageous area, and the behavior of the game ball at a position away from the advantageous area affects the approach to the advantageous area. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult for the player to be interested only in the behavior of the game ball in a part of the game area.

  On the other hand, in the case of the gaming machine described in the feature 20, the flow-down regulating unit is configured to receive the game ball from the position where the game ball is received, on the side closer to the entrance of the game area (first side) or on the side farther from the entrance of the game area. (2nd side) to guide to a specific game area. The flow-down regulating unit is configured such that the acceleration mode of the game ball discharged from the flow-down regulating unit to a specific game area is different depending on the position where the game ball is received. Then, in the specific game area, an advantageous area which gives a more advantageous privilege when passing than in the case where it does not pass is located at a position where the possibility of passage differs depending on the position of the game ball received by the downflow regulation unit Is provided. Thereby, the possibility that the player can receive an advantageous privilege can be changed according to the position of the game ball received by the flow-down regulating unit. Therefore, the player can enjoy the game in which the game ball is moved by the flow-down regulating section, so that the interest of the game can be appropriately improved.

  The “first side” and the “second side” in the feature 20 change according to the side of the gaming machine where the entrance of the gaming area is provided. For example, as in the above-described embodiment, when the exit of the firing passage 401B is located on the left side of the game area (that is, when the entrance of the game area is on the left side), the left side of the game area is on the “first side”. Equivalent to. In such a case, the right side in the game area corresponds to the “second side”.

<Feature 21>
The gaming machine according to feature 20, wherein
The gaming machine, wherein the flow-down regulating portion is configured as an inclined portion that is inclined downward from one of the first side or the second side toward the other.

  In the case of the gaming machine described in the feature 21, the downflow restricting portion is configured as an inclined portion that is inclined from one side to the other, so that the potential energy of the game ball rolling the downflow restricting portion by its own weight is determined by the outlet. The higher the distance, the higher. Thereby, the acceleration mode of the game ball discharged from the flow-down regulating portion to the specific game area can be made different.

  In the feature 21, “a privilege that is more advantageous when the vehicle passes than when the vehicle does not pass” is exemplified by various lottery rights granted based on the vehicle being passed, the provision of game values such as prize balls, and the like. . The provision of a game value such as a prize ball given based on passing is, for example, a prize ball given based on passing (entering) the general prize device 639.

<Feature 22>
A gaming machine according to feature 20 or 21, wherein
A game ball that flows down the game area has an entry portion that can enter, and a game ball that flows down the game area is provided with a distribution unit that distributes the game ball to the first side or the second side,
The flow-down regulating unit is provided below the distribution unit when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and receives a game ball distributed to the first side or the second side by the distribution unit, and receives the game ball. To a specific game area.

  With the gaming machine described in the characteristic 22, the gaming balls distributed by the distribution unit can be discharged to a specific game area via the flow-down regulating unit.

<Feature 23>
The gaming machine according to feature 22, wherein
The flow-down regulating portion is configured as an inclined portion that is inclined downward from the second side toward the first side,
The specific game area is an area formed on the first side with respect to the distribution section (a left game area including the lower middle starting winning device 431 from the left side to the downstream side with respect to the central structure 420). And
The flow-down regulating unit receives the game ball distributed to the second side by the distribution unit on the second side from the center of the inclined portion, and receives the game ball to the first side by the distribution unit. A gaming machine, wherein the distributed gaming balls are received on the first side from the center of the inclined portion.

  According to the gaming machine described in the characteristic 23, even if the game ball is distributed to the side (second side) far from the entrance of the game area by the distribution unit, the game ball is distributed by the flow-down regulating unit. It is possible to obtain the possibility of passing to the advantageous area provided in the game area (specific game area) formed on the side (first side) closer to the entrance with respect to the branch. Therefore, since the player can diversify the target position by the firing operation, the interest of the game of distributing the game balls by the distribution unit can be appropriately improved.

  Further, depending on whether the game ball is distributed to the first side or the second side by the distribution unit, the acceleration mode of the game ball discharged to the specific game area from the flow-down regulating unit may be changed. it can. That is, depending on the position where the advantageous area is provided, there is a possibility that the player can obtain an advantageous privilege when the game ball is distributed to the first side and when the game ball is distributed to the second side. Can be changed. Also in this regard, it is possible to appropriately improve the interest of the game in which the game ball is distributed by the distribution unit.

  The “specific game area” in the feature 23 changes according to the side of the gaming machine where the entrance of the game area is provided. For example, when the exit of the firing passage 401B is located on the left side of the game area as in the above-described embodiment, the “specific game area” is a game area from the left with respect to the central structure 420 (that is, the left game area). Area).

<Feature 24>
The gaming machine according to feature 23,
The advantageous region is such that, when the flow-down regulating unit receives a game ball distributed to the second side by the distribution unit, the flow-down regulation unit is distributed to the second side by the distribution unit. A gaming machine characterized by being provided at a position having a higher possibility of passing than when receiving a game ball.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 24, the player can increase the possibility of passing to the advantageous area by performing a firing operation aiming at a position where the player can be distributed to the second side by the distribution unit. Since it is possible, it is possible to improve interest in firing game balls aiming at a predetermined position.

<Feature 30>
A gaming machine having a game area in which a game ball flows through a predetermined entrance,
A decoration part (decoration main parts 612A, 613A) that is configured to make the back side visible and to decorate by emitting light;
A game ball passage (left downflow passage 652, right downflow passage 653) formed on the back side of the decorative portion;
At least one passage display portion (protruding portion 612D, 613D) extending along the continuous direction of the game ball passage in the game ball passage;
A gaming machine comprising:

  In a typical game machine of the related art, a game ball fired in response to a player's operation enters a game area formed on a game board and flows down the game area. When a game ball flowing down the game area enters the starting port, a lottery is performed in accordance with the entry. A configuration is known in which when a big hit is won in the lottery, a special game state is set and a large number of game balls can be won in the winning opening.

  In such a conventional gaming machine, various ideas have been devised regarding the moving path of the game ball in order to improve the interest of the game by the game ball flowing down the game area. For example, a game in which a warp path for guiding game balls from the outside to the inside of a central structure disposed in the center of a game board is provided, and the game balls are guided to a stage that can be guided to a starting device using the warp path. Machine (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-254955).

  However, in conventional gaming machines, there is still room for improvement in order to enhance the interest of the game. That is, in the conventional gaming machine, the warp path is provided inside or on the back side of the central structure, so that it is difficult to visually recognize the warp path from the front of the gaming machine. Therefore, when the game ball enters the warp route, the player loses sight of the game ball and cannot find the whereabouts. Therefore, the player may not be able to enjoy the game even at one time by feeling distrust that the game ball may not come out of the warp route or frustration that he cannot confirm the game ball.

  In order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable to make the central structure transparent so that the warp passage is visible. However, in recent years, gaming machines that decorate a central structure by emitting light from a light-emitting body provided therein have become mainstream. Therefore, even if the central structure is configured to be transparent, the player can easily lose the position of the warp path due to the light decorating the central structure, and accordingly, the game balls passing through the warp path can be easily lost. Challenges remain unresolved.

  On the other hand, in the case of the gaming machine described in the gaming machine 30, the passage display portion extending along the continuous direction of the gaming ball passage is provided in the gaming ball passage formed on the back side of the decoration portion. Even if the decoration is to be decorated by emitting light, the player can easily grasp the game ball path before starting the game. Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the player from feeling distrust of the game ball that has entered the game ball passage, the player can enjoy the game started by causing the game ball to enter the game ball passage. . This makes it possible to appropriately improve the interest of the game.

<Feature 31>
The gaming machine according to feature 30, wherein
A plurality of the passage display units are arranged in a direction intersecting a continuous direction of the game ball passage.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 31, since the passage display section is provided in a plurality in a direction intersecting the continuous direction of the game ball passage, the player can use the plurality of passage display sections to play the game ball. It is easier to grasp the passage.

<Feature 32>
A gaming machine according to feature 30 or 31, wherein
The decorative part includes a decorative undulating surface formed on the front side of the decorative part and a streaky protrusion formed on the back side of the decorative part and extending along the continuous direction of the game ball passage (protruding part 612D, 613D).
The gaming machine, wherein the passage display section is constituted by the streak-like projection.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 32, the decorative undulating surface formed on the front side of the decorative portion provides a high degree of decorativeness, and the projection formed on the back side improves the visibility of the game ball passage. Can be secured. That is, it is possible to achieve both decorativeness and good visibility of the game ball passage.

<Feature 33>
The gaming machine according to feature 32,
The gaming ball passage is configured to include a back surface of the decorative portion and a passage surface facing the back surface, and is a passage that extends vertically in a game machine front view,
A gaming machine, wherein a recess corresponding to the projection is formed at a position where the streak-like projection is formed on the passage surface.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 33, the path formed between the protrusion and the recess allows the passage path of the game ball path to be configured not as a vertical drop but as a path meandering along the recess. In such a meandering portion, the speed of the game ball passing through the game ball passage can be reduced.

<Feature 34>
The gaming machine according to feature 33,
A gaming machine, wherein the streak-like projection is formed so that a height from an installation surface of the decoration part gradually increases inward from an end of the projection.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 34, the meandering portion formed by the projections and the concave portions in the game ball passage can be moderated, so that the game ball passes through the passage by meandering the game ball passage. Clogging can be suppressed.

<Feature 35>
A gaming machine according to feature 33 or 34,
A gaming machine, wherein a length of a section defined by the projection and extending in a continuous direction of the game ball passage in a direction intersecting the continuous direction is smaller than a width of the game ball.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 35, since the length of each section defined by the projection and extending in the continuous direction of the game ball passage in the direction intersecting the continuous direction is smaller than the width of the game ball, The game ball can be passed along each section extending in the continuous direction of the game ball passage. As a result, the game balls passing through the game ball passage are rectified, so that it is possible to prevent the game balls from being clogged in the passage.

<Feature 36>
A gaming machine according to any of features 30 to 35,
A first entry hole (passage opening 621) into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter, and a game ball flowing down the game area being closer to an entrance of the game area in a front view of the gaming machine; Or a sorting unit (roof 611B) for sorting to the second side that is far from the entrance of the game area,
The gaming machine, wherein the game ball passage is a passage of the game ball distributed by the distribution unit.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 36, the gaming balls distributed by the distribution unit can enter the gaming ball path. The player can grasp the whereabouts of the game balls after being sorted by the sorting unit by using the passage display unit.

  The “first side” and the “second side” in the feature 36 change according to the side of the gaming machine where the entrance of the gaming area is provided. For example, as in the above-described embodiment, when the exit of the firing passage 401B is located on the left side of the game area (that is, when the entrance of the game area is on the left side), the left side of the game area is on the “first side”. Equivalent to. In such a case, the right side in the game area corresponds to the “second side”.

<Feature 37>
A gaming machine according to feature 36,
The distributing portion is provided on the downstream side of the game ball passage through which the game balls distributed to the second side pass, and the game balls are transferred from the second side to the first side in a game machine front view. By moving toward the specific game area (including the lower middle starting winning device 431 on the downstream side from the left side with respect to the central structure 420 to the specific game area formed on the first side with respect to the distribution section A gaming machine comprising a flow-down regulating section (flow-down regulating section 623) for guiding to a left-side gaming area).

  In the case of the gaming machine described in the gaming machine 37, the gaming ball distributed to the side (the second side) far from the entrance of the gaming area by the distribution unit passes through the gaming ball passage and the flow-down regulating section, and then is distributed to the gaming area. The user is guided to a specific game area formed on the side (first side) near the entrance. In such a case, after the game balls are sorted by the sorting unit, the game balls pass through a relatively long route before entering a specific game area, but due to the presence of the passage display unit, the player As described above, it is easy to grasp the game ball passage before the start of the game (that is, before the game ball enters a specific game area). Thereby, it is possible to preferably suppress the player from feeling untrustworthy or the like with respect to a game ball that has entered a relatively long route including a game ball passage until reaching a specific game area.

  The “specific game area” in the feature 37 changes according to the side of the gaming machine where the entrance of the game area is provided. For example, when the exit of the firing passage 401B is located on the left side of the game area as in the above-described embodiment, the “specific game area” is a game area from the left with respect to the central structure 420 (that is, the left game area). Area).

<Feature 38>
A gaming machine according to feature 37,
The flow-down regulating portion is configured as an inclined portion that descends from the second side toward the first side, receives a game ball passing through the game ball passage, and receives the game ball. To move to the first side to guide to the specific game area,
The specific game area includes an advantageous area (lower middle starting prize device 431) that gives a more advantageous privilege when passing than when not passing,
The flow-down regulating unit is configured such that an acceleration mode of the game ball discharged from the flow-down regulating unit is different depending on a position where the game ball is received,
The gaming machine, wherein the advantageous area is provided at a position where the possibility of passage differs according to the position of the game ball received by the flow-down regulating unit.

  In the case of the gaming machine according to the feature 38, the downflow regulation unit receives the game ball that has passed through the game ball passage, and receives the game ball from the position where the game ball is received, from the side closer to the entrance of the game area (the first side). ) To guide to a specific game area. The flow-down regulating unit is configured such that the acceleration mode of the game ball discharged from the flow-down regulating unit to a specific game area is different depending on the position where the game ball is received. Then, in the specific game area, an advantageous area which gives a more advantageous privilege when passing than in the case where it does not pass is located at a position where the possibility of passage differs depending on the position of the game ball received by the downflow regulation unit Is provided. As described above, the probability that a player can receive an advantageous privilege changes according to the position of the flow-down regulation unit that has received the game ball when the game ball has passed through the game ball passage. In addition, it is possible to enjoy a game in which the game ball that has passed through the game ball passage is moved by the flow-down regulating unit, and thereby the interest of the game can be appropriately improved.

  Note that the “benefit that is more advantageous when passing than when not passing” in the feature 38 is, for example, the right of various lotteries given based on passing, the provision of a game value such as prize balls, and the like. . The provision of a game value such as a prize ball given based on passing is, for example, a prize ball given based on passing (entering) the general prize device 639.

  Note that at least one feature described in the features 10 to 38 may be applied in combination with any other or a plurality of features. Hereinafter, a basic configuration of a gaming machine to which the above-described features can be applied will be described.

  Pachinko machine: launch operation means operated by a player, game ball launch means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the launch operation means, a passage for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, A gaming machine, comprising: a plurality of game components arranged in a game area; wherein a bonus is provided to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passage portion of the game components.

  Spinning-type gaming machines such as slot machines: the rotation of the orbiting body is started based on the operation of the starting operation means, the rotation of the orbiting body is stopped based on the operation of the stopping operation means, and the player is operated according to the pattern after the stoppage. A gaming machine that grants benefits.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for a game machine such as a ball game machine.

  100: gaming machine, 431: lower middle starting winning device, 611B: roof, 612A, 613A: decorative part, 612D, 613D: protrusion, 620: passage opening, 622C: stage, 623: flow-down regulating part, 639: general Winning device, 652: Left downflow passage, 653: Right downflow passage, 652A, 653A: recess

Claims (1)

A gaming machine having a game area in which a game ball flows through a predetermined entrance,
A decoration part that is configured so that the back side can be seen, and decorates by emitting light,
A game ball passage formed on the back side of the decorative part,
In the game ball passage, at least one passage display unit extending along a continuous direction of the game ball passage,
The decorative portion includes a decorative undulating surface formed on the front side of the decorative portion, and a streak-shaped protrusion formed on the back side of the decorative portion and extending along a continuous direction of the game ball passage,
The gaming machine, wherein the passage display section is constituted by the streak-like projection.