JP2020022922A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To favorably improve a configuration of a game machine in which many payout balls can be acquired by shooting game balls at a variable win device switched to an entry accepting state in a special game state.SOLUTION: Some of game balls that have entered an upper right passage part 810A are guided through a branch passage 820 to a region not allowing entry to a lower right passage part 810C. Nevertheless, a player may have the illusion that all game balls that have entered the upper right passage part 810A are guided through the lower right passage part 810C to an upper big win device 434 or general win device 439C, and the player may feel as if many of the game balls were entering the upper big win device 434 in a special game state. Thereby, the invention can both enhance amusement of a game of shooting game balls at the upper big win device 434 in the special game state and prevent a game parlor side from suffering from disadvantage of excessive game values acquired by players.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

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

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Conventional typical pachinko machines have a variable winning device that can switch between an entry allowed state that allows the entry of a game ball and an entry prohibited state that inhibits the entry of a game ball, and the starting condition is satisfied. There is known a configuration in which, when a big hit is won in a lottery performed based on the game, a special game state is generated by switching a variable ball entry section to an entry allowable state.

JP 2014-004177 A

  However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines, such as the above-mentioned gaming machines, which can acquire a large number of prize balls by firing game balls aiming at the variable prize device switched to the entry allowable state in the special gaming state. was there.

  In view of the above, the gaming machine according to the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of appropriately acquiring a game value by firing a game ball aiming at a variable prize device switched to an entry permission state in a special game state. It is intended to be.

The gaming machine according to the present invention, in order to solve the above problems,
It has a variable ball section that can switch between an entry allowed state in which game balls are allowed to enter and an entry restriction state in which game balls are less likely to enter than the entry allowed state, and is performed based on the establishment of a start condition. In a gaming machine that, when a predetermined lottery result is obtained by a predetermined lottery, switches the variable ball entry section to the entry allowable state to generate a special gaming state that is more advantageous than a normal gaming state,
At least including the variable ball entry section, a value-added entry ball section to which a predetermined game value is given when a game ball enters,
A ball passage including a plurality of flow-down paths arranged on the upstream side of the variable ball entry portion and arranged in the left-right direction, and entered the ball passage when the variable ball portion is in the entry allowable state; A first ball passage capable of guiding all of the game balls to the value-added entry part,
A guide path for guiding a game ball to an area that cannot enter the first ball path;
A ball passage connected to an upstream side of the first ball passage and having a branch opening to the guide passage, wherein a game ball entering the ball passage is transferred to the first ball passage or the guide passage. A second ball passage to guide,
A third ball passage that includes a plurality of flow-down paths connected to the upstream side of the second ball passage and lined up in the left-right direction, and guides game balls that have entered the ball passage to the second ball passage; When,
With
The first ball passage and the third ball passage are configured to have at least a section in which a passage portion thicker than the second ball passage is vertically continuous.
The variable ball entry portion is provided on the downstream side with respect to the first ball passage, and a ball entrance that is longer than a width of an exit portion in which a plurality of flow-down paths are arranged in the first ball passage in the left-right direction. And wherein all of the game balls flowing down from the exit portion when the variable entry ball portion is in the entry permitting state can enter.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of suitably acquiring a gaming value by firing a game ball aiming at a variable prize device switched to an entry permission state in a special gaming state. be able to.

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 Partial enlarged front view of the game board Partial enlarged front view of the game board Partially enlarged front view of a variation of the game board Front view in which the right side of the game board in the pachinko machine of the second embodiment is partially enlarged. Flowchart showing the progress of the gaming state in the pachinko machine of the second embodiment Timing chart showing the operation of the lower big winning device in the advantageous fluctuation state Front view showing an example of a decorative symbol display device on which information on possible seats is displayed Front view of a game board in a pachinko machine according to a third embodiment The front view which expanded the right side of the game board in the pachinko machine of 3rd Embodiment partially.

  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 operation 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.

  In addition, 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 launch operation device 250 operated by a player to sequentially launch the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to the game board 400 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) to which a player comes in contact with the input operation device 260 is rotated and moved up and down by an input operation unit driving unit such as a motor or a solenoid. Or, it is preferable that an 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)), before and after the input operation, or during the input operation. By operating the input portion at any or a plurality of timings, it is possible to diversify the effect 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. A structure 420, a starting device (specifically, an upper middle starting winning device 431A and a lower middle starting winning device 431B) according to a first special symbol arranged below the central structure 420, A starting device (specifically, a right starting winning device 432) according to a second special symbol arranged on the lower right side with respect to the structure 420, and a big winning device 433 arranged below the right starting winning device 432. , 434 (specifically, a lower winning device 433 and an upper winning device 434), a starting device 436 related to a normal symbol arranged above (upstream) the right starting winning device 432, and a game board 400 Upper right Winning device that the winning combination communicating actuating device 435 which is arranged above (upstream side) with respect to 433, regular winning device 439A arranged on both left and right sides of the lower side middle starting winning device 431 B, and a 439B.

  Further, the game board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches as detecting means for detecting the passage of the game ball (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the above-described upper middle starting winning device 431A and the like, and corresponds to each switch. The entry of the game ball into the predetermined area can be detected. For example, a middle start winning switch (upper middle start winning switch 441A) for detecting a game ball entering the upper middle start winning device 431A, and a middle start winning switch (lower) for detecting a game ball entering the lower middle start winning device 431B. Side starting start winning switch 441B), right starting winning switch 442 for detecting a game ball that has entered the right starting winning device 432, lower large winning switch 443 for detecting a game ball having entered the lower large winning device 433, upper winning device. An upper winning switch 444 that detects a game ball that has entered the 434, a combination switch 445 that detects a game ball that has entered the combination operating device 435, a start switch 446 that detects a game ball that has entered the starting device 436, and lower. A non-specific passage switch for detecting a game ball that has entered a non-specific passage (not shown in FIG. 7) formed inside the special winning device 433. 47, a specific path switch 448 that detects a game ball that has entered a specific path (not shown in FIG. 7) formed inside the lower large winning device 433, and a game ball that has entered the general winning devices 439A and 439B. General winning switches 449A, 449B and the like to be detected are installed on the game board 400.

  Further, the game board 400 is provided with various sensors for preventing fraud (see FIG. 10), and can detect an abnormality occurring in the pachinko machine 100. For example, a magnetic sensor 491, a vibration sensor 492, a radio wave sensor 493, and the like are installed 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 of the winning devices, specifically, the upper middle starting winning device 431A, the lower middle starting winning device 431B, the right starting winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, the upper large winning device 434, and the general winning devices 439A and 439B. The entrance portion of the ball constitutes a winning opening, and the game ball that has entered 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. . 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, an upper middle start prize device 431A and a lower middle start prize device 431B) are integrated. The starting device such as the upper middle starting winning device 431A 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. The entrance may be a ball entrance that is released to the game area again without the ball being paid out.

  Each of the upper middle starting winning device 431A and the lower middle starting winning device 431B and the general winning device 439A and the general winning device 439B according to the first special symbol does not change the probability of a game ball entering them, and enters. The played game ball is guided to the back side of the base 401. 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. The mechanism for changing the probability of entry of the game ball does not need to be provided only in the starting device according to the second special symbol. Instead, or in addition, the starting device according to the first special symbol, the general winning device. Any of 439A and 439B or a plurality of them may be provided. 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 restriction mechanism 452 includes two movable pieces driven by the right entry restriction solenoid 462. When the right entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibition position, the two movable pieces enter the entrance (winning opening). ) Is narrowed (or closed) so that the game ball cannot enter the right starting winning device 432, but when the right approach restricting mechanism 452 is in the approach permitting position, the two movable pieces have their leading ends. By arranging such that the interval between the sets is enlarged, 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 lower large winning device 433 includes a lower entry restriction mechanism 453 for restricting the entry of a game ball into the interior by a transition between an entry permitted position and an entry prohibited position, and a lower entry restriction. The lower approach control solenoid 463 (see FIG. 10) for changing 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 lower big prize winning device 433 to enter the non-specific passage or the specific passage. A distribution mechanism for distributing, and a switching solenoid 465 (see FIG. 10) for changing the orientation of the distribution mechanism and switching the guide destination of the game ball are provided. When the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 is in the entry-prohibited position, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 closes the entrance (winning opening), so that the game ball cannot enter the lower entry device 433. When the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 is in the entry allowable posture, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 opens the entrance so that the game ball can enter the lower large winning device 433. In addition, the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 is guided to a non-specific passage when the distribution mechanism is in a non-guidance posture protruding forward, and is in a guidance 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 upper winning award device 434 includes an upper entry restriction mechanism 454 that restricts the entry of a game ball into the entrance permitted position and an entry prohibited position by transition between the entry permitted position and the entry prohibited position, and an upper entry restriction. An upper entry restriction solenoid 464 (see FIG. 10) for changing the attitude of the mechanism 454 is provided. When the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is in the entry-prohibited position, the game ball cannot enter the upper prize winning device 434 because the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 closes the entrance (winning opening), but the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is not used. Is in the entry allowable posture, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 opens the entrance, so that the gaming ball can enter the upper-large 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 lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 when a winning lottery is won. Specifically, a game ball that has entered the upper middle starting winning device 431A or the lower middle starting winning device 431B according to the first special symbol is detected by the upper middle starting winning switch 441A or the lower middle starting winning switch 441B. Game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 according to the second special symbol or the first special symbol lottery (hereinafter, also referred to as “first special symbol lottery”) is detected by the right start winning switch 442. (Hereinafter, also referred to as “second special symbol lottery”), at least one of the lower entry restriction solenoid 463 and the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 operates. By this operation, at least one of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes an entry allowable 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 shift of the lower approach regulating mechanism 453 to the entry allowable attitude, and further switches after a predetermined time from the shift to the guiding attitude. 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 lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 to start operating. After winning the jackpot lottery, either the lower big prize device 433 or the upper 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 to adopt a configuration in which either the lower large prize device 433 or the upper large prize device 434 starts operating on condition that the gaming ball of the combination operating device 435 passes, instead of or In addition, the configuration may be such that either the lower winning device 433 or the upper 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 start winning device 431 is the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) or the lower middle start winning. Even if it is detected by the switch 441B (see FIG. 10), the right of the unit game relating to the first special symbol is not added. Similarly, when the right of the unit game relating to the second special symbol is held up to the maximum number of times, it is assumed that the game ball that has entered the right starting winning device 432 is detected by the right starting winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10). Also, 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. In addition, when 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 entering 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 substantially 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.

  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.

  When a big hit is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the game ball enters the specific passage (the internal passage of the lower large winning device 433) during the special game state shifted based on the winning. Depending on whether or not the game state shifts after the special game state. If the game ball does not enter the specific passage during the special game state, the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol and the normal symbol are displayed in a shorter time than the non-hour reduction state (hereinafter referred to as the "time reduction state"). ), And the jackpot probability in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is the same as the normal gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as a “low probability state”) ( In the following, the state shifts to “time reduction gaming state”). On the other hand, when the game ball enters the specific passage during the special game state, the state is a time saving state, and the winning probability of the big hit in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is higher than that in the normal game state. The game state transitions to a gaming state (hereinafter, also referred to as a “high probability state”) (hereinafter, also referred to as a “probable changing gaming state”).

  The time-saving game 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, 50 times), and thereafter returns to the normal game state. In addition, the probability change game state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), and thereafter returns to the normal game state.

  The transition between the gaming state and the gaming state is not necessarily required to have the above-described configuration. For example, the high-probability state may be configured to be continued until the next big hit is won, or the gaming state may be changed depending on other contents. At least one may be configured, a configuration further including a gaming state different from each of the above-described gaming states, or a configuration in which a transition between gaming states is performed under a condition different from the above-described conditions.

  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. In the case where the game ball that has entered one of the starting winning devices 431A and 431B according to the first special symbol is detected by one of the middle starting winning switches 441A and 441B (see FIG. 10), the first special symbol starts winning. Becomes 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, 6 rounds and 16 rounds) corresponding to the number of times that the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes the entry allowable posture, A plurality of types of big hits are set in accordance with the type of game state such as a game state to be shifted to after the special game state (whether or not to shift to the probable change game state), and a big hit symbol is set for each type. 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 gaming state, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 of the upper large winning device 434 are in the entry permissible attitude a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of big hit. . When a predetermined number (for example, eight) of game balls are detected by the special winning switches 443 and 444 or in a predetermined maximum during the allowable entry postures of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 each time. When the permissible entry time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 shifts to the entry prohibition posture. Thereafter, after the elapse of a predetermined entry prohibition time, either the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 returns to the entry permission posture again. This entry restriction operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of big hit.

  Only one of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is configured to take an entry allowable attitude 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, when a game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 according to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442, a second special symbol is started. 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, when the winning is performed in the non-time saving state (the normal game state and the special game state), the right starting winning device 432 is set to the predetermined maximum allowable time (for example, 0) by the predetermined number of times (for example, once). .2 seconds), and in the case of winning in the time-saving state (the time-saving game state and the probable change game state), the predetermined number of times (the number of times that the right starting winning device 432 is larger than the non-time-saving state). (For example, twice) intermittently shift to the approach allowable posture over a predetermined maximum approach allowable time (for example, 4.8 seconds) longer than in the non-time saving state. However, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are detected by the right 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 start 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, the player must first win in the ordinary symbol lottery, and further, the game ball enters the right-start prize device 432 in a permissible entry state of the right-start prize device 432 based on the winning. Must. 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 of the entry permitted state of the right starting winning device 432 based on the winning in the normal gaming state (for example, about (0.1 seconds × 1 time) is set to be extremely shorter than the staying time in the time-saving state (for example, about 4.8 seconds × 3 times). Therefore, in the normal game state, the second special symbol lottery is performed. The opportunity per unit time to be given is significantly smaller than the opportunity per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery. Conversely, in a time-saving state such as a time-saving game state or a probable change game state, the opportunity per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery is significantly larger 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 the 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 the big hit in the second special symbol lottery before each game state ends.

  Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a central structure 420 at the center of the game area in which the game ball flows down, and a game technique for causing the game ball to flow mainly from the left side of the central structure 420 (left-handed game ) And a game technique (a right-handed game technique) in which game balls flow down mainly from the right side of the central structure 420. In the normal gaming state, the player plays a game by the left-handed gaming method, and in the time-saving gaming state and the probable changing gaming state, performs the game by the right-handed gaming method. The lower prize winning device 433 and the upper prize winning device 434 are also disposed on the right side with respect to the central structure 420, and play a right-handed game even in the special game state.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball can be caused to flow down through the left flow-down area 407 by launching the game ball with a strength to fly so as to exceed the return ball prevention mechanism 404 but not to exceed the branch position P1. By launching the game ball at an intensity of flying so as to exceed the position P2, the game ball can flow down through the right-falling region 408, and further, the intensity of flying so as to exceed the branch position P1 but not to exceed the branch position P2. By hitting the game ball with, the game ball can flow down through the middle downflow area 409. Note that the flying game ball enters the upper middle starting winning device 431A and the lower middle starting winning device 431B in the same manner as in a general case in a game using the left-handed gaming method in the normal gaming state. The amount of rotation of the firing handle 252 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 5) is adjusted so that the launching strength becomes easy, and in the game using the right-handed game technique in the time-saving game state or the probable change game state, In the same manner as in the basic case, the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252 is fixed to the maximum amount of rotation so that the launch strength of the game ball is maximized, and the game ball is launched. However, in a game using the right-handed game technique in the special game state, unlike a general case, the game ball is launched with the maximum strength and the ball flies so as to exceed the branch position P1 but not to exceed the branch position P2. In order to selectively launch game balls at a high strength, the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252 is appropriately switched to launch game balls.

  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 for a roughly gutter-shaped game ball having a width that passes in a row in a row of game balls, and a height gradually increasing as an upper surface of a passage formed by the passage forming member 521. A rectifying member 522 having a lower top surface portion and rectifying a game ball flowing down the passage from a vertically stacked height to a one-stage height is provided. 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. In addition, a ball break detector 539 for detecting a ball break is provided at an intermediate portion of the ball path in the case rail 530. A stored ball switch 591 (see FIG. 10) is built in the ball cut detector 539, and the stored ball switch 591 causes a ball to be clogged on the case rail 530 or on the upstream side of the case rail 530, and a game ball is placed in the case rail 530. Detects out-of-ball conditions that have not been properly replenished.

  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 firing control unit 902 that controls the driving of the 330 and a signal relay unit 903 that relays a setting display signal from the main control board 920, an initialization signal from the initialization switch 907, and a ball overflow signal from the ball overflow switch 249. Have.

  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. In the main control board 920, the storage information stored in the RAM of the main control board 920 is initialized in response to receiving the initialization signal in the ON state.

  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. Note that 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 that has received the low-speed payout signal outputs the payout motor 542. The rotation speed (payout speed of the game balls from the payout device 540) is reduced. Conversely, the payout control board 930 outputs the 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 that has received the high-speed payout signal increases the rotation speed of the payout motor 542. It will be.

  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. An MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer is mounted on the main control board 920. 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 executed when executing the control programs. And the like (not shown) for storing the same. On the main control board 920, various circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmitting / receiving circuit (not shown) are mounted. I have.
The RAM of the main control board 920 is configured so that internal data can be maintained (backed up) by power supply of a backup voltage from the power supply / emission control board 900 even after transition to the 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 Information storage state determination processing S1007 is performed, and based on these determination results, it is determined whether information in substantially the entire area of the RAM is to be deleted.

  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 storage information is saved and terminated at the time of transition to the power outage state (S1005: N), or the storage is performed. If the information is not normally stored (S1007: N), a RAM clear processing S1008 for erasing information of substantially all areas of 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 executed.

  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, the power failure monitoring process S1202 and the external information output process S1221 related to the substantial control of the pachinko machine 100 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 substantially no processing is performed, and the state of the RAM after the RAM determination value is set is held based on the backup power. In addition, 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, a unique value is set for each counter as the update range defined by the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value of each counter, and a plurality of counters are configured to be 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, if 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 the substantial processing. 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, a special symbol display device 471 for the first special symbol, a special symbol display device 472 for the second special symbol, and a normal symbol for the ordinary symbol A signal for controlling various notification devices such as the 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 downward approaching solenoid 463, an upward approaching solenoid 464, and a switching solenoid 465 are provided. A control signal is output.

  In the switch reading process S1209, the middle start winning switches 441A and 441B, the right starting winning switch 442, the lower big winning switch 443, the upper winning switch 444, the combination operating switch 445, the start switch 446, the non-specific passage switch 447, and the specific The signal state from each of the passage switch 448 and the general winning switches 449A and 449B 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. Specifically, the right starting winning device 432, the lower winning device 433, and the upper winning device 434 are forcibly moved to the allowable entry position, and the game ball is guided to a specific passage of the lower winning device 433 by vibrating. The right start winning device 432, the lower winning device 433, and the upper winning device 434 by radio waves are forcibly malfunctioned, the game balls are guided to various winning devices by magnetic attraction, the upper middle starting winning device 431A, In a situation where there is a high possibility that an illegal act such as guiding a game ball to the lower middle starting winning device 431B, the right starting winning device 432, the lower winning device 433, and the upper winning device 434 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 middle start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the upper middle starting winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) and the lower middle starting winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10). , The middle start winning counter (a predetermined area of the RAM) and the first payout counter (a predetermined area of the RAM) are updated. When the right start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the first payout counter is updated. In addition, when the lower special winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the lower special winning switch 443 (see FIG. 10), or when the game ball is detected by the upper special winning switch 444 (see FIG. 10). When the upper winning switch detection flag is set based on the above, the big winning counter (a predetermined area of the RAM) and the second payout counter (a predetermined area of the 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 acoustic device 281, the upper right acoustic 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. The operation control of the 433 and the upper winning 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. Further, 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 lower large winning device. The operation control of the 433 and the upper winning 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 combined 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.

<Downflow of game balls>
Next, with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, a description will be given of a manner in which a game ball flows down in a game area. FIG. 13 is a front view in which the upper side of the game board 400 is partially enlarged, and FIG. 14 is a front view in which the right side of the game board 400 is partially enlarged. In addition, FIG. 7 is referred to as needed.

  In the game board 400, as shown in FIG. 7, a game area generally defined by an outer rail 402 and an inner rail 403 is formed. In the game area, various structures such as a central structure 420 and the like are provided. Various devices such as the big winning device 433 and the upper winning device 434 are provided. The flight of the game ball in the game area is determined by the launching strength of the launching device 330 and the shape of the outer rail 402. Here, “flying of a game ball” means movement of the game ball beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 until it contacts a member other than the outer rail 402. The launching strength of the game ball launched from the launching device 330 is proportional to the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) of the launching operation device 250, and the maximum amount of rotation of the launching handle 252 is approximately 120 °. It is. When the firing handle 252 is being rotated by the player, game balls are launched from the firing device 330 at approximately 0.6 second intervals. Note that even if the firing handle 252 is being rotated by the player, if the firing stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) is pressed, the launch of the game ball is stopped.

  The inclination of the arc-shaped portion that defines the upper boundary of the game area in the outer rail 402 (the inclination of the tangent line of the outer rail 402 with respect to the left-right direction of the pachinko machine 100) is, as shown in FIG. In the vicinity of the position where the recoil prevention member 405 is disposed, the angle of inclination is approximately 50 degrees. The game ball hit with the maximum strength from the launch device 330 flies along the arc-shaped portion of the outer rail 402. In the following, the flight trajectory of the game ball launched at the maximum strength is referred to as the “maximum flight trajectory”.

  At the upper part of the central structure 420, as shown in FIG. 13, a branch position P1 which is located at the maximum height position of the central structure 420 and opposes a portion where the inclination of the outer rail 402 is approximately 5 degrees ascending to the right. , A left wall portion 421 is formed to descend to the left. Note that, based on the maximum width W (see FIG. 7) between the left end T1 (see FIG. 7) and the right end T2 (see FIG. 7) of the game area, the branch position P1 is the maximum width from the left end T1 of the game area. It is a position on the center side by a width of approximately 45% of W.

  A game ball hit with a strength exceeding the return ball prevention mechanism 404 but not exceeding the branch position P1 (about 20% or more and less than 45% of the maximum strength) is larger than a portion of the outer rail 402 facing the branch position P1. The robot departs from the maximum flight trajectory before and collides with the nail 411 and the left wall 421, and flows down the left downflow area 407 formed on the left outer edge side of the central structure 420.

  In addition, a right wall portion 422, which is approximately 40 degrees downward from the branch position P2 and faces a portion where the inclination of the outer rail 402 is 40 degrees downward, is formed above the central structure 420. Note that, based on the maximum width W of the game area as a reference, the branch position P2 is a position on the right side from the left end T1 of the game area by approximately 80% of the maximum width W. A game ball hit at an intensity exceeding the branch position P2 (75% or more of the maximum intensity) flows down the right-flow region 408. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the right-downflow area 408 is formed by an area for guiding game balls to the branch passage 408A by the right wall 422, a branch passage 408A, and a curved passage 408B.

  Specifically, the game ball launched with the maximum strength flies along the maximum flight trajectory, collides with the anti-recoil member 405, and starts flowing down the right-flow area 408. In addition, a game ball launched in a predetermined strength range that is weaker than the maximum strength (a range of 80% or more of the maximum strength and less than the maximum strength) enters the maximum flight trajectory at a slower speed than when launched at the maximum strength. The airplane flies along the anti-recoil member 405 and starts flowing down in the right-downflow area 408. The game ball that has collided with the recoil prevention member 405 is then formed on the right outer edge side of the central structure 420, and passes through a branch passage 408A where an intermediate portion branches into two and a curved passage 408B that communicates with the branch passage 408A. It is guided above the big winning device 433 and the upper winning device 434. Further, a game ball launched in a weaker predetermined intensity range (a range of 75% or more of the maximum intensity and less than 80% of the maximum intensity) deviates from the maximum flight trajectory on the way and collides with the right wall portion 422, and Flow down in the flow down area 408 is started. The game ball that has collided with the right wall portion 422 then recoils toward the recoil prevention member 405, collides with the recoil prevention member 405, and enters the branch passage 408A.

  Further, at the upper part of the central structure 420, between the left wall portion 421 and the right wall portion 422, the right end of the left wall portion 421 (branch position P1) is curved downward to the right, and the left end of the right wall portion 422 ( An intermediate wall portion 423 extending to below the branch position P2) is formed. At the right end of the central structure 420, a guide passage 424 for guiding a game ball smoothly is formed. A step portion between the right end of the middle wall portion 423 and the left end of the right wall portion 422 is an entrance 424A to the guide passage 424, and the game ball that has entered the entrance 424A is located on the upper left side of the upper prize winning device 434. It is released from the formed discharge port 424B. Note that an intermediate flow region 409 is formed by the region where the game ball is guided to the guide passage 424 by the middle wall portion 423 and the guide passage 424.

  A game ball launched in a predetermined intensity range (a range of 45% or more of the maximum intensity and less than 75% of the maximum intensity) deviates from the maximum flight trajectory on the way and collides with the middle wall portion 423, and in the middle flow down region 409 Start flowing down. The game ball that has collided with the middle wall portion 423 thereafter slightly rebounds, but is guided along the middle wall portion 423 smoothly to the entrance 424A of the guide passage 424. Note that the middle wall portion 423 has a shape that becomes steeper as it goes away from the branch position P1 to the right, and even if a game ball collides at any position of the middle wall portion 423, the middle wall portion 423 has a thin angle with the middle wall portion 423. It can only be recoiled and can be recoiled toward the entrance 424A. The guide passage 424 has a shape that bends in two stages in a plane along the surface of the base 401 of the game board 400, and the game balls are smoothly guided from the entrance 424A to the discharge port 424B also in the guide passage 424. .

  The shape of the guide passage 424 is such that the time required for the game ball to be launched at a predetermined strength that exceeds the branch position P1 but does not exceed the branch position P2 and then reaches the upper prize winning device 434 through the middle downstream region 409 is different from the game ball. Is longer than the time required to reach the upper prize winning device 434 through the right downflow area 408 after being launched at the maximum intensity, by a time corresponding to the shortest firing interval of the firing device 330 (for example, 0.6 seconds). Has been adjusted as follows. The upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 are vertically arranged close to each other, and since there is no member between them to change the flow of the game ball, the middle win region 409 is used. The time difference between the case of entering the lower large winning device 433 and the case of entering the lower large winning device 433 through the right downflow area 408 is substantially the same as the case of the upper large winning device 434. It should be noted that the time to reach the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433 through the middle flowing region 409 or the time to reach the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433 through the right flowing region 408 is as follows. For example, a time corresponding to a mode in a frequency distribution based on a large number of trials, an average time based on the frequency distribution, a weighted average time based on the frequency distribution, and the like can be adopted.

  Here, the operations of the upper winning award device 434 and the lower winning award device 433 and the behavior of the game balls in them will be described.

  When a big hit is won by the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the mode of the special game state is determined, and the state shifts to the special game state of the determined mode. Specifically, a short special game state with a small number of continuous rounds (six rounds in this embodiment) or a long special game state with a large number of continuous rounds (sixteen rounds in this embodiment) is set. In each round of the special game state, when the maximum allowable time (29.5 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed, or when a specified number (8 balls in the present embodiment) of game balls has been reached, the upper winning switch 444 (see FIG. 10). ) Or the lower big prize switch 443 (see FIGS. 10 and 14), the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower big prize winning device 433 change from the entry permitted state to the entry prohibited state. Normally, when a specified number of game balls are detected by the upper winning switch 444 or the lower winning switch 443, the state changes from the entry permitted state to the entry prohibited state.

  Here, the behavior of the game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 and its detection will be described. When the upper winning award device 434 is allowed to enter, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 (see FIG. 7; omitted in FIG. 14) is inclined so that the upper end protrudes forward, and the diameter of the game ball is approximately 5 mm. A game ball can enter through the double entrance 434A. The game ball that has reached the upper prize winning device 434 is guided backward by the upper entry control mechanism 454 and enters the entrance 434A. Inside the upper prize winning device 434, a depth guide passage portion 434B is formed slightly to the center from the right end and guides the game ball to the back, and a left slope inclined leftward and downward to the left of the depth guide passage portion 434B. A passage portion 434C and a right-side inclined passage portion 434D that inclines to the left on the right side of the back guide passage portion 434B are formed. An upper prize switch 444 for detecting a game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 is provided in the back guide passage portion 434B, and a gaming ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 passes through the back guide passage portion 434B. It is detected after being guided deeper than the left inclined passage portion 434C and the right inclined passage portion 434D.

  The main approach path of the game ball entering the upper winning prize device 434 through the right downflow area 408 is a route E1 that passes through the left side of the right starting prize device 432 and enters the approximate center of the entrance 434A. The game ball that has entered the upper winning award device 434 through this route E1 is greatly accelerated in the left inclined passage portion 434C because the moving distance along the left inclined passage portion 434C from the entry position to the depth guide passage portion 434B is short. Never. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the upper winning award device 434 through the route E1 once passes through the depth guide passage portion 434B, moves to the right inclined passage portion 434D, and then returns to the depth guide passage portion 434B. It hardly reciprocates in the left-right direction in front, and enters the inner guide passage portion 434B almost smoothly. In the case of entering the upper winning award device 434 through the right downflow area 408, the time from when the game ball reaches the upper approach restricting mechanism 454 to when it is detected by the upper winning switch 444 is approximately 0.2 seconds. . Therefore, even if the game balls are continuously launched so as to flow down the right downflow area 408, the shortest firing interval at which the game balls are launched from the firing device 330 is approximately 0.6 seconds, so that the preceding game balls are Unless it accidentally flows down much slower due to interference with the game ball, or if the subsequent game ball does not flow down much faster accidentally, the leading game ball reaches the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 and wins the top prize. Until the detection by the switch 444, the subsequent game ball does not reach the up approach restriction mechanism 454.

  On the other hand, the main approach path of the game ball entering the upper winning award device 434 through the middle falling area 409 is on the left side as compared with the case of passing through the right falling area 408, and is a path E2 approaching near the left end of the entrance 434A. It is. The game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 through this route E2 may rarely and smoothly enter the back guide passage 434B, but after reciprocating left and right in front of the back guide passage 434B, the back guide. It enters the passage 434B. As a result, the time from when the game ball reaches the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 to when the game ball is detected by the upper-prize winning switch 444 is longer than when the game ball reaches the upper-prize-winning device 434 through the right-downflow area 408. Because the distance guided inside the device 434 is long, and because it reciprocates left and right in front of the back guide passage 434B and then enters the back guide passage 434B, it becomes longer, and it takes about 0.4 seconds. is there. Therefore, even if the game balls are continuously launched so as to flow down the middle downflow area 409, the shortest firing interval at which the game balls are launched from the firing device 330 is 0.6 seconds, so that the preceding game balls are restricted from entering. After reaching the mechanism 454 and before being detected by the upper winning switch 444, the subsequent game balls do not reach the upper entry restriction mechanism 454. It should be noted that the time from when the game ball enters the upper entry control mechanism 454 to when it is detected by the upper winning switch 444 is longer than when the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the right side of the central structure 420. However, in order for the guide passage 424 to smoothly guide the game balls, the preceding game balls flow down much later by accident than when the game balls are continuously launched so as to flow down the right side of the central structure 420. It is less likely that the subsequent game ball will flow down much faster.

  The behavior of the game ball that has entered the lower winning award device 433 and its detection will be described. In a state where the lower winning award device 433 is allowed to enter, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 is immersed rearward, and the game ball can enter through an entrance 433A having a width approximately five times the diameter of the game ball. Inside the lower big prize winning device 433, a central sloping passage portion 433B which inclines downward and guides the game ball to the lower prize switch 443, and is formed on the upper left of the central inclined passage portion 433B and inclines downward and to the right. A left inclined passage portion 434C and a right inclined passage portion 434D that is formed on the right side of the central inclined passage portion 433B and that is inclined downward and to the left are formed.

  The main approach path of the game ball entering the lower winning award device 433 through the right downflow area 408 is the path E3. The game ball that has entered the lower big winning device 433 through this route E3 directly enters the central inclined passage portion 433B, is guided leftward along the central inclined passage portion 433B, and is detected by the lower large winning switch 443. . The time from when the game ball passes through the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 to when it is detected by the lower special winning switch 443 is approximately 0.2 seconds.

  On the other hand, the main approach path of the game ball entering the lower big winning device 433 through the middle downstream area 409 is a path E4. The game ball that has entered the lower big winning device 433 through the route E4 is once guided to the right end side of the central inclined passage portion 433B by the left inclined passage portion 433C, and then guided leftward along the central inclined passage portion 433B. It is detected by the lower large winning switch 443. In this case, the distance traveled from entering the lower special winning device 433 to reaching the lower special winning switch 443 is longer than when reaching the lower special winning device 433 through the right downflow area 408. The time from passing through the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 to detection by the lower special winning switch 443 becomes longer, and is approximately 0.4 seconds. In addition, even if the game balls continue to be launched so as to flow down the right downflow area 408, or even if the game balls are continuously launched so as to flow down the middle flow down area 409, the shortest game ball to be launched from the launching device 330 is obtained. Since the firing interval is approximately 0.6 seconds, after the preceding game ball has passed through the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and is detected by the lower big prize switch 443, the subsequent game ball has the lower entry restriction. It does not pass through the mechanism 453.

<Game procedure in special game state>
Next, a game procedure in the special game state will be described. In the allowed state of each round of the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, the game ball is set at the maximum intensity in order to allow the game ball to enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 through the right downflow area 408. Hit out. In order to cause the game ball to flow down to the right downflow area 408, as described above, it is sufficient to launch the game ball at an intensity of 75% or more of the maximum intensity, but even if a predetermined intensity is selected from those intensity ranges, Since the falling form of the sphere hardly changes, there is no need to launch with a strength other than the maximum strength.

  In addition, in the entry permitted state of each round of the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, the decorative symbol display device 479 arranged substantially at the center of the central structure 420 has an effect in addition to the effect in the special game state. In addition, the number of remaining game balls up to the specified number (the remaining number of waiting for entry) and the remaining time in which the entry is permitted (the remaining entry permitted time) are notified. Also, information for assisting the optimal game progress is appropriately notified.

  The player monitors the remaining waiting time and the allowable entry time while launching the game ball at the maximum intensity to cause the game ball to flow down through the right flow-down region 408, and launching the game ball through the middle flow region 409 at a lower intensity than the middle ball. The timing to change to launch so as to flow down will be measured.

  Hereinafter, a specific game progress will be described. When the special game state is started, the decorative symbol display device 479 is notified of information indicating that the firing handle 252 is rotated by the maximum rotation operation amount and the game ball is caused to flow down through the right flow area 408. Furthermore, if the firing handle 252 is appropriately operated to adjust the firing intensity of the game balls at the time of launching the specified number of last game balls into the upper-level winning device 434 or the lower-level winning device 433, a privilege is obtained. Is notified that there is a possibility of Specifically, in order to receive the privilege, the game ball is caused to enter the upper large winning device 434 and the lower large winning device 433 until the remaining ball reaches the specified number, and the ball is caused to flow down through the middle downstream region 409. It is necessary to launch the game ball by reducing the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252, and then return the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252 to the maximum rotation operation amount and launch the game ball so as to flow down through the right downflow area 408. Is notified.

  The player starts the launch of the game ball by rotating the firing handle 252 by the maximum rotation amount. First, one less ball is launched than the prescribed number, and the launch of the game ball is temporarily stopped. When at least one of the launched game balls does not enter the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433, additional game balls are launched by the number that did not enter. Such launching is repeated as necessary, and the number of game balls one ball less than the specified number enters the upper-level winning device 434 or the lower-level winning device 433, that is, the remaining number of waiting to enter is “1”. This process is repeated until.

  When the remaining waiting time for entry becomes “1”, the rotation of the firing handle 252 is set so as to be 50% or more of the maximum rotation operation amount and less than 75% so that the next game ball flows down through the middle flow-down area 409. A game ball is launched by adjusting the operation amount, and the next game ball is launched so that the next game ball flows down through the right downflow area 408 following the game ball. In the decorative symbol display device 479, when the remaining waiting time for entry becomes “1”, if the remaining allowable entry time is shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), the above-described irregularity is obtained. Notifying the user to perform a normal launch without performing a typical launch. This is to prevent occurrence of a situation in which both of the two game balls cannot be reached while the upper game prize device 434 or the lower game prize device 433 is allowed to enter when an irregular launch is performed. It is.

  Both the game balls that are launched in this way and flow down through the middle flow-down area 409 and the game balls that flow down through the right-flow area 408 enter the upper-level winning device 434 and the lower-level winning device 433 with high probability. .

  Next, the operation and effect of the pachinko machine 100 described above will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100, when a game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle downflow area 409, and when a game ball launched at the shortest firing interval subsequently to the game ball is launched so as to flow down through the right downflow area 408, The game balls reach the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 almost at the same time with a high probability. Therefore, in the case where the number of game balls that have entered the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433 is one ball up to the specified number, if the above-described launch adjustment is performed, both of the launched gaming balls are reduced. It is possible to enter the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433 with high probability. This makes it possible to increase the number of prize balls that can be obtained in the special game state. In this manner, with the pachinko machine 100, benefits such as an increase in the number of prize balls can be enjoyed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the predetermined firing handle by the player (adjusting the firing intensity of the game balls).

  Further, in the above-described launch adjustment, it is necessary to switch the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252 by the player, and a predetermined number of game balls enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 in the special game state. The monotony of the game at the time of playing is reduced, and the playability in the special game state is improved. In addition, before the launch adjustment as described above, in order to adjust the number of game balls entering the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433, it is necessary to temporarily stop the launch of the gaming balls. Also, it is necessary to monitor the remaining opening time of the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433, and a predetermined number of game balls enter the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433 in the special game state. The monotony of the game at the time of making it reduce is reduced. Thereby, the playability in the special game state is further improved.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the preceding game ball that has been launched to flow down through the middle downflow area 409 has a larger path than the subsequent game ball that has been launched to flow down through the right downflow area 408. Since the shape of the guide passage is designed so as to reach the prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433, the game ball flowing down through the middle flowing region 409 and the game ball flowing down through the right flowing region 408 are almost simultaneously. It is possible to enter the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433.

  Also, in the pachinko machine 100, the game ball launched to flow down through the middle flow-down region 409 has substantially the same shortest firing interval time as the game ball launched to flow down through the right-flow region 408. Since the shape of the guide passage is designed to reach the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433 later, the amount of rotation of the firing handle can be reduced without stopping the launch of the game ball. If changed, the game balls can be made to reach the upper-large winning device 434 and the lower-large winning device 433 substantially simultaneously. Thereby, after launching the game ball so as to flow down through the middle flow-down area 409, once the launch of the game ball is stopped, the flow-down state of the game ball is determined, and the next game ball passes through the right-flow area 408. In comparison with the case where the launch is restarted so as to flow down, the game balls that have been launched so as to flow down through the middle downflow area 409 and the game balls that have been launched so as to flow down through the middle downflow area 409 are larger than those in the case where the launching is restarted. It can be made to reach the vicinity of the winning device 434 and the lower big winning device 433.

  Also, in the pachinko machine 100, the game ball that has been launched so as to flow down through the middle downflow area 409 is guided to the entrance 424A of the guide passage 424 almost smoothly regardless of the position of the middle wall 423. Thereafter, the air is smoothly guided to the discharge port 424B through the guide passage 424. Further, the game ball discharged from the discharge port 424B is smoothly guided to those apparatuses at a predetermined probability because the discharge port 424B is formed near the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433. You. As a result, a game ball launched to flow down through the middle flow-down region 409 has a longer path than the game ball launched to flow down through the right-flow region 408, and has a longer path and a higher winning award device 434 or a lower large prize. Although it reaches the device 433, the time lag from when it is launched from the firing device 330 to when it reaches the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433 can be reduced, and the game ball flowing down through the middle downstream region 409 and the right It is possible to cause the game balls flowing down through the flow-down region 408 to enter the upper large winning device 434 and the lower large winning device 433 substantially simultaneously.

  In addition, after launching to flow down through the middle downflow area 409, in order to change the launching to flow down through the right downflow area 408, the opposite configuration, that is, to launch through the middle downflow area 409. A guide passage for reaching the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 by a time that is substantially the same as the shortest firing interval time as compared with a game ball launched so as to flow down through the right downflow area 408. Is designed, and it is more reliable than the configuration in which launching is performed so as to flow down through the right downflow area 408 and then the launching is changed so as to flow down through the middle downflow area 409. The game ball is caused to flow down through the middle flow-down area 409, and the subsequently launched game ball is flowed down through the right-flow area 408. It can be. This means that when the game ball is caused to flow down through the right downflow area 408, the firing handle 252 may be rotated to the maximum, but when the game ball is caused to flow down through the middle downflow area 409, the rotation of the firing handle 252 may be performed. It is necessary to appropriately adjust the operation amount to an intermediate rotation operation amount, and if the adjustment is incorrect, the game ball is caused to flow through the left downflow area 407 despite the attempt to flow the game ball through the middle downflow area 409. This is because the game ball is caused to flow down, or the game ball is caused to flow down through the right downflow area 408.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, since an operation necessary for enjoying the privilege and the timing of the operation are notified, it is possible to give all players an opportunity to obtain the privilege, and It can be suppressed that the privilege is given only to the player.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the main path and part of the game ball, which has been launched so as to flow down through the middle downflow area 409, enters the upper winning award device 434 or the lower win device 433, flows down through the right downflow area 408. Since the main paths and parts of the game balls launched as described above enter the upper-level winning device 434 and the lower-level winning device 433, the game balls are almost simultaneously placed in the upper-level winning device 434 and the lower-level winning device 433. , It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which these game balls do not interfere with each other and enter the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433 substantially simultaneously.

  In the pachinko machine 100, the time difference between the game balls before flowing down through the middle downflow area 409 and reaching the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433, in particular, the time delayed from the average time, It is configured to be smaller than the time difference of each game ball until it flows down through the right flowing region 408 and reaches the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433, particularly the time that is later than the average time, It is configured such that the time from flowing down through the middle flow down area 409 and entering the upper winning award device 434 or the lower winning award device 433 to being detected by the upper winning switch 444 or the lower winning switch 443 becomes longer. I have. As a result, even if the time required for the game ball flowing down through the right downflow region 408 to reach the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433 becomes slightly longer, the game ball flows down through the middle downflow region 409. Before the upper prize winning switch 444 or the lower prize winning switch 443 detects a game ball and the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 changes to the entry prohibited state, the upper winning prize device 434 or the lower winning prize device is executed. 433 can be entered.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment, by adjusting the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252 by the player, that is, by adjusting the firing strength (launch strength) of the game balls, the number of game balls exceeding the specified number in the special game state. Can be entered into the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433.

  Instead of this, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the second embodiment, the upper right starting winning device 731 provided at a position where a game ball fired at a fixed firing speed cannot enter can be provided with a shooting handle 252 by a player. It is configured such that a game ball can enter by adjusting the amount of rotation operation. Then, by causing the game ball to enter the upper right starting winning device 731 under predetermined conditions, in the advantageous fluctuation state which is the game state after the special game state, the fluctuation display of the unit game is performed for a predetermined fluctuation time. Is executed. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  First, a structural configuration of the pachinko machine 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged front view of the right side of the game board 400 in the pachinko machine 100 of the second embodiment.

  FIG. 16 shows a schematic outline of a main structure provided in the game area. In addition, in the drawing of FIG. 16, in order to facilitate understanding, the position of the specific passage QA formed inside the lower big prize winning device 433 is indicated with a letter “V”, and the non-specific passage QB Is indicated by adding the letter "N" to the position. FIG. 16 illustrates a distribution mechanism for distributing the game balls that have entered the lower winning award device 433 to the specific passage QA or the non-specific passage QB, and assigns a number “601” to the distribution mechanism. , A part of the game balls flowing down are shown for reference.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the pachinko machine 100 of the second embodiment, an upper right starting winning device 731 is provided on the right side of the game board 400 instead of the winning combination operating device 435. The upper right starting winning device 731 is a starting device according to a first special symbol, similar to the upper middle starting winning device 431A and the lower middle starting winning device 431B. The entrance portion of the game ball in the upper right starting winning device 731 constitutes a winning opening, and the game ball entering the winning opening has a through hole formed in the base 401 similarly to each winning device such as the right starting winning device 432. Through the collecting / discharging passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base 401.

  The game board 400 is provided with an upper right start winning switch for detecting a game ball that has entered the upper right start winning device 731. The upper right start winning switch is connected to the main control board 920 similarly to the switches such as the middle start winning switches 441A and 441B. Hereinafter, the upper right start winning switch 741 that detects a game ball that has entered the upper right start winning device 731 will be described as an “upper right start win switch 741” for convenience. When the upper right start winning switch 741 detects a game ball that has entered the upper right start winning device 731, similarly to the case where the middle start winning switch 441A and 441B detects a game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431A, 431B. The first special symbol starts.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the right of the unit game relating to the first special symbol can be held up to once. On the other hand, the right of the unit game relating to the second special symbol can be held up to four times as in the first embodiment.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16 as well, a flow-down state of the game ball in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, in the pachinko machine 100 of the second embodiment, a guide passage 711 is formed between the upper edge side of the central structure 420 and the outer rail 402. The game ball fired from the firing device 330 enters the guide passage 711 and passes through the guide passage 711, so that the game ball is guided to the right game area provided with the upper right starting winning device 731 and the like.

  Therefore, a game fired (launched) from the firing device 330 with a firing intensity that can enter the guide passage 711 (that is, a firing intensity higher than the intensity range of the firing intensity for allowing the game ball to enter the left downflow area 407). The sphere enters the guide passage 711. The range of the emission intensity that can enter the guide passage 711 is, for example, 45% or more of the maximum emission intensity.

  A right-downflow area 708 and a middle-downflow area 709 are connected to the guide passage 711. The game ball that has passed through the guide passage 711 enters the entrance 708A of the right-flow region 708 or the entrance 709A of the middle-flow region 709. Game balls that have entered the entrance 708A flow down the right-downflow area 708 through the path E5, and game balls that have entered the entrance 709A flow down the middle-downflow area 709 through the path E6.

  Of the entrance 708A and the entrance 709A, the entrance 708A is located on the side farther from the center than the entrance 709A (that is, farther from the return ball preventing mechanism 404), so that the range of the emission intensity that can enter the guide passage 711 is obtained. Among them, by firing a game ball from the launching device 330 in a predetermined first intensity range including the maximum firing intensity (for example, an intensity range of 75% or more of the maximum firing intensity), the game ball is inserted into the entrance 708A. From the right downflow area 708.

  On the other hand, out of the intensity range of the emission intensity that can enter the guide passage 711, the emission is performed in a predetermined second intensity range weaker than the first intensity range (for example, a range of 45% or more of the maximum intensity and less than 75% of the maximum intensity). By firing a game ball from the device 330, the game ball can enter the middle downstream region 709 from the entrance 709A.

  Therefore, the player rotates the firing handle 252 at a predetermined first operation amount (first rotation operation amount) such that the emission intensity of the game ball falls in the first intensity range, and thereby the game ball is caused to flow down to the right. By rotating the firing handle 252 with a predetermined second operation amount (a second rotation operation amount) such that the shooting intensity of the game ball can enter the area 708 and the firing intensity of the game ball falls within the second intensity range, the game ball Can enter the middle downstream region 709. That is, by adjusting the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252, the player can cause the game ball to flow down in the flow-down area intended by the player among the right-flow area 708 and the middle-flow area 709.

  A game ball flowing down the right downflow area 708 or the middle downflow area 709 is routed when the game balls flowing down each of the downflow areas 708 and 709 are not interfered by another game ball in the merging area 710 into which any of the game balls can enter. It can flow downstream through E7. The game ball flowing down through the route E7 can enter the starting device 436, the right starting winning device 432, the upper winning device 434, or the lower winning device 433.

  On the other hand, when a game ball (for example, the game ball P1) flowing down the right-flowing region 708 contacts a game ball (for example, the game ball P2) flowing down the middle-flowing region 708 in the merging region 710, the latter game ball The former game ball that has been hit may flow downstream through the path E8. When the game ball passes the route E8, the game ball enters the upper right starting winning device 731.

  After the game ball enters the middle flow-down region 709 from the entrance 709A, the right-flowing region 708 and the middle flow-down region 709 respectively receive the game ball launched from the firing device 330 continuously from the entrance 708A. When entering the area 708, the game ball flowing down the right downflow area 708 is configured to have a length that can contact the game ball flowing down the middle downflow area 708 in the merge area 710.

  Therefore, after launching a game ball from the launch device 330 at a launch intensity of the second intensity range, the player launches a subsequent game ball from the launch device 330 at a launch intensity of the first intensity range following the game ball. This allows the game ball to enter (win) the upper right starting winning device 731. That is, the game ball can enter the upper right starting winning device 731 by the player intentionally adjusting the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252 as described above.

  Next, a game state of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the progress of the gaming state in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment.

  When the game is started by turning on the power of the pachinko machine 100, first, as shown in FIG. 17, the game is started from the normal game state. In the normal game state, the player generates a unit game right by starting winning and executes the game in expectation of obtaining a big hit. When the right of the unit game is generated by the start winning, the special symbol (specifically, the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is displayed and fixed and stopped, and the unit game according to the special symbol is won in the jackpot lottery. Then, the game state shifts to the special game state. The determination as to whether or not the big hit lottery is won is executed as a part of the special symbol related process S1217 (see FIG. 12) for controlling the unit game relating to the special symbol.

  In the special game state, for example, the special winning device (specifically, the lower special winning device 433 and the upper special winning device 434) for about 30 seconds is activated a predetermined number of times (specifically, five times). In the special game state, when the big prize winning devices 433 and 434 are operated a predetermined number of times, the upper limit number (specifically, three times) of the unit games that can be executed in the advantageous fluctuation state is set as the remaining unit game number. Is set, and the gaming state shifts to the advantageous fluctuation state. Here, the advantageous fluctuation state is a game state in which the non-time reduction state has shifted to the time reduction state, in which the game ball easily enters the right starting prize device 432, and the game ball easily enters the specific passage QA. This is a game state in which the operation pattern (pattern A) of the special winning device 433 is easily selected with a high probability, and the selection of the operation pattern will be described later.

  In the advantageous fluctuation state, the lower big prize device 433 operates based on the starting prize, and a big hit occurs when the game ball that has entered the lower large prize device 433 enters the specific passage QA. Therefore, in the advantageous fluctuation state, the player receives a start winning (mainly according to the second special symbol generated based on entry into the right starting winning device 432 provided on the right side of the same game board 400 as the lower big winning device 433). By starting the game, the right of the unit game is generated and the game is executed.

  In the advantageous fluctuation state, either the pattern A or the pattern B is selected by lottery as the operation pattern of the lower-large winning device 433 that operates based on the start winning. As will be described in detail later, the pattern A is a pattern in which a game ball that has entered the lower special winning device 433 is substantially always guided to the specific passage QA, and the pattern B is a game ball that has entered the lower special winning device 433. Is a pattern that is not substantially guided to the specific passage QA. In addition, the lottery (selection) of the operation pattern of the lower big prize winning device 433 is executed as a part of the special symbol related process S1217 (see FIG. 12), and in the present embodiment, the selection probability of the pattern A and the pattern B is Are set to 40% and 60%, respectively. Note that the selection probabilities of the pattern A and the pattern B may be different selection probabilities corresponding to the gaming state. In this case, the setting is such that the pattern A is less likely to be selected in the normal gaming state than in the advantageous fluctuation state. Preferably, only the pattern B may be selected in the normal gaming state that is not the advantageous fluctuation state, and the setting may be such that the game ball cannot enter the specific passage QA in the normal gaming state.

  In the advantageous fluctuation state, the unit game generated by the starting winning is determined and stopped by the fluctuation display of the special symbol according to the lottery result (that is, the pattern A or the pattern B) related to the operation pattern of the lower big prize winning device 433. After that, the lower large winning device 433 operates in the operation pattern selected by the lottery (that is, the operation pattern corresponding to the final stop of the pattern A or the pattern B).

  When the lower special winning device 433 operates in the pattern A (mainly, when the lower special winning device 433 operates in the pattern A), the player sets the firing handle so that the game ball enters the lower special winning device 433. 252 is operated to fire a game ball. In the advantageous fluctuation state, as described above, a big hit is set when a game ball that has entered the lower big winning device 433 enters the specific passage QA. Therefore, in the advantageous fluctuation state, a big hit occurs at a probability of selecting the pattern A (that is, a probability of 40%) for one start winning.

  When a big hit occurs in the advantageous change state, that is, when the game ball that has entered the lower big prize device 433 enters the specific passage QA, the advantageous change state ends and shifts to the special game state. The determination as to whether or not the game ball has entered the specific path QA is performed as a part of the special symbol related processing S1217 (see FIG. 12) as the specific path detected in the switch reading processing S1209 (see FIG. 12). This is executed based on the detection state of the switch 448.

  In the advantageous fluctuation state, the number of remaining unit games is decremented by one each time the unit game generated by the start winning is completed (that is, each time a special symbol is fixed and stopped), and the remaining unit game number becomes “0”. If no big hit has occurred, the gaming state shifts to the normal gaming state.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, in the advantageous variation state, a big hit occurs with a probability of substantially 40% for one start winning, and therefore, the unit executable in the advantageous variation state When the upper limit number of games is three, a big hit occurs with a probability of approximately 80% in the advantageous fluctuation state. As described above, the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which once the big hit occurs in the normal gaming state, the advantageous fluctuation state is easily continued, and the interest of the game in which the big hit is generated in the normal gaming state is improved.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, an operation pattern of the lower big winning device 433 executed in the advantageous fluctuation state will be described. FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing the operation of the lower big winning device 433 in the advantageous fluctuation state. More specifically, FIG. 18A is a timing chart showing the operation of the lower big winning device 433 operating in the pattern B, and FIG. 18B is the operation of the lower big winning device 433 operating in the pattern A. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, when the operation of the lower-large-size winning device 433 based on the pattern B is started, the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 shifts from the off state to the on state (time ta0) for a very short period (time ta0). After 0.06 seconds in this embodiment), it returns to the off state (time ta1). As a result, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 shifts from the entry prohibited position to the entry allowed position, but immediately returns to the entry prohibited position after shifting to the entry allowed position.

  Similarly, when the operation of the lower-large-size winning device 433 according to the pattern B is started, the switching solenoid 465 shifts from the off state to the on state (time ta0), but for a very short period (0.06 seconds in the present embodiment). Later, it returns to the off state (time ta1). This allows the distribution mechanism 601 (see FIG. 16) to protrude forward to guide the game ball to the non-specific passage QB without guiding the game ball to the specific passage QA, and to immerse the game backward. The state shifts to the guiding posture in which the ball is guided to the specific passage QA, but immediately returns to the non-guiding posture after shifting to the guiding posture.

  The switching solenoid 465 shifts from the off state to the on state again after a predetermined period TA (0.5 seconds in the present embodiment) after returning to the off state at time ta1 (time ta2). The switching solenoid 465 returns to the off state after the on state is maintained for a predetermined period TB (2.56 seconds in the present embodiment) from the time ta2 (time ta4).

  On the other hand, the upper entry control solenoid 464 shifts from the off state to the on state again after a predetermined period TC (3 seconds in the present embodiment) after returning to the off state at time ta1 (time ta3), After a very short period (0.06 seconds in the present embodiment), it returns to the off state (time ta4). As a result, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 immediately transitions from the entry prohibited position to the entry allowed position and immediately returns to the entry prohibited position, similarly to the start of the operation of the lower big winning device 433.

  During a minute period (ie, a period from time ta0 to time ta1 and a period from time ta3 to time ta4) from when the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 is turned on to return to the off state from the off state, the game ball is not played. The period is set such that it is possible to enter the lower prize winning device 433 through the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 with a very low probability.

  During a minute period (ie, a period from time ta0 to time ta1) from when the switching solenoid 465 is turned on once to return to the off state (ie, a period from time ta0 to time ta1), a game is performed during a minute period when the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 is on. Even if the ball can enter the lower big prize winning device 433, a period in which the game ball returns to the off state and ends before reaching the distribution mechanism 601 is set.

  During the period from when the switching solenoid 465 returns to the off state at the time ta1 to when the switching solenoid 465 is turned on again at the time ta2 (that is, the period TA), the first minute period during which the upward entry restriction solenoid 464 is in the on state ( That is, even if the game ball can enter the lower big winning device 433 through the upper entry control mechanism 454 during the period from time ta0 to time ta1, the game ball can be transferred to the non-specific passage QB by the distribution mechanism 601 in the non-guidance posture. Is set to a period that can lead you to

  Since the switching solenoid 465 returns to the off state at time ta4, the game ball is moved upward during the second minute period (ie, the period from time ta3 to time ta4) during which the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 is turned on. Even if the game ball can enter the lower big winning device 433 through 454, the game ball is guided to the non-specific passage QB by the distribution mechanism 601 in the non-guidance posture.

  Therefore, in two small periods in which the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 is turned on (that is, a period from time ta0 to time ta1 and a period from time ta3 to time ta4), the game ball is transferred to the lower big winning device 433. Even if it enters, the game ball is substantially guided to the non-specific passage QB instead of the specific passage QA.

  As described above, when the lower-large-size winning device 433 operates in the pattern B, the upper-entry-restriction solenoid 464 is turned on only for a small period, so that the probability that a game ball enters the lower-large-size winning device 433 is low. In addition, even if a game ball enters the lower big prize winning device 433, the game ball is not substantially guided to the specific passage QA.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18B, when the operation of the lower winning award device 433 according to the pattern A is started, the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 shifts from the off state to the on state, thereby restricting the upper entry. The mechanism 454 shifts from the entry-prohibited position to the entry-permitted position (time td0). After shifting to the ON state, the upper approach restriction solenoid 464 maintains the ON state for a predetermined period (3.64 seconds in the present embodiment), and returns to the OFF state at time td4 (time td4).

  That is, in the case where the lower winning award device 433 operates in the pattern A, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 shifts from the entry prohibited position to the entry allowable position due to the transition of the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 to the ON state at the time td0. At the time td4, the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 is kept in the entry allowable posture until the solenoid 464 returns to the off state.

  On the other hand, the switching solenoid 465 shifts from the OFF state to the ON state when the operation of the lower large winning device 433 starts (time td0), similarly to the pattern B described above, but for a very short period (0 in the present embodiment). .06 seconds), and returns to the off state (time td1). The switching solenoid 465 shifts from the off state to the on state again after a predetermined period TA after returning to the off state at time td1 (time td2). The switching solenoid 465 returns to the off state after the on state is maintained for a predetermined period TB from the time td2 (time td3).

  Thus, based on the cooperation between the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 (upper entry restriction mechanism 454) and the switching solenoid 465 (distribution mechanism 601) at times td0 to td3, the game ball that has entered the lower-large-size winning device 433 is It is guided to the specific passage QA or to the non-specific passage QB.

  Here, the period TB is set to have a time length sufficiently longer than the firing interval of the game balls (0.6 seconds in the present embodiment). Therefore, when the lower prize winning device 433 operates in the pattern A, at least one of the game balls that have entered the lower prize winning device 433 is at least one as long as the game sphere continues to be appropriately fired (launched) from the firing device 330. One is substantially always guided to the specific passage QA in the period TB.

  In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as described above, when the gaming ball enters the specific passage QA of the lower big winning device 433 and a big hit occurs in the advantageous fluctuation state which shifts after the end of the special game state, The state is configured to shift to the special game state again. In particular, since the probability of occurrence of a big hit in the advantageous change state is set as high as approximately 80%, once a big hit occurs in the normal gaming state, the advantageous change state is likely to continue.

  On the other hand, since it is a continuation condition that the game ball enters the specific passage QA of the lower-large winning device 433 in the advantageous fluctuation state, the player can use the lower-large winning device 433 in the pattern A in the advantageous fluctuation state. Whether or not to operate is determined from the stop of the special symbol determination. When the lower special winning device 433 operates in the pattern A, the firing handle 252 is continuously operated so that the game ball enters the lower special winning device 433 (gaming) Keep firing the ball).

  In view of the fact that the unit game relating to the special game state or the special symbol automatically ends with the lapse of time, when a big hit occurs in the normal game state, the player receives the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state (ie, Unless the high jackpot occurrence probability is abandoned by itself, a situation in which the player cannot take a break away from the pachinko machine 100 in which the player plays the game until the advantageous fluctuation state ends.

  In order to solve this problem, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the number of times the unit game right related to the first special symbol is reserved and the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol is reserved are set under a predetermined condition (hereinafter, referred to as “the special game”). When this condition is referred to as a “long fluctuation occurrence condition”), the fluctuation display of the next unit game to be executed next is a period longer than the fluctuation time predetermined for the fluctuation display, and It is configured to execute with a variable time of a specific period (for example, 5 minutes) that enables the player to take a break away from the pachinko machine 100.

  Thereby, the player establishes the long fluctuation occurrence condition as necessary, thereby delaying the fixed stop timing (that is, the display timing of the stop symbol) in the fluctuation display of the unit game to be executed next time from the initial timing. Therefore, it is possible to leave the pachinko machine 100 during the unit game. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, even after the jackpot has occurred in the normal gaming state, the pachinko machine 100 does not have to abandon the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state (that is, a relatively high probability of occurrence of the jackpot). It is possible to get away from.

  In addition, in a state where the length fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied, the fluctuation time in the fluctuation display of each unit game is set to a different length according to the success or failure of the jackpot lottery for the unit game. Although it is set longer than when no winning is made, as described above, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, regardless of whether or not the big hit lottery for the next unit game is successful. The variable display of the unit game is executed in a specific period. In other words, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the player can leave the pachinko machine 100 without abandoning the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state, regardless of the success or failure of the jackpot lottery for the next unit game. .

  In addition, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the largest period (for example, a period of 15 to 60 seconds) of the fluctuation display period (for example, a period of 15 to 60 seconds) of each unit game in a state where the long fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied. A specific period that is sufficiently longer than (60 seconds) is set, and it is preferable that the length be approximately twice or more, and approximately five times or more, the maximum length of the variable display of each unit game. Is preferred.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the number of times the unit game right related to the first special symbol is reserved is one, and the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol is reserved is four. In some cases, the configuration is such that the long-fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied.

  In the special game state, the player shoots a game ball at the right game area of the game board 400 so that the game ball enters the lower big prize device 433 or the upper big prize device 434. Therefore, in the special game state and the advantageous fluctuation state, the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol generated based on the game ball having entered the right starting winning device 432 is easily reserved.

  Therefore, the player who plays the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment can satisfy the long fluctuation occurrence condition by causing the gaming ball to enter the upper right starting winning device 731 during the special gaming state. Alternatively, the long fluctuation occurrence condition can be satisfied by causing the game ball to enter the upper right starting winning device 731 during the advantageous fluctuation state.

  Note that the main control board 920 sets the first special symbol in the display control process S1219 so that the next unit game to be executed will be a variable display for a specific period (for example, 5 minutes) in the display control process S1219. Alternatively, the operation of the special symbol display devices 471 and 472 related to the second special symbol is controlled. On the other hand, the sub-control board 940 performs operation control so that the display synchronized with the variable display of the specific period controlled by the main control board 920 is performed by the decorative symbol display device 479.

  The display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 over the specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition includes a normal decorative symbol variable display executed before and after the start of the specific period, that is, the decorative symbol display. A scroll display of a plurality of numeric strings performed at the center of the screen of the device 479 may be performed, or a display other than the normal display of changing the decorative symbol may be displayed at the center of the screen of the decorative symbol display device 479.

  In the case where a display other than the variation display of the decorative symbol is displayed at the center of the screen of the decorative symbol display device 479 based on the establishment of the long variation occurrence condition, the variation display of the decorative symbol may not be displayed, or the decoration may be displayed. The variable display of the symbol may be displayed small in the corner (for example, the lower right corner) of the screen of the decorative symbol display device 479.

  When a display other than the normal decorative pattern fluctuation display (hereinafter, also referred to as a predetermined screen display) is displayed at the center of the screen of the decorative symbol display device 479 based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition, the predetermined screen display is displayed. It is displayed during a specific period, and at the end of the specific period, a normal size decorative pattern (for example, a decorative pattern of a size displayed in the variable display of the normal decorative pattern) according to the result of the jackpot lottery is fixedly stopped. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the display is returned (returned) from a predetermined screen display to a normal variable display of decorative symbols in the middle of a specific period.

  In the middle of the specific period, the display is returned from the predetermined screen display to the normal decorative pattern change display, so that the determination of the jackpot lottery result (the lottery result related to the operation pattern of the lower big prize winning device 433) is stopped. Can be sufficiently visually recognized by the player in the process in which is displayed.

  Note that, in the configuration in which the display is returned to the normal decorative symbol variation display in the middle of the specific period, the initial decorative symbol variation display in the unit game being executed (that is, the normal decorative symbol variation display when the long variation occurrence condition is not satisfied) (Variable display of decorative symbols) may be executed from the beginning of the variable display, or the initial decorative symbols in the unit game being executed from a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds before) from the end of the specific period. May be configured to execute the end portion including the fixed stop portion in the variable display. In the case of performing from the beginning of the variable display, the variable display may be started from the decorative symbol fixed and stopped in the previous unit game, or a predetermined decorative symbol (for example, “1, 2”). , 3 "), the variable display may be started.

  In the configuration of returning to the normal decorative pattern variable display from the predetermined screen display in the middle of the specific period, before returning to the normal decorative symbol variable display, in order to inform the timing of the return, decoration A predetermined countdown display (for example, a number corresponding to the remaining time is sequentially displayed) on the symbol display device 479 may be configured. This allows the player to be notified of the timing at which the normal display of the variation of the decorative symbol is started, so that the player can expect the lottery result of the big hit lottery to be displayed to be stopped in the future. The countdown display may be periodically displayed during a specific period, for example, every 30 seconds, or may be finely displayed just before return, for example, every 10 seconds before 1 second. .

  In accordance with the countdown display or in place of the countdown display, a display urging the player to prepare for the launch of the game ball (hereinafter, referred to as “below”) so as to allow the player to enter the game ball into the lower big prize device 433 that operates after the special symbol is fixed and stopped. This display may be referred to as “launch preparation display”) on the decorative symbol display device 479. Such a launch preparation display may be configured to display whether the lottery result relating to the operation pattern of the lower big prize winning device 433 is either the pattern A or the pattern B. It is preferable to execute at least the pattern A in which a big hit occurs in the state (that is, the game ball that has entered the lower big winning device 433 is substantially always guided to the specific path QA). It is preferable to provide a display that prompts an operation corresponding to the hitting game technique (for example, “preparing right”).

  Also, during execution of the special symbol change display, no one, including the player, can proceed with the game, so that when the long change occurrence condition is satisfied, the change time of the special symbol change display is determined in advance. A specific period (for example, 5 minutes) longer than the current fluctuation time (that is, the fluctuation time from when the special symbol fluctuation display is started to when the stop display is displayed when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied). According to the pachinko machine 100 of the embodiment, even if the player leaves the seat during the fluctuation display of the specific period, the game is prevented from being progressed by another customer who is a third party while the player is away from the seat. it can. Thus, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the player can safely leave the seat without worrying about the progress of the game by another customer during the fluctuation display of the specific period. .

  Here, when a predetermined screen display (that is, a display other than the normal decorative pattern change display) is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition, the player is displayed on the predetermined screen display. It may be configured to include information indicating that the user can leave the seat, which corresponds to the state in which the user can leave the seat.

  For example, with the start of the variable display in the specific period, as shown in FIG. 19, a small decorative symbol Z is displayed in a variable manner in the right corner of the screen of the decorative symbol display device 479, and approximately at the center of the screen of the decorative symbol display device 479. By displaying a character string of “can leave the seat” as the away information J, it is possible to inform the player that the safety is high even if the user leaves. In this way, by displaying the possible-seating information J on the decorative symbol display device 479, the player can know the time at which he / she can safely leave based on the possible-seating information.

  It should be noted that the detachable information J is not limited to the character string “can be removed” but may be a character string other than “separable” that indicates the content corresponding to the detachable state in which the player can leave. It may be a still image such as a picture showing the contents or a moving image such as an animation. In addition, it is not always necessary that the decorative pattern Z is displayed in the open space on the screen where the normal decorative pattern is variably displayed by displaying the decorative pattern Z in a small size, and is not necessarily required to be substantially at the center of the open screen. May be used.

  In addition, since the special symbol change display is also performed on the special symbol display devices 471 and 472, the decorative symbol Z is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 when the detachable information J is displayed on the screen of the decorative symbol display device 479. It is good also as a structure which does not do. In other words, the display device that displays the special symbol (identification information) in a variable manner and the display device that displays the information J that can leave the seat may be different. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which a dedicated display device for displaying the display of the information indicating that the user can leave is provided separately from the decorative design display device 479.

  In addition, when the fluctuation display based on the long fluctuation time is performed based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition, the effect device such as the decorative symbol display device 479 is prompted to input to the input operation device 260. The effect may be displayed, and the pachinko machine 100 may be able to recognize the presence or absence of the player depending on whether or not an input operation is performed on the display. If the presence of the player cannot be confirmed, seating information such as a predetermined voice such as "Please return to the seat" is output to the player, a data display device (not shown) or a management device (not shown). The absence information corresponding to the absence of the player may be output to an external device such as the like. Thus, it is possible to easily prevent the variable display from being completed in a state where the player has left the seat, and to prevent the game from proceeding with the player remaining behind.

  According to the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the fluctuation display of the special symbol is performed in a relatively long specific period (for example, 5 minutes). This makes it possible for the player to leave the pachinko machine 100 without abandoning the profit obtained by the advantageous fluctuation state. However, by using the specific period, the player's mood is reset (switching). ) Is also possible.

  For example, when the display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 over a specific period based on the satisfaction of the long fluctuation occurrence condition is a display other than the decorative symbol variable display, the display (display other than the decorative symbol variable display) is performed. ) Is a predetermined screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 were initialized (reset), so that the mood of the player who saw the screen display can be reset.

  An example of a predetermined screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized is that the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized (reset) by operating the power switch 909 or the initialization switch 907. The screen display (moving image or still image) of the initial screen actually displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 along with the display can be exemplified, or the blackout display in which the power switch 909 is turned off and the screen becomes black A screen display including the same or substantially the same display can be exemplified.

  Alternatively, as another example of the predetermined screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized, a character string as if recalling the initialization of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, “Resetting”) (Character string), a symbol, a picture, and the like are displayed on a turned-off background.

  As described above, the display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 over a specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition, such as an initial screen displayed at the time of actual initialization or a screen display of a pseudo initial screen. By using the screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized (reset), the player can be made to feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized during the specific period. Thereby, it is possible to reset the mood of the player who played the game with the pachinko machine 100. Then, by resetting the mood of the player during the specific period, after the end of the specific period, the player can renew the mood and start the game.

  Alternatively, when the display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 over a specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition is a display other than the decorative symbol variable display, the display (display other than the decorative symbol variable display) is performed. ) Is a predetermined screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 is in the standby state, thereby making it possible to reset the mood of the player who saw the screen display.

  As an example of the predetermined screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has entered the standby state, a so-called “customer waiting effect” (that is, when the pachinko machine 100 has not been played by the player for a predetermined period of time has elapsed) In this case, an effect display irrelevant to the game state, such as a title display or a demo display, displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 can be exemplified.

  As described above, the display performed on the decorative symbol display device 479 over a specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition indicates to the player as if the pachinko machine 100 was in a standby state, such as a customer waiting effect. By using the screen display that makes the player feel, it is possible to make the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has been switched to the standby state in which the pachinko machine 100 is not playing during the specific period, thereby playing the game with the pachinko machine 100. It is possible to reset the mood of the player. Then, by resetting the mood of the player during the specific period, after the end of the specific period, the player can renew the mood and start the game.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, the probability of occurrence of a jackpot in the advantageous fluctuation state is set to be as high as approximately 80%, and the advantageous fluctuation state is easy to continue. With a probability of approximately 20%, it is also possible to return to the normal gaming state after the advantageous fluctuation state. Therefore, at times, even if a big hit occurs in the normal game state, it may continue to return to the normal game state after the advantageous fluctuation state, and in such a case, the player feels dull the game and decreases the willingness to play. There was a risk of it.

  In order to solve such a problem, the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment uses the display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 over a specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition as described above, and It is possible to reset the mood. Therefore, in the case where the return to the normal gaming state continues even after the transition to the advantageous fluctuation state, the player intentionally adjusts the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252 to satisfy the long fluctuation occurrence condition, and thereby performs the specific period. After the end of the game, the player can renew his / her mood and start the game, thereby suppressing a decrease in the desire to play due to the inability to receive the benefit in the advantageous fluctuation state. In this case, the firing handle 252 functions as an operation unit for performing a pseudo reset operation for displaying an image in which the player's feeling can be reset on the decorative symbol display device 479.

  Next, the operation and effect of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment described above will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the player places the game ball in the upper right starting winning device 731 in the special game state in a state where the number of times of holding the right of the unit game relating to the second special symbol is four times. By entering, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display of the unit game to be executed next time can be set to a period longer than the predetermined fluctuation time (specific period). Thereby, the player can leave the pachinko machine 100 during the unit game executed in the specific period, and thus abandon the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state (that is, a relatively high probability of a big hit). It is possible to take a break etc. away from the pachinko machine 100 at least.

  In order to cause the game ball to enter the upper right starting winning device 731, after launching the game ball from the firing device 330 with the firing intensity in the second intensity range, the subsequent game ball is successively connected to the game ball with the first intensity. It must be launched from launcher 330 with a range of launch intensities. Therefore, in order to satisfy the long-fluctuation occurrence condition that enables the user to take a break away from the pachinko machine 100, the player needs to intentionally adjust the rotational operation amount of the firing handle 252. It is possible to reduce the monotonousness of a game played by firing a game ball from 330. Further, in order to satisfy the long fluctuation occurrence condition, the skill of the player is required to some extent, and in that respect, the monotonousness of the game performed by firing the game ball from the firing device 330 can be reduced. .

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the display performed on the decorative symbol display device 479 over a specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition, as if the pachinko machine 100 was initialized (reset). By using a screen display that makes the player feel or a screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 is in the standby state, the mood of the player can be reset (switched). Therefore, in a situation where the flow of the game in the game state more advantageous than the normal game state is not preferable, for example, the player continues to return to the normal game state even after shifting to the advantageous fluctuation state, the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252 is reduced. By intentionally adjusting (i.e., performing a pseudo reset operation on the firing handle 252) and satisfying the long-fluctuation occurrence condition, renewing one's mood after the end of the specific period and starting the game Thus, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the willingness to play due to the inability to receive the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the fluctuation display for a specific period (the period longer than the fluctuation time when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied) is performed based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition, the player By displaying the detachable information J corresponding to the detachable state, the player can be informed of the time at which the user can safely leave, so that the player can safely leave.

<Third embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment, when the player plays a game with the right-handed game technique during the special game state, it is determined whether a large number of game balls enter the upper prize winning device 434 sensuously. In order to be able to give such an impression to the player, a ball passage formed in the right game area that can enter through the right-flow area 708 or the middle-flow area 709 has been devised. In the following description, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 20 is a front view of the game board 400 in the pachinko machine 100 according to the third embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 20, a schematic structure of a main structure provided on the game board 400 is illustrated, and a front plate portion of each of the middle start winning device 831 and the general winning device 439B is cut off. It is shown as a cross-sectional view, in which cross-sectional hatching is omitted. In FIG. 20, a part of the flowing game ball P is illustrated for reference.

  Hereinafter, a main structural configuration of the game board 400 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, in the game board 400 of the present embodiment, the middle starting winning device 831 is disposed below the central structure 420. The middle starting winning device 831 is a winning device in which two winning devices (specifically, a left middle starting winning device 831A and a right middle starting winning device 831B) are integrated. The left middle starting winning device 831A is a starting device according to a first special symbol, and the right middle starting winning device 831B is a starting device according to a second special symbol. That is, the middle start winning device 831 is a winning device having two functions as a starting device according to a first special symbol and a starting device according to a second special symbol.

  The medium starting winning device 831 includes a distribution mechanism 831D that mechanically distributes the game balls left and right by operating the game balls entered from the entrance 831C in a seesaw shape using the weight of the game balls. The distribution mechanism 831D alternately distributes the game ball to the left ball passage or the right ball passage each time the game ball enters from the entrance 831C. The ball passage on the left side, to which the distribution mechanism 831D is distributed, is configured as a passage extending downward from the top and then extending to the rear (rear side). The right ball passage to which the distribution mechanism 831D is distributed is also configured as a passage extending downward from the top and then extending to the rear.

  In the ball passage on the left side, to which the distribution mechanism 831D is to be distributed, the discharge hole through which the game ball flowing down the ball path on the left side is discharged with a low probability to the outside of the middle starting winning device 831 is bent to the back side. And an inlet portion of the left middle starting winning device 831A is provided downstream from the outlet. On the other hand, in the ball passage on the right side to which the distribution mechanism 831D is distributed, a discharge port through which the game ball flowing down the ball passage on the right side is discharged with a low probability to the outside of the medium starting winning device 831 has a rearward side. , And an entrance portion of the right middle starting winning device 831B is provided downstream of the discharge opening.

  Therefore, although the game ball that has entered the middle starting winning device 831 may be discharged to the game area with a low probability before entering the left middle starting winning device 831A or the right middle starting winning device 831B, basically, The player enters the left middle starting winning device 831A or the right middle starting winning device 831B alternately. The entrance portion of the game ball of the left middle start winning device 831A constitutes a winning opening of the left middle start winning device 831A, and the entrance portion of the game ball of the right middle start winning device 831B is formed of the right middle start winning device 831B. Construct a winning opening.

  The game board 400 is provided with a left middle start winning switch for detecting a game ball entering the left middle start winning device 831A, and a right middle start winning switch for detecting a game ball entering the right middle start winning device 831B. Have been. The left middle start winning switch and the right middle start winning switch are the same switches as the start winning switches 441A, 441B, 442 (see FIG. 10), and are connected to the main control board 920.

  When the left middle start prize switch detects a game ball that has entered the left middle start prize device 831A, the middle start prize switch 441A or 441B detects a game ball that has entered the middle start prize device 431A or 431B (see FIG. 7). As in the case, the first special symbol is a winning start. On the other hand, when the right middle start prize switch detects a game ball that has entered the right middle start prize device 831B, the right start prize switch 442 detects a game ball that has entered the right start prize device 432 (see FIG. 7). Similarly, the second special symbol is a winning start.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, a guide passage 711 similar to that of the second embodiment is formed between the upper edge side of the central structure 420 and the outer rail 402. By rotating the firing handle 252 so as to enter the right downflow area 708 or the middle downflow area 709 via the guide passage 711, the game ball enters the right game area with respect to the central structure 420 (ie, right-handed game). Playing a game by the method).

  Downstream of the right downflow area 708 and the middle downflow area 709, a right sphere passage 810 extending right above the upper winning device 434 is continuously provided. The right sphere passage 810 includes an upper right passage portion 810A provided continuously downstream of the right downflow region 708 and the middle downflow region 709, a right middle passage portion 810B provided downstream of the upper right passage portion 810A, and a right middle passage portion 810B. A lower right passage portion 810C is provided on the downstream side of the passage portion 810B and extends to the upper winning device 434.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the right sphere passage 810 has a right upper passage 810A and a lower right passage 810C which are thicker than the middle right passage 810B. It is configured to have at least a section that is continuous in the direction. That is, the right middle passage 810B is configured to have a passage portion narrower than the upper right passage 810A and the lower right passage 810C. Thus, the right sphere passage 810 is configured as a narrow passage in the middle right passage portion 810B. The upper right passage portion 810A and the lower right passage portion 810C are configured to be vertically longer than the width in the left and right direction, and a thick passage portion is continuously extended vertically.

  A branch passage 820 that is a branch passage to the lower right passage portion 810C is continuously provided on the right end side of the middle right passage portion 810B. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the right ball passage 810 through the right downflow region 708 and the middle downflow region 709 enters the right middle passage portion 870B via the upper right passage portion 810A, and the lower right passage portion 810B in the right middle passage portion 810B. The flow branches down to either 810C or the branch passage 820 and flows down.

  Of the nails 411 erected on the game board 400, two nails 411A and 411B disposed in the middle right passage portion 810B serve as a branch opening to the branch passage 820 (that is, an entrance of the branch passage 820). Function. Such a branching port is vertically oriented around a line segment having the maximum length in the left-right direction in a substantially circular game area formed on the game board 400 (for example, a line segment crossing the center of the game area in the left-right direction). Is provided on the right end side (ie, the end side of the game board 400 where the right ball passage 810 is formed) in the region of the predetermined width.

  Note that the region having a predetermined width in the up-down direction around the line segment having the maximum length in the left-right direction in the substantially circular game region is, for example, a line segment crossing the center of the game region in the left-right direction. It is preferable that the region has a vertical width set to approximately 8 cm or less in the up-down direction, and it is preferably approximately 4 cm or less, and more preferably approximately 2 cm or less.

  Alternatively, as a region having a predetermined width in the vertical direction centering on a line segment having a maximum length in the left-right direction in a substantially circular game area, for example, a line segment crossing the center of the game region in the left-right direction, It is preferable that the vertical area is set to be approximately 25% or less of a length of a line segment (hereinafter, referred to as “height of the game area”) extending vertically through the center of the game area. It is preferable that the center line is a line segment that crosses the center in the left-right direction, and that the region has a vertical width set to a length of about 15% or less of the height of the game area. It is preferable that the region is a region with a vertical width set to be not more than approximately 5% of the height of the game region, centered on the minute.

  In the upper right passage section 810A, a device (pass detection device) for integrally detecting the passing of the game ball by integrally forming the combination actuation device 435 and the starting device 436 is provided. The upper right passage portion 810A is disposed substantially at the center in the left-right direction. The passage detection devices 435 and 436 are provided with a switch for detecting the passage of a game ball, which is constituted by one of the above-mentioned combination operation switch 445 and start switch 446 (see FIG. 10). The combination operating device 435 and the starting device 436 may be provided separately, and the combination operating switch 445 and the starting switch 446 may be provided separately.

  In the lower right passage 810C, a general prize winning device 439C is provided at a position closer to the left side of the upper right passage 810A on the upper prize winning device 434 side than half the height of the upper right passage 810A. ing. The height of the upper right passage 810A may be, for example, simply the distance between the highest position and the lowest position, or the height of the upper right passage 810A from the entrance capable of entering the upper right passage 810A. The distance between the exit from which the game ball is discharged may be used. When there are a plurality of entrances into which the upper right passage 810A can enter or a plurality of exits from which the game balls are discharged from the upper right passage 810A, a predetermined entrance or exit (for example, at the highest position) among the plurality of entrances or exits (Entrance), or a position in the middle of a plurality of entrances or exits.

  The general prize winning device 439C is a prize winning device in which a certain number of game balls are paid out as prize balls without receiving a winning / losing lottery when a game ball wins, similarly to the general winning devices 439A and 439B described above. The entrance portion of the game ball of the general winning device 439C constitutes a winning port, and the game ball that has entered the winning port passes through a through hole formed in the base 401 and a collection / discharge passage formed on the back side of the base 401 (not shown). ).

  The game board 400 is provided with a general prize switch for detecting a game ball that has entered the general prize device 439C. The general winning switch is a general winning switch similar to the general winning switches 449A and 449B, and is connected to the main control board 920. When the general prize switch detects a game ball that has entered the general prize device 439C, a prize is formed as in the case where the general prize switch 449A or 449B detects a game ball that has entered the general prize device 439A or 439B. A number of game balls set for 439C are paid out as prize balls.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 20, a game area on the right side of the middle start winning device 831 and on the left side of the lower big prize device 433 (hereinafter, this game region is simply referred to as a "game area on the left side of the lower big prize device 433"). ), A general winning device 439B and a lower right starting winning device 832 are provided.

  The lower right starting winning device 832 is a starting device according to the second special symbol, like the right starting winning device 432 (see FIG. 7). The entrance portion of the game ball of the lower right starting winning device 832 constitutes a winning hole, and the game ball that has entered the winning hole is guided to a collection / discharge passage through a through hole formed in the base 401.

  The lower right starting winning device 832 shifts between an opening formed as a winning opening formed in the game board 400 and an approach-permissible attitude and an entry-prohibited attitude, whereby a game ball enters the opening (winning opening). And an entry control mechanism 852 for changing the probability. The entry control mechanism 852 includes a thin plate-shaped movable piece driven by a solenoid, and the movable piece supports a lower side of the game ball and guides a rearward winning port upward (plate surface) upward. And is inserted into the opening of the lower right starting prize winning device 832.

  The solenoid that drives the movable piece of the entry control mechanism 852 is constituted by a solenoid connected to the main control board 920 similarly to the right entry control solenoid 462, but is constituted by an electric drive means other than the solenoid. Alternatively, it may be constituted by a mechanically operated mechanism typified by a mechanism operated by its own weight of a game ball entering a predetermined area.

  When the entry restricting mechanism 852 is in the entry-prohibited position, the movable piece is disposed so as to be immersed in the opening of the lower right starting prize winning device 832 so that the movable piece is opened (the winning opening) of the lower right starting prize winning device 832. ) To prevent game balls from entering. Thus, when the entry control mechanism 852 is in the entry prohibited position, the game ball cannot enter the lower right starting winning device 832. Therefore, when the entry control mechanism 852 is in the entry-prohibited position, even if there is a game ball heading for the lower right starting winning device 832, the game ball does not enter the lower right starting winning device 832, and the lower right starting device 832 is started. It flows down through the front of the winning device 832 to the downstream side.

  On the other hand, when the entry restricting mechanism 852 is in the entry allowable posture, the movable piece is arranged to protrude from the opening of the lower right starting winning device 832 so that the movable piece receives the game ball flowing down from above and is opened. (Winning opening). Thus, when the entry control mechanism 852 is in the entry allowed posture, the game ball can enter the lower right starting winning device 832.

  The gaming board 400 is provided with a lower right starting winning switch for detecting a game ball that has entered the lower right starting winning device 832. The lower right start winning switch is a switch similar to the above right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), and is connected to the main control board 920.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 21, a description will be given of a game area on the right side of the central structure 420 in the pachinko machine 100 of the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a partially enlarged front view of the right side of the game board 400 in the pachinko machine 100 of the third embodiment.

  FIG. 21 shows a schematic outer shape of a main structure provided in the game area. Further, the opening 210A (see FIG. 1) of the front decorative body 210 of the front block 102 covering the front of the game board 400 has an outer edge that is not a simple straight line, but in FIG. The outer edge of the opening 210A is schematically illustrated by a two-dot chain line. In FIG. 21, the main flow path of the game ball in the right game area is indicated by an arrow.

  As described above, in the game area on the right side of the central structure 420, the right ball passage 810 is provided at a position downstream of the right downflow area 708 and the middle downflow area 709 and upstream of the upper prize winning device 434. Have been.

  The game ball that has entered the upper right passage section 810A from the right downflow area 708 or the middle downflow area 709 flows down the downstream through a plurality of downflow paths according to the arrangement of the nails 411 arranged in the upper right passage section 810A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the flow path of the game ball in the upper right passage section 810A is roughly divided into a path passing through the passage detection devices 435 and 436 toward the passage detection devices 435 and 436, and a passage detection device 435. There are three systems: a path that passes on the right side of 436, and a path that passes on the left side of the passage detection devices 435 and 436. In addition, each path that passes on the right and left sides of the passage detection devices 435 and 436 is further subdivided by the arrangement of the nails 411.

  As described above, since the upper right passage 810A is roughly configured as a thick passage including three flow paths, the game ball that has entered the upper right passage 810A flows down one of the three flow paths. It flows down to the downstream side while scattering in the left-right direction.

  All the game balls that have passed through the upper right passage 810A enter the right middle passage 810B. As described above, the middle right passage portion 810B has a passage portion narrower than the upper right passage portion 810A and the lower right passage portion 810C, and thereby functions as a spherical passage including a constricted portion in the right spherical passage 810. Therefore, the game balls scattered in the left-right direction in the upper right passage 810A flow down so as to be collected in the left-right direction in the middle right passage 810B.

  The game ball flowing down the middle right passage 810B enters the lower right passage 810C or the branch passage 820. More specifically, a game ball flowing down the right middle passage 810B is formed between the nail 411B and the nail 411C or the nail 411C and the nail 411D among the nails 411 arranged in the ball passage 810. If passed, the game ball enters the lower right passage 810C. On the other hand, when a game ball flowing down the middle right passage 810B passes between the nail 411A and the nail 411B among the nails 411 arranged in the middle right passage 810B, the game ball enters the branch passage 820. enter in.

  That is, the game ball flowing down the middle right passage portion 810B passes between the nail 411B and the nail 411C or between the nail 411C and the nail 411D, so that the game ball does not enter the branch passage 820 without fail. It enters the passage 810C. Therefore, between the nail 411B and the nail 411C and between the nail 411C and the nail 411D are openings that function as entrances to the lower right passage 810C.

  Further, as described above, between the nail 411A and the nail 411B is an opening functioning as an entrance to the branch passage 820 (that is, a branch to the branch passage 820), and a game flowing down the middle right passage portion 810B. By passing between the nail 411A and the nail 411B, the ball always enters the branch passage 820 without entering the lower right passage 810C.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the nails 411B, 411C, and 411D constitute a part of a nail row arranged to be inclined downward to the right toward the entrance to the branch passage 820 (the branch to the branch passage 820). . Therefore, the row of nails that inclines to the right including the nails 411B, 411C, and 411D forms a boundary between the middle right passage 810B and the lower right passage 810C, and guides the game ball to the lower right branch passage 820. It functions as a guide nail.

  As a result, the game ball flowing down the middle right passage 810B goes to the branch passage 820 along the row of nails including the nails 411B, 411C, 411D at the boundary between the middle right passage 810B and the lower right passage 810C. It flows in the lower right direction, or passes between the nails 411B and 411C, or between the nails 411C and 411D, and flows in the direction intersecting with the row of nails, thereby entering the lower right passage 810C. I do.

  The game ball that has entered the lower right passage section 810C from the middle right passage section 810B flows down the downstream through a plurality of flow paths according to the arrangement of the nails 411 arranged in the lower right passage section 810C. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the flow path of the game ball in the lower right passage section 810C is roughly divided into a path toward the general prize device 439C and entering the general prize device 439C, and a right side of the general prize device 439C. And a route passing through the left side of the general winning device 439C. In addition, each path that passes on the right side of the general winning device 439C is further subdivided by the arrangement of the nail 411.

  As described above, the lower right passage 810C is also configured as a thick passage including three types of flow-down paths, similarly to the upper right passage 810A, so that the games collected in the right middle passage 810B in the left-right direction. The ball flows down again while scattered in the left-right direction in the lower right passage 810C.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the game balls flowing down the lower right passage 810C are arranged in the left and right direction at the most downstream side of the lower right passage 810C and immediately above the entrance of the upper winning device 434. The gap between the nails 411 (411E) serves as an outlet and is discharged from the outlet. The exit of the lower right passage section 810C formed by the nail 411E is disposed immediately above the entrance of the upper prize winning device 434 in a range smaller than the width (length in the left-right direction) of the entrance.

  Therefore, the game ball flowing down the lower right passage portion 810C is discharged from immediately above the entrance in a range narrower than the width of the entrance of the upper prize winning device 434, and the upper prize winning device 434 is in an entry allowable state. In this case, all the game balls discharged from the lower right passage 810C enter the upper-large winning device 434. That is, when the upper prize winning device 434 is in the entry allowable state, the game ball that has entered the lower right passage section 810C except for the case where it has entered the general prize winning device 439C disposed upstream of the upper prize winning device 434. All of them can enter the top winning device 434.

  In addition, when the upper prize winning device 434 is in the entry prohibition state, the game ball that has flowed down the lower right passage 810C to the upper prize winning device 433 does not enter the upper prize winning device 434, but reaches the lower winning prize device 433. Flow down. At this time, if the lower large winning device 433 is in the entry allowable posture, the game ball can enter the lower large winning device 433. On the other hand, if the lower special winning device 433 is in the entry-prohibited position, the lower special winning device 433 passes above and enters the game area on the left side of the lower special winning device 433.

  The branch passage 820 is configured as a spherical passage that extends substantially linearly in the up-down direction through the right side of the upper prize winning device 434 to a position below the upper prize winning device 434. Thereby, the game ball that has entered the branch passage 820 except for the case where it rarely enters between the lower right passage portion 810C and the upper prize winning device 434 from the opening 820A formed upstream of the upper prize winning device 434. Basically, it flows down the right side of the upper prize winning device 434 without giving a chance to enter the upper prize winning device 434. That is, when the game ball flowing down the middle right passage portion 810B enters the branch passage 820, the opportunity for the game ball to enter the upper prize winning device 434 is basically lost.

  A game ball that has flowed down the right side of the upper-level winning device 434 into the branch passage 820 can enter the lower-level winning device 433 when the lower-level winning device 433 is in an entry-permitted state. On the other hand, if the lower special winning device 433 is in the entry-prohibited position, the lower special winning device 433 passes above and enters the game area on the left side of the lower special winning device 433.

  A game ball that has entered the game area on the left side of the lower large prize device 433 passing above the lower large prize device 433 can enter the general prize device 439B or the lower right starting prize device 832 disposed in the game area. is there. When a game ball that has entered the game area on the left side of the lower large prize device 433 cannot enter any of these prize devices 439B and 832, the game ball enters the outlet 401A and the outlet 401A. To the collection and discharge passage.

  Most of the branch passage 820 is located outside of the opening 210A of the front decorative body 210 in the front block 102, except for the vicinity of the nails 411A and 411B which constitute a branch to the branch passage 820. That is, the branch passage 820 is provided at a position where most of the branch passage 820 overlaps the front decorative body 210 in the front-rear direction.

  In addition, when the game ball completely enters the branch passage 820, at least a part of the game ball overlaps the front decoration body 210 in the front-rear direction when the game ball completely enters the branch passage 820 (that is, the other part is the front surface). It is preferable that most of the branch passages 820 be provided so as to overlap the front decorative body 210 in the front-rear direction to the extent that they do not overlap the decorative body 210 in the front-back direction.

  At this time, the “time when the game ball completely enters the branch passage 820” is, as shown in FIG. 21, a surface where the game ball P forms a branch opening to the branch passage 820 (an entrance of the branch passage 820). That is, when the game ball 400 completely enters the tangent plane on the center side of the game board 400 common to the nails 411A and 411B (that is, when the game ball P that has entered the branch passage 820 comes into contact with the surface). Alternatively, it may be a point in time when the game ball enters the branch passage 820 to a position where it cannot return to the right middle passage 810B.

  In addition, it is preferable that most of the game balls that have entered the middle right passage portion 810B enter the lower right passage portion 810C, and a small portion enter the branch passage 820. The game that entered the middle right passage portion 810B is preferred. It is preferable that about 70% or more of the sphere enter the lower right passage section 810C, preferably about 80% or more, and more preferably about 90% or more.

  Next, the operation and effect of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment described above will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, of the upper right passage 810A, the middle right passage 810B, and the lower right passage 810C that constitute the right ball passage 810, the lower right passage 810C located at the most downstream side is: An exit formed between the nails 411E is arranged immediately above the entrance of the upper winning device 434 in a range smaller than the width (length in the left-right direction) of the entrance. Therefore, a game ball that has entered the lower right passage 810C when the upper winning award device 434 is in the entry allowable state is a general winning device disposed upstream of the upper award winning device 434 in the lower right passage 810C. All of them can enter the upper prize winning device 434 except when they enter 439C.

  On the other hand, in the middle right passage portion 810B continuously provided on the upstream side of the lower right passage portion 810C, a branch port to the branch passage 820 is provided, so that all of the gaming balls entering the upper right passage portion 810A are provided. Does not enter the lower right passage 810C, but partly enters the lower right passage 810C via the branch passage 820, thereby essentially losing the opportunity to enter the big win device 434.

  Here, the right sphere passage 810 is configured such that the upper right passage 810A and the lower right passage 810B are broadly divided into a thick passage including three flow paths, while the right middle passage 810B is formed as a right upper passage. 810A and the lower right passage portion 810C are configured to have a narrower passage portion. That is, the right sphere passage 810 is configured as a constricted passage in the middle right passage portion 810B.

  By configuring the right ball passage 810 in the above-described shape, the game ball that has entered the upper right passage portion 810A is scattered in the left and right direction so as to flow down any one of the three flow paths, and then downstream. It flows down so as to be collected in the lateral direction in the passage portion 810B. Thus, since the flow of the game ball changes in the middle right passage 810B, even if the game ball enters the branch passage 820 from the branch in the middle right passage 810B, it is difficult for the player to recognize that. .

  Further, the game ball that has entered the lower right passage portion 810C via the middle right passage portion 810B flows down again in the lower right passage portion 810C while scattered in the left-right direction. Therefore, the flow of the game ball changes again by entering the lower right passage portion 810C from the middle right passage portion 810B, and also at this point, the game ball enters the branch passage 820 from the branch port in the middle right passage portion 810B. Even if it does, it can be difficult for the player to recognize the change.

  Each of the upper right passage 810A and the lower right passage 810C sandwiching the middle right passage 810B is a thick passage including roughly three flow-down paths, and the upper right passage 810A and the lower right passage 810B. 810C is configured to be longer in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to specify the flow path of the game ball in these passage portions 810A and 810C, and the player's line of sight is dispersed. Even in this regard, even if a game ball enters the branch passage 820 from the branch in the right middle passage 810B, it is difficult for the player to recognize that.

  Thus, although the game ball that has entered the upper right passage 810A partially loses the opportunity to enter the branch passage 820 and enter the upper prize winning device 434, that fact is lost even though the game is basically lost. Since it is difficult for the player to recognize the game ball, it is possible to give the player an illusion that all of the game balls that have entered the lower right passage 810C can enter the upper winning device 434 or the general winning device 439C. Therefore, in the special game state, it is possible to give an impression to the player as if a large number of game balls have entered the big prize winning device 434 sensuously. Thereby, it is possible to improve the interest of the game in which the game ball is fired aiming at the upper prize winning device 434 in the special game state.

  In addition, since the upper prize winning device 434 is configured such that the game ball can enter through an entrance having a width approximately five times the diameter of the game ball in the entry permission state, the game ball flowing down the lower right passage portion 810C is: While scattered to the left and right, the user can enter the upper prize winning device 434 from various positions in the width direction of the wider upper prize winning device 434. Also in this regard, it is possible to give the player the impression that many game balls have entered the big prize winning device 434 sensuously.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, in the special game state, the interest in the game in which the game ball is fired aiming at the large winning device 434 is improved, and the prize ball acquired by the player (game value). Is excessive, and it is possible to achieve both the suppression of the disadvantage that the game hall (hall) side suffers.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the general winning device 439C is provided in the lower right passage 810C, so that the player shoots a game ball aiming at the upper winning device 434. It is easy to pay attention to these prize devices 434 and 439C in order to care whether to enter the prize device 434 or the general prize device 439C. In particular, since the general prize device 439C is a prize device with a lower value than the upper prize device 434, the player can use the prize device 434, 439C as a destination of the game ball fired aiming at the upper prize device 434. Attention is high. When the player pays attention to the prize winning devices 434 and 439C, the line of sight of the player is likely to be deviated from the branch to the branch passage 820. In this regard, the game ball is also diverted in the right middle passage 810B. It is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the player has entered the game.

  Here, the branch opening to the branch passage 820 is located on the right end side in a region having a predetermined width in the vertical direction centering on the line segment having the maximum length in the left-right direction in the substantially circular game region formed on the game board 400. It is provided in. In other words, the branch to the branch passage 820 is located at the end of the widest range in the left-right direction or a range similar thereto in the game area, so that the player's line of sight is at the branch to the branch passage 820. This makes it difficult for the player to appropriately recognize whether the game ball has entered the branch passage 820 from the branch opening.

  In addition, while a branch opening to the branch passage 820 is provided on the right end side of the middle right passage 810B, the general winning device 439C is provided at a position closer to the left side in the lower right passage 810C. Therefore, by paying attention to the general winning device 439C, the player easily separates his / her gaze from the branch to the branch passage 820, which makes it difficult to monitor. Therefore, also at this point, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to appropriately recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the branch passage 820 in the right middle passage 810B.

  Further, the branch port to the branch passage 820 is located on the right end side of the right middle passage portion 810B of the right ball passage 810 provided in the right game area, that is, on the side away from the decorative design display device 479 in the right middle passage portion 810B. Since it is provided, when the player pays attention to the effect displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 in the special game state, the line of sight is easily separated from the branch to the branch passage 820, and it is difficult to monitor. Therefore, also at this point, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to appropriately recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the branch passage 820 in the right middle passage 810B.

  In addition, since a row of nails (a row of nails including nails 411B, 411C, and 411D) that is inclined downward toward the branch opening to the branch passage 820 is formed, a game ball flowing down the middle right passage portion 810B is formed by the nail. Along a row of rows (an array inclined downward to the right), a branch is made relatively naturally at a natural flow, and enters the branch passage 820 from the branch. Also, as shown in FIG. 21, on the upper left side of the row of nails including the nails 411B, 411C, and 411D, a passage wall 811 (a part of the passage wall of the right ball passage 810) that forms a downward slope to the right together with the row of nails. ) Is provided, and the passage wall 811 also has a function of guiding a game ball flowing down the middle right passage portion 810B to the branch opening of the branch passage 820 with a relatively fast natural flow.

  On the other hand, since the nail row inclined downward toward the branch opening to the branch passage 820 includes the nails 411B, 411C, and 411D constituting the entrance to the lower right passage 810C, the right middle passage is formed. A game ball flowing down 810B can also enter the lower right passage 810C from the entrance. At this time, the downward direction of the game ball entering the entrance of the lower right passage 810C is a direction intersecting with the downward direction of the game ball toward the branch opening to the branch passage 820, and therefore, the entrance of the lower right passage 810C. The flow of the game ball entering the sphere is more unnatural and slower than the flow of the game ball toward the branch to the branch passage 820. Therefore, the flow of the game ball entering the entrance of the lower right passage 810C is more likely to remain in the impression of the player than the flow of the game ball toward the branch to the branch passage 820. Therefore, also at this point, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to appropriately recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the branch passage 820 in the right middle passage 810B.

  Further, unlike the light-transmitting plates (front plate 222 and rear plate 223) disposed inside the opening 210A, the front decorative body 210 in the front block 102 cannot see the back side from the front side. Part. Therefore, when the game ball P completely enters the surface forming the branching opening to the branch passage 820, the branch passage is so large that a part of the game ball P overlaps the front decorative body 210 in the front-rear direction. Since most of 820 overlaps the front decorative body 210 in the front-rear direction, the game ball that has entered the branch passage 820 from the middle right passage portion 810B enters the branch passage 820 at the same time or at the branch passage 820. As soon as it enters, it enters the back side of the front ornament 210, thereby being out of view of the player. Therefore, also at this point, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the branch passage 820 in the right middle passage 810B.

  Also, in a general pachinko machine, the special game state is terminated when a specified number of game balls enter the big game winning device 434. When the player enters the winning device 434, the time required for the specified number of game balls to enter the upper winning device 434 is shortened, and the special game state is completed in a short time. When the special game state ends in a short time, the special game state to be excited may become pale and the interest of the game may be reduced.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, when a game ball flowing down the middle right passage portion 810B enters the branch passage 820, basically, the opportunity for the game ball to enter the upper prize winning device 434 is not given. Since the special game state is lost, it is difficult to finish the special game state in a short time, thereby suppressing the special game state from becoming pale and reducing the interest of the game.

  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-described first embodiment, the arrival at the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 is performed by the firing device when passing through the middle downflow region 409 rather than passing through the right downflow region 408. Although the configuration is such that it is delayed by the same time as the shortest firing interval in 330, it is not always necessary to delay by the same time as the shortest firing interval. For example, a configuration that delays in the range of 3/4 to 5/4 of the shortest firing interval or a configuration that delays in the range of 1/2 to 3/2 of the shortest firing interval may be used. Even with these configurations, compared to the case where both the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball reach the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 through the right downflow region 408 or the middle downflow region 409, The upper large winning switch 444 or the lower large winning switch 443 detects either the game ball that has flowed down through the middle downward region 409 or the game ball that has flowed down through the right downward region 408, so that the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device. Before the 433 changes to the entry prohibition state, there is a high possibility that both of the game balls can be entered into the upper-level winning device 434 and the lower-level winning device 433. In addition, as the delay time approaches the shortest firing interval, both the game ball flowing down through the middle downflow area 409 and the game ball flowing down through the right downflow area 408 enter the upper winning award device 434 or the lower winning award device 433. The probability of doing is higher. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the delay is delayed by a predetermined time longer than 3/2 of the shortest firing interval. In this case, a configuration in which the player can know the timing of launching the next game ball so as to flow down the right downflow area 408, for example, by marking a predetermined portion of the guide passage 424 and attaching the mark When a game ball reaches a given part, a configuration is used in which the next game ball is launched so as to flow down the right downflow area 408, and a timing in which the next game ball is launched is notified by the decorative symbol display device 479. Is preferred.

  (2) In the first embodiment, the operation timing of the operation necessary for enjoying the privilege is indirectly notified by the remaining number of waiting for entry in the decorative symbol display device 479, and the specific timing is determined by the player. Although the configuration is determined, it is not necessary that the configuration be such. For example, when a predetermined number (for example, 5 balls) of game balls enter the upper-level winning device 434 or the lower-level winning device 433, the notification is made to change the launching intensity so that the game balls flow down through the middle flow-down region 409. Then, immediately after that, the launching intensity may be returned to the maximum intensity so that the game ball flows down through the right downward region 408, and the specific operation timing may be reported. In the case of notifying the specific timing, when a predetermined number of game balls have entered the upper-level winning device 434 or the lower-level winning device 433, all of the already-played gaming balls (for example, two balls) are up. Since it is premised that the game ball enters the large winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433, the game ball flowing down the middle flowing region through the right flowing region 408 or the middle flowing region 409 is the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device. It would be particularly preferred to apply to configurations that enter the device 433 reliably or with a very high probability (95% or more).

  (3) In the first embodiment described above, the arrival at the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 is delayed when passing through the middle downstream region 409 than when passing through the right downstream region 408. However, it is not always necessary to adopt a configuration that delays the passage through the middle downstream region 409. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the passage through the middle downflow region 409 is faster than through the right downflow region 408. However, in the case of this configuration, it is necessary to launch a game ball so as to flow down through the right downflow region 408 and then launch the next game ball so as to flow down through the middle downflow region 409. It is preferable that the time to be advanced is advanced within the range of 1/2 to 3/2 of the shortest firing interval, as in the case of the above-mentioned delay, and 3/4 to 5/4 of the shortest firing interval. More preferably, it is advanced within the range, and most preferably, it is advanced by the same time as the shortest firing interval.

  (4) In the first embodiment, the number of game balls smaller by "1" than the specified number is caused to flow down through the right-flow area 408 until the game balls enter the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433. A game ball is launched, and then, once a game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle downflow area 409, and then again, a game ball is launched so as to flow down through the right downflow area 408. It is not necessary to adopt a configuration in which the launch is adjusted in three stages. For example, in the case of delaying the arrival at the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 when passing through the middle downstream region 409, the number of gaming balls smaller by "1" than the specified number is the upper winning prize. Until entering the device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433, a game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle downflow area 409, and further, the next game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle downflow area 409, and then the right downflow is performed. A configuration in which game balls are launched so as to flow down through the region 408 may be employed. Further, for example, in the case where the arrival at the upper winning award device 434 or the lower winning award device 433 is accelerated when passing through the middle downstream region 409, the number of game balls smaller by “1” than the specified number is increased. Until entering into the special winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433, after launching a game ball so as to flow down through the middle flow-down region 409, once launching a game ball so as to flow down through the right-flowing region 408, The next game ball may be launched so as to flow down through the flow-down area 409. Further, the game balls are launched so as to flow down through the right downflow area 408 until the number of game balls smaller by 1 than the prescribed number enters the upper large winning device 434 or the lower large winning device 433, and further, the right downward flow. After the game balls are launched so as to flow down through the area 408, the game balls may be launched so as to flow down through the middle flow-down area 409.

  (5) In the first embodiment, the configuration is such that the number of game balls that enter the upper-level winning device 434 and the lower-level winning device 433 substantially simultaneously is two. However, the configuration is not necessarily two. . For example, in addition to the right downflow area 408 and the middle downflow area 409, at least one new downflow area different from the left downflow area 407 is formed, and the right downflow area 408, the middle downflow area 409, and the new downflow area are respectively formed. A configuration may be adopted in which three or more game balls that have flowed down enter the upper-level winning device 434 or the lower-level winning device 433 substantially simultaneously.

  (6) In the first embodiment, the game ball launched to flow down through the middle flow-down area 409 and the game ball launched to flow down through the right-flow area 408 are almost simultaneously enlarged. Although it is configured to increase the possibility of entering the prize device 434 or the lower prize device 433, the possibility that game balls flowing down through different flow regions may enter the upper prize device 434 or the lower prize device 433 substantially simultaneously. It is not necessary to adopt a configuration that increases For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the possibility that two game balls that have been launched so as to flow down through the middle flow-down area 409 enter the upper-level winning device 434 or the lower-level winning device 433 substantially simultaneously is increased.

  Here, this configuration will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged front view of a variation of the game board. In the game board 400 shown in FIG. 15, a path switching mechanism 425 is provided between an upper side passage section 424C and a lower side passage section 424D which are arranged vertically in the guide path 424. The path switching mechanism 425 includes a delay guide passage plate 425A that forms the bottom surface of the upper parallel passage portion 424C, and a delay guide that forms a short circuit between the upper parallel passage portion 424C and the lower parallel passage portion 424D. A rotation control mechanism (not shown) for rotating the passage plate 425A by approximately 90 degrees is provided. A guide groove (not shown) is formed on the upper surface of the delay guide passage plate 425A so as to bend in the front-rear direction so that the game ball flowing down the guide passage 424 flows down over approximately one second. I have. In addition, when two game balls flow down on the delay guide passage plate 425A, the rotation control mechanism rotates the delay guide passage plate 425A by the weight of the two game balls, and the rotation causes the two guide balls to rotate. The game ball is discharged to the lower side passage portion 424D. When such a path switching mechanism 425 is provided, when two game balls are launched at the shortest firing interval so as to flow down through the middle downflow area 409, the time required for the game balls to pass over the delay guide passage plate 425A Is longer than the shortest firing interval, the following game ball enters the delay guide passage plate 425A before the preceding game ball finishes passing on the delay guide passage plate 425A. As a result, the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball are discharged to the lower juxtaposed passage portion 424D, and flow down the guide passage 424 at least at intervals equal to or less than the length of the delay guide passage plate 425A. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that those two game balls enter the upper-large winning device 434 and the lower-large winning device 433 substantially simultaneously.

  (7) In the first embodiment, in the special game state, the number of award balls that can be acquired as a privilege is increased by adjusting the amount of rotation of the predetermined firing handle by the player (adjusting the firing strength of the game ball). Although the configuration is such that the number of award balls can be increased, the configuration is not necessarily required. For example, even if the number of game balls exceeding the specified number enters the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433, only the specified number of award balls when the specified number of game balls enter them is given. A configuration may be adopted in which the number of opportunities for viewing a special effect in the ending effect is increased in accordance with the number of times that a game ball exceeding the number of times enters the upper winning device 434 or the lower winning device 433. Further, a configuration may be employed in which benefits such as an increase in the number of awarded balls and an increase in viewing opportunities for special effects can be combined and enjoyed.

  (8) In the first embodiment, the outlet 424B of the guide passage 424 is formed to the upper left of the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433, but the upper winning device 434 and the lower large device are not necessarily required. The configuration need not be formed in the vicinity of the winning device 433. For example, a guide passage may be formed to discharge to the upper left of the starting device 436 related to a normal symbol, so that two game balls can be promoted to enter the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433 substantially simultaneously. . Further, the game balls flowing down through the middle flow-down area 409 are released so as to be able to interfere (collide) with the game balls flowing down through the right-flow area 408, and the interference causes the game balls flowing down through the right-flow area 408 to flow. It is good also as composition which can promote entering into starting device 436.

  In the case where the branch of the flow path of the game ball is reduced in the right downflow region 408 or the mode of the rebound when the ball contacts the obstacle becomes constant, the game ball continuously fired. Flowing down to maintain the constant interval, the flow-down time to reach the upper winning prize device 434 and the like is constant, but the interference between the game balls is reduced, so the starting port of the starting device 436 in the case of a single game ball flowing down. If the game ball is set so that little or no game ball enters the winning opening, the player may not be able to cope and may be dissatisfied with the gaming machine. On the other hand, as described above, if the game balls flowing down through the middle flow-down area 409 are discharged to the upstream side of the starting port and the winning port of the starting device 436, the interference of the game balls can be controlled by the player's operation. Can be caused by: Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with benefits such as increasing the number of unit games or increasing the number of prize balls by changing the probability of entry into the starting opening or winning opening.

  (9) In the second embodiment, in any of the unit games related to the first special symbol and the unit games related to the second special symbol, the special game state by the winning of the big hit lottery is changed to the advantageous fluctuation state. Although the configuration in which the gaming state is shifted is described, only the unit game according to the first special symbol may be shifted to the advantageous fluctuation state after the end of the special gaming state by the winning of the big hit lottery.

  In such a configuration, during the special game state, when a long fluctuation occurrence condition occurs due to a game ball entering the upper right starting winning device 731, it is generated based on the entry of the game ball into the upper right starting winning device 731. The fluctuation display of the unit game relating to the first special symbol (that is, the unit game last held and stored at the timing when the long fluctuation occurrence condition occurs) is longer than the predetermined fluctuation time for the fluctuation display. However, the configuration may be such that the processing is executed with a variable time of a specific period (for example, 5 minutes) that enables the player to take a break away from the pachinko machine 100.

  Thereby, the fixed stop timing (that is, the display timing of the stop symbol) in the fluctuation display of the unit game according to the first special symbol can be delayed from the initial timing, and as a result, the jackpot lottery of the unit game is won. If so, the timing of occurrence of the special game state can be delayed. Therefore, the occurrence of the advantageous gaming state can be delayed, and in such a configuration, it is possible to leave the pachinko machine 100 without abandoning the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state (that is, a relatively high probability of occurrence of a big hit). Become.

  Further, in the advantageous fluctuation state, the start winning to activate the lower big winning device 433 may be limited to the start winning according to the second special symbol. Thus, even when the upper limit is set for the number of unit games of the second special symbol that can be executed in the advantageous fluctuation state, according to the pachinko machine 100 of the second embodiment, the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state is abandoned. It is possible to move away from the pachinko machine 100 without doing so.

  (10) In the second embodiment, the upper right starting winning device 731 is provided on the right side of the gaming board 400 in place of the winning device 435. However, the upper right starting winning device 731 is provided instead of the upper right starting device 731. An operating device 435 may be provided, and the lower prize winning device 433 may start operating when a game ball passes through the combination operating device 435, or the game ball may operate the combination operating device 435 for a predetermined time. If the game ball does not pass, the lower-prize winning device 433 starts to operate. If the game ball passes through the role-combining device 435, the lower ball wins at a timing after a certain time (for example, one minute) has passed after the passing. The prize winning device 433 may start to operate, and when a plurality of game balls pass, a lapse of several minutes (for example, 5 minutes when five game balls pass) elapses. After Winning device 433 may be as to start the operation. Alternatively, instead of the upper right starting prize device 731, a game ball which is an operating device different from the winning combination operating device 435 and which enters from the upstream side like the winning combination operating device 435 is provided on the back side of the gaming board 400. A gate-shaped operating device that flows down on the game board 400 without being guided may be provided so that when a game ball passes through the operating device, a long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied. In this case, the operating device functions as a device that delays the fixed stop timing in the variation display of the unit game from the initial timing, or, unlike the combination operating device 435, delays the timing of generating the special game state. .

  (11) In the second embodiment, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the fluctuation display of the unit game executed next time is performed for a period longer than the fluctuation time predetermined for the fluctuation display. Thus, the game is executed with a fluctuation time of a specific period (for example, 5 minutes) that enables the player to take a break away from the pachinko machine 100, but when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the specific period is changed. The unit game for performing the fluctuation display is a unit game to be executed next time if at least one unit game among all the unit games held and stored at the timing when the long fluctuation occurrence condition occurs is targeted. It doesn't have to be. For example, the variation time of the variation display of the lastly stored unit game out of all the unit games held and stored at the timing when the long variation occurrence condition occurs may be set as the specific period. Further, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, a configuration may be adopted in which the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display is set to a specific period for a plurality of unit games held and stored at the timing when the long fluctuation occurrence condition occurs.

  (12) In the second embodiment, during the special game state, the game ball is caused to enter the upper right starting winning device 731 so that the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, and thereby, the timing at which the long fluctuation occurrence condition occurs. Although the variation time of the variation display is set to the specific period for one of the unit games held and stored in the above, after the long variation occurrence condition is satisfied, the game ball that has entered the upper right starting winning device 731 A configuration may be adopted in which the number of game units in which the fluctuation time is a specific period increases according to the number of times.

  (13) In the second embodiment, the number of times the unit game right related to the first special symbol is held is one, and the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol is held is four. In this case, the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, but a predetermined notification may be made when the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol has been reserved reaches four. The player can recognize from the notification that the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol has been reserved has reached four times.

  When the advantageous fluctuation state ends and the gaming state returns to the normal gaming state, the player switches the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning game from the right-handed game technique aiming at the right game area on the game board 400. The game is played by switching to the left-handed game technique aiming at the device 431B. When the game ball is fired by the right-handed game technique, the right of the unit game relating to the second special symbol generated based on the game ball having entered the right starting winning device 432 is likely to be reserved.

  Therefore, at the timing when the game state returns to the normal game state, the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol is reserved may have reached four times, and in such a case, the switching to the left-handed game technique is performed. When the game ball enters the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B, the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied and there is no reason to lengthen the fluctuation display of the unit game, and the fluctuation of the unit game is satisfied. The display is performed over a specific period.

  On the other hand, when the number of times the right to hold the unit game pertaining to the second special symbol has reached four, the player can be notified by performing a predetermined notification, and thereby, It is possible to switch to the left-handed game technique after the unit game related to the second special symbol stored and stored is exhausted (processed) so that the long fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to preferably prevent the player from wasting time due to unnecessary delay.

  The main control board 920 outputs a corresponding signal to the sub-control board 940 when the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol has been reserved reaches four, and the sub-control board 940 outputs the received signal. , A predetermined notification is executed using the decorative symbol display device 479, the sound devices 281 and 282, and the like. As the predetermined notification, a configuration in which the content indicating that the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol has been reserved has reached four times, a content urging the stoppage of the game ball, and the like are displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479. Or a configuration that can be notified by voice or the like.

  (14) In the second embodiment, the case where the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied during the special game state is exemplified, but a configuration in which the long fluctuation occurrence condition can be satisfied even in the normal game state may be adopted.

  (15) In the second embodiment, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, a predetermined screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized (reset), or the pachinko machine 100 An image capable of resetting the player's feeling, such as a predetermined screen display that makes the player feel as if the player has entered the standby state, is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479. Instead of the display, or in addition to these screen displays, a voice may be controlled to reset the player's feelings.

  For example, when the condition of the occurrence of the long fluctuation is satisfied, the sound is first silenced (silenced), then the fluctuation display in the unit game is internally started, and a character such as "resetting" is displayed on the turned off background. After a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, a time period for which the remaining fluctuation time is approximately 30 seconds), the display returns to the original fluctuation display including sound, and the player moves the fluctuation display away from the pachinko machine 100. It may be configured to be executed over a specific period (for example, 5 minutes) that enables the user to take a break. By silencing the display period of “resetting”, the player is more likely to receive the illusion that the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized. Note that, instead of changing the volume or in addition to changing the volume, the configuration of changing the content of the sound may be adopted.

  In addition, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the fluctuation display of the unit game including the display of “being reset” as described above is performed at the initial fluctuation time, and the final stop in the unit game is performed. The pseudo fluctuation display starting from a predetermined symbol (for example, 1, 2, 3) is executed over a specific period (for example, 5 minutes) that enables the player to take a break away from the pachinko machine 100. It may be configured. As described above, the pachinko machine 100 is initialized by newly performing a pseudo fluctuation display from a predetermined symbol (for example, 1, 2, 3), and it is as if there is some change internally. This makes it easier for the player to feel the illusion.

  (16) In the second embodiment, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the pachinko machine 100 is initialized by operating the power switch 909 or the initialization switch 907 as an image in which the player's feeling can be reset. Although the initial screen actually displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 along with the initialization (reset) has been illustrated, the operation of the accessory for initializing when the pachinko machine 100 is initialized (reset) is described. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in addition to the display of the initial screen. This makes it easier for the player to feel the illusion that the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized.

  (17) In the second embodiment, the player intentionally adjusts the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252 and causes the game ball to enter the upper right starting winning device 731 to satisfy the long fluctuation occurrence condition. Thus, the image in which the player's feeling can be reset is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479. However, the image can be operated by the player playing the pachinko machine 100 (for example, at the front side of the pachinko machine 100). Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a dedicated operation unit (for example, a button or a lever) for displaying an image capable of resetting the player's feeling is provided.

  Note that, in such a configuration, the establishment of the long-fluctuation occurrence condition may be established irrespective of the operation on the dedicated operation unit. In addition, by providing a dedicated operation unit, it is possible to reset the player's feelings as required by the player regardless of the game state, such as the normal game state, regardless of the special game state. Can be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479.

  (18) In the second embodiment, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, an image capable of resetting the player's feeling is displayed in the next unit game including the fluctuation display of the specific period. After the next unit game is completed, an image that can reset the player's feelings may be displayed.

  (19) In the second embodiment, the game ball is caused to flow down to the right downflow area 708 and the middle downflow area 709 to perform a firing operation in which the two game balls come into contact with each other. Has been described (entering a prize), but the configuration capable of executing a firing operation in which two game balls come into contact with each other is not limited to the configuration of the right downflow area 708 and the middle downflow area 709. For example, The right downflow region 408 and the middle downflow region 409 in the first embodiment may be configured. Further, instead of the configuration of the right downflow region 408 and the middle downflow region 409 in the first embodiment, the configuration of the right downflow region 708 and the middle downflow region 709 in the second embodiment may be used.

  (20) In the second embodiment, the number of times the unit game right related to the first special symbol is held is one, and the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol is held is four. By setting the case as the long fluctuation occurrence condition, the player can take a break or the like away from the pachinko machine 100 without abandoning the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state (that is, a relatively high probability of occurrence of a big hit). However, simply from the viewpoint that the player easily leaves safely, regardless of the number of times the unit game right pertaining to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is held, A configuration in which a long ball occurs when a game ball enters a specific entrance or a winning opening such as the upper right starting winning device 731 may be adopted. According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily cause a situation in which the player safely leaves the seat.

  In addition, a dedicated operation unit (for example, a button or a lever) for generating a long fluctuation occurrence condition is provided at a position (for example, the front side of the pachinko machine 100) where a player playing with the pachinko machine 100 can operate. It may be configured. Note that, in such a configuration, the establishment of the long-fluctuation occurrence condition may be established irrespective of the operation on the dedicated operation unit. In addition, by providing the dedicated operation unit, a situation in which the player safely leaves the player at any time can be generated by operating the dedicated operation unit as needed.

  Further, a case where a situation in which a predetermined number or more of prize balls (game value) can be paid out from the payout device 540 in a short period of time may be set as the long fluctuation occurrence condition. The player can easily have a sense of gambling due to a situation in which a predetermined number or more of prize balls can be paid out in a short period of time. By giving the opportunity to temporarily leave the seat during the fluctuation display, it becomes possible to calm the player who has a gambling spirit and becomes hot.

  Also in such a case, when the variable display for a specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition is performed, the information indicating that the user can leave the seat is displayed, thereby giving the player a sense of security for leaving the seat and allowing the player to leave the seat. Since it is possible to prompt, it is preferable in that an opportunity to keep the player calm is provided.

  As an example of “a situation in which a predetermined number or more of prize balls (game values) can be paid out from the payout device 540 in a short period of time”, for example, “a plurality of predetermined times (for example, 10 minutes) in a short period (for example, 10 minutes) (3) Special game state occurs ".

  When the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied in "when a plurality of special game states occur a plurality of times in a short period", the special game state continues after the consecutive special game states. The fluctuation time of the fluctuation display (big hit fluctuation) in the case is a specific period determined based on the fluctuation time of the normal big fluctuation (that is, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied), and the fluctuation display (big hit) of the specific period is performed. (Fluctuation).

  Alternatively, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied in “when a plurality of predetermined special game states occur in a short period of time”, a predetermined number of times (one time or one time) to be executed after the consecutive special game states occur It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display for a plurality of times is a specific period determined based on the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied, and the fluctuation display of the specific period is performed. In this case, the fluctuation display set as the specific period is not limited to the loss fluctuation and may include a big hit fluctuation.

  In addition, the “situation in which a predetermined number or more of prize balls (game values) can be paid out from the payout device 540 in a short period of time” is, for example, “a predetermined number or more (for example, approximately 2000 or more) of games per time”. After the occurrence of a special game state in which a value can be paid out (so-called many balls), within a short period of time, the player wins the jackpot lottery of the unit game related to the special symbol ". Instead of or in addition to the condition in the case where the predetermined number of special game states have occurred, a long fluctuation occurrence condition may be set. Here, the “special game state in which a predetermined number or more of game values can be paid out at one time” means, for example, a long-term (eg, 10 rounds) special game state in which the number of continuous rounds and the number of pitches can be increased. It is.

  Further, as the “short period” after the “special game state in which a predetermined number or more of game values can be paid out at one time (so-called a lot of pitches)”, for example, the variable display is performed a predetermined number of times ( For example, a period such as a period up to 10 times is performed, and a period until a losing reach is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 2 times).

  Then, when a special game state in which a predetermined number or more of game values can be paid out at one time occurs, and within a short period of time, a large game lottery of a unit game related to a special symbol is won, a long fluctuation occurrence condition Is established, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display (big hit fluctuation) corresponding to the winning big hit lottery is set as a specific period determined based on the fluctuation time of the big hit fluctuation when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied. It is good also as composition which performs a fluctuation display (big hit fluctuation).

  Note that if a predetermined number or more (for example, about 5000 or more) prize balls can be paid out in a short period (for example, 10 minutes), the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied regardless of the occurrence of the special game state. It is good also as a structure which performs.

  (21) In the above-described second embodiment, when the variable display for a specific period is performed based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition, the information indicating that the user can leave is displayed. The information is not limited to visually recognizable information such as a character string displayed on the symbol display device 479, and may be notified by sound using the audio devices 281, 282 or the like.

  (22) In the third embodiment, the right sphere passage 810 is configured as a constricted passage in the middle right passage portion 810B. However, the middle right passage portion 810B is connected to the upper right passage portion 810A and the lower right passage portion 810C. Similarly, the configuration may be a thick passage portion including a plurality of downstream paths (for example, three or more downstream paths) arranged in the left-right direction. In such a modified example, as in the third embodiment, although the effect of the change in the flow of the game ball flowing down each of the passage portions 810A, 810B, and 810C is small, the player can move the middle right passage portion 810B. Since it is difficult to specify the flow path of the game ball in the upper right passage portion 810A and the lower right passage portion 810C, the line of sight of the player is dispersed, whereby the game ball enters the branch passage 820 in the middle right passage portion 810B. This can make it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not it is not.

  (23) In the third embodiment described above, the passage portion is roughly configured as a passage portion including three flow-down passages. However, if the passage portion includes a plurality of flow-down passages arranged in the left-right direction, the number of the flow-down passages arranged in the left-right direction is sufficient. May be two or four or more.

  (24) In the third embodiment, the right ball path 810 is provided in the right game area, but a ball path having the same shape as the right ball path 810 may be provided in the left game area. In such a case, a branch passage similar to the branch passage 820 may be provided on the left end side of the spherical passage.

  (25) In the third embodiment, the general winning device 439C is provided in the lower right passage 810C, but the general winning device 439C may not be provided in the lower right passage 810C. In other words, the configuration may be such that all of the gaming balls that have entered the lower right passage portion 810C when the upper-level winning device 434 is in the entry-permitted state can enter the upper-level winning device 434.

  (26) In the above-described third embodiment, the upper prize winning device 434 has a configuration in which a game ball can enter through an entrance having a width approximately five times the diameter of the game sphere in the entry permitted state. The width of the entrance of the device 434 is not limited to the above example, and is at least approximately twice or more, preferably approximately three times or more the size of the game ball, and is the same as that of the pachinko machine 100 of the third embodiment. It is possible to achieve the effect.

  (27) In the third embodiment, the row of nails (the nails 411B, 411C, and 411D) in which the boundary between the right middle passage 810B and the lower right passage 810C is inclined downward toward the branch to the branch passage 820. However, the configuration may be such that the entrance to the lower right passage 810C is provided downstream of the row of nails inclined downward toward the branch to the branch passage 820. . That is, a configuration may be used in which the boundary between the nail row and the middle right passage portion 810B and the lower right passage portion 810C are different.

  (28) In the third embodiment, the game ball that has entered the branch passage 820 from the branch formed in the right middle passage portion 810B is discharged through the branch passage 820 into the game area. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a game ball that has entered a branch formed in the middle right passage portion 810B is guided to a collection / discharge passage through a predetermined passage.

  (29) In the third embodiment, a case where most of the branch passage 820 overlaps the front decorative body 210 in the front-rear direction except for the vicinity of the branch opening to the branch passage 820 has been described. The entirety of the branch passage 820, including the branch opening of, may overlap the front decorative body 210 in the front-rear direction.

  (30) In the third embodiment, most of the branch passage 820 overlaps the front decoration 210 in the front-rear direction. However, the portion overlapping the branch passage 820 in the front-rear direction includes the front decoration. Not only the part where the back side cannot be seen from the front side like 210, but also the back side from the front side is difficult to see from the front side, but it is thin, such as a transparent plate of dark color (for example, black). And a portion that can be visually recognized.

  (31) In the third embodiment, a part of the front decorative body 210 overlapping in the front-rear direction with respect to the vicinity of the branch to the branch passage 820 is constituted by the right edge 211E (see FIG. 5) as a light emitting part. However, the front decorative body 210 may have a non-light emitting portion that does not emit light at a portion overlapping the vicinity of the branch to the branch passage 820, whereby the player can access the branch to the branch passage 820. This is preferable because it is easy to avoid paying attention to the branch opening.

  (32) In the third embodiment, the outer edge of the opening 210A of the front decorative body 210 that overlaps in the front-rear direction with the vicinity of the branch to the branch passage 820 is formed linearly, and the branch to the branch passage 820 is formed. The case where the right edge 211E (see FIG. 5) as a part of the front decorative body 210 that overlaps in the front-rear direction with respect to the vicinity of. Is preferably a portion formed to have a narrower left and right width than at least one of the upper and lower sides of the portion. In the right-side edge portion 211E of the front decoration 210, a narrow left-right width portion is difficult to arrange a passage on the rear side, and is also a portion corresponding to a position largely shifted in the left-right direction from the center in the gaming machine. In addition, it is preferable that the player is less likely to pay attention to the branch opening of the branch passage 820 provided in the relevant portion, thereby making it easier for the player not to pay attention to the branch opening to the branch passage 820.

  (33) The present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine or the like of a type different 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>
<Feature 10>
A launching means for launching the game medium with a variable intensity, a variable winning opening in which the entry of the game medium is allowed based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and the entry is prohibited based on the entry of a predetermined number of game media, A first flow-down region in which the game medium fired in the predetermined first intensity range from the firing means flows down, and a predetermined second intensity higher than the intensity in the first intensity range from the firing means and including the maximum intensity A gaming medium including a second flow-down area in which the game medium fired in the intensity range can flow down to the variable winning opening,
A game medium fired from the launching means in an intensity range between the first intensity range and the second intensity range can flow down to the variable winning opening along a path different from the second flow-down area. Including three downflow areas,
In the state in which the variable winning opening is allowed to enter, the intensity of the game medium fired from the firing means is switched so that at least one game medium flows down through the second flow-down area and at least one game flows through the third flow-down area. A gaming machine comprising a privilege granting means capable of granting a privilege with respect to the entry of the game medium into the variable winning opening by flowing down the medium.

  In a conventional gaming machine, a gaming machine equipped with a variable prize winning device that is in an entry allowable state when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and returns to an entry prohibited state when the entry of a predetermined specified number of game balls is detected is known. (For example, JP-A-2014-004177). In such a gaming machine, when the variable winning device is in an entry-permitted state, if the firing handle is rotated to the maximum and the game ball is launched with the maximum strength, it is possible to enter the variable winning device with a high probability. Is the mainstream.

  In the mainstream gaming machines, when the variable prize device is in an entry-permitted state, the game ball is launched at a predetermined constant intensity (maximum intensity), that is, in a state where the firing handle is rotated to the maximum. Since the game proceeds in a fixed manner, the progress of the game tends to be monotonous, and there is room for improvement in the playability when the game ball enters the variable winning device.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, for example, it is an object to provide a gaming machine that can improve the playability when a game ball enters a variable winning opening (entrance to a variable winning device). I have.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 10, in order to obtain a privilege relating to the entry of the game medium into the variable winning opening, the player can play the game in the middle of the period in which the variable winning opening is in the entry allowable state. The firing of the medium must be adjusted. This makes it possible to improve the monotonousness of the game progress in the game when the game medium enters the variable winning opening, as compared with the case where the privilege is not given even if the emission of the game medium is adjusted or not. Further, if the launch of the game medium is adjusted, there is a possibility that a privilege may be given. Therefore, in a game in which the game medium enters the variable winning opening, it is possible to increase a sense of expectation for giving the privilege. . Therefore, the playability of the game when the game medium enters the variable winning opening is improved.

<Feature 11>
The privilege granting means acts on a game medium flowing down the third flow-down area, and flows down the game medium entering the variable winning opening through the second flow-down area and the variable winning opening through the third flow-down area. The game medium flowing down through the second downflow area and the game medium flowing down through the third downflow area are caused to have a predetermined time difference between the flowdown time of the game medium entering the game medium and the game medium flowing down through the third flowdown area. 11. The gaming machine according to feature 10, which facilitates reaching the variable winning opening at intervals shorter than the shortest firing interval of.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 11, by switching the intensity of the game medium fired from the shooting means, the shortest firing interval of the game medium, that is, all through only one of the second downflow area and the third downflow area Is more likely to reach the variable winning opening at a shorter interval than the interval of the game media entering the variable winning opening when the game medium flows down. As a result, just before the entry of the game balls into the variable winning opening is prohibited, more game balls than a predetermined number can easily enter, and more game media can be paid out than expected.

<Feature 12>
The privilege granting means suppresses the flow of the game medium, and the subsequent game medium flowing down after the preceding game medium whose flow is suppressed approaches a predetermined range with respect to the preceding game medium. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein, in such a case, the suppression of the flow down of the preceding game medium is released, and the preceding game medium and the subsequent game medium flow down in a state of being close to each other in the predetermined range.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 12, by switching the intensity of the game medium fired from the firing means, in the process of flowing down to the variable winning opening, the distance between the preceding game medium and the subsequent game medium is reduced. , These game media can easily reach the variable winning opening in close proximity. As a result, just before the entry of the game balls into the variable winning opening is prohibited, more game balls than a predetermined number can easily enter, and more game media can be paid out than expected.

  In addition, even when the preceding game medium and the succeeding game medium flow down through the third downflow area, one of the preceding game medium and the subsequent game medium flows down through the second downflow area, and the other flows down through the third downflow area. It may be a case of flowing down through three downflow areas.

<Feature 13>
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: a notifying unit that notifies information on switching of the strength of the game medium for enjoying the privilege in the special game state.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 13, it is possible to surely provide all players with an opportunity that a privilege may be given, and to ensure fairness among the players.

<Feature 20>
An operation unit (a firing handle 252) provided at a position operable by the player and capable of performing a predetermined pseudo reset operation;
A display unit (decorative design display device 479);
When a predetermined pseudo reset operation is performed on the operation unit in a predetermined game state (special game state, advantageous fluctuation state) that is more advantageous than the normal game state, the display content of the display unit changes to a predetermined reset operation mode. State transition means for transition (main control board 920, sub-control board 940);
A gaming machine comprising:

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when a ball is entered into the starting port provided in the game area, a lottery is performed in accordance with the entered ball, and if a big hit is won in the lottery, a special game state is set. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls (game media) can enter the winning opening. Further, such a pachinko machine is provided with a display device, and on the display device, a variable display of the symbol is started based on the fact that the lottery is performed, and the final stop display of the variable display is displayed on the lottery result. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

  In recent years, when a big hit is won in the normal gaming state, the game is shifted to a so-called “probable change state” after the end of the big hit game (special game state), and in the probable change game state, the number of times of symbol change display is predetermined. If a predetermined condition (for example, a jackpot win) is satisfied during the given number of times (for example, 150 rotations), the probable change game state is continued, but if the predetermined condition is not satisfied during the period, the normal game is performed. A gaming machine that transitions to a state is known (for example, JP-A-2016-147203).

  However, as in the above-described gaming machine, after the end of the special gaming state, the game state shifts to a gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state, such as the surely changing gaming state, and a certain condition is set during the predetermined period in the certainly changing gaming state. There is still room for improvement in a gaming machine having a configuration in which it is possible to continue the probability-variable gaming state (that is, a gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state) by being established. For example, in the event that a predetermined condition cannot be established during a predetermined period despite winning a jackpot many times, the player may feel bored of the game and decrease his / her willingness to play. was there.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 20, an operation section capable of performing a predetermined pseudo reset operation is provided at a position where the player can operate, and the player is more advantageous than the normal gaming state. When a predetermined pseudo reset operation is performed on the operation unit in a predetermined game state, the display content of the display unit shifts to a predetermined reset operation mode by the state shifting unit. Thereby, the player who has performed the pseudo reset operation resets his or her mood by seeing the display of the predetermined reset operation mode that is different from the display content that should be displayed on the display unit during the game ( Switch).

  Therefore, the player may not be able to satisfy the predetermined condition during the predetermined period after shifting to the probable game state, and the flow of the game in the predetermined game state which is more advantageous than the normal game state is not preferable. In the case of a situation, by performing a predetermined pseudo reset operation on the operation unit, it is possible to renew the mood by resetting one's own mood and start the game, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the desire to play the game. it can.

  Note that the “predetermined reset operation mode” described in the feature 20 is not limited to being realized by displaying an image (moving image or still image), but may be replaced with or in addition to displaying an image, and a sound (predetermined reset operation). The operation may be realized by outputting an operation sound), may be a “predetermined mode”, or may be a “mode that outputs at least one of a predetermined display and a predetermined sound”.

<Feature 21>
The gaming machine according to feature 20, wherein
Launching means (firing device 330) capable of launching a game medium (game ball) with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the operation unit;
When the operation amount of the operation unit is a predetermined amount, an entrance where a game medium can enter, formed at a position where a game medium ejected from the ejection unit can enter (a winning opening of the upper right starting prize device 731). )When,
A detection unit (upper right start winning switch 741) capable of detecting a game medium that has entered the entrance;
With
The gaming machine, wherein when the game medium is detected by the detection unit, the state transition unit transitions the display content of the display unit to the predetermined reset operation mode.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 21, when the game medium ejected from the ejection means enters the entrance and is detected by the detection section, the state transition means changes the display content of the display section into a predetermined reset operation mode. Move to The entrance is formed at a position where the game medium emitted from the emitting means can enter when the operation amount of the operation unit is a predetermined amount.

  Therefore, since the operation unit for firing the game medium from the firing unit can be used as the operation unit for performing the pseudo reset operation, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated operation unit, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. It is not necessary to operate a dedicated operation unit during the game played by firing the game medium, and it is possible to avoid the troublesomeness of having the player perform the pseudo reset operation. When the display content of the display unit is shifted to the reset operation mode, the player intentionally adjusts the operation amount of the operation unit to adjust the firing intensity of the firing unit so that the game medium enters the entrance. Since it is necessary, the monotony of the game in which the game medium is fired from the firing means by the operation of the operation unit is reduced.

<Feature 22>
The gaming machine according to feature 21,
A first entry port through which a game medium can enter when the operation unit is operated at a first operation amount that is a part of the predetermined amount, which is a flow-down area in which the game medium emitted by the emission unit flows down; An inlet 708A), a first flow-down area (right flow-down area 708) in which the game medium flowing from the first inlet flows down, and the operation unit is operated with a second operation amount which is a part of the predetermined amount. A second entrance (entrance 709A) provided at a position different from the first entrance when the game medium enters the first entrance. A second flow-down area (medium flow-down area 709) flowing down on a path different from the game medium flowing down the flow-down area;
The game medium flowing down in the first flow-down area can contact the game medium flowing down in the second flow-down area on the upstream side of the entrance, and does not contact the game medium flowing down in the second flow-down area. A game machine that flows down along a path that cannot enter the entrance, and when it comes into contact with a game medium that flows down the second downflow area, the path can be changed by the contact so that the game machine can enter the entrance. .

  According to the gaming machine described in Feature 22, by operating the operation unit with the first operation amount that is a part of the predetermined amount, the game medium emitted from the emission unit can enter the first entrance. The game medium that has entered the first inlet flows down the first flow-down area. On the other hand, by operating the operation unit with the second operation amount which is a part of the predetermined amount, the game medium fired from the firing means can enter the second entrance, and the game medium entered the second entrance Flows down the second downflow area. Therefore, the player can cause the game medium to flow down in the flow-down area according to the operation amount by adjusting the operation amount of the operation unit.

  Here, the game medium flowing down the first flow-down area can contact the game medium flowing down the second flow-down area on the upstream side of the entrance. Here, when the game medium flowing down in the first flow-down area does not contact the game medium flowing down in the second flow-down area, the game medium flowing down in the first flow-down area flows down along a route that cannot enter the entrance. On the other hand, when the game medium flowing down the first flow-down area contacts the game medium flowing down the second flow-down area, the game medium flowing down the first flow-down area is caused by the contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down area. By changing the route, it is possible to enter the entrance.

  Therefore, in order to shift the display content of the display unit to the reset operation mode, the player operates the operation unit so that the game medium flowing down the first flow-down area and the game medium flowing down the second flow-down area come into contact with each other. It is necessary to adjust the manipulated variable intentionally. Thereby, the monotonousness of the game in which the game medium is fired from the firing means by the operation of the operation unit can be suitably reduced.

<Feature 30>
A display unit (decorative design display device 479);
A first entrance (a winning opening of the right starting winning device 432) into which a game medium (game ball) can enter;
A first detection unit (right start winning switch 442) that satisfies a start condition when a game medium that has entered the first entrance is detected;
Lottery means (main control board 920) for performing a predetermined lottery based on a predetermined starting condition being satisfied;
Holding means (main control board 920) for holding a lottery result by the lottery means;
Display control means (sub-control board 940) for sequentially displaying, on the display unit, a predetermined change display and a stop display indicating the lottery result after the change display, based on the lottery result held by the holding means;
When the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result, after a stop display indicating the lottery result is displayed by the display control means, a game control means (main control) for generating a special game state more advantageous than the normal game state Substrate 920);
An operation unit (a firing handle 252) provided at a position where the player can operate;
Launching means (firing device 330) for launching a game medium when the operating unit is operated;
When the operation amount of the operation unit is a predetermined amount, a second entrance (the upper right starting winning device 731 of the upper right starting prize device 731) is formed at a position where the game medium ejected from the emitting means can enter. Winning opening),
A second detection unit (upper right start winning switch 741) capable of detecting a game medium that has entered the second entrance,
When a game medium is detected by the second detection unit in a state where at least one lottery result is held in the holding unit, the game medium with respect to at least one lottery result among the lottery results held in the holding unit is Delay means (main control board 920, sub-control board 940) for delaying the display timing of the stop display by display control means or the occurrence timing of the special game state by the game control means based on the lottery result;
A gaming machine comprising:

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when a ball is entered into the starting port provided in the game area, a lottery is performed in accordance with the entered ball, and if a big hit is won in the lottery, a special game state is set. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls (game media) can enter the winning opening. Further, such a pachinko machine is provided with a display device, and on the display device, a variable display of the symbol is started based on the fact that the lottery is performed, and the final stop display of the variable display is displayed on the lottery result. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

  In addition, in the conventional pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the starting port while the symbol is being displayed on the display device, the hit information used for the big hit lottery is determined in advance. There is a configuration in which the number is held and stored up to a number (for example, four). At this time, the hit information stored and held is subjected to a lottery to determine whether or not a big hit has occurred after the symbol variation display is completed, and the next symbol variation display is started accordingly.

  In recent years, when a big hit is won in the normal gaming state, the game is shifted to a so-called “probable change state” after the end of the big hit game (special game state), and in the probable change game state, the number of times of symbol change display is predetermined. If a predetermined condition (for example, a jackpot win) is satisfied during the given number of times (for example, 150 rotations), the probable change game state is continued, but if the predetermined condition is not satisfied during the period, the normal game is performed. A gaming machine that transitions to a state is known (for example, JP-A-2016-147203).

  However, by establishing a predetermined condition during a predetermined period after the end of the special gaming state, as in the above-described gaming machine, a gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state, such as a certain-variable gaming state, is continued. There is still room for improvement in gaming machines that can be configured.

  For example, as the "predetermined condition", during a predetermined period after the end of the special game state, the player, for a specific device that operates according to the result of the lottery corresponding to the variable display of each symbol, When a result (for example, a so-called “V prize”) that is generated based on the fired game ball is included, when the player shifts to the special game state with the hit information held and stored, the player leaves the game machine or the like. If the game ball cannot be fired, the chance of receiving a privilege in the certain-variable game state (ie, continuation of the certain-variable game state) is wasted.

  In particular, when the "predetermined period", which is the time limit for satisfying the predetermined condition after the end of the special game state, is the number of times of the fluctuation display smaller than the upper limit value at which the hit information can be held and stored, the player Leaving is equivalent to completely abandoning the privilege in the probable game state. Therefore, the player may leave the gaming machine on which the player himself / herself plays until the probability change game state ends without being continued (i.e., transitions to the normal game state), unless the player abandons the benefit in the probability change game state. You cannot take a break.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 30, when the predetermined starting condition is satisfied, the predetermined lottery is performed by the lottery means based on the satisfaction of the starting condition, and the result of the lottery is determined by the holding means. Suspended. Based on the lottery result held by the holding means, a predetermined variable display and a stop display indicating the lottery result after the variable display are sequentially displayed on the display unit by the display control means, and the lottery result by the lottery means is the predetermined result. In the case of, after the game control means displays the stop display indicating the lottery result by the display control means, a special game state which is more advantageous than the normal game state is generated.

  In a state where at least one lottery result is held in the holding unit, when the game medium fired from the firing unit enters the second entrance and is detected by the second detection unit, the game medium is held in the holding unit. The display timing of the stop display by the display control means for at least one lottery result among the lottery results, or the generation timing of the special game state by the game control means based on the lottery result is delayed by the delay means.

  Therefore, the player can enter the game medium aiming at the second entrance in a state where at least one lottery result is held in the holding means, and thereby at least one time for the lottery result held in the holding means can be obtained. For the variable display, the period until the stop display or the period until the special game state occurs after the variable display is delayed from each timing when the game medium does not enter the second entrance under the same situation. Can be.

  In this way, the player allows the second detecting unit to detect the game ball in a state where at least one lottery result is held in the holding means, until all the lottery results held in the holding means are processed. It is possible to leave the gaming machine by using the delay by the delay means within the period of. Therefore, for example, in a gaming machine having a configuration in which a predetermined privilege can be given by satisfying a predetermined condition during a predetermined period after the end of the special game state, the player does not need to abandon the privilege, and Can be separated from the game machine.

  Here, the second entrance is formed at a position where the game medium emitted from the launching means can enter when the operation amount of the operation unit is a predetermined amount. It is necessary for the player to intentionally adjust the operation amount of the operation unit so as to adjust the firing intensity of the firing means so that the game medium enters the second entrance, and the operation unit operates the game medium from the shooting means. The monotony of the game that fires is reduced.

  In addition, the “second detection unit” in the gaming machine described in the feature 30 may be a detection unit that satisfies a start condition when a game medium is detected, or a start condition that is satisfied when a game medium is detected. It may be a detection unit that does not. That is, the “second entrance” in the gaming machine described in the feature 30 may be an entrance where the start condition is satisfied by the entry of the game medium, or the start condition is satisfied even if the game medium enters. There may be no entrance.

  In addition, in the delay unit in the gaming machine according to the characteristic 30, the "at least one lottery result among the lottery results held in the holding unit" means that the game is started when the second detection unit detects a game medium. In the case where the detection unit does not satisfy the condition, it means “at least one lottery result among at least one lottery result held in the holding unit before the game medium is detected by the second detection unit”. There may be. Alternatively, when the second detection unit is a detection unit that satisfies the starting condition when the game medium is detected, the “at least one of the storage units held in the storage unit before the second detection unit detects the game medium” And at least one lottery result among the lottery results obtained by the lottery means based on the establishment of the starting condition due to the detection of the game medium by the second detection unit. You may.

<Feature 31>
The gaming machine according to feature 30, wherein
A first entry port through which a game medium can enter when the operation unit is operated at a first operation amount that is a part of the predetermined amount, which is a flow-down area in which the game medium emitted by the emission unit flows down; An inlet 708A), a first flow-down area (right flow-down area 708) in which the game medium flowing from the first inlet flows down, and the operation unit is operated with a second operation amount which is a part of the predetermined amount. A second entrance (entrance 709A) provided at a position different from the first entrance when the game medium enters the first entrance. A second flow-down area (medium flow-down area 709) flowing down on a path different from the game medium flowing down the flow-down area;
The game medium flowing down in the first flow-down area can contact the game medium flowing down in the second flow-down area on the upstream side of the entrance, and does not contact the game medium flowing down in the second flow-down area. A game machine that flows down along a path that cannot enter the entrance, and when it comes into contact with a game medium that flows down the second downflow area, the path can be changed by the contact so that the game machine can enter the entrance. .

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 31, by operating the operation unit with the first operation amount which is a part of the predetermined amount, it is possible to cause the game medium emitted from the firing unit to enter the first entrance. The game medium that has entered the first inlet flows down the first flow-down area. On the other hand, by operating the operation unit with the second operation amount which is a part of the predetermined amount, the game medium fired from the firing means can enter the second entrance, and the game medium entered the second entrance Flows down the second downflow area. Therefore, the player can cause the game medium to flow down in the flow-down area according to the operation amount by adjusting the operation amount of the operation unit.

  Here, the game medium flowing down the first flow-down area can contact the game medium flowing down the second flow-down area on the upstream side of the entrance. Here, when the game medium flowing down in the first flow-down area does not contact the game medium flowing down in the second flow-down area, the game medium flowing down in the first flow-down area flows down along a route that cannot enter the entrance. On the other hand, when the game medium flowing down the first flow-down area contacts the game medium flowing down the second flow-down area, the game medium flowing down the first flow-down area is caused by the contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down area. By changing the route, it is possible to enter the entrance.

  Therefore, when performing the delay by the delay unit, the player intentionally adjusts the operation amount of the operation unit so that the game medium flowing down the first flow-down area and the game medium flowing down the second flow-down area come into contact with each other. Need to adjust. Thereby, the monotonousness of the game in which the game medium is fired from the firing means by the operation of the operation unit can be suitably reduced.

  The “second operation amount” described in the feature 31 may be a completely different amount from the “first operation amount”, or a partial range of the “second operation amount” may be “the first operation amount”. May be an amount overlapping with a part of the range.

<Feature 32>
A gaming machine according to feature 30 or 31, wherein
A third entrance to which game media can enter (a winning opening of the upper right starting winning device 731);
A third detector (upper right start winning switch 741) capable of detecting a game medium that has entered the third entrance,
With
The third detection unit or one of the second detection units set in advance is configured as a detection unit that satisfies a start condition when a game medium passes,
The holding means is configured to determine a first lottery result (a lottery result of a second special symbol lottery) performed by the lottery means based on establishment of a start condition based on detection of a game medium by the first detector, and The second lottery result (the lottery result of the first special symbol lottery) performed by the lottery means based on the establishment of the starting condition due to the detection of the game medium by the second detector or the third detector is independent of each other. Hold
The delay unit is held in the holding unit when the second lottery result is held in the holding unit in a state where a predetermined number of the first lottery results are held in the holding unit. Among the lottery results, the display timing of the stop display by the display control unit with respect to at least one of the lottery results, or the occurrence timing of the special game state by the game control unit based on the lottery result is delayed,
The gaming machine is
A gaming machine comprising: a notifying unit that executes a predetermined notification when the predetermined number of the first lottery results are held in the holding unit.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 32, when the second lottery result is held in the holding unit while the predetermined number of first lottery results are held in the holding unit, the delay by the delay unit is delayed. Is executed. However, if the condition for performing the delay by the delay unit is satisfied even though the delay by the delay unit is unnecessary, the player wastes time by the delay by the delay unit. On the other hand, when a predetermined number of the first lottery results are held in the holding unit, the predetermined notification is executed by the notifying unit, so that the player may satisfy the condition for delaying by the delay unit. Therefore, it is possible to wait for the first lottery result held in the holding means to be processed so that the condition is not satisfied. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the player from wasting time due to the delay caused by the delay unit.

<Feature 40>
A display unit (decorative design display device 479);
Lottery means (main control board 920) for performing a predetermined lottery based on a predetermined starting condition being satisfied;
A display control unit (sub-control board 940) for displaying, on the display unit, a change display of the identification information and a stop display of the identification information corresponding to the lottery result by the lottery unit when the predetermined start condition is satisfied; ,
The display control means, when a predetermined long-fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, until the stop display is displayed after the change display of the identification information is started, compared to when the long-fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied. A variable display (variable display during a specific period) is displayed on the display unit, and the information indicating that the player can leave the vehicle (leaving information J) corresponding to the state in which the player can leave the vehicle. Is displayed on the display unit.

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a typical conventional pachinko machine, when a starting condition is established by a game ball (game medium) launched by a player entering a starting port, a lottery is performed based on the establishment of the starting condition. A symbol (identification information) corresponding to the lottery result is displayed as a stop display following the variable display. At this time, if the stop display is a symbol corresponding to the lottery result indicating a big hit, the player after the stop display There is known a configuration in which a special game state that is advantageous to the player occurs and a large number of prize balls (game values) can be paid out (for example, JP-A-2014-004177).

  However, in such a conventional pachinko machine, the game being executed is likely to be progressed by another customer as a result of leaving the seat, so that the player is difficult to leave the seat during the game. There was a problem.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 40, when the predetermined starting condition is satisfied, the display of the change of the identification information and the lottery result by the lottery means performed based on the satisfaction of the starting condition are supported. The displayed stoppage of the identification information is displayed on the display unit by the display control means. Here, when the predetermined long-fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the display control means starts the fluctuation display of the identification information and displays the stop display until the stop display is displayed, compared to when the long-fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied. Is displayed on the display unit, and the information indicating that the player is able to leave is displayed on the display unit, corresponding to the state in which the player can leave.

  No one can proceed with the game while the variable display is displayed, that is, until the stop display is displayed after the variable display. Therefore, when a specific fluctuation display having a longer fluctuation time is displayed on the display unit than when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied due to the long fluctuation occurrence condition being satisfied, during the period of the specific fluctuation display. Even if the player leaves the seat, it is possible to suppress the progress of the game arbitrarily by another customer while leaving the seat.

  Therefore, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the player can safely leave the seat without worrying about the progress of the game by another customer. Also, when the length change occurrence condition is satisfied, the display control means displays on the display unit the information indicating that the player can leave the vehicle, and the player can leave the seat. Based on the possible information, it is possible to know when it is safe to leave the seat.

  Note that, in the gaming machine described in the feature 40, the display unit that displays the specific change display and the display unit that displays the information indicating that the user can leave the seat may be the same display unit or different display units. . In other words, the configuration may be such that the information indicating that the user can leave is displayed on the display unit that displays the specific variable display, or the information that indicates that the user can leave is displayed on a different display unit from the display unit that displays the specific variable display May be used.

<Feature 41>
The gaming machine according to feature 40,
An operation unit (a firing handle 252) provided at a position where the player can operate the player,
A gaming machine characterized in that the length fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied based on a predetermined operation performed on the operation unit during a game.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 41, the long fluctuation occurrence condition is established based on the fact that the player has performed a predetermined operation on the operation unit provided at a position operable by the player during the game. With this configuration, the player can operate the operation unit as necessary to satisfy the long-fluctuation occurrence condition and create a situation in which the player can safely leave the seat.

<Feature 42>
The gaming machine according to feature 40,
A payout means (payout device 540) for paying out a predetermined game value based on the satisfaction of a predetermined payout condition;
A gaming machine characterized in that the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied based on a situation where a predetermined number or more of game values can be paid out by the payout means within a predetermined period.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 42, the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied based on a situation in which a predetermined number or more of game values can be paid out by the payout means within a predetermined time period. In the event that a large number of game values can be paid out during the period, the opportunity for the player to temporarily leave his / her gambling sensation is given to the player who has become enthusiastic and enthusiastic. It is possible to cool down.

<Feature 43>
A gaming machine according to feature 42,
When the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result, after a stop display indicating the lottery result is displayed by the display control means, a special game in which a game value that can be paid out by the payout means is larger than a normal game state. Game control means (main control board 920) for generating a state,
The gaming machine characterized in that the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied based on a plurality of the predetermined number of special game states continuously occurring within the predetermined period by the game control means.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 43, when the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result, a stop display indicating the lottery result is displayed on the display unit, and then the special game state is set by the game control means. Occurs, so that more gaming value can be paid out compared to the normal gaming state. Since the long fluctuation occurrence condition is established based on the plurality of predetermined times of the special game state continuously occurring within the predetermined period, the special game state is continuously generated within the predetermined period. By giving an opportunity to temporarily leave the seat to the gambling sensation that the player can have, it becomes possible to calm the player who has the gambling spirit and becomes hot.

<Feature 44>
A gaming machine according to feature 42,
When the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result, after a stop display indicating the lottery result is displayed by the display control means, a special game in which a game value that can be paid out by the payout means is larger than a normal game state. Game control means (main control board 920) for generating a state,
The long fluctuation occurrence condition is that, after the special game state in which a predetermined number or more of game values can be paid out by the payout means occurs by the game control means, the predetermined result is obtained by the lottery means within the predetermined period. A gaming machine characterized by being established based on the selection.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 44, when the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result, a stop display indicating the lottery result is displayed on the display unit, and then the special game state is set by the game control means. Occurs, so that more gaming value can be paid out compared to the normal gaming state. After a special game state in which a predetermined number or more game values can be paid out occurs, within a predetermined period, a predetermined result for generating the special game state is selected by the lottery means, and the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied. In such a situation, the opportunity for the player to temporarily leave the gambling sensation in such a situation is provided, so that the player who has the gambling sensation and becomes hot can be calmed down.

<Feature 50>
It has a variable ball section that can switch between an entry allowed state in which game balls are allowed to enter and an entry restriction state in which game balls are less likely to enter than the entry allowed state, and is performed based on the establishment of a start condition. In a gaming machine that, when a predetermined lottery result is obtained by a predetermined lottery, switches the variable ball entry section to the entry allowable state to generate a special gaming state that is more advantageous than a normal gaming state,
A value-added entering ball unit (upper-prize-winning device 434, general winning device 439C) that includes at least the variable-entry-portion portion and is provided with a predetermined game value when a game ball enters;
A ball passage including a plurality of flow-down paths arranged on the upstream side of the variable ball entry portion and arranged in the left-right direction, and entered the ball passage when the variable ball portion is in the entry allowable state; A first ball passage (lower right passage portion 810C) capable of guiding all of the game balls to the value-added entering ball portion,
A guide passage (branch passage 820) for guiding a game ball to an area that cannot enter the first ball passage;
A game ball that is connected to the upstream side of the first ball passage and has a branch opening (between the nail 411A and the nail 411B) to the guide passage, and a game ball that has entered the ball passage. A second ball passage (middle right passage portion 810B) for guiding to the first ball passage or the guide passage,
A third ball passage that includes a plurality of flow-down paths connected to the upstream side of the second ball passage and lined up in the left-right direction, and guides game balls that have entered the ball passage to the second ball passage; (Upper right passage 810B),
With
A gaming machine, wherein the first ball passage and the third ball passage have at least a section in which a passage portion thicker than the second ball passage is vertically continuous.

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Conventional typical pachinko machines have a variable winning device that can switch between an entry allowed state that allows the entry of a game ball and an entry prohibited state that inhibits the entry of a game ball, and the starting condition is satisfied. A configuration is known in which when a jackpot is won in a lottery performed on the basis of, a special game state is generated by switching the variable ball entry section to an entry allowable state (for example, JP-A-2014-004177). Therefore, a player playing with such a pachinko machine launches a game ball aiming at the variable winning device that has been switched to the entry permitting state in the special gaming state, and enters a game ball (game medium) into the variable winning device. As a result, it is possible to obtain a large number of prize balls (game value).

  However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines, such as the above-mentioned gaming machines, which can acquire a large number of prize balls by firing game balls aiming at the variable prize device switched to the entry allowable state in the special gaming state. was there. For example, for a player, it is preferable that all of the game balls fired by the player aiming in the special game state enter the variable prize winning device. Therefore, the player fires the variable prize device switched to the entry allowable state in the special game state. It is conceivable that all the played game balls enter the variable winning device. However, in such a configuration, there is a possibility that an excessive number of balls will be put on a management burden on the amusement arcade (hall) side.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 50, the variable entry ball portion capable of switching between an entry allowed state in which game balls are allowed to enter and an entry restricted state in which game balls are less likely to enter than the entry allowed state. A first ball passage is provided further upstream. A second ball passage is continuously provided upstream of the first ball passage, and a third ball passage is continuously provided upstream of the second ball passage. The second ball passage is provided with a branch to the guide passage. The guide passage is a ball passage that guides the game ball to an area that cannot enter the first ball passage. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the third ball passage enters the second ball passage via the third ball passage, and enters the first ball passage or the guide passage.

  The first ball passage is configured such that all of the game balls that have entered the first ball passage can be guided to the value-added ball portion when the variable ball portion is in the entry allowable state. All of the game balls that have entered the first ball path through the second ball path can enter the variable ball section or other value-added ball sections. The value-added ball entry unit is a ball entry unit to which a predetermined game value is given when a game ball enters, and includes a variable ball entry unit.

  On the other hand, since the second ball passage is provided with a branch to the guide passage, not all of the game balls that have entered the third ball passage enter the first ball passage, and some of them do not enter the first ball passage. The vehicle is guided to an area that cannot enter the first ball passage via the guide passage.

  Here, the first ball passage and the third ball passage have at least a section in which a passage portion thicker than the second ball passage is vertically continued. In other words, the second ball passage has a passage portion that is narrower than the third ball passage and the first ball passage, whereby the third ball passage, the second ball passage, and the first ball passage are arranged in order from the upstream side. It functions as a spherical passage including a constricted portion in the spherical passage.

  The game ball that has entered the third ball passage flows down while scattered in the left and right direction in the third ball passage because the third ball passage is configured as a ball passage including a plurality of flow-down paths arranged in the left-right direction. When passing through the second ball passage including the constricted portion, the game balls scattered in the left-right direction flow down so as to be collected in the left-right direction. Therefore, since the flow of the game ball changes in the second ball passage, even if the player enters the guide passage from the branch in the second ball passage, it is difficult for the player to recognize that.

  Since the first ball path is also configured as a ball path including a plurality of flow-down paths arranged in the left-right direction, the game balls that have entered the first ball path via the second ball path flow down while flowing again in the left-right direction. I do. Therefore, since the flow of the game ball changes again by entering the first ball passage from the second ball passage, the game ball entering the third ball passage also enters the guide passage in the second ball passage at this point. Even if it does, it can be difficult for the player to recognize the change.

  In addition, during the special game state, the player sets a characteristic place in the special game state (for example, a variable ball entry section downstream of the first ball passage or a display section for displaying an effect in the special game state). At that point, even if the game ball that has flowed down the third ball passage enters the guide passage without entering the first ball passage in the second ball passage, it is still noticeable to the player. It is hard to be recognized.

  Therefore, all of the game balls that have entered the third ball passage despite the fact that a portion of the game balls that have entered the third ball passage are guided through the guide passage to an area that cannot enter the first ball passage. Can be given to a player as if the player were guided to a value-added ball entry section such as a variable ball entry section via the first ball passage, whereby a large number of game balls could be sensuously sensed in the special game state. Can be given to the player as if the player had entered the variable pitching section. Thereby, it is possible to improve the interest of the game in which the game ball is shot aiming at the variable ball entry section in the special game state.

  Therefore, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 50, in the special gaming state, the entertainment value of the game in which the game ball is fired aiming at the variable ball entry portion is improved, and the gaming value acquired by the player becomes excessive, and It is possible to achieve both the reduction of the disadvantage to the (hall) side.

  In addition, it is preferable that the variable ball entry portion disposed downstream of the first ball passage has a configuration having an entrance opening to a predetermined width that is twice or more the diameter of the game ball in the entry permitted state. As a result, the game balls flowing down the first ball passage can enter the variable ball entry section from various positions in the width direction of the wide variable ball entry section while scattering left and right, so that a large number of game balls are sensuously sensed. Can be given to the player as if the player had entered the variable ball-in section.

  In addition, the variable ball entry portion may have an entrance (winning opening) for a game ball configured to have a predetermined width twice or more the diameter of the game ball, and the movable member that opens and closes the entrance portion allows entry. The state may be switched between the state and the entry restriction state, or a movable part that opens and closes a passage part of the game ball having a predetermined width equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball provided at the downstream side with respect to the entrance part. The member may switch between the entry permitting state and the entry restriction state. In addition, the variable entry ball section may be configured such that an entrance is opened so that game balls can enter in an entry permitted state, and the entrance is closed so that game balls do not enter in an entry restricted state, or an entry permitted state. The game ball may be guided to the entrance at, and the game ball may not be guided to the entrance in the entry restricted state.

<Feature 51>
The gaming machine according to feature 50,
The value-added ball entry unit includes the variable ball entry unit and a non-variable ball entry unit (general prize winning device 439C) into which a game ball can enter even in a game state other than the special game state,
The gaming machine, wherein the non-variable ball input section is arranged at a position upstream of the variable ball input section, where a game ball that has entered the first ball passage can enter.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 51, in the gaming state other than the special gaming state, the non-variable entering ball section into which the game ball can enter is located upstream of the variable entering ball section as one of the value-added entering ball sections. Is placed at a position where a game ball that has entered the first ball passage can enter, so that when a player shoots a game ball aiming at the variable ball entry section, the game ball is placed in the variable ball entry section. Or, it is easy to pay attention to the variable ball entry section and the non-variable ball entry section, regardless of which of the non-variable ball entry sections enters. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize that the game ball has entered the guide passage in the second ball passage.

<Feature 52>
A gaming machine according to feature 51,
The non-variable ball entry section is configured as a ball entry section to which, when a game ball enters, a lower game value is provided than when a game ball enters the variable ball entry section. .

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 52, the non-variable ball entry section is configured as a ball entry section to which a lower game value is imparted when a game ball enters, than when a game ball enters the variable ball entry section. Therefore, when the player launches a game ball aiming at the variable ball entry section, the player expects that the game ball will enter the variable ball entry section, and the variable ball entry section and the non-variable ball entry section. It is easy to notice. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the guide passage in the second ball passage.

<Feature 53>
A gaming machine according to any of features 51 to 52,
The gaming machine, wherein the non-variable ball input unit is disposed closer to the variable ball input unit than a half of the height of the first ball passage.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 53, since the non-variable ball entry portion is disposed closer to the variable ball entry portion than half the height of the first ball passage, the player can adjust the variable ball entry portion. It is easy to focus on the lower half side of the first ball passage where the ball portion and the non-variable ball input portion exist. Therefore, since the possibility that the line of sight deviates from the branch to the guide passage formed in the second ball passage is preferably increased, it is preferable to recognize whether the game ball has entered the guide passage in the second ball passage. Can be made harder.

<Feature 54>
A gaming machine according to feature 51 or 53,
The branch to the guide passage is formed on one side in the left-right direction of the second ball passage,
The gaming machine, wherein the non-variable ball input portion is disposed on the other side of the first ball passage in the left-right direction with respect to the one side.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 54, the branch to the guide passage is formed on one side in the left-right direction of the second ball passage, while the non-variable ball entry portion is formed in the left-right direction of the first ball passage. Is arranged on the other side with respect to the one side, it is difficult for the player to monitor the branch to the guide passage by paying attention to the non-variable ball entry portion, and the It is possible to make it difficult for the player to appropriately recognize whether or not the player has entered the guide passage in the passage.

<Feature 55>
A gaming machine according to any of features 50 to 54,
A display unit (decorative design display device 479) having a screen capable of displaying a predetermined effect image,
A gaming machine, wherein a branch to the guide passage is formed on a side of the second ball passage that is away from a screen of the display unit in a left-right direction.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 55, the branch port to the guide passage is formed in the left and right direction in the second ball passage, on the side away from the screen of the display unit capable of displaying a predetermined effect image, In the special game state, when the player pays attention to the effect displayed on the display unit, it becomes difficult for the player to monitor the branch to the guide passage. Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to appropriately recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the guide passage in the second ball passage.

<Feature 56>
A gaming machine according to any of features 50 to 55,
A ball guiding portion (a row of nails including nails 411B, 411C, and 411D, a passage wall 811) arranged to guide game balls in a direction inclined downward toward the branch to the guide passage;
In the arrangement section of the ball guiding portion, a flow-down passage portion (between the nails 411B and 411C, between the nails 411C and 411D) formed so as to allow the game balls to flow in a direction intersecting with the downwardly inclined direction. And between,
With
A game machine wherein a game ball that has passed through the downflow passage portion enters the first ball passage without entering the guide passage.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 56, the ball guiding portion is provided so as to guide the gaming ball in the direction of inclining and descending toward the branch to the guide passage, so that the flowing gaming ball is relatively fast. The guide can be guided to the branch with a natural flow, and can enter the guide passage from the branch. On the other hand, in the arrangement section of the ball guiding portion, a downflow passage portion capable of flowing down the game ball is formed in a direction intersecting with the downwardly inclined direction, and the game ball passes through the downflow passage portion. It is possible to enter the first ball passage without entering the guide passage.

  The flow of the game ball passing through the downflow passage portion to enter the first ball passage is unnatural and slow compared to the case where the game ball flows naturally along the ball guiding portion, and therefore, the player has the The flow tends to remain in the impression. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the guide passage from the branch opening.

<Feature 57>
A gaming machine according to any of features 50 to 56,
A viewable portion (a front plate 222, a rear plate) formed of a light-transmitting member that allows at least a part of the game area to be viewed from the front side by being arranged on the front side of the game area where the game ball can flow down. 223), and a front side member (front block) formed around the viewable portion and including a non-viewable portion (front decoration body 210) configured to make the front side to the back side invisible or difficult to see. 102),
The first ball passage, the second ball passage, and the third ball passage are provided at positions overlapping in the front-back direction with respect to the visible portion of the front side member,
The guide passage is provided at a position where at least a part of the game ball overlaps the invisible portion of the front side member in the front-rear direction when the game ball completely enters the guide passage. A gaming machine.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 57, the first ball passage, the second ball passage, and the third ball passage overlap in the front-rear direction with the visible portion of the front-side member formed of the light-transmitting member. Since these ball passages are provided at the positions, these ball passages can be visually recognized from the front side via the visible portion. On the other hand, at the time when the game ball completely enters the guide passage, at least a part of the game ball is invisible or difficult to see from the front side to the back side. Since the game ball that has entered the guide passage from the second ball passage is provided at a position overlapping in the front-rear direction with respect to the portion, the game ball enters the guide passage at the same time or immediately after entering the guide passage, the rear side of the invisible portion. And thereby get out of the player's view. This makes it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the guide path in the second ball path.

  Note that, in the gaming machine described in the feature 57, the “point in time when the game ball completely enters the guide passage” may be, for example, a surface in which the game ball forms a branch port to the guide passage (entrance of the guide passage). (That is, the game ball that has entered the guide passage may be in contact with the surface, and the game ball may have entered the guide passage to a position where it cannot return to the second ball passage). It may be.

<Feature 60>
A viewable portion (a front plate 222, a rear plate) formed of a light-transmitting member that allows at least a part of the game area to be viewed from the front side by being arranged on the front side of the game area where the game ball can flow down. 223), and a front side member (front block) formed around the viewable portion and including a non-viewable portion (front decoration body 210) configured to make the front side to the back side invisible or difficult to see. 102),
A main ball passage (a right ball passage 810) formed in the right or left region of the game region to flow the entered game ball to the downstream side;
Branching from the main ball passage, a small amount of the game balls flowing down the upstream portion of the main ball passage continuing upstream from the branch portion, a small amount of the game balls on the outer edge side of the game area and on the right or A branch passage (branch passage 820) that branches to the left and flows down;
With
The main sphere passage is provided at a position overlapping in the front-rear direction with respect to the visible portion of the front side member,
The branch passage is provided at a position where at least a part of the game ball overlaps the invisible portion of the front side member in the front-rear direction when the game ball completely enters the branch passage. A gaming machine.

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Conventional typical pachinko machines have a variable winning device that can switch between an entry allowed state that allows the entry of a game ball and an entry prohibited state that inhibits the entry of a game ball, and the starting condition is satisfied. A configuration is known in which when a jackpot is won in a lottery performed on the basis of, a special game state is generated by switching the variable ball entry section to an entry allowable state (for example, JP-A-2014-004177). Therefore, a player playing with such a pachinko machine launches a game ball aiming at the variable winning device that has been switched to the entry permitting state in the special gaming state, and enters a game ball (game medium) into the variable winning device. As a result, it is possible to obtain a large number of prize balls (game value).

  However, conventional gaming machines including the above gaming machines still have room for improvement. For example, for a player, it is preferable that all of the game balls fired by the player aiming in the special game state enter the variable prize winning device. Therefore, the player fires the variable prize device switched to the entry allowable state in the special game state. It is conceivable that all the played game balls enter the variable winning device. However, in such a configuration, there is a possibility that an excessive number of balls will be put on a management burden on the amusement arcade (hall) side.

  Therefore, even if a game ball is shot aiming at the variable winning device, a flowing path of the game ball is designed such that a part of the game ball is separated from the variable winning device. However, the player may be dissatisfied with the impression that many of the launched game balls have flowed off the variable winning device even though they have fired aiming at the variable winning device. . Similarly, when a branch passage for guiding game balls is provided outside the game area for the purpose of enhancing the interest of the game, the player is dissatisfied with the impression that many game balls enter the branch passage. There is a risk of embracing.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 60, in the right or left area in the game area in which the game ball can flow, the main ball passage for flowing the entered game ball to the downstream side is formed. At the same time, a branch passage branching from the main sphere passage is formed. In the branch passage, a small amount of game balls among the game balls flowing down the upstream portion of the main ball passage continuing upstream from the branch portion from the main ball passage enter, and branch and enter from the branch portion. The game ball is caused to flow down to the right or left side on the outer edge side of the game area. That is, among the game balls that have entered the main ball passage, a small amount of the game balls do not flow down the main ball passage as it is, but flow down from the branch passage to the outer edge side of the game area.

  Here, the main sphere passage is provided at a position overlapping with the visible portion of the front-side member in the front-rear direction, which is made of a light-transmitting member. It is possible to see it. On the other hand, at the time when the game ball completely enters the branch passage, at least a part of the game ball is configured to be invisible or difficult to see from the front side to the back side. Since it is provided at a position overlapping in the front-rear direction with respect to the part, the game ball that entered the branch passage from the main ball passage, at the same time as entering the branch passage, or immediately after entering the branch passage, immediately behind the invisible part In and thereby out of the player's field of view.

  This makes it difficult for the player to recognize that the game ball flowing down the main ball passage has entered the branch passage, so that a small amount of the game ball among the game balls that have entered the main ball passage passes through the branch passage and is located in the game area. It is difficult to grasp that it was sent to the outer edge. Therefore, when the player fires aiming at the passage of the main ball passage, even if all of the launched game balls do not pass the main ball passage, it is difficult for the player to feel dissatisfied with the game.

  The “small amount” in the feature 60 is, for example, preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 30%, and preferably less than 10% of the gaming balls flowing down the upstream portion of the main sphere passage. Is preferred.

  In addition, in the gaming machine according to the feature 60, the “time when the game ball completely enters the branch passage” may be, for example, a surface where the game ball forms a branch opening to the branch passage (an entrance of the branch passage). At the time when the game ball enters the branch passage (i.e., when the game ball that has entered the branch passage may contact the surface, and may not return to the main ball passage). There may be.

<Feature 61>
The gaming machine according to feature 60,
A branch opening (between the nail 411A and the nail 411B) from the main ball passage to the branch passage is within a region having a predetermined width in the vertical direction around a line segment having the maximum length in the left-right direction in the game region. A gaming machine characterized by being formed at an end of the game area on the side where the main sphere passage is formed.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 61, the branch opening from the main ball passage to the branch passage is located within a region having a predetermined width in a vertical direction around a line segment having a maximum length in the left-right direction in the game region. Thus, the main ball path is formed at the end of the game area on the side of the game area. In other words, the branch port to the branch passage is located at the end of the widest range in the left-right direction in the game area or the range of a range similar thereto, so that the line of sight of the player hardly reaches the branch port to the branch path. Thus, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the branch passage from the branch opening.

  In the gaming machine described in the feature 61, the "region having a predetermined width in the vertical direction around the line segment having the maximum length in the left-right direction in the gaming region" is, for example, crossing the center of the gaming region in the left-right direction. It is preferable that the width of the vertical direction is about 25% of the height of the game area around the line segment, and the center of the line segment crossing the center of the game area in the horizontal direction is the game area. It is preferable that the width of the vertical direction is about 15% of the height of the game area, and about 5% of the height of the game area is centered on a line that crosses the center of the game area in the left-right direction. Is preferably an area having a length in the vertical direction.

<Feature 62>
A gaming machine according to feature 60 or 61,
A variable ball entry portion that can switch between an entry allowed state in which game balls are allowed to enter and an entry regulation state in which game balls are less likely to enter than the entry allowed state, and can be opened to a predetermined width in the entry allowed state ( The upper prize winning device 434),
When a predetermined lottery result is obtained by a predetermined lottery performed based on the establishment of the start condition, the variable ball section is switched to the entry allowable state to generate a special game state more advantageous than the normal game state. Game control means (main control board 920),
The main ball passage is disposed upstream of the variable ball portion, and in a case where the variable ball portion is in the entry allowable state, the main ball passage is located on the downstream side without entering the branch passage. All of the game balls flowing down to the value-added ball unit (at least a large winning device 434, a general prize device 439C) including at least the variable ball portion, and given a predetermined game value when the game ball enters. A gaming machine characterized by being configured as a ball passage capable of entering a ball.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 62, when the variable ball section is in the permissible entry state in the special game state, all of the game balls that have entered the main ball path enter the variable ball section in the special game state. Since it is configured to be able to be guided, all of the game balls that have entered the main ball passage without entering the branch passage can enter the variable entry ball portion or another value-added entry ball portion. The value-added ball entry unit is a ball entry unit to which a predetermined game value is given when a game ball enters, and includes a variable ball entry unit.

  Therefore, although a part of the game ball that has entered the main ball passage is sent out to the outer edge side of the game area via the branch passage, it is difficult for the player to grasp the fact and to enter the main ball passage. It is possible to give the player the illusion that all of the game balls that have been played are guided to the value-added ball entry section such as the variable ball entry section. Can be given to the player as if they were entering the game. Thereby, it is possible to improve the interest of the game in which the game ball is shot aiming at the variable ball entry section in the special game state.

<Feature 70>
It has a variable ball section that can switch between an entry allowed state in which game balls are allowed to enter and an entry restriction state in which game balls are less likely to enter than the entry allowed state, and is performed based on the establishment of a start condition. In a gaming machine that, when a predetermined lottery result is obtained by a predetermined lottery, switches the variable ball entry section to the entry allowable state to generate a special gaming state that is more advantageous than a normal gaming state,
A value-added entering ball unit (upper-prize-winning device 434, general winning device 439C) that includes at least the variable-entry-portion portion and is provided with a predetermined game value when a game ball enters;
A ball passage including three or more flow-down paths arranged on the upstream side of the variable ball entry part and arranged in the left-right direction, and when the variable ball part is in the entry permitted state, enters the ball passage; A first ball passage (lower right passage portion 810C) capable of guiding all of the game balls to the value-added entering ball portion,
A guide passage (branch passage 820) for guiding a game ball to an area that cannot enter the first ball passage;
A game ball that is connected to the upstream side of the first ball passage and has a branch opening (between the nail 411A and the nail 411B) to the guide passage, and a game ball that has entered the ball passage. A second ball passage (middle right passage portion 810B) for guiding to the first ball passage or the guide passage,
A third ball that includes three or more flow-down paths that are connected to the upstream side of the second ball path and are arranged in the left-right direction, and guides the game balls that have entered the ball path to the second ball path. Passage (upper right passage 810B),
A gaming machine comprising:

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Conventional typical pachinko machines have a variable winning device that can switch between an entry allowed state that allows the entry of a game ball and an entry prohibited state that inhibits the entry of a game ball, and the starting condition is satisfied. A configuration is known in which when a jackpot is won in a lottery performed on the basis of, a special game state is generated by switching the variable ball entry section to an entry allowable state (for example, JP-A-2014-004177). Therefore, a player playing with such a pachinko machine launches a game ball aiming at the variable winning device that has been switched to the entry permitting state in the special gaming state, and enters a game ball (game medium) into the variable winning device. As a result, it is possible to obtain a large number of prize balls (game value).

  However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines, such as the above-mentioned gaming machines, which can acquire a large number of prize balls by firing game balls aiming at the variable prize device switched to the entry allowable state in the special gaming state. was there. For example, for a player, it is preferable that all game balls shot and aimed at by himself / herself in the special game state enter the variable prize winning device. It is conceivable that all the played game balls enter the variable winning device. However, in such a configuration, there is a possibility that an excessive number of pitches may impose a management burden on the game arcade (hall) side.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 70, the variable entry ball section capable of switching between an entry allowed state in which the game ball is allowed to enter and an entry restriction state in which the game ball is less likely to enter than the entry allowed state. A first ball passage is provided further upstream. A second ball passage is continuously provided upstream of the first ball passage, and a third ball passage is continuously provided upstream of the second ball passage. The second ball passage is provided with a branch to the guide passage. The guide passage is a ball passage that guides the game ball to an area that cannot enter the first ball passage. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the third ball passage enters the second ball passage via the third ball passage, and enters the first ball passage or the guide passage.

  The first ball passage is configured such that all of the game balls that have entered the first ball passage can be guided to the value-added ball portion when the variable ball portion is in the entry allowable state. All of the game balls that have entered the first ball path through the second ball path can enter the variable ball section or other value-added ball sections. The value-added ball entry unit is a ball entry unit to which a predetermined game value is given when a game ball enters, and includes a variable ball entry unit.

  On the other hand, since the second ball passage is provided with a branch to the guide passage, not all of the game balls that have entered the third ball passage enter the first ball passage, and some of them do not enter the first ball passage. The vehicle is guided to an area that cannot enter the first ball passage via the guide passage.

  Here, the first ball passage and the third ball passage sandwiching the second ball passage are each configured as a ball passage including three or more flow-down paths arranged in the left-right direction. It is difficult to identify the flow path of the game ball in the game, and the player's line of sight is dispersed. In addition, during the special game state, the player has a characteristic place in the special game state (for example, a variable ball entry section downstream of the first ball passage or a display section for displaying an effect in the special game state). Therefore, even if the game ball flowing down the third ball passage enters the guide passage without entering the first ball passage in the second ball passage, it is difficult for the player to recognize it.

  Therefore, all of the game balls that have entered the third ball passage despite the fact that a portion of the game balls that have entered the third ball passage are guided through the guide passage to an area that cannot enter the first ball passage. Can be given to a player as if the player were guided to a value-added ball entry section such as a variable ball entry section via the first ball passage, whereby a large number of game balls could be sensuously sensed in the special game state. Can be given to the player as if the player had entered the variable pitching section. Thereby, it is possible to improve the interest of the game in which the game ball is shot aiming at the variable ball entry section in the special game state.

  Therefore, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 70, in the special gaming state, the entertainment value of the game in which the game ball is fired aiming at the variable ball entry portion is improved, and the gaming value acquired by the player becomes excessive, and It is possible to achieve both the reduction of the disadvantage to the (hall) side.

  In addition, it is preferable that the variable ball entry portion disposed downstream of the first ball passage has a configuration having an entrance opening to a predetermined width that is twice or more the diameter of the game ball in the entry permitted state. As a result, the game balls flowing down the first ball passage can enter the variable ball entry section from various positions in the width direction of the wide variable ball entry section while scattering left and right, so that a large number of game balls are sensuously sensed. Can be given to the player as if the player had entered the variable ball-in section.

  In addition, the variable ball entry portion may have an entrance (winning opening) for a game ball configured to have a predetermined width twice or more the diameter of the game ball, and the movable member that opens and closes the entrance portion allows entry. The state may be switched between the state and the entry restriction state, or a movable part that opens and closes a passage part of the game ball having a predetermined width equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball provided at the downstream side with respect to the entrance part. The member may switch between the entry permitting state and the entry restriction state. In addition, the variable entry ball section may be configured such that an entrance is opened so that game balls can enter in an entry permitted state, and the entrance is closed so that game balls do not enter in an entry restricted state, or an entry permitted state. The game ball may be guided to the entrance at, and the game ball may not be guided to the entrance in the entry restricted state.

<Feature 71>
A gaming machine according to feature 70,
A viewable portion (a front plate 222, a rear plate) formed of a light-transmitting member that allows at least a part of the game area to be viewed from the front side by being arranged on the front side of the game area where the game ball can flow down. 223), and a front side member (front block) formed around the viewable portion and including a non-viewable portion (front decoration body 210) configured to make the front side to the back side invisible or difficult to see. 102),
The first ball passage, the second ball passage, and the third ball passage are provided at positions overlapping in the front-back direction with respect to the visible portion of the front side member,
The guide passage is provided at a position where at least a part of the game ball overlaps the invisible portion of the front side member in the front-rear direction when the game ball completely enters the guide passage. A gaming machine.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 71, the first ball passage, the second ball passage, and the third ball passage overlap in the front-rear direction with the visible portion of the front member, which is formed of the light transmitting member. Since these ball passages are provided at the positions, these ball passages can be visually recognized from the front side via the visible portion. On the other hand, at the time when the game ball completely enters the guide passage, at least a part of the game ball is configured to be invisible or difficult to view from the front side to the back side. Since the game ball that has entered the guide passage from the second ball passage is provided at a position overlapping in the front-rear direction with respect to the portion, the game ball enters the guide passage at the same time or immediately after entering the guide passage, the rear side of the invisible portion And thereby get out of the player's view. This makes it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the guide passage in the second ball passage.

  In the gaming machine described in the feature 71, the "time when the game ball completely enters the guide passage" may be, for example, a surface at which the game ball forms a branch port (entrance of the guide passage) to the guide passage. (That is, the game ball that has entered the guide passage may be in contact with the surface, and the game ball may have entered the guide passage to a position where it cannot return to the second ball passage). It may be.

<Feature 72>
A gaming machine according to feature 70 or 71,
The first ball passage, the second ball passage, and the third ball passage are formed in a right or left region in a game region in which a game ball can flow down,
The branch to the guide passage (between the nail 411A and the nail 411B) is within an area having a predetermined width in the vertical direction around a line segment having the maximum length in the left-right direction in the game area. A gaming machine characterized in that it is formed at an end of the game area where the second ball passage is formed.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 72, the branching opening to the guide passage is located within an area having a predetermined width in a vertical direction around a line segment having a maximum length in the left-right direction in the gaming area, and The second ball passage in the region is formed on the end side on the side where the second ball passage is formed. In other words, the branch to the guide passage is arranged at the end of the widest range in the left-right direction in the game area or a range similar thereto, so that it is difficult for the line of sight of the player to reach the branch to the guide passage. Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the guide passage from the branch opening.

  In the gaming machine described in the feature 71, the "region having a predetermined width in the vertical direction around the line segment having the maximum length in the left-right direction in the gaming region" is, for example, crossing the center of the gaming region in the left-right direction. It is preferable that the width of the vertical direction is about 25% of the height of the game area around the line segment, and the center of the line segment crossing the center of the game area in the horizontal direction is the game area. It is preferable that the width of the vertical direction is about 15% of the height of the game area, and about 5% of the height of the game area is centered on a line that crosses the center of the game area in the left-right direction. Is preferably an area having a length in the vertical direction.

<Feature 73>
A gaming machine according to any of features 70 to 72,
A ball guiding portion (a row of nails including nails 411B, 411C, and 411D, a passage wall 811) arranged to guide game balls in a direction inclined downward toward the branch to the guide passage;
In the arrangement section of the ball guiding portion, a flow-down passage portion (between the nails 411B and 411C, between the nails 411C and 411D) formed so as to allow the game balls to flow in a direction intersecting with the downwardly inclined direction. And between,
With
A game machine wherein a game ball that has passed through the downflow passage portion enters the first ball passage without entering the guide passage.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 73, since the ball guiding portion is provided so as to guide the gaming ball in a direction inclined downward toward the branch to the guide passage, the flowing gaming ball is relatively fast. The guide can be guided to the branch with a natural flow, and can enter the guide passage from the branch. On the other hand, in the arrangement section of the ball guiding portion, a downflow passage portion capable of flowing down the game ball is formed in a direction intersecting with the downwardly inclined direction, and the game ball passes through the downflow passage portion. It is possible to enter the first ball passage without entering the guide passage.

  The flow of the game ball passing through the downflow passage portion to enter the first ball passage is unnatural and slow compared to the case where the game ball flows naturally along the ball guiding portion, and therefore, the player has the The flow tends to remain in the impression. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the game ball has entered the guide passage from the branch opening.

  Note that at least one feature described in the features 10 to 73 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 gaming 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, and 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 given 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.

Reference numeral 100: pachinko machine, 250: firing operation device, 252: firing handle, 330: firing device, 400: game board, 402: outer rail, 403: inner rail, 404: return ball prevention mechanism, 405: recoil prevention member, 407: Left downflow area, 408: Right downflow area, 409: Middle downflow area, 420: Central structure, 421 ... Left wall section, 422 ... Right wall section, 423 ... Middle wall section, 424 ... Guide passage, 424A ... Approach Mouth, 424B ... Discharge port, 425 ... Route switching mechanism, 425A ... Delay guide passage plate, 433 ... Lower prize winning device, 434 ... Higher prize winning device, 443 ... Lower prize winning switch, 444 ... Upper winning switch, 479 ... Decorative pattern display device, 432: right start winning device, 442: right start winning switch, 708: right downflow region, 708A: entrance of right downflow region, 709: middle downflow region, 709A: middle flow Entrance of area, 731 upper right start winning device, 741 upper right start winning switch, 920 main control board, 940 auxiliary control board, J ... information on possible leaving, 810 right ball passage, 810A upper right passage , 810B: middle right passage, 810C: lower right passage, 820: branch passage

Claims (1)

It has a variable ball section that can switch between an entry allowed state in which game balls are allowed to enter and an entry restriction state in which game balls are less likely to enter than the entry allowed state, and is performed based on the establishment of a start condition. In a gaming machine that, when a predetermined lottery result is obtained by a predetermined lottery, switches the variable ball entry section to the entry allowable state to generate a special gaming state that is more advantageous than a normal gaming state,
At least including the variable ball entry section, a value-added entry ball section to which a predetermined game value is given when a game ball enters,
A ball passage including a plurality of flow-down paths arranged on the upstream side of the variable ball entry portion and arranged in the left-right direction, and entered the ball passage when the variable ball portion is in the entry allowable state; A first ball passage capable of guiding all of the game balls to the value-added entry part,
A guide path for guiding a game ball to an area that cannot enter the first ball path;
A ball passage connected to an upstream side of the first ball passage and having a branch opening to the guide passage, wherein a game ball entering the ball passage is transferred to the first ball passage or the guide passage. A second ball passage to guide,
A third ball passage that includes a plurality of flow-down paths connected to the upstream side of the second ball passage and lined up in the left-right direction, and guides game balls that have entered the ball passage to the second ball passage; When,
With
The first ball passage and the third ball passage are configured to have at least a section in which a passage portion thicker than the second ball passage is vertically continuous.
The variable ball entry portion is provided on the downstream side with respect to the first ball passage, and a ball entrance that is longer than a width of an exit portion in which a plurality of flow-down paths are arranged in the first ball passage in the left-right direction. A gaming machine characterized in that all of the game balls that flow down from the exit portion when the variable ball portion is in the entry permitted state are allowed to enter.