JP2021102116A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To optimally improve a game machine that can continue a predetermined game state advantageous compared with a normal game state, by shifting to the advantageous game state after termination of a special game state and establishing predetermined conditions.SOLUTION: In a predetermined game state more advantageous than a normal game state, if a player performs a predetermined pseudo reset operation to a shooting handle 252, the display content of a decorative pattern display device 479 is shifted to a predetermined reset operation mode. Thus, the player who has performed the pseudo reset operation can rest his/her own feeling by seeing the display of the predetermined reset operation mode, so that the player's interest in a game is prevented from decreasing even if the game progresses in an undesirable way in the predetermined game state more advantageous than the normal game state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

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

A pachinko machine is a typical example of a game machine. In a typical conventional pachinko machine, when a ball enters a starting port provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big hit is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is set. It is known that a large number of game balls (game media) can enter the winning opening. In addition, the pachinko machine is equipped with a display device, and the display device starts the variable display of the symbol based on the lottery, and the lottery result is displayed as the final stop display of the variable display. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

In recent years, when a jackpot is won in a normal gaming state, the game shifts to a so-called "probability changing state" after the end of the jackpot game (special gaming state), and in the probabilistic gaming state, the number of times the symbol variation is displayed is determined in advance. If a predetermined condition (for example, winning a big hit) is satisfied during the specified number of times (for example, 150 rotations), the probabilistic gaming state is continued, but if the predetermined condition is not satisfied during the period, the normal game is played. A gaming machine that shifts to a state is known.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-147203

However, like the above-mentioned gaming machine, after the end of the special gaming state, it shifts to a predetermined gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state, such as a probabilistic gaming state, and by satisfying a predetermined condition, the normal gaming There was still room for improvement in a gaming machine having a configuration capable of continuing a gaming state that is more advantageous than the state.

Therefore, the gaming machine according to the present invention shifts to a predetermined gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state after the end of the special gaming state, and by satisfying the predetermined conditions, it is advantageous as compared with the normal gaming state. It is an object of the present invention to suitably improve a gaming machine having a configuration capable of continuing a gaming state.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is used to solve the above problems.
An operation unit that is provided at a position where the player can operate and is capable of performing a predetermined pseudo reset operation.
Display and
When a predetermined pseudo-reset operation is performed on the operation unit in a predetermined gaming state which is more advantageous than the normal gaming state, a state transition means for shifting the display content of the display unit to a predetermined reset operation mode, and
It is characterized by having.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is more advantageous than the normal gaming state by shifting to a predetermined gaming state which is more advantageous than the normal gaming state after the end of the special gaming state and satisfying the predetermined conditions. It is possible to preferably improve a gaming machine having a configuration capable of continuing the gaming state.

Front perspective view of a pachinko machine as an example of a game machine Perspective view showing the pachinko machine in the open state Perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state Perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state Front view of pachinko machine Front view showing the state where the front block of the pachinko machine is removed Front view of the game board Rear perspective view of pachinko machine Rear view of pachinko machine Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine Flow chart showing an example of main control main processing Flowchart showing an example of main control interrupt processing Partially enlarged front view of the game board Partially enlarged front view of the game board Partially enlarged front view of a modified example of the game board A partially enlarged front view of the right side of the game board in the pachinko machine of the second embodiment. Flow chart showing the progress of the gaming state in the pachinko machine of the second embodiment Timing chart showing the operation of the lower prize winning device in the favorable fluctuation state

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

<Structural structure>
First, the configuration of the structural portion of the pachinko machine 100 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. 1 to 4 are perspective views showing various states of the pachinko machine 100, FIG. 1 shows a closed state of the pachinko machine 100, and FIG. 2 shows the front block 102 and the intermediate block 103 integrated with the outer frame 101. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the front block 102 is open to the intermediate block 103, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the rear block 104 is open to the intermediate block 103. Shown. Further, FIG. 5 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which the front block 102 of the pachinko machine 100 is removed from the state of FIG. In addition, various wirings are omitted in each figure, and a part of the configuration of the game board 400 is omitted in FIGS. 3 and 6.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 101, a front block 102, an intermediate block 103, and a rear block 104, and each of these parts is relatively operated by a predetermined operation. It is configured to be displaceable.

The outer frame 101 has a function as a main body supporting means for supporting the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 101 is, for example, a substantially four-sided frame body to which the top plate portion 111, the bottom plate portion 112, the left side plate portion 113, and the right side plate portion 114 are assembled, and the pachinko machine 100 is installed. It is fitted into the game machine installation equipment (island equipment) provided in the game hall and is firmly fixed by a fixture (not shown). The outer frame 101 is not an indispensable configuration in the pachinko machine 100, but has the same inner shape as the outer frame 101 or the outer frame 101, and has a main body portion corresponding to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101. A support mechanism for supporting the island and a part of the locking mechanism for locking the main body thereof may be provided in the island equipment.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided apart from the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the outer frame 101. In each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, for example, the shaft portion provided in the intermediate block 103 is supported from below by the shaft support portion provided in the outer frame 101, and the shaft portion is provided in the shaft hole provided in the shaft support portion. Is configured to be rotatable by being in a state of being inserted. The configuration in which the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 can be rotated is not limited to the above configuration, and a shaft hole is provided on the intermediate block 103 side and a shaft portion is formed on the outer frame 101 side. Other configurations may be used.

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

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

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

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

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

On the other hand, the movable portion 144 of the front block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 operates in response to the counterclockwise rotation operation of the key cylinder 141 by a predetermined operation key. As a result, the engagement between the engaged portion 145 and the movable portion 144 provided in the front block 102 as a part of the front block locking mechanism is released, and the front block 102 is in an open / close allowable state with respect to the intermediate block 103. Become.

Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a rear block opening / closing regulating mechanism that regulates the opening / closing of the rear block 104 with respect to the intermediate block 103. After that, the rear block 104 can be switched between a state in which opening and closing is prohibited (opening and closing prohibited state) and a state in which opening and closing is permitted (opening and closing permitted state) with respect to the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined operation by the rear block opening / closing regulation mechanism. It is said that.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rear block opening / closing regulating mechanism is composed of, for example, two opening / closing restricting units 150A and 150B provided in the intermediate block 103 and one opening / closing restricting unit 150C provided in the rear block 104. .. Rotating pieces 151A to 151C capable of rotating operations are provided in these three opening / closing restricting units 150A to 150C. The rotating pieces 151A to 151C change the engagement state with the opening portions arranged so as to overlap each other in the front-rear direction in the closed state of the rear block 104 by the rotation operation, whereby the opening / closing prohibition posture corresponding to the opening / closing prohibition state is changed. It is possible to switch between and the open / close allowable posture corresponding to the open / close allowable state. When all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C are set to the open / close allowable posture, each of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C can pass through the opening, and the rear block 104 is in the open / close allowable state with respect to the intermediate block 103. As for the open / close prohibition posture and the open / close allowance posture, the open / close prohibition state and the open / close allowance state may be switched by changing at least one of the positions and orientations of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C, and the configuration is such that only rotation is performed at a fixed position. It may be configured to move in a certain direction, or it may be configured to operate by combining movement and rotation. Hereinafter, the same applies to the change in posture when the constituent members in each device shift between a plurality of postures.

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

Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a game ball movement regulation mechanism that regulates the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, for example, the game ball movement regulation mechanism is composed of a combination of a flow-down regulation piece 161 provided in the intermediate block 103 and a regulation change unit 162 provided in the front block 102. The flow control piece 161 is urged by a coil spring (not shown) toward the front side where the front block 102 is located.

In the state where the front block 102 is closed with respect to the intermediate block 103 (the closed state of the front block 102), the flow control piece 161 is set to a movement allowable state that allows the flow of the game ball. It is pushed toward the rear side of the intermediate block 103 by the changing portion 162. The flow control piece 161 is arranged so as to be displaced to the rear side with respect to a guide passage (not shown) for guiding the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 in the movement allowable state. As a result, in the closed state of the front block 102, the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is allowed.

On the other hand, in the state where the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103 (the front block 102 is open), the pressure of the flow control piece 161 by the regulation changing unit 162 is released, and compared with the closed state of the front block 102. The flow control piece 161 protrudes toward the front block 102, and the movement is prohibited. The flow control piece 161 projects into the guide passage in the movement prohibited state, and prevents the game ball from flowing down to the downstream side. As a result, the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is prohibited.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the pachinko machine 100, for example, the intermediate block 103 is closed with respect to the outer frame 101 at the lower end portion on the rear side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rotation tip side (left side when viewed from the rear). An open / close detection switch 108 for detecting whether or not the switch is set is provided, and as shown in FIG. 3, for example, an intermediate block is provided at the lower end portion on the front side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rotation tip side (right side when viewed from the front). An open / close detection switch 109 for detecting whether or not the front block 102 is closed is provided with respect to the 103.

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

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

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front block 102 includes a central panel 220 provided on the back side of the base frame 201 so as to close the opening 210A, a main storage mechanism 230 for storing game balls, and a main storage mechanism 230. It includes an auxiliary storage mechanism 240 for storing game balls, and a launch operation device 250 operated by a player to sequentially launch the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 onto the game board 400.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the front block 102 has an opening peripheral edge portion 211 surrounding the peripheral edge of the opening 210A and a protrusion forward on the lower side with respect to the opening 210A as a part of the front decorative body 210. The upper protruding portion 217, the lower protruding portion 218 located on the lower side with respect to the upper protruding portion 217 and projecting forward, and the upper protruding portion 217 and the lower protruding portion on the right side of the lower protruding portion 218. A flat portion 219, which is composed of a substantially flat region located behind 218 and in which the launch operating device 250 is arranged, is formed. The main storage mechanism 230 is arranged on the upper protrusion 217, and the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is arranged on the lower protrusion 218.

The central panel 220 has a function as a cover body that makes it possible to visually recognize the rear side while closing the opening 210A that is formed through the base frame 201 and the front decorative body 210 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example, the central panel 220 has a panel frame 221 (see FIG. 3) attached from the rear side of the base frame 201 and a light transmissive fitted to the front side of the panel frame 221. A front plate 222 (see FIG. 1) and a light-transmitting rear plate 223 (see FIG. 3) fitted to the rear side of the panel frame 221 substantially in parallel with the front plate 222 with a predetermined gap. There is.

The main storage mechanism 230 has a function of storing game balls acquired according to the progress of the game and game balls rented from the game hall. As shown in FIG. 1, the main storage mechanism 230 includes, for example, a storage unit 231, a ball pulling mechanism (not shown), and a ball pulling operation member 232 for operating the ball pulling mechanism. The storage section 231 includes an inflow port 231A for flowing the game ball from the inside of the pachinko machine 100 into the storage section 231 and an outlet (not shown) for flowing out the game ball from the storage section 231 to the inside of the pachinko machine 100. An outlet (not shown) formed on the upstream side of the outlet is provided. By opening the discharge port, the game ball is discharged from the storage unit 231 to the player side without being taken into the inside of the pachinko machine 100. The ball pulling mechanism has a function of switching the discharge destination of the game ball between the outlet and the discharge port.

The game balls acquired according to the progress of the game and the game balls lent out according to the lending operation to the lending operation device 292 described later flow into the storage unit 231 mainly through the inflow port 231A. Further, the storage unit 231 has an opening formed on the upper side, through which a game ball owned by the player is manually inserted or a game ball rented out at the game hall is supplied.

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

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 opens and closes the storage unit 241 having the inflow ports 241A and 241C (see FIG. 5) and the discharge port 241B (see FIG. 1) of the game ball, and the discharge port 241B. It includes a ball pulling mechanism 243 for causing the ball to be pulled out, and a ball pulling operation member 242 for operating the ball pulling mechanism 243. The game balls and the like acquired according to the progress of the game mainly flow into the main storage mechanism 230, but if the storage unit 231 is full, they flow into the storage unit 241 through the inflow port 241A. Further, the game ball flows from the storage unit 231 to the storage unit 241 through the inflow port 241C even when the ball removal operation is performed on the ball removal operation member 232.

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

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the launch operation device 250 includes a pedestal 251 projecting forward from the flat portion 219 of the front decorative body 210, and a rotatable launch handle 252 provided around the pedestal 251. A variable resistor 253 (see FIG. 10) that detects the amount of rotation of the launch handle 252, a contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 10) that detects that the player is in contact with the launch handle 252, and the launch handle 252. It includes a launch stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) that invalidates the ejection of the game ball accompanying the rotation operation by the operation of the player. When the firing handle 252 is rotated by the player, the game ball is ejected from the launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3) with a strength corresponding to the amount of the rotation operation. If the contact sensor 254 does not detect contact between the launch handle 252 and the player, or if the launch operation is invalidated by the operation of the launch stop switch 255, the launch handle 252 is rotated. However, the game ball is not ejected from the launching device 330.

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

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

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

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

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with an input operation device 260 capable of performing an input operation different from the firing operation by the player. The input operation device 260 includes, for example, a press operation device 261 capable of a push operation, a rotation operation device 262 capable of a rotation operation, and a selection operation device 263 capable of operating in the up, down, left, and right directions. These operation devices 261 to 263 are used for an effect selection operation for selecting an effect to be executed in the pachinko machine 100, a device setting operation for setting the volume and light amount of each device for executing the effect of the pachinko machine 100, or a player. It is possible to execute production setting operations that enable the production of the pachinko machine 100 according to the previous game by inputting information, and these operations can be executed by the player or the manager of the game hall as needed. It is said that. The input operation unit (for example, the annular rotation operation unit in the rotation operation device 262) that the player comes into contact with in the input operation device 260 is rotated and moved up and down by the input operation unit drive means such as a motor and a solenoid. Or, it is preferable that operations such as vibration can be performed by the control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, the control of the sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10)), and the operation is preferably configured before and after the input operation or during the input operation. By operating the input portion at any or a plurality of timings, it is possible to diversify the effects accompanied by the input operation, such as actively prompting the input operation.

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

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 includes a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see FIG. 3) attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, and a base frame. A game board support mechanism that rotatably and detachably supports the game board 400 with respect to 301, a game board fixing mechanism that fixes the position of the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, and a game ball on the game board 400. Based on commands from the launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) to eject, the main control device 370 (see FIG. 4) mounted on the back side of the game board 400 to control the game progress in an integrated manner, and the main control device 370. It is equipped with a sub-control device 390 (see FIG. 4) that controls game production and status notification.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 400 includes a flat plate-shaped base 401 having a through hole through which a game ball such as a discharge port 401A can pass back and forth, and an outer rail that smoothly curves from the lower left to the upper right of the base 401. The 402, the inner rail 403 that smoothly curves from the lower right to the upper left of the base 401, the return ball prevention mechanism 404 attached to the upper left tip of the inner rail 403, and the upper right tip of the outer rail 402. It is provided with a rebound prevention member 405 to be attached. The outer rail 402 guides the game ball launched from the launching device 330, which will be described later, into the game area. The return ball prevention mechanism 404 prevents the game ball once released into the game area from the launch passage 401B formed in the portion where the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 face each other in parallel to return to the launch passage 401B. The recoil prevention member 405 has a shock absorbing property that prevents a large recoil of the game ball such that the game ball heading to the right side beyond the upper center of the game board 400 returns to the left side via the upper center again. However, it is made of a material such as vibration damping rubber.

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

The game ball that has advanced beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 reaches the game area and moves (flows down) while falling in the game area due to its own weight. The game area has a substantially circular outer peripheral shape, and is divided into a shape in which most of the area has a front-rear width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The outer peripheral portion of the game area is generally divided by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403, the front side is divided into a substantially flat shape by the rear plate 223 of the central panel 220, and the rear side is substantially flat by the base 401 of the game board 400. It is divided into. Various structures provided in the game area will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, the launching device 330 includes a ball feeding mechanism 331 that sequentially sends out the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to the firing position, and a ball feeding solenoid 332 that drives the ball feeding mechanism 331 (FIG. 10). (See), the launch mechanism 333 that ejects the game ball arranged at the launch position, the launch solenoid 334 that drives the launch mechanism 333 (see FIG. 10), and the game ball launched from the launch mechanism 333 on the game board 400. It is provided with a guide member 335 that guides the vehicle to the launch passage 401B. As described above, the launch device 330 operates in response to the launch operation on the launch operation device 250, and the drive control of the launch solenoid 334 changes according to the launch operation on the launch operation device 250 to adjust the launch force.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 370 includes a main control board 920 (see FIG. 10) and a board case 371 having a halved structure for accommodating the main control board 920. The main control board 920 is housed inside a translucent board case 371 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace.

Further, the main control device 370 is rotatably attached to the back side of the game board 400. Specifically, a mounting portion 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the base 401 of the game board 400 on the back side, and a main control device 370 is mounted on the mounting portion 372. As a result, not only the back side (front side) of the main control device 370, but also the front side (back side) of the main control device 370 by rotating the mounting portion 372, the main control device 370 is attached to the game board 400. It is said that it can be easily confirmed with it attached. The main control device 370 may be connected to the mounting portion 372 so as not to be removed without leaving a trace, and the removal status of the main control device 370 may be easily managed.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 includes a base 401, a flow change member such as a nail 411 and a windmill 412 that change the flow direction and flow speed of the game ball, and a center arranged substantially in the center of the base 401. The structure 420, the starting device (specifically, the upper middle starting winning device 431A and the lower middle starting winning device 431B) arranged below the central structure 420 and the first special symbol, and the center. A starting device (specifically, a right starting winning device 432) arranged on the lower right side of the structure 420 and a large winning device 433 arranged below the right starting winning device 432. , 434 (specifically, the lower prize winning device 433 and the upper prize winning device 434), the starting device 436 related to the normal symbol arranged on the upper side (upstream side) of the right starting winning device 432, and the game board 400. The combination operating device 435 located on the upper right side and above (upstream side) with respect to the upper and lower large winning devices 433 and 434, and the general winning device 439A arranged on both the left and right sides of the lower middle starting winning device 431B. , 439B and.

Further, the game board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches as detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball corresponding to the above-mentioned upper middle start winning device 431A and the like (see FIG. 10), and corresponds to each switch. It is possible to detect the entry of a game ball into a predetermined area. For example, a middle start winning switch (upper middle start winning switch 441A) that detects a game ball that has entered the upper middle start winning device 431A, and a middle starting winning switch (lower) that detects a game ball that has entered the lower middle starting winning device 431B. Side middle start winning switch 441B), right starting winning switch 442 that detects the game ball that has entered the right starting winning device 432, lower grand winning switch 443 that detects the game ball that has entered the lower grand winning device 433, upper grand winning device Upper prize winning switch 444 that detects the game ball that has entered 434, the combination operation switch 445 that detects the game ball that has entered the combination operation device 435, the start switch 446 that detects the game ball that has entered the start device 436, and below. A non-specific passage switch 447 that detects a game ball that has entered a non-specific passage (not shown in FIG. 7) formed inside the grand prize device 433, and a specific passage formed inside the lower grand prize device 433 (not shown). A specific passage switch 448 that detects a game ball that has entered (not shown in FIG. 7), a general prize switch 449A, 449B that detects a game ball that has entered the general prize devices 439A, 439B, and the like are installed on the game board 400. ing.

Further, the game board 400 is provided with various sensors for fraud prevention (see FIG. 10), and it is possible to detect an abnormality generated in the pachinko machine 100. For example, a magnetic sensor 491, a vibration sensor 492, a radio wave sensor 493, and the like are installed on the game board 400.

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

Each of the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle starting winning device 431B, and the general winning device 439A and the general winning device 439B related to the first special symbol does not change the entry probability of the game ball and enters them. The game ball is guided to the back side of the base 401. Further, the right-starting winning device 432 according to the second special symbol has a mechanism for changing the probability of the game ball entering the inside thereof. It should be noted that the mechanism for changing the approach probability of the game ball does not have to be provided only in the starting device related to the second special symbol, and instead of or in addition to the starting device related to the first special symbol, the general winning device. It may be provided in any one or more of 439A and 439B. Further, the mechanism for changing the approach probability of the game ball may be configured by a driving means such as an electrically driven solenoid, or is represented by a mechanism that operates by the own weight of the game ball that has entered a predetermined area. It may be configured by a mechanically operating mechanism.

The right-starting winning device 432 according to the second special symbol has a right-entry regulation mechanism 452 and a right-entry regulation mechanism that change the probability of the game ball entering the inside of the right-starting winning device 432 by shifting between the entry-allowed posture and the entry-prohibited posture. It is equipped with a right entry control solenoid 462 (see FIG. 10) that drives 452. The right entry control mechanism 452 includes two movable pieces driven by the right entry control solenoid 462, and when the right entry control mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibition posture, the two movable pieces enter the entrance (winning opening). ) Is narrowed (or closed) so that the game ball cannot enter the right start winning device 432, but when the right entry control mechanism 452 is in the entry allowable posture, two movable pieces are at their tips. The game ball can enter the right-starting winning device 432 by arranging the portions so that the distance between the portions is widened. The right entry regulation mechanism 452 enters right when the game ball that has entered the starting device 436 related to the normal symbol is won by a lottery based on the detection by the start switch 446 (hereinafter, also referred to as "normal symbol lottery"). According to the drive by the regulation solenoid 462, the posture shifts to the approach allowable posture for a predetermined number of times and a predetermined time.

As shown in FIG. 7, the lower entry prize device 433 includes a lower entry regulation mechanism 453 that regulates the entry of the game ball into the inside by the transition between the entry allowance posture and the entry prohibition posture, and the lower entry regulation mechanism 453. By shifting between the lower entry control solenoid 463 (see FIG. 10) that changes the posture of the mechanism 453 and the non-guided posture and the guided posture, the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 is placed in the non-specific passage or the specific passage. A distribution mechanism for distribution and a switching solenoid 465 (see FIG. 10) for switching the guidance destination of the game ball by changing the posture of the distribution mechanism are provided. When the lower entry control mechanism 453 of the lower prize winning device 433 is in the entry prohibition posture, the game ball cannot enter the lower prize winning device 433 because the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 closes the entrance (winning opening). When the lower entry control mechanism 453 is in the entry allowable posture, the lower entry control mechanism 453 opens the entrance so that the game ball can enter the lower prize winning device 433. In addition, the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 is guided to a non-specific passage when the distribution mechanism is in a non-guided posture protruding forward, and when the distribution mechanism is in a guided posture immersed in the rear. Will be guided to a specific passage. The specific passage, the non-specific passage, and the distribution mechanism are provided to diversify the transition of the gaming state, and when the game ball enters the specific passage, the player is given an advantageous gaming state as a privilege. ..

As shown in FIG. 7, the upper prize winning device 434 includes an upper entry regulation mechanism 454 that regulates the entry of the game ball into the inside by the transition between the entry allowance posture and the entry prohibition posture, and the upper entry regulation mechanism 454. An upper entry control solenoid 464 (see FIG. 10) that changes the posture of the mechanism 454 is provided. When the upper entry control mechanism 454 is in the no-entry posture, the game ball cannot enter the upper prize winning device 434 because the upper entry control mechanism 454 closes the entrance (winning opening), but the upper entry control mechanism 454. When is in the admissible posture, the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 opens the entrance so that the game ball can enter the upper prize winning device 434.

In addition, as the approach permissible posture and the entry prohibition posture as a mechanism for changing the entry probability of the game ball into the inside of the right entry regulation mechanism 452 or the like, each mechanism is configured and the winning port (or ball entry port) of each device is formed. Corresponding to the change in posture of the operating member that switches between the special state in which the game ball can enter and the normal state in which the game ball cannot enter, at least one of the positions and orientations of the operating member differs depending on each posture. All you need is. Further, as a mechanism for changing the approach probability of the game ball such as the right entry regulation mechanism 452, it is not always necessary to set the state in which the game ball cannot enter into the normal state, and the game ball is allowed to enter even in the normal state, which is special. In the state, the posture of the operating member may be changed to a state in which the game ball is easier to enter than in the normal state.

A game ball can enter the lower prize winning device 433 and the upper prize winning device 434 when a big hit lottery is won. Specifically, the game ball that has entered the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle starting winning device 431B according to the first special symbol is detected by the upper middle starting winning switch 441A or the lower middle starting winning switch 441B. When a lottery based on (hereinafter also referred to as "first special symbol lottery") is won, or a game ball that has entered the right-starting winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right-starting winning switch 442. When a lottery based on (hereinafter, also referred to as "second special symbol lottery") is won, at least one of the lower entry control solenoid 463 and the upper entry control solenoid 464 operates. By this operation, at least one of the lower entry control mechanism 453 and the upper approach control mechanism 454 takes an entry allowable posture for a predetermined time for a predetermined number of times. Further, the distribution mechanism shifts to the guided posture according to the operation of the switching solenoid 465 after a predetermined time from the shift to the approach allowed posture of the lower approach restricting mechanism 453, and further switches to the guided posture after a predetermined time from the shift to the guided posture. When the solenoid 465 is stopped, it returns to the non-guided posture.

The combination operating device 435 is a device for setting conditions necessary for the lower prize winning device 433 and the upper prize winning device 434 to start operation. After winning the big hit lottery, either the lower prize winning device 433 or the upper prize winning device 434 starts operating on condition that the game ball of the winning combination operating device 435 passes. Therefore, when the player wins the big hit, the player can start the special game state at the timing intended by the player. It should be noted that it is not always necessary that either the lower prize winning device 433 or the upper prize winning device 434 start the operation on the condition that the game ball of the combination operating device 435 passes, and instead of or instead of that. In addition, either the lower prize winning device 433 or the upper prize winning device 434 may start operating after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 is integrated with display devices 471 to 473 that display variable display of symbols and lottery results, and display devices 476 to 478 that display the number of times the game is held. A display having a plurality of light emitting units is provided in a lower left portion corresponding to a part of the game board 400. The plurality of light emitting units are divided in advance in a light emitting region corresponding to each device, and the state of each device is displayed according to the light emitting state.

Specifically, on the game board 400, the first special symbol is variablely displayed in accordance with the first special symbol lottery, and the first special symbol is confirmed and displayed as a stop symbol according to the lottery result. A second special symbol display device 471 related to a special symbol, a second special symbol that is variablely displayed in accordance with the second special symbol lottery, and a second special symbol that is confirmed and displayed as a stop symbol according to the lottery result. A special symbol display device 472 related to a special symbol, a special symbol hold display device 476 that displays the number of times a unit game is held related to a first special symbol, and a special symbol hold that displays the number of times a unit game is held related to a second special symbol. A display device 477 is provided. The right to the unit game related to the first special symbol and the right to the unit game related to the second special symbol are reserved up to four times each. Here, the unit game is a game for one time executed based on one start winning, a winning / failing judgment of a lottery executed based on one starting winning, and a lottery based on the winning / failing judgment. It refers to a series of games including from the start to the end of the variable display until the result is displayed.

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

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

Further, the game board 400 relates to a normal symbol display device 473 that displays the normal symbol in a variable manner or displays the normal symbol with a stop symbol according to the lottery result in accordance with the normal symbol lottery, and the normal symbol. A normal symbol hold display device 478 that displays the number of times the right of the unit game is held is provided. The right to unit games related to ordinary symbols is reserved up to 4 times. In addition, when the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is held up to the maximum number of times, even if the game ball that has entered the starting device 436 is detected by the start switch 446, the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is not added. ..

The ordinary symbol display device 473 is composed of a plurality of light emitting units and is controlled by a main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). An ordinary pattern is represented by a light emitting pattern of a plurality of light emitting parts. Further, the normal symbol hold display device 478 displays the number of holds by a combination of the light emitting states (off, lit, blinking) of the two monochromatic light emitting units.

Further, on the game board 400, the decorative symbols may be variablely displayed or the decorative symbols may be fixedly displayed in the unit game related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol so as to overlap the rear of the central structure 420. A decorative pattern display device 479 is provided. The variable display and the final display of the decorative symbol are controlled by the sub control board 940, and are substantially synchronized with the variable display and the final display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol by the main control board 920. In the variable display of the decorative symbol, more complicated and diverse effects are executed than in the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

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

Here, various gaming states and transitions between gaming states will be described. The normal game state (hereinafter, also abbreviated as "normal game state") is a state in which the fluctuation display time of the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is long (hereinafter, also referred to as "non-time reduction state"). Correspond.

If a big hit is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the game ball enters the specific passage (internal passage of the lower prize winning device 433) during the special game state that shifts based on the winning. Depending on whether or not, the gaming state that shifts after the special gaming state is different. If the game ball does not enter the specific passage during the special game state, the variation display time of the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is shorter than the non-time reduction state (hereinafter, "time reduction state"). (Also referred to as "low probability state"), and the winning probability of the big hit in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is the same as the normal gaming state (hereinafter, also referred to as "low probability state"). In the following, it will also be referred to as the "short-time game state"). On the other hand, when the game ball enters the specific passage during the special game state, the time is shortened and the jackpot winning probability in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is higher than in the normal game state. It shifts to a gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as a "probability changing gaming state") which is (hereinafter also referred to as a "high probability state").

The time-saving game state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), but then returns to the normal game state. Further, the probabilistic gaming state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), but then returns to the normal gaming state.

It should be noted that the transition between the gaming state and the gaming state does not necessarily have to be the above-described configuration. For example, the high-probability state may be configured to continue until the next big hit is won, or the above-mentioned gaming state may be configured depending on other contents. At least one may be configured, a gaming state different from each of the above-mentioned gaming states may be further included, or the gaming states may be shifted under conditions different from the above-mentioned conditions.

Next, the operations of the main devices of the game board 400 will be described roughly in chronological order. In the main control board 920, winning random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, stop pattern random numbers, and various variable pattern random numbers related to special symbols (common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol) are generated, and various gaming states are generated. When a game ball that has entered any of the start winning devices 431A and 431B related to the first special symbol is detected by any of the medium start winning switches 441A and 441B (see FIG. 10), the start winning of the first special symbol It becomes. If the right to the unit game related to the first special symbol is not held up to the maximum number of times at the start winning of the first special symbol, the winning random number, the jackpot symbol random number, and the stop pattern random number related to the special symbol are acquired. It is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control board 920.

The unit game with random numbers acquired based on the start prize of the first special symbol is neither in the special game state nor in the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the unit game related to the first special symbol. If the rights to are not reserved, they are started immediately after the storage of those random numbers. In addition, even when the player is not in the special game state, when the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is reserved or the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is reserved. Is started after the unit game related to all the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) held before the current prize is completed, the unit game based on the current start prize is started. If each random number is acquired based on the start prize of the first special symbol during the special game state, the unit game by the random number is all held before the current start prize after the special game state. It starts after the unit game related to the special symbol.

In addition, the unit game using random numbers acquired based on the start prize of the first special symbol is started after the end of all the unit games related to the second special symbol. That is, when each random number is acquired based on the start prize of the second special symbol after the current start prize, the unit game based on the start prize of the second special symbol is preferentially executed. It should be noted that the unit game based on the start prize of the second special symbol does not necessarily have to be executed in preference to the unit game related to the first special symbol, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not necessarily executed in the order of the start prize. The unit superiority control according to the above may be executed, or the two special symbols may not be alternative and may be variable at the same time.

If a big hit is won in the 1st special symbol lottery based on the start prize of the 1st special symbol, the stop symbol corresponding to the big hit winning of the 1st special symbol lottery based on the acquired big hit symbol random number ( The type of jackpot symbol) is determined. The type of the stop symbol and the type of the jackpot correspond to each other, for example, the number of rounds (for example, 6 rounds and 16 rounds) corresponding to the number of times that the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 or the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 takes the entry allowable posture. A plurality of types of jackpots are set according to the type of gaming state such as the gaming state (whether or not to shift to the probabilistic gaming state) that shifts after the special gaming state, and the jackpot symbol is set for each type. If the jackpot is not won in the first special symbol lottery, a lost symbol different from the jackpot symbol is set as the stop symbol.

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

When the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the gaming state shifts to the special gaming state after the confirmation display of the first special symbol. In the special gaming state, the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 of the lower prize winning device 433 and the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 of the upper prize winning device 434 are in the approach allowable posture a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of jackpot. .. When a predetermined number (for example, 8) of game balls are detected by the grand prize switch 443, 444 during each approach allowable posture in the lower entry control mechanism 453 and the upper entry control mechanism 454, or a predetermined maximum. When the permissible entry time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 or the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 shifts to the entry prohibition posture. Then, after the elapse of the predetermined entry prohibition time, either the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 or the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 returns to the approach allowable posture again. This entry restriction operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of jackpot.

The lower approach regulation mechanism 453 and the upper approach regulation mechanism 454 are configured so that only one of them takes an entry allowable posture during the special gaming state, and after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the start of the special gaming state (after the opening period). ), One shifts to the first entry allowed posture. In addition, the special gaming state ends after a predetermined entry prohibition time elapses from the return to the entry prohibition posture in the final round, and after that, a predetermined waiting time elapses (after the ending period). After the end of the special gaming state, as described above, the game shifts to the time-saving gaming state or the probabilistic gaming state.

In various game states, when the game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442, the start winning of the second special symbol is obtained. The control of the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is not held up to the maximum number of times at the start winning of the second special symbol, each random number related to the special symbol is acquired and the unit game based on this starting prize is executed. Will be done. Further, the determination of the stop symbol according to the second special symbol lottery, the selection of the variation pattern of the decorative symbol, the execution of the variation display, the transition control of the game state, etc. are also executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol. Will be done.

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

In the unit game related to the normal symbol, it is determined whether or not the player has won based on the value of the winning random number, and if the unit game is won, a predetermined winning symbol is set as the stop symbol. On the other hand, if the normal symbol lottery is not won, a predetermined lost symbol is set as the stop symbol. After the normal symbol lottery, the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is started on the normal symbol display device 473, and in the non-time reduction state, the fluctuation display by a constant pattern is continued for a predetermined variation display time, and the time reduction state is achieved. Continues the variation display according to a constant pattern for a predetermined variation display time shorter than the non-time saving state. With the passage of a predetermined time according to the game state, the stop symbol related to the normal symbol is fixedly displayed for a certain period of time.

When the stop symbol related to the normal symbol is a hit symbol, the right approach restricting mechanism 452 of the right start winning device 432 shifts to the approach allowable posture at least once after the confirmation display of the normal symbol. Specifically, when the player wins in the non-time saving state (normal gaming state and special gaming state), the right start winning device 432 has a predetermined maximum approach time (for example, 0) for a predetermined number of times (for example, once). .2 seconds), and in the case of winning in the time saving state (time saving gaming state and probability variation gaming state), the right start winning device 432 is a predetermined number of times (more than in the non-time saving state). For example, the posture is intermittently shifted to the permissible approach posture for a predetermined maximum permissible approach time (for example, 4.8 seconds), which is longer than that in the non-time reduction state only (twice). However, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are detected by the right start winning switch 442, the right entry regulation mechanism 452 shifts to the entry prohibition posture without waiting for the elapse of the maximum entry allowable time. Further, even if the number of transitions to the approach allowable posture has not reached a predetermined number of times, the operation of the right start winning device 432 in the unit game related to the normal symbol this time is completed.

Next, the playability of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described. In order to receive the second special symbol lottery, the player must first win the normal symbol lottery, and the game ball enters the right start winning device 432 in the right-starting winning device 432 based on the winning state. Must. The winning probability of the normal symbol in the normal gaming state is the same as the winning probability in the time-saving gaming state, but the staying time in the entry allowable state of the right-starting winning device 432 based on the winning in the normal gaming state (for example, about Since 0.1 seconds x 1 time) is set to be extremely short compared to the staying time in the time-saving state (for example, about 4.8 seconds x 3 times), the second special symbol lottery is received in the normal game state. The opportunity per unit time is significantly smaller than the opportunity per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery. On the contrary, in the time-saving state such as the time-saving game state or the probabilistic game state, the opportunity per unit time for receiving the second special symbol lottery is significantly larger than the opportunity per unit time for receiving the first special symbol lottery. ..

Therefore, the player wins a big hit in the first special symbol lottery, and in the subsequent special game state, the player plays with the aim of shifting to the probabilistic game state by allowing the game ball to enter the specific passage. On the other hand, in the time-saving game state and the probabilistic game state, the game is played with the aim of winning a big hit in the second special symbol lottery before the end of each game state.

Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a central structure 420 in the central portion of the game area in which the game ball flows down, and a game method (left-handed game) in which the game ball flows down mainly from the left side of the central structure 420. The method) and the game method (right-handed game method) in which the game ball flows down from the right side of the central structure 420 can be selectively performed. In the normal game state, the player plays the game by the left-handed game method, and in the time-saving game state and the probabilistic game state, the player plays the game by the right-handed game method. The lower prize winning device 433 and the upper prize winning device 434 are also arranged on the right side of the central structure 420, and the game is played by the right-handed gaming method even in the special gaming state.

In the present embodiment, the game ball can be caused to flow down through the left flow area 407 by launching the game ball with a strength to fly so as not to exceed the return ball prevention mechanism 404 but not the branch position P1. By launching the game ball with an intensity to fly so as to exceed the position P2, the game ball can be caused to flow down through the right flow area 408, and further, the strength to fly so as to exceed the branch position P1 but not the branch position P2. By launching the game ball with, the game ball can be flowed down through the middle flow down area 409. In addition, the flying game ball enters the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle starting winning device 431B in the game by the left-handed game method in the normal game state, as in a general case. The amount of rotation of the launch handle 252 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) is adjusted so as to have a launch strength that facilitates launching. The game ball is launched by fixing the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252 to the maximum rotation operation amount so that the launch strength of the game ball is maximized as in the case of the above. However, in the game with the right-handed game method in the special game state, unlike the general case, the game ball is launched at the maximum strength and the ball flies so as to exceed the branch position P1 but not the branch position P2. In order to selectively launch the game ball with strength, the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252 is appropriately switched to launch the game ball.

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

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rear block 104 is configured by attaching other members and devices to the substrate 501. By connecting the substrate 501 and the intermediate block 103 by the rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, the rear block 104 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the intermediate block 103.

The rear block 104 continuously rectifies the game ball tank 510 as a ball storage unit for storing the game ball and the game ball on the downstream side of the game ball tank 510 (for example, in one row) and arranges them in one stage. A tank rail 520 as a ball alignment part, a case rail 530 as a ball guiding part for guiding a game ball flowing in from the tank rail 520 on the downstream side of the tank rail 520, and a game ball payout on the downstream side of the case rail 530. Guidance as a ball guiding unit that guides the payout device 540 that executes the rental of the game ball and the game ball that has flowed out from the payout device 540 on the downstream side of the payout device 540 to a guide passage (not shown) formed on the base 501. The member 550, the payout control device 560 that controls the payout of the game ball and the lending of the game ball by the payout device 540, and the power supply that converts the external power into the power of a predetermined voltage required by various devices and outputs the power. A power supply / launch control device 570 and a payout control device 560 having a function as a means and a function as a launch control means for controlling the ejection of a game ball based on a launch operation to the launch operation device 250 in cooperation with the main control board 920. It also includes a game ball lending device 290 (see FIG. 1) and a relay device 950 that relays a signal between a card unit (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 100.

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

The protective cover portion 503 is formed in a substantially plate shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. Further, the protective cover portion 503 does not have a shape that covers the entire back surface of the intermediate block 103, but a part of the back surface of the intermediate block 103 that requires frequent inspection and confirmation, such as a part of the main control device 370, is the back surface of the pachinko machine 100. It is set to a size that forms a window for exposure to. On the back surface of the protective cover portion 503, a large number of ventilation holes 503A having a function of improving heat dissipation in the main control device 370 and the sub control device 390 are formed.

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

The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, and the game ball flows in through the opening of the game ball tank 510. The tank rail 520 gradually increases in height as a passage forming member 521 forming a passage of a substantially gutter-shaped game ball having a width of passing in a row of game balls and an upper surface of the passage formed by the passage forming member 521. It is provided with a rectifying member 522 having a lower top surface portion and gradually rectifying a game ball flowing down the passage from a height that overlaps vertically to a height of one step. The passage formed by the tank rail 520 is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and guides the game ball to the side opposite to the game ball tank 510.

The case rail 530 is vertically elongated so as to be continuous with the lower side of the tank rail 520, and a game ball from the tank rail 520 flows into the case rail 530. The case rail 530 is continuous downward while being curved to the left and right so that the game ball does not flow vigorously. In addition, a ball breakage detection unit 539 for detecting ball breakage is provided in the middle of the ball passage in the case rail 530. The ball out detection unit 539 has a built-in storage ball switch 591 (see FIG. 10), and the storage ball switch 591 causes ball clogging or the like on the case rail 530 or its upstream side, so that the game ball is placed in the case rail 530. Detects a ball out condition that is not normally replenished.

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

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

The payout control device 560 includes a payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10) and a board case for accommodating the payout control board 930, and the payout control board 930 does not leave a trace of opening like the main control board 920. It is housed inside a board case that is sealed so that it cannot be opened.

The power supply / launch control device 570 includes a power supply / launch control board 900 (see FIG. 10) and a board case for accommodating the power supply / launch control board 900, and the power supply / launch control board 900 is the same as the main control board 920. It is housed inside a sealed substrate case.

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

The power supply / launch control board 900 includes a power supply unit 901 that supplies electric power of a predetermined voltage to each part of the pachinko machine 100 via a power supply path (broken line in the figure), and a launch device according to the operation of the launch operation device 250. The launch control unit 902 that controls the drive of the 330, and the signal relay unit 903 that relays the setting display signal from the main control board 920, the initialization signal from the initialization switch 907, and the ball overflow signal from the ball overflow switch 249. I have.

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

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

A power switch 909 is connected to the power supply unit 901, and when the power switch 909 is in the off state, the intake of external power is stopped. By turning off the power switch 909 or disconnecting the power plug (not shown) connected to the power supply unit 901 via the power switch 909 from the external power supply outlet (not shown), the pachinko machine can be used. A state in which the supply of electric power to the inside of the machine 100 is stopped or a state in which the supply of external electric power itself is stopped is collectively referred to as a "power failure state". The power supply unit 901 is configured to normally output the power of the control voltage for a predetermined period even after the transition to the power failure state. As a result, the main control board 920 can save the state and end the control so that it can return to the current control state.

The launch control unit 902 controls the drive of the ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 of the launch device 330 in cooperation with the main control board 920. The ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 are allowed to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, it is detected that the player is touching the launch handle 252 (see FIG. 1) based on the contact sensor signal from the contact sensor 254, and the launch stop switch 255 for stopping the launch is On condition that it is not operated, the launch control unit 902 outputs a launch permission signal in the ON state to the main control board 920. Further, the main control board 920 outputs a launch solenoid control signal and a ball feed solenoid control signal to the launch control unit 902 based on the launch permission signal and the launch abnormality signal. The launch control unit 902 operates the ball feed solenoid 332 based on the ball feed control signal in the on state, and operates the launch solenoid 334 based on the reception of the launch solenoid control signal in the on state and the resistance value of the variable resistor 253. Let me. As a result, the game balls are sequentially launched from the launching device 330 with a strength corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor 253 (rotation operation amount of the launching handle 252).

The signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state initialization signal to the main control board 920 when the initialization switch 907 is pressed. In the main control board 920, the stored information stored in the RAM of the main control board 920 is initialized in response to the reception of the initialization signal in the ON state.

Further, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state ball overflow signal to the main control board 920 when the ball overflow switch 249 detects a game ball. The main control board 920 outputs a low-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the ON state, and the payout control board 930 that receives the low-speed payout signal is the payout motor 542. The rotation speed (payout speed of the game ball from the payout device 540) will be reduced. On the contrary, the high-speed payout signal is output to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the off state, and the payout control board 930 that receives the high-speed payout signal speeds up the rotation speed of the payout motor 542. It will be.

The power supply monitoring board 910 transmits power supply and various signals between the power supply monitoring unit 911 that monitors the power supply status from the power supply / emission control board 900 and the power supply / emission control board 900 and the main control board 920. It includes a signal relay unit 912 to be relayed. The power supply monitoring unit 911 also outputs a power failure signal to the main control board 920 in response to the transition to the power failure state, and monitors the DC stable 24 volt voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 901. When the state where the voltage is less than 22 volts continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the power failure state is established, and the power failure signal in the ON state is output to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 recognizes the transition to the power failure state by receiving the power failure signal in the ON state.

The main control board 920 comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine 100. The main control board 920 is equipped with an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer. The MPU includes a CPU as an arithmetic processing unit (not shown), a ROM (not shown) that stores various control programs and fixed data executed by the CPU, and various data temporarily when the control program is executed. It includes a RAM (not shown) for storing etc. In addition, various circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are mounted on the main control board 920. There is.
The RAM of the main control board 920 has a configuration in which internal data can be maintained (backed up) by supplying power of the backup voltage from the power supply / emission control board 900 even after the transition to the power failure state.

The payout control board 930 controls a game ball payout operation by the payout device 540 in response to an instruction from the main control board 920 and a game ball lending operation by the payout device 540 in response to an operation of the game ball lending device 290. Similar to the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 includes an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), and a RAM (not shown), and a timer circuit. Various circuits such as a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are mounted. The payout control board 930 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so that information communication is possible. For example, bidirectional information input / output communication is possible between the main control board 920 and the relay device 950. The open / close detection switch 108, 109, the storage ball switch 591, and the payout counting switch 592 are connected to each other so that only one-way information input communication is possible, and the payout motor 542 is connected to only one-way information. Only output communication is possible. The RAM of the payout control board 930 may have a backup function capable of maintaining internal data for a certain period of time in a power failure state, like the RAM of the main control board 920, or the RAM of the main control board 920. Unlike this, the internal data may not be maintained in a power failure state.

The sub control board 940 controls the operation of various effect devices, various light emitting devices, various sound devices, and the like based on the instructions from the main control board 920. The sub-control board 940 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so that information can be communicated. For example, the sub-control board 940 is connected to the main control board 920 so that only one-way information input communication is possible. , It is connected to the input operation device 260 so as to be capable of information communication in both directions, and is connected to the decorative symbol display device 479 and the like so as to be able to perform information output communication only in one direction.

<Various control processes>
Next, various control processes executed by the main control board 920 will be described. The control processing on the main control board 920 is roughly divided into the main processing that is started when the power is restored from a power failure state and the main processing that is periodically (in this embodiment, at a 2 ms (millisecond) cycle) interrupted and executed. It consists of timer interrupt processing.

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

In the main process of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processes (program start process S1001 to random number initial setting process S1019) for starting up the main control board 920 and initializing various information are executed only once. After that, the interrupt prohibition process S1020 that prohibits the interrupt, the winning random number initial value counter (a part of the area of the RAM), the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter (a part of the area of the RAM), and the normal symbol related to the special symbol are used. The random number initial value update process S1021 that updates the value of the winning random number initial value counter (a part of the area of the RAM), and the first fluctuation type counter to the fourth fluctuation type for determining the fluctuation time, the fluctuation pattern, and the like. The variable counter update process S1022 for updating the value of the counter (a part of the area of the RAM) and the interrupt permission process S1023 for permitting an interrupt are repeatedly executed. If a timer interrupt request occurs before the interrupt enable process S1023, the timer interrupt process is executed immediately after the interrupt enable process S1023.

In a series of control start processes, a program start process S1001 that sets an initial value in a stack pointer (a part of RAM area) that controls program execution, an interrupt mode setting process S1002 that sets an interrupt mode, and a payout control board. The start-up standby process S1003, which waits for a predetermined time until the 930, the sub-control board 940, and the like start up, is executed.

After the start-up standby process S1003, the output state determination process S1004 of the initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 of the power supply / emission control board 900, the value determination process S1005 of the power failure information (a part of the RAM), and the storage. The information storage state determination process S1007 is performed, and based on these determination results, it is determined whether or not to erase the information in substantially the entire area of the RAM.

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

When the initialization signal is on (S1004: Y), when the power failure information is not a predetermined power failure value indicating that the saved information has been saved and terminated at the time of transition to the power failure state (S1005: N), or saved. When the information is not normally held (S1007: N), the RAM clear process S1008 that erases the information in substantially the entire area of the RAM is executed. Hardware that initializes various devices connected to the main control board 920 after it is determined that the stored information is normally held (S1007: Y) or after the RAM clear processing S1008 is executed. The hardware initialization process S1009 is executed.

After the hardware initialization process S1009, the determination process S1010 for determining whether or not the power failure information is the power failure value is executed. When the power failure information is the power failure value (S1010: N), the RAM recovery setting process S1011 that initially sets various information including the recovery of the retained information and the recovery command indicating the completion of the setting are set (return command). Output processing S1012). By restoring the holding information in the RAM restoration setting process S1011, the control state of the main control board 920 is restored to the control state immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state.

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

In the RAM recovery setting process S1011 and the RAM initial setting process S1013, the power failure information is set to a predetermined energization value different from the power failure value, and various error states such as an error detection error immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state are performed. Even if is occurring, all those error states are cleared. Further, either the return command or the initialization command is output from the main control board 920 to both the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940, and the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940 that have received the return command or the initialization command are received. A predetermined initialization process will be executed in each of the above.

After the initial setting of the RAM according to the situation at the time of startup (determination process S1004 to initialization command output process S1014), if the condition device is operating at the time of the previous transition to the power failure state, the special game state is set. Preparations for returning are performed (special game state return preparation process S1015). Specifically, in the special game state return preparation process S1015, the operating state of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is determined, and the process corresponding to the game situation in the power failure state is executed on the sub-control board 940. To.

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

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

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

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

On the other hand, when it is determined in the power failure monitoring process S1202 that the power is in a power failure state, the following process is executed. First, the value of the power failure information is changed from the energization value set in the RAM return setting process S1011 or the RAM initial setting process S1013 (see FIG. 11) to a predetermined power failure value. Further, a checksum value for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM is calculated, and the 2's complement of the checksum value is set as the RAM determination value. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 enters an infinite loop in which substantially no processing is performed, and the state of the RAM after the RAM determination value is set is held based on the backup power. Since the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, each process of the timer interrupt is executed twice after the reception of the power failure signal is detected for the first time.

In the random number update process S1203, the winning random number counter related to the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter related to the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, when the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), the value is changed to a value "1" larger than the current value, and the special symbol is changed. When the value of the winning random number counter related to is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value (“0”). However, if the changed value is the same as the circular initial value for the winning random number counter related to the special symbol, the value of the winning random number counter for the special symbol is the same as the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol. Is set to the value of, and the circulation initial value is also set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter.

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

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

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

The winning random number counters, jackpot symbol random number counters, stop pattern selection counters, and variable type counters related to the special symbol and the ordinary symbol do not necessarily have the above-mentioned configurations, and at least a part of the above counters has other configurations. For example, it may be configured to update from a constant initial value without using the initial value counter, or it may be configured by a random number generation IC without using a program and the value may be referred to as needed. ..

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

In the control signal output process S1208, the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, and the ordinary symbol related to the ordinary symbol are used based on the control data stored in the output buffer. A signal for controlling various notification devices such as the display device 473 is output. Further, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, various actuators such as a ball feed solenoid 332, a firing solenoid 334, a right approach restricting solenoid 462, a lower approach restricting solenoid 463, an upper approach restricting solenoid 464, and a switching solenoid 465 are used. The control signal is output.

In the switch reading process S1209, the middle start winning switch 441A, 441B, the right starting winning switch 442, the lower winning winning switch 443, the upper winning winning switch 444, the combined operation switch 445, the starting switch 446, the non-specific passage switch 447, the specific The signal states from each of the passage switch 448 and the general winning switches 449A and 449B are read, and changes in the detection state of the game ball by various switches are detected.

Specifically, in the switch read process S1209, the signal states from the various switches are read into the input buffer (a part of the area of the RAM) twice at predetermined time intervals, and the signals from the various switches are read. The signal state read for the first time (hereinafter abbreviated as "first signal state") and the signal state read for the second time (hereinafter abbreviated as "second signal state"). , Changes in the detection status of various switches are detected based on the detection status detected by the previous timer interrupt (hereinafter abbreviated as "previous detection status"). Then, for each switch, when the previous detection state is the off state, when the first signal state is the on state and the second signal state is the on state, it is determined that the switch is in the on state transition. Then, the detection flag (a part of the area of RAM) according to the type of the switch is set. As described in the power failure monitoring process S1202, even if the power supply is stopped, each process of the timer interrupt is executed twice, so that the various switches are turned on immediately after the power supply is stopped. Even when started, the detection flags of various switches can be set accurately.

In the timer update process S1210, various timers (predetermined areas of RAM) used for variable display of special symbols and normal symbols, control of each game state, fraud monitoring, and the like are updated.

In the fraud detection process S1211, fraudulent acts such as forcibly entering a game ball into various winning devices or forcibly operating various winning devices are detected. Specifically, the right-starting winning device 432, the lower winning device 433, and the upper winning device 434 are moved to the forced entry allowable posture, and the game ball is guided to the specific passage of the lower winning device 433 by vibration. , Right-starting winning device 432 by radio waves, Inducing forced malfunction of lower-ranking winning device 433 and upper-ranking winning device 434, guiding game balls to various winning devices by magnetic adsorption, upper middle-starting winning device 431A, There is a high possibility that fraudulent acts such as guiding a game ball to the lower middle start winning device 431B, the right starting winning device 432, the lower grand winning device 433, and the upper grand winning device 434 at an abnormal timing have been performed. Detect the occurrence.

In the winning detection response process S1212, control based on the detection of the game ball by various switches provided on the game board 400 is executed. Specifically, when the middle start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) and the lower middle starting winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10). The middle start winning counter (predetermined area of RAM) and the first payout counter (predetermined area of RAM) are updated. Further, when the right start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the right starting winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the first payout counter is updated. Further, when the lower prize winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the lower prize switch 443 (see FIG. 10), or when the upper prize switch 444 (see FIG. 10) detects the game ball. When the upper prize winning switch detection flag is set based on the above, the grand prize counter (a predetermined area of the RAM) and the second payout counter (a predetermined area of the RAM) are updated.

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

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

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

In the payout signal output process S1216, various prize ball commands are set based on the values of the first payout counter and the second payout counter, and are output to the payout control board 930, if necessary. The first payout counter and the second payout counter are updated according to the setting of the prize ball command. For example, the first payout counter is added by 1 each time a game ball corresponding to one winning is detected, and is subtracted by 1 each time a prize ball command based on the winning is set. In the payout control board 930, the main control board 920 is awarded each time the control for paying out the number (for example, 3) of the game balls corresponding to the prize is executed (specifically, shortly before the payout is completed). In the situation where the ball command is requested and the prize balls are continuously paid out, a further prize ball command is output from the main control board 920. The second payout counter is a counter that is updated in response to a prize (for example, 13 pieces) having a different number of prize balls from the first payout counter, and a prize ball command based on the value of the second payout counter is issued on the payout control board. When the 930 receives the game, the payout control board 930 executes a control for paying out a number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command.

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

Further, in the special symbol-related processing S1217, the holding control of the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol and the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the hold control of the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol is executed. Further, in the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is executed, and when the big hit is won in the second special symbol lottery, the lower prize winning device The operation control of 433 and the upper prize winning device 434 is further executed.

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

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

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

<Flowing mode of the game ball>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the flow-down mode of the game ball in the game area will be described. FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged front view of the upper side of the game board 400, and FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged front view of the right side of the game board 400. Note that FIG. 7 is also referred to as necessary.

In the game board 400, as shown in FIG. 7, a game area generally divided by an outer rail 402 and an inner rail 403 is formed, and in the game area, various structures such as the central structure 420 and the lower part are formed. Various devices such as the grand prize device 433 and the upper grand prize device 434 are provided. The flight of the game ball in the game area is determined by the launch strength when launched from the launching device 330 and the shape of the outer rail 402. Here, "flying of the game ball" means the movement of the game ball beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 until it comes into contact with a member other than the outer rail 402. The launch strength of the game ball launched from the launch device 330 is proportional to the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) of the launch operation device 250, and the maximum rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252 is approximately 120 °. Is. When the launch handle 252 is rotated by the player, the game ball is launched from the launcher 330 at intervals of approximately 0.6 seconds. Even when the launch handle 252 is rotated by the player, when the launch stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) is pressed, the launch of the game ball is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 7, the inclination of the arcuate portion of the outer rail 402 that determines the upper boundary of the game area (the inclination of the tangent line of the outer rail 402 with respect to the left-right direction of the pachinko machine 100) is the return ball prevention mechanism 404. The inclination is approximately 50 degrees to the right in the vicinity of the arrangement of the anti-jump member 405, and the inclination is approximately 45 degrees to the right in the vicinity of the anti-jump member 405. The game ball launched from the launching device 330 at the maximum strength flies along the arcuate portion of the outer rail 402. In the following, the flight trajectory of the game ball launched with the maximum strength will be referred to as the "maximum flight trajectory".

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

A game ball launched with a strength that exceeds the return ball prevention mechanism 404 but does not exceed the branch position P1 (approximately 20% or more and less than 45% of the maximum strength) is more than the portion of the outer rail 402 facing the branch position P1. It separates from the maximum flight trajectory in front of it, collides with the nail 411 and the left wall portion 421, and flows down the left flow-down region 407 formed on the left outer edge side of the central structure 420.

Further, on the upper part of the central structure 420, a right wall portion 422 that descends to the right by approximately 40 degrees from the branch position P2 that faces the portion where the inclination of the outer rail 402 is 40 degrees that descends to the right is formed. The branch position P2 is located on the right side by a width of approximately 80% of the maximum width W from the left end T1 of the game area, based on the maximum width W of the game area. The game ball launched with an intensity exceeding the branch position P2 (75% or more of the maximum intensity) flows down the right flow area 408. As shown in FIG. 14, the right flow area 408 is formed by a region for guiding the game ball to the branch passage 408A by the right wall portion 422, the branch passage 408A, and the curved passage 408B.

Specifically, the game ball launched with the maximum strength flies along the maximum flight trajectory, collides with the recoil prevention member 405, and starts the flow of the right flow region 408. In addition, a game ball launched in a predetermined intensity range weaker than the maximum intensity (a range of 80% or more of the maximum intensity and less than the maximum intensity) goes into the maximum flight trajectory at a slower speed than when launched at the maximum intensity. It flies along the recoil prevention member 405 and starts the flow in the right flow area 408. The game ball that collides with the recoil prevention member 405 is subsequently formed on the right outer edge side of the central structure 420, and is lowered through a branch passage 408A in which the intermediate portion branches into two and a curved passage 408B communicating with the branch passage 408A. It is guided above the grand prize device 433 and the upper prize device 434. Further, the game ball launched in a weaker predetermined strength range (75% or more of the maximum strength and less than 80% of the maximum strength) deviates from the maximum flight trajectory on the way and collides with the right wall portion 422 to the right. The flow in the flow area 408 is started. The game ball that collides with the right wall portion 422 then rebounds toward the recoil prevention member 405, collides with the recoil prevention member 405, and enters the branch passage 408A.

Further, the upper part of the central structure 420 is curved downward from the right end (branch position P1) of the left wall portion 421 between the left wall portion 421 and the right wall portion 422, and the left end of the right wall portion 422 (branch position P1). A median wall portion 423 extending to the lower part of the branch position P2) is formed. Further, at the right end of the central structure 420, a guide passage 424 for smoothly guiding the game ball is formed. The step portion between the right end of the middle wall portion 423 and the left end of the right wall portion 422 is the entrance 424A to the guide passage 424, and the game ball that has entered the entrance 424A is on the upper left side of the upper prize winning device 434. It is discharged from the formed discharge port 424B. The midstream down region 409 is formed by the region for guiding the game ball to the guide passage 424 by the middle wall portion 423 and the guide passage 424.

A game ball launched in a predetermined strength range (a range of 45% or more of the maximum strength and less than 75% of the maximum strength) deviates from the maximum flight trajectory on the way and collides with the middle wall portion 423, and in the midstream down region 409. Start the flow. After that, the game ball that collides with the middle wall portion 423 rebounds slightly, but is smoothly guided to the entrance 424A of the guide passage 424 along the middle wall portion 423. The middle wall portion 423 has a shape in which the inclination becomes steeper as the distance from the branch position P1 to the right side, and the game ball collides with the middle wall portion 423 at any position of the middle wall portion 423 at a thin angle. It can only recoil and can recoil toward the entrance 424A. Further, the guide passage 424 has a shape that bends in multiple stages in a plane along the surface 401 of the base of the game board 400, and the game ball is smoothly guided from the entrance 424A to the discharge port 424B also in the guide passage 424. ..

The shape of the guide passage 424 is that the time when the game ball reaches the upper prize winning device 434 through the middle flow lower region 409 after being launched with a predetermined strength that exceeds the branch position P1 but does not exceed the branch position P2 is the game ball. Is launched at maximum intensity and then reaches the upper prize winning device 434 through the right flow area 408, which is longer than the time corresponding to the shortest firing interval by the launching device 330 (for example, 0.6 seconds). It is adjusted so that. The upper prize-winning device 434 and the lower prize-winning device 433 are arranged one above the other in close proximity to each other, and since there is no member between them that changes the flow of the game ball, the middle flow lower region 409 is used. The time difference between the case of entering the lower prize winning device 433 and the case of entering the lower prize winning device 433 through the right flow down area 408 is substantially the same as the case of entering the lower prize winning device 434. The time for reaching the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 through the middle flow lower area 409 and the time for reaching the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 through the right flow down area 408 are , The time corresponding to the mode in the frequency distribution based on a large number of trials, the average time based on the frequency distribution, the weighted average time based on the frequency distribution, and the like can be adopted.

Here, the operation of the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 and the behavior of the game ball in them will be described.

When a big hit is won by the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the mode of the special gaming state is determined, and the mode shifts to the special gaming state of the determined mode. Specifically, it is a short-term (6 rounds in this embodiment) special gaming state in which the number of continuous rounds is small, or a long-term (16 rounds in this embodiment) special gaming state in which the number of continuous rounds is large. In each round of the special game state, when the maximum permissible time for entry (29.5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed, or when the specified number of game balls (8 balls in this embodiment) has passed, the upper prize winning switch 444 (see FIG. 10). ) Or the lower prize winning switch 443 (see FIGS. 10 and 14), the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 change from the entry allowed state to the entry prohibited state. Normally, when a specified number of game balls are detected by the upper prize winning switch 444 and the lower prize winning switch 443, the entry allowed state is changed to the entry prohibited state.

Here, the behavior of the game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 and its detection will be described. In the entry allowance state of the upper prize winning device 434, the upper entry control mechanism 454 (see FIG. 7; omitted in FIG. 14) is inclined so that the upper end portion protrudes forward, and the diameter of the game ball is approximately 5 A game ball can enter through the double-width entrance 434A. The game ball that has reached the upper prize winning device 434 is guided to the back by the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 and enters the entrance 434A. Inside the upper prize winning device 434, there is a back guide passage 434B that is formed slightly to the center from the right end and guides the game ball to the back, and a left slope that slopes downward to the left of the back guide passage 434B. A passage portion 434C and a right-side inclined passage portion 434D that inclines downward to the left on the right side of the inner guide passage portion 434B are formed. The upper prize switch 444 for detecting the game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 is provided in the wife guide passage portion 434B, and the game ball that has entered the upper prize guide passage portion 434 is passed through the wife guide passage portion 434B. It is detected after being guided to the back of the left inclined passage portion 434C and the right inclined passage portion 434D.

The main approach route of the game ball that enters the upper prize winning device 434 through the right flow down region 408 is the route E1 that passes through the left side of the right starting winning device 432 and enters approximately the center of the entrance 434A. The game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 through this path E1 is greatly accelerated in the left inclined passage portion 434C because the moving distance along the left inclined passage portion 434C from the approach position to the inner guide passage portion 434B is short. There is no such thing. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 through the route E1 once exceeds the back guide passage portion 434B, moves to the right inclined passage portion 434D, and then returns to the back guide passage portion 434B. There is almost no reciprocating motion in the left-right direction in the front, and the vehicle enters the inner guide passage portion 434B almost smoothly. When entering the upper prize winning device 434 through the right flow area 408, the time from when the game ball reaches the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 until it is detected by the upper prize switch 444 is about 0.2 seconds. .. Therefore, even if the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the right flow area 408, the shortest launch interval for launching the game ball from the launching device 330 is approximately 0.6 seconds, so that the preceding game ball is a nail or the like. Unless it accidentally flows down significantly slower due to interference with, or the subsequent game ball accidentally flows down significantly faster, the preceding game ball reaches the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 and then wins the upper prize. The subsequent game ball does not reach the upper entry restricting mechanism 454 until it is detected by the switch 444.

On the other hand, the main approach path of the game ball that enters the upper prize winning device 434 through the middle flow down area 409 is on the left side of the case where it passes through the right flow down area 408, and is the path E2 that enters near the left end of the entrance 434A. Is. Although the game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 through this route E2 rarely smoothly enters the back guide passage portion 434B, it reciprocates left and right in front of the back guide passage portion 434B and then guides the wife. Enter the passage 434B. As a result, the time from when the game ball reaches the upper entry control mechanism 454 until it is detected by the upper prize winning switch 444 is longer than when the game ball reaches the upper prize winning device 434 through the right flow down area 408. Because the distance guided inside the device 434 is long, and because it reciprocates left and right in front of the wife guidance passage 434B and then enters the wife guidance passage 434B, it becomes long, and it takes about 0.4 seconds. is there. Therefore, even if the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the middle flow down region 409, the shortest launch interval for launching the game ball from the launching device 330 is 0.6 seconds, so that the preceding game ball is restricted from entering upward. The subsequent game ball does not reach the upper entry control mechanism 454 between the time when it reaches the mechanism 454 and the time when it is detected by the upper prize winning switch 444. The time from when the game ball enters the upper entry control mechanism 454 until it is detected by the upper prize winning switch 444 is longer than when the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the right side of the central structure 420. However, in order for the guide passage 424 to smoothly guide the game ball, the preceding game ball accidentally flows down significantly slower than when the game ball continues to flow down on the right side of the central structure 420. Or, it is less likely that the subsequent game ball will flow down significantly faster.

The behavior of the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 and its detection will be described. In the entry allowed state of the lower prize winning device 433, the lower entry control mechanism 453 is immersed in the rear side, and the game ball can enter through the entrance 433A having a width approximately 5 times the diameter of the game ball. Inside the lower prize winning device 433, a central inclined passage portion 433B that guides the game ball to the lower prize winning switch 443 and is inclined downward to the left, and a central inclined passage portion 433B that is formed on the upper left side of the central inclined passage portion 433B and is inclined downward to the right. A left inclined passage portion 434C and a right inclined passage portion 434D formed on the right side of the central inclined passage portion 433B and inclined downward to the left are formed.

The main approach route of the game ball entering the lower prize winning device 433 through the right flow area 408 is the route E3. The game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 through this path E3 directly enters the central inclined passage portion 433B, is guided to the left along the central inclined passage portion 433B, and is detected by the lower prize winning switch 443. .. The time from when the game ball passes through the lower entry control mechanism 453 to when it is detected by the lower prize winning switch 443 is about 0.2 seconds.

On the other hand, the main approach route of the game ball entering the lower prize winning device 433 through the middle flow lower region 409 is the route E4. The game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 through the route E4 is once guided to the right end side of the central inclined passage portion 433B by the left inclined passage portion 433C, and then guided to the left along the central inclined passage portion 433B. Detected by the lower prize switch 443. In this case, since the distance traveled from entering the lower grand prize device 433 to reaching the lower grand prize switch 443 is longer than when reaching the lower grand prize device 433 through the right flow area 408, the game ball. The time from passing through the lower entry control mechanism 453 to being detected by the lower prize winning switch 443 becomes longer, about 0.4 seconds. Even if the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the right flow down area 408, or even if the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the middle flow down area 409, the shortest time to launch the game ball from the launching device 330. Since the firing interval is approximately 0.6 seconds, the succeeding game ball is restricted from entering the lower entry between the time when the preceding game ball passes through the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 and the time when the preceding game ball is detected by the lower prize winning switch 443. It does not pass through the mechanism 453.

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

Further, in the entry allowed state of each round of the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, the decorative symbol display device 479 arranged substantially in the center of the central structure 420 is provided with the effect during the special gaming state. , The number of remaining game balls up to the specified number (remaining number of waiting for entry) and the remaining time in the allowed entry state (allowable remaining time for entry) are notified. In addition, information that assists the optimal game progress is appropriately notified.

While monitoring the remaining number of waiting for entry and the allowable approach time, the player launches the game ball at the maximum strength to allow the game ball to flow down through the right flow down area 408, and launches the game ball through the middle flow down area 409 with a weaker strength. It will be timed to change to launch so that it will flow down.

The specific game progress will be described below. When the special game state is started, the decorative symbol display device 479 notifies the information indicating that the launch handle 252 is rotated by the maximum rotation operation amount and the game ball is flowed down through the right flow area 408. Furthermore, if the launching handle 252 is properly operated to adjust the firing intensity of the game ball at the time of launching to allow the last game ball of the specified number to enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433, a privilege is received. You will be informed that there is a possibility of being affected. Specifically, in order to receive the privilege, after the game ball is made to enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 until there is only one ball remaining up to the specified number, it is allowed to flow down through the middle flow lower region 409. It is necessary to reduce the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252 to launch the game ball, and then return the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252 to the maximum rotation operation amount and launch the game ball so as to flow down through the right flow area 408. Is notified.

The player rotates the launch handle 252 at the maximum rotation amount and starts launching the game ball. First, a game ball that is one less than the specified number is launched, and the launch of the game ball is temporarily stopped. If at least one of the launched game balls does not enter the upper prize-winning device 434 or the lower prize-winning device 433, additional game balls are launched by the number of balls that did not enter. Repeating such launches as necessary until the game balls, which are one less than the specified number, enter the upper prize-winning device 434 or the lower prize-winning device 433, that is, the number of waiting entries becomes "1". This launch is repeated until.

When the number of waiting for entry becomes "1", the rotation of the launch handle 252 so that the next game ball flows down through the middle flow down region 409 so that it is 50% or more and less than 75% of the maximum rotation operation amount. The operation amount is adjusted to launch the game ball, and the game ball is launched so that the next game ball continuously flows down through the right flow area 408. In the decorative symbol display device 479, when the number of waiting for entry is "1" and the allowable remaining time for entry is less than a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), the above-mentioned anomaly Notify that a normal launch is performed without performing a target launch. This is to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which both of the two game balls cannot be reached while the upper prize-winning device 434 and the lower prize-winning device 433 are in the admissible state when the ball is launched irregularly. Is.

Both the game ball launched in this way and flowing down through the middle flow down area 409 and the game ball flowing down through the right flow down area 408 will enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 with high probability. ..

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

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

Further, in the launch adjustment as described above, it is necessary for the player to switch the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252, and a predetermined number of game balls are entered into the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 in the special gaming state. The monotony of the game when it is made to play is reduced, and the playability in the special game state is improved. Further, before the launch adjustment as described above, in order to adjust the number of game balls entering the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, it is necessary to temporarily stop the launch of the game balls. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the remaining opening time of the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, and a predetermined number of game balls are entered into the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 in the special gaming state. The monotony of the game when making it is reduced. As a result, the playability of the special gaming state is further improved.

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

Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle flow area 409 is substantially the same as the shortest firing interval time as compared with the game ball launched so as to flow down through the right flow area 408. Since the shape of the guide passage is designed so as to reach the upper prize-winning device 434 and the lower prize-winning device 433 later than the time required for, the amount of rotation of the launch handle can be reduced without stopping the launch of the game ball. If changed, those game balls can reach the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 almost at the same time. As a result, after launching the game ball so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409, the launch of the game ball is temporarily stopped, the flow state of the game ball is judged, and the next game ball passes through the right flow down area 408. Compared to the case of restarting the launch so as to flow down, the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409 and the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409 can be easily increased. It is possible to reach the vicinity of the winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433.

Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down region 409 is guided to the entrance 424A of the guide passage 424 almost smoothly regardless of the position of the middle wall portion 423. Then, it is smoothly guided to the discharge port 424B through the guide passage 424. Further, the game ball released from the discharge port 424B is smoothly guided to the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 with a predetermined probability because the discharge port 424B is formed in the vicinity of the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433. To. As a result, the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409 passes through a longer route than the game ball launched so as to flow down through the right flow down area 408, and the upper grand prize device 434 and the lower grand prize. Although it reaches the device 433, the time lag between the launch from the launching device 330 and the arrival at the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 can be reduced, and the game ball flowing down through the middle flow down region 409 and the right It is possible to allow the game ball flowing down through the flow down area 408 to enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 almost at the same time.

Further, in order to change the launch so as to flow down through the middle flow down region 409 and then to flow down through the right flow down region 408, the opposite configuration, that is, to flow down through the middle flow down region 409 was launched. A guide passage so that the game ball reaches the upper prize-winning device 434 and the lower prize-winning device 433 about the same time as the shortest firing interval time compared to the game ball launched so as to flow down through the right flow area 408. In the case where the shape of is designed, it is surely launched in advance as compared with the configuration in which the launch is changed so as to flow down through the right flow down region 408 and then flow down through the middle flow down region 409. The game ball can be made to flow down through the middle flow down area 409, and the game ball to be launched subsequently can be made to flow down through the right flow down area 408. This means that the launch handle 252 may be rotated to the maximum when the game ball is allowed to flow down through the right flow area 408, but the launch handle 252 is rotated when the game ball is caused to flow down through the middle flow area 409. It is necessary to appropriately adjust the operation amount to an intermediate rotation operation amount, and if the adjustment is incorrect, the game ball is moved through the left flow down area 407 even though the game ball is allowed to flow down through the middle flow down area 409. This is because the game ball may be caused to flow down or the game ball may be caused to flow down through the right flow area 408.

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

Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the main path and portion of the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down region 409 to enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 flow down through the right flow down region 408. Since the game balls launched in this way are different from the main routes and parts that enter the upper-ranking prize device 434 and the lower-ranking prize-winning device 433, those gaming balls are almost simultaneously moved to the upper-ranking prize-winning device 434 and the lower-ranking winning device 433. Even if they reach the vicinity of, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the gaming balls interfere with each other and do not enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 at almost the same time.

Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the time difference for each game ball until the pachinko machine 100 flows down through the middle flow down region 409 and reaches the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, particularly the time delayed from the average time. The time difference for each game ball until it flows down through the right flow area 408 and reaches the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, in particular, is configured to be smaller than the time lagging behind the average time. It is configured so that the time from entering the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 through the middle flow lower region 409 to being detected by the upper prize switch 444 or the lower prize switch 443 becomes longer. There is. As a result, even if it takes a little longer for the game ball flowing down through the right flow down area 408 to reach the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, the game ball flows down through the middle flow down area 409. Before the game ball is detected by the upper grand prize switch 444 and the lower grand prize switch 443 and the upper grand prize device 434 and the lower grand prize device 433 change to the entry prohibited state, the upper grand prize device 434 and the lower grand prize device 434 and the lower grand prize device It can be entered into 433.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. In the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the launch handle 252, that is, the launch strength (launch strength) of the game ball is adjusted to exceed the specified number of game balls in the special gaming state. Was configured to be able to enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433.

Instead of this, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the second embodiment, the launch handle 252 by the player is attached to the upper right start winning device 731 provided at a position where the gaming ball launched at a constant rate of fire cannot enter. It is configured so that the game ball can enter by adjusting the amount of rotation operation. Then, by allowing the game ball to enter the upper right start winning device 731 under a predetermined condition, the variation display of the unit game is performed in a predetermined variation time in the advantageous variation state which is the gaming state after the special gaming state. Is executed. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

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

Note that FIG. 16 shows a schematic outline of the main structures provided in the game area. Further, in the drawing of FIG. 16, in order to facilitate understanding, the position of the specific passage QA formed inside the lower prize winning device 433 is indicated by the letter “V” and the non-specific passage QB. The position of is indicated by the letter "N". Further, in FIG. 16, a distribution mechanism for distributing the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 to the specific passage QA or the non-specific passage QB is illustrated, and the distribution mechanism is numbered “601”. , A part of the flowing game ball is shown for reference.

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

The game board 400 is provided with an upper right start winning switch that detects a game ball that has entered the upper right starting winning device 731. The upper right start winning switch is connected to the main control board 920 like the switches such as the middle starting winning switches 441A and 441B. Hereinafter, the upper right start winning switch for detecting the game ball that has entered the upper right starting winning device 731 will be described as "upper right starting winning switch 741" for convenience. When the upper right start winning switch 741 detects the game ball that has entered the upper right start winning device 731, it is the same as when the middle start winning switch 441A, 441B detects the game ball that has entered the middle start winning devices 431A, 431B. It will be the start prize of the first special symbol.

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

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

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

In the guide passage 711, a right flow down area 708 and a middle flow down area 709 are continuously provided. The game ball that has passed through the guide passage 711 enters the entrance 708A of the right flow down area 708 or the entrance 709A of the middle flow down area 709. The game ball that has entered the entrance 708A flows down the right flow down area 708 through the path E5, and the game ball that has entered the entrance 709A flows down the middle flow down area 709 through the path E6.

Of the inlet 708A and the inlet 709A, the inlet 708A is located on the side farther from the center than the inlet 709A (that is, the side farther from the return ball prevention mechanism 404). By launching the game ball from the launching device 330 in a predetermined first intensity range including the maximum firing intensity (for example, an intensity range of 75% or more of the maximum firing intensity), the game ball is inserted into the entrance 708A. It is possible to enter the right flow area 708 from.

On the other hand, among the intensity ranges of the firing intensity that can enter the guide passage 711, the firing is performed in a predetermined second intensity range weaker than the first intensity range (for example, a range of 45% or more of the maximum intensity and less than 75% of the maximum intensity). By launching the game ball from the device 330, the game ball can be made to enter the midstream down region 709 from the entrance 709A.

Therefore, the player rotates the launch handle 252 with a predetermined first operation amount (first rotation operation amount) so that the launch intensity of the game ball falls within the first intensity range, so that the game ball flows down to the right. By rotating the launch handle 252 with a predetermined second operation amount (second rotation operation amount) so that the area 708 can be entered and the launch intensity of the game ball is in the second intensity range, the game ball Can enter the midstream down region 709. That is, by adjusting the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252, the player can let the game ball flow down in the flow-down area intended by himself / herself in the right flow-down area 708 or the middle flow-down area 709.

The game ball flowing down the right flow area 708 or the middle flow area 708 is a path when the game balls flowing down the respective flow areas 708 and 709 are not interfered by other game balls in the confluence area 710 where they can enter. It can flow downstream through E7. The game ball flowing down through the path E7 can enter the starting device 436, the right starting winning device 432, the upper winning device 434, or the lower winning device 433.

On the other hand, when a game ball (for example, a game ball P1) flowing down the right flow area 708 comes into contact with a game ball (for example, a game ball P2) flowing down the middle flow area 708 in the confluence area 710, the latter game ball causes The former game ball that was bounced can flow down to the downstream side through the path E8. When the game ball passes through the path E8, the game ball enters the upper right start winning device 731.

In the right-flowing area 708 and the middle-flowing area 709, respectively, after the game ball enters the middle-flowing area 709 from the inlet 709A, the game ball continuously launched from the launching device 330 flows down to the right from the inlet 708A. When entering the region 708, the game ball flowing down the right flow down region 708 is configured to have a length that can come into contact with the game ball flowing down the middle flow down region 708 at the confluence region 710.

Therefore, the player launches the game ball from the launching device 330 with the firing intensity in the second intensity range, and then launches the subsequent game ball from the launching device 330 with the firing intensity in the first intensity range in succession to the game ball. As a result, the game ball can enter (win) the upper right start winning device 731. That is, the entry of the game ball into the upper right start winning device 731 is possible by the player intentionally adjusting the amount of rotation operation of the firing handle 252 as described above.

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

When the power of the pachinko machine 100 is turned on and the game is started, as shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko machine 100 is first started from the normal game state. In the normal game state, the player generates the right of the unit game by the starting prize and executes the game in anticipation of winning a big hit. When the right to the unit game is generated by the start prize, the special symbol (specifically, the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is displayed in a variable manner and the confirmation is stopped, and the unit game related to the special symbol is won the big hit lottery. Then, the game state shifts to the special game state. The determination of whether or not the jackpot lottery has been won is executed as a part of the special symbol-related process S1217 (see FIG. 12) that controls the unit game related to the special symbol.

In the special gaming state, for example, the large prize device (specifically, the lower prize device 433 and the upper prize device 434) for about 30 seconds operates a predetermined number of times (specifically, five times). In the special game state, when the large winning devices 433 and 434 are operated a predetermined number of times, the maximum number of unit games that can be executed in the advantageous fluctuation state (specifically, 3 times) is set as the number of remaining unit games. It is set and the game state shifts to the advantageous fluctuation state. Here, the advantageous fluctuation state is a gaming state in which the non-time saving state is changed to the time saving state, and the game ball is configured to easily enter the right start winning device 432, and the game ball easily enters the specific passage QA. The operation pattern (pattern A) of the grand prize device 433 is in a gaming state in which the operation pattern (pattern A) is easily selected with a high probability, and the selection of the operation pattern will be described later.

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

In the favorable fluctuation state, either pattern A or pattern B is selected by lottery as the operation pattern of the lower prize winning device 433 that operates based on the starting prize. Although the details will be described later, the pattern A is a pattern in which the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 is substantially always guided to the specific passage QA, and the pattern B is the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433. Is a pattern that is not substantially guided to the specific passage QA. The lottery (selection) of the operation pattern of the lower prize winning device 433 is executed as a part of the special symbol-related processing S1217 (see FIG. 12), and in the present embodiment, the selection probability of the pattern A and the pattern B is , 40% and 60%, respectively. The selection probabilities of pattern A and pattern B may be different selection probabilities corresponding to the gaming state. In this case, the pattern A may be set to be more difficult to be selected in the normal gaming state than in the advantageous fluctuation state. Preferably, only the pattern B may be selected in the normal game state which is not the advantageous fluctuation state, and the game ball may not enter the specific passage QA in the normal game state.

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

When the lower prize winning device 433 operates in pattern A (mainly when the lower prize winning device 433 operates in pattern A), the player fires a handle to allow the game ball to enter the lower prize winning device 433. Operate 252 to launch a game ball. In the advantageous fluctuation state, as described above, it is set that a big hit occurs when the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 enters the specific passage QA. Therefore, in the favorable fluctuation state, a big hit is substantially generated with a probability that pattern A is selected (that is, a probability of 40%) for one starting prize.

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

In the advantageous fluctuation state, the number of remaining unit games is subtracted by 1 each time the unit game generated by the start winning is completed (that is, each time the special symbol is fixed and stopped), and the number of remaining unit games becomes "0". If no big hit occurs, the gaming state shifts to the normal gaming state.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, in the advantageous fluctuation state, a big hit occurs with a probability of substantially 40% for one start winning, so that a unit that can be executed in the advantageous fluctuation state. When the upper limit of the number of games is three, a big hit will occur with a probability of about 80% in the advantageous fluctuation state. As described above, the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the advantageous fluctuation state is likely to continue once a big hit occurs in the normal game state, so that the interest of the game in which the big hit is generated in the normal game state is improved.

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

As shown in FIG. 18A, when the operation of the lower prize winning device 433 according to the pattern B is started, the upper entry restricting solenoid 464 shifts from the off state to the on state (time ta0), but for a very short period (time ta0). In the present embodiment, it returns to the off state after 0.06 seconds) (time ta1). As a result, the upper entry restricting mechanism 454 shifts from the entry prohibited posture to the approach allowed posture, but immediately returns to the approach prohibited posture after shifting to the approach allowed posture.

Similarly, when the operation of the lower prize winning device 433 according to the pattern B is started, the switching solenoid 465 shifts from the off state to the on state (time ta0), but for a very short period (0.06 seconds in this embodiment). It later returns to the off state (time ta1). As a result, the distribution mechanism 601 (see FIG. 16) is immersed in the game from the non-guided posture in which the game ball is guided to the non-specific passage QB without being guided to the specific passage QA by projecting forward. It shifts to the guided posture that guides the ball to the specific passage QA, but immediately returns to the non-guided posture after shifting to the guided posture.

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

On the other hand, the upper approach restricting solenoid 464 shifts from the off state to the on state again after a predetermined period TC (3 seconds in this embodiment) after returning to the off state at time ta1 (time ta3). It returns to the off state after a very short period (0.06 seconds in this embodiment) (time ta4). As a result, the upper entry control mechanism 454 immediately returns to the entry prohibition posture after shifting from the entry prohibition posture to the entry allowance posture, as in the case immediately after starting the operation of the lower prize winning device 433.

During the minute period (that is, the period from time ta0 to time ta1 and the period from time ta3 to time ta4) from the off state to the time when the upper approach regulation solenoid 464 is once turned on and returned to the off state, the game ball The period is set so that the lower prize winning device 433 can be entered only with an extremely low probability through the upper entry control mechanism 454.

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

The period from when the switching solenoid 465 returns to the off state at time ta1 until it is turned on again at time ta2 (that is, the period TA) is the first minute period (that is, the period TA) when the upper entry restricting solenoid 464 is turned on. That is, even if the game ball can enter the lower prize winning device 433 through the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 during the period from time ta0 to time ta1), the game ball is moved to the non-specific passage QB by the distribution mechanism 601 in the non-guided posture. It is set to a period that can be guided to.

Since the switching solenoid 465 returns to the off state at the time ta4, the game ball is moved to the upper approach restricting mechanism during the second minute period (that is, the period from the time ta3 to the time ta4) when the upper approach restricting solenoid 464 is turned on. Even if the lower prize winning device 433 can be entered through 454, the game ball is guided to the non-specific passage QB by the distribution mechanism 601 in the non-guided posture.

Therefore, during the two minute periods (that is, the period from time ta0 to time ta1 and the period from time ta3 to time ta4) when the upper entry restricting solenoid 464 is turned on, the game ball is attached to the lower prize winning device 433. Even if it enters, the game ball is substantially guided to the non-specific passage QB instead of the specific passage QA.

In this way, when the lower prize winning device 433 operates in pattern B, the upper entry regulation solenoid 464 is turned on only for a short period of time, so that the probability that the game ball will enter the lower prize winning device 433 is low. In addition, even if the game ball enters the lower prize winning device 433, the game ball is not substantially guided to the specific passage QA.

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

That is, when the lower prize winning device 433 operates in the pattern A, the upper entry restricting mechanism 454 shifts from the entry prohibition posture to the entry allowance posture after the upper entry regulation solenoid 464 shifts to the ON state at time td0. At time td4, the approach allowed posture remains until the upper approach restricting solenoid 464 returns to the off state.

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

As a result, the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 based on the cooperative operation of the upper entry control solenoid 464 (upper entry control mechanism 454) and the switching solenoid 465 (distribution mechanism 601) from time td to time td3. You will be guided to the specific passage QA or to the non-specific passage QB.

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

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

On the other hand, since it is a condition of continuation that the game ball enters the specific passage QA of the lower prize winning device 433 in the advantageous fluctuation state, the player can see the lower prize winning device 433 in the pattern A in the advantageous fluctuation state. Whether or not it operates is determined from the fixed stop of the special symbol, and when the lower prize winning device 433 operates in pattern A, the firing handle 252 is continuously operated so that the game ball enters the lower prize winning device 433 (game). You need to keep firing the ball).

Considering that the unit game related to the special game state or the special symbol automatically ends with the passage of time, when a big hit occurs in the normal game state, the player is given a privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state (that is, relatively). Unless you abandon the high probability of a big hit), you will not be able to take a break away from the pachinko machine 100 you are playing until the favorable fluctuation state ends.

In response to this problem, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the number of times the unit game right related to the first special symbol is held and the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol is held are predetermined conditions (hereinafter, When this condition is satisfied (referred to as "long fluctuation occurrence condition"), the fluctuation display of the unit game to be executed next time is a period longer than the fluctuation time predetermined for the fluctuation display. It is configured to run for a variable time of a specific period (eg, 5 minutes) that allows the player to rest away from the pachinko machine 100.

As a result, the player delays the fixed stop timing (that is, the display timing of the stop symbol) in the variation display of the unit game to be executed next time by satisfying the long variation generation condition as necessary. Therefore, it is possible to leave the pachinko machine 100 during the period of the unit game. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, even after a big hit occurs in the normal gaming state, the pachinko machine 100 does not abandon the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state (that is, the probability of occurrence of a relatively high big hit). It becomes possible to move away from.

In addition, when the condition for generating long fluctuations is not satisfied, the fluctuation time in the fluctuation display of each unit game is set to a different length depending on whether or not the jackpot lottery for the unit game is successful, and the case where the player wins the game is better. Although it is set longer than the case where the player does not win, as described above, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the condition for generating the long fluctuation is satisfied, regardless of whether or not the big hit lottery for the next unit game is won or not. , The variable display of the unit game is executed in a specific period. That is, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the player can leave the pachinko machine 100 without abandoning the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state regardless of whether the jackpot lottery for the next unit game is successful or not. ..

When the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the maximum period (for example, a period of 15 to 60 seconds) of the fluctuation display of each unit game in the state where the long fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied is satisfied. A specific period sufficiently longer than (60 seconds period) is set, and this length is preferably approximately twice or more, and is approximately five times or more, with respect to the maximum length of the variation display of each unit game. Is preferable.

In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the number of times the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol is held is one, and the number of times the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is held is four times. In some cases, the condition for generating long fluctuations is satisfied.

In the special gaming state, the player fires the game ball aiming at the game area on the right side of the game board 400 so that the game ball enters the lower prize winning device 433 or the upper prize winning device 434. Therefore, in the special game state and the advantageous fluctuation state, the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol generated based on the game ball entering the right start winning device 432 is likely to be reserved.

Therefore, the player who plays the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment can satisfy the long variation generation condition by moving the game ball into the upper right start winning device 731 during the special gaming state. Alternatively, it is also possible to satisfy the long fluctuation generation condition by allowing the game ball to enter the upper right start winning device 731 during the advantageous fluctuation state.

When the long fluctuation generation condition is satisfied, the main control board 920 has a first special symbol so that the unit game to be executed next time in the display control process S1219 is a fluctuation display for a specific period (for example, 5 minutes). Alternatively, the operation of the special symbol display devices 471 and 472 related to the second special symbol is controlled. On the other hand, the sub-control board 940 executes operation control so that the display synchronized with the fluctuation display for a specific period controlled by the main control board 920 is performed by the decorative symbol display device 479.

As the display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 over a specific period based on the establishment of the long variation occurrence condition, the normal decorative symbol variation display executed before and after the start and end of the specific period, that is, the decorative symbol display It may be a scroll display of a plurality of number strings performed at the center of the screen of the device 479, or a display other than the usual variable display of the decorative symbol may be displayed at the center of the screen of the decorative symbol display device 479.

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

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

In the middle of the specific period, the lottery result of the big hit lottery (the lottery result related to the operation pattern of the lower prize winning device 433) is stopped by confirming the lottery result of the big hit lottery by returning from the predetermined screen display to the normal variable display of the decorative symbol. It becomes possible for the player to sufficiently visually recognize the process in which is displayed.

In addition, in the configuration of returning to the normal variation display of the decorative symbol in the middle of the specific period, the variation display of the initial decorative symbol in the unit game being executed (that is, the normal variation display when the long variation occurrence condition is not satisfied) The variable display of the decorative symbol) may be executed from the beginning of the variable display, or the initial decorative symbol in the unit game being executed from a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds before) from the end of the specific period. It may be configured to execute the final stage portion including the fixed stop portion in the variable display of. In the case of the configuration in which the variable display is executed from the beginning, the variable display may be started from the decorative symbol that has been fixedly stopped in the previous unit game, or a predetermined decorative symbol (for example, "1, 2") may be started. , 3 ”) may be used to start the variable display.

In the configuration of returning from the predetermined screen display to the variable display of the normal decorative symbol in the middle of the specific period, the decoration is used to notify the timing of the return before returning to the variable display of the normal decorative symbol. A predetermined countdown display (for example, numbers corresponding to the remaining time are sequentially displayed) may be displayed on the symbol display device 479. As a result, it is possible to notify the player of the timing at which the fluctuation display of the normal decorative symbol is started, and to expect the player to stop confirming the lottery result of the big hit lottery to be displayed in the future. The countdown display may be displayed periodically during a specific period, for example, every 30 seconds, or may be displayed in detail immediately before the return, for example, every 1 second from 10 seconds before. ..

A display that prompts the player to prepare for launching the game ball in accordance with the countdown display or instead of the countdown display so that the game ball enters the lower prize winning device 433 that operates after the special symbol is fixed and stopped (hereinafter, This display is referred to as "launch preparation display") may be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479. The launch preparation display may be configured to display the lottery result related to the operation pattern of the lower prize winning device 433 regardless of whether the lottery result is pattern A or pattern B, but the launch preparation display is substantially advantageous. It is preferable to execute at least in the pattern A in which a big hit occurs in the state (that is, the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 is substantially always guided to the specific passage QA), and the launch preparation display is on the right. It is preferable to display a display (for example, "preparation for right-handed hitting") that prompts an operation corresponding to the hitting game technique.

According to the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, when the fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the fluctuation display of the special symbol is configured to be performed in a relatively long specific period (for example, 5 minutes). Therefore, the player can leave the pachinko machine 100 without abandoning the profit obtained from the favorable fluctuation state, but by using the specific period, the player's mood is reset (switched). ) Is also possible.

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

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

Alternatively, as another example of the predetermined screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized, a character string that reminds the player of the initialization of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, "resetting"). The screen display of a pseudo initial screen formed by displaying a character string), a symbol, a pattern, etc. on an extinguished background can be illustrated.

In this way, as the display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 over a specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition, it is similar to the screen display of the initial screen displayed at the time of actual initialization or the pseudo initial screen. By using the screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized (reset), it is possible to make the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized during a specific period. As a result, it is possible to reset the mood of the player who was playing the game with the pachinko machine 100. Then, by resetting the mood of the player during the specific period, the player can renew his mood and face the game after the end of the specific period.

Alternatively, when the display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 over a specific period based on the establishment of the long variation occurrence condition is a display other than the variable display of the decorative symbol, the display (display other than the variable display of the decorative symbol) is performed. ) Is a predetermined screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has entered the standby state, so that the mood of the player who sees the screen display can be reset.

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

In this way, as a display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 for a specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation occurrence condition, the player can see the pachinko machine 100 as if it has entered the standby state, such as a customer waiting effect. By using the screen display that makes the player feel, it is possible to make the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has switched to the standby state in which the pachinko machine 100 is not playing during a specific period, thereby playing the game on the pachinko machine 100. The mood of the player can be reset. Then, by resetting the mood of the player during the specific period, the player can renew his mood and face the game after the end of the specific period.

In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, the probability of occurrence of a jackpot in the advantageous fluctuation state is set as high as about 80%, and the advantageous fluctuation state is easily continued. It is also a configuration in which it is possible to return to the normal gaming state after the advantageous fluctuation state with a probability of about 20%. Therefore, sometimes, even if a big hit occurs in the normal game state, it may continue to return to the normal game state after the advantageous fluctuation state, and in such a case, the player feels the game as boring and reduces the motivation to play. There was a risk that it would end up.

In response to this problem, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, the player uses the display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 for a specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation generation condition. It is possible to reset the mood. Therefore, if the return to the normal gaming state continues even after the transition to the advantageous fluctuation state, the player intentionally adjusts the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252 to satisfy the long fluctuation generation condition, thereby satisfying the long fluctuation generation condition for a specific period. After the end of the game, you can renew your mood and start playing the game, which can suppress the decline in your motivation to play due to not being able to receive the benefits in the favorable fluctuation state. In this case, the launch handle 252 functions as an operation unit for performing a pseudo reset operation for displaying an image capable of resetting the player's feelings on the decorative symbol display device 479.

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

In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the player puts the game ball on the upper right start winning device 731 in the situation where the number of times of holding the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is four times during the special game state. By entering, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display of the unit game to be executed next time can be set to a period (specific period) longer than the predetermined fluctuation time. As a result, the player can leave the pachinko machine 100 during the period of the unit game executed in a specific period, and therefore abandon the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state (that is, the probability of occurrence of a relatively high jackpot). It is possible to take a break or the like away from the pachinko machine 100 at least.

In order to allow the game ball to enter the upper right start winning device 731, after launching the game ball from the launching device 330 with a firing intensity in the second intensity range, the game ball following the game ball is continuously subjected to the first intensity. It is necessary to launch from the launcher 330 with a range of launch intensity. Therefore, in order to establish the long fluctuation generation condition that enables the pachinko machine 100 to take a break, the player needs to intentionally adjust the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252, and thus the launch device. It is possible to reduce the monotony of the game performed by firing the game ball from 330. Further, in order to satisfy the condition for generating long fluctuations, the skill of the player is required to some extent, and in that respect as well, the monotony of the game performed by launching the game ball from the launching device 330 can be reduced. ..

Further, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, it is as if the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized (reset) as a display performed by the decorative symbol display device 479 over a specific period based on the establishment of the long fluctuation generation condition. By using the screen display that makes the player feel, or the screen display that makes the player feel as if the pachinko machine 100 has entered the standby state, it is possible to reset (switch) the mood of the player. Therefore, the player can reduce the amount of rotation of the firing handle 252 in a situation where the flow of the game in the game state which is more advantageous than the normal game state is not preferable, such as the player continues to return to the normal game state even if the player shifts to the advantageous fluctuation state. By intentionally adjusting (that is, performing a pseudo reset operation on the launch handle 252) and satisfying the condition for generating long fluctuations, after the end of a specific period, one's mood is refreshed and the game is started. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in motivation to play due to not being able to receive benefits in a favorable fluctuation state.

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

(1) In the first embodiment, when the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 are reached through the middle flow down region 409, the launching device is more than when passing through the right flow down region 408. Although it is configured to be delayed by the same time as the shortest firing interval in 330, it is not always necessary to delay by the same time as the shortest firing interval. For example, it may be configured to be delayed in the range of 3/4 to 5/4 of the shortest firing interval, or may be delayed in the range of 1/2 to 3/4 of the shortest firing interval. Even with these configurations, as compared with the case where both the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball reach the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 through the right flow down region 408 or the middle flow down region 409. The upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device is detected by detecting either the game ball flowing down through the middle flow down area 409 or the game ball flowing down through the right flow down area 408 by the upper prize winning switch 444 or the lower prize winning switch 443. Before the 433 changes to the entry prohibited state, it is highly possible that both of these game balls can enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433. As the delay time approaches the shortest firing interval, both the game ball that has flowed down through the middle flow area 409 and the game ball that has flowed down through the right flow area 408 are allowed to enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433. The probability of being able to do it is high. Further, it may be configured to delay by a predetermined time longer than 3/2 of the shortest firing interval. In this case, a configuration in which the player can know the timing of launching the next game ball so as to flow down the right flow area 408, for example, a mark is placed on a predetermined portion of the guide passage 424 to mark the mark. When the game ball approaches the designated part, the next game ball is launched so as to flow down the right flow area 408, and the timing of launching the next game ball is notified by the decorative symbol display device 479. Is preferable.

(2) In the first embodiment, the operation timing of the operation required to enjoy the privilege is indirectly notified by the number of waiting for entry in the decorative symbol display device 479, and the specific timing is set by the player. The configuration is determined, but it is not necessary to have such a configuration. For example, when a predetermined number (for example, 5 balls) of game balls enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433, the player is notified to change the launch strength so that the game balls flow down through the middle flow lower region 409. At the same time, immediately after that, a notification may be made to return the launch strength to the maximum strength so that the game ball flows down through the right flow area 408, so that a specific operation timing may be notified. In addition, in the case of notifying the specific timing, all the game balls (for example, 2 balls) that have already been launched when a predetermined number of game balls enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 are above. Since it is premised that the player enters the large prize device 434 or the lower prize device 433, the game ball that flows down through the right flow area 408 or the middle flow lower area 409 in the middle flow down area is the upper grand prize device 434 or the lower grand prize. It is particularly preferred to apply to configurations that enter device 433 reliably or with a very high probability (95% or higher).

(3) In the first embodiment, the arrival at the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 is delayed when passing through the middle flow down region 409 as compared with the case where passing through the right flow down region 408. However, it is not always necessary to delay the case of passing through the midstream down region 409. For example, the configuration may be such that when passing through the middle flow down region 409, it is faster than when passing through the right flow down region 408. However, in the case of this configuration, it is necessary to launch the game ball so as to flow down through the right flow down area 408, and then launch the next game ball so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409. As for the time to advance, it is preferable to accelerate within the range of 1/2 to 3/4 of the shortest firing interval, and 3/4 to 5/4 of the shortest firing interval, as in the case of delaying above. It is more preferable to accelerate in the range, and it is most preferable to accelerate by the same time as the shortest firing interval.

(4) In the first embodiment, the number of game balls, which is "1" less than the specified number, is allowed to flow down through the right flow area 408 until it enters the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433. The game ball is launched, and then the game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle flow area 409, and then the game ball is launched again so as to flow down through the right flow area 408. It is not necessary to have a configuration that adjusts the launch in such three stages. For example, in the case of delaying the arrival at the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 when passing through the middle stream lower region 409, the number of game balls that is "1" less than the specified number is the upper prize. The game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409 until it enters the device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433, and then the next game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409, and then it flows down to the right. A game ball may be launched so as to flow down through the area 408. Further, for example, in the case of accelerating the arrival at the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 when passing through the middle flow lower region 409, the number of game balls which is "1" less than the specified number is above. After launching the game ball so that it flows down through the middle flow down area 409 until it enters the large prize device 434 and the lower grand prize device 433, once the game ball is launched so as to flow down through the right flow down area 408, and then again in the middle. The next game ball may be launched so as to flow down through the flow down area 409. In addition, until the number of game balls, which is "1" less than the specified number, enters the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, the game balls are launched so as to flow down through the right flow area 408, and further, the game balls flow down to the right. After launching the game ball so as to flow down through the region 408, the game ball may be launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down region 409.

(5) In the first embodiment, the game balls entering the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 are configured to be two balls at substantially the same time, but the configuration does not necessarily have to be two balls. .. For example, in addition to the right flow area 408 and the middle flow area 409, at least one new flow area different from the left flow area 407 is formed, and through each of the right flow area 408, the middle flow area 409, and the new flow area. The configuration may be such that three or more game balls that have flowed down are promoted to enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 at substantially the same time.

(6) In the first embodiment, the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle flow area 409 and the game ball launched so as to flow down through the right flow area 408 are substantially simultaneously large. The configuration is designed to increase the possibility of entering the winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433, but the game balls that have flowed down through different flow areas may enter the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433 almost at the same time. It is not necessary to have a configuration that increases. For example, it may be configured to increase the possibility that two game balls launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down region 409 enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 at substantially the same time.

Here, this configuration will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged front view of a modified example of the game board. The game board 400 shown in FIG. 15 is provided with a route switching mechanism 425 between the upper parallel passage portion 424C and the lower parallel passage portion 424D arranged so as to be arranged vertically in the guide passage 424. The route switching mechanism 425 provides a delay guide so as to form a path that short-circuits the delay guide passage plate 425A forming the bottom surface of the upper parallel passage portion 424C and the upper parallel passage portion 424C and the lower parallel passage portion 424D. A rotation control mechanism unit (not shown) that rotates the passage plate 425A by approximately 90 degrees is provided. On the upper surface of the delay guide passage plate 425A, a guide groove (not shown) that bends in the front-rear direction is formed so that the game ball flowing down the guide passage 424 flows down so as to pass through the guide passage 424 in a time of about 1 second. There is. Further, when two game balls flow down on the delay guide passage plate 425A, the rotation control mechanism unit rotates the delay guide passage plate 425A by the own weight of the two game balls, and the rotation causes the two game balls. The game ball is discharged to the lower parallel passage portion 424D. When such a route switching mechanism 425 is provided, when two game balls are launched at the shortest firing interval so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409, the time for the game balls to pass on the delay guide passage plate 425A. Is longer than the shortest firing interval, so that the succeeding game ball enters the delayed aisle board 425A before the preceding game ball finishes passing over the delayed aisle board 425A. As a result, the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball are discharged to the lower parallel passage portion 424D, and the flow of the guide passage 424 is continued at least at intervals equal to or less than the length of the delay guide passage plate 425A. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that those two game balls enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 at substantially the same time.

(7) In the first embodiment, the number of prize balls that can be obtained as a privilege is increased by adjusting the rotation operation amount of a predetermined firing handle (adjusting the firing intensity of the game ball) by the player in the special gaming state. Although the configuration is such that the number of prize balls can be increased, the privilege does not necessarily have to be an increase in the number of prize balls. For example, even if a game ball exceeding the specified number enters the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433, only the number of prize balls when the specified number of game balls enter them is given, and the specified number is given as a privilege. It is also possible to increase the chances of appreciating a special effect in the ending effect according to the number of times the exceeding game ball enters the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize device 433. Further, the configuration may be such that the privilege of increasing the number of prize balls and the privilege of increasing the viewing opportunity of the special production can be combined and enjoyed.

(8) In the first embodiment, the discharge port 424B of the guide passage 424 is formed on the upper left side of the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, but it is not necessarily the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower college. It does not have to be formed in the vicinity of the winning device 433. For example, a guide passage for discharging to the upper left of the starting device 436 related to the normal symbol may be formed so that the two game balls can be promoted to enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 at substantially the same time. .. Further, the game ball that has flowed down through the middle flow area 409 is released so as to interfere (collide) with the game ball that has flowed down through the right flow area 408, and due to these interferences, the game ball that has flowed down through the right flow area 408 is released. The configuration may be such that the entry into the starting device 436 can be promoted.

In the right-hand flow region 408, when the number of branches of the flow path of the game ball is reduced or the mode of repulsion when contacting an obstructive member is set to be constant, the game balls fired continuously. Although the flow time to reach the upper prize winning device 434 etc. is constant, the interference between the game balls is reduced, so that the starting port of the starting device 436 is used when the game balls flow down alone. If the setting is such that the game ball hardly or not enters the winning opening, the player may not be able to deal with it and may be dissatisfied with the game machine. On the other hand, as described above, if the game ball that has flowed down through the middle flow down region 409 is discharged to the upstream side from the start port and the winning port of the start device 436, the interference of the game ball is controlled by the player. Can be generated by. Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with benefits such as increasing the number of unit games and increasing the number of prize balls by varying the probability of entering the starting port and the winning port.

(9) In the second embodiment, both the unit game related to the first special symbol and the unit game related to the second special symbol are in an advantageous fluctuation state when the special game state by winning the big hit lottery ends. Although the game state is changed, the unit game related to the first special symbol may be changed to the advantageous fluctuation state after the end of the special game state due to the winning of the big hit lottery.

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

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

Further, in the advantageous fluctuation state, the starting prize for operating the lower prize winning device 433 may be limited to the starting winning for the second special symbol. In this way, even when the number of unit games of the second special symbol that can be executed in the advantageous fluctuation state is set to an upper limit, according to the pachinko machine 100 of the second embodiment, the privilege in the advantageous fluctuation state is abandoned. It is possible to move away from the pachinko machine 100 without having to do so.

(10) In the second embodiment, the upper right start winning device 731 is provided on the right side of the game board 400 instead of the winning combination operating device 435, but instead of the upper right starting winning device 731, the winning combination The operation device 435 may be provided, or the lower prize winning device 433 may start operating when the game ball passes through the combination operation device 435, or the game ball may operate the combination operation device 435 for a certain period of time. It is assumed that the lower prize winning device 433 starts operating when it does not pass, and when the game ball passes through the combination operating device 435, the lower prize is lowered at the timing when a certain time (for example, 1 minute) elapses after the passage. The winning device 433 may start operating, and when a plurality of game balls are passed, a few minutes have passed (for example, 5 minutes when five game balls have been passed). Later, the lower prize winning device 433 may start operating. Alternatively, instead of the upper right start winning device 731, a game ball that is an operating device different from the winning combination operating device 435 and that has entered from the upstream side like the winning combination operating device 435 is placed on the back side of the game board 400. A gate-shaped operating device that flows down on the game board 400 without being guided may be provided, and a long fluctuation generation condition may be satisfied when the game ball passes through the operating device. In this case, the operating device functions as a device that delays the fixed stop timing in the variable display of the unit game from the initial timing, or delays the occurrence timing of the special gaming state unlike the combination operating device 435. ..

(11) In the second embodiment, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the fluctuation display of the unit game to be executed next time is displayed in a period longer than the fluctuation time predetermined for the fluctuation display. Therefore, it was configured to be executed with a fluctuation time of a specific period (for example, 5 minutes) that allows the player to take a break away from the pachinko machine 100. The unit game for displaying the fluctuation is the unit game to be executed next time if at least one unit game is targeted among all the unit games held and stored at the timing when the long fluctuation occurrence condition occurs. It doesn't have to be. For example, among all the unit games held and stored at the timing when the long fluctuation occurrence condition occurs, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display of the unit game held and stored last may be set as a specific period. Further, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display may be set as a specific period for a plurality of unit games held and stored at the timing when the long fluctuation occurrence condition occurs.

(12) In the second embodiment, the long fluctuation generation condition is satisfied by allowing the game ball to enter the upper right start winning device 731 during the special game state, and thereby the timing at which the long fluctuation generation condition occurs. One of the unit games held and stored in the above is configured so that the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display is set as a specific period, but the game ball that has entered the upper right start winning device 731 after the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied. Depending on the number of times, the number of game units whose variable time is a specific period may be increased.

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

When the advantageous fluctuation state ends and the gaming state returns to the normal gaming state, the player can change the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle starting winning from the right-handed gaming method aiming at the game area on the right side of the game board 400. The game is performed by switching to the left-handed game method aiming at the device 431B. When the game ball is launched by the right-handed game method, the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol generated based on the game ball entering the right-starting winning device 432 is likely to be reserved.

Therefore, the number of times the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is held may have reached 4 times at the timing when the game state returns to the normal game state, and in such a case, by switching to the left-handed game method. When the game ball enters the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle starting winning device 431B, the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied even though there is no reason to lengthen the fluctuation display of the unit game, and the unit game changes. The display will be executed for a specific period of time.

On the other hand, when the number of times the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is held reaches four times, the player can grasp that fact by giving a predetermined notification, thereby. It is possible to switch to the left-handed game method after waiting for the unit game related to the second special symbol stored on hold to be digested (processed) so that the long fluctuation occurrence condition is not satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to preferably avoid the player from wasting time due to unnecessary delays.

When the number of times the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is held reaches four, the main control board 920 outputs the corresponding signal to the sub control board 940, and the sub control board 940 receives the received signal. Based on the above, a predetermined notification is executed by using a decorative symbol display device 479, an acoustic device 281,282, or the like. As a predetermined notification, the decorative symbol display device 479 displays a content indicating that the number of times the unit game right related to the second special symbol has been held has reached four, a content prompting the game ball to stop firing, and the like. It may be a configuration that can be reported by voice or the like.

(14) In the second embodiment, the case where the long variation generation condition is satisfied during the special gaming state is illustrated, but the long variation generation condition may be configured to be satisfied even in the normal gaming state.

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

For example, when the condition for generating long fluctuations is satisfied, the sound is first muted (silent), and then the fluctuation display in the unit game is started internally, and characters such as "resetting" are displayed on the turned-off background. After a predetermined time (for example, a time that the remaining fluctuation time is about 30 seconds) elapses, the original fluctuation display including voice is restored, and the player leaves the fluctuation display from the pachinko machine 100. It may be configured to be executed over a specific period (for example, 5 minutes) that enables the user to take a break. By making the sound silent during the display period of "resetting", the player is likely to receive the illusion that the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized. In addition, instead of changing the volume, or in addition to changing the volume, the content of the sound may be changed.

In addition, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, the fluctuation display of the unit game including the display of "resetting" as described above is performed at the initial fluctuation time, and after the fixed stop in the unit game is performed. , A pseudo-variable display starting with a predetermined symbol (eg 1, 2, 3) is performed over a specific period (eg, 5 minutes) that allows the player to take a break away from the pachinko machine 100. It may be configured. In this way, by newly performing a pseudo fluctuation display from a predetermined symbol (for example, 1, 2, 3), the pachinko machine 100 is initialized, and it seems as if some change is occurring internally. The illusion can be easily felt by the player.

(16) In the second embodiment, when the long fluctuation generation condition is satisfied, the pachinko machine 100 is initially set by operating the power switch 909 or the initialization switch 907 as an image in which the player's feelings can be reset. The initial screen that is actually displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 as a result of being reset is illustrated, but the operation of the accessory that attempts to initialize when the pachinko machine 100 is initialized (reset) is shown. , It may be configured to be performed in addition to the display of the initial screen. As a result, the player is more likely to receive the illusion that the pachinko machine 100 has been initialized.

(17) In the second embodiment, the player intentionally adjusts the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252 and causes the game ball to enter the upper right start winning device 731, thereby satisfying the long variation generation condition. An image capable of resetting the player's feelings is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479, but at a position where the player playing the pachinko machine 100 can operate (for example, the front side of the pachinko machine 100). , A dedicated operation unit (for example, a button, a lever, etc.) for displaying an image that can reset the player's feelings may be provided.

In such a configuration, the establishment of the long variation occurrence condition may be established regardless of the operation on the dedicated operation unit. In addition, by providing a dedicated operation unit, an image that can reset the player's feelings according to the player's needs regardless of the game state such as the normal game state as well as the special game state. Can be displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479.

(18) In the second embodiment, when the long fluctuation occurrence condition is satisfied, an image that can reset the player's feelings is displayed in the next unit game including the fluctuation display for a specific period. An image that can reset the player's feelings may be displayed after the end of the next unit game.

(19) In the second embodiment, the game ball is flowed down to the right flow down area 708 and the middle flow down area 709 to perform a launch operation in which the two game balls come into contact with each other, thereby causing the game ball to the upper right start winning device 731. Although the configuration in which the two game balls can enter (win) is described, the configuration in which the launch operation in which the two game balls come into contact is not limited to the configuration of the right flow down region 708 and the middle flow down region 709, for example. It may have the configuration of the right flow down region 408 and the middle flow down region 409 in the first embodiment. Further, instead of the configuration of the right flow down region 408 and the middle flow down region 409 in the first embodiment, the configuration of the right flow down region 708 and the middle flow down region 709 in the second embodiment may be provided.

(20) The present invention may be implemented in a pachinko machine or the like of a type different from the above embodiment. For example, once a big hit is made, the pachinko machine may be implemented so that the expected big hit value can be increased until the big hit state occurs a plurality of times (for example, two times or three times) including the big hit. Further, after the jackpot symbol is displayed, the pachinko machine may be put into a special gaming state on the condition that the ball wins a prize in a predetermined area. Further, it may be carried out on an enclosed pachinko machine in which balls circulate. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, it may be implemented as various gaming machines such as an arrange ball type pachinko machine and a sparrow ball. Further, the present invention is not limited to pachinko machines, and may be applied to slot machines, or may be applied to gaming machines such as parrots in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused.

<Invention extracted from the above embodiment>
<Feature 10>
A launching means for launching a game medium with variable strength, a variable winning opening that allows entry of the game medium based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and prohibits entry based on the entry of a predetermined number of game media, and the above. A first flow-down region in which the gaming medium launched from the launching means in a predetermined first intensity range flows down, and a predetermined second flow region that is stronger than the intensity in the first intensity range from the launching means and includes the maximum intensity. A gaming machine including a second flow-down region in which a game medium launched in the strength range can flow down to the variable winning opening.
A game medium launched from the launching means in an intensity range between the first intensity range and the second intensity range can flow down to the variable winning opening by a route different from that of the second flow-down region. Including 3 flow areas
In the entry allowed state of the variable winning opening, the intensity of the gaming medium launched from the launching means is switched so that at least one gaming medium flows down through the second flow-down region and at least one game through the third flow-down region. A gaming machine comprising a privilege giving means capable of giving a privilege regarding the entry of a gaming medium into the variable winning opening by flowing down the medium.

In conventional gaming machines, there are known gaming machines equipped with a variable winning device that enters an entry-allowed state when a predetermined condition is satisfied and returns to an entry-prohibited state when the entry of a predetermined number of gaming balls is detected. (For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-004177). In such a gaming machine, when the variable winning device is in the entry allowable state, if the launch handle is rotated to the maximum and the game ball is launched with the maximum strength, the variable winning device can be entered with a high probability. Is the mainstream.

In mainstream gaming machines, when the variable winning device is in an entry-allowed state, the gaming ball is launched with a predetermined constant strength (maximum strength), that is, with the firing handle rotated to the maximum. Since the game progresses in a fixed manner, the game progress tends to be monotonous, and there is room for improvement in the game performance when the game ball is inserted into the variable winning device.

Therefore, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, for example, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of improving game performance when a gaming ball is inserted into a variable winning opening (entrance to a variable winning device). There is.

On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 10, in order to obtain the privilege regarding the entry of the game medium into the variable winning opening, the player plays a game in the middle of the period in which the variable winning opening is in the entry allowable state. The launch of the medium must be regulated. As a result, it is possible to improve the monotonousness of the game progress in the game when the game medium is entered into the variable winning opening, as compared with the case where the privilege is not given regardless of whether or not the firing of the game medium is adjusted. In addition, if the launch of the game medium is adjusted, the privilege may be given. Therefore, in the game when the game medium is entered into the variable winning opening, the expectation for the grant of the privilege can be increased. .. Therefore, the playability in the game when the game medium is entered into the variable winning opening is improved.

<Feature 11>
The privilege-giving means acts on the gaming medium flowing down the third flow-down region, and the flow-down time of the gaming medium entering the variable winning opening through the second flow-down region and the variable winning opening through the third flow-down region. By causing a predetermined time difference from the flow-down time of the game medium entering the machine, the game medium flowing down through the second flow-down region and the game medium flowing down through the third flow-down region are separated from each other by the launching means. The gaming machine according to feature 10, which promotes reaching the variable winning opening at intervals shorter than the shortest firing interval of.

According to the gaming machine according to the feature 11, by switching the intensity of the gaming medium launched from the launching means, all through the shortest firing interval of the gaming medium, that is, only one of the second flow region and the third flow region. There is a higher possibility that the variable winning opening will be reached at a shorter interval than the interval between the gaming media entering the variable winning opening when the gaming medium is flowed down. As a result, just before the entry of the game balls into the variable winning opening is prohibited, more game balls than a predetermined number can easily enter, and more game media can be paid out than planned.

<Feature 12>
The privilege-giving means suppresses the flow of the gaming medium, and the subsequent gaming medium that has flowed down following the preceding gaming medium in which the flow is suppressed approaches a predetermined range with respect to the preceding gaming medium. In this case, the gaming machine according to feature 10, wherein the suppression of the flow of the preceding gaming medium is released, and the preceding gaming medium and the succeeding gaming medium are allowed to flow in close proximity to each other within the predetermined range.

According to the gaming machine according to the feature 12, by switching the intensity of the gaming medium launched from the launching means, the distance between the preceding gaming medium and the succeeding gaming medium is shortened in the flow process toward the variable winning opening. , Those game media are easy to reach the variable winning opening in close proximity. As a result, just before the entry of the game balls into the variable winning opening is prohibited, more game balls than a predetermined number can easily enter, and more game media can be paid out than planned.

Even when the preceding game medium and the succeeding game medium flow down through the third flow-down area, one of the preceding game medium and the succeeding game medium flows down through the second flow-down area, and the other flows down through the second flow-down area. 3 It may be the case of flowing down through the flow down region.

<Feature 13>
The gaming machine according to features 10 to 12, which includes a notification means for notifying information regarding switching of strength of a gaming medium for enjoying the privilege in the special gaming state.

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

<Feature 20>
An operation unit (launch handle 252) provided at a position where the player can operate and capable of performing a predetermined pseudo reset operation, and
Display unit (decorative pattern display device 479) and
When a predetermined pseudo reset operation is performed on the operation unit in a predetermined gaming state (special gaming state, advantageous fluctuation state) that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state, the display content of the display unit changes to the predetermined reset operation mode. The state transition means (main control board 920, sub control board 940) to be shifted, and
A gaming machine characterized by being equipped with.

A pachinko machine is a typical example of a game machine. In a typical conventional pachinko machine, when a ball enters a starting port provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big hit is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is set. It is known that a large number of game balls (game media) can enter the winning opening. In addition, the pachinko machine is equipped with a display device, and the display device starts the variable display of the symbol based on the lottery, and the lottery result is displayed as the final stop display of the variable display. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

In recent years, when a jackpot is won in a normal gaming state, the game shifts to a so-called "probability changing state" after the end of the jackpot game (special gaming state), and in the probabilistic gaming state, the number of times the symbol variation is displayed is determined in advance. If a predetermined condition (for example, winning a big hit) is satisfied during the specified number of times (for example, 150 rotations), the probabilistic gaming state is continued, but if the predetermined condition is not satisfied during the period, the normal game is played. A gaming machine that shifts to a state is known (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-147203).

However, like the above-mentioned gaming machine, after the end of the special gaming state, the gaming state shifts to an advantageous gaming state as compared with the normal gaming state, such as the probabilistic gaming state, and a predetermined condition is satisfied during a predetermined period in the probabilistic gaming state. There is still room for improvement in a gaming machine having a configuration in which a probabilistic gaming state (that is, a gaming state that is more advantageous than a normal gaming state) can be continued by establishing it. For example, if a player continues to be unable to meet a given condition during a given period even though he has won a big hit many times, the player may find the game boring and diminish his motivation to play. was there.

On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 20, an operation unit capable of performing a predetermined pseudo reset operation is provided at a position where the player can operate, which is more advantageous than the normal gaming state. When a predetermined pseudo reset operation is performed on the operation unit in a predetermined gaming state, the display content of the display unit shifts to a predetermined reset operation mode by the state transition means. As a result, the player who has performed the pseudo-reset operation resets his / her mood by seeing a display of a predetermined reset operation mode that is different from the display content that should be originally displayed on the display unit during the game. Can be switched).

Therefore, the flow of the game in the predetermined gaming state, which is more advantageous than the normal gaming state, is not preferable, for example, the player cannot satisfy the predetermined condition during the predetermined period after the transition to the probabilistic gaming state. In a situation, by performing a predetermined pseudo-reset operation on the operation unit, it is possible to renew and face the game by resetting one's own mood, so that the decline in the motivation to play can be suppressed. it can.

The "predetermined reset operation mode" described in feature 20 is not limited to being realized by displaying an image (moving image or still image), and instead of or in addition to displaying an image, a sound (predetermined reset) is used. The configuration may be realized by producing an operation sound).

<Feature 21>
The gaming machine according to feature 20.
A launching means (launching device 330) capable of launching a game medium (game ball) with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the operating unit, and
An entrance where the game medium can enter, which is formed at a position where the game medium launched from the launching means can enter when the amount of operation of the operation unit is a predetermined amount (the winning opening of the upper right start winning device 731). )When,
A detection unit (upper right start winning switch 741) capable of detecting the game medium that has entered the entrance, and
With
The state transition means is a gaming machine characterized in that, when the gaming medium is detected by the detection unit, the display content of the display unit shifts to the predetermined reset operation mode.

According to the gaming machine according to the feature 21, when the gaming medium launched from the launching means enters the entrance and is detected by the detection unit, the display content of the display unit is reset by the state transition means. Move to. The entrance is formed at a position where the game medium launched from the launching means can enter when the operating amount of the operating unit is a predetermined amount.

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

<Feature 22>
The gaming machine according to feature 21.
A first entrance (1st entrance) in which the game medium launched by the launching means flows down and the game medium can enter when the operation unit is operated with a first operation amount which is a part of the predetermined amount. It has an inlet 708A), and is operated by a first flow-down region (right flow-down region 708) through which the game medium entering from the first inlet flows down, and a second operation amount in which the operation unit is a part of the predetermined amount. In this case, the game medium is an entrance through which the game medium can enter, and has a second entrance (entrance 709A) provided at a position different from the first entrance, and the game medium entered from the second entrance is the first. A flow area including at least a second flow area (middle flow area 709) that flows down by a route different from that of the game medium that flows down the flow area is provided.
When the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region can come into contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region on the upstream side of the entrance and does not come into contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region. Is a gaming machine characterized in that when it flows down on a route that cannot enter the entrance, and when it comes into contact with a game medium that flows down the second flow-down region, it can enter the entrance by changing the route due to the contact. ..

According to the gaming machine according to the feature 22, by operating the operation unit with the first operating amount which is a part of the predetermined amount, the gaming medium launched from the launching means can enter the first entrance. , The gaming medium that has entered the first entrance flows down the first flow-down area. On the other hand, by operating the operation unit with the second operation amount which is a part of the predetermined amount, the game medium launched from the launching means can be made to enter the second entrance, and the game medium which has entered the second entrance. Flows down the second flow down area. Therefore, the player can make the game medium flow down in the flow-down region corresponding to the operation amount by adjusting the operation amount with respect to the operation unit.

Here, the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region can come into contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region on the upstream side of the entrance. Here, when the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region does not come into contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region, the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region flows down by a route that cannot enter the entrance. On the other hand, when the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region comes into contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region, the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region is due to contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region. By changing the route, you can enter the entrance.

Therefore, in order to shift the display content of the display unit to the reset operation mode, the player causes the operation unit to come into contact with the game medium flowing down the first flow-down area and the game medium flowing down the second flow-down area. It is necessary to intentionally adjust the amount of operation. Thereby, the monotonousness of the game in which the game medium is launched from the launching means by the operation of the operation unit can be suitably reduced.

<Feature 30>
Display unit (decorative pattern display device 479) and
The first entrance (the winning opening of the right-starting winning device 432) where the game medium (game ball) can enter,
The first detection unit (right start winning switch 442) that satisfies the start condition when the game medium that has entered the first entrance is detected, and
A lottery means (main control board 920) for performing a predetermined lottery based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition, and
A holding means (main control board 920) for holding the lottery result by the lottery means, and
Based on the lottery result held by the holding means, a display control means (sub-control board 940) that sequentially displays a predetermined variation display and a stop display indicating the lottery result after the variation display on the display unit.
When the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result, the game control means (main control) that generates a special game state more advantageous than the normal game state after the stop display indicating the lottery result is displayed by the display control means. Board 920) and
An operation unit (launch handle 252) provided at a position where the player can operate, and
A launching means (launching device 330) that launches a game medium when the operating unit is operated, and
A second entrance (upper right start winning device 731) into which the game medium can enter, which is formed at a position where the game medium launched from the launching means can enter when the operation amount of the operation unit is a predetermined amount. Winning opening) and
A second detection unit (upper right start winning switch 741) capable of detecting the game medium that has entered the second entrance, and
When the game medium is detected by the second detection unit while at least one lottery result is held in the holding means, the lottery result held in the holding means is the same as the lottery result. Delay means (main control board 920, sub control board 940) that delays the display timing of the stop display by the display control means or the generation timing of the special game state by the game control means based on the lottery result.
A gaming machine characterized by being equipped with.

A pachinko machine is a typical example of a game machine. In a typical conventional pachinko machine, when a ball enters a starting port provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big hit is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is set. It is known that a large number of game balls (game media) can enter the winning opening. In addition, the pachinko machine is equipped with a display device, and the display device starts the variable display of the symbol based on the lottery, and the lottery result is displayed as the final stop display of the variable display. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

Further, in the conventional pachinko machine, when the game ball enters the starting port while the display device is displaying the variation of the symbol, the winning information used for the big hit lottery is predetermined. Some are configured to be held and stored up to a number (for example, 4). At this time, the hit information stored on hold is used for a lottery as to whether or not it is a big hit after the variable display of the symbol is completed, and the next variable display of the symbol is started accordingly.

In recent years, when a jackpot is won in a normal gaming state, the game shifts to a so-called "probability changing state" after the end of the jackpot game (special gaming state), and in the probabilistic gaming state, the number of times the symbol variation is displayed is determined in advance. If a predetermined condition (for example, winning a big hit) is satisfied during the specified number of times (for example, 150 rotations), the probabilistic gaming state is continued, but if the predetermined condition is not satisfied during the period, the normal game is played. A gaming machine that shifts to a state is known (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-147203).

However, like the above-mentioned gaming machine, by satisfying a predetermined condition during a predetermined period after the end of the special gaming state, a gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state, such as a probabilistic gaming state, is continued. There was still room for improvement in the gaming machines with a configuration that could be used.

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

In particular, when the "predetermined period", which is the deadline for satisfying the predetermined condition after the end of the special gaming state, is the number of fluctuations displayed less than the upper limit value in which the hit information can be held and stored, the player can use the gaming machine. Leaving is equivalent to completely abandoning the benefits in the probabilistic gaming state. Therefore, unless the player abandons the privilege in the probabilistic gaming state by himself / herself, the player may leave the gaming machine in which he / she is playing until the probabilistic gaming state ends without continuing (that is, until the transition to the normal gaming state). I can't do it, and I can't take a break.

On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 30, when a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, a predetermined lottery is performed by the lottery means based on the establishment of the starting condition, and the lottery result is obtained by the holding means. It is put on hold. Based on the lottery result held by the holding means, a predetermined variation display and a stop display showing the lottery result after the variation display are sequentially displayed on the display unit by the display control means, and the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result. In this case, the game control means displays a stop display indicating the lottery result by the display control means, and then a special game state that is more advantageous than the normal game state is generated.

When at least one lottery result is held in the holding means and the game medium launched from the launching means enters the second entrance and is detected by the second detection unit, it is held in the holding means. Of the lottery results, the display timing of the stop display by the display control means for at least one lottery result, or the occurrence timing of the special game state by the game control means based on the lottery result is delayed by the delay means.

Therefore, the player enters the game medium aiming at the second entrance in a state where at least one lottery result is held in the holding means, so that the player can enter the game medium at least once for the lottery result held in the holding means. For the variable display, the period until the stop display or the period until the special gaming state occurs after the variable display is delayed from each timing when the game medium is not entered into the second entrance under the same circumstances. Can be done.

As a result, the player causes the second detection unit to detect the game ball in a state where at least one lottery result is held by the holding means, until all the lottery results held by the holding means are processed. It is possible to move away from the gaming machine by using the delay due to the delay means within the period of. Therefore, for example, in a gaming machine having a configuration in which a predetermined privilege can be granted by satisfying a predetermined condition during a predetermined period after the end of the special gaming state, the player needs to do so without abandoning the privilege. You can move away from the gaming machine depending on the situation.

Here, since the second entrance is formed at a position where the game medium launched from the launching means can enter when the operating amount of the operation unit is a predetermined amount, when delaying by the delay means, the game is played. Since it is necessary for the person to intentionally adjust the operation amount of the operation unit in order to adjust the firing intensity by the launching means so that the game medium enters the second entrance, the game medium is operated from the launching means by the operation of the operation unit. The monotony of the game that fires is reduced.

The "second detection unit" in the gaming machine according to the feature 30 may be a detection unit that satisfies the starting condition when the gaming medium is detected, or the starting condition is satisfied when the gaming medium is detected. It may be a detection unit that does not. That is, the "second entrance" in the gaming machine according to feature 30 may be an entrance where the start condition is satisfied when the game medium enters, or the start condition is satisfied even when the game medium enters. It may be an entrance that does not.

Further, in the delay means in the gaming machine according to the feature 30, "at least one lottery result among the lottery results held in the holding means" is started when the second detection unit detects the gaming medium. If the detection unit does not satisfy the conditions, it means "at least one lottery result out of at least one lottery result held in the holding means before the game medium is detected by the second detection unit". There may be. Alternatively, if the second detection unit is a detection unit for which the start condition is satisfied when the game medium is detected, "at least one that was held by the holding means before the game medium was detected by the second detection unit". Of the lottery results consisting of the lottery result and the lottery result drawn by the lottery means based on the establishment of the starting condition due to the detection of the game medium by the second detection unit, at least one lottery result ". You may.

<Feature 31>
The gaming machine according to feature 30.
A first entrance (1st entrance) in which the game medium launched by the launching means flows down and the game medium can enter when the operation unit is operated with a first operation amount which is a part of the predetermined amount. It has an inlet 708A), and is operated by a first flow-down region (right flow-down region 708) through which the game medium entering from the first inlet flows down, and a second operation amount in which the operation unit is a part of the predetermined amount. In this case, the game medium is an entrance through which the game medium can enter, and has a second entrance (entrance 709A) provided at a position different from the first entrance, and the game medium entered from the second entrance is the first. A flow area including at least a second flow area (middle flow area 709) that flows down by a route different from that of the game medium that flows down the flow area is provided.
When the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region can come into contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region on the upstream side of the entrance and does not come into contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region. Is a gaming machine characterized in that when it flows down on a route that cannot enter the entrance, and when it comes into contact with a game medium that flows down the second flow-down region, it can enter the entrance by changing the route due to the contact. ..

According to the gaming machine according to the feature 31, by operating the operation unit with the first operating amount which is a part of the predetermined amount, the gaming medium launched from the launching means can enter the first entrance. , The gaming medium that has entered the first entrance flows down the first flow-down area. On the other hand, by operating the operation unit with the second operation amount which is a part of the predetermined amount, the game medium launched from the launching means can be made to enter the second entrance, and the game medium which has entered the second entrance. Flows down the second flow down area. Therefore, the player can make the game medium flow down in the flow-down region corresponding to the operation amount by adjusting the operation amount with respect to the operation unit.

Here, the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region can come into contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region on the upstream side of the entrance. Here, when the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region does not come into contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region, the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region flows down by a route that cannot enter the entrance. On the other hand, when the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region comes into contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region, the game medium flowing down the first flow-down region is due to contact with the game medium flowing down the second flow-down region. By changing the route, you can enter the entrance.

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

The "second manipulated variable" described in feature 31 may be an amount completely different from the "first manipulated variable", and a part range of the "second manipulated variable" is the "first manipulated variable". The amount may overlap with a part of the range of.

<Feature 32>
The gaming machine according to feature 30 or 31.
The third entrance (the winning opening of the upper right starting winning device 731) where the game medium can enter, and
A third detection unit (upper right start winning switch 741) capable of detecting the game medium that has entered the third entrance, and
With
The preset detection unit of the third detection unit or the second detection unit is configured as a detection unit in which the start condition is satisfied when the game medium passes through.
The holding means includes the first lottery result (lottery result of the second special symbol lottery) performed by the lottery means based on the establishment of the starting condition due to the detection of the game medium by the first detection unit, and the first. The second lottery result (lottery result of the first special symbol lottery) performed by the lottery means based on the establishment of the start condition due to the detection of the game medium by the detection unit or the third detection unit is independent of each other. Hold and hold
The delay means is held by the holding means when the second lottery result is held by the holding means while a predetermined number of the first lottery results are held by the holding means. Of the lottery results, the display timing of the stop display by the display control means for at least one of the lottery results, or the occurrence timing of the special game state by the game control means based on the lottery result is delayed.
The gaming machine
A gaming machine comprising a notification means for executing a predetermined notification when the predetermined number of the first lottery results are held by the holding means.

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

In addition, at least one feature described in features 10 to 32 may be applied in combination with any other feature or a plurality of other features. The basic configuration of a gaming machine to which each of the above features can be applied is shown below.

Pachinko game machine: A launch operation means operated by a player, a game ball launch means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the launch operation means, and a passage portion for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area. , A gaming machine including each gaming component arranged in the gaming area, and giving a privilege to the player when the gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion of each of the gaming parts.

Rotating machine such as a slot machine: The rotation of the orbiting body is started based on the operation of the starting operation means, the rotation of the orbiting body is stopped based on the operation of the stopping operation means, and the player according to the pattern after the stop. A gaming machine that gives special benefits to pachinko machines.

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

100 ... Pachinko machine, 250 ... Launch operation device, 252 ... Launch handle, 330 ... Launch device, 400 ... Game board, 402 ... Outer rail, 403 ... Inner rail, 404 ... Return ball prevention mechanism, 405 ... Counter-jump prevention member, 407 ... left flow area, 408 ... right flow area, 409 ... middle flow area, 420 ... central structure, 421 ... left wall part, 422 ... right wall part, 423 ... middle wall part, 424 ... guide passage, 424A ... approach Mouth, 424B ... Discharge port, 425 ... Path switching mechanism, 425A ... Delay guide passage plate, 433 ... Lower prize winning device, 434 ... Upper prize winning device, 443 ... Lower prize switch, 444 ... Upper prize switch, 479 ... Decorative design display device, 432 ... Right start winning device, 442 ... Right start winning switch, 708 ... Right flow down area, 708A ... Right flow down area entrance, 709 ... Middle flow down area, 709A ... Middle flow down area entrance, 731 ... Upper side Right start winning device, 741 ... Upper right starting winning switch, 920 ... Main control board, 940 ... Sub control board

Claims (1)

An operation unit that is provided at a position where the player can operate and is capable of performing a predetermined pseudo reset operation.
Display and
When a predetermined pseudo-reset operation is performed on the operation unit in a predetermined gaming state which is more advantageous than the normal gaming state, a state transition means for shifting the display content of the display unit to a predetermined reset operation mode, and
A gaming machine characterized by being equipped with.

Images