JP2020114407A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of optimally shortening a time taken for the whole period of a specific game state where an opening/closing member is changed into an open state and a closed state.SOLUTION: A first variable winning device 32a makes an opening/closing door 410 open according to any of a winning of a normal jackpot state and a winning of a probability variable jackpot state, makes the opening/closing door 410 close on the basis of a lapse of a maximum open time or entry of a prescribed number of balls, and, after a lapse of a closed time that is set shorter than the maximum open time, repeats a game of returning the opening/closing door 410 to the open state a prescribed number of times (e.g., 16 rounds). In the period of the jackpot state, a game ball coming into contact with the opening/closing door 410 in the closed state is retained at a retention part until the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state, and, when the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state, the game ball retained in the retention part is discharged toward a large winning hole 32A. This configuration can shorten the time taken for the whole period of the jackpot state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a game machine including a variable ball entrance device.

Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, for example, there is a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine provided with a variable ball entrance device having an opening/closing operation member.

JP-A-9-700 (page 4, FIG. 1)

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, the conventional gaming machine has a problem that the time taken for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state cannot be further shortened.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is possible to suitably shorten the time required for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state. The purpose is to provide.

The present invention has the following configuration in order to achieve such an object.
That is, the invention according to claim 1 is
A game board having a game area where game balls can flow down,
With a ball entering part where game balls can enter,
A variable ball entry means having one open/close operation member that operates in an open state in which a game ball easily enters the ball entry section and a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the ball entry section more easily than in the open state. When,
A first entrance detecting means and a second entrance detecting means, which are arranged in an area where the opening and closing of the first opening/closing member is possible.
A payout means for paying out a prize ball based on the detection of a ball entered by the first ball detection means and a prize ball based on a ball detected by the second ball detection means;
In response to the establishment of a first condition that is a specific game state advantageous to the player, the first opening/closing member is opened, and based on at least one of the lapse of a first predetermined period or a predetermined number of balls entered, A gaming machine in which the opening/closing operation member is closed and a game operation of returning the opening/closing operation member 1 to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times after a second predetermined period shorter than the first predetermined period has elapsed. There
The variable ball entering means,
During the period of the specific game state, the game ball in contact with the one opening/closing operation member in the closed state flows down on the one opening/closing operation member for at least the second predetermined period, so that the opening/closing operation of the first When the member is returned to the open state, the game ball is configured to be discharged toward the ball entering portion.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to preferably shorten the time required for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko machine of Example 1 of the present invention. It is a front view showing a configuration of a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display content of a 3rd symbol display device, FIG.5(a) shows the state with which the main decorative symbol was gathered, and FIG.5(b) shows the state with which the sub-decorative symbol was gathered. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of various counters used for game control. It is a flow chart which shows the main processing by the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a flowchart showing a first symbol variation process. It is a flow chart which shows change start processing. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart showing a start winning process. It is a flow chart which shows NMI interruption processing. It is a flow chart which shows the main processing by a payment control device. It is a flow chart which shows payout control processing. It is a flow chart which shows prize ball control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a ball rental control process. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing executed by a CPU of a sub control device. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of normal processing executed by a CPU of a sub control device. It is a perspective view of the first variable winning device, FIG. 20 (a) shows a state in which the main body case is mounted, and FIG. 20 (b) shows a state in which the plate portion is removed from the main body case. 21A is a front view of the first variable winning device, FIG. 21A shows a state in which the main body case is mounted, and FIG. 21B shows a state in which the plate portion is removed from the main body case. It is an AA line sectional view of the 1st variable winning a prize device shown in Drawing 21 (a), Drawing 22 (a) shows a closed state of the 1st variable winning a prize device, and Drawing 22 (b) the 1st variable winning a prize The open state of the device is shown. It is a perspective view of an opening/closing door and a drive part. It is a BB line sectional view of the 1st variable winning a prize device shown in Drawing 21 (a), and is a figure especially showing a stopping part. It is an exploded perspective view of the first variable winning device as seen from the front side of the gaming machine. It is an exploded perspective view of the first variable winning device as seen from the rear side of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart showing a special winning opening opening and closing process. It is a perspective view explaining an opening/closing operation of an opening/closing door, Drawing 28 (a) shows a closed state before it becomes a big hit state, and Drawing 28 (b) shows an open state of the 1st round of a big hit state. It is a perspective view explaining the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door following FIG. 28, FIG. 29( a) shows the closed state after the first round, and FIG. 29( b) shows the opened state after the second round. .. It is a timing chart showing the opening and closing timing of the opening and closing door and the detection timing of the game ball. It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. It is a perspective view of the 3rd variable winning a prize device concerning Example 2, Drawing 32 (a) shows the state where the body case was attached, and Drawing 32 (b) shows the state where the plate part of the body case was removed. It is a flowchart which shows the normal electric auditors product opening/closing process which concerns on Example 2. It is a timing chart showing the opening and closing timing of the opening and closing door and the detection timing of the game ball. It is a perspective view of the 1st variable winning a prize device concerning a modification, Drawing 35 (a) shows a stop state of a stop, and Drawing 35 (b) shows a stop cancellation state of a stop. It is a perspective view of the 1st variable winning a prize device concerning another modification, Drawing 36 (a) shows a stop state of a stop, and Drawing 36 (b) shows a stop release state of a stop.

The present specification also discloses the following inventions relating to the gaming machine.
In the following embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the directions of up, down, left, right, front and back (or back, front) will be described with reference to a state where the game board is viewed from the front, that is, a front view of the game board. Further, in the present specification, "ball entry" means entry of a game ball into a ball entry port into which a game ball can enter, and entry of a game ball into a prize hole from which prize balls can be paid out. In other words, it is meant to include both "winning prizes" and entering game balls into the entrance where the prize balls cannot be paid out.

Further, conventionally, as a method of attempting to shorten the time required for the entire period of the specific game state, there has been a case of shortening or eliminating the time of the closed state provided between the open states in the specific game state. In such a method, the game ball that entered the ball entering portion during the previous open state remains as the remaining ball at the end of the open period, and is detected during the next open state. There was something. Since this kind of situation impairs the profits of the player, it is difficult to shorten the time between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state, and still the time required for the entire jackpot state period is sufficiently short. The problem of not being able to do that remains.
Conventionally, as a game machine of this type, for example, a game board having a game area in which a game ball can flow down is provided, and a game ball into which the game ball can enter and a game ball into the ball unit are easy to enter. There is a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine provided with a variable ball entry device having an open state and an opening/closing operation member that operates in a closed state in which a game ball is less likely to enter the ball entry portion than the open state. This type of gaming machine gives a predetermined gaming value when the result of the lottery triggered by the ball entering the starting opening is a winning in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player. The predetermined game value is, for example, the opening/closing operation member is opened only for a first predetermined time, and the opening/closing operation member is closed based on the lapse of the first predetermined time or a predetermined number of balls entered. After a lapse of a second predetermined time period shorter than the first predetermined time period, a game in which the opening/closing operation member is returned to the open state is performed a plurality of times, and a predetermined game value is given to the ball entering the ball entering portion To do. The above-mentioned opening/closing operation member becomes an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the ball entering portion by continuing to open the opening/closing operation member during the first predetermined time, and the opening/closing operation member during the first predetermined time. By opening and closing a plurality of times, there is a game ball in an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the ball entering portion. (JP-A-9-700 (page 4, FIG. 1))
However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, even if the conventional game machine shoots a game ball during a specific game state in which the opening/closing member changes between the open state and the closed state, the opening/closing operation is performed when the game ball reaches the variable ball entrance device. When the member is in the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the ball entering portion. Therefore, there is a problem that the time required for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing member changes between the open state and the closed state cannot be further shortened.
The invention described in (1) below is made in view of such circumstances, and preferably shortens the time required for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing member changes between the open state and the closed state. An object is to provide a game machine capable of playing.

(1) A game board having a game area where game balls can flow down,
Opening and closing of a ball entry part into which the game ball can enter, and an open state in which the game ball enters the ball entry part easily and a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the ball entry part more easily than the open state. A variable ball entrance device having an opening/closing member for opening and closing,
The opening/closing operation member is opened according to the establishment of a first condition that is a specific game state advantageous to the player, and the opening/closing is performed based on at least one of a lapse of a first predetermined time and a predetermined number of incoming balls. A gaming machine that repeats a game in which the operating member is returned to the open state a predetermined number of times after a second predetermined time set to be shorter than the first predetermined time has elapsed, with the operating member in a closed state,
The variable ball entrance device,
During the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball in contact with the opening/closing operation member in the closed state until the opening/closing operation member is returned to the open state. A game machine characterized by comprising a stopping part configured to be stopped for a while, and when the opening/closing operation member is returned to an open state, the stopped game ball is discharged toward the ball entering part.

According to the invention described in the above (1), the ball entering portion into which the game ball can enter, the open state in which the game ball easily enters the ball entering portion, and the game ball in the ball entering portion from this open state The variable ball entrance device having an opening/closing operation member that opens and closes to a closed state where it is difficult to enter a ball opens the opening/closing operation member in response to establishment of a first condition that is a specific game state advantageous to a player, The opening/closing operation member is closed based on at least one of the first predetermined time and the predetermined number of balls entered, and after the second predetermined time set shorter than the first predetermined time has elapsed, the opening/closing operation member The game of returning to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times. The variable ball entering device, during the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball in contact with the opening/closing operation member in the closed state causes the opening/closing operation member to return to the open state. The game machine includes a stop portion that is stopped until the opening/closing operation member is returned to the open state and that the stopped game ball is discharged toward the ball entrance portion.

As a result, in the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that comes into contact with the opening/closing operation member in the closed state until the opening/closing operation member is returned to the open state. Stopped at the stop. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the ball entrance portion when the opening/closing operation member is returned to the open state. Therefore, even if the game ball reaches the variable ball-entering device at the timing when the opening/closing member is in the closed state, which cannot be entered in the ball-entering part in the conventional game machine, the ball enters the ball-entering part. Can be made. Therefore, the time required for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state can be suitably shortened.

In addition, since the time required for the entire period of the specific game state is shortened, whether or not the player generates the specific game state more times than the conventional gaming machine even at the same time. Since there is a chance that a lottery will be available, it is possible to enhance the fun of the game.

Further, conventionally, as a method of attempting to shorten the time required for the entire period of the specific game state, there is a case where the time provided between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state is shortened or eliminated. In such a method, the game ball that entered the ball entering portion during the previous open state remains as the remaining ball at the end of the open period, and is detected during the next open state. There was something. Since this kind of situation impairs the profits of the player, it is difficult to shorten the time between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state, and still the time required for the entire jackpot state period is sufficiently short. I couldn't. However, by providing the variable ball entry device according to the invention described in (1) above, during the time between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state, the game ball is retained in the retaining portion. , The remaining ball does not remain in the ball-in portion, and the stopped ball can be used for detection during the next open state period. As a result, the remaining ball can be appropriately processed without leaving a predetermined time between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state, and the time required for the entire period of the specific game state is suitably shortened. be able to.

(2) In the gaming machine described in (1) above,
The ball entering portion is a first ball entering area in which a game ball can enter, and a second ball entering area that is an area in which a game ball can enter and is provided at a position different from the first ball entering area. Has and
The opening/closing operation member is configured to change the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area between an open state and a closed state by performing an opening/closing operation.
The stopping portion opens and closes the game ball that is in contact with the opening and closing operation member in an attempt to enter the first ball entering area during the specific game state in which the opening and closing operation member changes between an open state and a closed state. A gaming machine characterized in that the operating member stays in a closed state and is discharged toward the second ball entry area when the opening/closing operating member is returned to the open state.

According to the invention described in (2) above, the ball entrance portion has a first ball entrance area and a second ball entrance area provided at a position different from the first ball entrance area. The opening/closing member changes the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area between the open state and the closed state. During the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that comes into contact with the opening/closing operation member in an attempt to enter the first entry area is while the opening/closing operation member is in the closed state. Stop at the stop. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the second ball entry area when the opening/closing member is returned to the open state.

In this respect, in the conventional gaming machine, even when the game ball reaches the variable ball entrance device while the opening/closing operation member is in the open state, all the reached game balls enter the ball entrance part. There were times when I couldn't. That is, when the game balls reach the variable ball-entering device continuously while the opening/closing member is in the open state, all the game balls that have reached the variable ball-entering device are allowed to enter the ball-entering portion. It may take some time until some of the game balls that have reached the variable ball entrance device overflow to the outside of the variable ball entrance device.

On the other hand, by configuring as described in (2) above, the game ball that reaches the variable ball entry device enters the first ball entry area while the opening/closing operation member is initially open. Although it is possible to play the ball, the game ball does not enter the second entry area because the game ball is not parked in the stopping part. Next, while the opening/closing member is in the closed state, the game ball does not enter the first entry area or the second entry area, and can be retained in the retention portion. Next, while the opening/closing operation member is in the open state, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area, and if the game ball is parked in the stopping portion, the parked game ball is the second ball. It becomes possible to enter the entry area. Next, while the opening/closing member is in the closed state, the game ball can be retained in the retaining portion again without entering the first ball entry area or the second ball entry area. Next, when the opening/closing operation member is returned to the open state, the game ball can enter the first ball entering area again, and if the game ball is stopped at the stop portion, the game is stopped. The ball can enter the second entrance area. Thereafter, the opening/closing operation member opens/closes until a predetermined number of times is reached.

In this way, except for the first time, the game ball that has reached the variable ball entrance device can enter the ball from both the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area while the opening/closing member is in the open state. Therefore, even when the game ball continuously reaches the variable ball entrance device during the period in which the opening/closing member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that reaches the variable ball entrance device is moved to the first ball entry area. Since it is possible to enter the ball from the second entrance area, it is possible to quickly enter the game ball reaching the variable entrance device into the entrance portion. As a result, the loss of time due to the game ball reaching the variable ball entrance device overflowing outside the variable ball entrance device can be reduced, so that the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state. It is possible to preferably shorten the time required for the entire period of the gaming state.

In addition, the entry area in which the game ball that flows down the game area is about to enter the entry area, and the entry area in which the game ball stopped at the stop portion is about to enter is the same entry area. Since it is provided at a different position in the ball part, the game ball that has flowed down the game area collides with the game ball stopped at the stop part and some of the game balls cannot enter the ball entrance part. Fear is reduced. As a result, the loss of time due to collision between game balls and the inability to enter during the period when the opening/closing member changes to the open state is reduced, so the time required for the entire period of the specific game state is preferable. Can be shortened to

(3) In the gaming machine described in (2) above,
The first ball entry area and the second ball entry area are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the game area in a front view of the game board,
The game machine, wherein the stopping portion is located between the first entry area and the second entry area.

According to the invention described in (3) above, the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the game area in a front view of the game board. The stop portion is located between the first entrance area and the second entrance area. Therefore, while the opening/closing operation member is in the closed state, the game ball that has come into contact with the opening/closing operation member can be smoothly stopped at the stop portion, and the game ball stopped at the stop portion can be smoothly moved to the second entry area. Can be sent to. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time taken to end the game state that is advantageous to the player.

(4) In the gaming machine described in (2) or (3) above,
The first entry area is arranged such that a height of the game area in a vertical direction is higher than that of the second entry area in a front view of the game board,
The game machine is characterized in that the stop portion has a descending guide portion that guides a game ball in a descending direction from the first entrance area to the second entrance area.

According to the invention described in (4) above, the first ball entry area is arranged such that the height of the game area in the vertical direction is higher than that of the second ball entry area when the game board is viewed from the front, The stop portion has a descending guide portion that guides the game ball in the descending direction from the first entrance area to the second entrance area. Therefore, the stopped game ball is vigorously guided from the first ball entry area toward the second ball entry area. As a result, even if the game balls are successively fired toward the first ball entry area during the period when the opening/closing member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball stopped inside the variable ball entry device is clogged. Fear is reduced.

(5) In the gaming machine described in at least one of (2) to (4) above,
The variable ball entering device forms a stop passage for guiding the game ball from the first ball entering area to the second ball entering area while changing the traveling direction of the game ball stopped at the stop portion. A gaming machine having a passage forming portion.

According to the invention described in (5) above, the game ball stopped at the stop portion is changed in the traveling direction by the stop passage formed by the passage forming portion, and is moved from the first entrance area to the second entrance ball. You will be guided towards the area. Therefore, by changing the advancing direction of the game ball in the stopping portion, as compared with the case of guiding the game ball from the first entering area to the second entering area without changing the advancing direction, the stopping of the playing ball The time can be set longer.

(6) In the gaming machine described in (5) above,
The passage forming portion is at least a backward facing guide portion that guides the game ball from the front side to the back side of the board surface of the game board, and a forward facing direction that guides the game ball from the back side to the front side of the board surface of the game board. A game machine characterized by being combined with a guide section.

According to the invention described in (6) above, the passage forming portion is at least a backward facing guide portion for guiding the game ball from the front side to the back side of the board surface of the game board, and the game ball for the board surface of the game board. It is formed by a combination with the front facing guide part that guides from the back side to the front side, so you can freely stop the game ball by the combination of the back facing guide part, the back side guiding part and the front facing guide part. Can be designed.

(7) In the gaming machine described in at least one of (2) to (6) above,
The game machine is characterized in that the stopping portion includes a speed reducing portion that reduces the speed of a game ball guided from the first ball entering area to the second ball entering area.

According to the invention described in (7) above, the speed of the game ball stopped in the stop portion is reduced by the speed reduction unit when being guided from the first entrance area to the second entrance area, so the opening/closing operation is performed. It is possible to secure the second predetermined time in which the member is in the closed state.

(8) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (2) to (7) above,
The variable ball entering device detects a ball entering a game ball into the first ball entering area, and a second ball detecting part detects a ball entering a game ball into the second ball entering area. With a sphere detection unit,
The game machine characterized in that the first detection unit and the second detection unit are respectively disposed directly below the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area.

According to the invention described in (8) above, the first entry detecting unit for detecting entry of the game ball into the first entry area is arranged immediately below the first entry area, and the second entry section is provided. The second entry detection unit for detecting the entry of the game ball into the ball area is arranged directly below the second entry area. Therefore, even when the stopped state is released and the ball entering the first ball entering area and the ball entering the second ball entering area occur simultaneously at the same time, the ball clogging in the ball entering portion is prevented. It is possible to realize reduction and reduction in detection time.

(9) In the game machine described in at least one of (1) to (8) above,
The game board is provided with an image display device for displaying a special game moving image that operates a predetermined character image during the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between an open state and a closed state,
The game area is an area narrower than the lateral width of the image display device, and a left narrow area formed on the left lateral side of the image display device and a right formed on the right lateral side of the image display device. Has a narrow region,
The variable ball entrance device is disposed either in the left narrow region or below the left narrow region, or in either the right narrow region or below the right narrow region. Characteristic gaming machine.

According to the invention described in (9) above, the game area has a narrow left area and a narrow right area that are narrower than the lateral width of the image display apparatus, and the narrow left area is the left lateral side of the image display apparatus. The right narrow region is formed on the right lateral side of the image display device. The variable ball entrance device is disposed either in the narrow left area or below the narrow left area, or in the right narrow area or below the right narrow area. Therefore, it is possible to enter as many game balls as possible toward the variable ball entrance device into the ball entrance part of the variable ball entrance device. That is, when the variable ball entering device is arranged in the center of the game area, the game balls flowing down the game area flow down by colliding with the game members such as nails and windmills arranged in the game area. In many cases, the direction of the ball is changed and the ball comes out of the ball entrance portion of the variable ball entrance device. On the other hand, when the variable ball entrance device is arranged in the narrow left area or the narrow right area of the game area, the game ball flowing down the game area is affected by the above-mentioned game members. Since the downflow direction changes only within the lateral width of the narrow left region and the narrow right region, it is easy to enter the ball entering portion of the variable ball entering device. This is the same when the variable ball entrance device is arranged below the left narrow region or below the right narrow region. Therefore, the time required for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state can be suitably shortened.

(10) In the gaming machine described in at least one of (1) to (9) above,
A game machine characterized in that the upper portion of the stopping portion is covered with a cover portion.

According to the invention described in (10) above, since the upper portion of the stopping portion is covered by the cover portion, it is possible to prevent the game ball flowing down the game area and the game ball stopped at the stopping portion from colliding with each other. can do.

(11) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (1) to (10) above,
The stop portion is operated in a stop state in which a game ball can be stopped, and a stop release state in which the stop state is released and the stopped game ball is discharged toward the entrance portion,
The stop portion is operated in a stop state when the opening/closing operation member is operated in a closed state, and is operated in a stop release state when the opening/closing operation member is operated in an open state. Machine.

According to the invention described in (11), when the opening/closing operation member is operated in the closed state, the retaining portion is operated in the retention state in which the game ball can be retained, and the opening/closing operation member is operated in the open state. In this case, the stopped state is released, and the stopped game ball is discharged to the ball entering portion to be released to the stopped state. Therefore, when the opening/closing member is operated in the open state, the stopped game ball is forcibly discharged. As a result, the stationary state and the next open state can be quickly switched.

(12) In the gaming machine according to (11) above,
The opening/closing member is provided with the retaining portion on its upper surface,
The gaming machine is characterized in that when the opening/closing operation member is operated in a closed state, the detention state is in the detention state, and when the opening/closing operation member is operated in an open state, the detention state is released.

According to the invention described in the above (12), the opening/closing operation member includes the retaining portion on the upper surface thereof, and the retaining portion enters the retaining state when the opening/closing operation member is operated in the closed state, and the opening/closing operation member opens. When it is operated in the state, it becomes the non-holding state. Therefore, by merely operating the opening/closing operation member, the game ball can be switched between the stopped state and the stopped state. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and miniaturize the variable ball entrance device having the function of stopping the game ball, because the member for stopping the game ball need not be provided.

(13) In the gaming machine described in at least one of (1) to (12) above,
The opening/closing member is an advancing/retreating member that can be moved forward and backward.
The advancing/retreating member retracts the back side of the board of the game board to open the ball entry portion, and advances the front side of the board surface of the game board to close the ball entry portion. The thing
The game machine, wherein the stopping portion is configured to hold the game ball that has passed over the advancing/retreating member in the closed state.

According to the invention described in (13) above, the opening/closing operation member is an advancing/retreating member capable of advancing and retracting forward and backward. When the advancing/retreating member moves backward from the board surface of the game board, the ball entering portion is opened, and when the advancing/retreating member moves forward from the board surface to the front side, the ball entering portion is closed. The game ball passing over the closed/advanced member is stopped at the stop portion. Therefore, the vertical width in the variable ball entrance device required to be in the open state and the closed state can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the ball entry portion is opened or closed by the rotation of the opening/closing operation member. it can. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the variable ball entrance device having the function of stopping the game ball.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as "pachinko machine") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a back view of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the display contents of the third symbol display device, FIG. 5(a) shows a state where the main decorative symbols are arranged, and FIG. 5(b) shows a state where the subsidiary decorative symbols are arranged. ..

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and is fixed to a game island of a game hall (hole), and one side portion of the outer frame 11 (for example, a front surface). Inner frame 12 supported to the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable with the opening/closing axis as the opening/closing axis, and one side (for example, the left side in front view) of the inner frame 12 as the opening/closing axis. 12 and a front frame set 14 that is attached so as to be openable and closable.

The outer frame 11 is made of a wooden plate material in a rectangular shape as a whole when viewed from the front, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. In the present embodiment, for example, the outer dimension of the outer frame 11 in the vertical direction is 809 mm (inner dimension 771 mm), and the outer dimension in the left-right direction is 518 mm (inner dimension 480 mm). The outer frame 11 may be made of resin or a light metal such as aluminum.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inner frame 12 is roughly divided into a lower plate unit 13 attached to the lowermost part, and a vertical opening/closing on the left side of the inner frame 12 in a range above the lower plate unit 13. The front frame set 14 is attached so as to be openable and closable about an axis, and the game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to a resin base (not shown) having a rectangular outer shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower tray unit 13 is fixed to the inner frame 12 by fasteners such as screws. On the front side of the lower plate unit 13, a lower plate 15, a ball removing lever 17, a game ball launching handle 18, and a sound output port 24 are provided. The lower tray 15 as a ball receiving tray is provided in the substantially central portion of the lower tray unit 13, and the game balls discharged from the outlet 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. The ball pulling lever 17 is for pulling out the game ball in the lower plate 15. By moving the ball pulling lever 17 to the left side in FIG. 1, a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the lower plate 15 is opened, The game balls stored in the plate 15 can be pulled out to the outside in the downward direction through the opening portion of the bottom surface of the lower plate 15. The game ball launching handle 18 is disposed so as to project to the front side on the right side of the lower plate 15. In response to the operation of the game ball launching handle 18 by the player, the game ball launching device 38 drives the game ball toward the game board 30 described later. The game ball launching device 38 includes, for example, the game ball launching handle 18 and the launching device 229 (see FIG. 4). The sound output port 24 is an output port for outputting a sound from a speaker provided inside or on the back surface of the lower plate unit 13.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 is attached to the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable, and like the inner frame 12, has an opening/closing shaft extending vertically to the left when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. It is designed so that it can be opened to the front side as an axis.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower portion of the front frame set 14 (above the lower plate 15 described above) is integrally provided with an upper plate 19 as a tray for playing game balls. Here, the upper plate 19 is a ball receiving plate for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them toward the game ball launching device 38 while aligning them in a line. Further, the front frame set 14 is formed with a substantially elliptical window portion 101 so that most of the game area 30a (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30 can be visually recognized from the outside. More specifically, the window portion 101 is a frame body having a substantially central portion on the left and right sides that is a substantially elliptical shape that is curved more gently than the upper and lower sides, and has a hollow center. A substantially elliptical glass plate 137 is attached to the hollow portion of. This glass plate 137 has a double glass structure. The substantially central portion of the window portion 101 may be linear, and the glass plate 137 may be adapted to the shape. Further, the glass plate 137 is not limited to glass and may be made of any material as long as it is a transparent plate having a predetermined strength.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 includes a frame button 20 (effect button) at a lower left portion of the upper plate 19 for receiving an operation instruction (for example, a pressing instruction) from the player. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame button 20 is connected to the sub control device 262. For example, when the predetermined operation valid condition is satisfied, the operation of the frame button 20 becomes valid, and the frame button 20 is pressed to change the screen display of the third symbol display device 42 or change the output sound, The player can actively participate in the game, such as changing the lamp display.

In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around the window portion 101 (for example, a corner portion) on the front side thereof. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect during the game by controlling the light emitting mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. For example, on the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and at the center of the annular illumination portion 102 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, Similarly, a central lighting unit 103 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided. In the pachinko machine 10, the central lighting section 103 functions as a jackpot lamp, and lights up or blinks when the jackpot hits to notify that the jackpot is being hit. In addition, on the right and left sides of the central illumination portion 103, there are provided a prize ball lamp 105 that lights up during prize ball payout and an error display lamp 106 that lights up when a predetermined error occurs. Further, a small window 107 made of transparent resin is provided so as to be adjacent to the lower end of the annular illumination portion 102 so that a part of the surface of the inner frame 12 or the surface of the game board 30 can be visually recognized. Since the predetermined portion of the small window 107 has a flat shape, it is possible to suitably read the certificate stamp or the like attached to the lower right corner of the game board 30 by a machine from the flat portion of the small window 107.

Further, a ball rental operation unit 120 is arranged below the window 101, and the ball rental operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123. When the ball rental operation unit 120 is operated in the state where banknotes, cards, etc. are inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, gaming balls are lent according to the operation. Done. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a loan ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the loan ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as there is a balance on the card or the like. To be done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting return of a card or the like inserted in the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays the balance information of a card or the like. It should be noted that the ball rental operation unit 120 is not required in a so-called cash machine, which is a pachinko machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit. Therefore, a decorative sticker or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. As a result, the ball rental operation unit can be shared between the pachinko machine and the cash machine using the card unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 is made of square plywood, and is attached with its peripheral portion abutting the back side of the resin base (not shown) of the inner frame 12, and this game board is attached. A game area 30a, which is a substantially central portion on the front surface side of 30, is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the substantially circular window portion 101 (glass plate 137) shown in FIG.

Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 includes a general winning opening 31, a first variable winning device 32a, a second variable winning device 32b, first starting openings 33a and 33b (for example, an operation chucker), a second starting opening 34 (for example, a through gate), The variable display device unit 35 and the like are provided. These general winning opening 31, first variable winning device 32a, second variable winning device 32b, first starting ports 33a and 33b (for example, operation chucker), second starting port 34 (for example, through gate), variable display device. The unit 35 and the like are respectively arranged in the through holes formed by the router processing in the game board 30, and are attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. A game ball enters the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, and the first starting openings 33a and 33b, and the entering ball is detected by a detection switch (a winning opening switch, a count switch, an operating opening switch) described later. Then, based on the output of the detection switch, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15). As described above, the first starting port 33a on the upper side is provided with an operating port switch (passage detection switch), and the ball entering the first starting port 33a is detected by the operating port switch. It is like this. Further, an operating port switch (passage detection switch) is also provided on the second starting port 33b on the lower side, and the ball entering the second starting port 33b is detected by the operating port switch. .. That is, in either case of entering the game ball into the first starting opening 33a or entering the game ball into the second starting opening 33b, it is still the starting winning.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the gaming board 30 is provided with an outlet 36, and gaming balls that have not entered the various winning devices or the like pass through the outlet 36 and are provided in a ball discharge path (not shown). You will be guided to other people. On the game board 30, a large number of nails are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (features) such as a wind turbine 37 are provided.

The variable display device unit 35 is a first symbol display device 40 that variably displays the first symbol (for example, a special symbol), and the passage of the second starting port 34, with the winning of the first starting ports 33a and 33b as a trigger. With the trigger as a trigger, the second symbol display device 41 that variably displays the second symbol (for example, a regular symbol), and the winning symbol to the first starting openings 33a and 33b as a trigger, the third symbol (for example, a decorative symbol) is variably displayed. It is provided with the third symbol display device 42. The first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol are identifications that allow the player to identify whether the result of the variable display of the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol is the special game state that is advantageous to the player. Information.

The first symbol display device 40 is, for example, a plurality (two in the present embodiment) of two-color light emitting type LEDs (light emitting diodes) 40a and 40b, and a hold indicating the number of variable displays held by the LEDs 40a and 40b. And a lamp 40c. The number of times the game ball has passed through the first starting ports 33a and 33b is reserved up to 4 times, and the number of times of suspension is displayed by being lighted by the holding lamp 40c. In addition, the hold lamp 40c may be configured such that a hold display is performed on a part of the display screen of the third symbol display device 42. The LEDs 40a and 40b are capable of emitting red and blue light, for example. The first symbol display device 40 generates a variable display state of the first symbol (in this embodiment, the light emitting color mode of the LEDs 40a and 40b) by alternately changing the light emitting colors of the LEDs 40a and 40b. For example, in the case of the light emission mode in which both the LEDs 40a and 40b stop in the blue light emission state, it indicates that the first special game state (for example, a normal big hit state) is won. Further, in the case of the light emitting mode in which the LED 40a stops in the blue light emitting state and the LED 40b stops in the red light emitting state, it indicates that the second special game state (for example, the time saving jackpot state) is won. Further, in the case of the light emission mode in which both the LEDs 40a and 40b stop in the red light emission state, it indicates that the third special game state (for example, the probability variation big hit state) is won. Further, in the case of the light emitting mode in which the LED 40a stops in the red light emitting state and the LED 40b stops in the blue light emitting state, it indicates that the LED 40a is out (the player has lost the special game state).

As the first symbol display device 40, a single LED of a type capable of emitting light of at least three colors or more may be adopted, and by alternately emitting light of each color, the first symbol When the LED stops in the light emitting state of the first color, the variable display state is generated, which indicates a probability big hit. When the LED stops in the light emitting state of the second color, it indicates a normal big hit, and the LED emits the third color. When stopped in this state, a short time jackpot may be shown, and when the LED is stopped in the light emitting state of the fourth color, it may show a loss.

The second symbol display device 41 is, for example, a display portion 41a for which a second symbol is drawn, for example, "○", a display portion 41b for which a second symbol is drawn, for example, "x", and a hold lamp 41c. Each time the game ball passes through the second starting opening 34, for example, the display symbol (normal symbol) by the display portions 41a and 41b changes, and when the variable display stops at a predetermined symbol, the lower side first The first starting port 33b is configured to be in an operating state (open) for a predetermined time. The number of times the game ball has passed through the second starting port 34 is reserved up to four times, and the number of times of suspension is displayed by being lighted by the reservation lamp 41c. Each of the display units 41a and 41b has an LED (light emitting diode) therein, and the display is changed by switching the light emission of the LED (or the lighting of the lamp).

The third symbol display device 42 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by a display control device 45 described later. On the third symbol display device 42, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later, three decorative symbol rows L, M, R of left, middle and right are displayed. Each decorative symbol row L, M, R is composed of a plurality of decorative symbols, and these decorative symbols are variably displayed on the third symbol display device 42 such that they are scrolled for each of the decorative symbol rows L, M, R. It has become so. Further, the third symbol display device 42 can also display a special game moving image in which an image of a predetermined character or the like is operated during a period in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state. In the present embodiment, the third symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) includes a large liquid crystal display of 9.3 inches, for example. A center frame 47 is arranged in the variable display device unit 35 so as to surround the third symbol display device 42. The third symbol display device 42 described above corresponds to the image display device of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b are normally in a closed state in which the game balls cannot be won or are difficult to win, and the game balls are won at the time of a big hit. It is operated repeatedly in an easily opened state and a normally closed state. In this way, the state in which either the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b is repeatedly operated in the open state and the normally closed state at the time of a big hit is a special game state (for example, a big hit state. ), a large number of game balls enter the variable winning device 32 (prize), and a large amount of game balls are paid out for the prize, resulting in an advantageous game state for the player. There is.

More specifically, when the game ball wins the first start opening 33a, 33b, the two LEDs 40a, 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are variably displayed, and the display of the LEDs 40a, 40b after the variation is stopped is preset. The special game state occurs when the combination of the light emission modes is performed.

In the present embodiment, when the first variable winning device 32a is won in either the normal jackpot state or the probability variation jackpot, the jackpot 32A is in a predetermined open state so that the game balls can be easily won. It is configured. Specifically, in the first variable winning device 32a, the predetermined winning period 32A of the first variable winning device 32a is set to be a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) when a predetermined time or a predetermined number of winnings in the open state are regarded as one round. , That is, 16 rounds) is repeatedly opened. In addition, the second variable winning device 32b is configured such that, when a short-time big hit is won, the special winning opening 32B is in a predetermined open state, and a game ball is in a state where it is easy to win. Specifically, the second variable winning device 32b is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times, that is, 8 rounds), which is smaller than the number of times the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a is opened.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a rail unit 50 for guiding a game ball shot from the game ball launching device 38 (see FIG. 3) to the upper part of the game board 30 is attached to the game board 30, The game balls that have been launched in accordance with the turning operation of the game ball launching handle 18 are guided to a predetermined game area 30a through a ball guide passage 49, which will be described later, of the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 is composed of a ring-shaped resin molded product (for example, one molded by adding a fluororesin), and has an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 that are integrally formed in an inner and outer double. .. The inner rail 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except about 1/4 above, and the outer rail 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side portion) faces the inner rail 51. In this case, the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 form a guide rail, and the ball guide passage 49 is formed by a portion (the left portion when viewed from the left side) where the rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. .. The ball guide passage 49 is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape with the front side opened.

A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip portion (upper left portion in FIG. 2) of the inner rail 51. As a result, it is possible to prevent the situation where the game ball once guided from the ball guide passage 49 between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 to the upper part of the game board 30 returns to the ball guide passage 49 again. Has become. A return rubber 54 is attached to the outer rail 52 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the game ball (upper right portion in FIG. 2: a portion corresponding to the tip end portion of the outer rail 52). Therefore, the game ball that is launched with a momentum higher than a predetermined value hits the return rubber 54 and is repelled. On the inner surface of the outer rail 52, in order to make the flight of the game ball smoother, that is, to reduce the frictional resistance of the game ball, a sliding plate 55 as a long metal strip made of stainless steel is provided. It is attached.

Further, on the outer peripheral portion of the rail unit 50, an arcuate flange 56 is formed, which protrudes outward in the surroundings when viewed from the front. The flange 56 constitutes a mounting surface for the game board 30. When the rail unit 50 is attached to the game board 30, a flange 56 is abutted on the game board 30, and in that state, screws or the like are inserted through a plurality of through holes formed in the flange 56, and the game board is attached. The rail unit 50 is fastened to the rail 30.

Further, in the present embodiment, the upper, lower, left and right ends of the rail unit 50 are formed in a substantially linear shape (flat) when viewed from the front. That is, the flanges 56 are cut off at the upper, lower, left and right ends of the rail unit 50, so that the rail diameter can be expanded in a limited area of the pachinko machine 10, that is, the game area 30a on the game board 30 can be expanded. Has become.

At the entrance of the ball guide passage 49 between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, a convex portion 57 is formed so as to partially close the ball guide passage 49. The convex portion 57 is provided in a substantially vertical direction from the inner rail 51 to the lower end portion of the rail unit 50, and a foul ball that does not reach the game area 30a and flows backward in the ball guide passage 49 is provided on the inner frame 12. It serves to guide the ball passage (not shown). The lower right corner and the lower left corner of the game board 30 are spaces for sticking seals (S1, S2 in FIG. 2) such as a certificate stamp (for example, a serial number is shown) or a plate. In order to secure this attachment space, notches 58 and 59 are formed in the flange 56. By sticking a seal (S1, S2 in FIG. 2) such as a certificate on the lower right corner and the lower left corner of the game board 30, it is possible to give the game board 30 and the certificate a uniqueness.

Next, the game area 30a of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the game area 30a is partitioned and formed into a substantially circular shape by the inner peripheral portion (inner and outer rails) of the rail unit 50, and in particular, is partitioned on the board surface of the game board 30 in the present embodiment. The game area 30a is much larger than the conventional one. In the present embodiment, the distance from the uppermost point of the outer rail 52 to the lower portion of the game board 30 is 445 mm (58 mm longer than the conventional product), between the extreme left position of the outer rail 52 and the extreme right position of the inner rail 51. The distance is 435 mm (50 mm longer than the conventional product). The distance between the extreme left position of the inner rail 51 and the extreme right position of the inner rail 51 is 418 mm.

In the present embodiment, when the game area 30a is viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, of the area surrounded by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, the area of the guide rail that is a parallel portion of the inner and outer rails 51 and 52 is excluded. The area is Therefore, when the game area 30a is referred to, the guide rail portion is not included, and therefore the left limit position toward the game area 30a is specified by the inner rail 51, not by the outer rail 52. Similarly, the right side limit position toward the game area 30a is specified by the inner rail 51. The lower limit position of the game area 30a is specified by the lower end position of the game board 30. Further, the upper limit position of the game area 30a is specified by the outer rail 52.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the width of the game area 30a (maximum width in the left-right direction) is 418 mm, and the height of the game area 30a (maximum width in the up-down direction) is 445 mm.

Although detailed disclosure is omitted, the game ball launching device 38 is supplied with game balls one by one from a ball outlet on the front frame set 14 side (a ball outlet communicating from the most downstream portion of the upper plate 19). ..

Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 10 has a rear surface (actually, the inner frame 12 and the rear surface of the game board 30) on which various control boards are arranged vertically or horizontally or stacked one on top of the other. The game ball supply device (dispensing mechanism 352) for supplying the game balls, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are separately mounted on two mounting bases to form two control board units, and the control board units are individually mounted on the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. ing. In this case, the main control device 261 and the sub control device 262 shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later, are mounted on one mounting base to be unitized, and the payout control device 311 and the firing control device 312 shown in FIG. The power supply device 313 is mounted on the other mounting base to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit will be referred to as a "first control board unit 201", and the latter unit will be referred to as a "second control board unit 202".

Further, the payout mechanism 352 and the protective cover are also integrated as one unit, and the resin portion may be generally referred to as a back pack. Therefore, the unit is referred to as a "back pack unit 203" here. Detailed configurations of the units 201 to 203 will be described later.

The first control board unit 201, the second control board unit 202, and the back pack unit 203 are configured to be attachable/detachable without using a tool or the like in unit units. It is provided so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. This is also a device for making it possible to easily check the hidden configuration and the like even when the units 201 to 203 and other configurations are arranged one on top of the other.

Further, on the back surface of the game board 30, there is provided a winning detection mechanism for detecting passage of game balls such as various winning openings. Specifically, a winning opening switch is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning opening 31 on the front side of the game board 30, and a variable winning device 32 is provided with a count switch. The count switch is a switch for counting winning balls. Further, operating port switches are provided at positions corresponding to the first starting ports 33a and 33b, respectively, and the entry of the game ball into the first starting ports 33a and 33b is detected by the operating port switch. A gate switch is provided at a position corresponding to the second starting port 34, and the passage of the game ball to the second starting port 34 is detected by the operating port switch.

The winning opening switch and the gate switch are connected to a board surface connecting board (not shown) through electric wiring (not shown), and this board surface connecting board is connected to a main control board 261a (see FIG. 4) in a main controller 261 described later. ing. The count switch is connected to a special winning opening relay terminal board (not shown), and this special winning opening relay terminal board (not shown) is also connected to the main control board 261a. On the other hand, the operating port switch is directly connected to the main control board 261a without the relay board.

The first variable winning device 32a is provided with a big winning opening solenoid 432 for opening the special winning opening 32A, and the second variable winning device 32b opens the big winning opening 32B although not shown. A special winning opening solenoid is provided for this purpose. Further, the first starting port 33b on the lower side is provided with an operating port solenoid for opening the electric accessory.

The detection result detected by each of the above-mentioned winning detection mechanism is taken into a main control board 261a in a main control device 261 which will be described later, and the main control board 261a issues a payout command (a game ball The number of payouts) is transmitted to the payout control board 311a. Then, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by the output of the payout control board 311a. In such a case, the conventional system in which the game balls that have won the various winning openings are temporarily collected in the winning ball processing device and the existence of the winning balls is confirmed one by one by the winning ball processing device before the payout is made (the so-called evidence ball system. In contrast, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the winning of the game ball is electrically sensed for each prize hole and the payout is immediately performed (that is, the prize ball processing device is abolished in the pachinko machine 10). doing). Therefore, even if there are a large number of game balls to be paid out, the payout can be promptly carried out. However, the conventional "proof ball system" may be applied to the present invention.

The first control board unit 201 has a substantially L-shaped mount (not shown), and the main controller 261 and the sub-controller 262 are mounted on this mount. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 261 includes a CPU 501 that controls main control, a ROM 502 that stores a game program, a RAM 503 that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, and various devices. Main control including input/output port 505 for communication, random number generator (not shown) used in various lottery, and clock pulse generator (not shown) used for time counting and synchronization The main control board 261a is provided with a board 261a and is housed in a board box 263 (encapsulation means) made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 includes a box base having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by a sealing unit (sealing means), whereby the substrate box 263 is sealed.

As the sealing unit as the sealing means, any structure can be applied as long as the box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner, but in the present embodiment, for example, five sealing members are connected. The box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by inserting a locking claw into the elongated hole of the sealing member. The sealing process by the sealing unit prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the opening/sealing process again afterwards. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into the long hole of at least one of the five sealing members that form the sealing unit (not shown). Then, when the board box 263 is opened due to a malfunction of the accommodated main control board 261a, the connection between the sealing member in which the locking claw is inserted and the other sealing member is cut. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claw is inserted into the long hole of the other sealing member. If a history indicating that the board box 263 has been opened is left in the board box 263, it can be easily found by looking at the board box 263 that an illegal opening has been made.

Further, the sub control device 262, for example, in accordance with an instruction from the main control board 261a in the main control device 261, a CPU 551 that controls voice and lamp display and a control of the display control device 45, other ROM 552, RAM 553, bus line 554 and The sub control board 262a including the input/output port 555 and the like is provided, and the sub control board 262a is housed in a board box (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. A power relay board (not shown) is mounted on the sub controller 262, and power supplied from a power board described later is supplied to the sub controller 262 and the display controller 45 via the power relay board (not shown). It is designed to be output to.

The second control board unit 202 has a horizontally long mounting base (not shown), and a payout control device 311, a firing control device 312, a power supply device 313, and a card unit connection board (not shown) are mounted on the mounting base. ing. The payout control device 311 includes a CPU that is the center of control, a control board including other ROMs, RAMs, various ports, etc., the firing control device 312 includes a firing control board, and the power supply device 313 supplies power. It has a control board. The payout control board 311a of the payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls. Further, the launch control board of the launch control device 312 controls the launch device 229 (see FIG. 4) in accordance with the operation of the game ball launch handle 18 by the player, and the power supply board of the power supply device 313 controls various control devices and the like. The required predetermined power supply voltage is generated and output. As the launching device 229, various types such as a mechanical launching component that strikes and launches a game ball with a launching punch that operates according to the drive of a launching motor, and an electromagnetic launching component that launches a game ball by generating an electromagnetic field Can be adopted. The card unit connection board (not shown) is electrically connected to the ball rental operation section 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown), and takes in a ball lending operation command from the player and pays it out. It is output to the control device 311. Note that the card unit connection board 314 is not necessary in the cash machine in which the game balls are directly lent to the upper plate 19 from the ball lending device or the like without using the card unit.

The payout control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection board (not shown) are housed in a board box (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the payout control device 311, the box base and the box cover that form the substrate box (encapsulation means) are connected in an unopenable manner by the sealing unit (sealing means), as in the case of the main control device 261 described above. The box is sealed.

The payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch (not shown). For example, when a state return switch (not shown) is pressed when a payout error occurs such as a ball clogging of the payout motor unit, the payout motor 358a (see FIG. 4) is slowly rotated forward to eliminate the ball clogging (normal state). Return to) is planned.

A RAM erasing switch 323 is provided on the power monitoring board 261b. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function so that even if a power outage occurs, the state at the time of power outage is retained, and at the time of recovery from power failure (power recovery), the state at the time of power outage can be restored. Has become. Therefore, when the power is shut off in the normal procedure (for example, when the hall is closed), the state before the power shutdown is stored and retained. Therefore, when the user wants to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323. It is planned to throw it in.

Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352 are integrated.

The back pack unit 203 is provided with a tank 355 that opens upward at the top thereof, and the tank 355 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island facility (game island facility) of the game hall. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 having two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and gently sloping downward toward the downstream side is connected. Further, on the downstream side of the tank rail 356, a case rail 357 is provided vertically. Are connected. A payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately by a predetermined electric configuration such as a payout motor 358a. Then, the game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 through a payout passage (not shown).

Further, the tank rail 356 is provided with a vibrator 360 for applying vibration to the tank rail 356. For example, the vibrator 360 is fastened and attached to the tank rail 356 with, for example, two screws. Further, the vibrator 360 does not come into surface contact with the tank rail 356, but comes into contact with the two screw portions, so that the vibration by the vibrator 360 is transmitted to the tank rail 356 more effectively. ing. Therefore, if a ball clogging occurs near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is driven to eliminate the ball clogging.

The payout mechanism section 352 is provided with a payout relay board (not shown) that relays a signal of a payout command from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and also has a power switch board 382 for taking in a main power source from the outside. is set up. The power switch board 382 is supplied with a main power of, for example, 24 V AC via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

The dispensing mechanism portion 352 from the tank 355 to the dispensing passage (not shown) is formed of a conductive resin material (for example, a conductive polycarbonate resin), and is partially grounded. Thereby, generation of noise due to charging of the game ball is suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 3, an inner frame open detection switch 388 for detecting that the inner frame 12 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12. When the inner frame 12 is opened, the output from the inner frame open detection switch 388 is output to the computer in the hall (in the pachinko parlor).

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 10 includes a main control device 261, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub control device 262, a display control device 45, a power supply device 313, and the like. Each of these devices will be described in detail below.

The main controller 261 of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer which is an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. A RAM 503 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission/reception circuit are incorporated.

The RAM 503 is configured such that a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 313 and data can be retained (backed up) even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off. The RAM 503 temporarily stores various data and the like. It has a memory and an area for it.

That is, when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the normal processing of FIG. 8 described later to the end, that is, the RAM access prohibition of step S216 is completed. Therefore, the RAM 503 only needs to store and hold the contents of the counter buffer and the reserved ball storage area when the power is cut off (including when a power failure occurs. The same applies to the following). When the power is turned on again, the state of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on. It is possible to return to the state before cutting. Specifically, a RAM 503 is provided as a dedicated backup area for storing the values of registers and I/O for game information in the middle of normal processing when the power is cut off (including the occurrence of a power failure. The same applies hereinafter). There is no need to provide it. The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power failure signal S1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like. Upon occurrence, the power outage process (NMI interrupt process) of FIG. 13 is immediately executed.

An input/output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 having the ROM 502 and the RAM 503 built therein through a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. In the input/output port 505, a RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub control device 262, a first symbol display device 40, a second symbol display device 41, and other switch groups (not shown), which will be described later. Etc. are connected. Further, the main control device 261 has a function of controlling the variable display of the first symbol on the first symbol display device 40 and the variable display of the second symbol on the second symbol display device 41.

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

Similar to the RAM 503 of the main controller 261, the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off so that data can be retained (backed up). The RAM 513 includes a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data and the like.

The RAM 513 stores and holds information regarding the state at the time of power-off so that the state of the pachinko machine 10 can be returned to the state before the power-off when the power is turned on again when the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. That is, the storage retention of the RAM 513 is executed at the time of power-off by the NMI interrupt processing (see FIG. 13) and steps S1015 and S1016 (see FIG. 15) of the latter half of the payout control processing, and conversely, the storage information of the RAM 513 is restored. Is executed in the power recovery process when the power is turned on.

An input/output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 via a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A main controller 261, a firing controller 312, a payout motor 358a, and the like are connected to the input/output port 515, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, the firing control device 312 permits or prohibits the firing of the game ball by the firing device 229, and the firing device 229 is permitted to be driven when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, the launch control device 312 sends a card unit connection signal S4 from the payout control device 311 (which is a signal output when the above-described card unit is connected to the pachinko machine 10), and the player Touch detection signal S5 output when the game ball launching handle 18 is touched, and output when the launch stop switch 18a provided on the game ball launching handle 18 for stopping the launch is not operated. The firing permission signal S7 is output to the main controller 261 on condition that all of the firing maintenance signal S6 to be performed are input.

That is, the firing permission signal S7 is ON (high level) during the firing permission state, and the firing permission signal S7 is OFF (low level) during the firing non-permission state. That is, the main control device 261 controls the firing control signal S8 (pulse signal) that controls the firing solenoid that fires the game ball and the firing rail to the firing rail while the input firing permission signal S7 is ON (high level). A ball feed control signal S9 (pulse signal) for controlling a ball feed solenoid that sends a game ball is repeatedly output to the firing control device 312 at a predetermined repetition cycle. The firing control device 312 drives and controls the firing device 229 based on the firing control signal S8 and the ball feed control signal S9, and the game ball is fired at a strength according to the operation amount of the game ball firing handle 18. On the contrary, the main control device 261 does not output the firing control signal S8 and the ball feed control signal S9 to the firing control device 312 while the input firing permission signal S7 is OFF (low level), and the firing device No game balls are fired by 229.

The display control device 45 controls the variable display of the third symbol (decorative symbol) on the third symbol display device 42. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. It has and. The input of the input port 527 is connected to the output of the sub controller 262, and the input port 527 is connected to the CPU 521, the ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the image controller 526. An output port 529 is connected to the image controller 526 via a bus line 531 and a third symbol display device 42 which is a liquid crystal display device is connected to the output of the output port 529.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the decorative symbol display on the third symbol display device 42 based on various commands sent from the main control device 261 by being edited by the sub control device 262. The ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the CPU 521 and fixed value data, and the work RAM 523 temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs. For memory.

The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing the display data displayed on the third symbol display device 42, and by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524, the display content of the third symbol display device 42 is changed. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as a decorative pattern displayed on the third symbol display device 42. The image controller 526 adjusts the timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, and the output port 529 to intervene in the reading and writing of data, and at the same time, reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing. It is displayed on the symbol display device 42.

Further, the power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying electric power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10. The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to each of the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 through a power supply path (not shown). As an outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in an AC 24 volt power supply supplied from the outside and supplies +12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, +5V power supply for logic, and backup power supply for RAM backup. It generates and supplies the +12V power supply, the +5V power supply, and the backup power supply to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. It should be noted that the firing control device 312 is supplied with operating power (+12V power supply, +5V power supply, etc.) via the payout control device 311.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 261 includes a main control board 261a and a power supply monitoring board 261b which is a separate body from the main control board 261a in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. .. The power supply monitoring board 261b includes a power failure monitoring circuit 542 for monitoring power interruption due to power failure or the like, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erase switch 323.

The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal S1 to each of the NMI terminals of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power outage monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of AC 24 V in the power supply unit 541 and determines that a power outage (power outage) occurs when the time when this voltage is less than 24 V exceeds, for example, 20 milliseconds. , And outputs the power failure signal S1 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. By the output of the power failure signal S1, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure, and execute the power failure time processing (NMI interrupt processing of FIG. 13).

Note that the power supply unit 541 has a sufficient time for executing such a power failure process even after the time when the AC 5 V monitored by the power supply unit 541 becomes less than 5 V exceeds 20 ms. It is configured to maintain the output of 5 V which is the drive voltage of the control system at a normal value. Therefore, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

The RAM erasing switch circuit 543 is a circuit for taking in the switch signal of the RAM erasing switch 323 and clearing the backup data of the RAM 503 of the main controller 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout controller 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs the RAM erase signal S2 to the main control board 261a. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM erasing switch 323 being pressed down (including powering on due to elimination of power failure), the data of the RAM 503 is cleared in the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 is set to the main control device. Upon receiving the initialization command from 261 the data in RAM 513 is cleared.

By the way, in the third symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device), as shown in FIG. 5, three decorative symbol columns L, M, R of left, middle and right are set, and the decorative symbol column L, For each of M and R, three decorative designs, an upper decorative design, a middle decorative design, and a lower decorative design, are variably displayed. In the present embodiment, the third design is a main decorative design SZ with numbers “0” to “9” respectively, and a plurality of types (eg, ●, ▲, ■, etc.) of secondary decorative design FZ. The main decorative pattern SZ is displayed in ascending or descending order of numbers, and the sub decorative pattern FZ is arranged between each main decorative pattern SZ to form a series of decorative pattern rows L, M, R. ing. Then, with a periodicity, the main decorative symbol SZ and the sub decorative symbol FZ are variably displayed, for example, from top to bottom.

In such a case, in the left decorative symbol row L, the series of decorative symbols are displayed in descending order (that is, the order in which the number of the main decorative symbol SZ decreases), and in the middle decorative symbol row M and the right decorative symbol row R, the same. The above series of decorative symbols are displayed in ascending order (that is, in the order in which the number of the main decorative symbol SZ increases). Then, the variable display is stopped in the order of the left decorative design row L→the right decorative design row R→the middle decorative design row M, and at that time, five effective lines on the third design display device 42, that is, the upper line L1 and the middle line L2. The main decorative symbol SZ or the sub decorative symbol FZ can be arranged in a predetermined combination on any of the lower line L3, the upward line L4, and the upward line L5.

Specifically, the third symbol display device 42 is a normal jackpot state or time saving based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting opening 33a, 33b and the determination result of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261. A predetermined identification information variation display effect (variation display effect of the third symbol) for notifying whether the jackpot state or the probability variation jackpot state is hit or not is performed. The main decorative symbol SZ (third symbol) is displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 42, for example, in a confirmed display in which even symbols are arranged, thereby indicating to the player that the normal jackpot is won. Further, on the display screen of the third symbol display device 42, the main decorative symbol SZ (third symbol) is arranged in, for example, an odd number symbol (a line L5 shown in FIG. 5A, the main decorative symbol SZ of "1" is aligned. The winning display in the probability variation big hit state is shown to the player. In addition, the state in which the sub-decoration symbols FZ are aligned on the display screen of the third symbol display device 42 (the state where the sub-decoration symbols FZ of “●” are aligned on the line L2 shown in FIG. 5B) is confirmed and displayed. Then, the player is presented with the winning of the short-time jackpot. Then, the third symbol display device 42 displays a special game moving image as a big hit if the main decorative symbol SZ and the sub decorative symbol FZ are arranged in a combination of the big hit symbols.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses a random number related to the operation of the accessory and other random numbers provided for the game, and the lottery of the first symbol display device 40 (big hit lottery: first Big hit lottery of symbols) and setting of symbol display, lottery of the second symbol display device 41 (winning lottery of the second symbol) and setting of symbol display, decoration symbol of the third symbol display device 42 (third symbol) The lottery related to the variable display and its setting will be performed.

Specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, as the random number related to the accessory operation, as shown in FIG. 6, a jackpot random number counter C1 used in the jackpot lottery of the first symbol display device 40, and a first The jackpot symbol counter C2 used to select the jackpot symbol of the symbol display device 40, the initial value random number counter CINI1 used to set the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the second symbol display device 41 which is used to win the lottery. Two symbol random number counter C4 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 used for setting the initial value of the second symbol random number counter C4 are used.

Further, in this pachinko machine 10, as the other random numbers used for the game, as shown in FIG. 6, to roughly specify the type of the variation pattern when selecting the variation pattern of the decorative symbol of the third symbol display device 42. Stop pattern selection counter C3 used to select the stop pattern, the variation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 used to select the variation pattern of the decorative symbol of the third symbol display device 42, and the detachment symbol of the second symbol display device 41 The second symbol out-of-design symbol counter C5 used for selection is used. Each of the counters described above is configured by a program executed by the CPU 501.

For example, "stop pattern 0" indicates a group of complete out-of-range fluctuation patterns including a plurality of types of complete out-of-range fluctuation patterns, and "stop pattern 1" includes a group of front-back out-reach fluctuation patterns including a plurality of front-back out-reach fluctuation patterns. The "stop pattern 2" indicates a reach variation pattern group other than out-of-front/outside reach variation patterns including a plurality of types of reach variation patterns other than out-of-front/outside deviation, and the "stop pattern 3" includes a plurality of normal jackpot variation patterns. The "stop pattern 4" shows a group of time-short and big-jacket fluctuation patterns consisting of a plurality of types of time-short and big-jacket fluctuation patterns, and the "stop pattern 5" shows a plurality of types of probability-variable jackpot fluctuations. It shows a probability variation jackpot variation pattern group consisting of patterns.

All of these counters C1 to C5, CINI1 to CINI2, and CS1 to CS3 are incremented by "1" to the previous value each time they are updated (hereinafter referred to as "update"), and then reach "0" after reaching the maximum value. It is a loop counter that returns. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in each counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG. Further, the RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas), and each of these areas has a first starting opening 33a. 33b, the values of the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are stored in time series.

Each of the counters described above will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of "0" to "738", for example, and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, "738"). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. Note that the initial value random number counter CINI1 is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value=0 to 738), and is updated once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later, and the normal process described later. It is repeatedly updated within the remaining time (see FIG. 8). The jackpot random number counter C1 is regularly updated (once in each of the timer interrupts (see FIG. 11) described later in the present embodiment), and the RAM 503 is suspended at the timing when the game ball wins the first starting openings 33a and 33b. It is stored in the sphere storage area.

The winning value of the jackpot random number counter C1, that is, the number of random number values to be a jackpot is set to two types, that is, when the probability is low and when the probability is high. Then, the value is “350,700”, and the number of random number values that are a big hit at a high probability is 14, and the value is “50, 101, 160, 209, 257, 310, 361, 418, 480. , 517, 578, 635, 677, 730”. The high-probability time is a state in which a jackpot is hit by a predetermined probability fluctuation pattern and the subsequent jackpot probability increases as an added value, that is, a so-called "probability variation", and it is normal time (low probability time). Means the time when it is not such a probable state.

The jackpot symbol counter C2 is a final symbol after the variation display of the two LEDs 40a, 40b in the present embodiment, when the variation of the first symbol display device 40 (consisting of two LEDs 40a, 40b) is stopped. The light emission state) is determined. In the present embodiment, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is incremented by 1 in the range of "0" to "5", for example, and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, "5"). There is. The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated regularly (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later) as in the case of the jackpot random number counter C1 described above, and the game ball is the first starting opening 33a, 33b. It is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing of winning the prize. For example, when the big hit random number counter C1 is a big hit, and the values of the big hit symbol counter C2 are "0" and "4", both LEDs 40a, 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are stopped in a blue light emitting state. , Usually indicates a jackpot. When the jackpot random number counter C1 is a jackpot, and the jackpot symbol counter C2 values are "1" and "3", the LED 40a stops in the blue light emitting state and the LED 40b stops in the red light emitting state, which saves time. This shows the winning of the jackpot. When the jackpot random number counter C1 is a jackpot and the jackpot symbol counter C2 has a value of "2", both LEDs 40a and 40b are stopped in a red light emitting state to indicate a winning in the probability varying jackpot state. When the big hit random number counter C1 is off, regardless of the value of the big hit symbol counter C2, both the LEDs 40a and 40b are stopped in the off state to indicate the off.

Further, the stop pattern selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, "0" to "238", and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). In the present embodiment, by the stop pattern selection counter C3, after the reach of the decorative design on the third design display device 42 occurs, the final stop decorative design shifts by one before and after the reach decorative design and stops "front-rear reach. In the same manner, after the reach is generated, the final stop decorative design will be stopped except before and after the reach decorative design, "reach other than out of front and rear" and "complete disconnection" in which reach is not generated. For example, C3=0 to 201 corresponds to complete disconnection, C3=202 to 208 corresponds to front/rear outreach, and C3=209 to 238 corresponds to reach other than front/rear outreach. In addition, the content of the lottery (reach lot) of the stop pattern selection counter C3 is whether the pachinko machine 10 has a low probability or a high probability, or the variable time shortening function of the first symbol display device 40 is not activated. It may be set individually depending on whether it is an operation or the number of operation holding balls at the start of variation of the first symbol. The stop pattern selection counter C3 is regularly updated (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later), and the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first starting openings 33a and 33b. Stored in.

Further, of the three fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3, the fluctuation type counter CS1 is sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, “0 to 198” and reaches “0” after reaching the maximum value (that is, “198”). The fluctuation type counter CS2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of “0 to 240”, for example, and to return to “0” after reaching the maximum value (that is, “240”). For example, the variation type counter CS3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of “0 to 162”, for example, and returns to “0” after reaching the maximum value (that is, “162”). In the following description, the fluctuation type counter CS1 will be appropriately referred to as a “first fluctuation type counter”, the fluctuation type counter CS2 will also be referred to as a “second fluctuation type counter”, and the fluctuation type counter CS3 will be appropriately referred to as a “third fluctuation type counter”. ..

The first variation type counter CS1 determines a variation pattern group of rough decorative symbols such as a reach type of a decorative symbol (third symbol) such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and a type of complete deviation. .. Here, for example, it is assumed that the stop pattern selection counter C3 has a value indicating "stop pattern 1" (that is, a value indicating the front/rear outreach variation pattern group), and the first variation in the front/rear outreach variation pattern group. It is assumed that the variation pattern of the normal reach group (consisting of a plurality of normal reach of different types) is determined by the type counter CS1.

Subsequently, one variation pattern is determined by the second variation type counter CS2 from the variation pattern group determined by the first variation type counter CS1 in this way. Here, for example, it is assumed that one type of normal reach is determined by the second variation type counter CS2 from the normal reach group. In addition, as a plurality of normal reach of different types, it is realized by giving a difference such as a different elapsed time until the final stop decorative design (for example, middle decorative design in the present embodiment) is stopped after the reach is generated. Are listed.

Further subsequently, the third fluctuation type counter CS3 determines which time the fluctuation time addition should be performed in one fluctuation pattern thus determined by the second fluctuation type counter CS2. For example, as the addition time, when the decoration pattern (third pattern) of the middle decoration pattern row on the third pattern display device 42 stops sliding, the decoration pattern of the middle decoration pattern row slides after that. An additional time, which is the time until the stop display, is given. In this way, the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 can determine a more detailed decorative symbol variation mode. That is, by combining these fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3, it is possible to easily realize a variety of fluctuation patterns.

In addition, the symbol variation mode is determined only by the first variation type counter CS1, the symbol variation aspect is determined only by the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2, the first variation type counter CS1 and the stopped symbol It is also possible to determine the symbol variation mode by a combination with, and also determine the symbol variation mode by a combination of the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2 and the stop symbol.

The fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated once each time a normal process described below is executed once, and are repeatedly updated within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired when the fluctuation pattern is determined at the start of fluctuation of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 40. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, since the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are supposed to be acquired at the start of fluctuation of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 40, it is not necessary to store them in the reserved ball storage area. It suffices to sequentially update and store in the counter buffer.

Note that the size and range of each counter described above are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily changed. However, it is desirable that the jackpot random number counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 all have different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the second symbol random number counter C4 is used for the lottery of the second symbol of the second symbol display device 41. The second symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by 1 in the range of "0" to "250", for example, and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The second symbol random number counter C4 is updated regularly (once every timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later), and is acquired when the game ball passes through the second starting port 34 on either the left or the right. The number of random number values to be won is 149, and the range is “5 to 153”.

In particular, when the second symbol random number counter C4 makes one round, the value of the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 at that time is read as the initial value of the second symbol random number counter C4. The initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is a loop counter similar to the second symbol random number counter C4 (value=0 to 250) and is updated once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later. , Is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal processing (see FIG. 8) described later. The second symbol random number counter C4 is periodically updated (once in each of the timer interrupts (see FIG. 11) described later in the present embodiment), and the RAM 503 has the second timing at which the game ball passes through the second starting opening 34. It is stored in the 2 symbol reservation storage area.

That is, the RAM 503 also has a second symbol reserved storage area which is an area different from the reserved ball storage area, and one execution area for the second symbol and four reserved areas for the second symbol (second A second symbol hold storage area consisting of (symbol hold first to fourth areas) is provided, and in each of these areas, in accordance with the winning history of the game ball to the second starting opening 34, the first Each value of the two symbol random number counter C4 is stored in time series.

Further, the second symbol off symbol counter C5 is updated once every time the second symbol control process of the normal process in FIG. 8 described later is executed once, and the value is the second symbol off symbol of the counter buffer. The second symbol random symbol counter C5 updated and acquired in the second symbol random symbol counter C4 is stored in the second symbol holding sphere storage area of the second symbol random number counter C4, and the second symbol off symbol symbol C5 updated and acquired in the second symbol non-standard symbol buffer is also the second symbol. It is stored in the reserved ball storage area. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the value of the second symbol random number counter C4 is unsuccessful, "x" is drawn based on the value of the second symbol non-existence symbol counter C5 in the second symbol reserve sphere storage area. The displayed display section 41b is turned on. The second symbol deviation symbol counter C5 may not be provided, and the second symbol variation display result may be performed based only on the second symbol random number counter C4. That is, if the second symbol random number counter C4 is won, the display section 41a with "○" is displayed in the lit state, and if it is unsuccessful, the display section 41b with "x" is displayed in the lit state.

Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the CPU 501 is broadly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started regularly (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a power failure to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). There is an NMI interrupt process activated by the input of a signal. For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process, and this process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 2 msec, for example.

In FIG. 11, first, in step S601, various winning switch reading processing is executed. That is, the states of various switches (excluding the RAM erasing switch 323) connected to the main controller 261 are read, the state of the switches is determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored.

After that, in step S602, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 are updated. Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (“738” in this embodiment), it is cleared to “0”, and the initial value second symbol random number counter The CINI2 is incremented by 1, and the counter value is cleared to "0" when incremented by 1 after reaching the maximum value ("250" in the present embodiment). Then, the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503 (see FIG. 6).

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in a succeeding step S603, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are each incremented by 1, and their counter values are maximum values (in the present embodiment, “738”, “4”, and When it is incremented by 1 after reaching "250"), it is cleared to "0". Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503 (see FIG. 6).

Then, as shown in FIG. 11, in step S604, a start winning process associated with winning in the first starting ports 33a and 33b is executed. This start winning process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12. In step S701, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the first starting ports 33a and 33b based on the detection information of the operating port switch. When it is determined that the game ball has won the first starting opening 33a, 33b, in the subsequent step S702, the number N of operation-holding balls of the first symbol display device 40 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). It is determined whether or not there is. If there is a prize in the first starting ports 33a, 33b and the number N of operation-holding balls is <4, the process proceeds to step S703, and the number N of operation-holding balls is incremented by one.

Further, in the subsequent step S704, a random number related to the winning or failure of the first symbol is acquired. Specifically, the respective values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 updated in step S603 are set to the first of the free storage areas of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG. Store in the area.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in a succeeding step S605, a firing control process is executed. Specifically, in the firing control process, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the firing control signal S8 and the ball feed control when the firing permission signal S7 from the firing control device 312 is ON, as shown in FIG. The signal S9 is output to the launch control device 312, and the game ball launch control by the launch device 229 is performed. After performing the firing control process in this manner, the CPU 501 once ends the timer interrupt process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt processing, and this processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the pachinko machine 10 is powered off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interrupt, the state of main controller 261 at the time of power-off is stored in the backup area of RAM 503.

That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal S1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt processing of FIG. The NMI interrupt process of FIG. 13 is stored in the ROM 502 of the main controller 261. Power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 for a predetermined time after the power failure signal S1 is output so that the processing of the main control device 261 can be executed, and the NMI interrupt processing is executed within the predetermined time.

In the NMI interrupt processing of FIG. 13, in step S801, information on occurrence of power failure is set in the backup area. In the present embodiment, a flag of power cut occurrence information is set and stored in the backup area.

Next, the main process will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a main process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. This main process is activated by a reset when the power is turned on.

First, in step S101, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes an initial setting process accompanying power-on. Specifically, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined value. In step S102, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 waits for about 1 second to wait for the sub-side control devices (the sub-control device 262, the payout control device 311 and the like) to be in an operable state. To execute. In subsequent step S103, CPU 501 of main controller 261 permits RAM access.

After that, the data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the RAM erasing switch 323 provided on the power supply monitoring board 261b is pressed (ON), and if it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S105 and is ON. If there is, the process proceeds to step S113. In the following step S105, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 503 (whether or not the power-off occurrence information flag is set). Further, in step S106, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 calculates the RAM determination value, and in the following step S107, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 has the RAM determination value coincident with the RAM determination value saved when the power is turned off. Whether or not, that is, the effectiveness of backup is determined. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Note that it is also possible to judge the effectiveness of the backup depending on whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when opening a hall, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on, the process proceeds to the initialization processing of the RAM 503 (step S113 etc.). Similarly, when the power-off occurrence information is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.), the RAM area used and the RAM 503 initialization processing (step) are similarly performed. S113). That is, in step S113, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 clears the used area of the RAM 503 to “0” and executes the initialization processing of the RAM 503.

In subsequent step S114, CPU 501 of main controller 261 transmits a payout initialization command. Thus, the payout initialization command is output to the payout control device 311 when the main control device 261 is initialized.

Further, in step S115, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a power-on command to the sub control board 262a. This power-on command includes a command for determining the model of the pachinko machine, and the sub-side such as the sub-control board 262a or the display control device 45 may determine the model based on the content of the command. You can do it.

Further, in step S116, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the initial setting of the CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit). In step S117, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets interrupt permission, and shifts to normal processing (see FIG. 8) described later.

On the other hand, when the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, the power-off occurrence information is set, and the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) is normal, and power recovery is performed. Execute processing (processing when power is restored). That is, in step S108, the information on the occurrence of power failure is cleared. In step S109, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a payout return command to the payout control device 311, and instructs the payout control device 311 to start payout control. Although details will be described later, when the payout control device 311 receives the payout return command from the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 returns and starts the payout control.

In step S110, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a command for causing the sub-side control device to return to the gaming state when the power is turned off. In step S111, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits the CTC (Counter /Timer Circuit) initial setting. Further, in step S112, interrupt permission is set, and then the normal processing described later (see FIG. 8) is performed. For example, even if the power is cut off during the normal process, the power is cut off after the last step of the normal process (the step of “RAM access prohibition” shown in FIG. 8) is executed. Is executed from step S201 which is the first step of the normal processing.

Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. As an outline thereof, the processing of steps S201 to S207 is executed as a regular processing of a 4 msec cycle, and the counter updating processing of steps S210 and S211 is executed in the remaining time.

In FIG. 8, first, in step S201, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 performs an external output process of transmitting output data such as a command updated in the previous process to each sub-side control device. Specifically, the presence/absence of prize detection information is determined, and if there is prize detection information, a prize ball payout command corresponding to the number of acquired game balls is transmitted to the payout control device 311. In addition, the variable display of the decorative symbol (third symbol) by the third symbol display device 42 is also performed in conjunction with the first symbol variable display (variable display of the two LEDs 40a, 40b) of the first symbol display device 40. However, in the variable display of the first symbol of the first symbol display device 40, the variation pattern designation command, the decorative symbol designation command, the all stop command (decision command), etc. are transmitted to the sub-control device 262 in the external output process.

In this pachinko machine 10, at the start of fluctuation of the first symbol, a normal pattern external output in the order of fluctuation pattern designation command → effect command (command for designating change of variation time) → decoration symbol designation command. A predetermined number of commands (for example, three commands) are transmitted each time processing is performed (that is, three commands are generated every 4 msec), and the all stop command is transmitted at the timing when the variable time elapses. Also, after the start of the variation of the first symbol, a predetermined number (for example, 3) each in the external output process of the normal process in the order of the variation pattern designation command → → the production command → the decorative symbol designation command (that is, 3 every 4 msec). Each command) may be transmitted, and the all stop command may be transmitted at the timing when the variable time elapses.

The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern of a decorative design (third design) that is variably displayed on the third design display device 42. The fluctuation pattern designation command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262, and from the sub control device 262 to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 so as to display and execute the variation pattern of the decorative symbol based on the transmitted variation pattern designation command.

The decorative symbol designating command is a command for designating whether the variable display effect of the decorative symbol (third symbol) on the third symbol display device 42 is a normal jackpot, a short time jackpot, a probability variation jackpot, or a miss. .. The decorative symbol designation command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262, and from the sub control device 262 to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 controls the display of the third pattern display device 42 so that the display result of the variation pattern of the decorative symbol is a result according to the transmitted decorative symbol designating command.

The all stop command is a command for instructing to stop the variation pattern of the decorative symbol (third symbol) that is variably displayed on the third symbol display device 42. The all stop command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262, and from the sub control device 262 to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 so as to stop and display the variation pattern of the decorative symbol based on the transmitted all stop command.

Further, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sends a variation pattern designation command and an effect command (a command for designating change of variation time) to the sub control device 262 in the external output process (step S201) of the normal process. May be sent. That is, based on the value of the variation type counter CS3, it is determined which time the variation time addition (additional time due to the sliding effect of the decorative pattern described above) is set, and such an addition time is appropriately set in the sub-control device 262. The production command is used to instruct. Therefore, after the start of the variation of the first symbol, a predetermined number (for example, 3) each time the external output process of the normal process is performed in the order of the variation pattern designation command, the production command, and the decorative symbol designation command (that is, 3 for every 4 msec). Command is sent, and the all stop command may be sent at the timing when the variable time has elapsed.

Next, in step S202, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 updates the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3. Specifically, each of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 is incremented by 1, and each counter value is incremented by “0” when the counter value reaches the maximum value (in this embodiment, 198, 240, 162). To clear. Then, the updated values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area shown in FIG.

In subsequent step S203 of FIG. 8, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 reads the prize ball counting signal, the payout abnormality signal, and the lower plate full tank signal received from the payout control device 311. After that, in step S204, a first symbol variation process for performing variable display of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 40 is executed. By this first symbol variation processing, jackpot determination and setting of the variation pattern of the first symbol are performed. However, details of the first symbol variation process will be described later.

After that, in step S205, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 opens or closes the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a or the special winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b in the case of the big hit state. The special winning opening/closing process is executed. The special winning opening 32A will be described as an example. That is, the special winning opening 32A is opened for each round of the big hit state, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 32A has passed for each round, or whether a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the special winning opening 32A. judge. When any of these conditions is established, the special winning opening 32A is stopped and closed in that round, and when there are remaining rounds, the special winning opening 32A is opened repeatedly for the remaining rounds. The same applies to the special winning opening 32B.

Further, in step S206, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the display control of the second symbol by the second symbol display device 41. Briefly, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the second starting opening 34, the second symbol random number counter C4 is acquired at each time and the display portions 41a and 41b of the second symbol display device 41 are used. The variable display of the second symbol is carried out. Then, the lottery of the second symbol is carried out by the value of the second symbol random number counter C4, and when the second symbol is hit, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 has the first lower portion as shown in step S207. The opening process of the first starting port 33b is performed to open the starting port 33b for a predetermined time. Although not described, the second symbol random number counter C4 is also updated by the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 11, similarly to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3. ing.

Further, in step S208, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 503 (whether or not the power-off occurrence information flag is set). If the power-off occurrence information is not set, the process proceeds to step S209, and if the power-off occurrence information is set, the process proceeds to step S212.

Then, in step S209, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal processing has come, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal processing. Then, within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal processing, the initial value random number counter CINI1, the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are repeatedly updated (steps S210, S211). ). That is, in step S210, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 are updated. Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is incremented by 1, and is cleared to “0” at the time of 1 increment after the counter value reaches the maximum value (“738” in this embodiment). Then, the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. Similarly, while incrementing the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 by 1, the counter value is cleared to "0" at the time of 1 increment after reaching the maximum value ("250" in the present embodiment). To do. Then, the updated value of the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

In step S211, the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated (similar to step S202). Specifically, the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are incremented by 1, and are incremented by 1 after the counter values reach the maximum values (“198”, “240”, “162” in this embodiment). Clear each to "0". Then, the update values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

Here, since the execution time of each processing of steps S201 to S207 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal processing is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 are repeatedly updated by using the remaining time, so that the initial value random number counter CINI1 (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) and the initial value. It becomes possible to update the value second symbol random number counter CINI2 (that is, the initial value of the second symbol random number counter C4) at random.

In addition, in step S208, when the power-off occurrence information is set and the process proceeds to step S212, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets interruption prohibition. Succeedingly, in a step S213, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a power cutoff notification command indicating that the power supply is cut off to other control devices. Succeedingly, in a step S214, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 stops the output of the control signal. Succeedingly, in a step S215, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 calculates a RAM determination value and saves it in the backup area. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Succeedingly, in a step S216, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 prohibits the RAM access. After that, it enters an infinite loop in preparation for the power being completely cut off and processing cannot be executed.

Next, the first symbol variation process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 9, in step S401, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not it is currently a big hit. The big hit includes the middle of the special game displayed on the third symbol display device 42 at the time of the big hit and the middle of a predetermined time after the end of the special game. In the following step S402, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the first symbol display device 40 is performing variable display of the first symbol. Then, if it is not a big hit and the variable display of the first symbol is not in progress either, the process proceeds to step S403, and the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether the number N of operation-holding balls of the first symbol display device 40 is larger than "0". Determine whether or not. At this time, if the jackpot is in the midst of hitting or the operation-holding ball number N is “0”, this processing is ended as it is.

In addition, during the big hit, it is not any of the variable display of the first symbol, and if the number N of operation-holding balls is> 0, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 subtracts "1" from the number N of operation-holding balls. In step S405, a process of shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the holding sphere storage area to the execution area side, and the holding first area→execution area, the holding second area→ The data in each area is shifted such as the first reserved area, the third reserved area→the second reserved urea, the fourth reserved area→the third reserved area.

After that, in step S406, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes a fluctuation start process. Here, the variation start process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10. In step S501, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area to the value of the jackpot random number counter C1. It is determined whether or not it is a big hit based on. Specifically, whether or not it is a big hit is determined based on the relationship between the value of the big hit random number counter C1 and the mode at that time (whether it is the probable variation state or the normal state), and as described above, at the time of the normal low probability. Of the numerical values “0” to “738” of the jackpot random number counter C1, “350,700” is a winning value (two), and at high probability, “50, 101, 160, 209, 257, 310, 361, 418, "480,517,578,635,677,730" is the winning value (14 pieces).

When the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines that it is a big hit, in step S502, the big hit symbol corresponding to the value of the big hit symbol counter C2 stored in the execution area of the holding ball storage area, that is, the first symbol display. The two LEDs 40a, 40b of the device 40, which are usually a big hit, both LEDs 40a, 40b have a blue lighting display, or the LED 40b has a blue lighting and the LED 40b has a red lighting, which is a big jackpot. Either the red lighting display of both LEDs 40a, 40b indicating the, or a combination lighting display of the red lighting of the LED 40 indicating a normal jackpot and the blue lighting of the LED 40b is obtained as a stop symbol (stop display). That is, the jackpot symbol corresponding to the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is obtained based on the table (not shown) showing the correspondence between the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the symbol.

Next, in step S503, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines a variation pattern (big hit effect pattern) at the time of a big hit. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 uses the values of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 without using the stop pattern selection counter C3. Confirm in order and determine the fluctuation pattern.

That is, based on the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2, whether the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is displayed as the "stop pattern 3" for the regular jackpot, or the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 for the time saving jackpot. It is determined whether to display the "stop pattern 4" or to display the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 as the "stop pattern 5" of the probability variation jackpot. The types of "stop pattern 3" to "stop pattern 5" thus determined are further determined based on the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1. That is, a variation pattern group of rough decorative symbols such as the reach type of the decorative symbol (third symbol) such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc. is determined. Then, one variation pattern is determined from the variation pattern groups of the rough decorative symbols thus determined based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. For example, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, the elapsed time until the final stop decorative pattern (in the present embodiment, the medium decorative pattern) is stopped after the occurrence of the reach is set to a predetermined time, and a more detailed decorative pattern. The mode of variation is determined. In the case of a big jackpot, the following relationships, that is, the relationship between the numerical value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the stop pattern, the relationship between the numerical value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1 and the fluctuation pattern, and the numerical value of the second fluctuation type counter CS2. The relation with the stop symbol time is defined in advance by a jackpot table or the like.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that it is not a big hit, in step S504, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 has a wrong symbol, that is, the two LEDs 40a, 40b of the first symbol display device 40 have different colors. Set the stop design to stop display.

Next, in step S505, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines a variation pattern at the time of deviation (a deviation effect pattern), and sets the deviation variation pattern in a fluctuation pattern designation command. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 confirms the values of the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 in that order, and determines the fluctuation pattern. decide.

That is, based on the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3, after the reach of the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 occurs, the final stop decorative symbol shifts by one before and after the reach decorative symbol and stops "front-rear reach. "Stop pattern 1" and "Stop pattern 2", which is a "reach other than front and rear detachment" in which the final stop decorative pattern also stops after the reach occurs, except before and after the reach decorative pattern, and "complete detachment without reach" "Stop pattern 0" which is "." For example, when the determined stop pattern is, for example, “stop pattern 1” that is the out-of-front/rear reach, the normal reach and the super-reach are selected from the out-of-rear reach change pattern group based on the value of the first change type counter CS1. A variation pattern group of rough decorative symbols is determined, such as a variation pattern in which the reach type of a decorative symbol (third symbol) such as is specified is determined. It is assumed here that the normal reach is decided. Then, from the normal reach variation pattern group of the rough decorative pattern thus determined, one variation pattern is determined based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. For example, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, the elapsed time until the final stop decorative pattern (in the present embodiment, the medium decorative pattern) is stopped after the occurrence of the reach is set to a predetermined time, and a more detailed decorative pattern. The mode of variation is determined. It should be noted that in the case of deviation, the following respective relationships, that is, the relationship between the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the stop pattern, the relationship between the first fluctuation type counter CS1 and the fluctuation pattern, and the second fluctuation type counter CS2. The relationship between the stop symbol time and the stop symbol time is defined in advance by a table for detachment or the like.

In the present embodiment, as one of the above-mentioned tables for disengagement, for example, at the time of low probability, in the state of the variation time shortening function of the first symbol display device 40, when the variation of the first symbol starts. There is one that is adopted when the number of operation pending of the first symbol is "0", and when the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 is "0 to 201", it corresponds to no reach (complete deviation), "202-208" corresponds to the out-of-front/rear reach, and "209-238" corresponds to the reach other than out-of-front/reach.

Subsequently, in step S506, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines the addition of the effect time, that is, the addition of the effect time of the jackpot variation pattern determined in step S503 or the deviation variation pattern determined in step S505. To do. More specifically, based on the value of the variation type counter CS3, the effect time is increased due to the sliding stop of the decorative design (third design) in the middle decorative design row on the third design display device 42 (the middle decoration). A variation pattern including a decorative pattern in the pattern row sliding and an increase in the time until it is stopped and displayed) is determined.

Further, in step S507, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 issues the variation pattern designation command corresponding to the jackpot variation pattern determined in step S503 or the variation pattern designation command corresponding to the out-of-range variation pattern determined in step S505. Set.

Succeedingly, in a step S508, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a decorative symbol designating command corresponding to the jackpot symbol of the first symbol display device 40 determined in the step S502, when the CPU 501 has gone through the steps S502 and S503. Then, in the case of passing through steps S504 and S505, the decorative symbol designating command corresponding to the detachment symbol of the first symbol display device 40 determined in step S504 is set.

Succeedingly, in a step S509, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets an effect time addition designation command corresponding to the effect time addition determined in the step S506, and ends the processing.

Returning to the description of FIG. 9, if step S402 is YES, that is, if the variation display of the first symbol is being performed, the process proceeds to step S407, and the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the variation time of the first symbol has elapsed. Determine whether. The variation time of the first symbol is determined based on the variation pattern and the effect time addition determined as described above with reference to FIG. 10, that is, the first symbol according to the variation pattern of the first symbol. Has been determined, and when this variation time has elapsed, a positive determination is made in step S407. If the variation time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S408, and if the variation time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S409.

Then, in step S408, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 updates the variable display of the first symbol on the first symbol display device 40. That is, the variable display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 is continued, and this processing is ended.

On the other hand, in step S409, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 stops the variable display of the first symbol and sets the stop symbol of the first symbol to the display symbol. That is, in step S502 of FIG. 10, when it is determined to be a normal jackpot, both LEDs 40a, 40b are lit in blue after the variable display of the two LEDs 40a, 40b of the first symbol display device 40, and the jackpot is usually a jackpot. Indicates. When it is determined to be a short time jackpot, after the two LEDs 40a, 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are displayed in a variable manner, the LED 40 is lit in blue and the LED 40b is lit in red to indicate the short time jackpot. When it is determined that the probability variation jackpot, after the two LEDs 40a, 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are displayed in a variable manner, both LEDs 40a, 40b are lit in red to indicate the probability variation jackpot, and in step S504 of FIG. When it is determined to be the off symbol, after the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are displayed in a variable manner, the LED 40 is lit in red and the LED 40b is lit in blue to indicate the detachment.

Succeedingly, in a step S410, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets an all stop command for instructing to stop the variation pattern of the decorative symbol (third symbol) which is variably displayed on the third symbol display device 42, After that, this processing ends.

Next, the payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the main processing of the payout control device 311. This main processing is started by a reset when the power is turned on.

First, in step S901, initialization processing associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets a stack address and an interrupt mode. In step S902, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 permits RAM access, and in step S903, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets an external interrupt vector.

After that, in step S904, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not the power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 513. Further, in step S905, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 calculates a RAM determination value, and in the following step S906, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value saved when the power is turned off, that is, backup is valid. Determine sex. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 513. Note that it is also possible to judge the effectiveness of the backup depending on whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 513 is correctly stored.

Succeedingly, in a step S907, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 initializes the RAM 513 at the time of power recovery. Specifically, when the main controller 261 is initialized, the main controller 261 sends a payout initialization command to the payout controller 311, and the CPU 511 of the payout controller 311 initializes the payout from the main controller 261. Upon receiving the activation command, the RAM 513 at power recovery is initialized in step S907. That is, the RAM area is initialized and the control of paying out the game balls is started.

Therefore, when the RAM erasing switch 323 is pressed (ON) when the power is turned on, the main control device 261 is initialized and a payout initialization command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311. Thus, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 performs the initialization processing of the RAM 513 based on the payout initialization command from the main control device 261.

Succeedingly, in a step S908, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 initializes peripheral devices of the CPU 511. Specifically, the CPU peripheral device is a timer control device called a CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit), and this CTC is set to a predetermined value to generate a timer interrupt every 2 milliseconds (ms).

Succeedingly, in a step S909, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets an interrupt permission and shifts to a payout control process described later.

On the other hand, similarly, when the power-off occurrence information is not set in step S904, or when the backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) in step S906, the payout control device 311 operates similarly. The CPU 511 clears the entire area of the RAM 513 to “0” (step S910) and performs initialization processing (step S911).

Next, the flow of the payout control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 15, in step S1001, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 acquires and stores the command from the main control device 261. Here, as the command to be stored, 15 kinds of prize ball commands (15 kinds of prize ball commands for instructing 1 to 15 payouts) and start of payout control to the payout control device 311 are given. There are 17 types of commands including a payout return command for paying out and a payout initialization command for instructing the payout control device 311 to perform payout initialization.

In step S1002, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not the payout permission has been received. That is, it is determined whether or not a payout return command or a prize ball command has been received. Further, in step S1003, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 checks a state return switch (not shown), and executes the state return operation when it is determined that the state return operation has started.

After that, in step S1004, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 performs setting of the lower plate full tank state or the lower plate full tank release state according to the change of the state of the lower plate 15. That is, the lower plate full tank state is determined by the detection signal of the lower plate full tank switch, and when the lower plate full tank is full, the lower plate full tank state is set, and when the lower plate full tank is not reached. , Set the lower plate full tank release status.

Further, in step S1005, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 executes the setting of the tank sphere-free state or the tank sphere-free state in accordance with the change of the tank sphere state. That is, the tank sphere no switch is detected by the detection signal of the tank sphere no switch, the tank sphere no state is set when the tank sphere is no longer present, and the tank sphere no release state is set when the tank sphere is no longer present. Execute the setting.

After that, in step S1006, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not there is a notification state, and when there is a notification state, the 7-segment LED provided in the payout control device 311 notifies.

In steps S1007 to S1009, prize ball payout processing is executed. In this case, if the prize balls cannot be paid out and the total number of prize balls stored in step S1001 is not "0" (NO in steps S1007 and S1008), the process proceeds to step S1009, and the prize ball control process ( 16) which will be described later is started. If the payout of prize balls is not possible, or if the total number of prize balls is 0 (YES in either of steps S1007 and S1008), the process of paying out balls is started.

After that, in steps S1010 to S1012, the process of paying out the ball is executed. In this case, if the payout of the ball is not disabled and the request for paying the ball from the card unit is received (NO in step S1010 and YES in S1011), the process proceeds to step S1012 and the ball control process (described later). 17) is started. Further, if the payout state of the rental ball is not received or if the request for paying the rental ball is not received (YES in step S1010 or NO in S1011), the subsequent vibe motor control (step S1013) is executed.

In step S1013, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 executes control of the vibrator 360 (see FIG. 3) (vibration motor control). After that, in step S1014, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not a power failure has occurred. If a power failure has occurred, the process proceeds to step S1015, and if not, the process returns to step S1001. In step S1015, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets power-off occurrence information, and in step S1016, creates a RAM determination value. After that, it enters an infinite loop in preparation for the power being completely cut off and processing cannot be executed.

Here, in the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 16, in step S1101, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the prize ball payout. In a succeeding step S1102, it is determined whether or not the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1103, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process, the stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S1104, and it is determined whether or not the game balls are normally counted, based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the count of the game balls is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1105, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process, the payout motor 358a is stopped, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG.

Further, if the number of game balls is normal, the process proceeds to step S1106, and it is determined whether or not the number of game balls counted by the payout count switch reaches the total number of prize balls and the payout is completed. If the payout is completed, stop processing of the payout motor 358a is executed in step S1107, and then the process returns to the payout control processing of FIG.

Further, in the ball rental control process shown in FIG. 17, in step S1201, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the ball payout. In a succeeding step S1202, it is determined whether or not the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1203, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process, the stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

Further, if the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S1204, and it is determined whether or not the game balls are normally counted based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the number of gaming balls is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1205, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process, the payout motor 358a is stopped, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG.

Further, if the number of gaming balls is normal, the process proceeds to step S1206, and it is determined whether the number of gaming balls counted by the payout count switch reaches a predetermined number of lent balls (25) and the payout is completed. If the payout has been completed, a stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed in step S1207, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

The NMI interrupt processing described above is similarly executed in the payout control device 311, and the state of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like is stored in the backup area of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. Similarly, power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 for a predetermined time after the power failure signal S1 is output so that the processing of the payout control device 311 can be executed. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, the power failure signal S1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. Then, the NMI interrupt processing shown in FIG. 13 is started. The contents are as described in FIG.

Next, the main process and the normal process of the sub control device 262 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a main process executed by the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262, and this main process is activated by a reset when the power is turned on. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of normal processing executed by the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262.

First, in step S1301, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 executes an initialization process associated with power-on. Specifically, port setting (port I/O switching and initial value output), timer setting (1 millisecond interval timer, liquid crystal command strobe output timer), and interrupt setting (subcommand strobe interrupt) are performed. ..

Further, in step S1302, CPU 551 of sub-control device 262 determines whether or not the power-off process is incomplete. Specifically, it is determined whether all the lamps (annular illumination portion 102, central illumination portion 103, etc.) of the front frame set 14 of the pachinko machine 10 are off, and whether the speaker is in the mute state. To determine. If the power-off process has not been completed, the process advances to step S1304, and if not, the process advances to step S1303.

Subsequently, in step S1303, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 determines whether or not the RAM of the sub control device 262 is destroyed. If it is destroyed, the process proceeds to step S1304, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1307. .. In step S1304, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 makes a RAM area read/write check of the sub control device 262. Then, in step S1305, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 determines whether or not the RAM of the sub control device 262 is normal. If the RAM of the sub control device 262 is normal, the process proceeds to step S1306, and if abnormal, the process proceeds to step S1311. In step S1306, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 writes the RAM destruction check data for each area of the RAM 553, and sets the RAM destruction check data for determining that the RAM is destroyed if there is a read abnormality.

Then, in step S1307, CPU 551 of sub-control device 262 determines whether or not the power is turned on after the power is turned off. If the power is turned on after the power is turned off, the process proceeds to step S1308, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1309.

In step S1308, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 clears the RAM area other than the unprocessed RAM area. Specifically, the unprocessed RAM area is an area for storing information that causes a system problem when the data is cleared, and is an area of information to be retained except when the RAM area is destroyed. For example, a subcommand reception buffer and power-on information may be used. When the main controller 261 powers off and the sub-controller 262 resets (when a power-off notification command is received from the main controller 261), the RAM areas other than the unprocessed RAM area are cleared.

In step S1309, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 sets interrupt permission. In step S1310, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 sets the initial value of the RAM of the sub control device 262, and shifts to the normal processing shown in FIG.

It should be noted that in step S1311, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 issues a RAM abnormality notification and enters an infinite loop. For example, it is possible to give a notification such as turning on a predetermined lamp unconditionally.

As shown in FIG. 19, in step S1401, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 determines whether or not 1 ms or more has elapsed from the start of normal processing. If 1 ms or more has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1402, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1410.

In step S1402, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs a lamp output process. Specifically, the lamp output is performed in accordance with the variation pattern effect of the decorative symbol (third symbol) on the third symbol display device 42.

In step S1403, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 issues a power-on notification. Specifically, a power-on command is issued for 30 seconds.

In step S1404, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs a customer waiting effect. Specifically, the title/still image is switched. That is, a so-called demo screen is displayed.

In step S1405, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs the reserved number display updating process of the first symbol variation. Specifically, this reservation number display update process is a process for performing a display corresponding to the reservation lamp 40c of the first symbol display device 40 also on the third symbol display device 42, so that the first symbol display device 40 In the case of a pachinko machine displaying only the hold lamp 40c, this process is unnecessary.

In step S1406, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs frame button input monitoring/effect processing. Specifically, this frame button input monitoring/production process is for performing a model-specific effect by pressing the frame button 20 in a pachinko machine equipped with the frame button 20 that can be pressed by the player. Therefore, in a pachinko machine that does not include such a frame button 20, this processing is unnecessary.

In step S1407, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs a ramp edit process. Specifically, the process of editing the lamp lighting pattern corresponding (synchronized) to the variation pattern effect of the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is performed.

In step S1408, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs sound editing/output processing. Specifically, a process of causing a sound corresponding (synchronized) to the variation pattern effect of the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is performed.

In step S1409, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs a liquid crystal effect execution management process. Specifically, the time management for synchronizing the lamp, the voice, and the liquid crystal effect (variable pattern effect of the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42) is performed.

In step S1410, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a process of updating the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern of the decorative symbol and the effect of the sound lamp to be performed by the third symbol display device 42. Specifically, this random number takes a value of "0" to "32767", for example, and returns to "0" when the upper limit "37268" is reached.

In step S1411, when the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 receives a command from the main control device 261, the CPU 551 performs a process corresponding to each command.

Specifically, when the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 receives the variation pattern designation command from the main control device 261, it converts the variation pattern designation command into a command and transmits it to the display control device 45. The variation pattern designation command may be directly output as it is. Further, when the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 receives the decoration special symbol designating command from the main control device 261, it transmits the decoration special symbol designating command and the notice effect command to the display control device 45. The notice command may be, for example, whether or not a school of fish has appeared as a notice. Further, when the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 receives the all stop command (confirmation command) from the main control device 261, it sends this all stop command to the display control device 45 as it is.

In step S1412, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 determines whether the RAM of the sub control device 262 has been destroyed. If the RAM is not destroyed, the process returns to step S1401, and if it is destroyed, an infinite loop is entered.

In the display controller 45, based on each command (variation pattern designation command, decoration special symbol designation command, notice effect command, all stop command) from the sub-controller 262, the decoration to be performed by the third symbol display device 42. Image generation control of the variation pattern of the symbol is performed. Specifically, the display control device 45 executes an image generation process for the decorative symbol variation pattern on the third symbol display device 42, and generates an image at a frame rate of 30 (30 images per second), By storing those generated images in the video RAM 524 (for example, a frame buffer) and appropriately displaying them on the third symbol display device 42, the decorative symbol variable display on the third symbol display device 42 is realized. ing.

Next, the configuration of further characteristic portions of the pachinko machine 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

20 is a perspective view of the first variable winning device 32a, FIG. 20(a) shows a state in which the main body case 400 is mounted, and FIG. 20(b) shows a state in which the plate portion 402 is removed from the main body case 400. Show. FIG. 21 is a front view of the first variable winning device 32a, FIG. 21(a) shows a state in which the main body case 400 is mounted, and FIG. 21(b) shows a state in which the plate portion 402 is removed from the main body case 400. Show. 22 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of the first variable winning device 32a shown in FIG. 21(a), FIG. 22(a) shows a closed state of the first variable winning device 32a, and FIG. ) Indicates the open state of the first variable winning device 32a. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the opening/closing door 410 and the driving unit 430. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the first variable winning device 32a shown in FIG. 21(a) taken along the line BB, and particularly showing the stopping portion 450. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the first variable winning device 32a as seen from the front side of the gaming machine. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the first variable winning device 32a viewed from the rear side of the gaming machine. In addition, other drawings such as FIG. 2 will be referred to as necessary.

First, the positional relationship of the first variable winning device 32a in the game area 30a will be described.

In the game area 30a, a third symbol display device 42 is disposed at a position slightly above the central portion, and a left narrow region narrower than the width of the third symbol display device 42 on the left lateral side of the third symbol display device 42. 30a1 is formed, and a right narrow region 30a2 narrower than the lateral width of the third symbol display device 42 is formed on the right lateral side of the third symbol display device 42.

The first variable winning device 32a is arranged immediately below the right narrow region 30a2, and the second variable winning device 32b is arranged in the right narrow region 30a2 above the first variable winning device 32a. That is, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b are arranged in the right narrow region 30a2 and its vicinity. As a result, the number of game balls fired toward the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b is larger than that in the case of being located below the third symbol display device 42. 2 The variable winning device 32b is won.

That is, when the variable winning device having the big winning opening is arranged in the lower center of the game area 30a as in the conventional example, the game balls flowing down the game area 30a are arranged upstream of the variable winning device. By colliding with a game member such as a nail or a windmill that is set, it often changes to a downward direction in which it is difficult to enter the variable winning device. For example, the game ball that collides with the above-mentioned game member may change its course and flow down in the direction in which the general winning opening is arranged. On the other hand, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b are arranged in the right narrow region 30a2 and its vicinity. In particular, the first variable winning device 32a has a width that closes the vicinity of the exit of the right narrow region 30a2, and is easy to receive the game ball coming out from the right narrow region 30a2. Further, in the game board 30, in the vicinity of the exit of the right narrow region 30a2, the center frame 47 is provided so that the game balls flowing down the game region 30a do not flow into the stage 48a from the inflow portion 48b provided on the right side of the center frame 47. A nail is planted along the inflow part 48b provided on the right side of the game ball so that the game ball flowing down the game area 30a can easily enter the first variable ball entrance device 32a. .. In addition, the game ball that is launched in the right narrow region 30a2 and flows down the right narrow region 30a2, even if it collides with a game member such as a nail on the way, the flow direction is only within the lateral width of the right narrow region 30a2. Since there is no change, it is easy to win the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b.

Further, in the conventional example, the variable winning device having a large winning opening is arranged below the center of the game area 30a, and the general winning opening is arranged diagonally above and to the right of the gaming area 30a. There is a case where the game ball flowing down is collided with a nail or a windmill and the traveling direction is changed, so that the game ball enters the general winning opening before reaching the large winning opening of the variable winning device. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first variable winning device 32a is arranged on the upstream side of the general winning opening 31, and the game ball is directed in a direction other than the first variable winning device 32a by a nail or a windmill. Since the flow direction is not changed, there is no possibility that the game ball flowing down the game area 30a will enter the general winning opening 31 before reaching the first variable winning device 32a. Further, since the general winning opening 31 is also provided on the downstream side of the first variable winning device 32a, there is a possibility that the game balls that have not won the first variable winning device 32a will also win the general winning opening 31. Has been done. As a result, the player's interest can also be attracted to the behavior of the game ball that passed without winning the first variable winning device 32a.

Next, the configuration of the first variable winning device 32a will be described. The first variable winning a prize device 32a is roughly divided into a main body case 400 accommodating the special winning opening switches 223a and 223b, a back side member 420 attached so as to cover the back side of the main body case 400, and a big winning opening. An opening/closing door 410 that opens/closes 32A, and a drive unit 430 that drives the opening/closing door 410 between an open state and a closed state. The special winning opening switches 223a and 223b correspond to the first ball detecting section and the second ball detecting section in the present invention.

The main body case 400 includes a plate portion 402 which is located on the forefront side of the first variable winning device 32a and is made of a transparent resin material, and a frame-shaped member 403 which protrudes from the plate portion 402 toward the back side. A cover member 404 is provided above the frame-shaped member 403, and at least a cover 404 protruding toward the back side is provided with a gap allowing the game balls to pass therethrough.

The frame-shaped member 403 has a back surface side closed by a back surface side member 420, thereby forming a ball inflow portion 406 forming an opening into which a game ball flowing down the game area 30a can flow, and a game flowing into the ball inflow portion 406. A guide for guiding a game ball that has entered the first ball entering area 412a, the second ball entering area 412b, and the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b, which form an opening into which the ball can enter In order to make the first front guide passage portion 422a, the second front guide passage portion 422b forming the passage, and the game balls that have not entered the first entrance area 412a and the second entrance area 412b flow out to the game area 30a. And a sphere outflow portion 407 that forms an opening. In addition, the frame-shaped member 403, the first storage portion 424a, the first storage portion 424a, which stores the special winning opening switch 223a, 223b that detects the game ball passing through the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b. The 2 storage part 424b is formed. The above-mentioned first ball entry area 412a and second ball entry area 412b constitute the special winning opening 32A. 20 and 21, a state in which the special winning opening 32A is closed by the opening/closing door 410 is shown.

The back surface side member 420 has a back surface side plate portion 421 attached to the game board 30. Between the back surface side plate portion 421 and the plate portion 402 of the main body case 400 described above, there is an interval through which game balls can pass. The back side plate portion 421 has a switch insertion hole h1 into which the special winning opening switches 223a and 223b are inserted, and a ball passage hole h2 through which game balls on the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b pass. Also, a stop ball passing hole h3 for passing a game ball stopped in a stop portion 450 described later, a door insertion hole h4 into which the opening/closing door 410 is inserted, and the like are formed. In addition, the back side plate portion 421 has a first rear guide passage portion 423a, a second rear guide passage portion 423b, and the like which are connected to the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b of the main body case 400. It is provided so as to project toward the back surface side. In addition, the back surface side plate portion 421 is provided with a passage forming portion i1 forming a retaining passage 451 for passing a game ball retained in the retaining portion 450 on the front side and the rear side of the retaining ball passage hole h3. The stop portion 450 described above corresponds to the stop portion in the present invention, and the stop passage 451 described above corresponds to the down guide portion in the present invention.

The stop passage 451 guides the game ball from the first ball entering area 412a to the second ball entering area 412b while changing the traveling direction of the game ball stopped at the stopping portion 450 toward the downstream side. Is. The stop passage 451 guides the game balls flowing into the stop portion 450 from the front side to the rear side of the board surface of the game board 30 and the backward guide portions 451a and 451c, which are guided by the backward guide portions 451a and 451c. The balls are alternately connected with front facing guide portions 451b and 451d that guide the balls from the back side to the front side of the board surface of the game board 30. That is, the stopping passage 451 is a passage having a shape in which two U-shaped passages are connected. By configuring the stopping portion 450 by the stopping passage 451, it is possible to set a long stopping time of the game ball in the limited space of the stopping portion 450. In addition, the stop time of the game ball is predetermined by changing the inclination angle of each of the passage portions 451a to 451d forming the stop passage 451, the entire inclination angle of the stop passage 451 and the bending angle of the passage portions 451a to 451d. Can be decided at time. When the stop time of the game ball is determined, the interval time between each round in the big hit state can be determined by a length according to the stop time. Specifically, the interval time is determined to be the same length as the dwell time or a little longer than that. For example, in the present embodiment, the stop time when the game ball is passed through the stop passage 451 is 5 seconds when the first variable ball entrance device 32a is horizontally mounted, so the interval time is the stop time. It is decided to be shorter than 3 seconds.

The opening/closing door 410 is in a closed state in which the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b of the special winning opening 32A of the main body case 400 are closed at least to the extent that the game ball cannot enter, and the game ball enters. It opens and closes in the open state where the ball is open. Specifically, the opening/closing door 410 is retracted to the inner side of the door insertion hole h4 to open the special winning opening 32A, and is moved forward to the front side of the door insertion hole h4 to close the large winning opening 32A. Becomes With such a configuration, the first variable winning device 32a has a smaller vertical width than a conventional variable winning device in which the big winning opening is opened and closed by the rotation of the door member.

The opening/closing door 410 is a laterally long plate-like member extending from the upper part of the first ball entering area 412a to the upper part of the second ball entering area 412b in a front view, and the second ball entering area 412b from the first ball entering area 412a side. It is formed so that it goes down to the left toward the side. Further, the opening/closing door 410 is formed so that the first ball entering area 412a side has substantially the same height as the ball inflow portion 406, and the second ball entering area 412b side has substantially the same height as the ball outflow portion 407. ing. As a result, the game balls that have flowed in from the ball inflow portion 406 easily flow into the stationary passage 451 from the opening/closing door 410, and the game balls that have passed through the stationary passage 451 easily flow out from the ball outflow portion 407. The open/close door 410 is connected to the drive unit 430 on the rear end side.

The drive unit 430 converts the power provided by the special winning opening solenoid 432 that gives power for operating the opening/closing door 410 and the power provided by the special winning opening solenoid 432 into a force that moves the opening/closing door 410 back and forth. It has and.

The special winning opening solenoid 432 is displaced to a first position P1 shown in FIG. 22(a) and a second position P2 shown in FIG. 22(b) retracted to the inner side of the first position P1. Equipped with.

On the back surface side of the back surface side member 420 described above, a guide frame 439 having a solenoid housing portion 437 for housing the rear side of the special winning opening solenoid 432, and a door housing portion 438 for housing the opening/closing door 410, and a guide frame 439. A rear end frame 470 located at the rear end of the first variable winning device 32a is attached to the rear side. The special winning opening solenoid 432 accommodated in the solenoid accommodating portion 437 is attached to the rear surface side member 420 in a state where the front end is fixed by the fixing plate 436.

The conversion mechanism 440 is provided on the base end side of the rotating body 444, which rotates about a rotating shaft 442 in a direction substantially horizontal and orthogonal to the advancing/retreating direction of the movable piece 434. , The opening/closing door 410 in a state of being locked in the locking portion 446 locked to the movable piece 434 and the locking hole formed in the rear portion of the opening/closing door 410 provided at the tip of the rotating body 444. And a push-out section 448 that pushes back and forth.

The drive unit 430 retracts the movable piece 434 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, so that the rotation body unit 444 rotates rearward. At this time, the push-out portion 448 of the rotation main body 444 pushes the opening/closing door 410 rearward, so that the opening/closing door 410 is retracted to the inner side and brought into the open state, which makes it difficult to stop the game ball. On the contrary, when the drive part 430 advances the movable piece 434 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the rotation body part 444 is rotated forward. At this time, the push-out portion 448 of the rotating main body 444 pushes the opening/closing door 410 forward, so that the opening/closing door 410 advances toward the front side and is in the closed state, so that the game ball can be retained.

The above-mentioned first variable winning device 32a corresponds to the variable winning device according to the present invention, the above-mentioned special winning opening 32A corresponds to the winning part according to the present invention, and the above-mentioned opening/closing door 410 performs the opening/closing operation according to the present invention. It corresponds to a member.

Next, the special winning opening opening/closing process will be described with reference to FIG. The special winning opening opening/closing processing includes opening/closing processing of the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning apparatus 32a and opening/closing processing of the special winning opening 32B of the second variable winning apparatus 32b. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the special winning opening/closing process.

The special winning opening opening/closing processing corresponds to the special winning opening opening/closing processing (step S205) in the normal processing performed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 as described above with reference to FIG.

In step S1501, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the jackpot random number counter C1 is a jackpot. If it is a big hit, the process proceeds to step S1502. If it is a big hit, this process ends.

In step S1502, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the jackpot random number counter C2 is in the winning of the normal jackpot state or in the probability variation jackpot state. If either the normal jackpot state is won or the probability-variable jackpot state is won, the process proceeds to step S1503, and if none of these, the process proceeds to step S1511.

In step S1503, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the drive unit 430 so as to open the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning a prize device 32a, and starts counting the opening time by the timer function. A round 1 is started by opening the special winning opening 32A.

In addition, between step S1503 and step S1504, if there is a ball to the first winning area 412a that constitutes the big winning opening 32A, the game ball is detected by the first big winning opening switch 223a, and If there is a ball in the second ball area 412b that constitutes the winning hole 32A, the game ball is detected by the first special winning hole switch 223b.

In step S1504, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects whether or not a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have been won at the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a, and the timer function opens the maximum. It is detected whether a time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. When a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a, or when the time measured by the timer function has exceeded the maximum opening time, the process proceeds to step S1505, and the first variable winning device If a predetermined number of game balls have not been won in the special winning opening 32A of 32a, or if the timer function has not counted the maximum opening time, step S1504 is repeated.

In step S1505, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the drive unit 430 so as to close the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a, stops the time counting by the timer function, and proceeds to step S1507. .. The round 1 is completed by closing the special winning opening 32A.

In step S1506, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 keeps the special winning opening 32A closed for a predetermined time (3 seconds in the present embodiment) for closing the special winning opening 32A between the rounds. The drive unit 430 is controlled.

In step S1507, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the 16 rounds of games set as the normal jackpot state or the probability variation jackpot state are finished, and when the 16 rounds of games are finished, this processing is finished. If the game of 16 rounds has not been completed, the process returns to step S1503, and steps S503 to S1507 are repeated.

In step S1511, when it is determined in step S1502 that neither the normal jackpot state nor the probability-variable jackpot state is hit, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the jackpot random number counter C2 is in the short-time jackpot state. judge. If it is a win to the short-time jackpot state, the process proceeds to step S1512. If it is not a win to the short-time jackpot state, it is determined to be out and the process is finished.

In step S1512, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the special winning opening solenoid so as to open the special winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, and starts counting the opening time by the timer function. The first round is started by opening the special winning opening 32B.

In addition, between step S1512 and step S1513, if there is a ball to the special winning opening 32B, the game ball is detected by the special winning opening switch for the special winning opening B.

In step S1513, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects whether or not a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have been won in the special winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, and the timer function opens the maximum. It is detected whether a time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. When a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the special winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, or when the time measured by the timer function has exceeded the maximum opening time, the process proceeds to step S1514, and the second variable winning device If a predetermined number of game balls have not been won in the special winning opening 32B of 32b, or if the time measured by the timer function has not passed the maximum opening time, step S1513 is repeated.

In step S1514, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the special winning opening solenoid so as to close the special winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, and stops the time counting by the timer function, and proceeds to step S1515. move on. The round 1 is completed by closing the special winning opening 32B.

In step S1515, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 keeps the special winning opening 32B closed for a predetermined time (3 seconds in this embodiment) for closing the special winning opening 32A between the rounds. The drive unit for the special winning opening 32B is controlled.

In step S1516, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the game of eight rounds set as the short-time and big-hit state has ended, and when the game of eight rounds has ended, this processing ends. If the game of eight rounds has not been completed, the process returns to S1510 and steps S1512 to 1516 are repeated.

The normal jackpot state or the probability variation jackpot state described above corresponds to the specific game state of the present invention, and the winning of the normal jackpot state or the probability variation probability jackpot state corresponds to the first condition of the present invention. In addition, the above-mentioned winning of 10 game balls corresponds to the predetermined number of entering balls of the present invention, and the maximum opening time of 30 seconds described above corresponds to the first predetermined time of the present invention. Further, the time of 3 seconds for closing the special winning opening 32A described above corresponds to the second predetermined time of the present invention, and the 16 rounds set as the normal big hit state or the probability variation big hit state described above are the predetermined number of times of the present invention. Equivalent to. The predetermined number of balls entered, the maximum opening time, the second predetermined time, and the predetermined number of times according to the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned contents because they are determined according to the game content and the game value.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, an opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door 410 in the first variable winning device 32a will be described.

28: is a perspective view explaining the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door 410, FIG. 28(a) shows the closed state before becoming a big hit state, and FIG. 28(b) is the open state of the first round of the big hit state. Indicates. 29 is a perspective view for explaining the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door 410 following FIG. 28. FIG. 29(a) shows the closed state after the first round, and FIG. 29(b) shows the second round and beyond. Shows the open state of. Note that FIGS. 28 and 29 are views in which the plate portion 402 is removed from the main body case 400, as in FIG.

First, the first variable winning device 32a in the normal gaming state before the normal jackpot state or the probability variation jackpot state is started will be described. In this normal gaming state, the special winning opening solenoid 432 is in a non-operating state, and the opening/closing door 410 is in a state where the first winning entry area 412a and the second winning entry area 412b of the special winning entry 32A are kept closed. .. In this state, the game ball flowing down the game area 30a can flow into the first variable winning device 32a from the ball inflow part 406, but the game ball flowing in from the ball inflow part 406 is won in the special winning opening 32A. do not do. That is, the game ball that has flowed in from the ball inflow portion 406 passes through the opening/closing door 410 and enters the stop passage 451. The game ball that has finished passing through the stop passage 451 passes through the opening/closing door 410 and flows out of the ball. From the portion 407 is again flown to the game area 30a located outside the first variable winning device 32a. As a result, even in the normal game state, the flow path of the game ball that has left the right narrow region 30a2 is sufficiently secured.

When the normal big hit state or the probability variation big hit state is won by the lottery based on the ball entering the first starting ports 33a and 33b, the special winning opening solenoid 432 is activated, and the opening/closing door 410 is the first winning opening 32A. The ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b are opened. In the first round of the big hit state, since the game balls are not normally retained in the stopping portion 450, the game balls flowing in from the ball inflow portion 406 enter only the first entrance area 412a. The game ball that has entered the first ball entry area 412a is detected by the first special winning opening switch 223a provided immediately below.

When the number of balls detected by the first special winning opening switch 223a reaches a predetermined number or when the maximum opening time elapses, the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the closed state. During the time when the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state (3 seconds in this embodiment), the game ball that has flowed in from the ball inflow portion 406 passes over the opening/closing door 410 and is stopped at the stopping portion 450. That is, the game ball that has passed over the opening/closing door 410 flows into the stop passage 451 and is stopped at the stop portion 450 until it finishes passing through the stop passage 451. In this way, when the number of game balls stopped at the stopping portion 450 increases, it becomes possible to enter the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a during the period when the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. The number of balls in the game ball increases. By increasing the number of game balls that can be entered into the special winning opening 32A during one round during the jackpot state, the time required for the entire jackpot state (for example, if the jackpot state continues for 16 rounds, 16 It is possible to shorten the time required to complete the round). That is, conventionally, there has been a case where the interval time between rounds is shortened or eliminated as a method of shortening the time taken for the entire jackpot state. In such a technique, the game ball that entered the special winning opening during the previous round may remain as a remaining ball at the end of the round, and the prize may be detected during the next round. Since such a situation impairs the player's profit, it is difficult to shorten the interval time between rounds, and it is not possible to sufficiently shorten the time required for the entire jackpot state. However, by providing the first variable ball entering device 32a according to the present embodiment, during the interval time, since the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 451, it may remain as a remaining ball in the special winning opening 32A. Instead, the stopped ball can be used to detect winning in the next round. This makes it possible to appropriately shorten the time required for the entire jackpot state while appropriately processing the remaining balls by taking advantage of the interval time.

The game ball that has flown into the stop passage 451 is first guided in the order of the backward guide portion 451a, the forward guide portion 451b, the backward guide portion 451c, and the forward guide portion 451d. While the game ball first flowing into the stop passage 451 passes through the stop passage 451, the open/close door 410 is kept closed. Then, after the game ball that first flows into the stop passage 451 has finished passing through the stop passage 451, the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state again. The timing at which the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state is at least the timing until the game ball that first flows into the stopping passage 451 finishes passing through the stopping passage 451 and enters the second entering area 412b. It is preferable in terms of design that the game ball that has flowed into the stop passage 451 is returned to the open state immediately before it finishes passing through the stop passage 451. It should be noted that the passage mode of the game balls that move in and out of the game board 30 in this manner is visually recognized by the player through the plate portion 402 having transparency, so that it is possible to add interest to the game in the jackpot state. You can

While the open/close door 410 is in the open state, it is detected that a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have been won in the special winning opening 32A, or the maximum opening time (for example, 30 seconds) is detected by the timer function. ) Is detected, the process moves to the second round.

In the second round, the game ball that has finished passing through the stop passage 451 can enter the second ball entry area 412b while the open/close door 410 is in the open state. Further, since the first ball entering area 412a is opened at the same time as the opening of the second ball entering area 412b, the game ball that has flowed in from the ball inflow portion 406 can enter the first ball entering area 412a. In this way, after the second round, when the opening/closing door 410 is in the open state, the game ball that has been stopped at the stopping portion 450 and the ball that has newly flown into the first variable winning device 32a have a large winning opening. It is possible to enter the ball at different points of 32A at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of game balls that enter the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a during the period in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state.

In addition, by providing the stop portion 450 in the first variable winning device 32a and configuring the inflowing game balls to be able to enter at different places of the special winning opening 32A, each of the normal jackpot state or the probability variation jackpot state. In the round, the time required for each round can be shortened when the game ball entering the special winning opening 32A moves to the next round when 10 balls are counted. This point will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a timing chart showing the opening/closing timing of the opening/closing door 410 and the detection timing of the game ball.

In this description, it is assumed that the time taken from when the game ball flowing down the game area 30a flows into the ball inflow portion 406 of the first variable winning a prize device 32a to when it is detected by the first special winning opening switch 223a is 1 second. In addition, it is assumed that gaming balls enter the ball inflow portion 406 of the first variable winning device 32a at intervals of 1 second immediately after the start of each round in which the opening/closing door 410 is opened.

In the first round, 10 balls are detected only by the first special winning opening switch 223a. This is because, in the first round, normally, there are no game balls that are stopped in the stop section 450, so there is no game ball that enters the second entrance area 412b even if the special winning opening 32A is in the open state. Is. After the first special winning opening switch 223a detects the entry of the tenth ball, the special winning opening 32A is closed, and the first round ends. Therefore, the time required for the first round is 1 second×10 balls=10 seconds.

Immediately after the first round is completed and the special winning opening 32A is closed, the game balls are started to be retained in the stopping portion 450, and the special winning opening 32A is closed (3 seconds in this embodiment). It is assumed that 3 game balls are parked at 1 second intervals. After the closing time of the special winning opening 32A has passed, the special winning opening 32A is opened again, and the second round is started.

In the second round, since the game balls are stopped at the stopping portion 450, it is possible to enter the game balls in the second entrance region 412b at the same time as the first entrance region 412a. However, in the present embodiment, since the stopping time is longer than the interval time, the stopping ball is actually entered into the second entrance area 412b from the timing after the opening of the second entrance area 412b. Become. As for the game balls that have been stopped at the stopping unit 450, about three seconds after the second round starts, three game balls enter the second entry area 412b at intervals of one second. The first special winning opening switch 223b detects three game balls that have entered the second entering area 412b. Immediately after the special winning opening 32A is opened, the game balls that have flown into the ball inflow portion 406 enter the first ball entry area 412a at 7 second intervals at 1 second intervals. The first special winning opening switch 223a detects seven game balls that have entered the first entering area 412a. After the first special winning opening switch 223a finishes detecting the seventh game ball, the special winning opening 32A is closed again, and the second round ends. Therefore, the time required for the second round is 1 second×7 balls=7 seconds. This is because the game balls to be detected by the first special winning opening switch 223a are reduced by three balls detected by the first special winning opening switch 223b, that is, the number of balls that are stopped.

Immediately after the second round is finished and the special winning opening 32A is closed, the game balls are started to be retained in the stopping portion 450, and the special winning opening 32A is closed (3 seconds in this embodiment). It is assumed that 4 game balls are parked at 1 second intervals. After the closing time of the special winning opening 32A has passed, the special winning opening 32A is opened again, and the third round is started.

Even in the third round, since the game balls are stopped in the stopping portion 450, it is possible to enter the game balls in the second entrance region 412b at the same time as the first entrance region 412a. As for the game balls that have been stopped at the stop portion 450, about two seconds after the start of the third round, four game balls successively enter the second entry area 412b. The first special winning opening switch 223b detects four game balls that have entered the second entering area 412b. Immediately after the special winning opening 32A is opened, the six game balls that have flown into the ball inflow portion 406 enter the first entry area 412a at one second intervals. The first special winning opening switch 223a detects six game balls that have entered the first entry area 412a. After the first special winning opening switch 223a finishes detecting the sixth game ball, the special winning opening 32A is closed again, and the third round is completed. Therefore, the time required for the third round is 1 second×6 balls=6 seconds. This is because, as the number of game balls stopped in the stopping unit 450 increases, the number of game balls to be detected by the first special winning opening switch 223a becomes smaller than that in the second round.

Thereafter, until the 16th round ends, if there is a game ball stopped in the stopping portion 450, the round can be finished in a time shorter than the time required for the first round which was not stopped.

On the other hand, in the variable winning device of the conventional example, when 16 rounds of the normal jackpot state and the probability variation jackpot state are performed, the winning and detecting modes similar to those of the first round of the present embodiment continue until the 16th round. That is, a game ball wins a special winning opening having only one winning area, and the game ball winning the special winning opening is detected by one big winning opening switch. Therefore, it is not possible to shorten the time required for the second and subsequent rounds. Therefore, the time to complete the 16 rounds of the normal jackpot state and the probability variation jackpot state is also likely to be longer than in the present embodiment.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the special winning opening 32A into which the game ball can enter, the open state in which the game ball easily enters the big winning opening 32A, and the open state more than this open state The first variable winning device 32a, which has an opening/closing door 410 that opens and closes in a closed state in which a game ball does not easily enter the special winning opening 32A, is either a regular jackpot state winning or a probability variation jackpot winning state. Accordingly, the opening/closing door 410 is opened, and the opening/closing door 410 is closed based on the elapse of a maximum opening time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls). After the closing time (3 seconds in the present embodiment) set to be shorter, the big hit state game of returning the opening/closing door 410 to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 rounds). In the first variable winning device 32a, during the period of the big hit state in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball contacting the open/close door 410 in the closed state returns the open/close door 410 to the open state. There is a stop portion 450 configured to be discharged for the special winning opening 32A when the open/close door 410 is returned to the open state.

As a result, in the period of the big hit state in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball contacting the open/close door 410 in the closed state has an interval time until the open/close door 410 is returned to the open state. It is stopped at the inter-stop section 450. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the special winning opening 32A when the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state. Therefore, in the conventional game machine, the game ball that cannot be put into the special winning opening and reaches the variable winning device such as the special winning opening device at the timing when the opening/closing operation member such as the attacker is in the closed state. Can also be entered into the special winning opening 32A. Therefore, the time taken for the entire period of the jackpot state in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state (for example, when the jackpot state lasts up to 16 rounds, the time it takes to complete 16 rounds) is shortened. You can

In addition, as the time required for the entire jackpot state is shortened, the player has a lottery of whether or not to generate the jackpot state more times than the conventional gaming machine even at the same time. Since it is possible to get an opportunity, it is possible to enhance the fun of the game.

Further, conventionally, there has been a case where the interval time between rounds is shortened or eliminated as a method of attempting to shorten the time taken for the entire period of the big hit state. In such a technique, the game ball that entered the special winning opening during the previous round may remain as a remaining ball at the end of the round, and the prize may be detected during the next round. Since such a situation impairs the player's profit, it is difficult to shorten the interval time between rounds, and it has not been possible to sufficiently shorten the time taken for the entire jackpot period. However, by providing the first variable ball entering device 32a according to the present embodiment, during the interval time, since the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 451, it may remain as a remaining ball in the special winning opening 32A. Instead, the stopped ball can be used to detect winning in the next round. As a result, it is possible to appropriately process the remaining balls without providing an interval time, and it is possible to suitably shorten the time taken for the entire period of the big hit state.

The special winning opening 32A has a first ball entry area 412a and a second ball entry area 412b provided at a position different from the first ball entry area 412a. The opening/closing door 410 changes the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b between an open state and a closed state. During the period when the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that comes into contact with the open/close door 410 in an attempt to enter the first entry area 412a is retained in the stop portion 450 while the open/close door 410 is in the closed state. Stop. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the second entrance area 412b when the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state.

In this respect, the conventional gaming machine, even if the game ball reaches the variable winning device such as the special winning opening device while the opening/closing operation member such as the attacker is open, In some cases, the ball could not enter the special winning opening. That is, in the case where the game balls reach the variable winning device continuously while the opening/closing member is in the open state, all the game balls that have reached the variable winning device are entered into the special winning opening. It takes time, and some of the game balls that have reached the variable winning device may overflow out of the variable winning device.

On the other hand, by configuring like the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the game ball that reaches the first variable winning device 32a is a game ball while the opening/closing door 410 is in the open state in the first round. Can enter the first entrance area 412a, but the game ball does not enter the second entrance area 412b because the game ball is not stopped in the stopping portion 450. Next, while the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped at the stop portion 450 without entering the first entrance area 412a or the second entrance area 412b. Next, while the opening/closing door 410 is in the open state in the second round, the game ball can enter the first ball entering area 412a, and if the game ball is stopped in the stopping portion 450, it is stopped. The game ball can enter the second entry area 412b. Next, while the open/close door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped at the stop portion 450 again without entering the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b. When the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state in the next third round, the game ball can enter the first ball entering area 412a again, and when the game ball is stopped in the stop portion 450, The stopped game ball can enter the second ball entry area 412b. In the subsequent rounds, the opening/closing door 410 opens and closes until a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) is reached.

In this way, except for the first round, the game balls that have reached the first variable winning device 32a are also from the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b while the opening/closing door 410 is in the open state. You can enter the ball. Therefore, even when the game balls reach the first variable winning device 32a continuously during the period when the opening/closing door 410 changes to the open state and the closed state, the game balls that reach the first variable winning device 32a are Since it is possible to enter from both the first entry area 412a and the second entry area 412b, it is possible to quickly enter the game ball that has reached the first variable winning device 32a into the special winning opening 32A. As a result, the loss of time due to the game balls reaching the first variable winning device 32a overflowing out of the first variable winning device 32a can be reduced, so that the opening/closing door 410 can be opened and closed. It is possible to preferably shorten the time taken for the entire period of the jackpot state changing to.

In addition, the entry area in which the game ball that flows down the game area is about to enter the big winning opening 32A, and the entry area in which the game ball stopped in the stopping section 450 is about to enter, Since it is provided at different positions in the same special winning opening 32A, that is, the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b, the game ball that has flowed down the game area and the game ball stopped at the stop portion 450 The possibility that a part of the game balls cannot enter the special winning opening 32A due to collision with and is reduced. As a result, the loss of time due to the game balls colliding with each other and being unable to enter during the period in which the open/close door 410 changes to the open state is reduced, so that the open/close door 410 is in the open state and the closed state. The time required for the entire changing jackpot state can be suitably shortened.

The first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the game area in the front view of the game board 30. The stopping portion 450 is located between the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b. Therefore, while the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball that contacts the opening/closing door 410 can be smoothly stopped in the stopping portion 450, and the game ball stopped in the stopping portion 450 can be smoothly inserted into the second entry. It can be sent towards the sphere region 412b. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time taken to end the game state that is advantageous to the player.

The first ball entry area 412a is arranged such that the height of the game area in the vertical direction is higher than that of the second ball entry area 412b when the game board is viewed from the front, and the stopping portion 450 has the first entry area 412a. It has a stop passage 451 that guides the game ball in the downward direction from the ball region 412a toward the second entry ball region 412b. Therefore, the stopped game ball is vigorously guided from the first ball entry area 412a to the second ball entry area 412b. As a result, even if the game balls are successively fired toward the first ball entry area 412a during the period in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game being stopped inside the first variable winning a prize device 32a. The risk of the ball becoming clogged is reduced.

In addition, the game ball stopped in the stopping portion 450 is guided from the first entrance area 412a to the second entrance area 412b while the traveling direction is changed by the passage forming portion i1 of the stop passage 451. Therefore, by changing the traveling direction of the game ball in the stopping portion 450, as compared with the case of guiding the game ball from the first ball entering area 412a to the second ball entering area 412b without changing the moving direction, It is possible to set the stop time of the game ball to be long.

In addition, the passage forming portion i1 of the stop passage 451 guides the game ball on the back side of the board of the game board 30 from the front side to the back side and guides the game ball on the back side of the board of the game board 30. Since it is formed by the combination of the back side guide portion 451b and the front facing guide portion 451c that guides the game ball from the back side to the front side of the board of the game board 30, the back side guiding portion 451a and the back side guiding portion 451b are formed. Depending on how to combine with the front guide unit 451c, the stop time of the game ball can be freely designed.

Further, the first special winning opening switch 223a for detecting the entry of the game ball into the first entry area 412a is arranged immediately below the first entry area 412a, and the game ball into the second entry area 412b. The first special winning opening switch 223b for detecting the entry of the ball is arranged directly below the second entry area 412b. Therefore, even when the staying state is canceled and the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b enter continuously at the same time, within the special winning opening 32A. It is possible to reduce the ball clogging and the detection time.

Further, the game area 30a has a left narrow area 30a1 and a right narrow area 30a2 narrower than the width of the third symbol display device 42, and the left narrow area 30a1 is the left lateral side of the third symbol display device 42. The right narrow region 30a2 is formed on the right side of the third symbol display device 42. The first variable winning device 32a is disposed either on the left narrow region 30a1 or below the left narrow region 30a1, or on the right narrow region 30a2 or below the right narrow region 30a2. .. Therefore, as many game balls as possible can be shot toward the first variable winning device 32a into the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a. That is, when the first variable winning device 32a is arranged in the center of the game area 30a, the game balls flowing down the game area collide with game members such as nails and windmills arranged in the game area. As a result, the flow-down direction is changed, and it often comes off the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a. On the other hand, when the first variable winning device 32a is arranged in the left narrow area 30a1 or the right narrow area 30a2 of the game area, the game balls flowing down the game area are affected by the above-mentioned game members. Even if the player receives the game, the flowing direction changes only within the lateral width of the left narrow region 30a1 and the right narrow region 30a2, so it is easy to enter the special winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a. This is the same when the first variable winning device 32a is arranged below the left narrow region 30a1 or below the right narrow region 30a2. Therefore, the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state can be suitably shortened.

Further, since the upper portion of the stopping portion 450 is covered by the cover portion 404, it is possible to prevent the game ball flowing down the game area and the game ball stopped at the stopping portion 450 from colliding with each other.

Further, the opening/closing door 410 is an advancing/retreating member that can be moved back and forth. When the advancing/retreating member moves backward from the board surface of the game board 30, the special winning opening 32A is opened, and when the advancing/retreating member moves forward from the board surface of the gaming board 30, the special winning opening 32A is closed. The game ball passing over the closed/advanced member is stopped at the stopping portion 450. Therefore, the vertical width in the first variable winning a prize device 32a required to be in the open state and the closed state is smaller than the configuration in which the big winning opening 32A is opened or closed by the rotation of the opening/closing door 410. can do. As a result, the first variable winning device 32a having the function of stopping the game ball can be downsized.

Next, the pachinko machine 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 31 is a front view of the game board 30 of the pachinko machine 10 according to the second embodiment. 32 is a perspective view of the third variable winning device 32c according to the second embodiment. FIG. 32(a) shows a state in which the main body case 400 is mounted, and FIG. 32(b) shows the plate portion 402 of the main body case 400. Shows the state without. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the normal electric auditors product opening/closing process according to the second embodiment.

Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the third variable winning device 32c configured similarly to the first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment is arranged below the right narrow region 30a2 as in the first embodiment. However, the third variable winning device 32c has a third starting opening 33c instead of the special winning opening 32A. In the first embodiment, the second symbol display device 41 variably displays the second symbol as a normal symbol triggered by the winning of the second start opening 34, but in the second embodiment, the second symbol display. While the device 41 variably displays the second symbol as a special symbol by using the winning of the third starting opening 33c as a trigger, the third symbol display device 42 also uses the winning of the third starting opening 33c as a trigger and as a decorative symbol. The third symbol of is displayed in a variable manner. Further, in the second embodiment, the normal symbol display device 43 having the display portions 43a and 43b for variably displaying the regular symbol triggered by the passage detection to the second starting opening 34b is provided as one of the variable display device units 35. ing. In addition, a hold display unit 43c indicating the number of held variable displays (up to four times) on the display units 43a and 43b is displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 42. When the result of the variable display of the normal symbol is a hit, the third starting opening 33c is displaced from the closed state to the open state by the third starting port solenoid 433 as described later, and the result of the variable display of the ordinary symbol is When it is disengaged, the third starting port 33c maintains the closed state. The second starting opening 34a provided in the first embodiment is not provided in the game board 30 of the second embodiment. Further, below the third symbol display device 42, the first starting ports 33a and 33b were provided in the first embodiment, but in the second example, the first starting port 33 having no operating member such as a blade. Only provided. With the winning of the first start opening 33 as a trigger, the first symbol as the special symbol is variably displayed on the first symbol display device 40 and the third symbol as the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the third symbol display device 42. To be done.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the fourth variable winning device 32d has the special winning opening 32D, and is arranged below the first starting opening 33. In addition, the fourth variable winning device 32d opens and closes the door member provided at the special winning opening 32D in any of the normal big hit state, the probability variation big hit state, and the short-time big hit state. When the result of the variable display of the first symbol and the third symbol described above is the winning of the big hit state, the door member provided in the special winning opening 32D shifts to the big hit state in which it is displaced between the open state and the closed state. .. Further, a fifth variable winning device 32e having a special winning opening 32E is provided downstream of the third starting opening 33c. When the result of the variable display of the above-mentioned second and third symbols is the winning of the big hit state, the door member provided in the special winning opening 32E shifts to the big hit state in which it is displaced between the open state and the closed state. .. The fifth variable winning device 32e may adopt the same jackpot state as the fourth variable winning device 32d, may adopt a different jackpot state, or may adopt the same jackpot state but different game value given to the player. You may The contents common to the first embodiment in other configurations are given the same reference numerals as the first embodiment, and the description of the corresponding first embodiment is referred to.

The positional relationship of ball entry parts within the game area 30a will be described. In the game area 30a, a second starting opening 34b (through gate) is provided in the right narrow area 30a2. A third variable winning device 32c having a third starting port 33c is arranged below the exit of the right narrow region 30a2. A fifth variable winning device 32e is provided at the lower left of the exit of the third variable winning device 32c, and a fourth variable winning device 32d is provided at the lower left of the fifth variable winning device 32e and below the first starting opening 33. Has been.
The arrangement position of the third variable winning device 32c is the same as that of the first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment. A fourth variable winning device 32d having a special winning opening 32D is disposed below the first starting opening 33.

Next, the configuration of the third variable winning device 32c will be described.

The third variable winning device 32c includes a third starting opening switch 461a that detects a ball entering the first entering area 412a that forms the third starting opening 33c, and a second winning opening that forms the third starting opening 33c. It is provided with a third starting port switch 461b that detects a ball entering the ball area 412b. Also, the third variable winning device 32c is similar to the first embodiment in that it includes an opening/closing door 410 for opening/closing the third starting port 33c, a solenoid for giving power for operating the opening/closing door 410, and the like. ..

The third variable winning device 32c, when the result of the jackpot lottery that is triggered by the ball entering the first starting openings 33a and 33b is a win for the time saving jackpot, the third variable winning device 32c is set to 8 in the fourth variable winning device 32d. In the time-saving state performed after the end of the round game, the third starting opening 33c can be opened and closed a predetermined number of times.

As the time saving state, a state in which a game ball easily enters the third variable winning device 32c is adopted. Specifically, when it becomes a time saving state, the variable display time of the second symbol (ordinary symbol) performed on the second symbol display device 41 triggered by the entry into the second starting opening 34b of the right narrow region 30a2. Is short, and when the variable display of the second symbol (ordinary symbol) is a hit, the third starting port 33c is in an open state longer than the normal state. Specifically, the third starting opening 33c is opened once in 0.1 seconds, for example, by the opening operation of the opening/closing door 410 when the variable display of the second symbol is a hit in the normal state. In the time saving state, when the variable display of the second symbol is a hit, after the opening/closing door 410 is opened for 3 seconds, the opening/closing door 410 is closed for 1 second. As a result, in the normal state, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the third starting port 33c, so the game ball is launched aiming at the first starting ports 33a and 33b, but in the time saving state, the third starting It becomes easy for the game ball to enter the mouth 33c, and when the game ball enters the third starting port 33c, the variable display of the first symbol and the third symbol is suspended, so that the first symbol and the third symbol are successively applied. The variable display of is displayed. In the time-saving state of the second embodiment, the "time-saving state of cutting the number of times" that the time-saving state continues until the variation display of the first symbol and the third symbol is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) from the time-saving jackpot occurrence. It is adopted.

Therefore, in the time saving state, the player hits the right-hand side by aiming at the right narrow area 30a2 so that the game ball hit in the game area 30a faces the third variable winning device 32c. Further, as a result of the variable display of the second symbol and the third symbol in the time saving state, even when the big hit state occurs, the game ball hit in the game area 30a is directed toward the fifth variable winning device 52e, so that the player Makes a right hand strike. In the normal game state or in the big hit state in which the time saving state does not occur, the player narrows the left side so that the game ball hit in the game area 30a is directed to the first starting opening 33 or the fourth variable winning device 32d. A left hit is performed to shoot a game ball aiming at the area 30a1. In addition, when the result of the jackpot lottery that is triggered by the entry into the first starting openings 33a, 33b is the winning in the normal jackpot state or the probability in the probability variation jackpot state, in the fourth variable winning device 32d. 16 round games are executed.

In addition, the third variable winning device 32c includes a stopping portion 452 including a stopping passage 453 having a shorter overall length than the stopping passage 451 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the stop passage 453 is a backward guide portion 452e, and the game ball guided by the backward guide portion 452e is located on the rear side of the board surface of the game board 30 and is parallel to the board surface toward the downstream side. One combination of a back side guide portion 452f for guiding the game ball and a front facing guide portion 452g for guiding the game ball guided by the back side guide portion 452f from the back side to the front side of the board surface of the game board 30 is provided. .. In other words, the stationary passage 453 of the first embodiment has two U-shaped passages, but the stationary passage 452 has one U-shaped passage. In the present embodiment, since the stop time when the game ball passed through the stop passage 453 was 2 seconds when the third variable winning device 32c was placed horizontally, the above-mentioned interval time was shorter than this stop time. Even the short one second is decided.

Next, the normal electric accessory opening/closing process according to the second embodiment will be described.

Normal electric auditors product opening and closing process according to the second embodiment, when the lottery of the normal symbol that is performed by the passage of the game ball to the second starting port 34b in the time saving state is a hit, the third starting port This is a process of opening and closing 33c. Note that the normal electric auditors product opening/closing process corresponds to the normal electric auditors product opening/closing process (step S207) in the normal process performed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 as described above with reference to FIG.

In step S1601, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not there is a detection of a ball entering the second starting opening 34b or the number of holdings by the passage detection at the second starting opening 34b is 1 or more. .. If there is a detection of a ball entering the second starting opening 34b or the number of holdings is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S1602, and if it is less than 1, that is, 0, the present process is ended. If the number of reservations is 1 or more and the process proceeds to step S1602, the number of reservations is decreased by 1.

In step S1602, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the value of the second symbol jackpot random number counter C4 is winning. If winning, the process proceeds to step S1603, and if not winning, this processing ends.

In step S1603, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the drive unit 430 so as to open the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning a prize device 32c, and starts counting the opening time by the timer function. .. For example, the opening time is set to 3 seconds in the time saving state. The opening/closing door 410 of the third variable winning a prize device 32c repeats the opening/closing operation three times in total because the lottery of the second symbol performed upon detection of the passage of one ball to the second starting opening 34b is a win. Is configured. This step S1603 corresponds to one of them.

In addition, between step S1603 and step S1604, when a game ball enters the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c, the third starting port switch 461a and the third starting port switch 461b. Detects the entry of the game ball. Based on the detection of the ball entering the third starting opening 33c, the variable display of the second symbol and the third symbol is started, or if the variable display of the second symbol and the third symbol is being displayed, the relevant ball is entered. Minutes are reserved.

In step S1604, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects whether or not a predetermined number (for example, 3 balls) of game balls have been won in the third starting opening 33c of the third variable winning device 32c, and the third It is determined whether or not the maximum opening time (for example, 3 seconds) of the starting opening 33c has elapsed. If a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the third starting opening 33c, or if the maximum opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1605, and a predetermined number of game balls has not yet been won in the third starting opening 33c. If not, or if the predetermined maximum opening time has not elapsed, this step S1604 is repeated until the maximum opening time elapses.

In step S1605, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the drive unit 430 so as to close the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning a prize device 32c, and stops the time measurement by the timer function, and the step S1606. Proceed to.

In step S1606, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 continues to close the third starting opening 33c for a predetermined time (1 second in this embodiment) for closing the opening/closing door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c. The drive unit 430 is controlled as described above.

In step S1607, it is determined whether the opening/closing door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c has completed the third opening operation. If the third opening operation has been completed, this processing ends. If the third opening operation has not been completed, the process returns to step S1604, and the processes from step S1604 to step S1607 are repeated until the third rotation is completed.

In this way, the opening/closing door 410 is in the open state by providing the stop portion 452 on the third variable winning device 32c so that the inflowing game balls can be entered at different points on the third starting opening 33c. It is possible to increase the number of game balls that enter the third starting opening 33c in a predetermined time (3 seconds). This point will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 is a timing chart showing the opening/closing timing of the opening/closing door 410 and the detection timing of the game ball.

In this description, as in the case of the first embodiment, the time taken from when the game ball flowing down the game area 30a flows into the ball inflow portion 406 of the third variable winning device 32c until it is detected by the third starting opening switch 461a. Is 1 second. Further, similar to the first embodiment, the game balls enter the ball inflow portion 406 of the third variable winning device 32c at 1 second intervals immediately after the opening/closing door 410 is opened.

In the first opening, three balls are detected by only the third starting opening switch 461a. As in the case of the first embodiment, there is no game ball stopped in the stopping portion 452 until the short-time jackpot state occurs, so even if the third starting opening 33c is in the open state, the ball enters the second ball entry area 412b. This is because there are no game balls to play. Immediately after the third start port switch 461a detects the entry of the third ball, the third start port 33c is closed and the first opening is completed. The opening time in the first opening is approximately 3 seconds.

Immediately after the opening of the first time is completed and immediately after the third starting opening 33c is in the closed state, the game ball is stopped in the stopping portion 452, and the closing time of the third starting opening 33c (this implementation It is assumed that two game balls are continuously stopped in the stop portion 452 during 1 second). After the closing time of the third starting port 33c has passed, the third starting port 33c is opened again, and the second opening is started.

In the second opening, immediately after the third starting port 33c is in the open state, the game balls that have flowed into the ball inflow portion 406 flow into the first ball entry area 412a in two balls. The 3rd starting opening switch 461a detects the game ball of 2 balls which entered into the 1st entrance area 412a. The game ball stopped in the stopping portion 452 enters one ball in the second entrance area 412b about 1 second after the second opening. That is, the game ball enters the third starting opening 33c in the order of the first entry area 412a, the second entry area 412b, and the first entry area 412a. Immediately after the third starting port switch 461a detects the second (that is, the third ball in total) game ball that has entered the first entering area 412a, the third starting port 33c is in the closed state and the second time. Is released. The opening time in the second opening is approximately 2 seconds. In addition, before the 3rd starting opening 33c becomes a closed state, the game ball of the 2nd ball stopped at the stop part 452 may enter the 2nd entrance area 412b. In such a case, in the second opening, a total of four game balls may be entered, which is larger than the number of entered balls (3 balls) during the first opening.

After the second opening is completed, two game balls are continuously parked. Similar to the second opening, the game ball that has flown into the ball inflow portion 406 immediately flows into the first ball entering area 412a immediately after the start of the ball entering the second ball entering area 412b in the third opening. To do. The 3rd starting opening switch 461a detects the game ball of 2 balls which entered into the 1st entrance area 412a. The game ball stopped in the stopping portion 452 enters one ball in the second entrance area 412b about 1 second after the third opening. Immediately after the third starting port switch 461a detects the second (that is, the third ball in total) game ball that has entered the first entering area 412a, the third starting port 33c is in the closed state and the third time. Is released. The opening time in the third opening is also about 3 seconds. After that, if there is a game ball retained in the retaining portion 452 until the time-saving state of the number of times cut ends, the result of the variable display of the ordinary symbol triggered by the detection of the passage of the game ball to the second starting opening 34b. Each time, the opening of the third starting opening 33c can be completed a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) in a shorter opening time than the first opening in which there was no stoppage. As a result, the time required for the entire time saving state can be shortened. For example, in the case of the time cut state in which the number of times is cut, the time required to complete a predetermined number of times such as 100 times can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a good tempo game in a time saving state.

On the other hand, in the conventional starting ball entry device, when the result of the variable display of the normal symbol is a hit, the same opening time (approximately 3 seconds) as the above-mentioned first opening is a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). )Continue. That is, a game ball wins a starting opening having only one entry area, and one gaming opening switch detects the gaming ball winning the starting opening. Therefore, it is not possible to shorten the opening time in the second and subsequent opening. Therefore, the time required for the entire time saving state is likely to be longer than that in the present embodiment.

The above-mentioned third variable winning device 32c corresponds to the variable ball entering device of the present invention, and the above-mentioned third starting opening 33c corresponds to the ball entering part of the present invention. Further, the time saving state described above corresponds to the specific game state in the present invention, and the hit of the variable display result of the above-mentioned normal symbol corresponds to the first condition of the present invention. Also, the maximum opening time of 3 seconds of the above-mentioned third starting port 33c corresponds to the first predetermined time of the present invention, and the number of three balls entering the above-mentioned third starting port 33c is the predetermined number of the present invention. Corresponding to the entry of. The 1 second closing time of the third starting port 33 described above corresponds to the second predetermined time of the present invention, and 100 times in the above-mentioned time cut state of the number of times corresponds to the predetermined number of the present invention. Further, the stopping portion 452 described above corresponds to the stopping portion in the present invention. The first predetermined time period, the predetermined number of balls entered, and the second predetermined time period and the predetermined number of times of the present invention are determined according to the game content and the game value, and are not limited to the above-mentioned contents.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment, the third starting port 33c into which the game ball can enter, the open state in which the game ball easily enters the third starting port 33c, and this The third variable winning device 32c having the opening and closing door 410 that opens and closes in the closed state where the game ball is difficult to enter the third starting opening 33c than the open state, the first symbol and the third symbol from the time saving jackpot occurrence. The open/close door 410 is opened for a first predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) until the variable display of No. is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) and in response to the ball entering the second starting opening 34b. Then, based on the lapse of the first predetermined time or the predetermined number of balls (for example, three balls), the opening/closing door 410 is closed, and the second predetermined time (in the present embodiment, set shorter than the first predetermined time). After the elapse of 1 second), the game in the time saving state in which the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state (three opening/closing operations in this embodiment) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). The third variable winning device 32c, during the period in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, until the game ball in contact with the open/close door 410 in the closed state returns the open/close door 410 to the open state. It is provided with a stopping portion 452 configured such that the stopped game ball is discharged toward the third starting opening 33c when the opening and closing door 410 is returned to the open state.

As a result, in the period of the time saving state in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball contacting the open/close door 410 in the closed state is stopped until the open/close door 410 is returned to the open state. Stopped at 452. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the third starting opening 33c when the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state. Therefore, even if the game ball can reach the variable winning device at the timing when the winning guide door is closed, which cannot be put into the starting port in the conventional game machine, the ball is introduced into the third starting port. Can be made. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the entire period of the time saving state in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. For example, in the case of the time cut state in which the number of times is cut, the time required to complete a predetermined number of times such as 100 times can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a good tempo game in a time saving state.

In addition, because the time required for the entire period of the time saving state is shortened, the player may be able to get the chance of drawing lots of ordinary symbols more times than the conventional gaming machine even at the same time. Because there is, it is possible to enhance the fun of the game.

Further, as a method of attempting to shorten the time required for the entire period of the time saving state, a method of shortening or eliminating the time (interval time) of the closed state provided between the open states in the time saving state can be considered. In such a technique, the game ball that entered the variable winning device having the starting port during the period of the previous open state remains as the remaining ball at the end of the period of the open state, and during the period of the next open state. It is considered that a prize may be detected. Since such a situation impairs the profit of the player, it is difficult to shorten the interval time provided between the open states in the time saving state, and it is possible to sufficiently reduce the time required for the entire period of the time saving state. It is thought that it cannot be done. However, by providing the third variable ball entering device 32c according to the present embodiment, since the game ball is retained in the retaining portion 452 during the interval time, it remains as a residual ball in the third starting opening 33c. The winning ball can be used to detect the winning during the next open state. As a result, it is possible to properly process the remaining balls without providing an interval time, and it is possible to suitably shorten the time required for the entire period in the time saving state.

The third starting opening 33c has a first ball entry area 412a and a second ball entry area 412b provided at a position different from the first ball entry area 412a. The opening/closing door 410 changes the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b between an open state and a closed state. In the period of the time saving state in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that comes into contact with the opening/closing door 410 to enter the first entry area 412a stays while the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state. It stops at the section 452. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the second entrance area 412b when the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state.

In this regard, the conventional gaming machine has all the reached gaming balls even if the gaming ball reaches the variable winning device such as the starting winning device while the opening and closing operation members such as the blades are in the open state. Could not enter the starting opening. That is, when the game balls reach the variable winning device continuously during the period when the prize information door is in the open state, it takes time until all the game balls that have reached the variable winning device enter the starting opening. Therefore, some of the game balls that have reached the variable winning device may overflow to the outside of the variable winning device.

On the other hand, by configuring like the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment, the opening and closing door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c is passed by the game balls passing through the second starting opening 34b continuously. When the opening/closing operation is continuously performed, the game ball that reaches the third variable winning device 32c can enter the first ball entry area 412a while the opening/closing door 410 is in the first open state. However, since the game ball is not stopped at the stopping portion 452, the game ball does not enter the second entrance area 412b. Next, while the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can enter the stop portion 452 without entering the first entry area 412a or the second entry area 412b. Next, while the opening/closing door 410 is in the second open state, the game ball can enter the first ball entering area 412a, and if the game ball is stopped in the stop portion 452, it is stopped. The game ball can enter the second entry area 412b. Next, while the open/close door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped at the stop portion 452 again without entering the first entrance area 412a or the second entrance area 412b. Next, while the opening/closing door 410 is in the third open state, the game ball can enter the first ball entering area 412a again, and when the game ball is stopped in the stop portion 452, The game ball that has been stopped can enter the second ball entry area 412b. After that, there is detection of passage to the second starting port 34b, and the opening/closing door 410 is opened/closed until the variation display of the first symbol and the third symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) from the occurrence of the short-time jackpot. Operate.

In this way, except for the first opening, the game balls that have reached the third variable winning device 32c have the first entrance area 412a and the second entrance area 412b while the open/close door 410 is in the open state. It is possible to enter from. Therefore, even when the game balls reach the third variable winning device 32c continuously during the time-saving state in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game that reaches the third variable winning device 32c. Since the ball can be entered from both the first entry area 412a and the second entry area 412b, the game ball that has reached the third variable winning device 32c is quickly entered into the third starting opening 33c. be able to. As a result, the loss of time due to the game balls reaching the third variable winning device 32c overflowing out of the third variable winning device 32c can be reduced, so that the opening/closing door 410 can be opened and closed. It is possible to shorten the time required for the entire period of the time saving state that changes to.

In addition, a game ball area that the game ball that flows down the game area tries to enter the third starting opening 33c, and a game ball area that the game ball stopped at the stopping portion 452 tries to enter. Are provided at different positions (first entry area 412a and second entry area 412b) in the same third starting opening 33c, so that the game ball that has flowed down the play area and the stop portion 452 are stopped. The possibility that a part of the game ball cannot enter the third starting opening 33c due to collision with the played game ball is reduced. As a result, the loss of time due to the collision between the game balls and the inability to enter the balls during the opening time of the third variable winning device 32c is reduced, so that the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. It is possible to shorten the time taken for the entire period of the time saving state.

Further, the third starting opening switch 461a for detecting the entry of the game ball into the first entry area 412a is arranged immediately below the first entry area 412a, and the third entry opening switch 461a of the game ball into the second entry area 412b. The third starting opening switch 461b for detecting the entry of a ball is arranged directly below the second entry area 412b. Therefore, even when the staying state is released and the entry into the first entry area 412a and the entry into the second entry area 412b occur simultaneously at the same time, the third starting opening 33c It is possible to reduce the clogging of balls inside and the detection time.

The second starting port 34b is arranged in the right narrow region 30a2, and the third variable winning device 32c is arranged below the right narrow region 30a2. Therefore, as many game balls as possible can be shot toward the third variable winning device 32c into the second starting port 34b and the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c. That is, when the third variable winning device 32c is arranged in the center of the game area, the game balls flowing down the game area 30a collide with game members such as nails and windmills arranged in the game area 30a. As a result, the flow direction is changed, and the ball often enters a ball entrance such as another general prize hole, and often comes off from the starting hole of the variable winning device. On the other hand, when the third variable winning device 32c is arranged below the right narrow area 30a2 of the game area, the game balls flowing down the game area 30a are affected by the above-mentioned game members. Also, since the flowing-down direction changes only within the lateral width of the right narrow region 30a2, it is easy to enter the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the entire period of the time saving state in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but can be modified as follows.

[1] The special winning opening 32A of the first embodiment and the third starting opening 33c of the second embodiment are divided into two entry areas, a first entry area 412a and a second entry area 412b. It may be one entry area. The game sphere that has entered the one entry area is guided in two directions inside and detected. The description of this modification is also applicable to the configuration of (1) above, for example.

[2] The first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b in the first and second embodiments are arranged side by side on the left and right, but may be arranged separately on the top and bottom. In this case, the stopping portions 450 and 452 are located between the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b which are vertically separated. The description of this modification is also applicable to the configurations of (2) and (3) above, for example.

[3] The first ball entry area 412a of Examples 1 and 2 was arranged such that the height of the game area 30a in the vertical direction was higher than that of the second ball entry area 412b. The sphere area 412b may be arranged to be higher than the first entrance area 412a. Further, the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b may have the same height. The description of this modification is also applicable to the configuration of (4) above, for example.

[4] The first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment and the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment are provided with the passage forming portion i1, but are not provided with the passage forming portion i1 and are stopped at the stopping portion 450. The game ball may be guided from the first ball entering area 412a to the second ball entering area 412b while changing the traveling direction of the game ball. For example, as will be described later, it has a structure in which stop portions 450 and 452 are formed on the front side of the board surface of the game board 30. The description of this modification is also applicable to the configuration of (5) above, for example.

[5] The shapes of the stop passages 451 and 453 are not limited to those described in the first and second embodiments, and for example, have a shape such that the front side and the back side of the board surface of the game board 30 alternate in and out. It may be another passage. The description of this modification is also applicable to the configuration of (6) above, for example.

[6] The first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment and the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment change the traveling direction of the game balls stopped at the stopping portions 450 and 452, and the first winning area. Although the game ball was guided from 412a to the second ball entry area 412b, the game ball is guided from the first ball entry area 412a to the second ball entry area 412b without changing the traveling direction. It doesn't matter. For example, a game ball is stopped only on the front side of the board surface of the game board 30. In the case of such a configuration, it is desirable that the stopping portions 450 and 452 include a speed reducing portion that slows down the speed of the game ball guided from the first entry area 412a to the second entry area 412b. For example, the deceleration portion may have an uneven surface or a friction surface. The description of this modification is also applicable to, for example, the configuration of (7) above.

[7] The first special winning opening switch 223a and the first special winning opening switch 223b of the first embodiment, and the third starting opening switch 461a and the third starting opening switch 451b of the second embodiment are the first entrance area 412a and Although it is provided directly below the second ball entry area 412b, it may be provided, for example, in the first rear guide passage portion 423a or the second rear guide passage portion 423b on the back side thereof. The description of this modification is also applicable to the configuration of (8) above, for example.

[8] The first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment is arranged below the right narrow region 30a2, and the second variable winning device 32b is arranged in the right narrow region 30a2. The winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b may be arranged in other areas of the game area 30a. For example, the first variable winning device 32a may be arranged in the right narrow region 30a2, may be arranged in the left narrow region 30a1 or below it, below the third symbol display device 42. It may be arranged at a position closer to it. The same applies to the third variable winning device 32c and the fourth variable winning device 32d of the second embodiment. The description of this modification is also applicable to, for example, the configuration of (9) above.

[9] The upper portions of the retaining portions 450 and 452 of the first and second embodiments are covered with the cover portion 404, but the upper portion of the retaining portion 450 may not be covered with the cover portion 404. .. The description of this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (10) above.

[10] After the closing time of the opening/closing door 410 in the first and second embodiments, the game ball that has finished passing through the stop portions 450 and 452 is configured to enter the second entry area 412b. The game ball may be forcibly discharged from the stopping portion 450 to enter the second ball entry area 412b after the time of the closed state of the opening/closing door 410 has elapsed. Hereinafter, the stop portion 450 configured to forcibly discharge the game balls from the stop portion 450 is particularly called a stop portion 450A. The description of this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (11) above.

An example of the configuration for forcibly ejecting the stopped game ball will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the first variable winning a prize device 32a according to the modified example, FIG. 35(a) shows a stopping state of the stopping portion 450A, and FIG. 35(b) shows a stopping release state of the stopping portion 450A. .. In FIG. 35(b), the stopping portion 450A in the stopped state is shown by a chain double-dashed line, and the stopping portion 450A in the stopped release state is shown by a broken line and a solid line.

The stop portion 450A is operated in a stop state in which the game ball can be stopped and in a stop release state in which the stop state is released and the stopped game ball is discharged toward the second entry area 412b. The retaining portion 450A is operated in the retaining state when the opening/closing door 410 is operated in the closed state, and is operated in the retaining state released when the opening/closing door 410 is operated in the open state. Therefore, when the opening/closing door 410 is operated in the open state, the stopped game ball is forcibly discharged. As a result, the stationary state and the next open state can be quickly switched.

Specifically, the stopping portion 450A is configured to be separable from the back surface side member 420. Further, the stopping portion 450A is configured to be moved forward and backward in accordance with the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door 410. The forward/backward movement of the stopping portion 450A is realized, for example, by a configuration that is performed in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door 410 by the special winning opening solenoid 432. Specifically, a member such as the rotating main body 444 shown in FIG. 22 is realized by moving the opening/closing door 410 and the passage forming portion i1 forward and backward simultaneously. In addition to the special winning opening solenoid 432, a solenoid for moving the passage forming portion i1 back and forth may be provided. If the opening/closing door 410 is closed and the game balls are held in the stopping portion 450A, the opening/closing door 410 is opened and the holding portion 450A is released from the holding state. The playing sphere falls to the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403 (the surface of the upper surface of the frame-shaped member 403, which is located between the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b). Such an action is realized by forming an insertion hole (not shown) for inserting the retaining portion 450A in the inner wall portion i2 of the passage forming portion i1 of the rear surface member 420. That is, when the opening/closing door 410 retracts and the stop portion 450A is switched to the stop release state, the game ball stopped in the stop portion 450A is pushed out by the back wall portion i2 and falls onto the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403. Is configured. The game sphere dropped on the upper surface 403a of the frame member 403 is guided to the second ball entry area 412b by utilizing the inclination of the upper surface 403a of the frame member 403. As a result, the same operational effects as the first variable winning device 32a according to the first embodiment are achieved. Further, this configuration can also be applied to the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment.

[11] The opening/closing door 410 and the stopping portion 450 are separately provided in the first variable winning device 32a, but the opening/closing door 410 and the stopping portion 450 may be configured as one member. Hereinafter, the opening/closing door 410 formed integrally with the stopping portion 450 is particularly referred to as an opening/closing door 411. A portion of the opening/closing door 411 corresponding to the stopping portion 450 is particularly called a stopping portion 454. An example in which the opening/closing door 410 and the stopping portion 450 are configured as one member will be described with reference to FIG. 36. FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the first variable winning a prize device 32a according to another modification, FIG. 36(a) shows a stopping state of the stopping portion 454, and FIG. 36(b) shows a stopping release state of the stopping portion 454. Indicates. In FIG. 36( b ), the open/close door 411 having the stopping portion 454 in the stopped state is indicated by a chain double-dashed line, and the opening/closing door 411 having the stop portion 452 in the released state is indicated by a broken line and a solid line. The description of this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (12).

Specifically, in the opening/closing door 411, a portion other than the upper portion of the first ball entry area 412a and the upper portion of the second ball entry area 412b functions as the stopping portion 454. When the opening/closing door 411 is moved forward and is operated in the closed state, the retaining portion 454 is in the retaining state. When the opening/closing door 411 is retracted and is operated in the open state, the retaining portion 454 is in the retaining release state. Also in this modification, an insertion hole (not shown) for inserting the retaining portion 454 is formed in the inner wall portion i2 of the passage forming portion i1 of the rear surface member 420. When the opening/closing door 411 is moved back and forth, the retaining portion 454 passes through the insertion hole and is switched between the retaining state and the retaining release state. When the stop portion 454 is switched to the stop release state, the game ball stopped in the stop portion 454 is pushed out to the back wall portion i2, falls onto the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403, and is guided to the second entrance area 412b. To be done. As a result, the same operational effects as the first variable winning device 32a according to the first embodiment are achieved. Therefore, the game ball can be switched between the stopped state and the stopped state by simply moving the open/close door 411 back and forth. Moreover, since it is not necessary to provide a member for stopping the game ball as a member separate from the opening/closing door, the number of parts and the size of the first variable winning device 32a having the function of stopping the game ball can be reduced and downsized. it can. It should be noted that this configuration can also be applied to the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment.

[12] The opening/closing door 410 of the first and second embodiments is the advancing/retreating member that can be moved forward and backward, but it may be a pivoting door that pivots between the open state and the closed state. The description of this modification is also applicable to the configuration of (13) above, for example.

[13] The game board 30 according to the first embodiment is provided with the two first variable winning devices 32a and the second variable winning devices 32b. .. In this case, the first variable winning device 32a is played a predetermined round in a special game state such as a normal jackpot state, a probability variation jackpot state, or a short-time jackpot state. The short-time jackpot state corresponds to the specific game state in the present invention.

[14] In the second embodiment, the first starting port 33 is provided as the starting port that triggers the variable display of the first symbol and the third symbol, but the third starting point is not provided. The configuration may be such that only the starting port 33c is provided. This configuration, for example, in the normal state, when the passage detection of the second starting port 34a or 34b is detected, the lottery based on the second symbol is performed, and when the lottery is won, the third starting port 33c is set to 1 When the ball is detected during opening of the third starting opening 33c once (for example, for 1 second), the variation of the first symbol and the third symbol is displayed if the variation display of the first symbol and the third symbol is not displayed. When the display is started and the first symbol and the third symbol are held, the variation detection display of the first symbol and the third symbol is not started and the incoming ball detection is held. In the time saving state, the process of opening the third starting port 33c for 3 seconds and closing it for 1 second is repeated three times. By making the distance between the second start port 33b and the third start port 33c wider than that in the second embodiment, the timing from the detection of passage of the second start port 33b to the opening of the third start port 33c. May be appropriately matched.

[15] In the first variable winning a prize device 32a of the first embodiment, the first special winning opening switch 223a and the first special winning opening switch 223b are provided, but the common big winning opening switch is used. It doesn't matter. In addition, in the third variable winning a prize device 32c of the second embodiment, the third starting port switch 461a and the third starting port switch 461b are provided, but a common starting port switch may be used. .. With such a configuration, in the first embodiment, for example, the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b are merged on the downstream side to be formed as one passage, and one portion is provided at a predetermined position of the passage. It is conceivable that there are two special winning opening switches. In the second embodiment as well, a configuration in which one starter port switch is provided at a predetermined position of one passage merged on the downstream side can be considered.

[16] The present invention may be implemented in various types (for example, first type, third type, etc.) of gaming machines, or may be implemented in a pachinko machine or the like of a type different from the above-described embodiments. For example, a pachinko machine that raises the expectation value for a jackpot once it hits the jackpot multiple times (for example, twice or three times) including that (commonly known as a two-time title, a three-time title, and ).). Further, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine which is in a special game state on condition that the ball is won in a predetermined area after the jackpot pattern is displayed. Further, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special game state when a ball enters a predetermined winning opening. Further, in addition to a pachinko machine, it may be implemented as an arrangement ball type pachinko machine, various game machines using game balls such as sparrow balls.

[17] The modes for carrying out the invention, the inventions described in the first and second embodiments, and the above-described modified embodiments are appropriately modified, replaced, deleted, combined, or the like unless they contradict each other. It is also possible to

As described above, the present invention is suitable for gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

30... Game board 30a... Game area 30al... Left narrow area 30ar... Right narrow area 32A... Large winning opening (ball entry portion)
32a... 1st variable winning device (variable winning device)
32b... 2nd variable winning device 32c... 3rd variable winning device (variable winning device)
32d... 4th variable winning device 33c... 3rd starting opening (ball entry part)
34b... 2nd starting opening 42... 3rd symbol display device (image display device)
223a... 1st special winning opening switch (1st ball detection unit)
223b... 1st special winning opening switch (2nd ball detection unit)
410... Opening/closing door (opening/closing operation member)
412a... 1st ball entry area 412b... 2nd ball entry area 450... Stop section 451... Stop passage (downward guide section)
404... Cover part i1... Passage forming part

Claims (1)

A game board having a game area where game balls can flow down,
With a ball entering part where game balls can enter,
A variable ball entry means having one open/close operation member that operates in an open state in which a game ball easily enters the ball entry section and a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the ball entry section more easily than in the open state. When,
A first entrance detecting means and a second entrance detecting means, which are arranged in an area where the opening and closing of the first opening/closing member is possible.
A payout means for paying out a prize ball based on the detection of a ball entered by the first ball detection means and a prize ball based on a ball detected by the second ball detection means;
In response to the establishment of a first condition that is a specific game state advantageous to the player, the first opening/closing member is opened, and based on at least one of the lapse of a first predetermined period or a predetermined number of balls entered, A gaming machine in which the opening/closing operation member is closed and a game operation of returning the opening/closing operation member 1 to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times after a second predetermined period shorter than the first predetermined period has elapsed. There
The variable ball entering means,
During the period of the specific game state, the game ball in contact with the one opening/closing operation member in the closed state flows down on the one opening/closing operation member for at least the second predetermined period, so that the opening/closing operation of the first A gaming machine, wherein the gaming ball is configured to be discharged toward the ball-in portion when the member is returned to the open state.

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