JP2024004538A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can suppress reduction in the amusement of a game.

SOLUTION: A game machine according to the present invention comprises: a start-up movable member 620 which guides game balls that flow down; a start-up device opening/closing solenoid 307 and a start-up spring 640 which actuate the start-up movable member 620; and a second start-up device detection switch 304b to which the game balls enter. The start-up device opening/closing solenoid 307 and the start-up spring 640 can displace the start-up movable member 620 to the retraction position (ball entry impossible state) where a guide path that guides the game balls that flow down so as to enter the second start-up device detection switch 304b is not formed and the protrusion position (ball entry possible state) where the guide path is formed. The start-up movable member 620 can be displaced to the protrusion position (ball entry possible state) by receiving prescribed external force when the displacement from the retraction position to the protrusion position is inhibited.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6-3

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

Conventionally, some winning devices in gaming machines include an opening/closing member that is provided above a winning area where a game ball enters and is controlled to open and close, and a solenoid that operates the opening/closing member. Further, in such a winning device, the opening/closing member is configured to be able to be opened and closed by sliding in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the gaming machine using a solenoid. Furthermore, the opening/closing member has a configuration in which a plurality of game balls can flow down on the opening/closing member in the closed state, and when the opening/closing member changes from the closed state to the open state, the plurality of game balls on the opening/closing member enter the winning area etc. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP2020-81192A

In conventional gaming machines as described above, in devices that utilize members such as the opening/closing member described above, some players may feel that the number of game balls flowing down on the opening/closing member is small; In such a situation, the number of game balls entering the winning area or the like may be felt to be small, which may undermine the expectations of the players and, in turn, reduce the interest in the game. In addition, in such a device, if the game ball gets caught between the opening/closing member and the wall of a member other than the opening/closing member, a so-called ball-chopping condition may occur, causing a ball jamming condition and causing the game to be interrupted. This can sometimes reduce the interest in the game.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the purposes is to allow more game balls to enter than before with a single opening/closing operation in a device using an opening/closing member, etc. The purpose is to suppress a decrease in interest in games by making it possible to do so. In addition, one of the purposes is to prevent balls from clogging in devices that use opening/closing members, etc., and to reduce the risk of situations where the game has to be interrupted. The goal is to prevent a decline in interest.

The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following application examples. Note that the reference numerals and supplementary explanations in parentheses in this column indicate the correspondence with the embodiments described later to aid understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention in any way. .

[Application example]
In order to solve the above problems, a game machine (gaming machine 100) which is an application example to which the present invention is applied has a guiding member (starting movable member) that is provided on a game board (game board 102A) and guides a falling game ball. 620), an actuating section (starting device opening/closing solenoid 307, starting spring 640) provided on the game board that operates the guide member, and a ball entry section (no. 2 starting device detection switch 304b), and the actuating section is configured to set the guide member in a first state in which a guide path is not formed for guiding the game ball flowing down to enter the ball entry section; and a second state in which a guide path is formed, and when displacement from the first state to the second state is inhibited, the guide member receives a predetermined external force. The gist is that displacement to the second state is possible.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can suppress reduction in interest in gaming.

It is a front view of the gaming machine 100 of the first embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100 showing a state in which a glass frame 150 and an inner frame 170 are opened with respect to an outer frame 160. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a gaming machine 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a main ROM 301b of the main control board 300. FIG. It is a diagram showing an example of a jackpot determination table. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a main RAM 301c of the main control board 300. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic flow of processing executed by the main control board 300. FIG. It is a block diagram showing details of the production control board 320. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a preliminary determination information storage area 320c3 provided in a sub-RAM 320c. It is an explanatory diagram showing a list of processes executed by the production control board 320. It is a perspective view of the second big prize winning device 127, (A) is a perspective view illustrating the outline of the second big winning device 127 in a closed state (a state forming a first guideway), and (B) is a perspective view illustrating the outline of the second big prize winning device 127 in an open state (a state forming a second guideway). It is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the second big prize winning device 127 in a closed state, (A) is a perspective view schematically explaining a part of the second big prize winning device 127 in a closed state, and (B) It is a perspective view explaining the outline of a part of the second big prize winning device 127 in a closed state. It is a partially enlarged view of the second grand prize winning device 127 in an open state, and is a perspective view for explaining the outline. 2 is a perspective view of the second starting device 115, (A) is a perspective view illustrating the outline of the second starting device 115 in a state where ball entry is not possible, and (B) is a perspective view of the second starting device 115 in a state where ball entry is possible. It is a perspective view explaining an outline. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operating mode of the second starting device 115, (A) is a diagram explaining the operating mode of the second starting device 115 in a state where ball entry is not possible, and (B) is a diagram explaining the operating mode of the second starting device 115 in a state where ball entry is possible. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating how the starter device 115 operates. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a situation where ball jamming occurs in the second starting device 115 in a state where a ball can enter.

Hereinafter, a gaming machine 100 and a gaming machine 200 as an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the embodiments described below do not limit the present invention, and not all of the elements and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are essential to the solution of the present invention. do not have.

[Description of the gaming machine 100 of the first embodiment]
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, first, the configuration of a gaming machine 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 100 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine frame of the gaming machine 100 showing a state in which the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 are opened with respect to the outer frame 160. The game machine 100 is a pachinko game in which a game ball is fired based on a player's firing operation, and when a game ball wins in a specific winning device, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player based on the winning. It is a machine.

In the following description, the left and right direction of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "X direction", particularly the right direction of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "+X direction", and the left direction of the gaming machine 100 will be referred to as the "-X direction". Also called "direction". Further, the vertical direction of the gaming machine 100 is also called the "Y direction", and in particular, the upward direction of the gaming machine 100 is also called the "+Y direction", and the downward direction of the gaming machine 100 is also called the "-Y direction". Further, the depth direction of the gaming machine 100 is also called the "Z direction", in particular, the direction toward the back side with respect to the gaming machine 100 is also called the "+Z direction", and the direction toward the near side with respect to the gaming machine 100 is also called the "+Z direction". - Also called "Z direction".

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 100 includes an outer frame 160 that is attached to island equipment of a gaming parlor, and an inner frame that is rotatably supported on the front side of the outer frame 160. 170, and a glass frame 150 rotatably supported on the front side of the inner frame 170. A glass member 151 is provided on the glass frame 150 so as to be detachable from the back side. Further, at a predetermined position of the glass frame 150, there is a lock unit 190 for making the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 160, and for making the upper unit 180 detachable. It is provided. Further, a glass frame release switch (not shown) is provided at a predetermined position of the glass frame 150 to detect that the glass frame 150 is opened, and a glass frame release switch (not shown) is provided at a predetermined position of the inner frame 170 to detect that the glass frame 150 is opened. An inner frame release switch (not shown) is provided for detecting that the inner frame has been opened.

The inner frame 170 is provided with the main mechanisms, various parts, boards, etc. that make up the game machine 100, and is also provided with the game board unit 102 in a detachable manner. A gaming area 106 is provided between the glass member 151 and the gaming board unit 102. This game area 106 includes a game ball falling area where game balls flow down, and a display screen area of the main display device 131.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game board unit 102 includes a game board 102A constituting the game area 106, an accessory unit 102B including various movable accessories, a main display device 131, and an effect control board 320. It is composed of a production control board unit 102C and a main control board unit 102D including a main control board 300. Furthermore, the game board 102A includes a board surface section 105A on which nails and the like are provided, and a board surface cover member 105B that covers the right side of the board surface section 105A. Furthermore, the board cover member 105B is formed with various guide paths for guiding the game balls flowing down, and by covering the right side of the board part 105A with the board cover member 105B, the game balls can be guided down the right route 106b. A game ball flow area that serves as a passage is formed. Note that the game board 102A has an opening 102AZ. The main display device 131 is arranged in this opening 102AZ. This makes it easier for the player to visually recognize the main display device 131. Further, in the game board unit 102, the side facing the player is also called the front side, and the back side (the opposite side to the front side) is also called the back side.

A production operation unit BSU is provided on the lower side of the glass frame 150. The performance operation unit BSU is provided with a sword handle unit 135 and a performance operation stick 136. Further, an upper plate 128 is provided on the back side of the production operation unit BSU, and a firing handle device 103 is provided on the lower right side of the production operation unit BSU. Further, an upper unit 180 is provided on the upper side of the glass frame 150 so as to cover a part of the upper part of the glass frame 150, which performs a predetermined related operation when a predetermined gaming state is entered. Note that the upper unit 180 is attached to the outer frame 160 and is configured to engage with the glass frame 150. A first side display device 132 and a second side display device 133 are provided on both left and right sides of the glass frame 150 for displaying effects during gaming and non-gaming.

The upper tray 128 is formed with a ball flow path that is a flow path for game balls supplied from a ball rental machine (not shown) installed in parallel with the game machine 100 and game balls that are prize balls when winning a prize. , a tray for storing game balls to be fired into the game area 106. Further, a fullness detection switch 314 is provided in the middle of the ball flow path to detect the occurrence of a tray full error in which the upper tray 128 is full of game balls. Note that while the fullness detection switch 314 detects that the upper tray 128 is full, the payout of game balls by a prize ball payout device, etc., which will be described later, is stopped. Furthermore, the game balls stored in the upper tray 128 are led out to a firing rail (not shown), and guided to a guide rail (not shown) via the firing rail at a predetermined firing intensity by the firing handle device 103. , is fired into the game area 106 (game ball falling area). In this case, depending on how the player rotates the firing handle device 103, the game ball fired from the firing handle device 103 passes through the left route 106a or the right route 106b of the game ball falling area included in the game area 106. do. Specifically, when the player rotates the firing handle device 103 relatively weakly, the game ball fired from the firing handle device 103 can pass through the left route 106a. On the other hand, when the player rotates the firing handle device 103 relatively strongly, the game ball fired from the firing handle device 103 can pass through the right route 106b.

A sword handle unit 135 imitating the shape of the handle of a sword is arranged in the center of the performance operation unit BSU. The sword handle unit 135 is used to change the presentation mode through the player's operation, and also functions as an accessory that operates in various modes depending on predetermined game conditions to perform various presentations. Further, on the left side of the performance operation unit BSU, there is provided a performance operation stick 136 which is a joystick that is operated by the player to adjust the volume of the gaming machine 100 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the game area 106, there is an upper accessory unit 154 on the back side of the upper part, a lower accessory unit 156 at the bottom of the game ball flowing area, and there are two units sandwiched between these units and the game board 102A. A light guide panel unit 181 including a light guide panel disposed at a position covering these movable accessories and the main display device 131 is provided.

The upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 are movable accessories (so-called gimmicks) provided in the accessory unit 102B. Various effects can be performed by moving the robot through motion. Further, the light guide panel unit 181 includes a light guide panel made of resin such as transparent acrylic, and a light emitting section for allowing light to enter the light guide panel. In the light guide panel unit 181, the effect display displayed on the main display device 131 is made visible through the light guide panel, and a part of the panel is made to emit light by light incident from the light emitting part, thereby displaying a design, etc. It is possible to display. In addition, in the conventional light guide panel unit, the light emitting part was provided in a structure that covered the end of the light guide panel, but in the light guide panel unit 181, the light guide panel is provided with a light emitting part that covers the end of the light guide panel. Since the light emitting section is provided so that light enters from the side surface of the light panel, the light emitting area of the light guide panel can be made wider than in the past. In this application, "movable accessory" is interpreted to mean a moving accessory. Furthermore, the term "yakubutsu" is interpreted in a broad sense to include both movable and immovable objects.

A first starting device 112 having a starting area into which a game ball can enter is provided in an area approximately below the center of the gaming area 106. This first starting device 112 is a winning device of a general winning device type that is equipped with a starting port having a first starting device detection switch 304a, and when a game ball wins, the first starting device detection switch 304a is turned on. A jackpot random number is obtained, a jackpot determination is made, and a predetermined prize ball (for example, three balls) is paid out. Further, above the first starting device 112, the game ball does not pass between the nails mainly in the middle of the left side route 106a in the game ball falling area, but enters the first starting device 112 by so-called warping. A stage 140 is provided to facilitate the operation. Note that the game ball that has entered the stage 140 may return to the game ball flowing area from a predetermined notch in the stage 140 after staying on the stage 140.

In addition, in the right side area of the game area 106, there is a normal symbol activation gate 113b provided on the upper right side and having a normal area through which a game ball can pass, and a first gate provided near the center on the right side and into which a game ball can enter. A winning device 117, a second starting device 115 which is provided near the center on the right side on the downstream side of the first big winning device 117 and has a starting area into which a game ball can enter, and a second starting device 115 which is provided on the lower right side and which allows a game ball to enter. A possible second grand prize winning device 127 is provided. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b, a winning random number is acquired and a winning determination is performed. In addition, even if a game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b, a prize ball based on the passage is not paid out. Further, the normal symbol activation gate 113b and the first big winning device 117 are provided on the board member 105A and covered by the board cover member 105B. Further, the second starting device 115 and the second big winning device 127 are provided on the board member 105A, and are partially covered by the board cover member 105B.

The first big winning device 117 is a so-called attacker type electric accessory, and has an opening at its lower part, and a movable piece 117b operated by the first big winning device opening/closing solenoid 308 above the opening. The movable piece 117b is controlled to be movable between a protruding state in which it protrudes from the game board 102A and a retracted state in which it is drawn into the game board 102A. Then, when the movable piece 117b enters the retracted state, the game ball is guided into the first big prize winning device 117 through the opening, and the game ball passes through the first winning device detection switch 306a and is turned ON, thereby winning the first big prize. A prize is won in the device 117 (this state is also called "open" or "open state"). Further, when a game ball enters the first big winning device 117, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 15 balls) are paid out. Conversely, when the movable piece 117b is in the protruding state, the game ball will not enter the opening, and the game ball will not be able to enter the first prize winning device 117 (this state is also called "blocked" or "blocked state") ).

The second starting device 115 includes a starting movable member 620 operated by the starting device opening/closing solenoid 307, and a starting port having a second starting device detection switch 304b. Further, when a game ball enters the second starting device 115, the second starting device detection switch 304b is turned on, and similarly to the first starting device 112, a jackpot random number is acquired and a jackpot determination is performed, for example. The same prize balls (three) as the first starting device 112 are paid out. Note that the detailed configuration of the second starting device 115 will be described later.

The second big winning device 127 includes a second guide member 520 operated by a second big winning device opening/closing solenoid 370, and a winning opening having a second winning device detection switch 306b. Further, when a game ball wins in the second big winning device 127, the second winning device detection switch 306b is turned on, and predetermined prize balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out. The detailed configuration of the second grand prize winning device 127 will be described later.

In addition, at the bottom of the gaming area 106, game balls that have not entered any of the first starting device 112, second starting device 115, first big winning device 117, and second big winning device 127 are discharged. An outlet 111 is provided for this purpose. Further, in the right area of the gaming area 106, a cover 116 is provided that covers the normal symbol activation gate 113b, the second starting device 115, the first big winning device 117, and the second big winning device 127 from the front side. This cover 116 is formed with a guide portion that protrudes toward the game board 102A in order to guide the game balls to the second starting device 115, the first big winning device 117, and the second big winning device 127.

A main display device 131 consisting of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided approximately at the center of the gaming area 106, and this main display device 131 displays images during standby when no games are being played. , display images according to the progress of the game. Among them, a plurality of decorative patterns are variably displayed to notify the determination result of a small hit or a jackpot based on the winning of the game balls of the first starting device 112 and the second starting device 115, and a combination of specific decorative patterns is displayed. (For example, 777, etc.) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed stop, and a small hit or a big hit is notified as a result of the jackpot determination.

In other words, when a game ball enters the first starting device 112 or the second starting device 115, the decorative pattern changes in the special pattern displayed on the first special pattern display 120 or the second special pattern display 122, which will be described later. It is displayed in a variable manner in accordance with the display, and is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol after a predetermined variable time has elapsed. That is, the timing of the variable display of the decorative symbols by the main display device 131 and the variable display of the special symbols by the first special symbol display 120 and the second special symbol display 122 are synchronized. Also, by displaying various images, characters, etc. during the fluctuating display of this decorative pattern, or by displaying a pre-reading effect of the pending display related to the special pattern, you may win a jackpot. It also gives players a sense of expectation.

In this embodiment, the main display device 131 is used as a liquid crystal display device, but a plasma display, an organic EL display, a projector, a so-called 7-segment LED, a dot matrix, a rotating drum, etc. A display device may also be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, a display 125 is provided at the lower left side of the gaming area 106. The display 125 includes a normal symbol display 118, a normal symbol pending display 119, a first special symbol display 120, a second special symbol display 122, a first special symbol pending display 123, and a second special symbol display 125. It has a special symbol reservation display 124. Details of the display 125 will be described later.

The main display device 131 is arranged approximately at the center of the game board unit 102, and three decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and various effects are displayed. The effects displayed on the main display device 131 are executed based on the effect pattern described later. Hereinafter, the effects displayed on the main display device 131 will also be simply referred to as "display effects." In addition, in this embodiment, the decorative designs include numbers 1 to 9 and special designs.

In the display performance on the main display device 131, in the jackpot determination described later, if you win, that is, if it is a jackpot, three decorative symbols are finally stopped and displayed, and a jackpot symbol array (for example, " 7, 7, 7" etc.) is displayed. On the other hand, in the case of winning a small hit in the jackpot determination described later, in other words, in the case of a small hit, three decorative patterns are stopped and displayed at the end, and a small winning pattern array representing a small winning (for example, "small winning" is displayed). , small, small, etc.). In addition, in the display performance, if you fail in the jackpot determination described later, that is, if you lose, three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed at the end, and a losing symbol array (for example, "2, 5 , 1" etc.) are displayed. This allows the player to recognize the result of the jackpot determination.

When the player performs a so-called "left-handed hit" in which the firing handle device 103 is kept rotated at a small rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively weak batting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the left side area in the game area 106. On the other hand, when the player performs a so-called "right-handed hit" in which the firing handle device 103 is kept rotated at a large rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively strong batting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the right side area in the game area 106. Therefore, when the ball enters the normal symbol activation gate 113b, the second starting device 115, the first big winning device 117, or the second big winning device 127, it is necessary to hit the ball to the right.

The first starting device 112 is a starting device that is always open. On the other hand, the second starting device 115 is normally in a state in which the movable starting member 620 makes it impossible for the ball to enter the starting port (ball entry impossible state). The starting movable member 620 becomes in a state where the ball can enter the starting port (ball entry possible state) based on a determination result that requires the entry of the game ball into the normal symbol activation gate 113b. In this case, a condition is created in which the game ball can easily enter the ball. When the game ball enters the first starting device 112 or the second starting device 115, a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number are obtained, and the following three determinations can be performed. .
(1) Determining whether to execute a small win game or a jackpot game that is advantageous to the player (hereinafter also referred to as jackpot determination).
(2) If a jackpot is determined in this jackpot determination, a symbol representing the type of jackpot that is finally displayed on the display 125; or, if it is determined to be a small win in this jackpot determination, a symbol that is finally displayed Determining which of the plurality of symbols representing the type of small win that is stopped and displayed on the device 125 (hereinafter also referred to as jackpot symbol determination).
(3) In the display performance on the main display device 131, determining whether or not to perform reach (hereinafter also referred to as reach determination), and determining which variation pattern to use among multiple variation patterns (hereinafter, also referred to as reach determination). , also called fluctuation pattern determination).

Here, the "jackpot game" is a special game in which the first big prize winning device 117 or the second big winning device 127 is opened. Furthermore, the "small winning game" is a special game that opens the second big prize winning device 127. In addition, "reach" means that two of the three decorative symbols that are variably displayed on the main display device 131 are displayed in a stopped state, and these two decorative symbols form the three decorative symbols that constitute the jackpot symbol arrangement. This refers to a situation in which two of these conditions are included. For example, in the main display device 131, two of the three decorative patterns that are displayed in a variable manner are stopped and displayed, and the two decorative patterns are in the same state. In this case, the decorative symbols that constitute two of the three decorative symbols that constitute the jackpot symbol arrangement are also called reach symbols.

In addition, in the following explanation, the above-mentioned three judgments executed on the condition that the game ball passes through the first starting device 112 wins a prize are also referred to as "first special symbol judgment", and the game balls passing through the first starting device 115 are The above three determinations executed on the condition of winning a prize are also referred to as "second special symbol determination", and these determinations are also collectively referred to as "special symbol determination". In addition, in the "first special symbol determination", the first probability variable jackpot or the first regular jackpot can be determined as the type of jackpot game, and in the "second special symbol determination", the second probability variable jackpot or , the second normal jackpot can be determined as the type of jackpot game. Furthermore, in the "first special symbol determination", it is not determined that the game is a small winning game, and in the "second special symbol determination", it is determined that the game is a small winning game with a predetermined probability (for example, 1/2.0). There is only one type of small winning game (only the type in which the second guiding member 520 of the second big prize winning device 127 is opened for 1.5 seconds).

"First probability strange jackpot" means that the jackpot symbol information is "specific symbol A" and the second guiding member 520 of the second big prize winning device 127 is released in a predetermined manner (for example, 30 seconds/round x 2 rounds). This is a jackpot that is executed by doing this, and is a jackpot type that shifts to a variable probability gaming state that will be described later after the jackpot ends. "First normal jackpot" means that the jackpot symbol information is "normal symbol A" and the movable piece 117b of the first big winning device 117 is released in a predetermined manner (for example, 30 seconds/round x 4 rounds). This is a jackpot executed by a jackpot, and is a jackpot type that shifts to a time-saving gaming state described later after the jackpot ends. "Second probability strange jackpot" means that the jackpot symbol information is "specific symbol B" and the second guiding member 520 of the second big prize winning device 127 is opened in a predetermined manner (for example, 30 seconds/round x 10 rounds). This is a jackpot that is executed by doing this, and is a jackpot type that shifts to a variable probability gaming state that will be described later after the jackpot ends. "Second normal jackpot" means that the jackpot symbol information is "normal symbol B" and the movable piece 117b of the first big prize winning device 117 is released in a predetermined manner (for example, 30 seconds/round x 4 rounds). This is a jackpot executed by a jackpot, and is a jackpot type that shifts to a time-saving gaming state described later after the jackpot ends. "Small winning game" is a part of the losing game that is executed by opening the second guide member 520 of the second big prize winning device 127 in a predetermined manner (for example, opening for 1.5 seconds x 1). This is a game that allows you to open a grand prize winning device.

Further, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol actuation gate 113b, a normal symbol random number is acquired, and a determination is made as to whether or not to operate the movable starting member 620 of the second starting device 115. Below, the determination executed on the condition that the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b will also be referred to as "normal symbol determination." In the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, the probability of winning in normal symbol determination, that is, the probability of determining that the starting movable member 620 is activated, is designed to change depending on the gaming state of the gaming machine 100.

In the first jackpot winning device 117, the movable piece 117b is opened according to the result of the jackpot determination and the jackpot symbol determination. The first big winning device 117 is normally closed by this movable piece 117b. On the other hand, if the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot and the result of the jackpot symbol determination is a first normal jackpot or a second normal jackpot, the movable piece 117b is operated to win the first jackpot. A jackpot game that opens the device 117 is executed. In addition, the first big prize winning device 117 temporarily closes the movable piece 117b, for example, when 30 seconds have elapsed since the movable piece 117b was in the open state, or when 10 game balls have been won, as a trigger for ending one round game, which will be described later. and execute the next round game. Therefore, by performing a "right-handed hit" during a jackpot game, the player can obtain more prize balls than when a jackpot game is not being played. Although details will be described later, in the second big prize device 127, the second guide member 520 operates in substantially the same way as the first big prize device 117, and the second big prize device 127 operates to play a small winning game or a big winning game according to the judgment result of the jackpot judgment. It will be released when. In addition, in the jackpot game, the second big winning device 127 uses, for example, the elapse of 30 seconds after the second guide member 520 is in the open state or the winning of 8 game balls as a trigger for ending one round game, which will be described later. The second guide member 520 is once closed and the next round game is played. In addition, in a small winning game, the second large winning device 127 triggers the second guiding member 520, for example, when 1.5 seconds have elapsed since the second guiding member 520 was in the open state or when 10 game balls have won a prize. Close it down.

[Description of display 125]
As shown in FIG. 1, the display 125 mainly displays information regarding jackpot symbol determination and normal symbol determination, and includes a first special symbol display 120, a second special symbol display 122, and a first special symbol pending display. 123, a second special symbol retention display 124, a normal symbol display 118, and a normal symbol retention display 119.

When the first special symbol determination is performed, the first special symbol display 120 displays the special symbol in a variable manner and then stops displaying it, and determines the jackpot symbol determination in the first special symbol determination based on the stopped and displayed special symbol. Announce the results. The first special symbol display 120 stops displaying, as a result of the jackpot symbol determination, a jackpot symbol that indicates a jackpot or a loss symbol that indicates that the result of the first special symbol determination is a loss. Ru.

When the second special symbol determination is performed, the second special symbol display 122 displays the special symbol in a variable manner and then stops displaying it, and determines the jackpot symbol determination in the second special symbol determination based on the stopped and displayed special symbol. Announce the results. The second special symbol display 122 displays a jackpot symbol indicating that the result of the jackpot symbol determination is a jackpot, or a small win symbol that the result of the second special symbol determination is a small win, or , a loss symbol indicating that the result of the second special symbol determination is a loss is stopped and displayed.

By the way, in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, when a new game ball enters the first starting device 112, such as during a variable display of special symbols related to special symbol determination, during a small winning game, or during a jackpot game, this winning prize is activated. The configuration is such that the first special symbol determination and symbol variation display triggered by this are not immediately executed. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 is provided with a suspension function that suspends the first special symbol determination and stores four pieces of random number information for the first special symbol determination as one set of suspension information. The first special symbol reservation display 123 displays the number of reservation information for the first special symbol determination stored in this way. Similarly, the gaming machine 100 suspends the second special symbol determination when a new game ball enters the second starting device 115, such as during a variable display of special symbols related to the special symbol determination or during a jackpot game. It also has a hold function that stores four pieces of random number information for determining the second special symbol as a set of hold information. The second special symbol reservation display 124 displays the number of reservation information for second special symbol determination stored in this way.

When the normal symbol judgment is performed, the normal symbol display device 118 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner and then stops displaying it, and notifies the judgment result of the normal symbol determination using the stopped and displayed normal symbol. By the way, even if the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b, such as during the variable display of the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 118, the normal symbol determination and the variable display of the normal symbols related to the normal symbol determination may not be executed immediately. It has become. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 is provided with a suspension function that suspends the normal symbol determination and stores information on the normal symbol random number for the normal symbol determination as suspension information. The normal symbol reservation display 119 displays the number of reservation information for normal symbol determination stored in this way.

Note that the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment includes a right-handed ramp (not shown) and a round ramp (not shown). The right-hand hitting lamp lights up during the later-described jackpot game state, the later-described variable probability game state, and the later-described time-saving game state, and recommends the player to play right-handed (details will be described later). A round lamp is composed of one or more lamps. The round lamp changes from an off state to a on state when a jackpot is won. The round lamp, when lit, indicates the number of round games according to the type of jackpot at the time of jackpot. For example, if there are two round lamps, one round lamp lights up to indicate that the round game will be played four times (that is, a four-round jackpot), and the other round lamp lights up. The lighting of the lamp suggests that the round game will be played 10 times (that is, it suggests a 10-round jackpot).

[Internal configuration of gaming machine 100]
The internal configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 4-3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the gaming machine 100. FIG. 4-1 is a diagram for explaining the main ROM 301b of the main control board 300. FIG. 4-2 is a diagram showing an example of a jackpot determination table, and (A) is a diagram for determining the special figure determination information acquired based on the winning (ball) of the game ball to the first starting device 112 (jackpot determination ), and (B) is a special 1 jackpot determination table for determining (jackpot determination) the special figure determination information acquired based on the winning (ball) of the game ball to the second starting device 115. 2 This is a jackpot determination table. FIG. 4-3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main RAM 301c of the main control board 300. The gaming machine 100 includes a main control board 300, a payout control board 310, an effect control board 320, an image control board 330, a lamp control board 340, a firing control board 350, and a power supply board 360.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 300 controls the basic operations of the gaming machine. The main control board 300 includes a one-chip microcomputer 301. The one-chip microcomputer 301 includes a main CPU 301a, a main ROM 301b, and a main RAM 301c. The main control board 300 also includes an input port and an output port (both not shown) for main control. Furthermore, inputting a signal 302a for clearing the memory contents of the main RAM 301c or updating the setting value (probability of being judged as a jackpot) which is the stage of advantageousness of the game, setting change mode by operation using the setting key. A setting key switch 302b for inputting a signal to enter the mode and setting confirmation mode, an information display 302c for displaying performance information and setting values that enable understanding of the actual performance of the gaming machine, and other electronic components are implemented. has been done.

The information display 302c is composed of four 7-segment displays arranged in the left and right direction. The two 7-segment displays from the left constitute an identification segment for displaying identification information indicating the type of performance information (data type), and the two 7-segment displays from the right constitute set values and numerical values of performance information. A numerical segment is configured to display numerical information indicating. Note that static lighting is performed when setting values are displayed, and dynamic lighting is performed when performance information is displayed.

This main control input port includes a gate detection switch 303 that detects when a game ball enters the normal symbol activation gate 113b, and a first start switch 303 that detects that a game ball enters the first starter device 112. A device detection switch 304a, a second starting device detection switch 304b that detects that a game ball has entered the second starting device 115, and a first winning device that detects that a gaming ball has entered the first big winning device 117. A detection switch 306a, a second winning device detection switch 306b that detects that a game ball has entered the second big winning device 127, and a payout control board 310 are connected. In addition, a magnetic detection sensor 305a for detecting abnormal magnetism from outside the gaming machine, a radio wave detection sensor 305b for detecting abnormal radio waves from outside the gaming machine, and an external magnetic field for the gaming machine. A vibration detection sensor 305c is connected to detect abnormal vibrations applied from other sources. Various signals are input to the main control board 300 through this input port for main control.

In addition, the main control output port includes a starter opening/closing solenoid 307 that operates the starting movable member 620, a first big winning device opening/closing solenoid 308 that opens and closes the movable piece 117b, and a second opening/closing solenoid 308 that operates the second guiding member 520. Grand winning device opening/closing solenoid 370, symbol displays 118, 120, 122 that display special symbols and normal symbols, symbol pending display that displays the number of pending information for special symbol determination and the number of pending information for normal symbol determination 119, 123, 124, a game information output terminal board 309 that outputs external information signals, a payout control board 310, and an effect control board 320 are connected. Various signals are output from the main control board 300 through this main control output port.

Note that the game information output terminal board 309 is a board for outputting external information signals generated in the main control board 300 to a hall computer of a game parlor or the like. The game information output terminal board 309 is connected to the main control board 300 by wiring, and the game information output terminal board 309 is provided with a connector for connection to a hall computer of a game parlor or the like.

In the one-chip microcomputer 301 of the main control board 300, the main CPU 301a reads the program stored in the main ROM 301b and performs arithmetic processing based on input signals from each detection switch and timer, and also directly controls each device. , or send commands to other boards according to the results of arithmetic processing.

As shown in FIG. 4-1, the main ROM 301b stores game control programs and tables necessary for various games, such as a jackpot determination table T1, a jackpot symbol determination table T2, and a reach determination table. T3, a first variation pattern table T4, a second variation pattern table T5, and a normal symbol determination table T6 are stored. The jackpot determination table T1 is a table for making a jackpot determination based on jackpot random numbers. The jackpot determination table T1 includes two jackpot determination tables, namely, a special 1 jackpot determination table T1A and a special 2 jackpot determination table T1B.

As shown in Figure 4-2, the jackpot judgment table associates the current setting value, the current probability state, the random value for jackpot judgment, and the jackpot judgment result (jackpot, loss). For reference, the approximate probability of winning in the case of a "jackpot" is listed in the far right column. The main CPU 110a refers to the special 1 jackpot determination table or the special 2 jackpot determination table, and determines whether it is a "big hit," "small hit," or "loss" based on the current setting value, probability state, and random value for jackpot determination. Determine whether it is. For example, according to the Special 1 Jackpot Judgment Table, when the set value is "1" and the normal gaming state is, 200 random numbers for jackpot judgment from "100" to "299" are judged as "jackpot". Ru. Then, random numbers for jackpot determination other than those determined to be jackpots are determined to be "lost".

The jackpot symbol determination table T2 is a table for performing jackpot symbol determination based on the jackpot symbol random number. The jackpot symbol determination table T2 includes two jackpot symbol determination tables, namely, the special 1 jackpot symbol determination table T2A and the special 2 jackpot symbol determination table T2B.

The reach determination table T3 is a table for performing reach determination based on the reach determination random number. The reach determination table T3 includes four reach determination tables (not shown), namely, the reach determination table for special 1 normal time, the reach determination table for special 1 probability change, the reach determination table for special 2 normal time, and the reach determination table for special 2 probability change. A reach determination table is included. These four reach determination tables are selected depending on the gaming state and the type of special symbol. Specifically, the special 1 normal reach determination table is a table for selecting whether or not to execute a reach with the display performance based on the ball entering the first starting device 112 in a non-probability variable gaming state. The special 1-probability variable reach determination table is a table for selecting whether or not to execute the reach with the display performance based on the ball entering the first starting device 112 in the probability variable gaming state. Special 2 normal reach determination table is a table for selecting whether or not to execute a reach with the display performance based on the ball entering the second starting device 115 in the non-probability variable gaming state. The special 2-probability variable reach determination table is a table for selecting whether or not to execute the reach using decorative symbols in the display performance based on the ball entering the second starting device 115 in the probability variable gaming state. In addition, details of various gaming states such as non-probability variable gaming state and probability variable gaming state will be described later.

The first fluctuation pattern table T4 is a table for performing fluctuation pattern determination based on fluctuation pattern random numbers. The first fluctuation pattern table T4 includes four fluctuation pattern tables, namely, the first special first normal time fluctuation pattern table T4A, the first special first probability variable time fluctuation pattern table T4B, and the first special second normal time fluctuation pattern table T4C. and a first special second probability time varying pattern table T4D. These four variable pattern tables can be selected depending on the gaming state and the type of special symbol. Specifically, the first special first normal time variation pattern table T4A is a table for selecting a variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the ball entering the first starting device 112 in a non-probability variable gaming state. The first special first probability variable time variation pattern table T4B is a table for selecting a variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the ball entering the first starting device 112 in the probability variable gaming state. The first special second normal time variation pattern table T4C is a table for selecting a variation pattern of the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting device 115 in a non-probability variable gaming state. The first special second probability variable time variation pattern table T4D is a table for selecting a variation pattern of the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting device 115 in the probability variable gaming state.

The second fluctuation pattern table T5 is a table for performing fluctuation pattern determination based on fluctuation pattern random numbers. The second fluctuation pattern table T5 includes four fluctuation pattern tables, namely, a second special first normal time fluctuation pattern table T5A, a second special first probability variable time fluctuation pattern table T5B, and a second special second normal time fluctuation pattern table T5C. and a second special 2-probability time-varying pattern table T5D. These four variable pattern tables can be selected depending on the gaming state and the type of special symbol. Specifically, the second special first normal time variation pattern table T5A is a table for selecting a variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the ball entering the first starting device 112 in a non-probability variable gaming state. The second special first probability variable time variation pattern table T5B is a table for selecting a variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the ball entering the first starting device 112 in the probability variable gaming state. The second special second normal time variation pattern table T5C is a table for selecting a variation pattern of the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting device 115 in a non-probability variable gaming state. The second special second probability variable time variation pattern table T5D is a table for selecting a variation pattern of the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting device 115 in the probability variable gaming state.

One of the first fluctuation pattern table T4 and the second fluctuation pattern table T5 is selected at the time of fluctuation pattern determination, and they are not selected at the same time. The first fluctuation pattern table T4 is a table in which the average number of fluctuation seconds (average performance time) is shorter than the second fluctuation pattern table T5, and when the reservation order information at the time of acquisition, which will be described later, is "3" or "4". selected. The second fluctuation pattern table T5 is a table in which the average number of fluctuation seconds is longer than that of the first fluctuation pattern table T4, and is selected when acquisition hold order information, which will be described later, is "1" or "2".

These first variation pattern table T4 and second variation pattern table T5 have various variation patterns. Specifically, the pseudo-continuous performance, the normal loss performance, the normal reach (loss or hit) performance, the SP reach (loss or hit) performance (development performance after execution of the reach formation performance), and the SPSP reach (loss or win) performance ( A variation that combines various effects, such as a development effect after the execution of the SP reach effect), a SPSP reach revival (hit) effect, a effect in which a losing pattern sequence is formed, and a effect in which a jackpot pattern pattern is formed with a specific pattern. It's a pattern. Here, pseudo-continuous performance (or pseudo-continuous variation performance) means that during the variable display of the special symbol, a decorative pattern is displayed in a variable manner, the decorative pattern is temporarily stopped, and then the decorative pattern is displayed in a variable manner again. This is a performance that repeats the display of fluctuations in a pseudo manner. In this case, in the pseudo-continuous performance, the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the decorative symbols are slowed down without being temporarily stopped, and then the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner. good.

The normal symbol determination table T6 is a table for performing normal symbol determination based on the regular symbol random numbers. Details of the above-mentioned jackpot determination table T1, jackpot symbol determination table T2, and normal symbol determination table T6 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4-3(A), the main RAM 301c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the main CPU 301a, and has a plurality of storage areas, such as a pending information storage area 301cx, It has a pending information determination area 301cy. In addition, the main RAM 301c has a storage area (not shown) in which various flags (such as a variable probability game flag, a time-saving game flag, and a jackpot game flag, which will be described later), various recorded values, and the like are stored.

As shown in FIG. 4-3(B), the hold information storage area 301cx includes four hold information areas (a 1 pending information area, 2nd pending information area, 3rd pending information area, 4th pending information area), and 4 pending information areas (first pending information area, A second pending information area, a third pending information area, and a fourth pending information area) are provided.

In the reservation information area corresponding to the first special symbol of the reservation information storage area 301cx, the priority order for storing reservation information is that the first reservation information area is given the highest priority and the reservation information is stored in the first reservation information area. If stored, then the second pending information area is given priority as a storage target, then the third pending information area is given priority as a storage target, and finally, the fourth pending information area is given priority as a storage target. selected. The same applies to the reservation information area corresponding to the second special symbol. In addition, in FIG. 4-3 (B), a "〇" is shown in the hold information area where hold information is stored, and a "-" is shown in the hold information area where hold information is not stored. It is shown.

The hold order information at the time of acquisition stored in the hold information area of the hold information storage area 301cx is information representing the hold order when hold information is acquired. Specifically, the hold order information at the time of acquisition corresponds to the number of the hold information area that is stored when hold information is acquired. For example, when hold information is acquired, if the hold information is stored only in the first hold information area, the hold information will be stored in the second hold information area, so the hold information will be stored in the hold order at the time of acquisition. The information becomes "2". When the hold information is acquired, if the hold information is stored in the first hold information area, the second hold information area, and the third hold information area, the hold information is stored in the fourth hold information area. Since it will be stored, the reservation order information at the time of acquisition will be "4". The reservation information determination area 301cy is a determination area where special symbol determination is performed based on reservation information.

As shown in FIG. 3, the payout control board 310 controls the launch of game balls and the payout of prize balls. This payout control board 310 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a payout CPU, payout ROM, and payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be able to communicate in both directions. The payout CPU executes a program stored in the payout ROM based on input signals from a payout ball measurement switch 311, a door open switch 312, a full detection switch 314, and a timer that detect whether or not game balls have been paid out. is read out and subjected to arithmetic processing, and based on the processing, corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 300. Also, connected to the output side of the payout control board 310 is a payout motor 313 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage section to the player. The payout CPU reads a predetermined program from the payout ROM and performs arithmetic processing based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 300, and also controls the payout motor 313 of the prize ball payout device to issue a predetermined prize. Dispense the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area during calculation processing by the payout CPU.

The production control board 320 mainly controls various productions such as during gaming and on standby. This production control board 320 includes a sub CPU 320a, a sub ROM 320b, and a sub RAM 320c, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the main control board 300 to the production control board 320. . The sub CPU 320a reads the program stored in the sub ROM 320b and performs arithmetic processing based on various commands received from the main control board 300, various units, production operation stick 136, and input signals from the timer. Based on the processing, corresponding data is transmitted to the image control board 330 and lamp control board 340.

For example, upon receiving a fluctuation start command from the main control board 300, the sub CPU 320a displays the main display device 131, the first side display device 132, the second side display device 133, the audio output device 331, the sword handle unit 135, and the upper unit 180. , upper accessory unit 154, lower accessory unit 156, accessory mechanism section 158, light guide panel unit 181, presentation board lighting device 341 (board lamp), presentation frame lighting device 342 (frame lamp), etc. A performance pattern for executing the performance is determined, and a performance pattern designation command for executing the performance pattern is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340. Details regarding the determination of this performance pattern will be described later. Further, the sub ROM 320b stores programs for performance control, data necessary for determining various games, and a plurality of tables. Details about these tables will be described later. Further, the sub-RAM 320c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the sub-CPU 320a, and stores game conditions, performance patterns, decorative symbols, counting counters, firing operation information, and the like. Note that the sub-RAM 320c is provided with a plurality of storage areas. Details of these storage areas will be described later.

The image control board 330 includes an image CPU (not shown), a control ROM, a control RAM, a CGROM, a VRAM, a VDP (not shown) for controlling the image display of the main display device 131, an audio CPU, an audio ROM, and an audio RAM. . This image control board 330 is connected to the production control board 320 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally, and has a main display device 131, a first side display device 132, a second side display device 133, and an audio output on its output side. A device 331 is connected.

The image CPU controls the VDP to display a predetermined image based on commands received from the production control board 320. The control RAM functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the image CPU, and temporarily stores data read from the control ROM. The control ROM also stores programs for controlling the image CPU, animation patterns for displaying animations based on production patterns, animation scene information, and the like. The CGROM stores a large amount of image data such as decorative patterns and backgrounds to be displayed on the main display device 131, etc., and the image CPU reads a predetermined program based on various commands sent from the production control board 320. At the same time, predetermined image data stored in the CGROM is developed in the VRAM, and control is performed to display the image data developed in the VRAM on the main display device 131 or the like, thereby realizing a display effect. The audio ROM stores a large amount of audio data to be output from the audio output device 331, and the audio CPU reads a predetermined program based on various commands sent from the production control board 320, and 150, performs audio output control in the audio output devices 331 such as speakers provided in the first side display device 132 and the second side display device 133, and realizes audio performance.

The lamp control board 340 controls the sword handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper accessory unit 154, the lower accessory unit 156, and the light guide panel unit 181, and also controls the lamps provided on the decorative members of the game board unit 102. Control of the presentation board lighting device 341 (board lamp), and control of the presentation frame lighting device 342 (frame lamp) such as a lamp built into the firing handle device 103 or a lamp of a decorative member provided in the glass frame 150. and execute. Specifically, the lamp control board 340 drives and controls the motors and the like provided in each of the sword handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper accessory unit 154, the lower accessory unit 156, and the accessory mechanism section 158. By doing so, it is possible to realize a movable performance using the unit's movable accessories (movable objects). In addition, when the power is restored, for example, an initial operation is performed in which the movable accessory is moved in a series from the initial position to the advanced position to the initial position. The lamp control board 340 also controls the light emitting part of the light guide panel unit 181 to realize a light emitting effect by the light guide panel, and also controls the sword handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper accessory unit 154, and the lower accessory unit. Lighting effects can be realized by controlling lighting/blinking of the unit 156 and the effect board lighting device 341 (board lamp), and effect frame lighting by controlling lighting/blinking of the effect frame lighting device 342 (frame lamp). A lighting effect is realized by the device 342 (frame lamp). Note that the lamp control board 340 is connected to be able to receive predetermined signals from the sword handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the accessory mechanism section 158, and the like.

The firing control board 350 inputs touch signals from the touch sensor 351 provided on the firing handle device 103 and controls energization of the firing solenoid 353 and the ball feeding solenoid 354 based on the voltage supplied from the firing volume 352. I do. The touch sensor 351 is composed of a capacitive proximity switch that utilizes a change in capacitance caused by the player touching the firing handle device 103, and when it detects that the player has touched the firing handle device 103, , outputs a touch signal to the firing control board 350 to permit energization of the firing solenoid 353. The firing volume 352 is composed of a variable resistor, divides a constant voltage (for example, 5 V) applied to the firing volume 352 by the variable resistor, and supplies the divided voltage to the firing control board 350. Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 353 is set to approximately 99.9 times/min based on the frequency based on the output cycle of the crystal oscillator provided in the firing control board 350. As a result, the number of game balls fired per minute is approximately 99.9 (balls/minute) because one ball is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates once. That is, one game ball is fired approximately every 0.6 seconds. Note that the touch signal from the touch sensor 351 and the voltage signal from the firing volume 352 are input to the production control board 320. Thereby, the performance control board 320 can detect the firing of the game ball.

The power supply board 360 includes a backup power supply made of a capacitor, and supplies power supply voltage to the gaming machine 100. Specifically, power supply voltage is supplied to the main control board 300, the payout control board 310, the production control board 320, and the firing control board 350. It also monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 100 and outputs a power failure detection signal to the main control board 300 when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal goes to a high level, the main CPU 301a becomes operational, and when the power interruption detection signal goes to a low level, the main CPU 301a goes into a non-operational state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, but may be a battery, for example, or a combination of a capacitor and a battery may be used.

[List of processing on main control board 300]
The processing executed by the main control board 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 4-4. FIG. 4-4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic flow of processing executed by the main control board 300.

As shown in FIG. 4-4, when the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300 is supplied with power, it executes main processing based on the program stored in the main ROM 301b. Further, the main CPU 301a repeatedly executes timer interrupt processing at regular intervals (for example, every 4 milliseconds) during execution of the main processing. Various types of processing including main processing and timer interrupt processing will be explained below.

[Explanation of main processing]
Main processing is processing for starting control of the game and initial operation of various drive sources such as movable accessories, and includes, for example, power-on processing, power restoration processing, RAM clearing processing, setting change processing, and setting confirmation. processing. The power-on process is a process that is executed when the power is turned on, etc., and in this process, the control state of the game is initialized, and the current gaming state (here, the non-time saving normal gaming state) is A power-on designation command indicating the gaming state) is transmitted to the payout control board 310 and the production control board 320. As a result, the performance control board 320 performs a process for executing power-on notification indicating that the control state of the game has been initialized. The power recovery process is a process that is executed when the progress state (control state) of the game returns (recovers) to the state before the power cut and it becomes possible to resume the game from the state before the power cut. In this process, a power recovery designation command indicating that the gaming control state has been restored and the gaming state before the power outage is transmitted to the production control board 320. As a result, the production control board 320 performs a process to issue a power recovery notification indicating that the control state of the game has returned to the state before the power was cut off. RAM clear processing is processing for initializing the control state of the game (initializing the gaming RAM area other than the setting value area) based on the operation of the RAM clear switch 302a. A designated command is transmitted to the production control board 320. As a result, the production control board 320 performs processing for notifying RAM clearing. The setting change process is a setting for changing (updating) the setting value (probability of being judged as a jackpot in jackpot judgment), which is the stage of the advantage of the game, based on the operation of the setting key switch 302b or the RAM clear switch 302b. This is a process of transitioning to a change mode, and in this process, a setting change designation command is sent to the production control board 320. As a result, the production control board 320 performs a process for executing setting change notification to notify that the setting value is being changed (setting change mode). The setting confirmation process is a process of shifting to a setting confirmation mode in which a game clerk or the like confirms the setting values, and in this process, a setting confirmation designation command is transmitted to the production control board 320. Thereby, a process for executing setting confirmation notification for notifying that setting confirmation is being performed by the production control board 320 (setting confirmation mode) is performed.

[Explanation of timer interrupt processing]
The random number update process is a process of updating various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, fluctuation pattern random numbers, and normal symbol random numbers. The switch process is a process that is executed when a detection signal is input from each switch, and when the first starting device 112 or the second starting device 115 detects the entry of a ball, a jackpot random number, etc. is acquired and is stored as pending information. A starter switch process for storing, a gate switch process for acquiring and storing a normal symbol random number when a game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b, and a first jack process during a jackpot game (in the jackpot game state). A first big winning device switch process that detects a winning game ball in the winning device 117, and a second big winning device switch that detects a winning game ball in the second big winning device 127 during a small winning game state or a jackpot gaming state. Processing. Note that the starting device switch process includes a preliminary determination process that executes jackpot determination, jackpot symbol determination, etc. based on the pending information.

The special symbol processing is processing related to special symbols according to the processing results in the switch processing (first starting device 112, second starting device 115), and when the variable display of the special symbol is finished, the pending information storage area 301cx of the main RAM 301c is A jackpot determination is made based on the reservation information shift process of shifting the reservation information and the reservation order information at the time of acquisition, and the jackpot random number of the reservation information shifted to the reservation information determination area 301cy in the reservation information shift process and the jackpot determination table T1. A jackpot determination process to be executed, a jackpot symbol determination process that determines a jackpot symbol (special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number included in the suspension information and the jackpot symbol determination table T2 when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, and a suspension. reach determination processing that performs reach determination based on the reach random number included in the information and reach determination table T3; fluctuation pattern setting processing that sets a fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern random number of the fluctuation pattern table and the pending information; This process includes a special symbol stop process in which the variable display of the first special symbol display 120 or the second special symbol display 122 is stopped and displayed.

The normal symbol processing is processing related to normal symbols according to the processing result in the switch processing (normal symbol actuation gate 113b), and is based on the normal symbol random number and the normal symbol determination table T6 when there is pending information of the normal symbol. A normal symbol determination process that determines a normal symbol; a motion pattern setting process that sets a motion pattern of the starting movable member 620 when a hit is determined in the normal symbol determination; and a motion pattern setting process that sets the motion pattern set in the motion pattern setting process. This processing includes an opening/closing member control process for controlling the operation of the movable starting member 620 of the second starting device 115.

The big winning device opening control process is a process related to opening/closing control of the first big winning device 117 and the second big winning device 127, and is an opening pattern that sets an opening pattern during the opening presentation at the beginning of a small winning game or a big winning game. Setting processing and a game state in which, when the final ending effect of the jackpot game ends, the jackpot game flag is turned OFF, the time-saving game flag, etc. is turned ON, and the number of time-saving fluctuations is set to a predetermined number (for example, 8000 times). This process includes a setting process. The payout process is a process that controls the payout of prize balls according to the detection result (winning of the game ball) in the switch process. The command transmission process is a process of transmitting to the performance control board 320 information necessary for determining the various commands and performance contents generated in the above process.

The abnormality determination process is a process for determining whether or not various errors have occurred, and transmitting an error-related designation command corresponding to the generated error to the production control board 130. As a result, the production control board 320 executes various types of error notification processing. Various errors include, for example, a door opening error when the door opening switch 313 changes from OFF to ON, various switches such as the gate detection switch 303 are not connected (incorrect connection), etc. A switch connection error occurs when an abnormal state occurs, a magnetic error occurs when abnormal magnetism is detected for a predetermined period of time by the magnetic detection sensor 305a, and an abnormal radio wave is detected for a predetermined period of time by the radio wave detection sensor 305b. A radio wave error occurs when abnormal vibration is detected by the vibration detection sensor 305c for a predetermined period of time, an abnormal winning error occurs when a game ball enters the grand prize opening when a special game is not in progress, An ejection error occurs when the number of game balls that enter the various winning holes does not match the number of game balls that are discharged from the winning ball channel through which the winning balls flow down, and the full detection switch 314 detects that the upper tray 128 is full. An error occurs when the ball is removed, an operation error occurs when the RAM clear switch 302a or the setting key switch 302b is operated while the game is being controlled, and a game ball misses the right route 106b when the game is in a non-variable gaming state. There are situations such as right-handed hitting when passing.

Here, various game states will be explained. The "time-saving gaming state" refers to a gaming state in which the movable starting member 620 of the second starting device 115 is easier to operate than in the non-time-saving gaming state, and is a non-probability variable gaming state. "Probability variable gaming state" is a state in which the movable starting member 620 of the second starting device 115 is easier to operate than in the non-time-saving gaming state, and the probability of jackpot determination is higher than in the non-probability variable gaming state. I'm talking about The "normal gaming state" refers to a gaming state when neither the time-saving gaming state nor the variable probability gaming state is present.

[Electrical configuration of production control board 320]
The electrical configuration of the production control board 320 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4-5 and 4-6. FIG. 4-5 is a block diagram showing details of the effect control board 320. FIG. 4-6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the preliminary determination information storage area 320c3 provided in the sub-RAM 320c. The production control board 320 determines a production pattern based on the commands (including variable patterns, etc.) sent from the main control board 300, and sends a production pattern designation command based on the production pattern to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340. Send. As described above, the main display device 131 and the like are electrically connected to the image control board 330, and the sword handle unit 135 and the like are electrically connected to the lamp control board 340. With such a configuration, the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 can execute display effects, audio effects, lighting effects, and movable character effects based on the effect pattern designation command sent from the effect control board 320. becomes possible.

As shown in FIG. 4-5, the sub ROM 320b stores a basic display performance specification table TS1, a decorative symbol determination table TS2, and a chance up determination table TS3. The basic display performance specification table TS1 is based on the fluctuation pattern transmitted from the main control board 300, and displays the above-mentioned normal loss performance, normal reach (loss or win) performance, SP reach (loss or win) performance, and SPSP reach (loss or win) performance. This is a table for specifying either the performance (win) performance or the SPSP reach revival (win) performance as the basic performance in the display performance (hereinafter also referred to as the basic display performance). In this embodiment, the variation patterns transmitted from the main control board 300 and the basic display effects have a one-to-one correspondence. Note that a plurality of basic display performances may be made to correspond to the fluctuation patterns, and the sub CPU 320a of the performance control board 320 may select the basic display performance by lottery. In this way, even if the variation pattern is the same, the content of the performance can be changed. Further, one basic display performance may be made to correspond to a plurality of variation patterns. The decorative symbol determination table TS2 is a table for determining the combination of decorative symbols to be temporarily stopped and displayed in a fixed stop, and the ready-to-win symbol in the case of performing a ready-to-reach in a display performance based on a performance pattern. The chance-up determination table TS3 is a table for determining a predetermined chance-up effect in the display effect. Here, the chance-up performance is a performance that executes a display performance that is different from the normal performance to increase the expectation level of a jackpot compared to the normal performance.

As shown in FIG. 4-5, the sub-RAM 320c is provided with a reservation storage area 320c1 and a preliminary determination information storage area 320c3. Note that the sub-RAM 320c also has a flag storage area (not shown) in which predetermined flags and the like are stored. For example, this flag storage area stores a continuous execution effect flag, a pseudo continuous effect execution flag, etc., which will be described later. The reservation storage area 320c1 includes a first reservation area, a second reservation area, a third reservation area, and a fourth reservation area corresponding to the first special symbol, and a first reservation area, a second reservation area corresponding to the second special symbol It is divided into eight areas: a reservation area, a third reservation area, and a fourth reservation area, and one reservation flag can be stored in each area. In the reservation area corresponding to the first special symbol of the reservation storage area 320c1, the priority order for storing reservation flags is that the first reservation area is given the highest priority and is the storage target, and the reservation flag is not stored in the first reservation area. For example, next, the second reservation area is selected as a storage target with priority, then the third reservation area is selected as a storage target with priority, and finally, the fourth reservation area is selected as a storage target. The same applies to the reservation area corresponding to the second special symbol. When the production control board 320 receives a hold command from the main control board 300, it specifies the hold area in which the hold flag is stored in the hold storage area 320c1, and selects a hold area that should be stored preferentially next to the hold area. Store the pending flag in . However, if the hold command is received while the hold flag is stored in the fourth hold area, the hold flag is not stored. Furthermore, the priority order for erasing the pending flags is the opposite of the priority order for storing them, that is, the fourth pending area is given the highest priority and is targeted for deletion, and if no pending flags are stored in the fourth pending area. Next, the third reservation area is selected as a priority deletion target, then the second reservation area is prioritized as a deletion target, and finally, the first reservation area is selected as a deletion target. When the production control board 320 receives the symbol confirmation command from the main control board 300, it specifies the reservation area in which the reservation flag is stored in the reservation storage area 320c1, and erases the reservation flag in the reservation area that should be deleted preferentially. . If no pending flag is stored in the first pending area, no erasure processing is performed.

As shown in FIG. 4-6, the advance determination information storage area 320c3 is a storage area for storing advance determination information (special symbols for advance determination, variation patterns for advance determination, and reservation order information at the time of acquisition), Four storage areas (a first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area) are provided corresponding to the types of symbols. In addition, each storage area includes a jackpot judgment information column that stores jackpot judgment information based on the special symbol for preliminary judgment, a jackpot symbol information column that stores jackpot symbol information based on the preliminary judgment symbol, and a jackpot symbol information column that stores jackpot judgment information based on the special symbol for preliminary judgment. A variable pattern information column that stores variable pattern information based on the pattern, a pending order information column at the time of acquisition that stores information about the pending order at the time of acquisition, and continuous performance presence/absence information that stores continuous performance presence/absence information indicating whether or not continuous performance is activated. A column is provided. Although details will be described later, the continuous performance presence/absence information includes continuous performance activation information and continuous performance non-activation information.

The hold command transmitted from the main control board 300 includes preliminary determination information (a special symbol for preliminary determination, a variation pattern for preliminary determination, and reservation order information at the time of acquisition). In the preliminary determination information storage area 320c3, these pieces of preliminary determination information are stored in association with each other. In the storage area for the first special symbol, the priority order for storing advance determination information is that the first storage area is given the highest priority and is to be stored, and if the advance determination information is stored in the first storage area, then The second storage area is selected as a storage target with priority, then the third storage area is selected as a storage target with priority, and finally, the fourth storage area is selected as a storage target. The same applies to the storage area for the second special symbol. For example, in a state where the preliminary determination information has already been stored in the third storage area of the first special symbol, the preliminary determination information of the new first special symbol (specific symbol A, variation pattern 7B, pending order information at the time of acquisition "4") is added. ”) (see Figure 4-6), store information representing “4” in the acquisition hold order information field of the fourth storage area, and store “4” in the fluctuation pattern information field of the fourth storage area. Information representing "pattern 7B" is stored, information representing "specific symbol A" is stored in the jackpot symbol information column of the fourth storage area, and information representing "jackpot" is stored in the jackpot determination information column of the fourth storage area. do.

In addition, in FIG. 4-6, as the advance judgment information of the first storage area related to the first special symbol, the information of "lost" in the jackpot judgment information column and the information of "none" in the jackpot symbol information column correspond to the fluctuation pattern. Information representing "variation pattern 1" is stored in the information column, and information representing "3" is stored in the acquisition pending order information column. As the preliminary judgment information in the second storage area, the information of "Loss" in the jackpot judgment information column, the information of "None" in the jackpot symbol information column, and the information of "variation pattern 2AX" in the variation pattern information column, at the time of acquisition. Information representing "1" is stored in each pending order information column. As the preliminary determination information in the third storage area, the information of "Loss" in the jackpot determination information column, the information of "None" in the jackpot symbol information column, and the information of "variable pattern 4BX" in the variable pattern information column, at the time of acquisition. Information representing "2" is stored in each pending order information column. Further, in the continuous performance presence/absence information column, continuous performance activation information indicating whether or not to execute a continuous performance is stored in a prefetch process to be described later. In addition, in FIG. 4-6, "〇" is shown as continuous performance activation information, which is information indicating the activation of continuous performance, in the continuous performance presence/absence information column corresponding to the fourth storage area related to the first special symbol, and other In the storage area, "-" is shown as continuous performance non-activation information, which is information indicating that continuous performance is not activated.

[List of processing on the production control board 320]
The processing executed by the effect control board 320 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4-7. FIG. 4-7 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of processes executed by the production control board 320.

As shown in FIG. 4-7, when the sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320 is supplied with power, it executes the effect main process based on the program stored in the sub ROM 320b. Further, the sub CPU 320a repeatedly executes the effect timer interrupt process at regular intervals (for example, 2 milliseconds) during execution of the effect main process. Below, various processes of the effect main process and the effect timer interrupt process will be explained.

[Explanation of main production process]
The effect main process is a process corresponding to the main process in the main control board 300, and includes, for example, a power-on notification process, a power recovery notification process, a RAM clear notification process, a setting change notification process, and a setting confirmation notification process. It is. The power-on notification process is a process for executing power-on notification based on the power-on designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The power restoration notification process is a process for executing power restoration notification based on the power restoration designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The RAM clear notification process is a process for executing RAM clear notification based on the RAM clear designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The setting change notification process is a process for executing setting change notification based on the setting change designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The setting confirmation notification process is a process for executing setting confirmation notification based on the setting confirmation designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a.

[Explanation of production timer interrupt processing]
The random number update process is a process that updates various random numbers used for presentation (for example, decorative pattern determination random numbers, chance-up random numbers). The command reception process is a process based on various commands etc. sent from the main control board 300, and includes a pre-reading process to determine whether to perform a continuous effect or a pseudo continuous effect based on a pending command, and a basic display effect. Performance pattern determination processing that determines a performance pattern based on the specified table TS1, decorative symbol determination table TS2, and chance up determination table TS3, and storage of a suspension flag in the suspension storage area 320c1 of the sub-RAM 320c when a suspension command is received. Hold processing that sets a hold display command for hold display on the main display device 131, and advance judgment that executes shift processing of advance judgment information in the advance judgment information storage area 320c3 of the sub RAM 320c when a fluctuation start command is received. information shift processing, normal symbol production processing which is a process for performing a production corresponding to the fluctuation of the normal symbol on the main display device 131 according to the determination result of the normal symbol determination, and the main display device 131 based on the symbol confirmation command. A symbol confirmation process is a process for displaying a decorative pattern that is changing in a fixed state, a jackpot process that executes an opening effect, an ending effect, and a round effect during a jackpot game, and a small win during a small win game. This process includes a small winning process that executes a small winning process, and an error notification process that notifies various errors. The production button process is a process of detecting input via the sword handle unit 135 or production operation stick 136 and performing a predetermined production. The command transmission process is a process of transmitting various commands generated in the various processes described above to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340. Here, the continuous performance is a performance that can be performed on the main display device 131, and is a performance that can be performed during the fluctuation start performance over a plurality of variable displays in the special symbol. This continuous performance may consist of only one type of performance, or may include multiple types of performance. If the continuous performance includes multiple types of performance, one of the multiple types of performance may be selected and executed. Further, the continuous performance may be executed for one variable display in the special symbol. Further, the pseudo-continuous performance may be composed of only one type of performance, or may include multiple types of performance. If the pseudo-continuous performance includes multiple types of performance, one of the multiple types of performance may be selected and executed.

The error notification process is a process for executing various types of error notification according to the error system specification command etc. received by the sub CPU 320a, and executes error notification according to the type of the error system specification command etc. This is the process of generating a notification instruction command for the purpose. Here, the "error system specification commands" include a door open error specification command, a switch connection error specification command, a magnetic error specification command, a radio wave error specification command, a vibration error specification command, an abnormal winning error specification command, an ejection error specification command, Includes commands for specifying ball removal errors, commands for specifying operation errors, commands for specifying left-handed hitting conditions, etc.

[Configuration of second grand prize winning device 127]
The configuration of the second grand prize winning device 127 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5-1 to 5-3. FIG. 5-1 is a perspective view of the second big prize device 127, and (A) is a perspective view illustrating the outline of the second big prize device 127 in a closed state (a state in which the first guiding path is formed). (B) is a perspective view illustrating the outline of the second grand prize winning device 127 in an open state (a state forming a second guideway). FIG. 5-2 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the second big prize winning device 127 in a closed state, and (A) is a perspective view schematically explaining a part of the second big winning device 127 in a closed state. (B) is a perspective view schematically explaining a part of the second grand prize winning device 127 in a closed state. FIG. 5-3 is a partially enlarged view of the second grand prize winning device 127 in an open state, and is a perspective view for explaining the outline.

As shown in FIGS. 5-1(A) and (B), first, the second big winning device 127 has a main body part 502 and a first guide that guides the game ball flowing down in the game ball falling area of the game area 106. It includes a member 510, a second guide member 520, and a prize winning cover member 507 provided above the main body part 502 so as to cover the first guide member 510 and the second guide member 520. The first guide member 510 has a step-like shape with five steps that become lower in the downstream direction, and is a member fixed to the main body portion 502 (or the board surface portion 105A). On the other hand, the second guide member 520 has a six-step staircase shape that becomes lower toward the flow direction, and has a protruding position that is a position protruding in the "-Z direction" with respect to the board member 105A. This is a member that is movably controlled to a retracted position that is retracted in the +Z direction compared to the protruded position. The main body portion 502 includes a first winning hole 503a into which a game ball enters, and a second winning hole 503b located downstream of the first winning hole 503a. Also, inside the main body part 502, there is a second big winning device opening/closing solenoid 370 that operates the second guiding member 520, and a second guiding member 520 is placed in a closed position or in an open position according to the operation of the second big winning operating part 370. A link mechanism (not shown) for displacing the game balls into the first winning hole 503a and the second winning hole 503b is detected by the second winning device detection switch 306b (not shown). A guide path (not shown) is provided for guiding the light to pass through the switch 306b. Further, the link mechanism is connected to both the upstream and downstream ends of the second guiding member 520, and is connected to the second big winning device opening/closing solenoid 370, which is disposed approximately in the center of the second guiding member 520 in the X direction. The structure is such that stress corresponding to the operation acts on the upstream and downstream sides of the second guide member 520.

As shown in FIG. 5-1(A), in the second big winning device 127 in the closed state, the second big winning device opening/closing solenoid 370 is in a de-energized state, so the second guiding member 520 is connected to the link mechanism. Therefore, it is in a state where it is located at a protruding position protruding in the "-Z direction". In addition, the winning cover member 507 extends below the second guide member 520 at the protruding position, and prevents the game ball from passing (falling) in the gap between the inner wall and the side surface of the second guide member 520 in the "-Z direction". In addition, the first guide member 510 and the second guide member 520 are covered. Note that the lower part of the main body portion 502 that is not covered by the winning cover member 507 is covered by the board cover member 105B. Here, when the game ball that has flown down via the guide path of the board cover member 105B reaches the "sixth tier of the uppermost tier of the second guiding member 520", it then moves to the "first tier of the uppermost tier of the first guiding member 510". "5th stage" → "5th stage of the second guiding member 520" → "4th stage of the first guiding member 510" → "4th stage of the second guiding member 520" → "3rd stage of the first guiding member 510" 3rd stage of the second guiding member 520 → 2nd stage of the first guiding member 510 → 2nd stage of the second guiding member 520 → 1st stage of the first guiding member 510 The liquid flows down in the order of "first stage" → "first stage at the bottom of the second guiding member 520" → guiding path of the board cover member 105B. At this time, the board surface portion 105A prevents the game balls from falling in the "+Z direction" on the first guide member 510, and the winning cover member 507 prevents the game balls from falling in the "-Z direction" on the second guide member 520. Since this is prevented, the game balls are prevented from entering the first winning hole 503a and the second winning hole 503b. That is, in the second big prize winning device 127 in the closed state, the first guiding member 510 and the second guiding member 520 are closed so that the game ball flowing down does not enter the first winning hole 503a and the second winning hole 503b. A taxiway is formed.

As shown in FIG. 5-1(B), next, in the second big winning device 127 in the open state, the second big winning device opening/closing solenoid 370 is in the energized state, so the second guiding member 520 is in the open state. Due to the link mechanism, it is positioned at a retracted position that is retracted in the "+Z direction" compared to the protruding position. In addition, in the second big winning device 127 in the open state, there is a gap between the inner wall of the winning cover member 507 and the "-Z direction" side surface of the second guiding member 520 through which the game ball can pass (fall). It will be formed. In addition, the game ball that flows down (falls) from between the inner wall of the winning cover member 507 and the side surface of the second guide member 520 in the "-Z direction" passes through the guide path of the board cover member 105B to the first winning opening. 503a or the second winning hole 503b. In other words, the game balls flowing down on the first guiding member 510 or the second guiding member 520 of the second big prize winning device 127 in the closed state will be released from the first guiding member 510 or the second guiding member 520 in the open state. The ball will fall and enter the first winning hole 503a or the second winning hole 503b. In addition, the game ball that flows down through the guide path of the board cover member 105B and reaches the second big prize winning device 127 falls without reaching the sixth tier at the top of the second guide member 520, and falls to the second big prize winning device 127. The ball will enter the first winning hole 503a or the second winning hole 503b. In other words, in the second big prize winning device 127 in the open state, the first guiding member 510 and the second guiding member 520 make it easier for the game ball flowing down to enter the first winning hole 503a or the second winning hole 503b. An open taxiway is formed.

As shown in FIG. 5-2(A), the winning cover member 507 has five first protrusions 508a on the inner wall in the "-Z direction" and five second protrusions 508b on the inner wall in the "+Y direction". Five third protrusions 508c are formed on the inner wall in the "+Y direction", and five fourth protrusions 508d are formed on the inner wall in the "-Z direction". Furthermore, five board protrusions 107 are formed on the surface of the board section 105A at the position where the second big winning device 127 is provided. In addition, the first protrusion 508a, the second protrusion 508b, the third protrusion 508c, the fourth protrusion 508d, and the board protrusion 107 are arranged in the gap between the first guide member 510 and the second guide member 520. It is formed so that it cannot pass through. The first protrusion 508a is formed with a sloped surface for changing the direction of the game ball flowing down in the "-X direction" on the second guide member 520 so that it flows down in the "+Z direction". The second protrusion 508b prevents the game ball flowing down in the "+Z direction" on the second guiding member 520 from flowing down in the "-X direction", and also prevents the game ball from flowing down in the "-X direction" from above the second guiding member 520 to above the first guiding member 510. It is formed so as to guide the user in the "+Z direction". The board protrusion 107 is formed with a sloped surface for changing the direction of the game ball flowing down in the "-X direction" on the first guiding member 510 so that it flows down in the "-Z direction." The third protrusion 508c prevents the game ball flowing down in the "-Z direction" on the first guiding member 510 from flowing down to the lower stage side of the first guiding member 510 in the "-X direction", and It is formed so as to be guided from above the member 510 onto the second guide member 520 in the "-Z direction". The fourth protrusion 508d is formed with a sloped surface for changing the direction of the game balls flowing down in the "-Z direction" on the second guiding member 520 so that they flow down in the "-X direction."

As shown in FIG. 5-2(B), the first guide member 510 includes a first upper guideway section 512, a first upper guideway section 513, a first middle guideway section 514, and a first middle guideway section. 515, a first lower guide step portion 517, and a first lower guide path portion 518 are formed. Further, in the second guide member 520, a second upper guide path portion 522, a second upper guide step portion 523, and a second guide path portion 526 are formed. The first upper taxiway section 512 has an approximately 5-degree slope that slopes downward in the "+Z direction," and the first middle taxiway section 514 has an approximately 5-degree slope that slopes downward in the "-X direction." The first lower guideway portion 518 is formed with an approximately 5-degree inclined surface that slopes downward in the "-Z direction." The first upper guideway section 513 has an approximately 5-degree inclined surface that descends in the "+Z direction" higher than the first upper guideway section 512 and the first middle guideway section 514, and has a side surface. An inclined surface of about 5 degrees is formed so as to descend in the "-X direction". The first intermediate guide step portion 515 is formed with an inclined surface of approximately 5 degrees that is higher than the first intermediate guide path portion 514 and descends in the “−X direction”. The first lower guide step portion 517 is formed with an inclined surface of about 5 degrees that is higher than the first lower guide path portion 518 and descends in the “−Z direction”. The second upper taxiway section 522 is formed with an approximately 5 degree slope that descends in the "+Z direction", and the second lower taxiway section 526 descends in the "-X direction" and "-Z direction". A slope of approximately 5 degrees is formed. The second upper guide step portion 523 has an approximately 5-degree inclined surface that is high relative to the second upper guideway portion 522 and descends in the “+Z direction”, and has side surfaces with “−Z direction” and “−Z direction”. An inclined surface of approximately 5 degrees is formed so as to descend toward the "X direction". Note that in each of the second to fifth stages of the first guide member 510, a first upper guideway section 512, a first upper guideway section 513, a first middle guideway section 514, and a first middle guideway section are provided. 515, a first lower guide step portion 517, and a first lower guide path portion 518, in the first stage, the first upper guide path portion 512, the first upper guide step portion 513, the first A middle guideway section 514, a first middle guide step section 515, and a first lower guide step section 517 are formed. Further, in each of the second to fifth stages of the second guide member 520, a second upper guideway portion 522, a second upper guideway step portion 523, and a second guideway portion 526 are formed. , only an approximately 5-degree inclined surface descending in the "-X direction" is formed in the first stage, and only an approximately 5-degree inclined surface descending in the "+Z direction" is formed in the sixth stage. has been done. The second upper guideway portion 522 of the second guide member 520 is large enough to accommodate one game ball, and the first upper guideway portion 512 of the first guide member 510 and the first middle guideway are large enough to accommodate one game ball. The portion 514 is large enough to accommodate two game balls in the +-Z direction, and the first lower guideway portion 518 of the first guide member 510 can accommodate two game balls. The second lower guiding path portion 526 of the second guiding member 520 is large enough to accommodate one game ball in the "+-Z direction". In other words, the closed guideway formed by the first guide member 510 and the second guide member 520 has a size that allows 30 or more game balls to flow down at the same time.

Referring to FIGS. 5-2(A) and 5-2(B), the flow of game balls in the second grand prize winning device 127 in the closed state as described above will be described. First, the game ball flowing down from the upstream side of the second guiding step 523 at the protruding position flows down to the second upper guiding path 522 along the slope of the side surface of the second upper guiding step 523. Next, the game ball on the second upper guiding path section 522 changes its flowing direction from the "-X direction" to the "+Z direction" and is guided by the first protrusion 508a and the second protrusion 508b. while flowing down to the first upper guideway section 512. At this time, since the second upper guide step portion 523 is provided on the upstream side of the second upper guide path portion 512, movement of the game ball in the “+X direction” on the second upper guide path portion 522 is restricted. while flowing down on the second upper guide path section 522 between the second upper guide step section 523 and the second projection section 508b. Next, the game ball flowing down on the first upper guideway section 512 is directed to the inclined surface of the first upper guide step section 513 provided in the "+X direction" and the "+Z direction" in the first middle guideway section 514. ”, the flow direction is changed from the “+Z direction” to the “−X direction” and flows down along the first intermediate guideway portion 514. Next, the game ball flowing down on the first intermediate guideway section 514 passes over the first lower guideway section 517 and reaches the first lower guideway section 518, and then is moved by the third projection section 508c. , changes the flow direction from the "-X direction" to the "-Z direction" and flows down from the first lower guideway section 518 to the second lower guideway section 526 while being guided. At this time, since the first lower guide step portion 517 is provided on the “+X direction” side of the first lower guideway portion 518, the game ball is moved in the “+X direction” on the first lower guideway portion 518. While its movement is restricted, it flows down on the first lower guide path section 518 between the first lower guide step section 517 and the third protrusion section 508c. Then, the game balls flowing down the second lower guideway portion 526 flow down while changing the direction of flow from the "-Z direction" to the "-X direction." That is, in the second big winning device 127 in the closed state, the game ball can flow down without contacting the board protrusion 107 and the fourth protrusion 508d.

As shown in FIG. 5-3, in the second big prize winning device 127 in the open state, the second guiding member 520, which was in the protruding position in the closed state, moves in the "+Z direction", so that the second guiding member 520 will be located in the retracted position. At this time, the second upper guide path portion 522 of the second guide member 520 is fitted into the slit formed in the second guide member 520 with respect to the slit formed in the first guide member 510. Located above the first upper guideway 512 so as to cover the first upper guideway part 512 of the first guide member 510, and the first lower guideway part 518 and the first lower guideway step part of the first guide member 510. 514 is positioned above the second lower guideway part 526 so as to cover the second lower guideway part 526 of the second guide member 520. Here, the flow of game balls in the second grand prize winning device 127 in the open state as described above will be explained. First, when the game ball is changed from the closed state to the open state, the game ball on the second upper guideway section 522 is restricted from moving in the "+X direction" on the second upper guideway section 522. It flows down to the first middle guideway part 514 on the second upper guideway part 522 between the step part 523 and the second projection part 508b. Then, the game ball flowing down the first intermediate guideway section 514 flows down the first lower guideway section 518 and falls from the "-Z direction" end of the first lower guideway section 518, as described above. Then, the ball enters the first winning hole 503a or the second winning hole 503b. In addition, the game balls on the first intermediate guideway section 514 and the first lower guideway section 518 when the state changes from the closed state to the open state also flow down in the same way as described above, and the "-" of the first lower guideway section 518 flows down. The ball falls from the end in the Z direction and enters the first winning hole 503a or the second winning hole 503b. In addition, the game balls on the first upper guideway section 512 when the state changes from the closed state to the open state are pushed in the "+Z direction" by the moving second guide member 520, and are pushed toward the first middle guideway section 514 and The ball flows down the first lower taxiway part 518, falls from the "-Z direction" end of the first lower taxiway part 518, and enters the first winning port 503a or the second winning port 503b. . That is, in the second big winning device 127 in the open state, the game ball can flow down without contacting the board protrusion 107.

In addition, in the second grand prize winning device 127 in the above-mentioned closed state, a case has been described in which the game ball flows down without contacting the board protrusion 107 and the fourth protrusion 508d. It may contact the four protrusions 508d and flow down. For example, when the game ball that has reached the first lower guideway 518 contacts the board protrusion 107, the game ball is moved downward from the "-X direction" to the "-Z direction" by the slope of the board protrusion 107. will be changed. Also, for example, when the game ball that has reached the second lower guideway part 526 from the first lower guideway part 518 comes into contact with the fourth projection part 508d, the game ball is moved by the slope of the fourth projection part 508d. The flow direction will be changed from the "-Z direction" to the "-X direction." Also, in the second grand prize winning device 127 in the open state described above, a case has been described in which the game ball flows down without contacting the board protrusion 107, but even if the game ball contacts the board protrusion 107 and flows down. Often, game balls will flow down in the same manner as described above. In this way, if the second grand prize winning device 127 is provided with the board protrusion 107 or the fourth protrusion 508d, it is possible to smoothly change the flowing direction of the game ball that has come into contact with the protrusion and cause it to flow down. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of ball biting and ball clogging.

Moreover, if the configuration is such that the first guide member 510 and the second guide member 520 are fitted together through their respective slits to be in an open state, like the second big prize winning device 127 described above, it is better than the conventional one. It is also possible to make many game balls flow down by increasing the surface on which the game balls can flow down, and it is possible to win many game balls with a single opening/closing operation. Furthermore, like the second big prize winning device 127 described above, the first upper guideway part 512, the first upper guideway part 513, the first middle guideway part 514, the first middle guideway part of the first guide member 510 515 , a first lower guideway section 517 , a first lower guideway section 518 , a second upper guideway section 522 , a second upper guideway section 523 , and a second lower guideway section 526 of the second guide member 520 Accordingly, in the second big prize winning device 127 in the closed state and the open state described later, an inclination of 5 degrees is formed along the downward direction of the game ball. With such a configuration, the game balls will flow down smoothly regardless of whether it is in the open state or the closed state, and it is possible to prevent the ball from getting stuck or clogging, which would cause the game balls flowing down to stagnate. be able to. Then, like the second big prize winning device 127 in the closed state, the second upper taxiway part 522, the first upper taxiway part 512, the first middle taxiway part 514, the first lower taxiway part 518, and the second If each of the lower guideway portions 526 is formed with a surface large enough to accommodate three game balls in the "+-Z direction", the game balls will flow down smoothly. In particular, in the second big winning device 127 in the open state, the game ball 2 is moved in the "+-Z direction" in the second upper guideway section 522, the first middle guideway section 514, and the first lower guideway section 518. Since a surface large enough to accommodate individual balls is formed, the game balls can flow down smoothly.

In addition, in the above-mentioned second big prize winning device 127, the lower part of the main body part 502 was configured to be covered by the board cover member 105B, but the part of the board cover member 105 that covers the lower part of the main body part 502 A half mirror-like member may be provided, and a light emitting device for effect such as an LED may be provided inside the main body portion 502. With the second big winning device 127 having such a configuration, for example, in the closed state, the visibility of the first winning hole 503a and the second winning hole 503b, which are covered by the half mirror-like member of the board cover member 105, can be improved. When the opening state is reached, the effect light emitting device of the main body part 502 emits light to make it easier to see the game balls entering the first prize opening 503a covered with a half mirror-like member. It is possible to perform a performance that improves the interest of the game. Further, in the second big winning device 127 described above, the winning cover member 507 is configured to cover the “+Y direction” and the “-Z direction” of the first guiding member 510 and the second guiding member 520. However, the boundary between the "+Y direction" and the "-Z direction" of the winning cover member 507 may be formed into a curved surface. With the second big prize winning device 127 having such a configuration, for example, the first guidance is easier than when the boundary between the "+Y direction" and "-Z direction" of the prize winning cover member is bent at a right angle or the like. Since the game balls flowing down on the member 510 and the second guide member 520 can be easily recognized, the player can visually recognize the plurality of game balls that can win in the second grand prize winning device 127. It is possible to improve the interest of the game.

In addition, in the second big prize winning device 127 described above, the guiding path inside the main body portion 502 guides the game ball that has entered the first winning hole 503a etc. to pass through one second winning device detection switch 306b. However, a second winning device detection switch is provided in each of the first winning hole 503a and the second winning hole 503b, and the game ball that has passed through each second winning device detection switch is ejected. Good too. With the second big prize winning device 127 having such a configuration, the game ball that flows down (falls) on the upstream side in the open state immediately enters the first prize winning opening 503a on the upstream side, so it can be played once. It is possible to prevent over-winning in which more than the number of winnings (for example, 8) is won, which is one of the triggers for ending the round game. Further, in the second big prize winning device 127 described above, the link mechanism is connected to both ends of the upstream side and the downstream side of the second guiding member 520. Compared to the case where the mechanism is connected only to one end of the second guide member 520, the operating timing at both ends of the second guide member 520 can be made substantially the same.

[Configuration of second starting device 115]
The configuration of the second starting device 115 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2. 6-1 is a perspective view of the second starting device 115, (A) is a perspective view illustrating the outline of the second starting device 115 in a state where ball entry is not possible, and (B) is a perspective view illustrating the outline of the second starting device 115 in a state where ball entry is possible. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a second starting device 115. FIG. FIG. 6-2 is a diagram explaining the operating mode of the second starting device 115, (A) is a diagram explaining the operating mode of the second starting device 115 in a state where ball entry is prohibited, and (B) is a diagram explaining the operating mode of the second starting device 115. It is a perspective view explaining the operation mode of the 2nd starting device 115 in a ball possible state.

As shown in FIGS. 6-1(A) and (B), the second starting device 115 includes a main body portion 610, a movable starting member 620, and a second starting device detection switch 304b. The main body part 610 includes a main body case part 612, and houses a part of a movable starting member 620, as well as various members such as a starter opening/closing solenoid 307, which is an operating mechanism for operating the movable starting member 620, which will be described later. This member is fixed to the board surface part 105A and is provided so that a part of the side surface in the "-Z direction" is covered by the board case part. The movable starting member 620 includes a starting guiding path section 625 which is a path for guiding the falling game balls to the starting port of the second starting device detection switch 304b, and a protrusion in the "+Y direction" with respect to the starting guiding path section 625. a starting protrusion 622 which is a shaped part, and a protruding position which is a position protruding from the hole of the main body case part 610 in the "-Z direction" by the operating mechanism, and a protruding position in the "+Z direction" compared to the protruding position. This member is configured to be movable and controllable between the retracted position and the retracted position.

As shown in FIG. 6-1(A), next, in the second starter 115 in the state where the ball cannot enter, the starter opening/closing solenoid 307 is in a de-energized state, so the starter movable member 620 is in the operating mechanism. It is located in the retracted position by Further, when the movable starting member 620 is in the retracted position as described above, the starting protrusion 622 is in a state of protruding from the main body case portion 610. At this time, the starting protrusion 622 is located on the flow path of the game ball when the game ball enters the starting port of the second starting device detection switch 304b, and is arranged near the starting port to prevent the game from starting. The ball cannot enter the starting hole.

As shown in FIG. 6-1(B), next, in the second starting device 115 in the state where the ball can enter, the starting device opening/closing solenoid 307 is in the energized state, so the starting movable member 620 is activated by the operating mechanism. It is arranged to be located in a protruding position. Further, the starting protrusion 622 is in a state of protruding further in the "-Z direction" from the main body case part 612 compared to the retracted position, and the starting guide path part 625 is in a state of protruding further in the "-Z direction" from the main body case part 612. It is in an outstanding state. At this time, since the starting projection part 622 is not located on the flow path of the game ball when the game ball enters the starting port, the game ball enters the starting port along the starting guiding path part 625. is now possible. That is, in the second starting device 115 in the state where the ball can enter, the starting guide path section 625 of the starting movable member 620 forms a guide path for allowing the game ball to enter the starting port.

As shown in FIGS. 6-2(A) and (B), the operating mechanism housed in the main body case 612 of the main body 610 includes a starter opening/closing solenoid 307, a starting link member 626, and a starting spring 640. , and a slidable slider member 650. The starting link member 626 is provided to be rotatable relative to the main body case portion 612 (rotation to the right or rotation to the left in FIGS. 6-2(A) and 6-2(B)), and is connected to the movable starting member 620. This is a member that rotates to move the connected starting movable member 620 in the "+Z direction" or "-Z direction". The starting spring 640 is locked to the main body locking part 615 of the main body case part 610 and the link locking part 628 of the starting link member 626, and rotates in the "-Z direction" with respect to the starting link member 626 (Fig. 6 -2 (A), (B) This is a member that applies a biasing force to rotate in the right direction on top. The slider member 650 is a member that can slide in the "+-X direction" in response to the operation of the starter opening/closing solenoid 307, and by sliding, it presses the link protrusion 627 of the starter link member 626 to start the operation. This is a member that rotates the link member 626 in the "+Z direction" (rotates to the left in FIGS. 6-2(A) and 6-2(B)).

As shown in FIG. 6-2(A), in the second starting device 115 in which the ball cannot enter the ball, the starting device opening/closing solenoid 307 is in a de-energized state, so that the slider member 650 is moved by the biasing force of the coil spring (not shown). By pressing the link protrusion 627, the starting link member 626 is rotated in the "+Z direction". At this time, since the pressing force of the slider member 650 against the link protrusion 627 is greater than the urging force of the starting spring 640 against the starting link member 626, the starting link member 626 rotates in the "+Z direction", and the starting movable member 620 It is in the retracted position. In addition, since there is a gap between the startable member 620 in the retracted position and the board cover member 105B that allows the game ball to pass through, the game ball that has flowed down along the guiding part of the board cover member 105B, The ball does not enter the starting port of the second starting device detection switch 304b, but flows down (falls) from between the startable member 620 in the retracted position and the board cover member 105B.

As shown in FIG. 6-2(B), in the second starting device 115 in the ball entering state, the starting device opening/closing solenoid 307 is in the energized state, so the slider member 650 is in the ball entry not possible state. The link protrusion 627 is moved from the position in the "+X direction" to a state where the link protrusion 627 is not pressed. At this time, since the pressing force of the slider member 650 is not acting on the link protrusion 627, the starting link member 626 rotates in the "-Z direction" due to the urging force of the starting spring 640 against the starting link member 626. The movable starting member 620 is in the protruding position. Furthermore, since the starting protrusion 622 at the protruding position can protrude from the hole provided in the panel cover member 105B in the "-Z direction" than the inner surface of the panel cover member 105B, Since the space between the ball and the member 105B is covered by the starting guide path section 625, the game ball can easily enter the starting port of the second starting device detection switch 304b without falling.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6-3, a description will be given of a case where ball jamming occurs in the second starting device 115 in a state where the ball can enter. FIG. 6-3 is a diagram illustrating a situation where ball jamming occurs in the second starting device 115 in a state where the ball can enter. The ball biting state in the second starting device 115 is a state in which the game ball is sandwiched between the side surface of the movable starting member 620 and the inner wall surface of the board cover member 105B, as shown in FIG. 6-3. When the ball is stuck in this way, the game balls that have flowed down from the upstream cannot flow down, causing a ball jam, which may force the game to be interrupted.

As shown in FIG. 6-3, in the second starting device 115 in the ball biting state, the starting device opening/closing solenoid 307 is in the energized state, so the slider member 650 moves from the position when the ball is not allowed to enter to the +X Since the link protrusion 627 is moved in the "direction", the link protrusion 627 is not pressed. At this time, since the pressing force of the slider member 650 is not acting on the link protrusion 627, the starting link member 626 rotates in the "-Z direction" by the urging force of the starting spring 640, and the starting movable member 620 moves toward the main body. It is in a state of protruding from the case part 612 in the "-Z direction". In addition, since the starting movable member 620 is in a state where the game ball is sandwiched between the side surface in the "-Z direction" and the board cover member 105B, it is in a position where it is pulled in in the "+Z direction" compared to the protruding position. . Furthermore, the starting protrusion 622 is located on the flow path of the game ball when the game ball enters the starting port of the second starting device detection switch 304b, and is arranged near the starting port, so that the game ball It is impossible for the ball to enter the starting hole. Here, in the second starting device 115 in such a ball biting state, a case will be described in which, for example, a further game ball flows down from upstream via a guiding path such as the board cover member 105B. For example, in the second starting device 115 in the ball-biting state, if another game ball contacts the sandwiched game ball or the starting movable member 620, the biasing force against the starting movable member 620 is greater than the urging force by the starting spring 640. There are times when stress acts in the "+Z direction". In such a case, by slightly moving the starting movable member 620 in the "+Z direction", the pinched game ball will flow down (fall) and the ball biting state will be resolved. Then, in the second starting device 115 in which the ball biting state is resolved, the link protrusion 627 is not pressed by the slider member 650, so the starting movable member 620 moves to the protruding position and enters the state where the ball can enter. .

Here, a description will be given of a starting device for a conventional game machine, such as the second starting device 115, which is brought into a state in which a ball can be entered or a state in which a ball cannot be entered by operating a movable member by a solenoid. In conventional starting devices, for example, when the solenoid is de-energized, the above-mentioned state where no ball enters the ball is maintained, and when the solenoid is energized, the solenoid's acting force directly acts on the starter. The configuration was such that the state in which the ball could be entered was maintained and the state in which the ball was not allowed to enter the ball was maintained. Specifically, for example, in a configuration such as the second starting device 115 described above that enters a state in which a ball cannot be entered or a state in which a ball can enter according to the rotation of the starting link member, in the state in which a ball can enter, the slider The structure was such that the member interfered with and obstructed the movement of the link protrusion in the "-X direction." In other words, in the conventional starter device, when the ball is in the entry possible state, the movable member does not operate unless the solenoid changes from the energized state to the de-energized state. In this regard, with the second starting device 115 described above, the slider member 650 does not interfere with the movement of the link protrusion 627 in the "-X direction", so the starting device opening/closing solenoid 307 is energized. Even in this state, if an external force larger than the biasing force by the starting spring 640 is applied to the starting movable member 620, the starting movable member 620 will be activated and the above-mentioned ball biting state can be resolved.

Note that even if the second starting device 115 described above is configured such that the movable range of the slider member 650 in the "+-X direction" is larger than the movable range of the link protrusion 627 in the "+-X direction". good. With such a configuration, when the starter opening/closing solenoid 307 is in a de-energized state, the slider member 650 can reliably contact and press the link protrusion 627, and the starter link member 626 can be moved to "+Z". direction'', the starting movable member 620 can be brought into the retracted position where it is most retracted with respect to the main body case portion 610. On the other hand, when the starter opening/closing solenoid 307 is energized, the slider member 650 can be reliably made not to contact the link protrusion 627, and the starter link member 626 is moved in the "-Z direction". ”, the movable starting member 620 can be placed in the most protruding position with respect to the main body case portion 610.

Further, the configuration of the second starting device 115 as described above may be used in the second big prize winning device 127 described above. Specifically, in the operating mode of the second guiding member of the second big prize winning device 127, the closing state may be caused by the biasing force of a spring. With the second grand prize winning device having such a configuration, when a ball is stuck, the ball is easily eliminated, and ball jamming can be suppressed. On the other hand, the configuration in which the number of game balls that can flow down on the guiding members by the two guiding members in the second big prize winning device 127 as described above can be made larger than before is that It may also be used in the device 115. Specifically, in the second starting device, a guiding member is provided, which is a member different from the starting movable member, on the upper surface of which the game ball can flow down, and which can be opened and closed relative to the starting movable member, and the starting movable member and the guiding member are provided. A configuration may be adopted in which the ball entry section is provided in the "-Y direction" relative to the ball. In the second starting device having such a configuration, when the guiding member is in the closed state, the game ball flows down on the starting movable member and the guiding member without being able to enter the ball entering part, and the guiding member is not guided. When the member is in the open state, the game ball flowing down on the starting movable member and the guiding member may be configured to be able to enter the ball entry portion. With the second starting device having such a configuration, similarly to the second big prize winning device 127 described above, by one opening/closing operation of the guiding member, not only the game balls flowing down on the starting movable member but also the guiding It is possible to allow more game balls to enter than before, including game balls flowing down on the member.

[Features of embodiment]
As described above, according to the game machine 100 of the embodiment described above, the first guiding member 510 is provided on the game board 102A and guides the falling game ball, and the first guiding member 510 is provided on the game board 102A and guides the falling game ball. A second guiding member 520 for guiding, a second big winning device opening/closing solenoid 370 provided on the game board 102A and operating the second guiding member 520, and a first winning device provided on the gaming board 102A for entering the game ball. A second winning device 127 is provided with a second winning device 127 having an opening 503a, a second winning opening 503b, and a second winning device detection switch 306b. Depending on the situation, a closed guiding path may be formed to guide the falling game balls so that they do not enter the first prize opening 503a, etc., or a closed guiding path may be formed to prevent the gaming balls that are on the closed guiding path from entering the first winning opening 503a, etc. It is possible to form a configuration in which an open guideway is formed to guide the vehicle.

In such a gaming machine, the second big prize winning device 127 is formed by the first guide member 510 and the second guide member 520 in the closed state by changing from the closed state to the open state to form an open guide path. Many game balls flowing down on the closed guiding path can be made to enter the first prize opening 503a etc. by one operation of the second guiding member 520. According to such a game machine, a game ball can enter the closed guideway with a single opening/closing operation, which allows more game balls to flow down than before, so a player who sees such a ball entering It is possible to expect a larger number of prize balls than before, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game. Furthermore, according to such a gaming machine, the winning number (for example, 8 pieces), which is one of the triggers for ending one round game, can be reached earlier than before, and the winning number can be achieved in a shorter time than before. Since the jackpot game itself can be ended, for example, it is possible to improve the interest of the game for players who expect a game that progresses faster than before.

As described above, according to the gaming machine 100 of the embodiment described above, the starting movable member 620 is provided on the game board 102A and guides the falling game ball, and the starting movable member 620 is provided on the gaming board 102A and operates the starting movable member 620. The second starting device 115 includes a starting device opening/closing solenoid 307 and a starting spring 640, and a second starting device detection switch 304b provided on the game board 102A and into which game balls enter. The starting spring 640 moves the starting movable member 620 between a retracted position (ball entry impossible state) where a guiding path is not formed to guide the falling game ball so that it enters the second starting device detection switch 304b, and a guiding path is formed. The starting movable member 620 is prevented from being displaced from the retracted position (ball entry not possible state) to the protruding position (ball entry possible state). In this case, the ball can be configured to be able to be displaced to the protruding position (ball entering state) by receiving a predetermined external force.

In such a gaming machine, when the second starting device 115 changes from the state where the ball cannot be entered to the state where the ball can be entered, the movable starting member 620 is in the ball biting state so that the state can be changed to the state where the ball can be entered. If this is inhibited, the starting movable member 620 can be configured to be able to enter the ball entry state by receiving a predetermined external force. Specifically, if the ball is caught in the starting movable member 620 even though the ball is normally in a state in which a guiding path is formed by the starting movable member 620 in the protruding position, the ball may flow down. The starting movable member 620 is retracted by the stress that acts when the coming game ball contacts the starting movable member 620, and the ball biting state can be resolved by causing the game ball in the ball biting state to flow down (falling). . Then, in the second starting device 115 in which the ball biting state is eliminated, a guiding path is formed by the starting movable member 620, and the second starting device 115 is displaced to its original state, which is a state in which a ball can enter. According to such a gaming machine, even if a ball jamming condition occurs due to a ball jamming condition in the second starting device 115, the ball jamming condition is easily resolved and the ball jamming condition is also eliminated, so that the ball jamming condition is eliminated. A decrease in interest in the game can be suppressed without interrupting the game depending on the situation.

◆A game machine having a first configuration for solving the above problems includes a first guiding member (first guiding member 510) that is provided on the game board (game board 102A) and guides a falling game ball, and A second guide member (second guide member 520) provided on the game board to guide the falling game ball; and an operating section (second big prize device opening/closing unit) provided on the game board to operate the second guide member. solenoid 370), and a ball entry part (first winning hole 503a, second winning hole 503b, second winning device detection switch 306b) provided on the game board and into which game balls enter, and the first The guiding member and the second guiding member may form a first guiding path that guides a game ball flowing down so as not to enter the ball entry portion in response to the operation of the second guiding member by the operating unit. The gist is that there is a case where a second guiding path is formed to guide the game ball that was on the first guiding path so that it can enter the ball entry section.

◇A game machine with a second configuration for solving the above problem includes a guiding member (starting movable member 620) that is provided on the game board (game board 102A) and guides the falling game balls, and a guiding member (starting movable member 620) that is provided on the game board an actuating section (starting device opening/closing solenoid 307, starting spring 640) provided on the game board to operate the guiding member; and a ball entry section (second starting device detection switch 304b) provided on the game board into which a game ball enters. , the actuating unit is configured to move the guiding member into a first state in which a guiding path is not formed to guide the falling game ball to enter the ball entry portion, and a second state in which the guiding path is formed. state, and the guiding member is capable of being displaced to the second state by receiving a predetermined external force when displacement from the first state to the second state is inhibited. The gist is to become.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments and modifications, the embodiments of the invention described above are for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

100...Game machine, 102A...Game board (gaming board), 304b...Second starting device detection switch (ball entrance part), 307...Starting device opening/closing solenoid (actuating part), 620...Starting movable member (guiding member), 640 ...Starting spring (actuating part).

Claims (1)

a guiding member provided on the game board and guiding the flowing game ball;
an actuating part provided on the game board and actuating the guiding member;
a ball entry part provided on the game board and into which a game ball enters;
The actuating part is
It is possible to displace the guiding member into a first state in which a guiding path is not formed for guiding the falling game ball to enter the ball entry portion, and a second state in which the guiding path is formed. and
The guiding member is
A gaming machine characterized in that when displacement from the first state to the second state is inhibited, displacement to the second state becomes possible by receiving a predetermined external force.