JP2023014697A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique for changing momentum of game balls.SOLUTION: A circular stage 530 is supported so as to be displaceable vertically by a tower leg part 520 via three coil springs. While a coil spring positioned below game balls is compressed by weight of the game balls when the game balls enter the circular stage 530, other coil springs are not compressed and height is maintained, such that the circular stage 530 in a position in which the game balls are located always sinks and is tilted, and an advance direction of the game balls are inclined upward. This state continues until game balls are discharged from a rolling surface 532 (enter a dropping hole). By such a configuration, force for allowing game balls to advance can be dispersed to tilting force, thus effectively losing momentum of game balls. As a result, movement of game balls on the rolling surface 532 and tracks of game balls after discharge from the rolling surface 532 can be stabilized, thus previously avoiding rolling in an unintended direction after the discharge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game machine for playing games using game balls.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a game machine provided with a structure for visually recognizing how a game ball rolls for enjoyment, and various ideas have been made for the shape and structure of such a structure. For example, a game machine has been disclosed in which a circular stage (so-called croon) having a rolling surface and a drop hole is provided, and the drop hole is formed in a non-circular shape (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-23711

According to the prior art described above, since the shape of the drop hole is non-circular, the game ball is prevented from continuing to turn near the edge of the drop hole, and the game ball is quickly entered into the drop hole. It is considered possible. However, depending on the momentum when the game ball enters the circular stage, there is a risk that it will continue to turn at high speed on the circular stage or move unexpectedly while maintaining the momentum after entering.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for changing the momentum of a game ball.

The present invention employs the following solutions to solve the above problems. It should be noted that the following expressions in parentheses are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, the present invention can be an invention that includes at least one of the invention-specifying matters shown in the following means for solving the problem. Furthermore, each of the matters specifying the invention shown in the following solutions can be converted into a higher-level concept by adding elements that limit the matters specifying the invention, or can be made into a higher-level concept by deleting elements that limit the matters specifying the invention. .

Solution 1: The game machine of the present solution includes a game area in which game balls flow down, and a rolling part arranged in the game area and capable of rolling the game balls, and the rolling part is displaceable. The game ball can be retained while being supported by the ball, the game ball can be guided from the upstream side in a predetermined game state, and the speed at which the game ball is guided to the downstream side is varied according to the mode of displacement. It is a gaming machine characterized by

This solution has the following configuration.
(1) A game area is provided in which game balls flow down. In the game area, prize winning openings, electric accessories, starting gates, obstacle nails, obstacles, decorations, and the like are arranged.

(2) A rolling part (for example, a circular stage) on which game balls can roll is arranged in the game area of (1) above.

(3) The rolling portion of (2) above is displaceably supported, and can retain the guided game ball. Further, the rolling portion is capable of guiding (entering) a game ball from the upstream side during a predetermined game state (for example, during a small winning game, during a big winning game, during a high probability state, etc.). The speed at which the game ball is guided to the downstream side (discharged from the rolling part) is varied according to the mode.

According to this solving means, since the rolling part can be displaced, the momentum of the guided game ball can be changed. In addition, since the speed at which the game ball is guided to the downstream side varies depending on the manner of displacement of the rolling part, the movement of the game ball from entering the rolling part to being ejected should be diversified. It is possible to draw the player's attention to the movement of the game ball on the rolling portion and to attract the player to the game.

Solution 2: The game machine of the present solution is characterized in that, in the above-described solution, the game machine is further provided with a guide portion arranged in the game area and guiding the game balls to the rolling portion one by one. machine.

The following features are added to the game machine of this solution means.
(4) In the game area of (1) above, a guide section (for example, a special route guideway) that guides game balls to the rolling section one by one is arranged.

According to this solving means, since a plurality of game balls are not guided to the rolling portion at the same time, the rolling portion can be displaced in a mode within an assumed range. As a result, the game ball can be guided downstream at an assumed speed, and it is possible to prevent the game ball from moving unexpectedly.

Other Solution Means: In any of the above solution means, the gaming machine of the present solution means is arranged downstream of the rolling part, and can give benefits to the player when the game ball passes or enters the game ball. The gaming machine is characterized by further comprising a privilege granting unit.

The following features are added to the game machine of this solution means.
(5) On the downstream side of the rolling section of (2) above, a privilege granting section (for example, a specific area) capable of granting a privilege to the player is arranged. The privilege granting unit can grant a privilege (for example, a big hit) to the player when the game ball passes or enters the game ball.

According to this solution means, since the movement of the game ball in the rolling part affects whether it passes through or enters the privilege giving part arranged on the downstream side, the movement of the game ball in the rolling part can make the player pay more attention to.

Other Solution Means: The game machine of the present solution means deforms according to the external force received by the rolling part and restores according to the release of the external force in any one of the above solution means, so that the rolling part is deformed. The gaming machine is characterized by further comprising an elastic member for displacement and a gap for allowing the displacement of the rolling part.

The following features are added to the game machine of this solution means.
(6) The rolling portion of (2) above is displaceable due to the presence of an elastic member (for example, a coil spring) and a gap. The elastic member deforms (eg, is compressed) according to an external force (eg, the weight of the game ball) applied to the rolling part, and restores according to the release of the external force, thereby displacing the rolling part. Further, the gap portion is a space corresponding to the movable range of the rolling portion, and allows displacement of the rolling portion due to deformation or restoration of the elastic member.

According to this solution, the weight of the game ball guided to the rolling part displaces the rolling part, so it is necessary to provide an electric drive source such as a motor or solenoid for the displacement of the rolling part. As compared with the case where a drive source is provided, space saving and weight reduction can be achieved.

According to the present invention, it is possible to change the momentum of the game ball.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine; FIG. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a front view showing a game board unit alone. It is the perspective view which showed the central role device from diagonally upper left. It is a figure explaining the detail of a structure of a route distribution part, and the distribution operation|movement in a 1st distribution operation|movement part. It is a figure explaining the detail of a structure of a route distribution part, and the distribution operation|movement in a 1st distribution operation|movement part. It is a front view which shows a 1st distribution operation|movement part independently. 1 is a perspective view of a circular stage; FIG. 3A and 3B are a plan view and a bottom view of a circular stage; FIG. FIG. 10 is a right side view and a vertical cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9) of the circular stage; FIG. 4A is a perspective view and a plan view of a tower leg; It is the disassembled perspective view which showed a part of 1st distribution operation|movement part from the front downward direction. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first distribution action section (a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 7); It is a figure explaining the rolling aspect of the game ball in a circular stage. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the configuration of the lift guideway; It is a figure which shows the structure of a raising device, and the detail of a drive mechanism. It is a diagram showing how the game ball is raised in the raising device. It is a diagram showing how the game ball is raised in the raising device. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the sorting operation on the first observatory stage; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a portion of the tower main body located inside the first observatory stage; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the sorting operation on the second observatory stage; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a portion of the tower main body located inside the second observatory stage; It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine. It is a game flow diagram showing, as an example, the flow of a game played by a pachinko machine. FIG. 11 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the first sorting action in the first stage executed in the movable ball-entering accessory device; FIG. 10 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the second sorting action in the second stage executed in the movable ball-entering accessory device; It is a timing chart showing changes in various states that occur through the game flow progressing in the movable ball-entering accessory device. It is a timing chart showing changes in various states that occur through the game flow progressing in the movable ball-entering accessory device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart (1/2) showing an example of a procedure of reset start processing; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an example of a procedure of reset start processing; FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of power failure occurrence check processing; 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of interrupt management processing; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of switch input event processing; FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a 1st special design memory|storage process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a 2nd special design memory|storage process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special game management process. It is a diagram showing a list of the values of the "special game management status" and the state of progress of the special game corresponding to each value. It is a flow chart showing a procedure example of a special symbol variation start waiting process. It is a figure which shows the structure row|line|column of the 1st special design stop design selection table. It is a figure which shows the structure column of a 2nd special design stop design selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a jackpot time accessory device opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a small-hit time accessory device closing process. It is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of a bonus device operation end process at the time of a small hit. It is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the process of starting operation of the accessory device at the time of a big hit. It is a flow chart showing a procedure example of jackpot time accessory device opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of jackpot time accessory device closing processing. It is a flow chart showing a procedure example of jackpot time accessory device operation end processing. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of solenoid control processing; 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of motor management processing; 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of display output management processing; It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of production|presentation control processing. It is a flow chart showing a configuration example of production management processing at the time of operation of the movable entrance accessory device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1. As shown in FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. The pachinko machine 1 uses game balls as game media. In the game in the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, the game ball acquired by the player. can be converted into a game value based on the number of Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

Here, in this specification, the left side as viewed from the player seated facing the pachinko machine 1 is defined as left, the right side as viewed from the player is defined as right, and the upper side as viewed from the player is defined as up. The lower side viewed from the player is referred to as the bottom, the near side viewed from the player is referred to as the front, and the far side viewed from the player is referred to as the rear.

[Overall configuration of game machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame assembly 2, a glass frame unit 4, a tray unit 6 and a plastic frame assembly 7 (game machine frame) as its main body. Out of these, the outer frame assembly 2 is a structure in which wood is combined in a vertically long rectangular shape. is fixed.

The glass frame unit 4, the tray unit 6, and the plastic frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame assembly 2, and each of these can be opened and closed via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening/closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left end of the pachinko machine 1 when viewed from the front.

A unified lock unit 9 is provided inside the right edge of the plastic frame assembly 7 (left edge in FIG. 2) as viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, the glass frame unit 4 and the outer frame assembly 2 are also provided with locks (not shown) on the right side edges (rear sides). As shown in FIG. 1, when the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame assembly 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side locks the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly together with the lock. It disables the opening of 7.

A cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. As shown in FIG. For example, when the manager of the game hall inserts the special key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 operates to open the glass frame unit 4 and the tray unit 6 together with the plastic frame assembly 7. state. When all of these are opened from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the locking of the glass frame unit 4 is released while the plastic frame assembly 7 remains locked, so that the glass frame unit 4 can be opened. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game parlor can remove obstacles such as clogged balls in the board surface. Also, when the glass frame unit 4 is opened, the lock mechanism (not shown) of the tray unit 6 is exposed. When the lock mechanism is released in this state, the tray unit 6 can be opened to the front side with respect to the plastic frame assembly 7 .

Moreover, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with the game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the plastic frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the glass frame unit 4 . The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the plastic frame assembly 7 with the glass frame unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The glass frame unit 4 has a vertically long circular window 4a formed in the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is mounted in the window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the glass frame unit 4 via a hinge mechanism (not shown) so as to be opened and closed. A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and the game area 8a can be visually recognized by the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the glass frame unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface to allow the game balls to flow down.

The receiving tray unit 6 has a shape projecting from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side as a whole, and an upper tray 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. In the upper tray 6b, game balls lent to the player (rental balls) and game balls obtained by winning prizes (prize balls) can be stored. Further, the tray unit 6 is formed with a lower tray 6c below the upper tray 6b. In the lower tray 6c, the game balls put out while the upper tray 6b is full are stored. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (a model connected to a CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are sent from the payout device unit 172 on the back side to the tray unit 6 (upper side) separately from the prize balls. Dispensed onto the tray 6b or lower tray 6c).

A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged in the lending operation unit 14. - 特許庁When the player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted into a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined number of degrees (for example, 5 degrees) (For example, 125) game balls are rented. For this reason, a frequency display (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation unit 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium inserted in the CR unit is displayed on this frequency display. By operating the return button 12, the player can receive the return of the valuable medium with remaining points. Although the CR machine is used as an example in this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a model not connected to the CR unit) other than the CR machine.

Further, on the front surface of the receiving tray unit 6, an upper tray ball removing lever 6d is provided in front of the upper tray 6b, and a lower tray ball removing button 6e is provided in the center before the lower tray 6c. is installed. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper tray 6b to flow down to the lower tray 6c by sliding the upper tray ball extraction lever 6d to the left, for example. Further, the player can drop and discharge the game balls stored in the lower tray 6c by, for example, pressing the lower tray ball ejection button 6e. The ejected game balls are received, for example, in a ball receiving box (not shown).

A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6 . The player operates the grip unit 16 to operate the shooting control board set 174 and can shoot (hit) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball shooting device, ball shooting means). The shot game ball rises along the left edge of the game board unit 8, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails (not shown), windmills (not shown), etc. are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game ball flows down the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmills. .

[Board composition]
A relatively large movable ball-entering accessory device 30 (movable ball-entering device, special electric accessory) is installed in the center of the game area 8a. Normal winning openings 22 and 24 are installed on the left and right sides of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. - 特許庁In addition, a left starting winning opening 26 is installed at the lower left position of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, a middle starting winning opening 28 is arranged at the central position, and a right starting winning opening 27 is installed at the lower right position. It is It should be noted that two or more normal winning openings may be arranged.

The game ball thrown into the game area 8a randomly enters the normal winning openings 22 and 24 in the process of flowing down, or enters the left starting winning opening 26, the middle starting winning opening 28 or the right starting winning opening 27. A ball is entered, or a ball is entered into the movable ball entry accessory device 30 when activated (opened).

A game ball entered into each winning hole is recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8 through a through hole formed in the game board 8b (plywood material constituting the game board unit 8, see FIG. 3).
On the other hand, the game balls that have flowed into the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 are discharged after being subjected to a sorting operation through processes such as flowing down, rolling, rising, etc., and collected to the back side of the game board unit 8. be done. The sorting operation in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

The movable ball entry accessory device 30 operates when a specific condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big win or a small win) to allow the inflow of game balls. That is, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 has a movable piece 30a (so-called blade member) provided at an upper position of the game area 8a. Due to the action of the link mechanism, it reciprocates along the board surface by a predetermined angle.

As shown in the figure, the movable piece 30a is in a substantially upright state and closes the big winning opening 30b, so that the game ball cannot flow into the movable ball entry accessory device 30. As shown in FIG. When the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is activated, the movable piece 30a is displaced so as to fall down in the left-right direction in the game area 8a centering on the base end thereof, thereby opening the big winning opening 30b, thereby performing a movable ball-entering role. It enables the inflow of the game ball into the object device 30 (the entry of the game ball into the big winning opening 30b). Since the movable piece 30a and the big winning opening 30b are located in the upper part of the game area 8a, particularly near the position where the game ball is first hit, the movable piece 30a and the big winning opening 30b are hit into the game area 8a when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated. The game ball is guided by the obstructing nail at the upper position and easily reaches the movable piece 30a, is guided by the movable piece 30a as it is, and flows into the big winning opening 30b.

In addition, the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 also operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a game ball passes through any of the specific areas provided inside the movable ball-entering accessory device 30). , to allow the ball to enter the big winning hole 30b. The specific area in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 will be further described later.

Furthermore, a round number decoration lamp 51 is installed on the right side of the center of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . The round number decoration lamp 51 performs a performance operation by a built-in light emitter, and the lamp of the number portion corresponding to the specific area passed is lit.

In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8a, and game balls that do not enter the starting ports are finally recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the out port 32.例文帳に追加In addition, all the game balls hit into the game area 8a, including the game balls entered into the movable ball entry accessory device 30, are recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8.例文帳に追加The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and join the replenishment route of the island facility (not shown).

[Composition of the front of the frame]
In the glass frame unit 4, glass frame top lamps 46, 48 and a glass frame side lamp 50 are installed at a plurality of locations so as to surround the glass unit (no reference numerals) as structural elements for presentation. A saucer lamp 52 is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52, the glass-frame top lamps 46, 48, and the glass-frame side lamp 50 are integrally connected at the front of the pachinko machine 1. It is designed as if

The various lamps 46 to 52 described above perform effects by, for example, light emission from built-in LEDs (lighting, blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, etc.). A pair of left and right glass frame upper speakers 54 and a glass frame middle speaker 55 are built in the upper part of the glass frame unit 4, and the receiver unit 6 has a receiver speaker 56 on the right side of the lower plate 6c. is built-in. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, voices, etc. (general sound) to execute production.

Also, in the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed in front of the upper tray 6b. By operating the effect switching button 45, the player can switch the effect content (for example, the type of BGM) during the game.

[Ball Pass Accessory]
Above the left starting winning opening 26 and the right starting winning opening 27, a ball passing accessory 710 is arranged. The ball passage accessory 710 is a structure through which a game ball can pass, and is formed of, for example, a transparent or translucent member (a material that allows the player to visually recognize the game ball). In addition, the ball passing accessory 710 has a circling passage inside which guides the game ball in the downstream direction while making the game ball circulate. By arranging the ball passing accessory 710 configured in this way above each of the start winning openings 26 and 27, the game ball is released from the ball passing accessory 710 in a decelerated state and each starting winning opening 26, 27 is released. 27, it is possible to avoid non-detection or erroneous detection by the start-up winning port switches 80, 82 corresponding to the respective starting winning ports 26, 27. It should be noted that even a game ball released from the ball passing accessory 710 may not enter the left start winning hole 26 .

[Composition of the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 includes a power control unit 162 (power control means), a main control board unit 170, a dispenser unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, A payout control board unit 176, a back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) that constitute the power system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. Electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 24).

The dispensing device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference numerals). In this state, game balls replenished from a replenishment path (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are led to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game balls delivered from the payout device unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). Various external information signals (e.g. prize ball information, door opening information, pattern confirmation number information, jackpot information, starting door information, security error information, etc.) representing the progress state, maintenance state, etc. are output to external electronic devices. It is a thing.

The power cord 164 secures the power supply (electric power) necessary for the pachinko machine 1 to operate, for example, by being connected to a power supply (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of the game arcade. The ground wire 166 is also connected to a ground terminal installed in the island equipment to secure the grounding of the pachinko machine 1 .

[Structure inside the movable ball entry device]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. Here, the internal configuration of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 and the overview of the game ball allocating operation will be described.

A guide passage 30c is formed in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 with the above-described big winning opening 30b as an open end. The guide path 30c extends vertically downward in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 from the big prize opening 30b, joins at the end, and then bends and extends in the lower left direction. All game balls that flow in through the big winning opening 30b when the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is activated are guided into the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 through the guide passage 30c. A count switch 84 is provided in the middle of the guide path 30c (for example, each path of the bifurcated guide path). 84 (entrance detection means).

Further, in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, a route sorting section 200 is arranged following the guide passage 30c. The route distribution unit 200 performs a distribution operation for guiding game balls to a normal route or to a special route. If the game ball is guided to the normal route, the probability of winning a big hit after that is low, but if the game ball is guided to the special route, the big win is after that compared with the case where the game ball is guided to the normal route. more likely to become Details of the route allocation unit 200 will be described later.

Further, in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, a first distribution operation section 500 (first distribution operation means, distribution operation means) is arranged following the route distribution section 200. FIG. The first distribution operation unit 500 causes the game ball that has entered the large winning opening of the movable ball entry device 30 to pass through a definite area in which it is definite to guide the game ball to a specific area, or a definite area Distributing operation is performed to determine whether to discharge without passing through.

Here, the "determined area" is an area that must pass before the game ball passes through the specific area, so if the game ball passes through the determined area, the game ball will eventually will do. However, when the game ball passes through the fixed area, the game ball has not yet passed through the specific area, so it is not a big hit in the strict sense, but from the player's point of view, the game ball can pass through the fixed area. , a de facto hit.

In any case, the first distribution operation section 500 performs the distribution operation of passing the game ball through the definite area or ejecting it without passing through the definite area. Details of the first distribution operation unit 500 will be described later.

A second distribution operation section 600 (second distribution operation means, distribution operation means) is arranged downstream of the first distribution operation section 500 . The second distribution operation unit 600 includes a lifting device 610 arranged from the upper end to the lower end of the right side portion of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, and the first observatory arranged in the middle portion of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30. It is composed of a stage 620 and a second observatory stage 630 arranged on the upper part of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 and the like.

And the 2nd distribution operation|movement part 600 performs the distribution operation|movement which discharges the game ball which passed through the fixed area|region, after passing through any specific area|region among some specific area|regions. That is, in the first distribution operation section 500, the distribution operation such as whether or not to pass through the definite area was performed, but in the second distribution operation section 600, the definite area is passed and the virtual hit is a big hit. A sorting operation is performed as to what kind of profit is to be given to the game balls for which is determined. Details of the second distribution operation unit 600 will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the central accessory device 300 obliquely from the upper left. It should be noted that, in the drawings below, some of the members illustrated in FIG. 3 are omitted for ease of understanding.

The central role device 300 includes a tower main body 400 that imitates a building (large tower), for example, and is roughly divided into a first distribution operation section 500 and a second distribution operation section 600 . When the distribution operation in the first distribution operation section 500 succeeds, the game ball enters the second distribution operation section 600 .

[First distribution operation part]
The first distribution operation section 500 has a rotary stage 510 and a circular stage 530 (rolling section).
The rotary stage 510 is a stage that can be rotated counterclockwise when viewed from above, and a Y-shaped guide groove 512 is formed on the upper surface thereof. A definite area hole 514 having a size that allows one game ball to enter is arranged in the central part of the front of the rotating stage 510, and further in front of the definite area hole 514, the definite area hole 514 A wide open release hole 516 is provided. The game ball that entered the defined area hole 514 will pass through the defined area after that, and the game ball that has entered the deviation hole 516 will be discharged without passing through the specific area after that.

Here, the definite area is provided with a production switch (definite area detection means) (not shown), and the game ball passing through the definite area is detected by the production switch.
In addition, an out passage is formed at the lower edge of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . For this reason, the game ball that enters the hole 516 without entering the defined area hole 514 is guided to the out passage, and is discharged from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without passing through the defined area or the specific area. be. A discharge detection switch (not shown) is provided in the out passage, and game balls passing through the out passage are detected by the discharge detection switch.

Here, on the rotating stage 510 , the tower legs 520 are arranged below the tower main body 400 , and the tower main body 400 also rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating stage 510 .

The circular stage 530 (see FIG. 5) is a circular stage supported by the tower legs 520. A drop hole 534 for dropping game balls from the circular stage 530 to the rotating stage 510 is provided in the center of the stage. (see FIG. 5) are formed.

[Second distribution operation part]
The second distribution operation section 600 has a lifting device 610, a first observatory stage 620 (first special distribution section), and a second observatory stage 630 (second special distribution section).
A game ball that enters the defined area hole 514 and then passes through the defined area (not shown) is lifted up to the first observatory stage 620 by the lifting device 610, where the sorting operation is performed. In addition, as a result of the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620, game balls that have passed through a special area (not shown) inside the first observatory stage 620 are raised again to the second observatory stage 630 by the raising device 610, Then, the sorting operation is performed again.

A main body motor (not shown) is arranged below the tower main body 400 . A drive gear (not shown) is attached to the output shaft of the main body motor, and a driven gear (not shown) is meshed with the drive gear. The drive gear and the driven gear form a gear train, and power is transmitted from the drive gear to the driven gear as the main body motor rotates.

A rotating shaft (not shown) that rotates together with the driven gear is connected to the driven gear, and the rotating stage 510 is connected to the rotating shaft. Therefore, when the main body motor rotates, the rotation stage 510 is rotated by its power, and the tower main body 400 installed on the rotation stage 510 is also rotated.

Here, since the first observatory stage 620 and the second observatory stage 630 are annular stages that form the outer frame of the tower main body 400, the stages themselves do not rotate even if the main body motor 402 rotates. That is, only the center portion of the tower main body 400 rotates, and the stage portion of the outer frame does not rotate. The tower main body 400 has an upper end projecting forward of the game board unit 8 more than a lower end, and the top portion is inclined forward. A game ball entering each stage due to such an inclination is likely to roll forward of the game board unit 8 .

An origin position detection mechanism (not shown) is arranged at the lower end of the rotating shaft. The origin position detection mechanism is a device that detects the origin position regarding the rotation of the tower main body 400, and an index sensor, a rotary encoder, or the like can be applied. The origin position detection mechanism can be composed of, for example, a photosensor and a rotating plate.

The photosensor has an irradiating portion that emits light and a light receiving portion that receives light, and the irradiating portion and the light receiving portion are arranged to face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween.
The rotating plate is disposed between the irradiating portion and the light receiving portion of the photosensor, and is a rotating body that rotates integrally with the rotating shaft. The rotating plate is provided with an opening hole (not shown) at the origin position.

Then, when the rotating plate rotates and the opening hole (not shown) is at the origin position, the photosensor is in a non-light-shielding state. Therefore, the main control CPU 72 determines that the rotary plate is at the origin position when the photosensor is in the non-light-shielded state (when the detection signal indicating the light-shielded state is not received from the photosensor). can be done.

5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the details of the configuration of the route distribution section 200 and the distribution operation in the first distribution operation section 500. FIG.
Here, FIG. 5 shows an example in which a game ball is distributed to a special route by the route distribution unit 200, enters the first distribution operation unit 500, and enters the fixed area hole 514. As shown in FIG. 6 shows an example in which a game ball is distributed to a normal route by the route distribution section 200, enters the first distribution operation section 500, and enters the drop hole 516. As shown in FIG.

The route distribution unit 200 performs a distribution operation for distributing incoming game balls to a normal route or a special route. Further, the route distribution section 200 has a route distribution section guideway 202 , a route distribution body 204 , a projection 206 , a normal route hole 208 , a special route guideway 210 and a normal route guideway 212 .

The route distribution part guideway 202 is a passage for guiding game balls from the guide passage 30c (see FIG. 3) to the route distribution body 204, extends in the depth direction of the board surface, and folds back from the deepest position. It extends to the root distribution body 204 on the near side.

The route distribution body 204 includes a circular rotating member 204a serving as a base, and a structure 204b (a structure imitating a small tower) arranged on the rotating member 204a. The rotating member 204a can rotate, for example, counterclockwise when viewed from above, and the structure 204b rotates as the rotating member 204a rotates. Four inverted U-shaped through-holes are formed in four directions in the legs of the structure 204b, and game balls can pass through the through-holes. In this embodiment, the route distribution body 204 continues to rotate from when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on (other than when the power is turned off) until the power is turned off.

The protruding portion 206 is formed by extending in a convex shape in the forward direction of the game board unit 8 from the center of the front end of the base portion 205a on which the route allocating body 204 is arranged. The projecting portion 206 guides the game ball rolling on the upper portion of the projecting portion 206 to the special route guideway 210 . A special route switch (not shown) can be arranged on the special route guideway 210 to detect game balls passing through the special route guideway 210 .

Two normal route holes 208 are arranged on both sides of the protruding portion 206 , and guide the game ball entering the normal route hole 208 to the normal route guide path 212 .

The special route guideway 210 extends rightward from the projecting portion 206 toward the circular stage 530 of the first distribution operation portion 500 . The game ball is guided to the circular stage 530 of the first distribution operation section 500 by the special route guideway 210 .

The normal route guideway 212 extends vertically downward from the normal route hole 208, joins the routes from the two normal route holes 208 at the vertically lower portion, and extends in the depth direction of the board surface after the joining. It is facing the rotation stage 510 of the minute motion unit 500 . The game ball is guided to the rotating stage 510 of the first sorting operation section 500 by the normal route guiding path 212 .

[Distribution operation to special route]
As shown in FIG. 5, when a game ball passes through the two opposing through holes 204c formed in the legs of the root allocating body 204, the game ball rolls on the upper part of the projecting portion 206 and then rolls into a special It is guided to the route guideway 210 and guided to the circular stage 530 of the first distribution operation unit 500 .

In addition, the special route guideway 210 is formed with a width that allows one game ball to pass through, and when a plurality of game balls are continuously guided to the special route guideway 210, one ball is guided in the order of induction. They are guided to the circular stage 530 of the first distribution operation unit 500 one by one. In other words, a plurality of game balls are not guided to the circular stage 530 at the same time (they may roll on the circular stage 530 at the same time).

The game ball guided to the circular stage 530 rolls counterclockwise on the upper part of the circular stage 530, and when the ball speed decreases, it is guided to the central drop hole 534 and drops to the rotary stage 510 below.

A Y-shaped guide groove 512 is formed in the rotary stage 510 , and the game ball falls in the central portion of the guide groove 512 . Then, as shown in the figure, if there is a definite area hole 514 on the extension line of the guide groove 512 of the rotary stage 510, the game ball is guided by the guide groove 512 and enters the definite area hole 514. As described above, the game ball entered into the defined area hole 514 then passes through the defined area and further passes through any one of the plurality of specific areas. That is, a plurality of specific areas are provided downstream of the circular stage 530 .

[Distribution operation to normal route]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the game ball is flipped by the leg of the route distribution body 204, the game ball enters the normal route hole 208, is guided to the normal route guideway 212, and is guided to the first swing. It is guided to the rotary stage 510 of the minute motion unit 500 .

A game ball from the normal root guiding path 212 is released toward the rotating stage 510 , but is not necessarily guided to the guiding groove 512 of the rotating stage 510 . A game ball that is not successfully guided to the guide groove 512 of the rotary stage 510 falls into a slip hole 516 without changing its moving direction.

Here, on the normal route guideway 212, an elevating stage that is moved up and down by a motor (not shown) may be arranged. In this case, the game ball may ride on the elevation stage and be guided to the rotation stage 510, or may be flipped by the side surface of the elevation stage without riding on the elevation stage and guided to the rotation stage 510. - 特許庁By doing so, the trajectory of the game ball entering the rotation stage 510 can be stabilized.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing the first distribution operation section 500 alone.
It should be noted that the first distribution operation unit 500 is supported by a support member (not shown) inside the game board unit 8 while being inclined at an appropriate angle to the front side so that the player can easily see it. , In order to facilitate understanding of the structure of the first distribution action unit 500 and each component constituting it, the first distribution action unit 500 and each component are not inclined in FIGS. state.

The first distribution operation unit 500 is composed of a rotary stage 510, a tower leg portion 520, a circular stage 530, a cylindrical portion 540, a support column 550, and the like. The tower leg 520 has its lower end fixed to the rotating stage 510 and its upper part supporting the circular stage 530 . The circular stage 530 penetrates through the central portion and has a cylindrical portion 540 extending downward therefrom. A support column 550 for supporting the rotating stage 510 is fitted in the center of the bottom of the rotating stage 510 . The support column 550 is supported inside the game board unit 8 by a support (not shown).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the circular stage 530. FIG.
The circular stage 530 is a so-called croon, and has a rolling surface 532 that has a mortar-shaped central portion that is perforated and that is inclined downward from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side. It has a formed drop hole 534 and a cylindrical portion 540 connected to the drop hole 534 .

The game ball guided to the circular stage 530 rolls on the rolling surface 532 , is guided downwardly, enters the drop hole 534 , and falls through the inside of the cylindrical portion 540 . Depending on the situation when guided to the circular stage 530, the game ball may enter the drop hole 534 immediately afterward, or enter the drop hole 534 after staying on the rolling surface 532 for a while. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 540 is smaller than the inner diameter of the drop hole 534 , and an intermediate inclined surface 542 is formed between the drop hole 534 and the cylindrical portion 540 so as to narrow the diameter of the drop hole 534 .

9A and 9B are a plan view and a bottom view of the circular stage 530. FIG.

FIG. 9A: A plan view of the circular stage 530. FIG. An inner peripheral surface 544 of the cylindrical portion 540 is formed with three ridges 546a, 546b, and 546c that protrude in the vertical direction. The three ridges 546a, 546b, 546c are provided at substantially equal intervals. Here, while the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 540 is designed to be 12.0 mm, the diameter of the imaginary circle contacting the three ridges 546a, 546b, and 546c is designed to be 11.3 mm. The size of a game ball is defined as 11.0 mm in diameter, but in reality there are slight variations between individual balls due to individual differences that occur during manufacture and wear due to use. By providing ridges 546a, 546b, 546c inside the cylindrical part 540, it is possible to accept game balls with individual differences, narrow the movable range when the game balls fall, and converge the movement of the game balls. can be made easier. Note that the number and positions of the protrusions are not limited to the above examples, and can be changed as appropriate.

(B) in FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the circular stage 530 . Three bottom bosses 536a, 536b, and 536c are provided on the bottom of the circular stage 530 (below the rolling surface 532) at positions near the outer periphery. The three bottom bosses 536a, 536b, 536c are provided at substantially equal intervals. Bottom bosses 536 a , 536 b , 536 c receive screws that are tightened after circular stage 530 is assembled to tower legs 520 . The structure after assembly of the circular stage 530 and the tower legs 520 will be described later in detail with reference to another drawing.

FIG. 10 is a right side view and a vertical cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9) of the circular stage 530. FIG.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10B, the rolling surface 532 is inclined by 10° with respect to the imaginary plane through which the inner peripheral end passes. In other words, the inclination angle between the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the rolling surface 532 is 10°.

11 is a perspective view and a plan view of tower leg 520. FIG.
As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 11A, the tower leg 520 has three legs 521a, 521b and 521c. Further, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 11B, a circular stage support plate 522 that supports the circular stage 530 is provided above the tower leg portion 520 . The circular stage support plate 522 is formed with a cylindrical receiving hole 523 for receiving the cylindrical portion 540 at its center, and boss receiving holes 524a, 524b and 524c for receiving three bottom bosses 536a, 536b and 536c. there is The three boss receiving holes 524a, 524b, 524c are provided at approximately equal intervals.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a part of the first distribution operation unit 500 is exploded and viewed from the lower front in order to facilitate understanding of the structure of the circular stage 530 and the tower legs 520. FIG. be. FIG. 12 shows only the minimum components necessary for explanation of the first distribution operation section 500, and omits illustration of the rotation stage 510 and the support column 550. As shown in FIG.

Coil springs 538a, 538b, and 538c are set on the outer periphery of the three bottom bosses 536a, 536b, and 536c provided on the bottom surface of the circular stage 530, respectively, and the circular stage 530 in this state is incorporated into the tower leg portion 520. . Specifically, the cylindrical portion 540 is inserted into the cylindrical receiving hole 523 formed in the circular stage support plate 522, and the positions of the bottom bosses and the boss receiving holes formed in the circular stage support plate 522 are aligned. The bottom boss 536a is inserted into the boss receiving hole 524a, the bottom boss 536b is inserted into the boss receiving hole 524b, and the bottom boss 536c is inserted into the boss receiving hole 524c. Then, screws 526a, 526b, 526c having heads larger than the diameter of each boss receiving hole are fastened to bottom bosses 536a, 536b, 536c, respectively.

The circular stage 530 and the tower leg 520 assembled in this way are engaged with each other with the three coil springs 538a, 538b, 538c interposed therebetween, and the circular stage 530 holds the three coil springs 538a, 538b, 538c. It is supported by the tower leg portion 520 (circular stage support plate 522) via. The three coil springs 538 a , 538 b , 538 c have a load capable of supporting up to the weight of the circular stage 530 and are not compressed by the weight of the circular stage 530 .

In addition, when no external force acts on the circular stage 530 (the rolling surface 532 does not receive the weight of the game ball), the outer peripheral wall bottom end 533 of the circular stage 530 and the circular stage support plate 522 do not contact each other. , is designed so that a slight gap is secured between them. That is, the circular stage 530 moves vertically by contracting or restoring the coil springs 538a, 538b, and 538c according to the magnitude of the external force acting on itself (the weight of the game ball received by the rolling surface 532). Displaceably supported.

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 7) of the first distribution operation section 500. As shown in FIG.

(A) in FIG. 13: When the circular stage 530 is not weighted (the game ball BA is not guided), between the outer peripheral wall bottom end 533 of the circular stage 530 and the circular stage support plate 522, A gap of 0.5 mm is ensured.

(B) in FIG. 13: On the other hand, when the game ball BA is guided to the circular stage 530 and is positioned directly above the bottom boss 536c, the coil spring 538c is compressed by the weight of the game ball BA, thereby causing the bottom to rise. The boss 536c is displaced downward. When the space between the outer peripheral wall bottom end 533 of the circular stage 530 and the circular stage support plate 522 disappears, the outer peripheral wall bottom end 533 is regulated by the circular stage support plate 522, so that the bottom boss 536c is pushed downward. Displacement stops. Thus, when the game ball BA is positioned right above any bottom boss, the bottom boss is displaced downward by 0.5 mm, and the gap between the outer peripheral wall bottom end 533 and the circular stage support plate 522 disappears. .

In addition, as the game ball BA passes through the position directly above the bottom boss 536c and leaves, the weight of the game ball BA applied to the coil spring 538c is gradually reduced, so that the coil spring 538c is gradually restored and the bottom boss 536c is restored. is displaced upward until it returns to its original position.

In this way, in the circular stage 530, the coil spring is compressed at the position where the game ball BA is located, while the other coil springs are not compressed and the height is maintained. And the whole thing is tilted. Further, the degree of sinking and the angle of inclination of the circular stage 530 change according to the positional relationship between the game ball BA and the three coil springs 538a, 538b, 538c.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining how the game ball BA rolls on the circular stage 530. As shown in FIG. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 14, the degree of sinking (magnitude of inclination) of the circular stage 530 is shown in a much exaggerated manner.

In FIG. 14 (A): The game ball BA immediately after entering the circular stage 530 first passes through the area on the near side. At this time, while the coil spring positioned below this area is compressed by the weight of the game ball BA, the other coil springs maintain their height without being compressed. The sunken and slanted sides make this area the lowest of the entire rolling surface 532 . Therefore, the game ball BA passing on the front side rolls on the rolling surface 532 toward the back side as if going up the slope. Go (slow down).

(B) in FIG. 14: After a short period of time, the game ball BA passes through an area near the middle between the front side and the back side of the rolling surface 532 with less momentum than at the beginning. At this time, the coil spring positioned below this region is compressed, while the other coil springs maintain their height without being compressed. lowest at Therefore, the game ball BA passing through this position also rolls further on the rolling surface 532 as if going up the slope, so the momentum of the ball is further reduced.

The game ball BA guided to the circular stage 530 thus rolls counterclockwise on the rolling surface 532 so as to always ascend the slope, and gradually decelerates as it rolls. When sufficiently decelerated, the game ball BA is guided by the downward inclination from the outer circumference side to the inner circumference side of the rolling surface 532 and enters the drop hole 534 .

It should be noted that although the rolling mode in the case where only one game ball enters the circular stage 530 is described here, the game balls are guided by the special route guideway 210 and enter the circular stage 530 one ball at a time. In some cases, the next game ball may enter before the previously entered game ball is ejected from the rolling surface 532 (enters the drop hole 534). That is, a plurality of game balls can roll or stay on the circular stage 530 at the same time.

Here, as a comparative example, the operation of a circular stage in which the rolling portion is simply inclined downward from the outer circumference side to the inner circumference side (that is, cannot be displaced in the vertical direction) will be examined. In the comparative example, when the game ball that has entered the circular stage does not have much momentum, the game ball can be directed toward the drop hole along the downward slope of the rolling part, but the momentum at the time of entry is strong and falls. When the centrifugal force exceeds the magnitude of the vector directed to the hole, the game ball continues to roll on the rolling portion along the outer wall of the circular stage for a while.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the circular stage 530 (rolling surface 532) is always inclined at the position where the game ball is located, so that the circular stage 530 as a whole is inclined, and the traveling direction is always upwardly inclined. Also, this state continues until the game ball is ejected (enters the drop hole 534). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the force for the game ball to move forward can be dispersed, and the force can be used to sink the rolling surface 532 (tilt the circular stage 530). The game ball entering the stage 530 can be effectively decelerated, and the movement of the game ball can be stabilized.

In addition, the rolling surface 532 is inclined downward from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side as described above, but in the vicinity of the position where the game ball is located, the rolling surface 532 tilts as the entire circular stage 530 inclines. Since the downward slope toward the inner peripheral side of the ball becomes gentler, the speed when heading toward the drop hole 534 is slower than when the downward slope is steep, so the game ball should be directed to the drop hole 534 after further deceleration. can be done. As a result, the trajectory of the game ball discharged from the rolling surface 532 can be stabilized, and the game ball can be prevented from rolling in an unintended direction.

Furthermore, the degree of sinking and the angle of inclination of the circular stage 530 (rolling surface 532) change according to the positional relationship between the game ball and the three coil springs, and accordingly the game ball is guided to the drop hole 534. Since the speed (the speed at which the game ball is discharged from the rolling surface 532) also changes, the movement of the game ball from entering the circular stage 530 to being discharged can be made diverse, attracting the player's attention. It is possible to attract them to the game.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the details of the configuration of the lift guideway 515. As shown in FIG.
The lifting device guide path 515 is a passage provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30 and is a passage connecting the defined area hole 514 and the lifting device 610 . The lifting device guide path 515 extends vertically downward from the defined area hole 514, bends to the right from there, and extends to the lower opening hole 610a (see FIG. 16) of the lifting device 610. As shown in FIG.

A game ball entered into the defined area hole 514 is detected by the production switch 800 arranged in the defined area and guided to the lifting device 610 by the lifting device guide path 515 .
Here, a slide member 517 is arranged in the middle of the lifting device guideway 515 . The slide member 517 is slidable in the left-right direction in the drawing by a lifting device guideway solenoid (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 15A, when the lifter guideway solenoid is in a non-operating (OFF) state, the slide member 517 is in the initial position, and the game ball passes through the upper surface of the slide member 517. It is guided to the lifting device 610 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15(B), if the lift device guideway solenoid is activated (ON), the slide member 517 slides to the left in the drawing, and the game ball moves to the lift device 610. It is not guided, joins the out passage inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and is detected by the discharge detection switch.

In this way, the reason why the game ball entering the defined area hole 514 is guided to the raising device 610 or discharged without being guided to the raising device 610 is that when performing a normal sorting operation, the raising device This is because, although it is necessary to guide the game ball to 610, there is no need to guide the game ball to the lifting device 610 once the game enters the jackpot state.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing details of the configuration and drive mechanism of the lifting device 610. As shown in FIG.
16A is a plan view of the lifting device 610, FIG. 16B is a front view of the lifting device 610, and FIG. 16C is a right side view of the lifting device 610. be. In the drawings below, there are portions where members are shown in shapes different from those in FIG. 3 in order to facilitate understanding.

The raising device 610 is a device that raises the game ball that has passed through the defined area, and is provided in the first raising device that raises the game ball that has passed through the defined area to the first observatory stage 620 and the first observatory stage 620. and a second lifting device that lifts the game ball that has passed through the special fixed area to the second observatory stage 630, and the first lifting device and the second lifting device are the lower part of the same lifting device. It consists of an upper part.

The ascending device 610 also has a cylindrical guideway 611 , a first observatory stage guideway 612 , a re-entry guideway 613 , a second observatory stage guideway 614 , a drive mechanism 615 and an origin position detection mechanism 616 . .

The tubular guideway 611 is a cylindrical passage in which a screw conveyor 617 is arranged. The screw conveyor 617 is a conveyor that raises the game ball together with the tubular guide path 611 . In addition, the screw conveyor 617 is a movable body that affects the progress (rolling) of the game ball that has entered the inside of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and uses the rotational force of the conveyor motor 214 to It is a rotating body that raises the game ball.

The first observatory stage guideway 612 is a passage that guides game balls released from the central left opening hole 610b to the first observatory stage 620. extended.

The re-entry guideway 613 is a passage that guides the game ball from the first observatory stage 620 to the central right opening hole 610c of the lifting device 610, and extends from the first observatory stage 620 toward the cylindrical guideway 611. extended.

The second observatory stage guideway 614 is a passage that guides game balls released from the upper opening hole 610 d to the second observatory stage 630 . extended.

The drive mechanism 615 includes a conveyor motor 214 arranged on the lower rear surface of the cylindrical guideway 611 , a drive gear 618 a attached to the rotatable output shaft of the conveyor motor 214 , and a first driven gear 404 meshed with the drive gear 404 . It has a gear 618b, a second driven gear 618c meshed with the first driven gear 618b, and a rotary shaft 618d that rotates together with the second driven gear 618c and serves as the rotation center of the screw conveyor 617.

The origin position detection mechanism 616 is a device for detecting the origin position regarding the rotation of the screw conveyor 617, and has the same configuration as the origin position detection mechanism of the tower main body 400 described above.

By rotating the screw conveyor 617 by the drive mechanism 615, the game ball entering the lower opening hole 610a is raised to the central left opening hole 610b, or the game ball entering the central right opening hole 610c is raised. It can be raised to the opening hole 610d.

17 and 18 are diagrams showing how the game ball is raised by the raising device 610. FIG.
Here, FIG. 17 shows how a game ball entering the lower opening hole 610a is lifted up to the central left opening hole 610b, and FIG. It shows how it is lifted up to the hole 610d. In the drawing, components other than the screw conveyor 617 and game balls are indicated by dashed lines for easy understanding.

As shown in FIG. 17, a game ball entering the lower opening hole 610a is guided by the inner wall of the cylindrical guideway 611 while being pushed out by the rotation of the screw conveyor 617, and travels along the left route of the cylindrical guideway 611. Rise. Then, when it ascends to the central left opening hole 610 b , it is guided to the first observatory stage 620 by the first observatory stage guideway 612 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 18, the game ball entering the center right opening hole 610c is pushed out by the rotation of the screw conveyor 617 and guided by the inner wall of the cylindrical guideway 611, and is initially guided to the cylindrical guideway. Take the right route of 611 up. Then, in the vicinity beyond the central left opening hole 610b, it contacts the guiding inclined portion 619 for guiding the game ball to the left route.

The game ball that comes into contact with the guide slope portion 619 is guided by the upper edge of the guide slope portion 619 to change the guide direction, and is pushed out from the right side route of the cylindrical guide path 611 to the left side route. Then, the game ball rises along the left route as it is, and finally reaches the upper opening hole 610d formed in the upper part of the left route. The game ball reaching the upper opening hole 610 d is guided to the second observatory stage 630 by the second observatory stage guiding path 614 .

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620. As shown in FIG.
The game ball guided to the first observatory stage 620 by the first observatory stage guideway 612 rolls left and right on the first observatory stage 620 due to its momentum. Since the first observatory stage 620 itself is inclined toward the center (in the shape of a mortar), the game ball that has lost its rolling momentum eventually falls inside the tower body 400. Enter the first observatory stage gate 622 for guidance.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a portion of the tower main body 400 located inside the first observatory stage 620. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 20A, part of the tower main body 400 located inside the first observatory stage 620 has a cylindrical shape, and a first specific area depression is formed on the side surface of the column. 624 and a re-lift recess 626 .

The first specific area depression 624 is a depression for guiding a game ball to the first specific area for a 3-round big hit, and has a substantially square shape and is a space that allows one game ball to flow in. ing. In addition, character information “3R” is displayed above the first specific area recess 624 .

The re-elevating depression 626 is a depression for guiding the game ball to the raising device 610 again, and has a substantially rectangular shape, and is a space having a longer length in the vertical direction than the first specific area depression 624. It has become. In addition, character information “UP” is displayed on the upper part of the re-raise depression 626 .

The tower main body 400 is formed with one first specific region depression 624 and two re-elevation depressions 626 on the front side surface, and similarly on the back side surface. Two first specific area depressions 624 and two re-elevation depressions 626 are formed.
For this reason, the tower main body 400 is formed with two first specific area depressions 624 and four re-elevation depressions 626 as a whole. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the first observatory stage 620 enters the first specific region depression 624 with a probability of 1/3, and the re-rising depression 626 with a probability of the remaining 2/3. will enter the ball.

[Entering a ball into the recessed portion 624 for the first specific area]
Here, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the first specific region depression 624 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 20(B), when the game ball enters the first specific area depression 624 through the first observatory stage gate 622 of the first observatory stage 620, the game ball maintains its position. be done.
Further, as shown in FIG. 20C, as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball entering the first specific region depression 624 moves leftward.

Then, as shown in (D) in FIG. 20, as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball entering the first specific area depression 624 is recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8 and played. It passes through the first specified area (not shown) on the back side of the board unit 8 . A first specific area switch (not shown) is provided in the first specific area, and a game ball passing through the first specific area is detected by the first specific area switch.

[Entering the ball into the recessed part 626 for re-rising]
Next, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the re-rising depression 626 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 20(E), when the game ball enters the re-rising depression 626 through the first observatory stage gate 622 of the first observation platform stage 620, the game ball enters the re-rising depression 626. will fall downward inside the

Furthermore, as shown in (F) in FIG. 20, the game ball that has fallen downward moves leftward as the tower body 400 rotates. Here, a first special opening hole 628 is formed in the portion where the game ball that has fallen downward is arranged, and at this point the game ball is positioned in front of the first special opening hole 628. .

Then, as shown in FIG. 20(G), the game ball rolls forward through the first special opening hole 628 and is guided as it is to the re-entry guideway 613 (see FIG. 19). A special area (not shown) is provided in the re-entry guideway 613, and a special area switch is provided in the special area. A game ball passing through the special area is detected by the special area switch.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the sorting operation on the second observatory stage 630. As shown in FIG.
The game ball guided to the second observatory stage 630 by the second observatory stage guideway 614 rolls left and right on the second observatory stage 630 due to its momentum. Since the second observatory stage 630 itself is inclined toward the center (in the shape of a mortar), the game ball that loses rolling momentum eventually enters the second observatory stage opening hole 631. do.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a portion of the tower main body 400 located inside the second observatory stage 630. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 22A, part of the tower main body 400 located inside the second observatory stage 630 has a conical shape with the apex at the bottom removed. It has a second specific area depression 634 and a third specific area depression 635 on its side surface.

The second specific area depression 634 is a depression for guiding the game ball to the second specific area for the 7-round big hit, and has a substantially square shape and is a space that allows one game ball to flow in. ing. In addition, character information “7R” is displayed above the recessed portion 634 for the second specific area.

The third specific area depression 635 is a depression for guiding the game ball to the third specific area for the 16-round big hit, and has a substantially square shape and is vertically wider than the second specific area depression 634. It is a long space. In addition, the character information “16R” is displayed above the third specific region depression 635 .

Here, in the tower main body 400, three second specific area depressions 634 and three third specific area depressions 635 are alternately formed. Therefore, if the game ball reaches the second observatory stage 630, the game ball enters the second specific region recess 634 with a probability of 1/2, and the probability of the remaining 1/2 The game ball enters the hollow portion 635 for the 3 specific area.

[Entering a ball into the recess for the second specific area]
Here, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the second specific region depression 634 will be described.
As shown in (B) in FIG. 22 , when a game ball enters the second specific area depression 634 , the game ball is stopped at the upper portion of the tower main body 400 .
Further, as shown in FIG. 22C, as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball that has entered the second specific area depression 634 moves leftward.

Then, as shown in (D) in FIG. 22, as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball entering the second specific area depression 634 is recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8 and played. It will pass through the second specific area on the back side of the board unit 8 . A second specific area switch (not shown) is provided in the second specific area, and a game ball passing through the second specific area is detected by the second specific area switch.

[Entering a ball into the depression for the third specific area]
Next, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the third specific region depression 635 will be described.
As shown in (E) in FIG. 22 , when a game ball enters the third specific area depression 635 , the game ball falls downward inside the third specific area depression 635 .

Furthermore, as shown in (F) in FIG. 22, the game ball that has fallen downward moves leftward as the tower body 400 rotates.

Then, as shown in FIG. 22(G), as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball entering the third specific area depression 635 is recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8 and played. It will pass through the third specific area on the back side of the board unit 8 . A third specific area switch (not shown) is provided in the third specific area, and a game ball passing through the third specific area is detected by the third specific area switch.

FIG. 23 is a front view showing an enlarged part of the game board unit 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). That is, the game board unit 8 is provided with a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35, for example, at the lower right position in the window 4a.
The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the variable state and the stopped state of the special symbols by, for example, 7-segment LEDs (with dots) (symbol display means). In addition, the working memory lamp corresponding to the special symbol and the working memory number display device are not provided in this embodiment.

The gaming state display device 38 includes, for example, three LEDs respectively corresponding to the jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c. In FIG. 23, other lamps (LEDs) without particular reference numerals are unused (blank). In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35 and the game state display device 38 are mounted on one integrated display board 89 and attached to the game board unit 8. there is

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main controller 70 that serves as the center of control operations. The main controller 70 is incorporated in the main control board unit 170 described above.

In addition, the main control unit 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. RWM) 76 or the like is integrated as an LSI. The main controller 70 is also equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77 . Of these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for judging a big hit (or judging a small hit). is input to the main control CPU 72 through . In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input/output (I/O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter/timer circuit (CTC), and the like. Mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or an inner layer portion).

The game board unit 8 has a left start winning opening switch 80 and a middle starting winning opening switch 81 corresponding to the left starting winning opening 26, the middle starting winning opening 28, the right starting winning opening 27 and the movable ball entry accessory device 30, respectively. , a right start winning opening switch 82 and a count switch 84 are provided. Of these, the left start winning prize port switch 80, the middle start winning prize port switch 81 and the right start winning prize port switch 82 are for detecting entry of game balls into the respective start winning prize ports. In addition, the count switch 84 is for detecting the entry of game balls into the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (large winning opening 30b) and counting the number.

In addition, the game board unit 8 has a first specific area switch 701 (specific area detection means, discharge after passing the specific area) corresponding to each of the above-described first specific area, second specific area, third specific area, and determination area. detection means), second specific area switch 702 (specific area detection means, emission detection means after passage of specific area), third specific area switch 703 (specific area detection means, emission detection means after passage of specific area) and effect switch 800 is provided. When the main control CPU 72 receives a detection signal from each switch, it transmits a region pass command to the effect control CPU 126 for each.
In addition to these, an ejection detection switch 900 is provided in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . The ejection detection switch 900 detects a game ball ejected from the movable entering ball accessory device 30 and outputs a detection signal thereof (emission detection means).

Similarly, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a winning opening switch 86 for detecting the winning of game balls into the normal winning openings 22 and 24 . Note that the winning opening switch 86 may be common for all the normal winning openings 22 and 24, or separate winning opening switches 86 may be provided for each of the plurality of normal winning openings 22 and 24. For example, separate winning hole switches 86 may be installed at four positions on the left and right sides of the board to detect the winning of the game ball for each normal winning hole.

In any case, winning detection signals of these switches 80-86, 701-703, 800, 900 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input/output driver (not shown). In addition, due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, the left start winning opening switch 80, the middle starting winning opening switch 81, the right starting winning opening switch 82, the first specific area switch 701, the second specific area switch 702 and the second Since the detection signal from the 3 specific area switch 703 is the signal that most directly affects the profit of the player, it is transmitted to the main controller 70 without any particular intermediary. It is transmitted to the main controller 70 via the terminal board 87 . The panel relay terminal plate 87 is provided with wiring patterns, connection terminals, and the like for relaying respective detection signals.

Display operations of the first special symbol display device 34 , the second special symbol display device 35 and the game state display device 38 are controlled based on control signals from the main control CPU 72 . The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the game state display device 38 according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. . Further, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35 and the game state display device 38 are installed in the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the integrated display board 89 via the panel relay terminal board 87 .

Also, the game board unit 8 is provided with a large winning opening solenoid 90 corresponding to the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . The big winning opening solenoid 90 operates (excites) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 to operate (open) the movable ball entry accessory device 30 .
Furthermore, the game board unit 8 is provided with a lifting device guideway solenoid 95 inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . The rising device guideway solenoid 95 operates (excites) based on the control signal from the main control CPU 72, and performs the discharge operation during the big hit game. It should be noted that the main control CPU 72 transmits control signals to the large winning opening solenoid 90 and the lifting device guideway solenoid 95 via the panel relay terminal plate 87 .

Furthermore, in the game board unit 8, the route dividing body 204 inside the movable ball entry device 30, the tower body 400, the screw conveyor 617, the dividing body motor 213, the body part motor 402, and the conveyor A motor 214 (driving source) is provided. Of these, the sorting body motor 213 rotates the route sorting body 204 . Also, the body section motor 402 rotates the tower body section 400 . The conveyor motor 214 rotates the screw conveyor 617 . Control signals for these motors are similarly transmitted from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal board 87 .

In this embodiment, drive signals for constant operation are output to the motors 213, 402, and 214 from the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). Further, for each of the motors 213, 402, 214, an origin detection mechanism such as an index sensor (not shown) is used to detect the origin position regarding rotation. For this reason, the main controller 70 receives origin position detection signals from these origin detection mechanisms.

In addition, the game board unit 8 is provided with a magnetic sensor 250 and a vibration sensor 252 (vibration detection means). and outputs a detection signal corresponding to its density (magnetic intensity). Further, the vibration sensor 252 detects acceleration (vibration) transmitted to the game board unit 8 at its installation position, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the magnitude thereof. Detection signals from the magnetic sensor 250 and the vibration sensor 252 are input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72) through the panel relay terminal board 87, respectively.

In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed in the glass frame unit 4 and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed in the plastic frame assembly 7 . When the glass frame unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and the plastic frame assembly 7 is released from the outer frame assembly 2. Then, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When detecting the open state of the glass frame unit 4 or the plastic frame assembly 7, the main control CPU 72 generates a door open information signal as the external information signal.

A payout control device 92 is equipped on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. - 特許庁This payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and this payout control CPU 94 is also an LSI integrated with a CPU core (not shown) and semiconductor memories such as a ROM 96 and a RAM 98. It is configured. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as the external information signal together with the prize ball instruction command.

A payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor) and a payout device board 100 are installed in a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172. The payout device board 100 is provided with a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. there is The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and pays out the indicated number of game balls from the prize ball case. let out The paid out game balls are sent to the receiving tray unit 6 through the payout channel in the channel unit 173 .

In addition, for example, a payout road ball disconnect switch 104 is installed at the upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at the downstream position of the payout motor 102 . Each time the payout motor 102 is driven to actually pay out the prize balls, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100 . Also, when the ball runs out at the upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100 . The payout device board 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100 .

Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (at the back when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The actually paid out prize balls (game balls) are discharged to the upper tray 6b through the flow path unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is filled with game balls, more game balls are dispensed. It flows into the lower plate 6c as described above. Furthermore, when the lower tray 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is thereby turned on, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 temporarily suspends further prize ball motions even if a prize ball instruction command is received from the main control CPU 72, and stores the remaining number of prize balls that have not been paid out in the RAM 98.例文帳に追加The memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, so even if a power failure (including a momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the remaining number of unpaid prize balls will not be lost. .

Also, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with a firing control board 108. - 特許庁Also, a ball feed solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6 . The firing control board 108, the firing solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the aforementioned firing control board set 174. Of these, the firing control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the firing solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among them, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation to feed the game balls stored in the receiving tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined shooting position within the launcher case. Also, the shooting solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the shooting position, and continuously (intermittently) launches the game balls one by one toward the game area 8a as described above. In addition, the shooting interval of the game balls is, for example, an interval of about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls per minute).

On the other hand, the grip unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114 and a firing stop switch . Of these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the amount of operation (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. Also, the touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the grip unit 16 (firing handle) from a change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal therefor. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) according to the player's operation.

A firing relay terminal plate 118 is installed in the receiving tray unit 6, and each signal from the firing lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the firing stop switch 116 is transmitted via the firing relay terminal plate 118 to the firing control board 108. sent to. A drive signal from the firing control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the firing relay terminal plate 118 . When the player operates the firing handle, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) according to the amount of operation, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. As a result, the strength of hitting the game ball is adjusted according to the amount of operation by the player. The drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. do. In addition, a game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 is connected to the shooting relay terminal plate 118, and if the CR unit is not connected to the game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120, the shooting relay terminal plate 118 is also connected. The drive circuit on control board 108 stops driving firing solenoid 110 .

Further, the tray unit 6 incorporates a frequency display board 122 and a lending/returning switch board 123 . Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with the above-described frequency display unit indicator (three-digit seven-segment LED). In addition, the lending and returning switch board 123 is mounted with switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the returning button 12, respectively. And it is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 . Also, from the CR unit, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 . A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display substrate 122 drives a display based on the frequency signal to numerically display the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. Further, when no valuable medium is inserted into the CR unit or when the remaining points of the inserted valuable medium become 0, the display circuit of the point display board 122 drives the display to display a demonstration (valuable medium ) can also be displayed.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. This performance control device 124 controls the performance accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1 . The performance control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which a performance control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The production control CPU 126 incorporates a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. For the effect control CPU 126, a type that is faster (high clock frequency) than the main control CPU 72 and has a wide data bus width (for example, 64 bits) can be used. Note that the effect control device 124 is provided at a position on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 and covered by the back cover unit 178 .

The performance control device 124 is equipped with an input/output driver and various peripheral ICs (not shown), as well as a lamp driving circuit 132 and a sound driving circuit 134 . The production control CPU 126 controls the production based on the production command sent from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 to light the various lamps 46 to 52 and the board lamp 53. Also, processing for actually outputting sound effects, voices, etc. from the speakers 54 , 55 , 56 is performed.

The lamp drive circuit 132 includes switching elements such as PWM (pulse width modulation) ICs and MOSFETs (not shown). ) to manage its operation such as light emission and blinking. In addition to the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, the glass frame side lamps 50, and the saucer lamps 52, the various lamps include a board surface lamp 53 installed in the game board unit 8 for decoration and presentation. The board surface lamp 53 corresponds to an LED built in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 or the like. Although an example in which the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the glass-framed illumination board 136 is given here, the saucer illumination board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52 is connected via the saucer illumination board. It may be configured to be connected to the lamp driving circuit 132 .

The sound drive circuit 134 is a sound generator containing, for example, a sound ROM, a sound control IC, an amplifier, etc. (not shown).

In the present embodiment, a glass-frame electrical board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the glass-frame unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 are transmitted to various lamps 46 via the glass-frame electrical board 136. 52 and speakers 54, 55 and 56. Further, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame electric decoration board 136 , and when the player operates the effect switching button 45 , the contact signal is sent to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame electric decoration board 136 . is entered. Here, an example in which the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass-framed decorative board 136 is given. good too.

In addition, a panel electric decoration board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8 , and a drive signal from the lamp driving circuit 132 is applied to the board surface lamp 53 via the panel electric decoration board 138 .

As described above, the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 are provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . Incidentally, the various switches may be detection switches for detecting that a game ball has approached. A special area switch 901 and a special root switch 902 are ball detectors for generating some kind of performance action triggered by the passage of a game ball. The detection signals of the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 are relayed through the panel illumination board 138 and sent to the effect control CPU 126 via an input/output driver (not shown). In addition, although the form which connects the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 to the production control device 124 is mentioned here as an example, the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 may be connected to the main control device 70. . In this case, when the main control CPU 72 receives the detection signal from the special area switch 901 or the special route switch 902, it is sufficient to send the effect command to the effect control CPU 126 for each.

The performance display device 42 is installed above the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and its display screen can be visually recognized from the front surface of the game board unit 8. - 特許庁Note that the presentation display device 42 may not be installed. Further, an effect drive control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8 , and the display operation of the effect display device 42 is controlled by the effect drive control device 144 . The production drive control device 144 is equipped with a circuit board (production drive control board) on which a drive control CPU 146, which is a general-purpose central processing unit, is mounted. The drive control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 148 and a RAM 150 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown).

The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program relating to the control of the effect, and the effect control CPU 126 executes control of the effect according to this program. Control of effects includes control of effects using various lamps 46 to 53 and speakers 54, 55, 56 as described above, and control of display effects using display device 42 for effects. The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) regarding the effect to the drive control CPU 146, and the drive control CPU 146 that receives this transmits the effect display device 42 specifically based on the basic information. individually control the lighting status of

In addition, a power supply control unit 162 is equipped on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7 . This power supply control unit 162 incorporates a switching power supply circuit, and when it takes in external power (for example, AC 24V, etc.) from the island equipment through the power cord 164, it can generate necessary power (for example, DC +34V, +12V, etc.). The power generated by the power control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, and the performance control device 124. Further, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the terminal board 120 for lending equipment such as game balls. Further, power is supplied to the performance drive control device 144 via the performance control device 124, and power is distributed from the performance drive control device 144 to the performance display device 42. - 特許庁Low-voltage power (for example, DC +5V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (three-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded to the island facility through the ground wire 166 as described above.

The external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are sent to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control device 92. is output to the outside from The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72 ) and payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94 ) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160 . Signals output from the external terminal board 160 are counted by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) of the game arcade. In addition, although the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example here, the configuration may be such that the external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 .

[Game flow]
Next, FIG. 25 is a game flow diagram showing an example of a game flow by the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. A normal game by the pachinko machine 1 is started by hitting (shooting) a game ball into the game area 8a. The flow of the game will be described below on the premise that the game ball is launched.

[F01: Entering the start winning opening]
When the game ball enters either the left start winning opening 26, the middle starting winning opening 28 or the right starting winning opening 27 in the course of flowing down in the game area 8a, the left starting winning opening corresponding to each starting winning opening is entered. Passage of the game ball is detected by the switch 80, the middle start winning opening switch 81 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, and with this as a trigger, a special symbol lottery is performed.

The special symbol lottery is a lottery related to whether or not the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is operated. If the game ball does not enter any of the start winning openings, the game flow is terminated for the time being, and the game flow is restarted with the aim of entering the starting winning opening (F01).

Also, although not shown in particular, when a special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined variation time on the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35, and then the lottery result is displayed. It is stopped and displayed in a manner that represents The variation pattern of the special symbols by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 may be randomly changed by lottery or may be fixed to a constant variation pattern.

Here, in the present embodiment, the first special symbol lottery (internal lottery) is performed with the entry of the ball into the left start winning opening 26 or the right starting winning opening 27, while the entry of the ball into the middle start winning opening 28 is performed. As a trigger, the second special symbol lottery (internal lottery) is performed.
And, since the winning probability (minor winning probability) of the special symbol lottery is set to 1 (=approximately 1/1), when the game ball enters one of the start winning openings, it corresponds to a small winning as it is. become. Therefore, although it is not particularly necessary for the main controller 70 to acquire the hit determination random number internally, it may be acquired on purpose. In this embodiment, there is no hit (so-called direct hit, direct hit) in which a big hit game is directly executed triggered by the entry of a ball into each start winning opening, but the hit determination random number obtained here is used. You may make a direct hit judgment.

In addition, in this embodiment, there is no display mode of "lost" in the special symbol, it corresponds to "small win 1" in the lottery by the first special symbol, and corresponds to "small win 2" in the lottery by the second special symbol. It is supposed to be. The difference between "small win 1" and "small win 2" is related to the number of times the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is operated. It operates twice, and when it corresponds to "small hit 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 operates twice.

[F02: Movable entry accessory device operation]
In any case, when the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 stops and displays the special symbol in the form of a small hit, this triggers the movable entry accessory device 30 to operate (open Operate. The operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is to change the movable piece 30a to the open position as described above. , the movable piece 30a is opened for a short period of time only once, and when the "small win 2" is met, the movable piece 30a is opened only twice.

[F03: Judgment of winning ball entry]
Next, when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the big winning opening 30b. Here, when the game ball enters the big winning hole 30b, the game flow further advances to the sorting operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30.例文帳に追加If the game ball does not enter the large winning opening 30b of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, the game flow is terminated for the time being, and the game flow is restarted with the aim of entering the starting winning opening (F01). will do.

[F04: Specific area passage determination]
When the game flow progresses in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, after various game ball distribution operations as described above, it is determined whether the game ball has finally passed through any specific area (V winning). is determined. As a result, when the game ball is finally discharged from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without passing through the specific area, unfortunately the game flow ends there, and the ball enters the start winning opening (F01) again. Aim to start the game flow.

[F05: Big Win Game Execution]
On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the specific area (V winning) within the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 operates again. Specifically, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 18 times) for a predetermined opening time (for example, 1 second), or a specified number (for example, 9) of game balls wins. A special game is executed in which one round is defined as the period until the condition is satisfied, and this round is repeated for a predetermined number of continuous operations.

In this embodiment, the number of times of continuous operation is set to 3 times when the game ball passes through the first specific area, is set to 7 times when the game ball passes through the second specific area, and the game ball is set to 7 times. When passing through 3 specific areas, it is set to 16 times. During such a jackpot game (during the operation of the movable ball entry device 30), a large number of balls can be entered into the big prize opening 30b, which is normally closed, within a short period of time. Players can collectively win a lot of prize balls. In this embodiment, [F02] Activation of the movable ball-entering accessory device is set as the first round.

[Game flow in the movable ball entry device]
Next, a game flow that progresses in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 will be described. Here, in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 of the present embodiment, a two-stage sorting operation is executed.
The first distribution operation of the first stage corresponds to the operation of distributing the game ball to the hole 516 or the defined area hole 514 . The second distribution operation of the second stage corresponds to the operation of distributing game balls to one of the three specific regions.

FIG. 26 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the first sorting action in the first stage executed in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30. As shown in FIG. The "game flow" referred to here corresponds to the flow of the game that progresses with the rolling and distribution of game balls.

[F10: Reach route distribution]
When a game ball flows into the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the game ball first reaches the route sorting section 200. - 特許庁

[F11: Route distribution]
The game ball reaching the route distribution unit 200 passes through the inside of the rotating route distribution body 204 or is flipped by the rotating route distribution body 204, and route distribution is performed.

[F12: Normal route]
When the game ball is flipped by the leg of the route allocating body 204, the direction of travel of the game ball changes, so that the game ball enters the normal route hole 208 and is distributed to the normal route.

[F13: Reaching the rotating stage]
The game balls distributed to the normal route are guided along the normal route guideway 212 and enter the rotating stage 510 from the left side of the rotating stage 510 . However, the game ball that has entered the rotary stage 510 may ride on the guide groove 512 of the rotary stage 510 successfully, or may pass through the rotary stage 510 without riding well.

[F14: Special route]
On the other hand, when the game ball successfully passes through between the legs of the root distribution body 204 without being bounced by the legs of the route distribution body 204, the game ball rolls on the projecting part 206, and the game ball rolls. Allotted to a special route.

[F15: Reaching circular stage]
The game ball distributed to the special route is guided to the special route guideway 210 and reaches the circular stage 530. - 特許庁

[F13: Reaching the rotating stage]
The game ball reaching the circular stage 530 rotates inside the circular stage 530 while gradually reducing its rotational speed, and finally falls onto the rotating stage 510 through a drop hole 534 provided in the center of the circular stage 530.例文帳に追加

Here, in the present embodiment, the game ball eventually reaches the rotating stage 510 regardless of whether it passes through the normal route or the special route. Since the ball falls at the center position of , the ball is easily guided by the guide groove 512 , and the ball is easily entered into the defined area hole 514 .

[F16: Determined area passage determination]
In the final stage of the first distribution operation, it is determined whether or not the game ball enters the defined area hole 514 and passes through the defined area. Whether or not the game ball has passed through the fixed area can be determined by a detection signal from the production switch 800. - 特許庁
As a result, when the game ball is finally ejected from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without passing through the fixed area, the game flow ends there, and the ball enters the start winning hole again (F01 in FIG. 26). The game flow is started with the aim of

[F17: Execution of production]
On the other hand, when the game ball enters the defined area hole 514, it is detected that the game ball has passed through the defined area by the effect switch 800, and based on the area passing command indicating that, the effect display device 42 The production of the content that the game ball has passed through the fixed area is executed. This effect is, for example, the content of teaching that "the second distribution operation will be executed from now on", thereby exhibiting the effect of attracting the player's attention to the destination of the game ball. After that, the process proceeds to the second sorting operation in the accessory device.

FIG. 27 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the second sorting action in the second stage executed in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30. As shown in FIG.

[F21: Reaching lift device]
The game ball that has passed through the fixed area is guided by the lifting device guide path 515 and reaches the lifting device 610 .

[F22: Reach the first observatory stage]
The game ball that reaches the lifting device 610 enters the tubular guiding path 611 through the lower opening 610a, is lifted by the screw conveyor 617, is discharged from the central left opening 610b, and reaches the first observatory stage 620.

[F23: First Specific Area Passage Determination]
When the game ball passes through the first specific area as a result of the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620, the first specific area switch 701 detects that the game ball has passed through the first specific area.

[F24: Movable ball entry accessory device activated]
When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the first specific area, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated and a 3-round big win game is executed.

[F25: Pass through special area]
On the other hand, when the game ball does not pass through the first specific area (F23: No), the game ball passes through the special area. Here, when the game ball passes through the special area, the special area switch 901 detects that the game ball has passed through the special area.

[F26: Execution of production]
Based on the detection signal from the special area switch 901, the effect display device 42 executes the effect. This effect is, for example, the content of teaching that "the last sorting operation will be executed from now on", thereby exhibiting the effect of attracting the player's attention to the destination of the game ball.

[F27: Reached lift device]
A game ball that has passed through the special area is guided by a re-entry guideway 613 and reaches the lifting device 610 again.

[F28: Reaching the 2nd Observatory Stage]
The game ball that has reached the raising device 610 again enters the cylindrical guiding path 611 through the central right opening hole 610c, is raised by the screw conveyor 617, is discharged from the upper opening hole 610d, and reaches the second observatory stage 630.

[F29: second specific area passage determination]
When the game ball passes through the second specific area as a result of the sorting operation on the second observatory stage 630, the second specific area switch 702 detects that the game ball has passed through the second specific area.

[F30: Movable entry accessory device activated]
When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the second specific area, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated and a 7-round jackpot game is executed.

[F31: Pass through third specific area]
On the other hand, when the game ball does not pass through the second specific area (F29: No), the game ball passes through the third specific area. Here, when the game ball passes through the third specific area, the third specific area switch 703 detects that the game ball has passed through the third specific area.

[F32: Movable entry accessory device activated]
When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the third specific area, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated and a 16-round big win game is executed.

It should be noted that when the discharge detection switch 900 detects the discharge of all the game balls that have won the movable ball entry device 30 without detecting passage through any of the specific areas, then the movable ball entry accessory is detected. The game flow within device 30 ends.

[Basic control operation]
28 and 29 are timing charts showing changes in various states occurring through the game flow progressing in the movable ball entry accessory device.
Here, FIG. 28 shows an example in which the game ball is discharged without passing through the fixed area as a result of the sorting operation in the movable ball entry device 30 (at the time of loss), and FIG. As a result of the sorting operation in the role device 30, the game ball passes through the fixed area, and then passes through the specific area and is discharged (at the time of winning).

In addition, (A) in each figure shows the variation of the special symbol or stop change, and (B) in each figure shows the operation or non-operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . In each figure, (C) indicates the operation or non-operation of various motors, and (D) in each figure indicates the ON or OFF state of the count switch 84 . 28(E) shows the ON or OFF state of the discharge detection switch 900, and FIG. 29(F) shows the ON or OFF state of the effect switch 800. FIG. Also, (G) in FIG. 29 indicates the ON or OFF state of the specific area switch, and (H) in FIG.

[When lost (distribution failure)]
(A) in FIG. 28: At time t0, the special symbol is in a state of being changed. The variation of the special symbol here is assumed to be the variation of the first special symbol. The variation of the special symbols started before time t0 ends at time t1. When the variation of the special symbols ends at time t1, the special symbols are stopped and displayed from time t1 to time t2. Since the variation here is the variation due to the first special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to "small win 1". In addition, if the variation is due to the second special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to "small win 2".

(B) in FIG. 28: At time t2, when the stop display time of the special symbols has passed, the special symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a small win, and the movable ball entry accessory device 30 moves to the time of the small win. perform the operation of It should be noted that there may be a slight time lag after the stop display of the special symbols ends before the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is activated.

(C) in FIG. 28: Also, at time t2, various motors (main body motor 402) start operating when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 starts operating for a small hit.

(D) in FIG. 28: While the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is in the operating state (between time t2 and time t3), one game ball enters the big winning hole 30b, and is counted. A detection signal is input from the switch 84 to the main control CPU 72 (waveform with parenthesis (1) in the figure).

(E) in FIG. 28: As a result of the sorting operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, when the game ball enters the release hole 516, the game ball is guided to the out passage, and the discharge detection provided in the out passage A detection signal is input from the switch 900 to the main control CPU 72 (waveform with parenthesis (2) in the figure).

(C) in FIG. 28: In this case, the number of game balls entering the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 (number of balls entering) and the number of game balls ejected from the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 (number of ejections) ) match, the game in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 ends. Therefore, the various motors are controlled to be non-operating. When the number of incoming balls and the number of discharged balls do not match, the game in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 can be continued, or a predetermined error process can be performed.

[When hit (successful distribution)]
(A) in FIG. 29: At time t0, the special symbol is in a state of being changed. The variation of the special symbol here is assumed to be the variation of the first special symbol. The variation of the special symbols started before time t0 ends at time t1. When the variation of the special symbols ends at time t1, the special symbols are stopped and displayed from time t1 to time t2. Since the variation here is the variation due to the first special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to "small win 1". In addition, if the variation is due to the second special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to "small win 2".

(B) in FIG. 29: At time t2, when the stop display time of the special symbol has passed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small win, and the movable ball entry accessory device 30 moves to the time of the small win. perform the operation of

(C) in FIG. 29: Also, at time t2, various motors (main body motor 402) start operating when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 starts operating for a small hit.

(D) in FIG. 29: While the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is in the operating state (between time t2 and time t3), one game ball enters the big winning hole 30b, and the count is made. A detection signal is input from the switch 84 to the main control CPU 72 (waveform with parenthesis (1) in the figure). The process up to this point is the same as the flow at the time of loss (at the time of allocation failure).

(F) in FIG. 29: As a result of the sorting operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, when the game ball enters the defined area hole 514, the game ball passes through the defined area. is input to the main control CPU 72 (waveform with (2) in parentheses in the figure).

(G) in FIG. 29: Next, as a result of the sorting operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, when the game ball passes through one of the specific areas, a detection signal is input from the specific area switch to the main control CPU 72 ( Waveforms with (3) in parentheses in the figure). For example, assuming that a game ball passes through the first specific area, a detection signal is input to the main control CPU 72 from the first specific area switch 701 .

(C) in FIG. 29: In this case, the number of game balls entering the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 (the number of entering balls) and the number of game balls passing through the specific area inside the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 Since the number (V winning number) matches, the game in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is terminated. Therefore, the various motors are controlled to be non-operating.

(H) in FIG. 29: Also, at time t4, the lift device guideway solenoid is controlled to the operating state. As a result, the game ball is not guided to the lifting device 610 at the timing after this.

(B) in FIG. 29: Then, when the passage of the game ball is detected by any of the specific area switches, the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 performs the operation for the big win (time t5).

The above is the flow of the game by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, and the progress of the game and the effects associated therewith are controlled by electronic equipment centering on the main control device 70 and the effect control device 124. there is Therefore, the control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be described next.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts reset start processing. The reset start process prepares the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by restoring the game state (so-called power recovery) based on the backup information saved at the time of the previous power shutdown, or by clearing the backup information. This process is for Further, the reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for ensuring stable game operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjustment of the initial state.

30 and 31 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of reset start processing. Each procedure of the processing performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described below.

Step S101: The main control CPU 72 first sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector type interrupt mode (mode 2) and modifies the default RST type interrupt mode (mode 0). As a result, the main control CPU 72 can thereafter refer to any address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute the specified interrupt handler.

Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a reset standby process here. This process secures a certain amount of waiting time (for example, about several thousand milliseconds) at the time of reset start (for example, turning on the power), and checks the main power interruption detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the standby time, it bit-checks the input port of the main power interruption detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power failure detection signal is input from, for example, a power monitor IC, which is a peripheral device. When the input of the main power interruption detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the processing from the beginning. As a result, it is possible to protect the system even if the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly turned on and off within a short period of time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

Step S104: Next, the main control CPU72 permits access to the work area of the RAM76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value of the work area is reset (00H). As a result, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted thereafter.

Step S105: Also, the main control CPU 72 initializes the mask register to set the interrupt mask. Specifically, a value that enables the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the previously saved input signal from the RAM clear switch and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switched ON). If the RAM clear switch has not been operated (No), then step S107 is executed.

Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup was successfully completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, "A55AH") is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

Step S108: The main control CPU72 performs a sum check on the backup information in the RAM76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (user work area including use-prohibited area and stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the sum check result is normal (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, "0000H").
Step S110: Also, the main control CPU 72 clears the command that was waiting for transmission immediately before the previous power failure occurred.

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes effect control return processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 transmits a return command (for example, model designation command, etc.) to the effect control device 124 . In response to this, the production control device 124 can restore the production state (for example, sound output content, light emission state of various lamps, etc.) that was being executed when the power was cut off last time.

Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, the display mode of special symbols, the contents of working memory, various flag states, random number update state, etc.). Also, the main control CPU 72 restores the value of the PC register that was backed up.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is operated when the power is turned on (step S106: Yes), if the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S107: No), or if the backup information is not normal (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the storage contents of the RAM 76 other than the prohibited area. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents thereof are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU72 also initializes the RAM76.

Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 outputs a command (a command necessary for effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after initial setting.

Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes payout control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command to the payout control device 92 to start paying out prize balls.

Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes CTC initial setting processing to initialize the CTC (counter/timer circuit) which is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and also sets an interrupt count value (eg 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, when the next CTC interrupt occurs, the main control CPU 72 can continue processing from the program address of the backed-up PC register.

After executing the above procedure in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 31 (connection symbol A→A).

Steps S118 and S119: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts, and then executes power failure check processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power interruption detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power interruption (drop in supply voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the big winning opening solenoid 90, backs up the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76 except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, Store the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value (for example, "A55AH") in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops processing (NOP). On the other hand, if power shutdown does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. It should be noted that there is a well-known example of programming that causes the CPU to execute such processing when power failure occurs as non-maskable interrupt (NMI) processing.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (for example, jackpot design random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) are generated on the program except for the jackpot determination random numbers (hardware random numbers). It should be noted that the variation pattern determination random number corresponding to the special symbol can be generated as necessary, and if not used, the random number generation process can be omitted. In any case, these software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 33). The initial value of (not all random numbers may be targeted) is changed. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change this initial value, and in step S120, the initial value update random number is updated. It should be noted that the reason why step S120 is executed after prohibiting interrupts in step S118 is that the same processing is executed in another interrupt management processing (step S202 in FIG. 33). ) is to prevent As described above, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number is a hardware random number generated by the random number generator 75, and its update period is faster than the timer interrupt period (for example, several ms) (for example, several μs ), there is no need to update the initial value of the jackpot decision random number.

Steps S121, S122: The main control CPU 72 permits interrupts and executes random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (hit type) among the software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 33). The content of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure check process]
FIG. 32 is a flow chart specifically showing a procedure example of the above-described power failure occurrence check process.
Step S130: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 sets the conditions for checking the occurrence of power failure. This check condition can be set, for example, as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power interruption detection signal is continuously output.

Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power interruption detection switch input port and confirms whether or not the main power interruption detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly shown, a main power disconnection detection switch is mounted, for example, in the main controller 70. This main power disconnection detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power control unit 162, and the voltage level is When the voltage falls below the reference voltage, the main power supply disconnection detection signal is output. Note that the main power disconnection detection switch may be incorporated in the power control unit 162 . When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power interruption detection signal is not output at this time (No), it exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the main power disconnection detection signal has been output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

Step S134: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the above check conditions are satisfied. Specifically, for example, 1 is subtracted from the on-counter value set in the previous step S130, and it is confirmed whether the result is 0 or not. If the on-counter value is still not 0 at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and checks the main power interruption detection switch input port again. Then, when the loop from step S134 to step S132 is repeated and the check condition is satisfied (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S136.

Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output port corresponding to the big winning opening solenoid 90 as described above.

Steps S138, S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76, excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, in 1-byte units, and repeats the addition for all areas until the addition is completed. .
Step S142: When sum calculation is completed for all areas (step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 saves the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores the validity value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.
Step S146: In addition, the main control CPU 72 stores "01H" indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the use prohibited area and stack area) of the RAM 76.
Step S148: Then, the main control CPU 72 enters a standby loop and stops all other processes in preparation for the shutdown of the main power supply. After the main power supply is cut off, backup power is supplied from a backup power supply circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main controller 70). held without. The backup power supply circuit may be built in the power control unit 162, for example.

Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (to be added to the sum) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. In addition, the held memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off after confirming that the checksum is normal in the previous reset start process (FIG. 30).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on an interrupt request signal from the counter/timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S200: First, the main control CPU72 saves the values of the registers (each pair of the accumulator A and the flag register F, and the general-purpose registers B to L) used during the execution of the main loop to the saving area of the RAM76. Another value can be written to the registers (A to L) after saving the values during the interrupt management process.

Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes lottery random number update processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the random number counter area of the RAM 76 and looped within a specified range. Various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers.

Step S202: The main control CPU 72 also executes the initial value update random number update process here. The contents of the processing are the same as those described above.

Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input/output (I/O) port 79 (winning detection information generating means). Specifically, the winning detection signal from the left start winning opening switch 80, the middle starting winning opening switch 81 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, the first specific area switch 701, the second specific area switch 702, and the third specific area switch 703 or the input state (ON/OFF) of the passage detection signal from the production switch 800 is read.

Step S204: Here, the main control CPU 72 executes security management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not an illegal winning has occurred based on the input state (ON/OFF) of the winning detection signal read in the previous input process (step S203). judgment means). Then, when it is determined that an illegal winning has occurred, the main control CPU 72 generates an illegal winning error command and rewrites the bit of the winning detection signal due to illegal winning from ON to OFF. In addition, the main control CPU 72 monitors fraudulent behavior using the magnetic sensor 250 and the vibration sensor 252, and determines whether or not excessive winning has occurred.

Step S206: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, the process is performed based on the signal that is maintained without being erased as an illegal winning. For example, the main control CPU 72 receives a winning detection signal from the left starting winning opening switch 80, the middle starting winning opening switch 81 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, or the first specific area switch 701, the second specific area switch 702 and the third specific area. Based on the passage detection signal from the switch 703 or the performance switch 800, an event that occurred during the game is determined, and further processing is executed according to the event that occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event processing will be described later using another flowchart.

In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the left start winning opening switch 80 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 triggers an internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol (lottery opportunity). It is determined that an event has occurred. Also, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the middle start winning opening switch 81, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers an internal lottery (lottery opportunity) corresponding to the second special symbol has occurred. When determining that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing according to each occurrence event. The main control CPU 72 determines which of the left start winning opening switch 80, the middle starting winning opening switch 81, and the right starting winning opening switch 82 caused the internal lottery trigger (lottery trigger). You may transmit the prize-winning command classified by switch for distinguishing to production|presentation control CPU126.

Step S207: The main control CPU 72 executes a special game management process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically advancing the game in the pachinko machine 1 . In this special game management process, the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the above-mentioned special symbols, and the variable display and stop display by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35. and control the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 according to the display result. Details of the special game management process will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signal input from the various switches 80, 81, 82, 84, 86 in the previous input process (step S203), the number of prize balls is instructed to the payout control device 92. Output command. Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a number-of-balls command for the production control device 124 and stores it in the command buffer.

Step S209: The main control CPU 72 executes motor management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 detects the origin position regarding the rotation of various motors (dividing body motor 213, main body motor 402, conveyor motor 214, etc.), and when outputting drive signals to various motors, The drive signal is stored in the corresponding port output request buffer. The main control CPU 72 generates a drive signal based on the operation pattern corresponding to each motor in this motor management process. Details of the motor management process will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information signals (e.g. winning ball information, door opening information, pattern confirmation number information, jackpot information, starting door information, security error) to the hall computer of the game hall through the external terminal board 160. information, etc.) in the port output request buffer.

In this embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5" are output as jackpot information to the outside, so that an external electronic device (data display It is possible to provide a variety of jackpot information to instruments and hall computers). That is, by dividing the jackpot information into a plurality of "jackpots 1" to "jackpots 5" and outputting them, it is possible to tabulate and manage the types of jackpots (types of wins) from these combinations by a hall computer (not shown). . Also, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each machine is currently jackpotting. Alternatively, it is possible to recognize whether or not the current symbol variation time is shortened for each machine. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls in detail the respective output states (set of ON or OFF) of "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5".

Step S211: Also, the main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its own internal state (eg, special symbol game management state, jackpot, etc.) and stores them in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main control device 70, for example.

Step S212: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting states of the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the like. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer in the previous special game management process (step S207) is port-output. The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode in which a pattern is displayed in a variable manner, a stationary display, or the like). The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S213: Also, the main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S210). In addition, the main control CPU 72 combines the drive signals, test signals, etc. of the big winning opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer and outputs them from the port.

Step S214: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 in the command buffer to check whether there is a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (command necessary for effect control), if there is an unsent command command to be output port output.

Step S215: The main control CPU 72 then clears the port output request buffer stored in this CTC interrupt.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing of steps S207 to S214 (game control program module) is executed as a timer interrupt processing, but these processing are executed by incorporating them into the main loop of the CPU. There are also known programming examples.

Step S216: After completing the above processing, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) designating the end of the interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

Steps S217, S218: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the values of the saved registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. After that, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (the program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of switch input event processing (step S206 in FIG. 33). Each procedure will be described below.

Step S11: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the left starting winning opening switch 80 or the right starting winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. The specific contents of the processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S13.

Step S13: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input from the medium start winning opening switch 81 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S14 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Here, similarly, the specific contents of the processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S15.

Step S15: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening 30b. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the big winning opening counting process. In the big winning hole count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of game balls entering the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S17.

Step S17: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a detection signal has been input from the effect switch 800 corresponding to the fixed area provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . When the input of this detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU72 proceeds to the next step S18 and sets the definite area passage flag to ON. The definite area passing flag is stored in the RAM 76, and when the definite area passing flag is set to ON, it indicates that the game ball has passed through the definite area. It should be noted that the definite area passage flag is set to OFF after the end of the big hit game. On the other hand, if the detection signal has not been input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S19.

Step S19: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether a detection signal has been input from the specific area switch corresponding to each specific area provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30 or not. If the input of this detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and sets the specific area passage flag to ON. When the detection signal is input from the first specific area switch 701, the first specific area passage flag is set to ON, and when the detection signal is input from the second specific area switch 702, the second specific area passage flag is set. is set to ON, and when a detection signal is input from the third specific area switch 703, the third specific area passage flag is set to ON. Further, each specific area passing flag is stored in the RAM 76, and when the specific area passing flag is set to ON, it indicates that the game ball has passed through one of the specific areas. It should be noted that the specific area passage flag is set to OFF after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, if there is no detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 33). In addition, in the switch input event process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of adding the value of the discharge ball number counter according to each detection signal from the discharge detection switch 900 and each specific area switch.

[First special symbol memory processing]
FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol storage process. Hereinafter, the first special symbol storage processing will be described along with the procedure example.

Step S30: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not there is working memory for the special symbol. Confirmation of the presence or absence of working memory is performed for both the first special design and the second special design, and if any special design has working memory, it is determined that there is working memory for the special design. In this embodiment, since two or more working memories are not provided in the special symbol, here, for example, if there is a jackpot determination random number (one) that has already been transferred to the random number storage area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 special It is determined that there is working memory for the design (Yes). If there is already working memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to switch input event processing (FIG. 34). On the other hand, if there is no particular working memory (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S32. In addition, on the structure of the control program, a special symbol working memory number counter (upper limit number 1) may be used here. In this case, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the special symbol working memory number counter, and determines that there is working memory when the working memory number is 1 (Yes). If the number of working memories is not 1 (=0), the main control CPU 72 determines that there is no working memory (No).

Step S32: If it is determined that there is no working memory in the previous step S30 (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 sends the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 to determine the jackpot determination random value corresponding to the first special symbol. to get A random number is obtained by designating the pin address of the random number generator 75 . When the main control CPU 72 has an 8-bit data bus width, address designation is performed in two batches of 1 byte each for the upper and lower bytes. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the designated address, it saves this as the jackpot determination random number at the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area).

Step S33: Next, the main control CPU72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM76. Acquisition of this random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot design random number from the designated address, it saves it as the jackpot design random number corresponding to the first special design at the transfer destination address.

Step S34: In addition, the main control CPU72 acquires, for example, a variation pattern determination random number as a random value relating to the variation condition of the first special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM76. Acquisition of this random number value is similarly performed by designating the address of the variable random number counter area. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves it at the transfer destination address.

Step S36: The main control CPU 72 stores the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot pattern random number, and variation pattern determination random number in the random number storage area (empty at this point) commonly used by the first special symbol and the second special symbol. transfer and store these random numbers as a set.

Step S38: And the main control CPU72 executes the production command output setting process with respect to the first special symbol. This process is for making settings for transmitting a start-up winning sound control command to the effect control device 124, for example.

If the above procedure is finished, or if there is already a special symbol working memory (step S30: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 34).

[Second special symbol memory processing]
FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol storage process. The second special symbol storage process will be described below along with an example procedure.

Step S40: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not there is working memory for the special symbol. Confirmation of the presence or absence of working memory is performed for both the first special design and the second special design, and if any special design has working memory, it is determined that there is working memory for the special design. In this embodiment, since two or more working memories are not provided in the special symbol, here, for example, if there is a jackpot determination random number (one) that has already been transferred to the random number storage area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 special It is determined that there is working memory for the design (Yes). If there is already working memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to switch input event processing (FIG. 34). On the other hand, if there is no particular working memory (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S42.

Step S42: If it is determined that there is no working memory in the previous step S40 (step S40: No), the main control CPU 72 generates a jackpot determined random value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77. to get A random number is obtained by designating the pin address of the random number generator 75 . When the main control CPU 72 has an 8-bit data bus width, address designation is performed in two batches of 1 byte each for the upper and lower bytes. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot decision random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the designated address, it saves it as the jackpot decision random number at the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area).

Step S43: Next, the main control CPU72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM76. Acquisition of this random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot design random number from the designated address, it saves it as the jackpot design random number corresponding to the second special design at the transfer destination address.

Step S44: In addition, the main control CPU72 acquires, for example, a variation pattern determination random number as a random value relating to the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM76. Acquisition of this random number value is similarly performed by designating the address of the variable random number counter area. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves it at the transfer destination address.

Step S46: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot pattern random number and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area (empty at this time) commonly used for the first and second special symbols. and store these random numbers as a set.

Step S48: And the main control CPU72 executes the production command output setting process with respect to the second special symbol. This process is for making settings for transmitting a start-up winning sound control command to the effect control device 124, for example.

If the above procedure is completed, or if there is already a special symbol working memory (step S40: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 34).

[Special game management processing]
Next, the details of the special game management process will be described. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of special game management processing. The special game management process includes special game control module selection process (step S1000), special symbol variation start waiting process (step S1500), special symbol variation process (step S2000), special symbol stop display process (step S2500), role Item device operation start waiting process (step S3000), small win accessory device opening process (step S3500), small winning accessory device closing process (step S4000), small winning accessory device operation end process (step S4500) , Jackpot Accessory Device Operation Start Processing (Step S5000), Jackpot Accessory Device Opening Processing (Step S5500), Jackpot Accessory Device Closing Effective Processing (Step S5550), Jackpot Accessory Device Closing Processing (Step S6000) , jackpot accessory device operation end processing (step S6500), remaining ball error command setting processing (step S7000), and solenoid control processing (step S7500). Here, first, the basic flow of the special game management process will be explained along with each process.

Step S1000: In the special game control module selection process, the main control CPU72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S1500 to S6500). For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the program address of the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) in the "jump table" as the return destination address. . Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the special symbol has not yet started variable display, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation start waiting process (step S1500) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation start waiting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation process (step S2000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol variation process has been completed, As the next jump destination, the process during special symbol stop display (step S2500) is selected. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified in the "jump table" to select the process. There are also known programming examples in which the CPU selects which process to execute next.

In addition, when the main control CPU 72 selects the next jump destination as described above, the progress of processing up to the present is represented by the value of the "special game management status". For example, if the special symbol has not yet started variable display, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" up to now as "00H". On the other hand, if the special symbol fluctuation start waiting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" up to the present to "01H", and if the special symbol fluctuation process has been completed. , the value of the current "special game management status" is set to "02H". The setting of the value of such "special game management status" will be further described later. In any case, the main control CPU72 refers to the value of "special game management status" in the special game control module selection process, and selects the process to jump to at that time (any of steps S1500 to S6500) can be done.

It should be noted that the selection as the jump destination in the special game control module selection process (step S1000), steps S1500 ~ step S6500 as described above, remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) and solenoid control process ( Step S7500) is executed at each interrupt.

Step S1500: When the value of "special game management status" is "00H" as described above, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol variation start waiting process in the special game management process. In this special symbol variation start waiting process, the main control CPU 72 performs the work of preparing the conditions for starting the special symbol variation display. For example, when the main control CPU 72 does not have a special symbol working memory number, it saves the memory of the winning determination random number and the winning symbol random number of the special symbol in the common storage area. In addition, the main control CPU 72 compares the hit determination random number stored in the common storage area with the hit value to determine the hit. In addition, in this embodiment, since the hit probability of the special symbol lottery (so-called small hit probability) is 1, the hit determination at this time is a confirmation process. The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S2000: When the value of "special game management status" is "01H", the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol changing process in the special game management process. In this special symbol variation process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1-byte data) is output to each segment and dot (Nos. 0 to 7) of two 7-segment LEDs. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, and thereby the variable display of the special symbols is performed. After that, when the count of the variable timer reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "02H".

Step S2500: When the value of "special game management status" is updated to "02H", the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol stop display process in the special game management process. In this special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the stop display timer. Similarly here, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each segment and dot of the two 7-segment LEDs, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, so that the special symbol is stopped and displayed. It should be noted that the stop display mode of the special symbols at this time corresponds to the winning type determined in the previous special symbol variation start waiting process. After that, when the count of the stop display timer reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "03H".

Step S3000: When the value of "special game management status" is updated to "03H", the main control CPU 72 executes the accessory device activation start waiting process in the special game management process. In this role product operation start waiting process, the main control CPU 72 counts down the big winning opening start timer as a special game timer. The count time of the timer for opening the large winning opening is based on the performance time (for example, several seconds) necessary to make the player aware of the opening start of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (large winning opening). is set. After that, when the count of the timer for opening the big winning opening becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "04H".

Step S3500: When the value of "special game management status" is updated to "04H", the main control CPU 72 executes a small winning accessory device opening process in the special game management process. In this small hit accessory device opening process, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . Specifically, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of game balls winning from the large winning opening 30 b while counting the large winning opening initial opening timer, and sets the drive signal for the large winning opening solenoid 90 . Thereby, the operation of opening and closing the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is performed. Also, when closing after opening the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the main control CPU72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "05H". In addition, details of the accessory device opening process at the time of a small hit will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S4000: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "05H", the main control CPU 72 executes the small winning accessory device closing process in the special game management process. In this small hit accessory device closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes various internal processes associated with the closing of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . The various internal processes include, for example, a process of confirming the completion of discharge of the winning game ball when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened, and a process of confirming whether or not the game ball has passed through a specific area. When ending these processes, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of "special game management status" to "06H". The details of the jackpot accessory device closing process will be described later using another flowchart.

In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets a value (01H) to the big hit flag and issues a big hit type command when it detects that the game ball has passed through one of the specific areas in this small hit accessory device closing process. set. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a jackpot type command containing information such as a 3rd round jackpot, a 7th round jackpot, a 16th round jackpot, etc., according to the type of specific area passed through. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33).

Step S4500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "06H", the main control CPU72 executes a small hit accessory device operation end process in the special game management process. In this small hit accessory device operation end processing, the main control CPU 72 executes various internal processes associated with the end of the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 . Various internal processes include, for example, a process of confirming the passage of an ending time for determining the end of the operation of the movable entrance accessory device 30, and setting a jackpot state transition command. When setting the jackpot state transition command here, the main control CPU72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "07H". On the other hand, if the big hit state transition command is not set, the main control CPU 72 returns the "special game management status" to the initial value "00H". In addition, the details of the accessory device operation end processing at the time of a small hit will also be described later using another flowchart.

Step S5000: The jackpot-time accessory device operation start process is executed when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "07H" in the previous small-win role product device operation end process. In this jackpot time accessory device activation start process, the main control CPU 72 executes pre-processing when operating the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 again. That is, the main control CPU 72 counts down the jackpot start waiting time timer as a special game timer, and when the count of the timer reaches 0, the operating conditions of the movable ball access device 30 (the number of execution rounds, the opening time for each round and number of openings, interval time, etc.). Also, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "08H". Thereafter, during the jackpot game, the value of the "special game management status" is updated from "08H" to "0BH" according to the progress of the game, and steps S5500 to S6500 are executed according to the value at that time. become. Further, details of the process for starting operation of the jackpot accessory device will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S5500: When the value of "special game management status" is updated to "08H", the main control CPU 72 executes jackpot time accessory device opening processing. In this jackpot accessory device opening process, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening and closing operation of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 . As a result, one round of the jackpot game is executed. When one round of the jackpot game ends and the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is closed, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "09H". The details of the jackpot time accessory device opening process will also be described later using another flowchart.

Step S5550: When the value of "special game management status" is updated to "09H", the main control CPU 72 executes the next jackpot accessory device closing valid process. In this jackpot accessory device closing valid process, the main control CPU 72 counts down the big winning opening closing valid time timer, and when the count of the timer reaches 0, the value of "special game management status" is updated to "0AH". do. This process is executed to adjust the time required for the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 to be opened and closed.

Step S6000: When the value of "special game management status" is updated to "0AH", the main control CPU 72 executes the next jackpot accessory device closing process. In this jackpot accessory device closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes internal processing associated with completion of closing of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 . In this internal processing, the main control CPU 72 checks the number of rounds executed so far, and if the number of rounds executed has not reached the set number of rounds (number of consecutive operations), the value of "special game management status" is set to " 08H”. In this case, in the next special game control module selection process (step S1000), the previous jackpot time accessory device opening process (step S5500) will be selected again. On the other hand, when the number of already executed rounds reaches the set number of rounds, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of "special game management status" to "0BH". Details of the jackpot accessory device closing process will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S6500: When the value of "special game management status" is updated to "0BH", the main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot accessory device operation ending process. In this jackpot accessory device operation end processing, the main control CPU 72 counts down the jackpot ending time timer. When the count of the timer reaches 0, the "special game management status" is returned to the initial value "00H" (steps S5000 to S6500: special game executing means). As a result, after that, the special symbol can be changed (or the working memory number can be added). The details of the process for terminating the operation of the accessory device at the time of a big hit will also be described later using another flowchart.

Also, the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure regardless of the value of the "special game management status".
Step S7000: The main control CPU 72 executes a remaining ball error command setting process. In this remaining ball error command setting process, the main control CPU 72 monitors the ball shortage error after the operation of the movable ball entrance accessory device 30 is completed, and sets a notification command for the ball shortage error. For example, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls counted during the period from when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "04H" until it is next updated to "05H", and the number of winning balls counted within the discharge time. Check if the number of discharge balls matches. Also, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls counted during the period from when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "08H" until it is next updated to "09H", and Check if the counted number of discharge balls matches. As a result, when the number of winning balls and the number of discharged balls match, the discharged ball shortage flag is reset (00H), and this processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the two do not match, the main control CPU 72 sets the ball shortage flag (01H) and sets the ball shortage error state command. The ejection ball shortage error state command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33).

Step S7500: The main control CPU 72 executes solenoid control processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the operating state (ON or OFF) of the lifter guideway solenoid 95 . In addition, the main control CPU 72 can execute the discharge process during the jackpot game especially in this process. Details of the solenoid control process will be described later using another flowchart.

[Special game progress]
FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a list of the values of the "special game management status" that change with the execution of the special game management process, and the state of progress of the special game corresponding to each value. In this embodiment, a special game (a game corresponding to a special symbol) is started with, for example, (1) "special symbol variation waiting state" as an initial state. From there, when the game ball enters one of the left start winning opening 26, the middle starting winning opening 28, or the right starting winning opening 27, the progress of the special game is triggered by the following (2) " transition to special symbol fluctuation display state”, further through (3) “special symbol stop symbol display state”, proceed to (4) “small win accessory device operation start production state”, and (5) “small (6) "closed state after opening accessory device during small win", (7) "state during production of completion of accessory device operation during small win".

At this time, when passage through the specific area (V winning) does not occur in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (accessory device), the progress of the special game returns to (1) "special symbol variation waiting state". , and it repeats from there. On the other hand, when passing through the specific area (V winning) occurs in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 (accessory device) after (5) “small hit accessory device open state”, the progress of the special game is ( 8) Transition to the state during the performance of starting the big win, and from there, (9) "Opening and closing state of the accessory device at the time of the big win", (10) "Closed state after opening the accessory device at the time of the big win", (11) "The role at the time of the big win" state during object device closing time", and (12) transition to "state during jackpot ending effect". Then, when (12) "big win ending effect in progress state" is completed, the state of progress of the special game returns to (1) "special symbol variation waiting state" and repeats from there. More specific description will be given below.

(1) "Special symbol change waiting state"
At the beginning of the game by the pachinko machine 1, the state of progress of the special game is (1) "special symbol variation waiting state". This state means that the conditions for starting the special symbols are satisfied. For example, when the special symbols are not fluctuating and the last variable display is performed, the stop display of the special symbols has already been determined. In this state, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of "special game management status" to "00H", and the special symbol variation start waiting process (step S1500) is selected in the special game management process.

(2) "Special symbol fluctuation display state"
In the above (1) "special symbol variation waiting state", when a game ball enters any one of the left start winning opening 26, the middle starting winning opening 28, or the right starting winning opening 27, the special symbol changes. The display is started and the progress status transitions to (2) "special symbol variation display state". This state means that the special symbols are being variably displayed in the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 . During this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "01H", and the special symbol changing process (step S2000) is selected in the special game management process.

(3) "Special symbol stop symbol display state"
When the special symbol variation time passes and the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the progress status changes to (3) "special symbol stop symbol display state". This state means that the special symbols are stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 . During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "02H", and the special symbol stop display process (step S2500) is selected in the special game management process.

(4) "At the time of a small hit, the accessory device is activated and is being produced"
When the stop display of the special symbols is determined by the lapse of the stop display time of the special symbols, the progress status transitions to (4) "state during performance of start of accessory device operation at the time of small win". This state means waiting for the start of operation of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 triggered by the winning of a special symbol (corresponding to a small win). During this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "03H", and in the special game management process, the accessory device activation start waiting process (step S3000) is selected.

(5) "Accessory device open state at the time of small hit"
When the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 operates, the state of progress transitions to (5) “small hit accessory device open state”. This state means that the big winning opening 30b is being opened as the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "04H", and in the special game management process, the accessory device opening process (step S3500) at the time of the small hit is selected. In addition, the main control CPU 72 starts driving control of the motor in the motor management process (step S209 in FIG. 33) triggered by the update of the value of the "special game management status" to "04H".

(6) "Closed state after opening accessory device at the time of small hit"
When the big winning opening 30b is closed, the state of progress shifts to (6) "closed state after opening accessory device at small win". This state means that the big winning opening 30b in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is being closed. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "05H", and in the special game management process, the accessory device closing process (step S4000) at the time of the small hit is selected.

(7) "At the time of a small hit, the accessory device operation end effecting state"
After the big winning opening 30b is closed, the state of progress shifts to (7) "state during production of completion of accessory device operation at the time of small win". This state means that the game using the action of distributing game balls in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is finished. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "06H", and in the special game management process, the accessory device activation end process (step S4500) at the time of the small hit is selected. It should be noted that, if the passing of the specific area (V winning) does not occur within the movable ball entrance accessory device 30, the progress returns to (1) "special symbol variation waiting state".

(8) "A state during the jackpot start production"
When passing through the specific area (V winning) occurs in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, the progress status transitions to (8) "state during big hit start production". This state means that it is a waiting period for starting the operation of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 again. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "07H", and in the special game management process, the jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5000) is selected.

(9) "At the time of jackpot, accessory device opening and closing operation state"
When the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 starts operating again, the state of progress transitions to (9) "state during jackpot accessory device opening/closing operation". This state means that the big winning opening 30b is being opened. During this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "08H", and in the special game management process, the jackpot accessory device opening process (step S5500) is selected.

(10) "Closed state after opening accessory device at jackpot"
When the big winning opening is closed by the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the progress transitions to (10) "closed state after opening accessory device at the time of big hit". This state means a state immediately after the big prize opening is closed with the end of the round. At this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "09H", and in the special game management process, the jackpot accessory device closing valid process (step S5550) is selected.

(11) “During the closing time state of the accessory device at the time of the jackpot”
After the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is closed, the state of progress transitions to (11) "during jackpot accessory device closing time state". This state means that it is in a standby state (inter-round interval) after the end of the round. At this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "0AH", and in the special game management process, the jackpot accessory device closing process (step S6000) is selected. If all the rounds during the big win have not been completed, the state of progress after this returns to (9) "state during opening and closing of the accessory device at the time of the big win".

(12) "Big hit ending production state"
When the standby time after the end of the final round of the big win has elapsed, the state of progress transitions to (12) "state during the ending effect of the big win". This state means that it is in a jackpot ending production state. At this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "0BH", and in the special game management process, the jackpot accessory device activation end process (step S6500) is selected.

As described above, in the special game management process (FIG. 37), the main control CPU72 changes the value of the "special game management status" to "00H" to "0BH" according to the change in the progress of the special game, A special game control module can be selected according to the progress of the time. Also, when the value of the special game management status is updated, the main control CPU 72 generates a special game management status command reflecting the value. The special game management status command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33).

[Special symbol fluctuation start waiting process]
FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of special symbol variation start waiting processing. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S2100: First, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (greater than 0). This confirmation can be performed by referring to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76 . When the working memory numbers of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the demonstration setting process of step S2502.

Step S2502: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a customer waiting specification command. The customer waiting designation command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33). When the demonstration setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (same hereafter).

On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2300.

Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes big hit determination processing (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first reads the lottery random numbers (big hit decision random numbers, big hit pattern random numbers) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 . The read random number is stored, for example, in another temporary storage area, and the working memory is erased (consumed) from the random number storage area. Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of jackpot values and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range. Then, if the random number value read at this time is included in the range of the jackpot value, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400. Here, when providing a hit (so-called direct hit, direct hit) in which a big hit game is directly executed triggered by the entry of a ball into each start winning opening, this processing is required, but the direct hit must be set. This processing may be omitted.

If the big hit flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 next sets a range of small hit values in the same big hit determination process, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range. The "minor win" referred to here is anything other than non-winning (lose), but has a different nature from the "big win". In other words, the "big win" causes a big win game, but the "minor win" does not generate such an opportunity. However, the "minor win" is positioned as satisfying the conditions for operating the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, like the "big win". Then, if the read random value is included in the range of the small hit value, the main control CPU72 sets the small hit flag, and then proceeds to step S2400.

Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the big hit flag has been set to the value (01H) in the previous big hit determination process. If the jackpot flag is not set to the value (01H) (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

Step S2402: The main control CPU72 determines whether or not the value (01H) has been set to the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the small hit flag is not set to the value (01H) (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2404. However, since the small hit probability is set to 1 in this embodiment, the following steps S2404 and S2405 are not executed. However, if the small hit probability is set to "substantially 1" rather than exactly 1, there is a rare case of non-winning, so the following steps S2404 and S2405 are executed.

Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes stop symbol determination processing when losing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of loss by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 . Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (when lost) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 . These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33).

In addition, in this embodiment, since 7-segment LEDs are used for the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of loss is one segment (center bar "-") can be displayed only, and the stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H). In this case, the storage capacity used on the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes fluctuation pattern determination processing at the time of deviation. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern number at the time of loss for the special symbol. The variation pattern number distinguishes the type (pattern) of the variation display of the special symbol, or corresponds to the variation time required for the variation display. Variation patterns include various variation patterns with different variation times (same applies to big wins and small wins). Information about the variation pattern of the selected special symbol is transmitted to the effect control device as a variation pattern command. It should be noted that the stop display time of the symbol at the time of loss is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variable time (at the time of loss) to the variable timer, and also sets the value of the stop display time at the time of loss to the stop symbol display timer.

The above steps S2404 and S2405 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is lost (other than non-winning), but when the determination result is a big hit (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes) , the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of a big hit will be described.

Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the current winning symbol (stop symbol number at the time of the big hit) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the big hit symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in a special symbol determination data table (winning type defining means). Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can refer to the big-hit stop symbol selection table in the big-hit stop symbol determination process, and can determine the type of the winning symbol based on the big-hit symbol random number from the stored contents.

Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit variation pattern determination process. In this process, the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variable time to the variable timer, and also sets the value of the stop display time to the stop symbol display timer. As for the variation time of the special symbol, a variation pattern having a constant variation time may be fixed and selected. Variation patterns with time may be selectively determined.

Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes other setting processing at the time of the big hit. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the jackpot stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of the big hit) together with the stop symbol command (at the time of the big hit). These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also sent to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Next, processing at the time of a small hit will be described.
Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes small hit stop symbol determination processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol at the time of the small win (stop symbol number at the time of the small win) based on the big hit symbol random number. Here, similarly, the relationship between the big hit symbol random number and the type of the winning symbol at the time of the small win is defined in advance in the special symbol selection table at the time of the small win (winning type defining means). In the present embodiment, the jackpot symbol random number is used to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72 to determine the winning symbol at the time of the small hit, but a dedicated random number may be used separately.

Here, in this embodiment, two types of "small win 1" and "small win 2" are provided as special symbol winning types, and the main control CPU 72 determines which winning type corresponds. Specifically, if the lottery is based on the first special symbol, it is determined that it corresponds to "small win 1", and if it is a lottery based on the second special symbol, it corresponds to "small win 2". decide. It should be noted that the number of openings of the movable piece 30a of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is determined based on the hit-time stop symbol (“small win 1” or “small win 2”) determined here.

However, in this embodiment, winning in the special symbol lottery is not a big win as it is, but is only an opening opportunity (=small win) of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and in order to actually proceed to a big win, (movable ball entry again In order to open the accessory device 30 ), it is necessary to let the game ball pass through any specific area within the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 .

[Election design at the time of small hit]
In the present embodiment, two types of symbols are prepared as winning symbols at the time of a small win. 2”.

[First special symbol stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the first special symbol stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU 72 refers to this table to determine the type of winning symbol when the lottery result of this time corresponds to the first special symbol.

In the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, the distribution value for each winning symbol is shown in the left column, and the distribution value "100" corresponds to the ratio when the denominator is 100. In addition, the second column from the left shows the "small winning symbol 1" corresponding to the distribution value. That is, at the time of winning corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio of selecting "small winning symbol 1" is 100/100 (=100%). Therefore, when winning the first special symbol, the "small winning symbol 1" will be selected at a rate of 100%.

When the result of the current jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selectively selects the winning symbol at the selection ratio shown in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table. decide. In the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, as shown in the third column from the left, 2-byte command data, for example, is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning. The stop symbol command is described by, for example, a combination of MODE value and EVENT value, among which the MODE value "B1H" in the upper byte indicates that the current winning symbol was selected when the first special symbol was won. represents. Also, the EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte indicates the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table. Therefore, when the result of this win corresponds to the first special symbol and "small win symbol 1" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described as "B1H01H". become.

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects a winning symbol from the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, it generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124, for example, in the above effect control output process. In addition, the main control CPU 72 determines a small hit stop symbol number for the first special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Second special symbol stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 41 is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the second special symbol stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU 72 refers to this table to determine the type of winning symbol when the lottery result of this time corresponds to the second special symbol.

Also in the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, the distribution value for each winning symbol is shown in the left column, and the distribution value "100" corresponds to the ratio when the denominator is 100. Similarly, the second column from the left shows the "small winning symbol 2" corresponding to the distribution value. That is, at the time of winning corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of selecting "small winning symbol 2" is 100/100 (=100%). Therefore, for the second special symbol, the "small winning symbol 2" will be selected at a rate of 100% at the time of winning.

When the current lottery result corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selectively determines the winning symbol at the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol stop symbol selection table. do. Similarly, in the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, as shown in the third column from the left, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning. Here too, the stop symbol command is described as a combination of the above MODE value and EVENT value, of which the upper byte MODE value "B2H" was selected when the current winning symbol was a second special symbol hit. It means that it is something. Also, the EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte represents the type of winning symbol corresponding in the selection table. For this reason, for example, if the result of the small hit this time corresponds to the second special pattern and "small hit pattern 2" is selected as the winning pattern, the stop pattern command will be described as "B2H01H". Become.

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects a winning symbol from the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, it generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124, for example, in the above effect control output process. In addition, the main control CPU 72 determines the small hit stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[See FIG. 39: Special Symbol Variation Start Waiting Process]
Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number (variation pattern determination means, variation time determination means). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variable time to the variable timer, and sets the value of the stop display time to the stop symbol display timer.

Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes other setting processing at the time of a small hit. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop design (small hit design) by the first special design display device 34 or the second special design display device 35 based on the small hit stop design number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 . These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also sent to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects variation pattern data based on the variation pattern number (when lost/when hit). In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol fluctuation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 . The main control CPU 72 then generates a variation start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 . This fluctuation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the above effect control output process. After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "01H" and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Accessory device opening process at the time of small hit]
FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the small winning accessory device opening process (step S3500 in FIG. 37). As described above, in the small winning accessory device opening process, the special symbols are variably displayed in the special game management process. It is executed through the countdown of the big winning opening opening start timer by the object device operation start waiting process (step S3000 in FIG. 37). In this case, the value of "special game management status" is updated to "04H". An example procedure will be described below.

Step S3501: First, the main control CPU 72 sets the big winning opening solenoid ON flag in the accessory device opening process at the time of a small hit. This flag is stored in a flag set area of the RAM 76, for example.

Step S3502: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the winning ball number counter to the movable ball entering accessory device 30 (big winning hole 30 b ) based on the winning detection signal from the count switch 84 . The value of the winning ball number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example. In addition, in the switch input event processing, the main control CPU 72 also confirms each detection signal from the discharge detection switch 900 and each specific area switch. When this module is called for the first time, the big winning hole solenoid 90 is inactive and the big winning hole 30b is not yet opened, so the winning balls counter is not incremented for the first time.

Step S3504: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the winning ball number counter has reached the maximum number (for example, 5). As described above, the counter is not incremented when this module is called for the first time (No), so the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S3506.

Step S3506: In this case, an initial opening timer countdown process is executed. If this module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the initial opening timer to an initial value (for example, 1 second). Also, when calling after the first time, the main control CPU72 decrements the value of the initial opening timer that has already been set.

Step S3508: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the time to open the big winning opening for the first time has ended. If the value of the initial opening timer is greater than 0 (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S3514.

Step S3514: In this case, the main control CPU 72 reads the large winning opening solenoid ON flag from the flag set area of the RAM 76, and sets "operation (ON)" as the control signal for the large winning opening solenoid 90 based on the value. As a result, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is energized to open the large winning opening 30b.

Then, when this module is called from the next time onwards and a prize is actually awarded to the big prize winning port 30b, the value of the winning ball number counter is incremented in the switch input event processing (step S3502).

If the value of the winning ball number counter reaches the maximum number (step S3504: Yes) or if the value of the first opening timer becomes 0 (step S3508: Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S3509.

Step S3509: In this case, the main control CPU72 sets the big winning opening solenoid OFF flag. As a result, the ON flag set in the flag set area of the RAM 76 is rewritten to the OFF flag.

Step S3510: And the main control CPU72 sets the value of "special game management status" to "05H". As a result, this module will not be called from the next time onwards, and the progress of the special game will proceed to the next stage. However, if the lottery with the second special symbol results in a "small win 2", the big winning opening 30b will be opened twice, so the main control CPU 72 again sets the value of the "special game management status" to " 04H”. As a result, a series of processes in this module are executed again.

Step S3512: Also, the main control CPU 72 sets a accessory device closing command. This command is for notifying the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) of the closing of the movable entering accessory device 30. The command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33).

Step S 3514 : The main control CPU 72 sets “non-operating (OFF)” as the control signal for the large winning opening solenoid 90 based on the value of the large winning opening solenoid OFF flag set in the flag set area of the RAM 76 . As a result, the magnetization of the large winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped and the large winning opening 30b is closed.

After executing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the program address of the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000). Also, as described above, since the value of "special game management status" is updated to "05H" after this, this module will not be called for the time being (until the next special symbol variation).

[Closing processing of accessories device at the time of small hit]
Next, FIG. 43 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the jackpot accessory device closing process (step S4000 in FIG. 37). As described above, the small winning accessory device closing process is executed when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "05H". An example procedure will be described below.

Step S4002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 mainly confirms the detection signal from the ejection detection switch 900 and adds the value of the ejection ball number counter. The value of the discharged ball number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example. Also, the main control CPU 72 confirms the presence or absence of passage detection signals from the first specific area switch 701, the second specific area switch 702, and the third specific area switch 703 in this process. When the passage detection signal is input within the effective time of each specific area switch, the main control CPU 72 sets the value (01H) of the jackpot flag here.

In addition, when the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the big hit flag (01H), it also sets the value of the big hit type status. Specifically, when the passage detection signal is input from the first specific area switch 701, the jackpot type status is set to "01H", and when the passage detection signal is input from the second specific area switch 702, the jackpot type When the status is set to "02H" and the passage detection signal is input from the third specific area switch 703, the jackpot type status is set to "03H". In addition, when the value of the jackpot type status is set, the main control CPU 72 generates a jackpot type command reflecting the value. The jackpot type command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33). In response to this, the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) can control the execution of the effect at the time of the big hit.

Step S4014: The main control CPU 72 executes remaining ball discharge check processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 compares the value of the winning ball number counter and the value of the discharged ball number counter. The value of the discharged ball number counter includes the total number of game balls detected by the discharge detection switch 900 as well as the number of game balls detected by each specific area switch.

Step S4016: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the discharge of the effective ball is completed based on the above comparison result. That is, if the value of the discharged ball number counter is smaller than the value of the winning ball number counter, the main control CPU 72 determines that the effective balls have not yet been discharged (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 terminates this module and returns to the special game management process. On the other hand, if the value of the counter for the number of discharged balls is not smaller than the value of the counter for the number of winning balls (if the two match), the main control CPU 72 determines that the discharge of effective balls is completed (Yes), and proceeds to the next step. Proceed to S4028.

Step S4028: Here, the main control CPU72 sets the value of "special game management status" to "06H". As a result, the accessory game is temporarily ended on condition that the number of regular winning balls and the number of discharged balls match (step S4016: Yes).

Step S4030: Also, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the big hit flag value (01H) is set. Especially if the value of the jackpot flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4032.

Step S4032: In this case, the main control CPU72 sets a big hit state designation command. After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process.

[Processing for ending accessory device operation at the time of a small hit]
Next, FIG. 44 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the accessory device operation end processing at the time of a small hit (step S4500 in FIG. 37). As described above, the small winning accessory device operation ending process is executed when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "06H". An example procedure will be described below.

Step S4502: The main control CPU 72 executes ending time timer countdown processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value to the ending time timer, and then counts down the timer (each time this module is called) as time elapses. In addition, the display unit of the effect display device 42 performs an ending effect for ending the game flow in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 using the "ending time".

Step S4504: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the ending time has expired. Specifically, if the value of the ending time timer has not yet reached 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ending time has not expired (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 terminates this module and returns to the special game management process.

After that, when the value of the ending time timer becomes 0 with the passage of time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ending time has expired (Yes), and executes step S4506 and subsequent steps.

Step S4506: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value (01H) of the jackpot state designation command is set. Especially when the value of the jackpot state designation command is not set (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S4512. On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot state designation command is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4508.

Step S4508: In this case, the main control CPU72 sets a big hit state transition command.

If the value of the jackpot state designation command is not set (step S4506: No), or if the value of the jackpot state designation command is set (step S4506: Yes) and step S4508 is executed, the main control CPU72 steps Execute S4512.

Step S4512: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets the ending time end command. This ending time end command is for notifying the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) that the game flow in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 at the time of the small hit has ended. The ending time end command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33).

Step S4514: And the main control CPU72 sets the value of "special game management status" based on the value of the jackpot state transition command. That is, here, the result differs depending on whether or not the value (01H) of the jackpot state transition command is set. Specifically, when the jackpot state transition command is set in the previous step S4508, the main control CPU72 sets (updates) the value of "special game management status" to "07H". In this case, as described above, in the special game management process, the jackpot time accessory device activation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 37) is executed.

On the other hand, if step S4508 is not executed (no jackpot state transition command is set), the main control CPU72 returns the value of "special game management status" to "00H". In this case, the special symbol variation start waiting process (step S1500 in FIG. 37) is executed without selecting the jackpot accessory device activation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 37) in the subsequent special game management process. become. In any case, when the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process.

[Processing for starting operation of accessory device at the time of jackpot]
FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the jackpot accessory device activation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 37). Hereinafter, processing when a jackpot state transition command is set (when the value of "special game management status" is updated to "07H") will be described.

Step S5002: First, the main control CPU72 executes a jackpot start waiting time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the initial value to the jackpot start waiting time timer, and then counts down the timer (each time this module is called) with the passage of time. The initial value of the big win start waiting time timer is set as a waiting time (for example, about several seconds) from the end of the operation of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 at the time of the small win until the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is operated again. . Also, in the display section of the display device 42 for effect, the effect before the start of the big win game, for example, is performed using this "waiting time for starting the big win".

Step S5004: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the waiting time for starting the big hit has elapsed. That is, if the value of the jackpot start waiting time timer has not yet become 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the jackpot start waiting time has not elapsed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 terminates this module and returns to the special game management process.

After that, when the value of the jackpot start waiting time timer becomes 0 with the passage of time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the jackpot start waiting time has passed (Yes), and executes step S5006 and subsequent steps.

Step S5006: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds. In this embodiment, the number of execution rounds (the number of consecutive operations) to be set is three types of "3 rounds", "7 rounds", and "16 rounds". You can set the number of execution rounds by checking the type status. However, as described above, the first opening of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 (movement of a small win) corresponds to the first round. Therefore, here, the remaining number of rounds to be executed is set to either "2 rounds", "6 rounds" or "15 rounds". The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76 as a corresponding value on the program (for example, "14" for 15 times).

Step S5008: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an opening timer for the big hit. The value of the timer set here is the opening time per operation when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated. In this embodiment, a total opening time for one round (for example, about 29.0 seconds) is set as the value of the opening timer at the time of a big hit. With this degree of open time, a sufficient number (for example, about nine) of game balls can be entered into the big winning opening during that time.

Step S5010: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot time interval timer (big win opening closing time timer). The value of the timer set here is the standby time between rounds during the big win or the standby time at the end of the final round. Note that the value of the timer is set to about 2 to 3 seconds, for example.

Step S5012: And the main control CPU72 updates the value of "special game management status" to "08H" and returns to the special game management process.

[Opening process for accessory device at the time of jackpot]
FIG. 46 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the jackpot accessary product device opening process (step S5500 in FIG. 37). When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "08H" in the previous jackpot time role product device operation start processing (step S5012 in FIG. 45), the jackpot time role device device release processing is executed thereafter. . This processing is mainly for controlling the opening/closing operation of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 as an operation during a big hit game (special game). An example procedure will be described below.

Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 opens the big winning opening 30b. Specifically, it outputs a driving signal to be applied to the big winning opening solenoid 90 . As a result, the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 operates to shift from the closed state to the open state.

Step S5504: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes open timer countdown processing. In this process, the countdown of the opening timer set in the previous big hit accessory device operation start process (step S5008 in FIG. 45) is executed.

Step S5506: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether the value of the open timer after the countdown process is 0 or less, and if the value of the open timer has not become 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 next step S5508 to run.

Step S5508: The main control CPU 72 executes winning ball count processing. In this process, the number of game balls that have entered the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (the large winning opening 30b that is open) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the value of the count based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 within the open time.

Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (9). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per opening (one round during a big win, one time during a small win) as described above. If the count number has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, the jump destination is set to the jackpot time accessory device opening process at this stage, so the main control CPU 72 repeats the above steps S5502 to S5510.

When it is determined that the opening time has ended in step S5506 (Yes), or when it is confirmed that the count number has reached a predetermined number in step S5510 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5512.

Step S5512: The main control CPU 72 closes the big winning opening 30b. Specifically, the output of the driving signal applied to the big winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

Step S5514: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the jackpot time accessory device operation start process (step S5010 in FIG. 45). When the interval timer value becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5518. Although not particularly shown here, until the interval time elapses (until the interval timer value becomes 0), the main control CPU 72 calls from step S5514 for each interrupt special game management processing return to the end address of Then, when the jackpot accessary product device opening process is executed in the next call, step S5514 is executed directly instead of from the top step S5502.

Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening number counter. The value of the open number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example.

Step S5520: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the open number counter after increment has reached the number set in the current round. Here, the reason why ``the number of times set in the current round'' is determined is to correspond to the opening pattern of ``opening the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 multiple times in one round during the big win''. is. In this embodiment, since the opening pattern of opening 18 times in one round is adopted, the "number of times set in the current round" is set to 18 times in each round. Then, when the value of the open number counter after incrementing reaches the set number (for example, "18") (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5522 next.

In addition, when the counter value has not yet reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (step S5520: No), the main control CPU72 returns to the special game management process, and at the present stage, the jump destination is a jackpot accessory device. Since the operation start process is set, the above steps S5502 to S5520 are repeated. As a result, in step S5518, the open number counter is incremented, and when the counter value reaches the set number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5522.

Step S5522: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the special game management status to "09H" and returns to the special game management process. Therefore, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the special game management process, the next jackpot accessory device closing valid process (step S5550 in FIG. 37) will be selected as the jump destination.

Although not particularly shown, the jackpot accessory device closing effective processing as described above is executed to adjust the time from opening to closing of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 . In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of "special game management status" to "0AH" and returns to the special game management process. Then, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the special game management process, the next jackpot accessory device closing process (step S6000 in FIG. 37) is selected as the jump destination.

[Processing for closing accessory device at the time of jackpot]
FIG. 47 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of closing processing of the accessory device at the time of a big hit. This jackpot accessory device closing process is for adjusting the internal state before moving to the next operation after the closing effective time of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 has passed as described above. A specific description will be given below.

Step S6002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes a big winning opening closing time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU72 counts down the interval timer (big winning opening closing time timer) set in the previous big winning accessory device operation start process (step S5010 in FIG. 45).

Step S6004: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the closing time (interval time) has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether the value of the interval timer at the time of the big hit after the countdown process is 0 or less, and if the value of the timer is not 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 hits the big hit here Terminate the occasional bonus device closing process and return to the special game management process. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0AH" at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot accessory device closing process, and the above step S6002 and The procedure of step S6004 is repeatedly executed. When it is determined that the closing time has ended in step S6004 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6006.

Step S6006: The main control CPU72 increments the value of the round number counter. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example.

Step S6008: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the incremented round number counter has reached the set execution round number. It should be noted that the number of execution rounds is set in the previous big hit accessory device activation start process (step S5006 in FIG. 45). At this time, if the value of the round number counter has not yet reached the number of execution rounds (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S6014.

[Before the end of the final round]
Step S6014: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the round number command based on the current round number counter value. The round number command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33). The performance control device 124 can recognize the current round number based on the received round number command, and reflect the result in the performance control during the big hit.

Step S6016: And the main control CPU72 changes the value of the special game management status from "0AH" and sets it to "08H". As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the special game management process, the main control CPU 72 again selects the jackpot accessory device opening process (FIG. 47), and the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is opened in the next round. An opening operation will be performed.

Step S6018: Also, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter counted in the current round. As a result, when the jackpot accessory device opening process (FIG. 47) is executed again, the number of winning balls in the next round is counted from zero.

[At the end of the final round]
After that, when confirming that the value of the round number counter has reached the set number of execution rounds in step S6008 (step S6008: Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S6010.

Step S6010: In this case, the main control CPU72 resets the round number counter used in this big hit.

Step S6012: And the main control CPU72 updates and sets the value of the special game management status from "0AH" to "0BH".
Step S6018: Also, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter counted in the final round.

When the above procedure is executed at the end of the final round, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the special game management process, the jackpot accessory device activation end process (step S6500 in FIG. 37) is selected next as the jump destination.

[Processing for ending operation of accessories device at the time of jackpot]
FIG. 48 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of a jackpot accessory device operation ending process. This jackpot accessory device operation end processing is for confirming the elapse of the jackpot ending time, etc., and for adjusting the internal state (special symbol state) after the jackpot game ends. A specific description will be given below.

Step S6502: First, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 mainly confirms the detection signal from the ejection detection switch 900 and adds the value of the ejection ball number counter. The value of the discharged ball number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example.

Step S6504: The main control CPU 72 executes remaining ball discharge check processing (ball number determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 compares the value of the winning ball number counter and the value of the discharged ball number counter. The value of the discharged ball number counter includes the total number of game balls detected by the discharge detection switch 900 as well as the number of game balls detected by each specific area switch.

Step S6506: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the discharge of the effective ball is completed based on the above comparison result. That is, if the value of the discharged ball number counter is smaller than the value of the winning ball number counter, the main control CPU 72 determines that the effective balls have not yet been discharged (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6524. On the other hand, if the value of the counter for the number of discharged balls is not smaller than the value of the counter for the number of winning balls (if the two match), the main control CPU 72 determines that the discharge of effective balls is completed (Yes), and proceeds to step S6508. Run.

Step S6508: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the big role end command has been set. The judgment as to whether or not the big win end command has been set can be realized by a big win end command set flag that is set to ON when the big win end command is set.
As a result, when it is confirmed that the big role end command has been set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips the following steps S6510 to S6514 and executes step S6516. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the big role end command has not been set (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6510.

Step S6510: The main control CPU72 executes a jackpot ending time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 counts down the jackpot ending time timer set in advance as "jackpot ending time (ending effect time)". Specifically, if this module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the initial value to the value of the jackpot ending time timer here, and if it is called for the first time or later, the main control CPU 72 has already set Decrement the value of the jackpot ending time timer. Using the "big win ending time" at this time, the ending performance of the big win game is executed in the display section of the performance display device 42.例文帳に追加

Step S6512: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the jackpot ending time has elapsed. Specifically, it is checked whether the value of the jackpot ending time timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the timer value has not yet become 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process (FIG. 37) here. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0BH" at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot accessory device operation end process, and the above step S6510. And the procedure of step S6512 is repeatedly executed. Then, when it is determined that the jackpot ending time has passed in step S6512 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6514.

Step S6514: The main control CPU 72 sets a big role end command (special game end information notifying means). This command is for notifying the production control device 124 (production control CPU 126) that the jackpot ending time has passed. The command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33). In addition, when the main control CPU 72 sets the big win end command, it sets the big win end command set flag to ON. The big win end command set flag is set to OFF when returning to the normal game.

Step S6516: The main control CPU 72 executes customer waiting timer countdown processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 counts down a customer waiting timer that is set in advance as "customer waiting time (time from setting the command to end the big role to executing the customer waiting effect; for example, about 5 seconds)". do. Specifically, when this module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the initial value to the value of the customer waiting timer here. Decrement the value of the wait timer.

Step S6518: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the customer waiting time has elapsed. Specifically, it is checked whether the value of the customer waiting timer after countdown processing is 0 or less. If the timer value has not yet become 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process here. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0BH" at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot accessory device operation end process, and the above step S6516. And the procedure of step S6518 is repeatedly executed. Then, when determining that the customer waiting time has elapsed in step S6518 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6520.

Step S6520: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a customer waiting designation command. This command is for notifying the production control device 124 (production control CPU 126) that a certain period of time has elapsed after setting the big role end command. The command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33).

Step S6522: And the main control CPU72 initializes the value of the special game management status to "00H". As a result, the state of progress of the game corresponding to the special symbol transitions to a state of "waiting for change" (a state that satisfies the start condition). Therefore, by transitioning to this state, it becomes possible to add the working memory with a new winning to each start winning opening as a trigger, and to vary (start) the special symbol.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6506 that the discharge of the effective ball has not been completed yet (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following processing.

Step S6524: The main control CPU 72 executes discharge timer countdown processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 is set in advance as "ejection time (maximum time for checking whether the number of incoming balls and the number of ejected balls match; for example, about 1 minute)". Run a countdown on the ejection timer. Specifically, when this module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the initial value to the value of the discharge timer here, and when called after the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the set discharge timer Decrement the value of

Step S6526: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the discharge time has elapsed. Specifically, it is checked whether the value of the discharge timer after countdown processing is 0 or less. If the timer value has not yet become 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process here. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0BH" at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot accessory device operation end process, and the above step S6524. And the procedure of step S6526 is repeatedly executed. Then, when it is determined that the discharge time has elapsed in step S6526 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6528. It should be noted that if it is determined in step S6506 that the discharge of the effective ball has been completed during the countdown of the discharge timer (step S6506: Yes), the control processing exits this loop, so step S6528 Not executed.

Step S6528: The main control CPU 72 sets a discharge ball shortage error state command (non-end information notifying means). This command is for notifying the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) that the discharge of the effective ball has not been completed within a certain period of time. The command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 33).

After completing the procedure of step S6522 or step S6528, the main control CPU72 returns to the special game management process (FIG. 37), and after executing the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) and the solenoid control process (step S7500), Return to the interrupt management process (FIG. 33). As a result, the special symbol variation start waiting process (step S1500 in FIG. 37) is selected in the subsequent special game management process.

[Solenoid control processing]
FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of solenoid control processing. This solenoid control process is executed at every interruption regardless of the value of the "special game management status" as described above. An example procedure will be described below.

Step S7502: The main control CPU72 confirms whether the current value of the "special game management status" is any one of "07H" to "0BH". Here, the value of the "special game management status" is set to any one of "07H" to "0BH" when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operating at the time of the big hit in the game flow. .

As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of "special game management status" is one of "07H" to "0BH", the main control CPU72 executes step S7504. On the other hand, when confirming that the value of "special game management status" is neither "07H" to "0BH", the main control CPU72 executes step S7506.

Step S7504: The main control CPU 72 activates the lift device guideway solenoid 95. Thereby, the game ball is discharged without being guided to the lifting device 610 during the jackpot game.

Step S7506: The main control CPU 72 deactivates (OFF) the lift device guideway solenoid 95 . Thereby, the game ball is guided to the lifting device 610 except during the jackpot game.

[Motor management processing]
FIG. 50 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the motor management process (step S209 in FIG. 33) executed in the interrupt management process. An example procedure will be described below.

Step S2800: First, the main control CPU 72 executes origin monitoring processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not it is necessary to monitor the origin positions of various motors (sorting body motor 213, main body motor 402, and conveyor motor 214), and if monitoring is necessary, each Acquire the detection signal from the origin detection mechanism.

Step S2802: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the power-on operation has been completed for various motors. At this time, the pachinko machine 1 is immediately after power-on, and if the various motors have not yet completed the power-on operation (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S2804.

Step S2804: In this case, the main control CPU 72 executes power-on operation processing. As a result, various motors (dividing body motor 213, main body motor 402, and conveyor motor 214), for example, start rotating in a constant direction at a constant speed. Then, the main body motor 402 stops at the origin position after executing a predetermined power-on operation pattern. Also, the sorting body motor 213 and the conveyor motor 214 operate based on a fixed operation pattern from when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on (other than during a power outage such as when the power is turned off) until when the power is cut off. After that, when the power-on operation is completed, it is determined that the operation is completed (Yes) in step S2802, so step S2804 is skipped thereafter.

Step S2806: The main control CPU 72 monitors whether or not the value of the "special game management status" is "04H" in preparation for the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit. If the value of "special game management status" is other than "04H", the main control CPU72 skips step S2808. On the other hand, if the value of the "special game management status" is "04H", the main control CPU 72 executes step S2808 assuming that the movable ball entry accessory device 30 has generated a small hit trigger.

Step S2808: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit motor management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving state of the main body motor 402 at the time of a small hit, for example. Specifically, the main body motor 402 is controlled by an operation pattern in which the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 continues to rotate at a constant speed for a constant period of time (for example, about 2 seconds) after it starts operating. As a result, a normal sorting operation by the main body motor 402 can be realized.

Step S2810: The main control CPU 72 monitors whether the value of the "special game management status" is "07H" to "0BH" in preparation for the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of the big hit. If the value of "special game management status" is other than "07H" to "0BH", the main control CPU72 skips step S2812. On the other hand, if the value of the "special game management status" is within the range of "07H" to "0BH", the main control CPU 72 determines that an operation opportunity for a big hit has occurred in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 at step S2812. to run.

Step S2812: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit motor management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving state of the main body motor 402 during a big hit, for example. Specifically, the main body motor 402 is controlled by an operation pattern in which rotation is continued at a constant speed and during the jackpot game. As a result, during the jackpot game, the main body motor 402 continues to rotate, and the tower main body 400 can be continuously rotated.
After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 33).

[Display output management processing]
FIG. 51 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the display output management process (step S212 in FIG. 33) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a subroutine group of a special symbol display setting process (step S1200) and a continuous operation count display setting process (step S1220).

Of these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200) is the process of generating and outputting the drive signal to be applied to the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 as already described. be.

In addition, the main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c in the continuous operation count display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for one of the jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c based on the value of the number of times of continuous operation. At this time, one of the display lamps 38a, 38b, 38c corresponding to the big win designated by the number of continuous operation is the target for outputting the lighting signal.

For example, if the value of the continuous operation count command designates "3 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing "3 rounds (3R)". Also, if the value of the continuous operation count command designates "7 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing "7 rounds (7R)". Further, if the value of the continuous operation count command specifies "16 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38c representing "16 rounds (16R)".

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the progress of the special symbol game changes as the main control CPU 72 executes the control process. Furthermore, in the special symbol game, the progress is largely branched into a big hit game or a normal game according to the result of the game ball sorting operation in the movable ball entrance accessory device 30.例文帳に追加

Next, an example of a control method for executing an effect as the game progresses will be described.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 52 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. As shown in FIG. This effect control process is executed in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from reset start (main) process (not shown), for example. The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several milliseconds) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

The performance control processing includes command reception processing (step S400), performance management processing when the movable ball entrance accessory device is not in operation (step S403), performance management processing when the movable ball entrance accessory device is in operation (step S404), display output processing ( Step S405), lamp drive processing (step S406), sound drive processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). The basic flow of the effect control process will be described below along with each process.

Step S400: In the command reception process, the effect control CPU 126 receives a command for effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72. Also, the effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 by type. In addition, the command for effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72 includes, for example, a model designation command, a starting opening winning sound control command, a lottery result command, a variation pattern command, a variation start command, a stop pattern command, a accessory device closing command, Jackpot state specification command, jackpot type command, jackpot state transition command, round number command, big role end command, customer waiting specification command, special game management status command, illegal prize winning error command, remaining ball error command, ejection ball shortage error state command, There are area pass commands and the like.

Step S403: In the effect management process when the movable ball-entering accessory device is not in operation, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect when the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is not in operation. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the customer waiting designation command from the main control CPU 72 is saved. Then, when confirming that the customer waiting designation command is stored, the effect control CPU 126 executes a demonstration selection process for selecting a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

Step S404: In the effect management process at the time of operation of the movable entrance accessory device, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect after the special symbol lottery corresponds to the small win (corresponds to "small win 1" or "small win 2"). . The specific contents of the processing will be further described later using another flowchart.

Step S405: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect drive control device 144 (drive control CPU 146) with basic control information (for example, effect pattern number, etc.) of the content of effect. As a result, the effect drive control device 144 (drive control CPU 146) controls the display operation of the effect display device 42 based on the content of the instructed effect.

Step S<b>406 : In the lamp driving process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132 . In response to this, the lamp drive circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes luminance gradation, etc.) the various lamps 46 to 52, the board lamp 53, and the like based on the control signal.

Step S408: In the next sound drive process, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the sound drive circuit 134 to indicate the effect contents (for example, during the opening operation of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, during the distribution operation in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30). , BGM during the jackpot production, voice data, etc.). As a result, the speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sounds corresponding to the content of the presentation.

Step S410: In effect random number update processing, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. FIG. The effect random number includes, for example, a random number for effect selection when a plurality of effect contents are prepared.

Step S412: In other processing, for example, when there is a movable object for production, the production control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the IC for driving the movable object. Although not shown, the movable body is operated by a driving source such as a solenoid or a stepping motor, and performs effects in synchronization with the display of images by the display device 42 for effects or independently. These drive sources such as solenoids and stepping motors can be connected to the panel illumination board 138 shown in FIG. 24, for example.

[Production management processing when the movable ball entry accessory device is activated]
FIG. 53 is a flow chart showing a configuration example of performance management processing when the movable ball entry accessory device is activated. The effect management process when the movable ball access device is activated includes, for example, the execution selection process (step S500), the effect selection process at the time of the small hit (step S502), the effect selection process at the time of playing within the role (step S504), and the effect at the time of passage through the area. The configuration includes a subroutine group of a selection process (step S506) and a jackpot time effect selection process (step S508). The basic flow of the effect control process will be described below along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the address of the jump destination, and sets the end of the effect management process when the movable ball accessary device is activated as the address of the return destination in the "jump table". . Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, the effect control CPU 126 selects the small hit time effect selection process (step S502) as the first jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect selection process at the time of the small hit has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect selection process at the time of the game in the role (step S504) as the next jump destination, and the effect selection process at the time of the game in the role is selected. If completed, the effect selection process (step S506) at the time of area passage is selected as the next jump destination. It should be noted that the jackpot effect selection process (step S508) is selected as the subsequent jump destination only when the jackpot time accessory device activation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 37) is selected in the main control CPU72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the effect selection process at the time of a small hit, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern (FIGS. 47, 48, 49, etc.) for operating the movable ball-entering accessory device 30. FIG. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prevent the player from inadvertently completing the game, reaffirm his sense of purpose, and prevent a decline in his willingness to play.

Step S504: In the performance selection process at the time of playing within the role, the performance control CPU 126 selects a performance pattern corresponding to the above-mentioned ball-entering performance ((B) and (C) in FIG. 50, (A) in FIG. 51, etc.) ( fixed effect execution means). As a result, the game flow in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 can be appealed to the player.

Step S506: In the area passing effect selection process, the effect control CPU 126 executes the effect ((B) in FIG. 51, FIG. Choose a pattern. As a result, the game can be livened up when passing through various areas.

Step S508: In the effect selection process at the time of the big hit, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect during the big win. For example, the effect control CPU 126 selects a special effect pattern during the big hit as the effect contents to be displayed on the effect display device 42, and instructs the effect drive control device 144 (drive control CPU 146). In addition, when the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern according to the progress of the game during the big hit (for example, the progress of the round), it appropriately instructs the effect drive control device 144 (drive control CPU 146). . As a result, a dedicated effect is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 42 during the big win, and the content of the effect changes as the round progresses.
After completing the above procedure, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 52).

As described above, according to this embodiment, there are the following effects.
(1) According to this embodiment, the circular stage 530 is supported so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction. It can be inclined, and compared with the case where there is no inclination in the traveling direction, the momentum of the game ball can be reduced.

(2) According to the present embodiment, since the direction in which the game ball advances on the rolling surface 532 is always upwardly inclined, part of the forward force of the game ball can be used to tilt the circular stage 530. , the momentum of the game ball entering the circular stage 530 can be effectively reduced, and the movement of the game ball can be stabilized.

(3) According to the present embodiment, as the entire circular stage 530 tilts due to the weight of the game ball, the downward slope toward the inner periphery of the rolling surface 532 becomes gentle near the position where the game ball is present. Therefore, the speed at which the game ball is guided to the drop hole 534 can be made slower than when the downward slope is steep, and as a result, the trajectory of the game ball after entering the drop hole 534 is stabilized, and the game ball moves in an unintended direction. It is possible to avoid rolling over.

(4) According to this embodiment, the degree of sinking and the angle of inclination of the circular stage 530 (rolling surface 532) change according to the positional relationship between the game ball and the three coil springs 538a, 538b, 538c. Since the speed at which the game ball is guided to the drop hole 534 also changes accordingly, the movement of the game ball from entering the circular stage 530 to being ejected can be varied, attracting the player's attention. It is possible to attract the game by allowing the player to play the game.

The present invention can adopt various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiments.

In the above-described embodiment, coil springs are used to support the circular stage 530 in a displaceable manner, but other elastic members may be used in place of the coil springs.

In the above-described embodiment, the circular stage 530 is supported by the tower leg 520 via the three coil springs 538a, 538b, and 538c arranged at substantially equal intervals. It is not limited, and can be changed as appropriate within a range in which the circular stage 530 can be effectively tilted.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the normal symbol and the normal electric accessory are not provided is explained, but the normal symbol and the normal electric accessory may be installed, and the game property may be changed to the time shortening state after the big hit game. .

The gaming machine of the above-described embodiment has been described as an example of a gaming machine that becomes a big hit when a game ball passes through a specific area (so-called feathers, old type 2 gaming machine), but the result of winning by internal lottery It may be a game machine (so-called digital pachinko, old type 1 game machine) that becomes a big hit when is obtained. In this case, it may be a so-called loop type (a type that does not set a substantial upper limit on the probability variable number of times) gaming machine, or an ST type (a type that sets a substantial upper limit on the probability variable number of times) gaming machine. It may be a gaming machine that does not have a variable probability area, it may be a gaming machine that does not adopt "simultaneous rotation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol". It is good also as a game machine which has. Also, the game machine may be a so-called one-kind-two-mixer machine.

In the above-described embodiment, the circular stage 530 forming a part of the first distribution motion unit 500 is supported so as to be displaceable. For example, an opening/closing member of an electric accessory) may be displaceably supported.

In addition, the structure and board configuration of the pachinko machine 1, including those shown in the drawings, are preferred examples, and these can be modified as appropriate.

1 pachinko machine 8 game board unit 8a game area 30 movable ball-entering accessory device 34 first special symbol display device 35 second special symbol display device 42 performance display device 70 main control device 72 main control CPU
74 ROMs
76 RAM
124 effect control device 126 effect control CPU
500 first distribution operation section 510 rotation stage 520 tower leg section 530 circular stage

Claims (2)

a game area in which game balls flow down;
a rolling part arranged in the game area and capable of rolling a game ball,
The rolling part is
The game ball is displaceably supported and the game ball can be retained, the game ball can be guided from the upstream side in a predetermined game state, and the speed at which the game ball is guided to the downstream side is varied according to the displacement mode. A gaming machine characterized by: In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
A gaming machine, further comprising: a guide portion arranged in the game area for guiding game balls to the rolling portion one by one.

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