JP2024019303A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of executing a suitable performance by a decoration part.

SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a front-side decoration part 50 that can pass one portion of light outputted from LED elements 32L, 32R to a front side in which a player is positioned and can take a lit state when visually recognized from a surface side in which the player is positioned; a rear-side decoration part 11 that is provided separately from the front-side decoration part 50 and can emit light by light reflected by a rear surface 50B of the front-side decoration part 50; a rear window 61 capable of reflecting at least one portion of light from the rear surface 50B of the front-side decoration part 50 to a side of the LED elements 32L, 32R by a front surface 61B; and a light incidence window 62 capable of reflecting at least one portion of light from a front surface 61F of the rear window 61 to a side of the front-side decoration part 50 by a front surface 62F between the front-side decoration part 50 and the LED elements 32L, 32R. A light-emitting space 40 for surrounding a peripheral part is formed by the rear surface 50B of the front-side decoration part 50, the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, and the front surface 62F of the light incidence window 62.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine typified by a pinball gaming machine.

A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a typical conventional pachinko machine, for example, in a normal gaming state, the game ball is hit to the left with a low firing strength to cause the game ball to flow down into a predetermined left-hand downstream area, In a game state that is advantageous for the player, the game ball is launched as the game progresses, such as by playing the game by hitting the game ball right-handed, which has a higher firing strength than when hitting the ball left-handed, causing the game ball to flow down the right-side falling region. The structure is designed to change the way In such a gaming machine, when the gaming state switches from a normal gaming state to an advantageous gaming state, a specific device or area (hereinafter referred to as a privilege area) into which a gaming ball flowing down the right flowing area can enter. A configuration is known in which the condition is that the game ball enters the ball (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2011-45422A

However, there may still be room for improvement in the configuration for executing a suitable performance when it is possible to enter the game ball into the bonus area.

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can perform suitable effects when it is possible to enter a game ball into the bonus area. .

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine according to the present invention has the following features:
It is equipped with a display means for displaying a variation of identification information, and a control means for controlling display contents displayed by the display means, and a game ball is placed in a predetermined first region in a normal game state among the game regions in which the game ball can flow down. A game is played by letting the ball flow down, and when a predetermined display result is displayed by the display means, the game ball is flown down to a second region provided separately from the first region to play the game in a predetermined privilege area. It is possible to allow a ball to enter the bonus area, and when the game ball enters the bonus area, it is configured to be able to transition to a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than when the game ball does not enter the bonus area. In gaming machines that are
A plurality of decorative members are provided in a plurality of directions with respect to the display means when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine,
The plurality of decorative members are provided with a light emitting means that allows the surface portion to emit light,
A part of the plurality of decorative members is provided with a character string portion configured by arranging a plurality of characters,
When it becomes possible to enter the game ball into the predetermined privilege area, a plurality of the character string portions are arranged so that the game ball continues downward to the right from the upper left side to the lower right side when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. It is possible to display the characters of
When the character string portion is downward to the right, on the lower right side of the character string portion when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine, there is an extension line to the lower side of the decorative member constituting the character string portion. The privilege area is located between the extension line to the upper side, an entry regulating mechanism that operates to allow the game ball to enter the privilege area, and a letter V displayed corresponding to the position where the privilege area is provided. It is configured so that the

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can perform suitable effects when it is possible to enter the game ball into the bonus area.

Front perspective view of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine A perspective view showing a pachinko machine in an open state A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state Front view of pachinko machine Front view of the pachinko machine with the front block removed Front view of game board Rear perspective view of pachinko machine Back view of pachinko machine Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine Flowchart showing an example of main control main processing Flowchart showing an example of main control interrupt processing Front view of the game board showing the operating state of the left movable member and the right movable member Perspective view of game board A partially cutaway perspective view and a sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative parts taken along a cut plane including the XM-XM line in FIG. 7 A partially cutaway perspective view and a sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative parts taken along a cut plane including the XD-XD line in FIG. 7 A partially cutaway perspective view and a sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative parts taken along a cut plane including the XU-XU line in FIG. 7

Regarding the embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a pachinko machine 100 as an example of a pinball gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, will be described, followed by a description of modified examples and other types of gaming machines. First, regarding an embodiment of the pachinko machine 100, the structural configuration, electrical configuration, and various control processes will be described in order.

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

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 101, a front block 102, an intermediate block 103, and a rear block 104. It is configured to be movable. The outer frame 101, the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 constitute a frame body to which a game board 400, which will be described later, is removably attached. In the following, the combination of the outer frame 101, front block 102, intermediate block 103, and rear block 104 in the pachinko machine 100 may be collectively referred to as a "frame".

The outer frame 101 has a function as a main body support means for supporting the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 101 is a substantially quadrilateral frame member in which a top plate part 111, a bottom plate part 112, a left side plate part 113, and a right side plate part 114 are assembled, and the pachinko machine 100 is installed therein. It is fitted into the game machine installation equipment (island equipment) provided at the game parlor, and is firmly fixed by a fixture (not shown). Note that the outer frame 101 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 100, and the main body portion that has the same inner shape as the outer frame 101 or the outer frame 101 and corresponds to the structure of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101. A structure may be adopted in which a support mechanism for supporting the island equipment and a part of a locking mechanism for locking the main body portion thereof are provided in the island equipment.

Intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided on one side of the outer frame 101 in the left-right direction (left side plate portion 113 side). The outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 are connected (coupled) by the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, and the main body of the pachinko machine 100 rotates at one end (left side) in the left and right direction when the pachinko machine 100 is viewed from the front. It is configured to be rotatable forward, with the proximal end being the proximal end and the other end (right side) being the rotating distal end.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided apart from each other at the upper end and the lower end of the outer frame 101. In each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, for example, a shaft part provided in the intermediate block 103 is supported from below by a shaft support part provided in the outer frame 101, and the shaft part is inserted into a shaft hole provided in the shaft support part. is configured to be rotatable by being in the inserted state. Note that the configuration that allows the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 to be rotatable is not limited to the above configuration, but may include, for example, providing a shaft hole on the intermediate block 103 side and forming a shaft portion on the outer frame 101 side. Other configurations may also be used.

The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided with a function to release the connection state between the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined removal operation, so that the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is attached to the outer frame 101. It is removably attached to the For example, the connection state of the intermediate block 103 to the outer frame 101 is released by opening the intermediate block 103 by a certain amount or more with respect to the outer frame 101 and performing a predetermined removal operation of moving the intermediate block 103 upward by a certain amount. Ru. Thereby, the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 can be removed from the outer frame 101.

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

A rear block 104 is arranged on the rear side of the intermediate block 103 so as to overlap, and the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 are supported by rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 (see FIG. 8) provided on the left side in front view. It is connected. The rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 and the front block support mechanisms 131 and 132, and support the rear block 104 rearwardly with respect to the intermediate block 103. , and is configured to be removably supported by a predetermined removal operation.

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

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

On the other hand, in response to a left rotation operation using a predetermined operation key on the key cylinder 141, the movable portion 144 of the front block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is activated. As a result, the engagement between the engaged portion 145 provided on the front block 102 as part of the front block locking mechanism and the movable portion 144 is released, and the front block 102 is placed in an opening/closing state with respect to the intermediate block 103. Become.

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

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the rear block opening/closing regulating mechanism includes two opening/closing regulating parts 150A and 150B provided in the intermediate block 103 and one opening/closing regulating part 150C provided in the rear block 104. . These three opening/closing regulating parts 150A to 150C are provided with rotatable pieces 151A to 151C that can be rotated. Rotating pieces 151A to 151C change the state of engagement with the opening portions arranged so as to overlap front and back when the rear block 104 is in the closed state by rotating, and thereby the opening/closing prohibited posture corresponding to the opening/closing prohibited state is changed. and an opening/closing permissible posture corresponding to the opening/closing permissible state. When all the rotary pieces 151A to 151C are placed in the opening/closing permissible position, each of the rotary pieces 151A to 151C can pass through the opening, and the rear block 104 becomes in the opening/closing permissible state with respect to the intermediate block 103. As for the opening/closing prohibited posture and the opening/closing allowed posture, it is sufficient that the opening/closing prohibited state and the opening/closing allowed state can be switched by changing at least one of the positions and orientations of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C, and the rotating pieces 151A to 151C may only rotate at a fixed position. It may also be configured to move in a fixed direction, or it may be configured to operate by a combination of movement and rotation. Hereinafter, the same applies to changes in posture when the constituent members of each device transition between a plurality of postures.

Among the three rotating pieces 151A to 151C, two rotating pieces 151A and 151B corresponding to some of them are formed on the rear block 104 when the opening and closing of the rear block 104 is prohibited, as shown in FIG. One rotating piece 151C, which is exposed on the back side of the pachinko machine 100 through the opening and corresponds to the remaining portion, is exposed on the front side of the intermediate block 103, as shown in FIG. For this reason, it is not possible to switch all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C to the open/close permissible postures only by operating from one side, such as the back side of the pachinko machine 100 or the front side of the intermediate block 103. is enhanced.

Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a game ball movement regulating mechanism that restricts the movement of game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the game ball movement regulating mechanism is configured by a combination of a flow regulating piece 161 provided on the intermediate block 103 and a regulation changing section 162 provided on the front block 102, The flow regulating piece 161 is biased toward the front side where the front block 102 is located by a coil spring (not shown).

In the state where the front block 102 is closed to the intermediate block 103 (the closed state of the front block 102), the flow regulating piece 161 is in a movement permitting state that allows the game balls to flow downward, and specifically, The changing portion 162 pushes the intermediate block 103 toward the rear side. The flow regulating piece 161 is arranged to be shifted to the rear side with respect to a guiding path (not shown) for guiding the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 in the movement permitted state. Thereby, in the closed state of the front block 102, movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is allowed.

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

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 100 has an intermediate block 103 closed to the outer frame 101, for example, at the rear side of the intermediate block 103 and at the lower end on the rotating tip side (left side in rear view). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, an open/close detection switch 108 is provided to detect whether or not the intermediate block is An opening/closing detection switch 109 is provided for detecting whether the front block 102 is closed or not.

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

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

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front block 102 includes a central panel 220 provided on the back side of the base frame 201 so as to close the opening 210A, and a main storage mechanism 230 that stores game balls. It includes an auxiliary storage mechanism 240 that stores game balls, and a firing operation device 250 that is operated by a player to fire the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the front block 102 includes an opening periphery 211 that surrounds the periphery of the opening 210A as a part of the front decoration body 210, and an opening periphery 211 that protrudes forward on the lower side with respect to the opening 210A. an upper protrusion 217 located below the upper protrusion 217 and protruding forward; and a lower protrusion 217 and a lower protrusion on the right side of the lower protrusion 218. A flat portion 219 is formed, which is a generally flat area located further back than 218 and in which the firing operation device 250 is arranged. A main storage mechanism 230 is arranged on the upper protrusion 217, and an auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is arranged on the lower protrusion 218.

The center panel 220 has a function as a cover body that allows the rear side to be viewed while closing the opening 210A that is formed through the base frame 201 and the front decoration body 210 in the front-rear direction when combined. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the center panel 220 includes a panel frame 221 (see FIG. 3) attached from the rear side of the base frame 201, and a light-transmitting panel fitted into the front side of the panel frame 221. a front plate 222 (see FIG. 1), and a light-transmissive rear plate 223 (see FIG. 3) fitted on the rear side of the panel frame 221 substantially parallel to the front plate 222 with a predetermined gap therebetween. There is.

The main storage mechanism 230 has a function of storing game balls acquired as the game progresses and game balls lent from the game parlor. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the main storage mechanism 230 includes a storage section 231, a ball removal mechanism (not shown), and a ball removal operation member 232 that operates the ball removal mechanism. The storage unit 231 includes an inlet 231A that allows game balls to flow into the storage unit 231 from inside the pachinko machine 100, and an outlet (not shown) that allows game balls to flow out from the storage unit 231 to the inside of the pachinko machine 100. A discharge port (not shown) is provided upstream of the discharge port. By opening the discharge port, game balls are discharged from the storage section 231 to the player side without being taken into the interior of the Pachinko machine 100. The ball ejecting mechanism has a function of switching the destination of the game balls between the outlet and the outlet.

Game balls acquired as the game progresses and game balls lent out in response to a lending operation on a lending operation device 292, which will be described later, flow into the storage section 231 mainly through the inflow port 231A. Further, the storage section 231 has an opening formed on the upper side, and through this opening, game balls owned by a player are manually inputted, and game balls lent out at a game parlor are supplied.

The game balls that have flowed into the storage section 231 are aligned in a line and are sequentially guided to the side where the outflow port and the discharge port are formed (the upper right side in FIG. 1). When a ball extraction operation (for example, a pressing operation) is not performed on the ball extraction operation member 232, the game ball is guided to a firing device 330 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, through the outlet. On the other hand, when a ball extraction operation is being performed on the ball extraction operation member 232, game balls are guided to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 1) through the discharge port.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 includes a storage section 241 having game ball inlets 241A, 241C (see FIG. 5) and a discharge port 241B (see FIG. 1), and a storage section 241 that opens and closes the discharge port 241B. It is provided with a ball extraction mechanism 243 that operates the ball extraction mechanism 243 and a ball extraction operation member 242 that operates the ball extraction mechanism 243. Game balls etc. acquired as the game progresses mainly flow into the main storage mechanism 230, but if the storage section 231 is full, they flow into the storage section 241 through the inflow port 241A. Further, even in response to a ball extraction operation on the ball extraction operation member 232, game balls flow from the storage section 231 to the storage section 241 through the inflow port 241C.

The bottom surface of the storage section 241 is inclined downward toward the discharge port 241B. When the discharge port 241B is opened by a ball extraction operation (for example, a pressing operation) on the ball extraction operation member 242, all the game balls stored in the storage section 241 can be sequentially released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. In addition, when the discharge port 241B is completely opened by the ball extraction operation on the ball extraction operation member 242, it remains in the open state until the return operation (for example, pressing operation again) is performed on the ball extraction operation member 242. maintained. A ball overflow switch 249 (see FIG. 10) is provided behind the inlet 241A to detect whether or not excessive game balls are stored in the storage section 241.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the firing operation device 250 is connected to the flat portion 219 of the front decoration body 210.
a pedestal 251 protruding forward from the pedestal 251; a rotatable firing handle 252 provided around the pedestal 251; a variable resistor 253 (see FIG. 10) that detects the amount of rotational operation of the firing handle 252; a contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 10) that detects when the player is in contact with the player, and a firing stop switch 255 (see FIG. ). When the player rotates the firing handle 252, a game ball is fired from the firing device 330 (see FIG. 3) toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3) with an intensity corresponding to the amount of the rotational operation. Note that if the contact sensor 254 does not detect contact between the firing handle 252 and the player, or if the firing operation is disabled by operating the firing stop switch 255, the firing handle 252 is not rotated. Even if the game ball is not ejected from the ejecting device 330.

Furthermore, frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 (see FIG. 10) are provided behind the front decoration body 210 in the front block 102. The frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 are arranged so as to overlap on the back side with respect to the opening peripheral portion 211 of the front decoration body 210, and are attached to the base frame 201. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening peripheral portion 211 includes an upper center edge 211A, an upper left edge 211B and an upper right edge 211C located on both left and right sides of the upper center edge 211A, and an upper left edge. It has a left side edge 211D located below 211B and a right side edge 211E located below 211C as light emitting parts, and a frame light emits corresponding to each light emitting part. Devices 271 to 275 are installed.

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

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

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

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with an input operation device 260 that allows the player to perform an input operation other than the firing operation. The input operation device 260 includes, for example, a push operation device 261 that can be pressed, a rotation operation device 262 that can be rotated, and a selection operation device 263 that can be operated in up, down, left, and right directions. These operating devices 261 to 263 are used to perform a performance selection operation to select a performance to be performed in the pachinko machine 100, a device setting operation to set the volume and light intensity of each device that executes a performance in the pachinko machine 100, or a player-related It is possible to perform performance setting operations that allow the pachinko machine 100 to perform performances according to previous games by inputting information, and these operations can be performed by players and game hall managers as necessary. It is said that The input operation section of the input operation device 260 that the player contacts (for example, the annular rotary operation section of the rotation operation device 262) can be rotated, moved up and down, or It is preferable that operations such as vibrations be configured to be executable by control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, control of the sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10)), and may be performed either before or after the input operation, or during the input operation. By operating the input portion at multiple timings, it is possible to provide a variety of effects that accompany input operations, such as actively encouraging input operations.

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

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 includes a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see FIG. 3) that is attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, and a base frame 301. A game board support mechanism that rotatably and detachably supports the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, a game board fixing mechanism that fixes the position of the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, and a game board 400 that holds game balls. A firing device 330 (see FIG. 3) that fires a gun, a main control device 370 (see FIG. 4) that is attached to the back side of the game board 400 and centrally controls the progress of the game, and a A sub-control device 390 (see FIG. 4) is provided to control game production and status notification.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 400 includes a flat base body 401 having through holes such as an ejection port 401A through which game balls can pass back and forth, and an outer rail that curves smoothly from the bottom left to the top right of the base body 401. 402, an inner rail 403 that smoothly curves from the lower right to the upper left of the base 401, a return ball prevention mechanism 404 attached to the upper left tip of the inner rail 403, and a return ball prevention mechanism 404 attached to the upper right tip of the outer rail 402. A recoil prevention member 405 is attached. The outer rail 402 guides game balls fired from a firing device 330, which will be described later, into the game area 409. The return ball prevention mechanism 404 prevents the game balls once released into the game area 409 from the shooting path 401B formed by the portion between the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 facing each other in parallel to return to the shooting path 401B. . The recoil prevention member 405 has a shock absorbing property that prevents a large recoil of the game ball, such as when a game ball that goes over the top center of the game board 400 and heads to the right side returns to the left side via the top center again. However, it is made of a material such as damping rubber, for example.

As shown in FIG. 3, a return ball passage section 163 is formed in the lower part of the back side of the front block 102. As shown in FIG. There is a gap between the guiding member 335 that guides the game ball from the firing device 330 in the direction of the firing path 401B and the outer rail 402, and although the game ball is fired from the firing device 330, it does not go beyond the ball return prevention mechanism 404 and is fired. The game balls returning back through the passage 401B are returned to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 5) from the inlet 241A (see FIG. 5) via the return ball passage section 163 arranged below this gap.

The game ball that has advanced beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 reaches the game area 409 and moves (flows down) within the game area 409 while falling due to its own weight. The game area 409 has a substantially circular outer circumferential shape, and is divided into a shape in which most of the areas have a front-to-back width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The gaming area 409 is generally partitioned at its outer periphery by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403, the front side is partitioned into a substantially flat surface by the rear plate 223 of the center panel 220, and the rear side is partitioned into a substantially flat surface by the base 401 of the game board 400. It is divided into sections. Note that various structures provided in the gaming area 409 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, the firing device 330 includes a ball feeding mechanism 331 that sequentially sends out the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to a shooting position, and a ball feeding solenoid 332 (FIG. 10) that drives the ball feeding mechanism 331. ), a firing mechanism 333 that fires the game ball placed at the firing position, a firing solenoid 334 that drives the firing mechanism 333 (see FIG. 10), and a firing mechanism 333 that fires the game ball placed at the firing position, a firing solenoid 334 that drives the firing mechanism 333 (see FIG. A guiding member 335 that guides the firing passage 401B is provided. As described above, the firing device 330 operates in response to the firing operation performed on the firing operating device 250, and the drive control of the firing solenoid 334 changes in response to the firing operation performed on the firing operating device 250, thereby adjusting the firing force.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 370 includes a main control board 920 (see FIG. 10) and a two-part board case 371 that accommodates the main control board 920. The main control board 920 is housed inside a translucent board case 371 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving traces.

Further, the main control device 370 is rotatably attached to the back side of the game board 400. Specifically, an attachment part 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the back side of the base 401 of the game board 400, and the main control device 370 is attached to the attachment part 372. As a result, not only the back side (front side) of the main control device 370 but also the front side (back side) of the main control device 370 by rotating the attachment part 372 can be attached to the game board 400. It is said that it can be easily checked while it is still attached. The main control device 370 may be connected to the attachment portion 372 in such a way that it cannot be removed without leaving traces, and the removal status of the main control device 370 may be easily managed.

The sub-control device 390 includes a sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10) and a two-part board case 391 that accommodates the sub-control board 940. The sub-control board 940 is housed, for example, in a translucent board case 391 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving traces, similar to the main control board 920. The sub-control device 390 is attached to the back side of the game board 400.

In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the intermediate block 103 includes a backup power supply 601 (see FIG. 10) that supplies backup power to the main control board 920. The backup power supply 601 includes a power supply unit that is configured with a capacitor, a rechargeable battery, etc. and can store backup power, and a power supply unit that supplies a charging voltage to the power supply unit and stores power (charge) applied to the power supply unit. ) and an electric circuit for controlling discharge, etc. The backup power supply 601 charges, for example, a capacitor with the charging voltage power supplied from the power supply unit 901 (see FIG. 10), and uses the power stored in the capacitor by charging as backup power to the main control board 920. (see Figure 10). Backup power supply 601 is attached to the back side of game board 400. Note that the electric circuit for storing and discharging the power of the backup power source 601 does not necessarily need to be provided integrally with the power supply section of the backup power source 601 (for example, provided on one printed circuit board), and may be provided on another printed circuit board. It may be provided at a location, it may be provided as a part of the power supply/launch control board 900 provided on the frame side, or it may be provided as a part of the main control board 920.

Here, various structures arranged in the game area 409 of the game board 400 will be explained with reference mainly to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board 400.

As shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 includes a base body 401, flow-changing members such as nails 411 and windmills 412 that change the flow direction and speed of the game balls, and a center plate located approximately in the center of the base body 401. A structure 420, a starting device (specifically, an upper middle starting winning device 431A and a lower middle starting winning device 431B) related to the first special symbol arranged below the central structure 420, and a center starting device 431B. A starting device related to the second special symbol (specifically, a right starting winning device 432) arranged on the lower right side of the structure 420 and a big winning device 433 arranged below the right starting winning device 432 . A winning combination operating device 435 located on the upper right side and above (upstream side) with respect to the upper and lower big winning devices 433, 434, and a general winning device 439A located on both left and right sides of the lower middle start winning device 431B. , 439B.

In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches serving as detection means for detecting passage of a game ball in correspondence with the above-mentioned upper middle start winning device 431A, etc. (see FIG. 10), and a plurality of switches corresponding to each switch are provided. Entry of a game ball into a predetermined area can be detected. For example, a middle start winning switch (upper middle start winning switch 441A) that detects a game ball that enters the upper middle start winning device 431A, a middle start winning switch (lower middle start winning switch) that detects a game ball that enters the lower middle start winning device 431B. Side middle start winning switch 441B), right start winning switch 442 that detects the game ball that has entered the right starting winning device 432, lower big winning switch 443 that detects the game ball that has entered the lower big winning device 433, upper big winning device 434, a winning switch 444 that detects a game ball that has entered the winning combination operating device 435, a winning combination activation switch 445 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the starting device 436, a starting switch 446 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the starting device 436, A non-specific passage switch 447 detects a game ball that has entered a non-specific passage formed inside the big winning device 434, a gaming ball that has entered a specific passage (privilege area 409V) formed inside the lower big winning device 433. A specific path switch 448 for detecting the game ball, general winning switches 449A, 449B for detecting the game balls entering the general winning devices 439A, 439B, etc. are installed on the game board 400.

Furthermore, the game board 400 is provided with various sensors to prevent fraud (see FIG. 10), and is capable of detecting abnormalities that occur in the pachinko machine 100. For example, a magnetic sensor 491, a vibration sensor 492, a radio wave sensor 493, etc. are installed on the game board 400.

The game ball entrance portions of the central structure 420 and the starting device 436 constitute ball entry ports, and the game balls that have entered each ball entry port are released into the game area 409. Each winning device, specifically, the upper middle start winning device 431A, the lower middle start winning device 431B, the right start winning device 432, the lower big winning device 433, the upper big winning device 434, and the general winning devices 439A, 439B. The entrance portion of the ball constitutes a winning hole, and the game balls that enter each winning hole are guided through a through hole formed in the base body 401 to a collection and discharge passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base body 401. . In addition, the game balls that have not entered each winning device are removed from the discharge port 401 provided at the most downstream part of the game area 409.
A is guided to the collection and discharge passage. The game balls guided to the collection and discharge passage are discharged from the pachinko machine 100 to a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided in the game parlor. When a game ball enters any of the winning devices, a predetermined number of game balls depending on the type of winning device are paid out from the payout device 540 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

Note that each winning device may be configured separately from other winning devices, or a device in which two or more winning devices (for example, upper middle start winning device 431A and lower middle start winning device 431B) are integrated. The winning device may be configured as follows, and the starting device such as the upper middle starting winning device 431A does not necessarily have to be a winning opening from which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when a game ball enters. It may also be a ball entrance where the ball is released into the game area 409 again without being paid out.

The upper mid-start winning device 431A and the lower mid-start winning device 431B related to the first special symbol, as well as the general winning device 439A and the general winning device 439B, do not change the probability of the game ball entering them. The played game ball is guided to the back side of the base body 401. Further, the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol has a mechanism that changes the probability of the game ball entering the inside thereof. It should be noted that the mechanism for changing the probability of entry of the game ball does not need to be provided only in the starting device related to the second special symbol; instead, or in addition, it may be provided in the starting device related to the first special symbol and the general winning device. It may be provided in one or more of 439A and 439B. Furthermore, the mechanism for changing the probability of a game ball entering may be configured by a drive means such as an electrically driven solenoid, or may be typified by a mechanism that operates by the weight of the game ball that enters a predetermined area. It may also be configured by a mechanism that operates mechanically.

The right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol includes a right entry restriction mechanism 452 that changes the probability of a game ball entering the inside thereof by transition between an entry permission posture and an entry prohibition posture, and a right entry restriction mechanism. 452, and a right entry restriction solenoid 462 (see FIG. 10). The right entry restriction mechanism 452 includes two movable pieces driven by a right entry restriction solenoid 462, and when the right entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibited position, the two movable pieces close the entrance (winning opening). ) by narrowing (or closing) the game ball, the game balls cannot enter the right start winning device 432, but when the right entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry-permitting attitude, the two movable pieces close their tips. By adopting an arrangement in which the interval between the parts is expanded, the game ball can enter the right start winning device 432. The right entry regulating mechanism 452 prevents right entry when a game ball entering the starting device 436 related to a normal symbol is won in a lottery based on being detected by the starting switch 446 (hereinafter also referred to as "normal symbol lottery"). In accordance with the drive by the regulation solenoid 462, the entry permission posture is shifted a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time.

As shown in FIG. 7, the lower large prize winning device 433 includes a lower entry regulating mechanism 453 that regulates the entry of game balls into its interior by transitioning between an entry-permitting posture and an entry-prohibiting posture; A downward entry restriction solenoid 463 (see FIG. 10) that changes the attitude of the mechanism 453 is provided. When the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 of the lower prize winning device 433 is in the entry prohibition posture, the game ball cannot enter the lower prize winning device 433 because the lower entry regulating mechanism 453 closes the entrance (winning opening). , when the lower entry regulating mechanism 453 is in the entry-permitting attitude, the lower entry regulating mechanism 453 opens the entrance so that the game ball can enter the lower large prize winning device 433.

As shown in FIG. 7, the upper entrance winning device 434 includes an upper entry regulating mechanism 454 that regulates the entry of game balls into the inside thereof by transition between an entry allowed posture and an entry prohibited posture; The upward entry restriction solenoid 464 (see FIG. 10) that changes the attitude of the mechanism 454 and the transition between the non-guiding attitude and the guiding attitude cause the game ball that has entered the upper winning device 434 to enter a non-specific path or a specific path. A distribution mechanism 437 that distributes the balls, and a switching solenoid 465 (see FIG. 10) that changes the attitude of the distribution mechanism 437 to switch the guiding destination of the game balls are provided. When the upper entry regulating mechanism 454 is in the entry prohibition posture, the upper entry regulating mechanism 454 closes the entrance (winning opening), so that the game ball cannot enter the upper large winning device 434, but the upper entry regulating mechanism 454 When is in the entry-permitting attitude, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 opens the entry port, allowing the game ball to enter the upper prize winning device 434. In addition, the game ball that has entered the University of Japan winning device 434 is guided to a non-specific passage when the distribution mechanism 437 is in the non-guidance posture protruding forward, and in the guidance posture where the distribution mechanism 437 is retracted backward. In some cases, you will be directed to a specific passage. Specific passages and non-specific passages are provided to diversify the transition of gaming states, and when a game ball enters a specific passage, an advantageous gaming state is given to the player as a benefit.

In addition, the entry permissible posture and the entry prohibited posture as a mechanism that changes the probability of a game ball entering the inside of the right entry regulating mechanism 452, etc., are the winning opening (or ball entrance opening) of each device that constitutes each mechanism. corresponds to a change in the posture of the operating member that switches between a special state in which the game ball can enter and a normal state in which the game ball cannot enter, and at least one of the position and orientation of the operating member differs depending on each posture. It's good to have. In addition, as a mechanism that changes the probability of a game ball entering, such as the right entry restriction mechanism 452, it is not necessarily necessary to make the state in which the game ball cannot enter into the normal state, and it is possible to allow the entry of the game ball even in the normal state, and to In this state, the posture of the operating member may be changed to a state where it is easier for the game ball to enter than in the normal state.

A game ball can enter the lower jackpot prize device 433 and the upper prize prize device 434 when a jackpot lottery is won. Specifically, the game ball that entered the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B related to the first special symbol is detected by the upper middle start winning switch 441A or the lower middle start winning switch 441B. (hereinafter also referred to as "first special symbol lottery"), or the game ball entering the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442. When a lottery based on the above (hereinafter also referred to as "second special symbol lottery") is won, at least one of the lower entry restriction solenoid 463 and the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 is activated. As a result of this operation, at least one of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 assumes the entry permission posture for a predetermined period of time over a predetermined number of times. Further, the distribution mechanism 437 shifts to the guiding attitude according to the operation of the switching solenoid 465 after a predetermined time from the shift to the approach permissible attitude of the upper approach regulating mechanism 454, and further after a predetermined time after shifting to the guiding attitude. When the switching solenoid 465 is stopped, it returns to the non-guidance position.

The winning combination operating device 435 is a device for setting conditions necessary for the lower major prize winning device 433 and the upper major prize winning device 434 to start operating. After winning the jackpot lottery, either the lower jackpot winning device 433 or the upper jackpot winning device 434 starts operating on the condition that the game ball passes through the winning combination operating device 435. Therefore, if the player wins a jackpot, he or she can start the special gaming state at the timing that the player intends. It should be noted that it is not necessarily necessary to configure either the lower prize winning device 433 or the upper prize winning device 434 to start operating on the condition that the game ball passes through the winning combination operating device 435, and instead of or in addition to In addition, either the lower major prize winning device 433 or the upper major prize winning device 434 may start operating after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 is integrated with display devices 471 to 473 that display fluctuations in symbols and lottery results, and display devices 476 to 478 that display the number of times games are suspended. A display device having a plurality of light emitting parts is provided at the lower left portion corresponding to a part of the game board 400. The plurality of light emitting sections are divided in advance into light emitting areas corresponding to each device, and the state of each device is displayed by the light emitting state.

Specifically, the game board 400 includes a first special symbol that fluctuates and displays the first special symbol in accordance with the first special symbol lottery, or permanently displays the first special symbol as a stop symbol according to the lottery result. A special symbol display device 471 related to the special symbol, and a second device that displays the second special symbol in a variable manner in accordance with the second special symbol lottery, or permanently displays the second special symbol as a stop symbol according to the lottery result. A special symbol display device 472 related to the special symbol, a special symbol preservation display device 476 that displays the number of pending unit games related to the first special symbol, and a special symbol pending display device 476 that displays the number of pending unit games related to the second special symbol. A display device 477 is provided. The right to play the unit game related to the first special symbol and the right to play the unit game related to the second special symbol are each reserved up to four times. Here, a unit game is one game that is executed based on one starting prize, and a lottery that is executed based on one starting winning and a lottery based on the correctness determination. It refers to a series of games that includes the start to end of the variable display until the result is displayed.

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

Each of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is composed of a plurality of light emitting parts, and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). . Each of the display of the first special symbol and the display of the second special symbol is expressed by a light emission pattern of a plurality of light emitting parts (a combination of light emission states (extinguished, lit, blinking) including emission color). The special symbol retention display device 476 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol retention display device 477 related to the second special symbol display the number of retention times based on the combination of the light emitting states (off, lighting, blinking) of the two monochrome light emitting parts. indicate.

In addition, the game board 400 includes a normal symbol display device 473 that displays the normal symbols in a variable manner in accordance with the normal symbol lottery, or permanently displays the normal symbols as a stop symbol according to the lottery result; A normal symbol reservation display device 478 is provided which displays the number of times the right of a unit game is reserved. The right for unit games related to normal symbols is reserved up to four times. When the right to the unit game related to the normal symbol is reserved to the maximum number of times, the right to the unit game related to the normal symbol is not added even if the game ball entering the starting device 436 is detected by the starting switch 446.

The normal symbol display device 473 is composed of a plurality of light emitting parts, and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). A normal pattern is expressed by a light emitting pattern of a plurality of light emitting parts. Further, the normal symbol reservation display device 478 displays the number of reservations based on a combination of the light emitting states (off, on, blinking) of the two monochrome light emitting parts.

In addition, on the game board 400, in a unit game related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and decorative symbols are displayed in a fixed manner so as to overlap with the rear of the central structure 420. A decorative pattern display device 479 is provided. The variable display and fixed display of the decorative symbols are controlled by the sub-control board 940, and are synchronized with the variable display and fixed display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol by the main control board 920. In the variable display of decorative symbols, more complex and diverse effects are performed than in the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In addition, the fluctuating display and final display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol and the fluctuating display and final display of the decorative symbol do not necessarily start to fluctuate at completely coincident timings, or stop displaying as a final display. It is not necessary, and a setting may be made in which the fluctuations are started at approximately the same timing with a slight time difference between each timing, and the confirmation display is performed at approximately the same timing.

In addition, the game board 400 includes a board light emitting device 490 (see FIG. 10) provided on the back side of various structures, and the board light emitting device 490 accompanies the progress of the game based on the control by the sub control board 940. Performs various lighting effects and status notifications by lighting.

In addition, the game board 400 includes a remaining power display section 611 (see FIG. 10) that displays information corresponding to the remaining power (amount of electricity, amount of charge) of the backup power source 601, which corresponds to a part of the game board 400. It is provided at a position that is visible from the front side of the lower right portion (for example, a part of the central structure 420 and next to the decorative pattern display device 479). Note that in FIG. 7, illustration of the remaining amount display section 611 is omitted.

In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the remaining amount display section 611 is composed of one light emitting section, and the lighting mode of the light emitting section is changed depending on the remaining amount of the backup power source 601. For example, when the remaining power of the backup power supply 601 is zero, the light emitting part is turned off continuously, and until the remaining power increases due to charging and reaches the maximum capacity, the light emitting part blinks (lights up intermittently). ), and when the remaining capacity reaches the maximum capacity, the light emitting part lights up continuously.

Note that the remaining amount display section 611 may be configured to include a plurality of light emitting sections, and the number of light emitting sections that light up increases depending on the remaining amount of the backup power source 601. It may be configured using a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device, and display the remaining amount of the backup power supply 601 as a numerical percentage. In addition to the change in the lighting mode of the light emitting parts or the number of light emitting parts to be lit, in the remaining power display part 611 composed of one or more light emitting parts, the remaining power of the backup power supply 601 is changed. The color of the light emitting part may change depending on the amount of light emitted.

Here, various gaming states and transitions between gaming states will be explained. The normal gaming state (hereinafter also abbreviated as "normal gaming state") is a state where the variable display time of the first special symbol, second special symbol, and normal symbol is long (hereinafter also referred to as "non-time saving state"). handle.

When a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the game ball enters a specific passageway (internal passageway of the top prize winning device 434) during the special game state that is transferred based on the winning. Depending on whether or not the game state is changed to after the special game state is different. If the game ball does not enter the specific path during the special game state, the variable display time of the first special symbol lottery, second special symbol, and normal symbol is shorter than the non-time saving state (hereinafter referred to as the "time saving state"). A gaming state (also referred to as "low probability state" hereinafter) in which the probability of winning the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is the same as the normal gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as "low probability state") (hereinafter also referred to as "time-saving gaming state"). On the other hand, if the game ball enters a specific path during the special game state, it is a time saving state and the probability of winning the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is higher than in the normal game state. (hereinafter also referred to as a "high probability state") (hereinafter also referred to as a "probability variable gaming state").

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

Note that the gaming states and transitions between gaming states do not necessarily have to be structured as described above; for example, the high probability state may continue until the next jackpot is won, or the above gaming states may be changed depending on other contents. It may be configured to have at least one, or it may be configured to further include a gaming state other than each of the gaming states described above, or it may be configured to transition between gaming states depending on conditions different from the above-mentioned conditions.

Note that the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment is configured to include a setting change function that can change the setting of the ball launch rate (machine rate, payout rate) of game balls. Although the details will be described later, the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment can set one game mode from among a plurality of types (for example, nine types) of game modes with different combinations of initial winning probability and variable probability continuation rate. In addition, the game mode to be set is configured to be changeable as necessary, and by changing the setting of the game mode (by changing the setting), the setting of the ball payout rate of the pachinko machine 100 can be changed. . Note that information corresponding to the set gaming mode (hereinafter also referred to as "setting correspondence information") is configured to be stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920.

Next, the operations of the main devices of the game board 400 will be explained roughly in chronological order. In the main control board 920, winning random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, stop pattern random numbers, and various variable pattern random numbers related to special symbols (common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol) are generated, and various gaming states are generated. When the game ball that enters either of the starting winning devices 431A, 431B related to the first special symbol is detected by either of the middle starting winning switches 441A, 441B (see FIG. 10), the starting winning of the first special symbol occurs. becomes. When the first special symbol starts winning, if the right to the unit game related to the first special symbol has not been reserved to the maximum number of times, the winning random number, jackpot symbol random number, and stop pattern random number related to the special symbol are obtained, It is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 922 (see FIG. 10) of the main control board 920.

A unit game based on a random number obtained based on the starting winning of the first special symbol is not in a special game state, is not in a unit game related to the first special symbol or second special symbol, and is a unit game related to the first special symbol. If the rights are not reserved, it will start immediately after storing those random numbers. In addition, even if you are not in a special game state, during a unit game related to the first special symbol or second special symbol, or when the right to a unit game related to the first special symbol or second special symbol is reserved, After the unit games related to all the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) that were reserved before the current prize winning are completed, the unit game based on the current starting prize is started. If each random number is obtained based on the starting winning of the first special symbol during the special gaming state, the unit game based on that random number will be played after all the pending winnings before the current starting winning after the special gaming state. It starts after the unit game related to the special symbol.

Further, the unit game based on the random number obtained based on the starting winning of the first special symbol is started after all the unit games related to the second special symbol are completed. That is, when each random number is acquired based on the starting winning of the second special symbol after the current starting winning, the unit game based on the starting winning of the second special symbol is executed with priority. It should be noted that it is not necessary that the unit game based on the starting prize of the second special symbol is executed in priority to the unit game related to the first special symbol, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol are played in the order of the starting prize. It may be a configuration in which the unit game superiority control related to is executed, or it may be a configuration in which the two special symbols are not alternative but variable at the same time.

If a jackpot has been won in the first special symbol lottery based on the starting prize of the first special symbol, the stop symbol ( The type of jackpot symbol) is determined. The type of stop symbol and the type of jackpot correspond to each other, for example, the number of rounds (for example, 6 rounds and 16 rounds) corresponding to the number of times the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes the entry permission posture, A plurality of types of jackpots are set corresponding to the types of game states such as a game state to be shifted to after a special game state (whether to shift to a variable probability game state or not), and a jackpot symbol is set for each type. 1st
If a jackpot is not won in the special symbol lottery, a losing symbol different from the jackpot symbol is set as a stop symbol.

After the first special symbol lottery, the first special symbol is drawn based on the current gaming state, the lottery result, the value of the stop pattern random number, the value of various fluctuation pattern random numbers, and the number of times the right for the unit game related to the first special symbol is reserved. The variation display time of the symbols is determined, and the variation pattern of the decorative symbols is selected. Thereafter, variable display of the first special symbol on the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol and variable display of the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display device 479 (variable performance) are started; The variable display according to a fixed pattern continues over the display time, and the variable display according to the variable pattern continues over the variable display time in the case of decorative symbols. Thereafter, as the variable display time elapses, the stop symbols related to the first special symbols are displayed definitively, and the symbols corresponding to the stop symbols of the first special symbols are definitively displayed as decorative symbols. The final display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol continues for at least a predetermined period of time.

When the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the gaming state shifts to a special gaming state after the first special symbol is displayed for confirmation. In the special gaming state, the lower entry regulating mechanism 453 of the lower jackpot device 433 and the upper entry regulating mechanism 454 of the upper jackpot device 434 enter the entry permissive posture a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of jackpot. . When a predetermined number (for example, 8) of game balls are detected by the big prize switches 443 and 444 during each entry permissible posture of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454, or when a predetermined maximum When the allowable entry time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 shifts to the entry prohibition position. Thereafter, after a predetermined entry prohibition time has elapsed, either the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 returns to the entry permission position again. This entry restriction operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of jackpot.

The lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 are configured such that only one of them takes an entry permissive posture during the special game state, and after a predetermined standby time has elapsed from the start of the special game state (after the opening period). ), one side shifts to the initial approach permissible attitude. Further, the special game state ends after a predetermined entry prohibition time has elapsed since the return to the entry prohibition posture in the final round, and further after that a predetermined standby time has elapsed (after the ending period). After the special gaming state ends, as described above, the game shifts to the time-saving gaming state or the variable probability gaming state.

In various game states, when a game ball entering the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442, the second special symbol starts winning. Control of the unit game based on the starting winning of the second special symbol is executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right to the unit game related to the second special symbol is not reserved to the maximum number of times at the time of starting winning of the second special symbol, each random number related to the special symbol is obtained and the unit game based on this starting winning is executed. be done. In addition, determination of stop symbols according to the second special symbol lottery, selection of variation patterns of decorative symbols, execution of variation display, control of transition of gaming state, etc. are performed in the same manner as control related to the first special symbol. be done.

In various gaming states, when a game ball that has entered the starting device 436 is detected by the starting switch 446, if the right to play the unit game related to the normal symbol is not reserved to the maximum number of times, the winning random number related to the normal symbol is obtained. The data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920. At this time, if the unit game related to the normal symbol is not in progress, immediately after the storage, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol is started. On the other hand, if the unit game related to the normal symbol is in progress, after the unit game based on the right of the acquired normal symbol unit game is completed, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol is started.

In a unit game related to normal symbols, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol has been won based on the value of the winning random number, and if the winning symbol has been won, a predetermined winning symbol is set as a stop symbol. On the other hand, if the winning symbol is not won in the normal symbol lottery, a predetermined losing symbol is set as a stop symbol. After the normal symbol drawing, the normal symbol display device 473 starts to display the normal symbols in a variable manner, and in the non-time-saving state, the variable display in a constant pattern continues for a predetermined variable display time, and in the time-saving state. The variable display according to a fixed pattern continues for a predetermined variable display time that is shorter than the non-time saving state. With the passage of a predetermined time according to the gaming state, the stop symbols related to the normal symbols are displayed for a certain period of time.

If the stop symbol related to the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 of the right start winning device 432 shifts to the entry permission posture at least once after the normal symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, when winning in a non-time saving state (normal gaming state and special gaming state), the right start prize winning device 432 allows entry for a predetermined maximum allowed entry time (for example, about 0.1 seconds). In the case of winning in the time-saving state (time-saving gaming state and variable probability gaming state), the right start winning device 432 enters a predetermined maximum allowable entry time (for example, about 4.8 seconds) that is longer than in the non-time-saving state. ) intermittently (for example, divided into three times) into the approach permissible attitude. However, if a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are detected by the right start prize switch 442, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 shifts to the entry prohibited posture without waiting for the maximum entry allowable time to elapse. Moreover, even if the number of times of transition to the entry permissible posture has not reached the predetermined number of times, the operation of the right start winning device 432 in the unit game related to the current normal symbol ends.

Next, the gameplay of the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment will be explained. In order to receive the second special symbol lottery, you must first win in the normal symbol lottery, and furthermore, based on the winning, the game ball enters the right startup prize device 432 in the entry permission state of the right startup prize device 432. Must. The winning probability of a normal symbol in the normal gaming state is the same as the winning probability in the time-saving gaming state, but the staying time of the right-start winning device 432 in the entry permission state based on the winning in the normal gaming state (for example, approximately 0.1 seconds) is set extremely short compared to the staying time in the time saving state (for example, about 4.8 seconds), so the opportunity per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery in the normal gaming state. is much smaller than the chance per unit time of receiving the first special symbol lottery. Conversely, in time-saving states such as time-saving gaming states and variable probability gaming states, the chance per unit time of receiving the second special symbol lottery is significantly greater than the chance per unit time of receiving the first special symbol lottery. .

Therefore, the player plays the game with the aim of winning the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and moving to the variable probability game state by entering the game ball into a specific path in the subsequent special game state. On the other hand, in the time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state, the player plays the game with the aim of winning the jackpot in the second special symbol lottery before each gaming state ends.

Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a central structure 420 in the center of a game area 409 where game balls flow down, and a game method (left-handed) in which the game balls mainly flow down from the left side of the central structure 420 is provided. The configuration is such that a game method (a right-handed game method) in which the game ball mainly flows down from the right side of the central structure 420 can be selectively performed. A player plays a game using a left-handed gaming method in the normal gaming state, and plays a game using a right-handed gaming method in the time-saving gaming state and variable probability gaming state. Further, since the lower major winning device 433 and the upper major winning device 434 are arranged on the right side of the central structure 420, the game is played using the right-handed gaming method even in the special gaming state.

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

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rear block 104 is constructed by attaching other members and devices to a base 501. The base body 501 and the intermediate block 103 are connected by the rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, so that the rear block 104 is supported by the intermediate block 103 so as to be openable and closable.

The rear block 104 continuously rectifies the game balls (for example, in one line) and arranges them in one stage on the downstream side of the game ball tank 510 and the game ball tank 510 as a ball storage unit that stores game balls. A tank rail 520 as a ball alignment section, a case rail 530 as a ball guide section that guides game balls flowing in from the tank rail 520 on the downstream side of the tank rail 520, and a case rail 530 that serves as a ball guide section for guiding game balls flowing in from the tank rail 520 on the downstream side of the case rail 530. A payout device 540 that lends out game balls, and a ball guiding section that guides game balls flowing out from the payout device 540 to a guide path (not shown) formed in the base 501 on the downstream side of the payout device 540. A member 550, a payout control device 560 that controls the payout of game balls and lending of game balls by the payout device 540, and a power supply that converts external power into power of a predetermined voltage required by various devices and outputs the power. A power supply/launch control device 570 that has a function as a means and a launch control means that controls the launch of game balls based on a launch operation on the launch operation device 250 in cooperation with the main control board 920, and a payout control device 560. and a relay device 950 that relays signals between the game ball lending device 290 (see FIG. 1) and a card unit (not shown) placed on the side of the pachinko machine 100.

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

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

The game ball tank 510 is a horizontally elongated box-shaped container that opens upward, and game balls supplied from a ball circulating device (not shown) of the island facility are sequentially replenished at one end in the longitudinal direction. An opening (not shown) is formed at one end of the game ball tank 510 in the longitudinal direction different from the side to which game balls are supplied. The bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is gently inclined in the longitudinal direction, and the game balls supplied to the game ball tank 510 move toward the opening side by their own weight. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is also inclined in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) compared to the longitudinal direction, and guides the game balls preferentially toward the side where the opening is provided (for example, the front side). . In addition, a metal antistatic plate (not shown) is attached to the bottom of the game ball tank 510 so as to overlap thereon, and the antistatic plate is connected to the ground potential so that the inside of the game ball tank 510 and Static electricity on the game ball downstream of it is removed.

The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, and game balls flow into the game ball tank 510 through the opening. The tank rail 520 includes a passage forming member 521 that forms a generally gutter-shaped passage for game balls having a width for the game balls to pass through in a row, and a passage forming member 521 that gradually increases in height as the upper surface of the passage formed by the passage forming member 521. The game ball has a rectifying member 522 which has a top surface part where the flow rate is lowered and rectifies the game balls flowing down the passage from the vertically overlapping height gradually to the one level height. The passage formed by the tank rail 520 is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and guides the game ball to the side opposite to the game ball tank 510.

The case rail 530 is formed vertically so as to be continuous with the lower side of the tank rail 520, and the game balls from the tank rail 520 flow into it. The case rail 530 is curved from side to side and continues downward to prevent the game balls from flowing too vigorously. Further, a ball breakage detection section 539 for detecting a ball breakage is provided in the middle of the ball path in the case rail 530. The ball outage detection unit 539 has a built-in storage ball switch 591 (see FIG. 10), and the storage ball switch 591 detects whether game balls are inside the case rail 530 due to ball clogging or the like occurring on the case rail 530 or its upstream side. Detects out of bulbs that are not being replenished properly.

The payout device 540 includes a payout mechanism that sends out game balls, a payout motor 542 (see FIG. 10) as a driving means for driving the payout mechanism, and a payout counting switch 592 (see FIG. 10). According to the operation of the payout motor 542 based on the control by the payout control device 560, the game balls stored in the ball passage are released to the downstream side. Passage of the released game ball through the ball path is detected by the payout counting switch 592, and thereby the payout control device 560 (payout control board 930) counts the number of game balls paid out.

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

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

The power source/launch control device 570 includes a power source/launch control board 900 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that accommodates the power source/launch control board 900, and the power source/launch control board 900 is similar to the main control board 920. It is housed inside a sealed board case.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a back setting switch 905 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 100. The rear setting switch 905 is used to enable a setting operation for setting the ball launch rate of the pachinko machine 100 to any one of a plurality of predetermined stages (for example, 6 stages, 9 stages, etc.). It is a device that converts

By inserting a predetermined key (not shown) into the rear setting switch 905 and rotating it to a predetermined position (in this embodiment, a position rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position), the setting of the ball exit rate can be changed. can be enabled (allowed). By performing a predetermined setting operation (in this embodiment, pressing the initialization switch 907) while the setting change of the ball exit rate is thus enabled, the setting change of the ball exit rate is effectively performed.

When the setting change of the ball exit rate is effectively performed, the predetermined game mode is changed according to each set stage. In other words, changing the setting of the ball exit rate by operating the back setting switch 905 and the initialization switch 907 can be said to be changing the setting of the game mode.

In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the initial winning probability (in this embodiment, the first special symbol lottery probability of winning), and probability-variable continuation rate (in this embodiment, when transitioning to a special gaming state via the second special symbol lottery in a variable-probability gaming state, the probability of transitioning to a variable-probability gaming state after the special gaming state) It is possible to select one of nine types of game modes with different combinations. Therefore, when the setting change of the ball launch rate (the setting change of the game mode) is effectively performed, the first special symbol lottery and the second special lottery are performed so that the initial hit probability and continuation probability correspond to the set stage. The ball launch rate is adjusted by changing each winning probability of the symbol lottery (that is, using probability lottery data corresponding to each winning probability).

Specifically, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, there is a top type with a significantly low first hit probability but a significantly high variable continuation rate, and a middle type with a medium initial hit probability and a medium variable continuation rate. You can choose between the type and the bottom type, which has a significantly lower probability of first hit but a significantly higher probability of continuation. Furthermore, in each of these types, the first hit probability of each type is divided into three stages of probability states (hereinafter also referred to as probability setting states) that are narrower than the width of the first hit probability between each type, that is, Among the three stages, a first stage probability having the lowest first hit probability, a second stage probability having the second lowest first hit probability, and a third stage probability having the highest first hit probability can be selected.

In the top type, the number of prize balls due to winning in the middle start winning device 431 and right start winning device 432 is smaller than other types, but the number of prize balls accompanying winning in the upper large winning device 434 and lower large winning device 433 is smaller than in other types. The number is higher than other types. On the other hand, in the bottom type, the number of prize balls due to winnings to the middle start winning device 431 and right start winning device 432 is greater than other types, but due to winnings to the upper large winning device 434 and lower large winning device 433. The number of prize balls is lower than other types.

Here, the number of prize balls may be set to the same number for all of the top type, middle type, and bottom type. This makes it impossible for players to judge whether the setting is top type, middle type, or bottom type based on the number of balls awarded, and the gameplay of guessing which type is the setting can be reduced for a long time. can be added.

Additionally, the profit rate for players changes depending on the stage of the probability setting state for the top type, middle type, and bottom type, but if the stage of the probability setting state is the same for all types. The profit margin for players is set to be substantially the same. For this reason, even if the probability settings are changed by changing the type, the profits earned by the gaming parlor side per fixed period (for example, one day) can be easily predicted, and the gaming parlor can be easily managed.

Note that the game mode that is changed by changing the setting of the ball exit rate is not necessarily limited to the combination of the initial hit probability and the variable entry rate as described above; It may be either the entry rate. In addition, lottery probabilities other than the initial hit probability and variable entry rate, such as the winning probability of the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery, the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery The probability that a small hit will be selected in , the probability of entry into a variable probability game state (in this embodiment, the rate of entry into a variable probability game state via winning in the second special symbol lottery), the variable probability game state to which the special game state is entered after the special game state. may be the probability that the variable probability game state ends (for example, the probability that the end of the variable probability game state is selected in the falling lottery that is performed every time the variable display of symbols is executed during the variable probability game state), etc., and each of these game modes It may be a combination of two or more.

A setting display device 906 is provided above the rear setting switch 905. When the setting change of the ball exit rate (the setting change of the game mode) is effectively performed by operating the rear setting switch 905, the setting display information corresponding to the currently set game mode is displayed on the setting display device 906. . The setting display information is composed of a combination of alphabetic characters representing the type and numbers representing the probability setting state. In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the top type, middle type, and bottom type are represented by the letters "T", "M", and "B", respectively. Further, in the probability setting state of each type, the first stage probability is represented by "1", the second stage probability is represented by "2", and the third stage probability is represented by "3".

Therefore, for example, the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 is "T1" when the game mode is a top type first stage probability, and when the game mode is a middle type third stage probability game mode. The setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 is “M3”, and the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 in the bottom type second stage probability game mode is “B2”.

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

In addition, in FIG. 10, for the purpose of easy understanding, closed dashed lines Parts constituting a frame different from the game board 400, such as the rear block 104 (for example, the base 501), are shown in a distinguishable manner. Specifically, the components of the game board 400 (for example, the main control board 920, the sub-control board 940, etc.) are shown inside the dashed line - The launch control board 900, the power supply monitoring board 910, the payout control board 930, etc.) are shown outside the dashed line X.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Although the illustrated configuration has been exemplified, the power monitoring board 910 may be one of the components of the game board 400. Each of these main control circuit devices will be explained in detail below.

The power supply/launch control board 900 includes a power supply unit 901 that supplies power at a predetermined voltage to each part of the pachinko machine 100 via a power supply path (broken line in the figure), and a firing device that operates according to the operation of the firing operation device 250. 330, and a signal relay section 903 that relays the initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 and the ball overflow signal from the ball overflow switch 249.

The power supply unit 901 takes in external power (for example, 24 volts AC) supplied from the outside, converts it into internal power (for example, 24 volts DC), and generates various kinds of power from the internal power. The power generated by the power supply unit 901 is power of a drive voltage (for example, 12 volts DC) for driving devices such as various solenoids and various motors, and power for driving various switches and executing control processing. This includes power of a control voltage (for example, 5 volts DC) to maintain the control voltage, power of a backup voltage to hold the contents of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920, and the like.

Note that the power supply unit 901 has a function of charging a capacitor (not shown) with internal power converted from external power and supplying the power stored in the capacitor by charging as backup voltage power (hereinafter referred to as " It also has a backup power supply function. That is, the power supply unit 901 generates power of backup voltage by the backup power supply function.

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

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the power supply section 901 generates power at a charging voltage (for example, 12 volts DC) from internal power to charge the backup power supply 601, and Supply voltage for charging.

A power switch 909 for switching between an on state and an off state is connected to the power supply unit 901. When the power switch 909 is operated and switched to the on state, the intake of external power is started, and when the power switch 909 is operated and switched to the off state, the intake of external power is stopped. Note that the pachinko machine can be turned off by turning off the power switch 909 or by unplugging the power plug (not shown) connected to the power supply section 901 via the power switch 909 from the external power supply outlet (not shown). A state in which the supply of power to the inside of the machine 100 is stopped or a state in which the supply of external power itself is stopped is collectively referred to as a "power outage state."

Although the details will be described later, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when a power outage occurs, the main control board 920 is supplied with backup voltage power from either the power supply unit 901 or the backup power supply 601. If so, the contents of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 are held.

The power supply unit 901 is configured to normally output control voltage power for a predetermined period even after transition to a power outage state. Accordingly, the main control board 920 can save the state and end the control so that the current control state can be restored.

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

The signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state initialization signal to the main control board 920 when the initialization switch 907 is pressed. The main control board 920 initializes the storage information stored in the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 in response to receiving the initialization signal in the ON state. Note that the initialization switch 907 does not necessarily have to be configured to output a signal to the main control board 920 via the signal relay section 903;
The initialization switch 907 may be configured to be housed in the board case 371 by being directly mounted on the board case 371, thereby making it possible to prevent unauthorized signal input aimed at the section where the signal is transmitted.

Further, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state signal to the backup power supply 601 when the initialization switch 907 is pressed. The backup power supply 601 is equipped with a circuit that switches between charging and discharging a backup capacitor depending on whether or not the initialization switch 907 is pressed. The backup power supply 601 starts charging with the power of the charging voltage supplied from the power supply unit 901 in response to receiving the on-state signal output from the signal relay unit 903 .

In addition, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state ball overflow signal to the main control board 920 when the ball overflow switch 249 detects a game ball. The main control board 920 outputs a low-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the on-state ball overflow signal, and the payout control board 930 that has received the low-speed payout signal controls the rotational speed of the payout motor 542 (the payout The payout speed of game balls from the device 540 is reduced. In addition, the main control board 920 outputs a high-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the OFF state, and the payout control board 930 that has received the high-speed payout signal controls the rotation speed of the payout motor 542. Make it faster.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a rear setting switch 905 and a setting display device 906 are connected to the signal relay section 903. The signal relay unit 903 relays an on-state setting signal that is output to the main control board 920 when the rear setting switch 905 is rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise by a predetermined key (not shown). The main control board 920 allows the game mode to be changed in response to receiving an on-state setting signal from the rear setting switch 905. Further, the signal relay unit 903 relays a setting display signal output from the main control board 920 to the setting display device 906. Setting display device 906 displays setting display information corresponding to the received setting display signal.

The power supply monitoring board 910 includes a power supply monitoring unit 911 that monitors the power supply status from the power supply/launch control board 900, and a power supply monitoring unit 911 that monitors the power supply status from the power supply/launch control board 900 and the power supply and transmission of various signals between the power supply/launch control board 900 and the main control board 920. and a signal relay section 912 for relaying. The power supply monitoring unit 911 also outputs a power outage signal to the main control board 920 in response to transition to a power outage state, and monitors the stable DC voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 901. If the state in which the voltage is less than 22 volts continues for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that there is a power outage, and a power outage signal in an on state is output to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 recognizes the transition to the power outage state by receiving the power outage signal in the on state.

The main control board 920 centrally controls the operation of the pachinko machine 100. The main control board 920 is equipped with an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer. The MPU includes a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (not shown) that stores various control programs and fixed data executed by the CPU, and a ROM (not shown) that temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs. It also includes a RAM 922 that stores the following information. The main control board 920 is also equipped with various other circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission/reception circuit (not shown). There is.

The RAM 922 of the main control board 920 is configured to be able to maintain (back up) internal data using backup voltage power supplied from the power supply section 901 or the backup power supply 601 of the power supply/launch control board 900 even after transition to a power outage state. It has become. Specifically, in a power outage state that occurs when the power switch 909 is turned off while the initialization switch 907 is pressed, the main control board 920 receives backup power from the power supply unit 901 and the backup power supply 601. In other power outage states, backup power is supplied to the main control board 920 only from the power supply unit 901.

When the backup power supply 601 receives an on-state signal from the signal relay unit 903 in a situation where the power switch 909 is in the on-state (that is, a situation where external power is being supplied to the power supply unit 901), the backup power supply 601 receives an on-state signal from the power supply unit 901. Charging with the supplied charging voltage power is started. That is, by pressing the initialization switch 907 while external power is being supplied to the power supply unit 901, charging of the backup power supply 601 with power (power at the charging voltage) can be started.

The backup power source 601 stores power in the backup power source 601 by charging when the power switch 909 is switched from the on state to the off state after charging of the power to the backup power source 601 is started as described above. Power is supplied as backup voltage power.

In other words, by turning off the power switch 909 while holding down the initialization switch 907 (that is, stopping the supply of external power to the power supply unit 901), the power stored in the backup power supply 601 due to charging can be used for backup purposes. Can be supplied as voltage power. Thereby, backup voltage power can be supplied from the backup power supply 601 to the main control board 920.

Note that the electric capacity of the backup power supply 601 is determined by removing it from the frame (i.e., the outer frame 101, the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104) (more specifically, removing it from the base frame 301 of the intermediate block 103). and) capable of outputting backup voltage power for a period (for example, approximately 1 hour) that is sufficient to inspect or inspect the game board 400 or the frame with the game board 400 removed. It is preferable that the capacitance be set to a certain capacity. In addition, it is preferable that the electrical capacity of the backup power supply 601 is not too large from the viewpoint of preventing unauthorized access to the main control board 920. It is preferable to prevent the RAM 922 from being backed up normally.

Further, the circuit of the backup power supply 601 is configured such that when the power switch 909 is in the on state, the power supply path between the power supply unit 901 and the backup power supply 601 is grounded. Therefore, while the power switch 909 is in the on state, the power remaining in the backup power supply 601 is consumed (discharged) by the grounding. Therefore, when the power outage state of the pachinko machine 100 is resolved (that is, when the supply of power to the inside of the pachinko machine 100 is started), the remaining amount of the backup power supply 601 becomes zero due to discharge.

The payout control board 930 controls the operation of putting out game balls by the payout device 540 in response to instructions from the main control board 920 and the lending operation of game balls by the payout device 540 in response to the operation of the game ball lending device 290. Like the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 includes an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), and a RAM (not shown), and a timer circuit. (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission/reception circuit (not shown).

The payout control board 930 is equipped with an input/output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices for information communication, and for example, bidirectional information input/output communication is possible with the main control board 920 and the relay device 950. The opening/closing detection switches 108, 109, the storage ball switch 591, and the dispensing counting switch 592 are connected to enable information input communication in only one direction, and the dispensing motor 542 is connected to enable information input communication in only one direction. Only output communication is possible. Note that, like the RAM 922 of the main control board 920, the RAM of the payout control board 930 may have a backup function that allows internal data to be maintained for a certain period of time in a power outage state, or the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 Unlike this, a configuration may be adopted in which internal data is not maintained during a power outage.

The sub-control board 940 controls the operations of various performance devices, various light emitting devices, various audio devices, etc. based on instructions from the main control board 920. The sub-control board 940 is equipped with an input/output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so that information can be communicated.For example, the sub-control board 940 is connected to the main control board 920 so that only one-way information input communication is possible. , are connected to the input operation device 260 so that information can be communicated bidirectionally, and connected to the decorative pattern display device 479 and the like so that only unidirectional information output communication is possible.

Each part attached to the game board 400 (hereinafter also referred to as "game board side parts" for convenience) and each part attached to a member different from the game board 400, such as the front block 102, intermediate block 103, and rear block 104. In the following, for convenience, connectors (also referred to as "other component side parts") are used to electrically connect between the game board side components and other component side components, and to enable information communication. For example, connectors C1 to C3) are provided.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, there is , connector C1 are provided.

Although the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment has a configuration in which the power monitoring board 910 is one of the components constituting the frame, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the power monitoring board 910 is one of the components of the game board 400. In such a configuration, the connector C1 may be provided not between the main control board 920 and the power monitoring board 910 but between the power monitoring board 910 and the power supply/emission control board 900. You can.

Further, a connector C2 is provided between the sub-control board 940 and the audio devices 281 and 282, the frame light emitting devices 271 to 275, and the input operation device 260. A connector C3 is provided between the main control board 920 and the payout control board 930. Note that each of the connectors C1 to C3 does not necessarily have to be composed of one connector, and at least one of the connectors C1 to C3 may be composed of a plurality of divided connectors.

The connectors (in the example shown in FIG. 10, connectors C1 to C3) include a female connector (not shown) and a male connector (not shown) that is detachable from the female connector. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a female connector is connected to the game board side component, and a male connector is connected to the other component side component.

When the male connector is attached to the female connector, the game board side parts and the other member side parts are electrically connected and also connected to enable information communication. On the other hand, in a state where the male connector is removed from the female connector, the electrical connection and the connection that allows information communication between the game board side component and the other component side component are released.

In addition, when the game board 400 is removed from the base frame 301 (see FIG. 3) of the intermediate block 103, the male connector is basically removed from the female connector, and thereby the game using the connectors such as connectors C1 to C3 is removed. The connection (electrical connection and connection that allows information communication) between the panel-side component and the other component-side component is released.

<Various control processing>
Next, various control processes executed by the main control board 920 will be explained. The control processing in the main control board 920 can be roughly divided into main processing that is started upon recovery from a power outage state, and execution that interrupts the main processing periodically (in this embodiment, at a 2ms (millisecond) cycle). This consists of timer interrupt processing.

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

In the main processing of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processing (program start processing S1001 to random number initialization processing S1019) for starting up the main control board 920 and initializing various information is executed only once. After that, there is an interrupt prohibition process S1020 that prohibits interrupts, and the winning random number initial value counter (part of the RAM 922) and the jackpot random number initial value counter (part of the RAM 922) related to the special symbol and the normal symbol. A random number initial value update process S1021 that updates the value of the winning random number initial value counter (a part of the RAM 922), and a first variation type counter to a fourth variation type for determining the variation time, variation pattern, etc. Fluctuation counter update processing S1022 for updating the value of a counter (a part of the RAM 922) and interrupt permission processing S1023 for permitting interrupts are repeatedly executed. Note that if a timer interrupt request occurs before the interrupt permission process S1023, the timer interrupt process is executed immediately after the interrupt permission process S1023.

In a series of control start processes, a program start process S1001 sets an initial value to a stack pointer (a part of the RAM 922) that controls program execution, an interrupt mode setting process S1002 sets an interrupt mode, and a payout control board. A start-up standby process S1003 in which the control board 930, the sub-control board 940, etc. wait for a predetermined period of time is executed.

After startup standby processing S1003, processing S2001 for determining the output state of the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 of the power supply/launch control board 900 is performed. In the determination process S2001, if it is determined that the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is in the off state (S2001: N), the output state of the initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 of the power supply/launch control board 900 A determination process S1004 for determining the value of the power outage information (a part of the RAM 922), a determination process S1005 for determining the storage state of the stored information, and a determination process S1007 for determining the storage state of the stored information are performed, and based on these determination results, it is determined whether the stored information in the RAM 922 is to be deleted. It is determined whether or not. Here, the saved information is information necessary to return to the gaming state before the power outage, and corresponds to a part of the area of the RAM 922 that was updated according to the progress of the game before the power outage. Examples include a counter value related to a unit game in the middle, a counter value stored by starting winnings, and the like.

The storage state of saved information is determined as follows. First, a checksum value for a predetermined range of storage area of the RAM 922 is calculated (checksum calculation processing S1006), and power outage monitoring processing S1202 (see FIG. 12) is performed based on the current checksum value and transition to the previous power outage state. ), it is determined whether the exclusive OR with the RAM judgment value which is the two's complement of the checksum value calculated in ) is "0" (determination process S1007), and thereby It is determined whether the checksum value at the time of transition to the power outage state is the same.

If the initialization signal is in the ON state (S1004: Y), if the power outage information is not a predetermined power outage value indicating that the saved information was saved and ended when transitioning to the power outage state (S1005: N), or If the information is not held normally (S1007: N), RAM clearing processing S1008 is executed to erase the information stored in the RAM 922. After it is determined that the saved information is normally held (S1007: Y) or after the RAM clearing process S1008 is executed, the hardware that initializes various devices connected to the main control board 920 Software initialization processing S1009 is executed.

After the hardware initialization process S1009, a process S1010 for determining whether the power outage information is a power outage value is executed. If the power outage information is a power outage value (S1010: N), a RAM recovery setting process S1011 is performed to initialize various information including restoration of retained information, and a recovery command indicating completion of the setting is set (return command Output processing S1012). By restoring the held information in the RAM restoration setting process S1011, the control state of the main control board 920 is restored to the control state immediately before the transition to the previous power outage state.

On the other hand, if the power outage information is not the power outage value (S1010: Y), various information is initialized without restoring the retained information (RAM initialization processing S1013), and an initialization command indicating the completion of the settings is output. (Initialization command output processing S1014).

In addition, in RAM recovery setting processing S1011 and RAM initialization processing S1013, power outage information is set to a predetermined energization value different from the power outage value, and various error states such as a fraud detection error are set immediately before transition to the previous power outage state. Even if an error occurs, all error states will be cleared. Also, either a return command or an initialization command is output from the main control board 920 to both the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940, and the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940 that have received the return command or the initialization command Predetermined initialization processing is also executed in each of the above.

After initializing the RAM 922 according to the startup situation (judgment process S1004 to initialization command output process S1014), if the conditional device was activated when transitioning to the previous power outage state, the special game state is entered. Preparations for returning are made (special game state return preparation process S1015). Specifically, in the special game state return preparation process S1015, the operating states of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are determined, and the process corresponding to the gaming situation during the power outage state is executed on the sub control board 940. Ru.

After the special game state return preparation process S1015, it is determined whether the time saving state is set or not by determining whether the time saving state flag is set (determination process S1016), and the time saving state is determined. In the case (S1016: Y), a time-saving command is output (time-saving command output processing S1017). On the other hand, if it is in a non-time-saving state (S1016: N), a non-time-saving command is output (non-time-saving command output processing S1018). After that, the value of the winning random number counter (part of the RAM 922) related to the special symbol is initialized (random number initialization process S1019).

On the other hand, in the determination process S2001, if it is determined that the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is in an on state indicating that the rear setting switch 905 is operated by a predetermined key (S2001: Y), the RAM 922 RAM clear processing S2002 is executed to erase information in substantially the entire area. Specifically, in the RAM clearing process S2002, information in substantially all areas except the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922 is erased.

The setting correspondence information is information corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined stages (nine types in this embodiment) of game modes, and the setting mode information corresponding to the game mode being set is stored in the RAM 922. ing. Therefore, through the RAM clearing process S2002, information in substantially all areas except the storage area of the setting correspondence information in the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 is erased, and a state is entered in which setting changes are permitted.

When the setting change is permitted, a setting display signal identifying the gaming mode corresponding to the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922 is output to the setting display device 906. Setting display device 906 displays setting display information corresponding to the setting display signal received from main control board 920. That is, the setting display device 906 displays setting display information corresponding to the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922.

Next, setting change processing S2003 is executed to change the settings of the game mode until the setting signal from the back setting switch 905 is turned off. Note that the setting signal from the back setting switch 905 is turned off when the back setting switch 905 is not operated by a predetermined key.

The setting of the game mode is changed by pressing the initialization switch 907 while the back setting switch 905 is operated with a predetermined key. Specifically, in this state, each time the main control board 920 receives an initialization signal based on the depression of the initialization switch 907, the setting correspondence information is sequentially changed. Specifically, the order in which nine predetermined game modes are selected cyclically (for example, ... → T1 → T2 → T3 → M1 → M2 → M3 → B1 → B2 → B3 → T1 → T2 → ) are determined in advance, and the selected game mode is sequentially changed in accordance with the order each time the initialization switch 907 is pressed.

Each time the change is made, a value corresponding to the selected game mode is stored in the RAM 922 as setting correspondence information. Every time the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922 is changed, a setting display signal corresponding to the setting correspondence information is output to the setting display device 906, and setting display information corresponding to the changed setting correspondence information is displayed on the setting display device. 906.

Therefore, the person who changes the settings, such as the administrator of the gaming hall, has to operate the settings switch 905 on the back with a predetermined key, and then press the initialization switch 907 until the game mode that he or she wants to set for the pachinko machine 100 is selected. After repeatedly pressing the button, the selection of the game mode can be completed by making the medium-start winning device 431 win a game ball. Therefore, the setting change process S2003 ends when a game ball is won in the medium start winning device 431 after the game mode is selected by pressing the initialization switch 907.

When the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is turned off (S2004: Y), RAM change is performed to initialize various information in the RAM 922 except for the information related to the setting of the game mode (i.e., setting correspondence information). Setting processing S2005 is executed. As a result, startup of the main control board 920 is substantially completed, and it is confirmed that the game will proceed in the gaming mode corresponding to the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922.

After the RAM change setting process S2005, a set command output process S2006 is executed to output a set command indicating completion of setting of the RAM 922 to the payout control board 930. By receiving the set command output by the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 can recognize that the main control board 920 will shift to normal gaming processing, and can also recognize which gaming mode to operate in. can. After the set command output process S2006, special game state return preparation process S1015 and subsequent processes are executed.

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

In the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 920, first, interrupt start processing S1201 for starting a timer interrupt is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the interrupt control register. As a result, interrupts other than this timer interrupt are prohibited. Thereafter, power outage monitoring processing S1202 to external information output processing S1221, which are related to practical control such as game progress control of the pachinko machine 100 and monitoring of various sensors, are sequentially executed. However, if the game progress is stopped based on detection of various frauds (S1207: Y), control signal output processing S1208 to external information output processing S1221 are not executed. Finally, interrupt permission processing S1222 for permitting the next timer interrupt is executed, and the current timer interrupt processing ends. Below, various main processes will be explained individually.

In power outage monitoring processing S1202, the value of power outage information (part of the RAM 922) is updated based on the output state of the power outage signal output from the power monitoring unit 911 of the power monitoring board 910. Specifically, the output state of the power outage signal is checked three times, and if the on state is detected all three times, it is determined that there is a power outage. If it is not determined in this determination that there is a power outage state, the power outage information is maintained at the energization value.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the power outage monitoring process S1202 that there is a power outage, the following process is executed. First, the value of the power failure information is changed from the energization value set in the RAM recovery setting process S1011 or the RAM initial setting process S1013 (see FIG. 11) to a predetermined power failure value. Further, a checksum value for a predetermined range of storage area of the RAM 922 is calculated, and the two's complement of the checksum value is set as the RAM judgment value. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 enters an infinite loop in which no actual control such as progress of the game or monitoring of various sensors is performed, and the state of the RAM 922 after the RAM judgment value is set is maintained based on the backup power. Ru. Note that since the output state of the power outage signal is checked three times, each timer interrupt process is executed twice after the reception of the power outage signal is detected for the first time.

In the random number update process S1203, the winning random number counter related to the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter related to the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, if the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), the value is changed to a value that is "1" larger than the current value, and the special symbol is If the value of the winning random number counter is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value (“0”). However, if the value after the change is the same as the circulating initial value for the winning random number counter related to the special symbol, the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol will be the same as the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol. The initial value of the cycle is also set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter.

The jackpot symbol random number counter, stop pattern selection counter, and winning random number counter related to normal symbols are also updated in the same manner as the winning random number counter related to special symbols. However, a unique value is set for each counter as the update range determined by the specified maximum value and specified minimum value of each counter, and multiple counters are configured to be updated asynchronously, and the cyclic initial value of each counter is refers to an initial value counter specific to each counter. For example, the winning random number counter related to the special symbol and the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol have the same value range, and the jackpot symbol random number counter and the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter have the same value range, The winning random number counter related to the normal symbol and the winning random number initial value counter related to the normal symbol have the same value range.

In the random number initial value update process S1204, the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter, and the winning random number initial value counter related to the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, if the value of the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), it will be changed to a value that is "1" larger than the current value, and the special If the value of the winning random number initial value counter related to the symbol is the specified maximum value, the specified minimum value (“0”)
) will be changed. Regarding the initial random number value counter for special symbols and the initial winning random number counter for normal symbols, except that the maximum and minimum values are unique to these counters, the initial winning random number counter for special symbols It is updated in the same way as a value counter.

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

It should be noted that each winning random number counter, jackpot symbol random number counter, stop pattern selection counter, and each variation type counter related to special symbols and normal symbols do not necessarily have to have the above configuration, and at least a part of the above counters may have a different configuration. For example, it may be configured to update from a fixed initial value without using an initial value counter, or it may be configured using a random number generation IC without using a program and refer to the value as necessary. .

In game stop determination processing S1206, if the fraud detection information is a fraud detection value, it is updated to a game stop value and various information for stopping the game progress is set. On the other hand, if the fraud detection information is not a fraud detection value or is already a game stop value, each process for stopping the game progress is not executed and the game stop determination process S1206 ends. Note that the fraud detection information is set to a fraud detection value when occurrence of various types of fraud is detected in fraud detection processing S1211. Further, in determination processing S1207, it is determined whether the game is being stopped based on whether or not the fraud detection information is a game stop value.

In control signal output processing S1208, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, and the special symbol display device 472 related to the normal symbol Signals for controlling various notification devices such as the normal symbol display device 473 are output. Also, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, various actuators such as the ball feed solenoid 332, firing solenoid 334, right approach restriction solenoid 462, downward approach restriction solenoid 463, upward approach restriction solenoid 464, and switching solenoid 465 are activated. A control signal is output.

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

Specifically, in switch reading processing S1209, the signal states from various switches are read into the input buffer (a part of the RAM 922) twice at a predetermined time interval, and the signal states from the various switches are read into the input buffer (a part of the RAM 922) twice. For each, the signal state read the first time (hereinafter abbreviated as the "first signal state") and the signal state read the second time (hereinafter abbreviated as the "second signal state"). , changes in the detection states of various switches are detected based on the detection states detected by the previous timer interrupt (hereinafter abbreviated as "previous detection states"). Then, for each switch, if the previous detected state is the off state, the first signal state is the on state, and the second signal state is the on state, it is determined that the switch has transitioned to the on state. Then, a detection flag (a part of the RAM 922) is set according to the type of switch. As explained in the power outage monitoring process S1202, even if the power supply is stopped, each timer interrupt process is executed twice, so the on state of various switches may be changed immediately after the power supply is stopped. Even if the detection flags of various switches are started, the detection flags of various switches can be set accurately.

In the timer update process S1210, various timers (predetermined areas of the RAM 922) used for variable display of special symbols and normal symbols, control of each gaming state, fraud monitoring, etc. are updated.

In fraud detection processing S1211, fraudulent acts such as forcibly entering a game ball into various winning devices or forcibly operating various winning devices are detected. Specifically, the right start prize winning device 432, the lower prize winning device 433, and the upper prize winning device 434 are forcibly moved to entry-permitting postures, and the game ball is guided to a specific path of the lower prize winning device 433 by vibration. , forcibly inducing malfunction of the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 by radio waves, guiding game balls to various winning devices by magnetic adsorption, upper middle starting winning device 431A, A situation in which there is a high possibility that a fraudulent act such as guiding a game ball to the lower middle start winning device 431B, the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434 at abnormal timing has been carried out. Detect occurrence.

In winning detection response processing S1212, control is executed based on the detection of game balls by various switches provided on the game board 400. Specifically, when the middle start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the upper middle starting winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) and the lower middle starting winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10). , the medium start prize counter (predetermined area of RAM 922) and the first payout counter (predetermined area of RAM 922) are updated. Further, when the right start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the first payout counter is updated. In addition, when the lower prize switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the lower prize winning switch 443 (see FIG. 10), or when the lower prize winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the higher prize winning switch 444 (see FIG. 10). Based on this, if the big winning switch detection flag is set, the big winning counter (predetermined area of RAM 922) and the second payout counter (predetermined area of RAM 922) are updated.

In the firing control process S1213, firing related information for controlling the firing of game balls by the firing device 330 is updated. Specifically, the activation flag of the ball feeding solenoid 332 that drives the ball feeding mechanism 331 and the activation flag of the firing solenoid 334 that drives the firing mechanism 333 are updated.

In the input signal monitoring process S1214, based on the output state of the signal from the opening/closing detection switch 108 (see FIG. 10) via the payout control board 930, the intermediate block is 103 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is detected whether it is closed or not. Also, based on the output state of the signal from the opening/closing detection switch 109 via the payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10), the intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is connected to the front block 102 (see FIGS. 3) is closed or not is detected.

In the payout state monitoring process S1215, information indicating the payout control state output from the payout control board 930 is monitored, and various payout state commands are set according to the payout control state as necessary. In addition, the sub-control board 940 which received the payout state command causes the decorative pattern display device 479, the upper left sound device 281, the upper right sound device 282, etc. to perform notification according to the type of the payout state command.

In the payout signal output process S1216, various prize ball commands are set based on the values of the first payout counter and the second payout counter as necessary, and output to the payout control board 930. Note that the first payout counter and the second payout counter are updated according to the setting of the prize ball command. For example, the first payout counter is incremented by 1 each time a game ball corresponding to one winning is detected, and is subtracted by 1 each time a prize ball command based on that winning is set. The payout control board 930 issues an award to the main control board 920 every time it executes control to pay out the number of game balls (for example, 3) corresponding to the winning (in detail, shortly before the payout is completed). In a situation where a ball command is requested and the payout of prize balls continues, a further prize ball command is output from the main control board 920. The second payout counter is a counter that is updated in response to winnings in which the number of prize balls is different from that of the first payout counter (for example, 13 balls), and the payout control board issues a prize ball command based on the value of the second payout counter. When the payout control board 930 receives the prize ball command, the payout control board 930 executes control to payout the number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command.

In the special symbol related process S1217, reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol and control of the unit game related to the first special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol reservation display device 476 related to the first special symbol is executed. In addition, in the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol is executed, and if a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery, the lower jackpot prize device Operation control of 433 and top prize winning device 434 is further executed.

In addition, in the special symbol related process S1217, reservation control of the right to the unit game related to the second special symbol and control of the unit game related to the second special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol reservation display device 477 related to the second special symbol is executed. In addition, in the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is executed, and if a jackpot is won in the second special symbol lottery, the lower jackpot prize device Operation control of 433 and top prize winning device 434 is further executed.

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

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

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

<Production using multiple movable parts>
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, a description will be given of an effect performed by a plurality of movable members when it is possible to enter the game ball into the privilege area 409V (see FIG. 7). FIG. 13 is a front view of the game board 400 showing the operation of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20.

When the game ball can enter the privilege area 409V, an effect using two (plural) movable members, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, is executed. The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 change from a posture in which they are spaced apart (separated posture: the broken line in FIG. 13) to a posture in which they are close to each other compared to the separated posture (close posture: the solid line in FIG. 13). ). In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged in a continuous manner in the direction from the entrance portion 409E where the game ball flows down to the game area 409 toward the privilege area 409V when they are in a close posture (privilege area The configuration is such that the instructions are arranged. Thereby, by changing the postures of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, which are arranged at different locations, it is possible to make it easier for the player to notice the occurrence of this effect. In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, which are arranged in succession as a whole, make it possible to draw the player's attention in the direction from the entrance portion 409E to the privilege area 409V.

The left movable member 10 is provided on the left side of the game board 400 so as to be movable to change the posture between a separated posture shown by a broken line and a close posture shown by a solid line. Further, on the right side of the left movable member 10, a right movable member 20 is provided so as to be movable to change its posture between a separated posture and a close posture. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the configuration provided on the game board 400, but may also be provided on the intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) to which the game board 400 is attached, or the intermediate block 103. The configuration may be such that it is provided in the front block 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) located on the front side.

Specifically, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 have an end opposite to the entrance portion 409E of the left movable member 10, and an end opposite to the privilege area 409V of the right movable member 20. are close to each other, and are arranged so as to form a continuous shape as a whole from the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E to the vicinity of the privilege area 409V. For this reason, the player is not allowed to enter the privilege area 409V located in the direction toward the privilege area 409V from the entrance portion 409E and in the direction indicated by the continuous shape, or the upper prize winning device 434 in which the privilege area 409V is formed. It is possible to attract attention. In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured so that, in the close posture, they are close enough to the player to recognize them as one body, but are slightly separated from each other. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which they are in contact with each other. In addition, in the performance executed when it is possible to enter the game ball into the privilege area 409V, the configuration is not limited to the configuration using two movable members, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, but three or more movable members. Each movable member may be brought close to at least one other movable member using members.

Furthermore, the left movable member 10 is located behind the area near the entrance portion 409E in the left downstream area 409L (predetermined first area) where the game ball flows down from the center side of the game board 400 through the left side of the central structure 420. placed in a wide range. The right movable member 20 extends from the center of the game board 400 to the back of the area near the privilege area 409V in the right downstream area 409R (predetermined second area) where the game ball flows down through the right side of the central structure 420. will be placed in In this arrangement, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are positioned so as to straddle the area on the center side of the game board 400 where the game ball cannot flow down, and connect two areas where the game ball can flow down. do. Therefore, even if most of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged in an area where game balls cannot flow down, the entirety of them is related to the flow of game balls, for example, from the entrance portion 409E to the game area 409. It becomes possible to easily remind the player that the game ball that is to be entered should enter the privilege area 409V and that it should be caused to flow down to the left downstream area 409L where the privilege area 409V is provided. Although the left movable member 10 is configured to extend to the rear of the left downstream area 409L but not to the rear of the inlet portion 409E, the left movable member 10 is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to extend to the rear of the inlet portion 409E. It may be configured so that it does not reach behind the left downstream region 409L. Similarly, the right movable member 20 has a right downstream region 409
Although the configuration is such that it extends to R but does not reach behind the privilege area 409V, it is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to extend to the back of the privilege area 409V or may not extend to the back of the right downstream area 409R. .

Further, the left movable member 10 is formed in an approximately elongated rectangular outer shape (for example, a rectangle in which the long side is twice or more longer than the short side) (hereinafter simply referred to as a rectangular shape), and its longitudinal direction is the entrance. It is arranged near the portion 409E. Specifically, the left movable member 10 has an entrance portion 409E between an extension line of the upper long side toward the entrance portion 409E side and an extension line of the lower long side toward the entrance portion 409E side. be arranged to be located. Therefore, it is possible to make the player more aware of the entrance portion 409E located at the end of the left movable member 10 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the left movable member 10 has at least one part of the privilege area 409V between the extension line of the upper long side toward the privilege area 409V side and the extension line of the lower long side towards the privilege area 409V side. (for example, the entrance to the privilege area 409V). Therefore, even when the left movable member 10 is used alone, it is possible to draw the player's attention to the privilege area 409V located at the end of the left movable member 10 in the longitudinal direction, and to the top prize winning device 434 provided with the privilege area 409V inside. become. Note that the left movable member 10 is not limited to having a rectangular outer shape, but may have a trapezoidal or triangular shape that tapers toward the center of the gaming area 409 or the entrance portion 409E.

Further, like the rectangular left movable member 10, the right movable member 20 has an approximately elongated rectangular outer shape, and is disposed with its longitudinal direction facing the vicinity of the privilege area 409V. Specifically, the right movable member 20 forms a privilege area 409V between an extension line of the upper long side toward the privilege area 409V side and an extension line of the lower long side towards the privilege area 409V side. A part of the upper limit winning device 434 (for example, the upper entry regulating mechanism 454 provided at the entrance of the upper limit winning device 434) is located. Therefore, it becomes possible to make the player more aware of the top prize winning device 434 located at the end of the right movable member 20 in the longitudinal direction and the privilege area 409V formed therein. The right movable member 20 is not limited to having a rectangular outer shape, but may have a trapezoidal or triangular shape in which the width in the width direction tapers toward the center of the game area 409 or the privilege area 409V. You can also use it as

Further, the rectangular left movable member 10 and the rectangular right movable member 20 are arranged such that their longitudinal directions face the same direction as the direction from the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E to the vicinity of the privilege area 409V. . Therefore, it is possible to easily make the player recognize that the direction in which the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are continuous is the one direction in which their longitudinal directions point, and the bonus area 409V and the bonus area 409V are formed. Moreover, it becomes possible to easily attract the attention of the player to the big prize winning device 434.

Further, the rectangular left movable member 10 and the rectangular right movable member 20 are arranged to form a polygonal line shape. Specifically, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 as a whole are located between an extension line to the lower long side of the left movable member 10 and an extension line to the upper long side of the right movable member 20. , the entrance portion 409E and the entire upper prize winning device 434 in which the privilege area 409V is formed are located. Therefore, in the direction in which the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are continuous, it is possible to draw the player's attention to a wider range than their respective widths (lengths in the lateral direction). Therefore, not only the privilege area 409V but also the operation of the top prize winning device 434 in which the privilege region 409V is formed (opening/closing operation of the upper entry regulating mechanism 454) and the behavior of the game ball that enters or has entered the top prize winning device 434 are affected. This also makes it possible to attract the attention of players. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to a configuration in which the entire shape is a polygonal line, but for example, a configuration in which the entire left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are in a linear shape, or as a whole toward the forming side of the entrance portion 409E or the privilege area 409V. A configuration tapering from the center side of the game board 400 as a whole toward the formation side of the entrance portion 409E and the privilege area 409V, or a configuration tapering from the formation side of the entrance portion 409E and the bonus area 409V. It may be configured to taper toward the center of the game board 400.

The privilege area 409V is a right downstream area 409R (a predetermined second area) which is provided separately from a left downstream area 409L (a predetermined first area) where a game ball flows down in the normal gaming state among the game area 409 where a game ball can flow down. The bonus area 409V is configured to allow a game ball to enter the right downstream area 409R by flowing the game ball down into the right downstream area 409R. Further, in the game board 400, the entrance portion 409E is formed at the upper left side of the upper end of the inner rail 403 where the return ball prevention mechanism 404 is provided.

Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a left downstream area 409L and a right downstream area 409R as the gaming area 409, and the privilege area 409V is formed in the right downstream area 409R. Which of the left flow area 409L and the right flow area 409R the game ball is caused to flow down can be switched by a game ball firing operation by the player, for example, by adjusting the game ball launch intensity. In the normal gaming state, the player allows the game ball to flow down into the left downstream area 409L, and if the player satisfies the predetermined conditions described below in the normal gaming state and is able to enter the bonus area 409V, The game ball is caused to flow down to the right downstream area 409R. Specifically, in a state where a game ball can enter the top prize winning device 434 and the distribution mechanism 437 takes a guiding posture in a state where a bonus ball can be entered, the game ball is caused to flow down to the right downstream area 409R. Note that the bonus area 409V is not limited to the configuration in which the bonus area 409V is provided in the right downstream area 409R, and the game ball is caused to flow down the left downstream area 409L in the normal gaming state and the right downstream area 409R in the bonus ball entry possible state. It may be provided in the downstream area 409L, and the game ball may be configured to flow down to the right downstream area 409R in the normal gaming state and to the left downstream area 409L in the privilege ball entry possible state. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the game area 409 is divided into left and right sides to provide two downstream areas (a left downstream area 409L and a right downstream area 409R) that can be separately hit by the player's shooting operation of the game ball. For example, the two downstream areas in which this is possible may be provided separately on the upper side and lower side of the game area 409, or may be provided separately on the upper left side and the lower right side of the game area 409. Further, the game area 409 is not limited to the configuration that is divided into two downstream areas that can be separately hit by the player's shooting operation of the game ball, but may be configured to be divided into three or more downstream areas.

Further, the bonus area 409V is provided on the lower right side of the game area 409 located diagonally across the center of the game board 400 from the entrance portion 409E formed on the upper left side of the game board 400. Note that the privilege area 409V is not limited to the configuration provided at the lower right side of the game board 400, but may be configured to be provided at other locations such as the horizontal right side of the entrance portion 409E (the upper right side of the game board 400). .

In the separated position, the rectangular left movable member 10 is arranged so that its long side direction is directed in the vertical direction along the upper part of the left downstream region 409L, and the rectangular right movable member 20 is arranged in the separated position. It is arranged so that its long side direction is directed in the vertical direction along the upper part of the right downstream region 409R. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the configuration in which their longitudinal directions are oriented in the up-down direction when they are separated from each other. It may be arranged such that one of the longitudinal directions thereof is oriented in the up-down direction and the other longitudinal direction is oriented in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be arranged such that their longitudinal directions face diagonally.

The rectangular left movable member 10 is supported so as to be rotatably movable around the left side of the game board 400 and near the entrance portion 409E. For this reason, when changing the left movable member 10 from the separated position to the close position, the upper right side is moved so that the part on the one end side away from the center of rotation (hereinafter also referred to as the movable side end part) approaches the right movable member 20. can be moved to Further, the rectangular right movable member 20 is supported so as to be movable by rotation around the right side of the game board 400 and near the privilege area 409V. Therefore, when changing the right movable member 20 from the separated position to the close position, the movable side end can be moved to the lower left side so as to approach the left movable member 10. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the configuration in which they are supported so as to be able to move between a separate position and a close position by rotation, but may also be supported in place of or in addition to rotational movement. It may be configured such that it can be moved by sliding movement (linear or curved movement without changing the inclination).

The rectangular left movable member 10 has an upper portion placed overlappingly behind the entrance portion 409E, and a lower portion formed into a central structure 420 that guides the game ball to the vicinity of the upper middle start winning device 431A. The warp passage 421 is located below the warp passage 421. An upper stage 426 is provided on the upper side of the upper middle start winning device 431A, which allows some of the game balls to enter the upper middle start winning device 431A while rolling the game balls, and the warp passage 421 is , is constituted by a passage that guides game balls from an entrance provided on the left side of the central structure 420 to the upper stage 426.

Further, the rectangular left movable member 10 is arranged from behind the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E to behind the guide path 422 that guides the game ball to the vicinity of the lower middle start winning device 431B. This guide path 422 is a part of the left downstream region 409L and is constituted by a path portion of the game ball heading toward the lower middle start winning device 431B via the lower left side of the central structure 420.

Here, the upper mid-start winning device 431A and the lower mid-start winning device 431B are devices that provide an opportunity to display a change in identification information when a game ball enters the game ball, and in the normal gaming state, the player can The game ball is caused to flow down into the left downstream region 409L with the aim of causing the game ball to enter the starting winning device 431A or the lower middle starting winning device 431B. When the left movable member 10 is set to a length that reaches behind the warp passage 421 and the guide passage 422, the movable side end of the left movable member 10 is set so as to cross the warp passage 421 and the guide passage 422, and the upper side It becomes possible to move it so as to pass near the middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B. As a result, the player pays attention not to the decorative symbol display device 479 that executes the main performance in the normal gaming state, but to the behavior of the game ball flowing down toward the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B. Even if the left movable member 10 moves from the separated position to the close position, it becomes easy to notice.

The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to operate when a combination of decorative symbols (predetermined display result) corresponding to a jackpot is confirmed and displayed by a decorative symbol display device 479 (display means). In this case, the game ball is flown down to the privilege area 409V (predetermined privilege area) by flowing the game ball to the right downstream area 409R (second area) provided separately from the left downstream area 409L (first area). It has a configuration that allows the ball to enter the ball. That is, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to operate when the bonus ball entry is possible. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured to start their operations at the same time, or may be configured to start their operations at staggered start times and end times.

Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with operating means for operating the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20. Although not shown, the game board 400 is provided with, as operating means, a drive mechanism that allows the left movable member 10 to move, and a power source that supplies power to this drive mechanism. Although not shown, the game board 400 is provided with, as operating means, a drive mechanism that allows the right movable member 20 to move, and a power source that supplies power to this drive mechanism. Note that as these drive sources, for example, a motor that generates rotational force or a solenoid that generates power in a linear direction can be used.

Further, the drive source is electrically connected to the sub-control board 940 and controlled by the sub-control board 940. Therefore, the operations of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are controlled via the drive mechanism by control of the drive source by the sub-control board 940. Note that the operation of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 is not limited to being controlled by the sub-control board 940, but may be controlled by the main control board 920, for example.

The decorative pattern display device 479 is disposed in the center of the game board 400, and is configured to display decorative patterns (identification information) in a variable manner and, after the variable display, to display a fixed combination of decorative patterns. The display contents displayed by this decorative pattern display device 479 (display means) are controlled by the sub-control board 940.

Specifically, the variation of the decorative pattern is triggered when the game ball that has flown down the left flow area 409L in the normal gaming state enters the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B. . Furthermore, the combination of decorative symbols to be displayed is determined according to the result of a lottery (first special symbol lottery) triggered by the entrance. Specifically, the main control board 920 executes the detection of entry of game balls into the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B, and the lottery triggered by the entry, but the sub control board 940 is connected to be able to receive commands related to detection and commands related to lottery results from the main control board 920, and controls variable display and fixed display of decorative patterns based on these commands. In addition, the trigger for entering the bonus ball state and the trigger for operating the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the final display of the combination corresponding to the jackpot of the decorative symbols, for example, It may also be a confirmation display of the combination corresponding to the small win. Moreover, the trigger is not limited to the configuration in which the display result is displayed by the decorative pattern display device 479, but instead of or in addition to the display result, a display device other than the decorative pattern display device 479, for example, the first special pattern is displayed. The display results may be displayed by a first special symbol display device 471 that displays a variable display or a fixed display, or a second special symbol display device 472 that displays a second special symbol in a variable manner or a fixed display. .

Further, the privilege area 409V is formed inside the top prize winning device 434 that operates when the decorative symbol display device 479 confirms a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a jackpot. For this reason, when the top prize winning device 434 operates and the top prize winning device 434 enters the entry permissible state, in detail, the top entry regulating mechanism 454 provided at the entrance of the top prize winning device 434 changes the entry permissible posture. When the game ball is taken, the game ball can enter the privilege area 409V.

In addition, the privilege area 409V is not limited to the configuration formed inside the upper prize winning device 434, but may be formed in another device such as the lower prize winning device 433, for example. Further, the privilege area 409V is limited to a structure in which the entry of balls into the privilege area 409V is restricted by a distribution mechanism 437 formed in a position such as inside the top prize winning device 434 where the falling of game balls is not always permitted. First, a configuration may be adopted in which the downward flow of game balls is regulated by a distribution mechanism 437 formed at a position where it is always possible. For example, a configuration in which an upper prize winning device is provided in which the distribution mechanism 437 is the upward entry regulating mechanism 454, or a configuration in which the privilege area 409V and the distribution mechanism 437 are provided separately from the major prize winning device 434 in the right downstream area 409R may be used. good.

In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are operated after the combination of decorative symbols corresponding to the jackpot is confirmed and before the operation of the upper jackpot winning device 434 starts (the upper entry regulating mechanism 454 prohibits entry). (before starting the change from the posture to the approach permissible posture), the movement from the separation posture to the approach posture is started. Therefore, after the player has seen that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are in a close position, and before the upper prize winning device 434 starts operating, It becomes possible to change from the left downstream region 409L to the right downstream region 409R. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the configuration in which they operate after the combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a jackpot is confirmed and displayed, but may be configured to operate simultaneously with the confirmation display. In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to operate not only before the operation of the upper-level winning device 434 but also after the upper-level winning device 434 starts operating, for example, when the upper-level winning device 434 allows entry. It may be configured to operate when a game ball does not enter the privilege area 409V for a predetermined period after the state is established.

Further, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 start moving from the close position to the separated position when the game ball enters the privilege area 409V. Therefore, even if you overlook the behavior of the game ball actually entering the privilege area 409V, it becomes possible to know from the actions of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20. . In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the configuration in which the movement from their close posture to the separated posture is executed when a game ball enters the bonus area 409V, and the upper prize winning device 434 A configuration that is executed when the period in which the entry is allowed for the first time ends, or when a predetermined time (shorter or longer than the period in which the entry is allowed for the first time) has elapsed since the top prize winning device 434 started operating. It may also be configured to be executed.

When a game ball enters the privilege area 409V, the player is configured to transition to a more advantageous gaming state than when a game ball does not enter the privilege area 409V.

Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a specific path switch 448 that detects a game ball that has entered the privilege area 409V. Further, the specific passage switch 448 is electrically connected to the main control board 920, and the detection by the specific passage switch 448 is detected by the main control board 920. In the main control board 920, based on the detection by this specific path switch 448, the gaming state is controlled when no game ball enters the privilege area 409V, and the gaming state is controlled when a gaming ball enters the privilege area 409V. Switch between controls.

Furthermore, when one game ball enters the bonus area 409V, the main control board 920 causes the game to transition to a more advantageous gaming state than when no game ball enters the bonus area 409V. Note that the main control board 920 is not limited to a configuration that performs control to transition to an advantageous gaming state by entering one game ball into the privilege area 409V, but also allows a prescribed number of game balls of 1 or more to enter the bonus area 409V. The configuration may be such that control is performed to transition to an advantageous gaming state. In the case of this configuration, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured to maintain a close posture until a specified number of game balls enter the ball, or each time a game ball enters the ball, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 It may be configured such that the close posture is canceled by returning from the close posture to the separated posture, or even if the close posture is not returned to the separated posture, the close posture is canceled, and then the close posture is returned to the close posture.

In addition, the main control board 920 causes a transition to the time saving gaming state after the end of the special gaming state when the game ball does not enter the privilege area 409V, and when a gaming ball enters the privilege area 409V, After the end of the special game state, an earlier jackpot can be expected than in the time-saving game state, and a transition is made to a variable probability game state which is advantageous in acquiring prize balls. Therefore, in order to transition to the variable probability gaming state, the player needs to enter the game ball into the privilege area 409V in the privilege entry possible state, and the left button that is executed when the privilege entry possible state is entered. The movement of the movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 makes it easier to ensure the transition to the variable probability gaming state. In addition, the main control board 920 is not limited to the configuration in which the special game state is changed to the probability-variable game state or the time-saving game state depending on whether or not a ball enters the bonus area 409V. If a game ball enters the privilege area 409V due to a change in the number of balls, the system may be configured to transition to a special game state that is more advantageous in terms of acquiring the prize ball than if the game ball did not enter the privilege area 409V. good. In addition, the main control board 920 is not limited to a configuration that transitions to an advantageous gaming state regarding acquisition of prize balls when a game ball enters the bonus area 409V, for example, the main control board 920 can change the frequency of generating premium images and videos A configuration may also be adopted in which the game state is changed to a gaming state that provides a benefit other than the benefit related to winning the prize ball. Furthermore, this transition of the game state may be configured to be executed by control by the sub-control board 940, not by the main control board 920.

In the pachinko machine 100 described above, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to display the combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a jackpot on the decorative symbol display device 479 in a normal game state in which the game balls are flown down into the left downstream region 409L. It operates when it is possible to let the game ball enter the privilege area 409V by flowing the game ball into the right downstream area 409R, and from the arrangement where the ball is spaced apart from each other, it is closer than the spaced position. The configuration is such that the arrangement takes a close proximity posture, and changes to a privilege area designation arrangement that continues from the entrance portion 409E where the game ball flows down to the game area 409 toward the privilege area 409V. With this configuration, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, which are arranged to indicate the benefit area, not only make it possible to easily draw the player's attention in the direction in which they are continuous, but also make it possible to By moving them from different locations separated from each other, it is possible to make it easier for the player to notice at least one of the movements. As a result, the game ball should enter the privilege area 409V provided in the direction in which the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are continuous, and for this purpose, the downstream destination of the game ball should be changed from the left downstream area 409L to the right. By notifying the player of switching to the downstream area 409R, it is possible to prevent the profit obtained by entering the game ball into the privilege area 409V from being lost. Therefore, when it is possible to enter the game ball into the privilege area 409V, a suitable performance can be performed by the operation of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20.

Furthermore, when the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are in close proximity, their continuous shape (e.g., the above-mentioned polygonal line shape) or their individual shapes (e.g., the above-mentioned elongated rectangular shape) make it possible for them to have special features. It becomes possible to point out the vicinity of the area 409V (the bonus area 409V itself and the winning device 434 involved in the entry of game balls into the bonus area 409V), and it also becomes possible to direct the player's consciousness. . Thereby, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 make the player aware that the game ball should flow down to the right downstream area 409R depending on the direction in which they continue, and the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 It is possible to direct the player's attention to the privilege area 409V itself indicated by the longitudinal direction of , or to the top prize winning device 434 in which the privilege area 409V is formed.

Here, other characteristic configurations related to suitable effects by the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 will be explained.

The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are provided with light emitting means that are arranged in a direction from the entrance portion 409E toward the privilege area 409V in their close postures and sequentially emit light along that direction.

Specifically, as light emitting means, the left movable member 10 is provided with a plurality of light emitting elements 19 arranged in a line along its longitudinal direction, and the right movable member 20 is also provided with a plurality of light emitting elements 19. 29 is provided. When the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged in close proximity, the plurality of light emitting elements 19 of the left movable member 10 are made to sequentially emit light from the upper left side to the lower right side, and the plurality of light emitting elements 19, the plurality of light emitting elements 29 of the right movable member 20 are made to sequentially emit light from the upper left side to the lower right side. Therefore, compared to simply arranging the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 in a close posture, the sense of unity between the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 is enhanced, and the access from the entrance portion 409E to the privilege area 409V is improved. It becomes possible to more appropriately direct the player's consciousness toward the direction toward which the player is heading. In particular, it is possible to direct the player's attention to the bonus area 409V and the top prize winning device 434, which are located on the lower right side of the right movable member 20 and in the direction indicated by sequential light emission from the plurality of light emitting elements 29. become.

Note that the plurality of light emitting elements 19 and the plurality of light emitting elements 29 are connected to the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20.
The arrangement is not limited to the arrangement in which the members are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction, but may be arranged in a row in a direction different from the longitudinal direction. Further, the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitting elements 19 and the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitting elements 29 are not limited to the configuration in which they are in the same direction when the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged in a close posture. They may be arranged in different directions. Furthermore, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to a configuration in which a plurality of light emitting elements 19 and a plurality of light emitting elements 29 are arranged in a line, but also a configuration in which light emitting elements are provided in a plurality of rows. good. In addition, by sequentially emitting light from the plurality of light emitting elements 19 and the plurality of light emitting elements 29 arranged linearly, the structure is not limited to a configuration in which a specific direction is directed linearly, but a specific direction can be directed sequentially along a polygonal line or a curved line. A configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of light emitting elements 19 and a plurality of light emitting elements 29 are arranged so that instructions can be given by emitting light.

In addition to the plurality of light emitting elements 19, the left movable member 10 is provided with a large number of light emitting elements (not shown) that cause the left movable member 10 to emit light as a whole. Further, when the game ball is to be flowed down in the left flow region 409L as in the normal gaming state, the left movable member 10 in the separated position is caused to emit light by its many light emitting elements. Therefore, in the separated position, the entire light emission of the left movable member 10 arranged along the downstream direction of the game ball in the left downstream area 409L causes the game ball to flow down to the left downstream area 409L to play the game. It becomes possible to alert players.

Similarly, the right movable member 20 is provided with a large number of light emitting elements (not shown) that cause the right movable member 20 to emit light as a whole, in addition to the plurality of light emitting elements 29, so that the game ball can be moved to the right as in the special game state. When the light should flow down in the flow region 409R, the right movable member 20 in the separated position emits light using its many light emitting elements. Therefore, in the separated position, the entire light emission of the right movable member 20 arranged along the downstream direction of the game ball in the right downstream area 409R causes the game ball to flow down to the right downstream area 409R to play the game. It becomes possible to alert players.

<Form of light irradiation on multiple decorative parts by the same light source>
Next, by changing the direction of part of the light output from the light source 30 toward one decorative section toward the other decorative section, the other decorative sections are irradiated with light based on the light from the same light source 30. In addition, part of the light that has been redirected toward the other decorative portion is further redirected toward the one decorative portion, and at least one of the light is redirected toward the other decorative portion. A configuration for performing a suitable effect using a plurality of decorative parts by irradiating the light before the display and the light that advances after the display will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the game board 400. FIG. 15 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative portions taken along the line XM-XM in FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative parts taken along a cut plane including the XD-XD line in FIG. 7. In addition, in the perspective views of FIGS. 15(A) and 16(A), a state in which a part of the decorative part (front side decorative part 50) arranged on the front side among the plurality of decorative parts is removed is shown. ing. In addition, in the cross-sectional views of FIG. 15(B), FIG. 15(C), FIG. 16(B), and FIG. 16(C), only the main parts are simplified, and the first decorative part and the second decorative part are The path of the irradiated light is illustrated. The same applies to FIGS. 17(A) to 17(C), which will be referred to later.

As shown in FIG. 14, as a plurality of decorative parts, a front side decorative part 50 (first decorative part) and a part of the left movable member 10 are provided on the left side of the game board 400 in the vertically central part. A rear decorative portion 11 (second decorative portion) located on the rear side of the front decorative portion 50 (rear side in the front-rear direction of the game board 400) is provided. Although the front side decoration part 50 is provided so as to partially overlap the back side of the base body 401 of the game board 400, since the base body 401 is made of transparent resin, the front side decoration part 50 overlaps with the back side of the base body 401. A portion of the section 50 is also visible to the player.

The effects produced by the front side decoration part 50 and the rear side decoration part 11 are output from a light source 30 (see also FIG. 15) which is arranged on the rear side of the front side decoration part 50 but on the front side of the rear side decoration part 11. The process is executed using the emitted light so that the front decoration part 50 and the rear decoration part 11 are illuminated. At this time, the front side decoration part 50 is in a state of emitting light by being irradiated with the light output from the light source 30 from the rear side, and on the other hand, the rear side decoration part 11 is The light reflected by the side output means is irradiated from the front side, resulting in a light emitting state. Further, the front side decoration part 50 is constituted by a part of the rear member 42 attached behind the front member 41, and the rear window 61 (in a different direction) located between the front side decoration part 50 and the rear side decoration part 11 The light emitting state is also caused by the irradiation of light whose direction has been changed by reflection at the reflection means). As a result, in the presentation by the front decoration part 50 and the rear decoration part 11, while reducing the number of light sources 30 and reducing manufacturing costs, the front decoration part 50 can be created using the limited number of light sources 30. and the rear decorative portion 11 can both be in a state where they emit light.

The front decoration part 50 allows the light output from the LED elements 32L and 32R of the light source 30 to pass through to the front side where the player is located, and is in a state where it emits light when viewed from the front side where the player is located. The configuration is such that it is possible to take the following steps.

Specifically, the front decoration part 50 is located in front of the light source 30 and is provided in contact with a flat front window 51 configured as a part of the front member 41 and the back surface of the front window 51. , and a decorative board 52 on which a picture (such as a character serving as a motif for a game) is drawn. The front member 41 constituting the front window 51 is made of a colorless and transparent material, and the decorative plate 52 is made of a light-transmitting material. For this reason, by irradiating the light output from the light source 30 and before being reflected by the front decorative portion 50 (hereinafter also referred to as primary light) from the back surface 50B side, the decorative plate 52 is in a state where it emits light. The light emission can be seen through the front window 51 from the front side where the player is located. Further, by forming the front window 51 with a colorless and transparent material, absorption of light by the front window 51 is suppressed, thereby enabling efficient irradiation. Note that the front window 51 is not limited to a colorless and transparent structure, but may be colored and transparent. When the front decoration part 50 is formed to be colored and transparent, the color may be a uniform single color, a gradation of the same color, or a different color scheme depending on the part. Further, the front window 51 and the decorative plate 52 are not limited to a plate-like configuration with a substantially uniform thickness, but may have a configuration with an uneven thickness.

The light source 30 includes a light-emitting board 31 on which electronic components are mounted, and a plurality of LED elements 32L provided on one side of the light-emitting board 31 and arranged to output light obliquely toward the front (in a predetermined direction). , 32R (light emitting means).

Specifically, the light source 30 includes seven LED elements 32L (only six are shown in FIG. 14) arranged vertically at predetermined intervals on one surface (hereinafter referred to as the element surface) of the light emitting substrate 31. , seven LED elements 32R are arranged vertically at a predetermined interval closer to the center of the game board 400 than the seven LED elements 32L. Each of the LED elements 32L, 32R has a direction perpendicular to the element surface of the light emitting substrate 31 as the direction with the highest brightness (hereinafter also referred to as the main direction; broken line in FIG. 15(B) etc.), and a predetermined angle range (for example Outputs light that spreads at an angle of 15 degrees). Note that the number and arrangement of the LED elements 32L and 32R provided on the light emitting board 31 are not limited to the above configuration, and can be designed as appropriate.

As shown in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B), the light-emitting substrate 31 is viewed from above in the vertical direction of the game board 400 (hereinafter referred to as an upward view), and its element surface is in the front-rear direction of the game board 400. The main direction of the primary light from each LED element 32L, 32R is different from 90 degrees with respect to the back surface of the front window 51 and the decorative plate 52. The front decorative portion 50 is irradiated at a predetermined angle. For this reason, the amount of light output to the rear side can be increased compared to the case where they are arranged in a 90 degree direction. This predetermined angle is set in consideration of the position of the rear decoration part 11 and the distribution of the amount of light that should be output to the front side of the front decoration part 50 and the amount of light that should be output to the rear side thereof. ing.

Note that a colorless and transparent flat plate-shaped light entrance window 62 that constitutes a part of the rear member 42 is provided between the light source 30 and the front decoration part 50. , are arranged so as to intersect at 90 degrees with respect to the main direction of the primary light based on each LED element 32L, 32R, so that the decrease in the amount of light due to reflection at the light entrance window 62 is minimized. Further, the thickness of the light entrance window 62 is made substantially uniform, and the traveling direction of the light is not changed before and after passing through the light entrance window 62. It may have a plate-like shape that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the side surface, and the traveling direction of the light may be uniformly changed by refraction before and after passing through the light entrance window 62. Furthermore, although the light entrance window 62 has a configuration in which the primary light based on each of the LED elements 32L and 32R passes through the inside of the rear member 42 that forms the light entrance window 62, the light entrance window 62 is not limited to this configuration. An opening or a notch may be provided in the window 62, and the primary light may pass through the opening or notch instead of inside the rear member 42. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the light entrance window 62 is not provided and the front decoration part 50 is directly irradiated with the primary light from each of the LED elements 32L, 32R.

The front side decoration part 50 has a back side 50B (rear side light output means) that outputs light to the rear side opposite to the front side outputted from the plurality of LED elements 32L, 32R of the light source 30 on the back side 50B side. The configuration includes the following.

Specifically, the front decorative portion 50 has a back surface 50B that is flat and smooth. For this reason, a part of the primary light based on each LED element 32L, 32R is passed through the front decoration part 50, and part of it is reflected by the front decoration part 50, and the light is directed to the rear side (hereinafter, (also referred to as secondary light) can be output. This secondary light is reflected on the back surface of the decorative plate 52 constituting the front side decorative part 50 or reflected on the boundary surface between the decorative plate 52 and the front window 51, so that the secondary light is reflected on the back surface of the front side decorative part 50. It is output to the 50B side. Note that the decorative plate 52 and the front window 51 are not limited to having a flat and smooth back surface, but may have a smooth curved surface such as an arc shape or a curved shape. In the case of this configuration, compared to the case where it is reflected by a flat surface, it is also possible to increase or decrease the spread of the secondary light depending on the shape of the curved surface. Further, the front decorative portion 50 is not limited to a configuration in which the decorative plate 52 is in contact with the front window 51, but may be configured to be separated from the front window 51. Further, the front side decorative portion 50 is not limited to a configuration in which the decorative plate 52 is disposed on the back side of the front window 51, but may be configured in such a manner that the decorative plate 52 is disposed on the front side of the front window 51. When the decorative plate 52 is placed on the front side of the front window 51, secondary light can be output before the light is absorbed by the decorative plate 52, compared to when the decorative plate 52 is placed on the back side of the front window 51. , it is also possible to relatively increase the intensity of the secondary light. Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the front decoration part 50 can output light to the rear side thereof, but for example, a reflection part (not shown) separate from the front window 51 and the decoration plate 52 may be provided on the back side of the decoration plate 52. It is also possible to have a configuration in which In the case of this configuration, it is possible to output the secondary light in a predetermined direction by the reflecting section regardless of the arrangement or shape of the front window 51 or the decorative plate 52, or to output the secondary light by making the back surface of the separate reflecting section a concave surface. It is also possible to output the secondary light so that it gathers in a predetermined direction or spreads the secondary light by making the back surface a convex surface.

The rear side decoration part 11 is provided separately from the front side decoration part 50 (first decoration part) at a part that is irradiated with the light output from the back surface (rear side light output means) of the front side decoration part 50. , is configured to be provided on the rear side of the light emitting substrate 31 constituting the light source 30.

Specifically, the rear decoration part 11 is provided as a part of the left movable member 10, and when the left movable member 10 is in the separated position, it is separated from the front decoration part 50 and is not irradiated with primary light. However, the secondary light is located at the area to be irradiated. In detail, the upper part of the rear decorative part 11 does not overlap with the front decorative part 50 in the front and back, the central part partially overlaps with the front decorative part 50 in the front and back, and the lower part thereof The central portion is arranged so as to overlap the front side decorative portion 50 front and back, and from the viewpoint of a seated player, the central portion is visible throughout the left and right direction, and the lower portion is It is arranged so that at least a portion in the left and right direction can be visually recognized. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the rear side decoration part 11 irradiated with the secondary light through the gap between the rear side decoration part 11 and the front side decoration part 50. Moreover, the secondary light can be irradiated onto the rear side decoration part 11 without interfering with the irradiation of the front side decoration part 50 with the primary light. In the following description, it will be assumed that the rear decoration part 11 is arranged at a position where the left movable member 10 takes the separated position. Note that the rear side decoration part 11 is not limited to a structure in which it is provided movably as a part of the left movable member 10, but may be provided in an immovable manner. Furthermore, the front side decoration part 50 may also be provided in an immovable configuration or a movable configuration, and the front side decoration part 50 and the rear side decoration part 11 are arranged at specific positions. In this state, any configuration is sufficient as long as the front decoration part 50 can be illuminated by the primary light from the light source 30 and the rear decoration part 11 can be illuminated by the secondary light.

Further, the rear decoration part 11 is provided at a position where a part thereof overlaps with the front decoration part 50 in the front-rear direction (as viewed from the front), and at least the overlapping part is illuminated by secondary light. Therefore, the overlapping portion that is not or is difficult to be illuminated by external light (for example, light from a lighting device installed in the space where the pachinko machine 100 is installed) can be illuminated by the light from the light source 30, Compared to the case where there is no illumination by this light, it is possible to improve the uniformity of illumination over the entire rear decorative portion 11. Note that the rear decoration part 11 is not limited to a configuration in which a part thereof is provided at a position overlapping with the front decoration part 50 in the front-rear direction, but a configuration in which the entire rear side decoration part 11 is provided in a position overlapping with the front decoration part 50 in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, it may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the front decorative portion 50 in the front-rear direction.

Further, the light source 30 is provided near the left end of the game board 400, the front side decoration part 50 is provided on the right side of the light source, and the rear side decoration part 11 is located closer to the game board 400 than the light source 30 and the front side decoration part 50. Located in the center. For this reason, when viewed from the front side of the center of the game board 400 (the player's line of sight), the rear decorative portion 11 irradiated with the secondary light is passed through the gap between the rear decorative portion 11 and the front decorative portion 50. It becomes possible to make it easier to visually recognize. Note that the light source 30, the front side decoration part 50, and the rear side decoration part 11 are not limited to the configuration in which they are shifted in this order from near the left end toward the center. It may be arranged so as to be shifted toward the center.

A rear window 61 (different direction reflection) that can reflect the light output to the rear side by the front side decoration part 50 (rear side light output means) in a direction different from that of the rear side decoration part 11 (second decoration part) means).

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 15(B) and 16(B), a rear window 61 located behind the front window 51 is provided between the front decoration part 50 and the rear decoration part 11. A part of the secondary light heading from the front decoration part 50 toward the rear decoration part 11 is passed through the front surface 61F (the surface on the front decoration part side) of the rear window 61, and a part of the secondary light is It is configured to reflect at the front surface 61F. The rear member 42 constituting the rear window 61 is made of a colorless, light-transmitting material (for example, transparent resin). Therefore, a part of the light outputted to the rear side by the front decoration part 50 can be passed through, and a part of the light can be reflected. Although the rear window 61 is made of a colorless, light-transmitting material, it is not limited to this structure, and may be made of a colored, light-transmitting material.

Further, the rear window 61 is generally formed in a flat plate shape, and is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the front decoration part 50 when viewed from above so that the distance between the rear window 61 and the front decoration part 50 becomes narrower as the distance from the light source 30 increases. Further, the rear window 61 has a predetermined angle (for example, an angle range of 30 degrees) in which the direction perpendicular to the front surface 61F of the rear window 61 is different from perpendicular to the main direction of the secondary light based on the LED elements 32L and 32R. Place it at an angle. Therefore, while a part of the secondary light passes through the rear window 61, the path from the front decoration part 50 toward the rear window 61 is reversed, and the front decoration part 50 is irradiated with the primary light. It is possible to prevent the location and the location irradiated with the light reflected by the rear window 61 (hereinafter also referred to as tertiary light) from being the same.

Here, a description will be given based on a specific example. As shown in FIG. 15(B), the light output from the LED element 32L and traveling along the path ML1 (solid line) is partially reflected at the reflection point P1 on the back surface 50B of the front decoration part 50. It passes through the front decoration part 50 and a part of it advances toward the rear decoration part 11. A part of the light that reaches the front surface 61F of the rear window 61 passes through the rear window 61 and is irradiated onto the rear side decoration part 11, and a part of the light is reflected by the front surface 61F of the rear window 61 and is emitted to the rear. It advances toward the side decoration part 11. Also, the same applies to the path ML2 (dotted chain line), which is the light output from the LED element 32L, but the light on the path ML1 repeatedly reflects and passes toward the reflection point P2 on the left side of the reflection point P1. The light on the path ML2 goes toward a reflection point P3 on the right side of the reflection point P1, and is further reflected and passed through the reflection point P3. As a result, the light output from the LED element 32L can make the areas irradiated with the primary light different from the areas irradiated with the tertiary light, and furthermore, the areas irradiated with the primary light can be It is also possible to irradiate both the left and right sides. This also applies to the light output from the LED element 32R shown in FIG. A part of the light irradiated to the point P5 and reflected at the reflection point P6 is irradiated to the right side of the reflection point P6. As a result, even if it is not possible to irradiate the entire front decoration part 50 with the primary light in the left and right direction, the entire front decoration part 50 can be irradiated with light using the primary light and the tertiary light. It becomes possible. Moreover, since the tertiary light is irradiated onto the front decoration part 50 after following a longer path than the primary light, its irradiation range becomes larger and the entire front decoration part 50 is more easily irradiated.

In the cross section viewed from above, the rear window 61 is curved so that its front surface 61F is slightly concave, and directs the tertiary light to the left side of the irradiation position of the primary light based on the LED element 32R in the front decoration part 50. The shape is such that the tertiary light based on the LED element 32R can be easily output to the right side of the irradiation position of the primary light based on the LED element 32L in the front decoration part 50.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 16(A) to (C), when the range in which the front side decoration part 50 covers the rear side decoration part 11 in the front-rear direction is larger than the case shown in FIGS. 16(A) to (C), The configuration is such that the inclination of the rear window becomes smaller in accordance with the amount of rightward protrusion of the front decoration part 50. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 16(B) and 16(C), light is repeatedly reflected on the back surface of the front decorative portion 50 and the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, so that light is directed to the left end side of the front decorative portion 50. (route DL1) can be made easier to travel, or light (route DL2, route DR) can be made easier to travel toward the right end side. Therefore, even if the length of the front decorative portion 50 in the left-right direction increases, the entirety of the front decorative portion 50 can be irradiated with light from each of the LED elements 32L and 32R.

Further, the rear window 61 is formed of a rear member 42 that is different from the front member 41 that forms the front window 51 of the front decoration part 50. Therefore, after fixing the decorative plate 52 of the front side decorative part 50 to the back surface of the front window 51, the front member 41 forming the front window 51 and the rear member 42 forming the rear window 61 are assembled, so that the decorative plate 52 can be easily placed between the rear window 61 and the front window 51. Note that the rear window 61 may be formed of the same member that forms the front decorative portion 50.

As explained above, in the pachinko machine 100, the front decoration part 50 allows light from the LED elements 32L and 32R, which output light in a predetermined direction, to pass through to the front side where the player is located. and a back surface 50B of the front decorative section 50 that outputs light emitted from the LED elements 32L and 32R to the rear side opposite to the front side where the player is located. , the rear side decoration part 11 is provided separately from the front side decoration part 50 at a part that is irradiated with a part of the light output from the back surface 50B. Thereby, the front decoration part 50 is caused to emit light by the light output from the LED elements 32L and 32R, and the light based on the same LED elements 32L and 32R is output from the back surface 50B of the front decoration part 50. The rear decoration part 11 can be caused to emit light by the light, and the number of parts can be reduced and manufacturing costs can be suppressed compared to the case where a dedicated light source is provided for each decoration part.

Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the rear decorative portion 11 is provided on the rear side of the light emitting board 31 of the light source 30. As a result, the front side decoration part 50 can be caused to emit light by the light irradiated on the back surface 50B side of the rear side decoration part 11 which is arranged in a place where the light from the LED elements 32L, 32R is not directly irradiated. Differently, by emitting light using light emitted from the front side, even if the light is emitted from the same LED elements 32L and 32R, the way in which the front side decorative part 50 and the rear side decorative part 11 emit light is different. can be made different.

Further, the rear surface of the front side decoration part 50 is configured to be able to reflect the light output to the rear side in a direction different from that of the rear side decoration part 11. As a result, the light reflected on the back side of the front side decoration part 50 is, for example, the light that is irradiated onto the front side decoration part 50 and the rear side decoration part 11 without going through the reflection on the back side of the front side decoration part 50. The front decoration part 50 and the rear decoration part 11 can be irradiated with light output from each LED element 32L, 32R in a predetermined direction in various forms, such as by irradiation at different irradiation positions and irradiation angles. Therefore, it is possible to improve the appearance of the light emitted from the front decoration part 50 and the rear decoration part 11.

Therefore, even if a limited number of LED elements 32L, 32R are used in the presentation by the front side decoration part 50 and the rear side decoration part 11, the player will feel as if the LED elements 32L, 32R were actually used. The front decoration part 50 and the rear decoration part 11 can be made to appear as if the front decoration part 50 and the rear decoration part 11 are irradiated with light from a larger number of LED elements than the number of LED elements (14 pieces). 11 can be performed.

Below, a further characteristic configuration regarding the irradiation of light to the front decoration part 50 and the rear decoration part 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative portions taken along the line XU-XU in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIGS. 17(A) to (C), the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62 (the surface on the side where the front decoration part 50 is located) is the tertiary light output from the front surface 61F of the rear window 61. It is a part to which light is irradiated, and is provided between the front decoration part 50 and the LED elements 32L and 32R of the light source 30, and can reflect at least a part of the tertiary light to the side where the front decoration part 50 is provided. The structure is as follows. Furthermore, by assembling the front member 41 and the rear member 42, a space is created in which the peripheral portion is surrounded by the back surface 50B of the front decoration part 50, the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, and the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62, The configuration is such that a space (hereinafter also referred to as a light-emitting space 40) is formed in which the light output from the light source 30 in a predetermined direction can be repeatedly reflected on these three surfaces. For example, as shown in FIG. 17B and FIG. After being reflected on the front surface 61F, the light is further reflected on the back surface 62B of the light entrance window 62 (the surface on the side where the light source 30 is located), and the front decorative portion 50 is illuminated again, following the traveling paths UL1 and UR1. The configuration shall be such that it is possible. Thereby, even if the light is not reflected toward the front decoration part 50 by the back surface 50B of the rear window 61, it can be directed to the front decoration part 50 again by being reflected by the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62. Compared to the case where the light entry window 62 is not provided or the front surface 62F of the light entry window 62 is non-reflective, the light entering the light emitting space 40 through the light entry window 62 can be directed to the front side. It becomes possible to efficiently irradiate the decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11.

Specifically, in the light emitting space 40, the left end of the rear window 61 and the right end of the light entrance window 62 are continuous, and the left end of the light entrance window 62 and the left end of the front decoration part 50 are connected via the left connecting part 63. Furthermore, the right end of the front decoration part 50 and the right end of the rear window 61 are connected to each other via the right connecting part 64, forming a closed space in which the entire peripheral portion is surrounded in cross-sectional view. By providing a left connecting portion 63 that connects the front decorative portion 50 and the rear window 61 and a right connecting portion 64 that connects the front decorative portion 50 and the light entrance window 62, these connecting portions can be Compared to the case where it is not provided, the light that is emitted to the outside of the light emitting space 40 from between the front decoration part 50 and the rear window 61 or the light entrance window 62 and does not contribute to the light emission of the front decoration part 50 or the rear decoration part 11 is reduced. can be suppressed. Note that the front side decoration part 50 and the rear window 61 are not limited to a configuration in which they are continuous via the right connection part 64, but may be configured in a configuration in which they are continuous without the right connection part 64 in between. Similarly, the front side decoration part 50 and the light entrance window 62 are not limited to the configuration in which they are continuous via the left connection part 63, but may be configured to be continuous without the left connection part 63 in between.

The light-emitting space 40 is preferably configured to be a closed space in cross-sectional view from the viewpoint of efficiently emitting light from the front decoration part 50 and the rear decoration part, but the present invention is not limited to this. A gap may be formed between the front decoration part 50 and the rear window 61 without providing the left connection part 64, or a gap may be formed between the front decoration part 50 and the light entrance window 62 without providing the left connection part 63. It may also be configured to form a space that is not completely closed when viewed in cross section. In addition, since the light emitted to the outside of the light emitting space 40 through the light entrance window 62 does not contribute to the light emission of the front decoration part 50 or the rear decoration part 11, the light entrance window 62 is A configuration may also be adopted in which the reflectance toward the light emitting space 40 side in the light entrance window 62 is increased by providing a reflective sheet in the area 62B except for the area through which the light from the light source 30 passes.

Further, inside the light emitting space 40, after the primary light outputted from the light source 30 is reflected by the back surface 50B of the front decoration part 50 and the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, The configuration is such that the light is further reflected and the forward decoration portion 50 is irradiated again to follow the traveling paths UL2 and UR2. As a result, for the same reason as when the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62 is configured to be reflective, the light that has entered the light emitting space 40 through the light entrance window 62 can be efficiently directed to the front decoration part 50 and the rear decoration part 11. It becomes possible to irradiate. Further, the right connecting portion 64 is also similar to the left connecting portion 63.

Note that the light-emitting space 40 is oriented in such a way that the player cannot visually recognize the window that surrounds the surrounding area and through which the light that makes the decorative part (the rear decorative part 11) that is different from the front decorative part 50 emit light passes through. A rear window 61 is provided, and the light passing through the rear window 61 can be irradiated from the front side of the rear decoration part 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and instead of or in addition to the rear window 61 and the rear decoration part 11, the player can visually recognize a window through which light that emits a decoration part different from the front decoration part 50 passes through. A decorative component such as another decorative board similar to the decorative board 52 is provided so as to overlap a visible window which is arranged in a direction in which the player can see the player, and the decorative board is viewed from the back side. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which light is emitted by light irradiation. In this configuration, the other decorative plate may be placed in contact with or separated from the front side of the visible window, or may be placed in contact with or separated from the back side of the visible window. Good too.

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

In the above embodiment, it is possible to point to the vicinity of the privilege area 409V (the privilege area 409V itself and the winning device 434 involved in the entry of game balls into the privilege area 409V), or to direct the player's consciousness. As a configuration that can perform a combination of operations of a plurality of movable members 10 and 20, and a light emitting effect that causes light emitting elements 19 provided on these movable members 10 and 20 to emit light, a configuration has been described. It is not necessarily necessary to perform both a combination of operations and a light emitting effect, and it may be configured to perform only one of them. For example, a light emitting element 19 provided on one movable member may be used to perform a specific The direction may be indicated (suggested).

The present invention may be implemented in a different type of pachinko machine from the above embodiment. For example, a pachinko machine may be implemented in which once a jackpot is hit, the expected jackpot value is increased until the jackpot state occurs multiple times (for example, twice or three times). Furthermore, after the jackpot symbol is displayed, the pachinko machine may be implemented as a special gaming state with the necessary condition that the ball lands in a predetermined area. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented in an enclosed type pachinko machine in which balls circulate. Furthermore, in addition to the pachinko machine, the present invention may be implemented as various game machines such as arranged ball type pachinko, mahjong ball, and the like. Further, the present invention is not limited to pachinko machines, and may be applied to slot machines, or gaming machines such as Parrot, which is a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine.

<Inventions extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiments will be explained, indicating problems, effects, etc. as necessary. Note that, in the following, for ease of understanding, configurations corresponding to each of the above embodiments are appropriately indicated in parentheses, etc., but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses. Further, the meanings and examples of terms described in each feature may be applied as the meanings and examples of terms described in other features described in the same wording.

<Feature 10>
It is equipped with a display means (for example, a decorative pattern display device 479) that displays changing identification information, and a control means (for example, a sub-control board 940) that controls the display contents displayed by the display means, and a game ball is A game is played by letting a game ball flow down into a predetermined first area (for example, left downstream area 409L) in a normal game state among possible game areas (game area 409), and the display means displays a predetermined display result (for example, When a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a jackpot is displayed, the game ball is caused to flow down into a second area (for example, the right downstream area 409R) provided separately from the first area, and a predetermined privilege area (for example, , it is possible to enter the game ball into the privilege area 409V), and when the game ball enters the privilege area, if the game ball does not enter the privilege area (for example, in a time-saving gaming state). In a gaming machine that is configured to be able to transition to a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player (for example, a variable gaming state),
comprising a plurality of movable members that assume spaced apart positions at a plurality of locations in the normal gaming state;
When the predetermined display result is displayed, the plurality of movable members operate, and some of the plurality of movable members take a state in which they are close to each other or in contact with each other compared to the separated position, and the game ball is sent to the game area. The gaming machine is characterized in that the plurality of movable members are configured to take a continuous privilege area pointing arrangement in a direction toward the privilege area from an entrance portion where the water flows down.

A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a typical conventional pachinko machine, for example, in a normal gaming state, the game ball is hit to the left with a low firing strength to cause the game ball to flow down into a predetermined left-hand downstream area, In a game state that is advantageous for the player, the game ball is launched as the game progresses, such as by playing the game by hitting the game ball right-handed, which has a higher firing strength than when hitting the ball left-handed, causing the game ball to flow down the right-side falling region. The structure is designed to change the way In such a gaming machine, when the gaming state switches from a normal gaming state to an advantageous gaming state, a specific device or area (hereinafter referred to as a privilege area) into which a gaming ball flowing down the right flowing area can enter. A configuration is known in which the condition is that the game ball enters the ball (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-45422). In this configuration, when an opportunity arises to allow the game ball to enter the privilege area, the player is notified by text or graphic display on the liquid crystal display device to inform the player to hit the game ball with a right hand. This prevents people from being disadvantaged.

However, there may still be room for improvement in the configuration for executing a suitable performance when it is possible to enter the game ball into the bonus area.

On the other hand, with the gaming machine described in feature 10, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can perform suitable effects when it is possible to enter the game ball into the bonus area. In other words, when a predetermined display result is displayed by the display means and it is possible to enter the game ball into the privilege area, the plurality of movable members are moved from a separated position in which they are arranged at different locations to that position. In comparison, the movable members are in a state of being close to each other or in contact with each other, and are moved from an entrance part where game balls flow down to the game area to a continuous bonus area pointing arrangement in a direction toward the bonus area. For this reason, the movement of the multiple movable members may draw the player's attention to or near the privilege area provided in the direction in which the multiple movable members are consecutively arranged, or the multiple movable members may be moved to different locations. By moving it from the placed state, it becomes possible to make the player more aware of the movement. Therefore, by operating the plurality of movable members, it is possible to suggest to the player that the game ball should enter the bonus area, or to draw attention to the behavior of the game ball flowing down near the bonus area. , it becomes possible to call attention to the need to change the area in which the game ball flows down from the first area to the second area in order to allow the game ball to enter the bonus area, leading to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. This makes it possible to prevent the opportunity to transition from being missed.

<Feature 11>
It is equipped with a display means (for example, a decorative pattern display device 479) that displays changing identification information, and a control means (for example, a sub-control board 940) that controls the display contents displayed by the display means, and a game ball is A game is played by letting a game ball flow down into a predetermined first area (for example, left downstream area 409L) in a normal game state among possible game areas (game area 409), and the display means displays a predetermined display result (for example, When a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a jackpot is displayed, the game ball is caused to flow down into a second area (for example, the right downstream area 409R) provided separately from the first area, and a predetermined privilege area (for example, , it is possible to enter the game ball into the privilege area 409V), and when the game ball enters the privilege area, if the game ball does not enter the privilege area (for example, in a time-saving gaming state). In a gaming machine that is configured to be able to transition to a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player (for example, a variable gaming state),
It includes a plurality of movable members (a left movable member 10 and a right movable member 20) that take separated postures and are spaced apart from each other in a plurality of locations in the normal gaming state,
When the predetermined display result is displayed, a light emitting part provided on a movable member placed in a position overlapping the front side of the display means emits light, and a game ball flows down into the game area from an entrance part to the privilege area. A game machine characterized in that the game machine is configured to perform a light emitting effect in which the light emitting parts sequentially emit light in the direction toward which the game machine is heading.

With the gaming machine described in feature 11, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can perform suitable effects when it is possible to enter the game ball into the bonus area. That is, when a predetermined display result is displayed by the display means and it is possible to enter the game ball into the privilege area, the light emitting portion provided on the movable member disposed at a position overlapping the front side of the display means emits light. A light-emitting effect is performed in which the light-emitting portions sequentially emit light from the entrance portion where game balls flow down to the game area toward the privilege area. For this reason, the light emitted from the light emitting parts provided on the movable member draws the player's attention to the behavior of the game balls in and around the privilege area provided in the direction in which the light emitting parts emit light in order, or the player does not notice the action. This makes it possible to make it easier to use. Therefore, by this light-emitting effect, it is possible to suggest to the player that the game ball should enter the bonus area, to draw attention to the behavior of the game ball flowing down near the bonus area, or to make the game ball enter the bonus area. It becomes possible to call attention to the need to change the area in which the game ball falls from the first area to the second area in order to allow the player to enter the game, thereby preventing the player from missing an opportunity to transition to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. This makes it possible to prevent this from happening.

<Feature 20>
A light emitting board (for example, the light emitting board 31) on which electronic components are mounted,
a light emitting means (for example, LED elements 32L, 32R) provided on one surface of the light emitting substrate and arranged to output light in a predetermined direction;
a first decorative part that can pass the light output from the light emitting means to the front side where the player is located, and which can assume a light emitting state when viewed from the front side where the player is located; For example, the front side decoration part 50),
Rear side light output means for outputting light emitted from the light emitting means to the rear side opposite to the front side on the back side of the first decorative part (for example, the back surface 50B of the front side decorative part 50) and,
A second decorative part (for example, the rear decorative part 11) that is provided separately from the first decorative part and is a part that is irradiated with a part of the light output from the rear light output means. Prepare,
A gaming machine characterized in that the second decorative part is configured to be able to emit light by the light output to the rear side by the rear side light output means.

<Feature 21>
A light emitting board (for example, the light emitting board 31) on which electronic components are mounted,
a light emitting means (for example, LED elements 32L, 32R) provided on one surface of the light emitting substrate and arranged to output light in a predetermined direction;
a first decorative part that can pass the light output from the light emitting means to the front side where the player is located, and which can assume a light emitting state when viewed from the front side where the player is located; For example, the front decoration part 50),
Rear side light output means for outputting light emitted from the light emitting means to the rear side opposite to the front side on the back side of the first decorative part (for example, the back surface 50B of the front side decorative part 50) and,
A second decorative portion (a portion irradiated with a portion of the light output from the rear side light output means) provided on the rear side of the light emitting substrate and provided separately from the first decorative portion ( For example, the rear side decoration part 11),
It is characterized by comprising another direction reflecting means (for example, a rear window 61) capable of reflecting the light outputted to the rear side by the rear side light output means in a direction other than the second decoration part. A gaming machine that does.

A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a typical conventional pachinko machine, a large number of decorative parts are provided in various places to display motifs related to the gameplay and to perform performances accompanying the progress of the game, thereby diversifying the game performances. (For example, Patent Document 1). The large number of decorative parts includes a decorative part that is irradiated with light at all times or as the game progresses, and the effects of the presentation by the decorative parts are improved by the irradiation of this light. However, there may still be room for improvement in the configuration that allows the decoration section to perform a suitable effect.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine according to feature 20 or feature 21, the first decorative portion allows light from the light emitting means that outputs light in a predetermined direction to pass toward the front side where the player is located. , a rear light output means for outputting light emitted from the light emitting means to the rear side opposite to the front side where the player is located on the back side of the first decorative part; and output from the rear light output means. The structure includes a second decorative part provided separately from the first decorative part at a part that is irradiated with a part of the light. As a result, the first decorative part is caused to emit light by the light outputted from the light emitting means, and the second decorative part is caused to emit light by the light outputted from the rear side light outputting means, which is the light outputted from the same light emitting means. It is possible to emit light, and compared to the case where a light emitting means is provided for each decorative part, the number of parts can be reduced and manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

Further, in the gaming machine according to feature 21, the second decorative portion is provided on the rear side of the light emitting board. As a result, unlike placing the second decorative part in a place where the light from the light emitting means is not directly irradiated and causing the first decorative part to emit light by the light irradiated on the back side thereof, the second decorative part The decorative part can be caused to emit light by light irradiated from the surface side, and even if the decorative part is caused to emit light by light from the same light emitting means, the appearance of the light emitted by the first decorative part and the light emitted by the second decorative part is different. It is possible to enhance the effects of the decorations by making them different.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to feature 21 is configured to include another direction reflecting means capable of reflecting the light outputted to the rear side by the rear side light outputting means in a direction different from that of the first decoration part. This allows the light reflected by the different direction reflecting means to be applied to a different irradiation position or from the light that is irradiated to the first decorative part or the second decorative part without being reflected by the different direction reflecting means, for example. It is also possible to irradiate the first decorative part and the second decorative part in a complicated form using a limited number of light emitting means, such as by irradiating at different irradiation angles, and it is possible to enhance the effect of the presentation by those decorative parts. can.

Further, in the gaming machine according to feature 20 or feature 21, the second decorative portion is provided at a portion that is irradiated with the light output from the rear light output means. As a result, the light outputted from the light emitting means is first made to travel in a direction different from that of the second decorative part, and then the direction of travel of the light is changed by the rear side output means so that the light is directed to the second decorative part. You can dodge it. Therefore, compared to the case of using a light emitting means that directly irradiates light to the second decorative part without going through the rear side light output means, the distance between the light emitting means and the second decorative part is narrowed, and the light emitting means and the second decorative part are narrower. While suppressing the enlargement of the structure constituting the second decoration part, the path through which light travels before reaching the second decoration part is lengthened, and the second decoration is made using a limited number of light emitting means. It also becomes possible to secure a large irradiation range in the area.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine according to feature 20 or feature 21, the first decorative portion is configured to allow light output from the light emitting means to pass toward the front side where the player is located. This makes it possible to arrange the second decorative part so as to overlap the first decorative part in the front-rear direction, so that the light emitted from the second decorative part can be seen through the first decorative part.

In this way, even if a limited number of light emitting means are used, the effects of the first decorative part and the second decorative part can be enhanced, and the effects of these decorative parts can be made suitable. .

Note that in the gaming machine according to feature 20 or feature 21, the first decorative portion may be configured to be able to be irradiated with light output from the different direction reflecting means. As a result, the light emitted from the light emitting means can be directed toward the first decorative part by changing the traveling direction of the light by both the rear side output means and the different direction reflecting means, and is reflected in another direction. Compared to the case where only the first decorative part is irradiated with light without passing through any means, it is possible to easily irradiate the entire first decorative part with light even with a limited number of light emitting means.

<Feature 30>
A light emitting board (for example, the light emitting board 31) on which electronic components are mounted,
a light emitting means (for example, LED elements 32L, 32R) provided on one surface of the light emitting substrate and arranged to output light in a predetermined direction;
A first light emitting device that is capable of transmitting a part of the light output from the light emitting means to the front side where the player is located, and that can assume a light emitting state when viewed from the front side where the player is located. a decorative part (for example, the front decorative part 50),
A first reflecting means capable of reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting means to the rear side opposite to the front side on the back side of the first decorative part (for example, the back surface 50B of the front decorative part 50). and,
A second reflecting means (for example, a front surface of the rear window 61) that is provided at a region to which the light output from the first reflecting means is irradiated and can reflect at least a part of the light toward the side where the light emitting means is provided. 61F) and
The part is provided between the first decorative part and the light emitting part to be irradiated with the light output from the second reflecting means, and the first decorative part receives at least a part of the light. a third reflecting means (for example, the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62) capable of reflecting on the side where the light is received;
A light emitting space whose peripheral portion is surrounded by the first reflecting means, the second reflecting means and the third reflecting means is formed,
A gaming machine characterized in that light traveling towards the light emitting means within the light emitting space is configured to be reflected back into the light emitting space by the third reflecting means.

<Feature 31>
A light emitting board (for example, the light emitting board 31) on which electronic components are mounted,
a light emitting means (for example, LED elements 32L, 32R) provided on one surface of the light emitting substrate and arranged to output light in a predetermined direction;
A first light emitting device that is capable of transmitting a part of the light output from the light emitting means to the front side where the player is located, and that can assume a light emitting state when viewed from the front side where the player is located. a decorative portion (for example, the front decorative portion 50);
A first reflecting means capable of reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting means to the rear side opposite to the front side on the back side of the first decorative part (for example, the back surface 50B of the front decorative part 50). and,
A second reflecting means (for example, a front surface of the rear window 61) that is provided at a region to which the light output from the first reflecting means is irradiated and can reflect at least a part of the light toward the side where the light emitting means is provided. 61F) and
The part is provided between the first decorative part and the light emitting part to be irradiated with the light output from the second reflecting means, and the first decorative part receives at least a part of the light. a third reflecting means (for example, the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62) capable of reflecting on the side where the light is received;
A light-emitting space (e.g., light-emitting space 40) whose peripheral portion is surrounded by the first reflecting means, the second reflecting means, and the third reflecting means is formed;
A game characterized in that a second decorative part (for example, the rear decorative part 11) provided separately from the first decorative part is configured to be able to emit light by the light reflected by the first reflecting means. Machine.

Note that the second decorative portion described as features 30 and 31 is a decorative portion (rear side decorative portion 11) that is irradiated with light that has passed through the transparent plate-like portion (rear window 61) that constitutes the second reflecting means. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the transparent plate-like portion (rear window 61) constituting the second reflecting means may be arranged in a direction that is visible to the player. A plate-shaped decorative component may be provided on which an image of a character or the like is printed so as to overlap the shaped portion.

A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Among typical conventional pachinko machines, a pachinko machine is a typical example of a gaming machine. A typical conventional pachinko machine is provided with a plurality of decorative parts that display motifs related to the gameplay or perform effects as the game progresses. 2012-245273). However, there may still be room for improvement in the configuration that allows the decoration section to perform a suitable effect.

On the other hand, if the gaming machine is according to Feature 30 or Feature 31, the second decorative part may have a light emitting means that causes the first decorative part to emit light. The structure is such that the light is emitted from the light emitting means in a predetermined direction and is emitted by the light after being reflected by the first reflecting means. As a result, the first decorative part is caused to emit light by the light outputted from the light emitting means, and the second decorative part is caused to emit light by the light outputted from the rear side light outputting means, which is the light outputted from the same light emitting means. It is possible to emit light, and compared to the case where a light emitting means is provided for each decorative part, the number of parts can be reduced and manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

Further, in the gaming machine according to feature 30 or feature 31, a light emitting space whose peripheral portion is surrounded is formed between the first reflecting means, the second reflecting means, and the third reflecting means, and the first decoration In addition to the light that is output from the light emitting means in a predetermined direction and is irradiated without being reflected by the second reflection means and the third reflection means, the first reflection means and the third reflection means The structure is such that light can be emitted by the light that has been sequentially reflected by the second reflecting means and the third reflecting means. Thereby, for example, the light after being reflected by the first reflecting means is irradiated at a different irradiation position and irradiation angle from the light that is irradiated to the first decorative part without going through the reflection by the first reflecting means. Even with a limited number of light emitting means, it is possible to irradiate the first decorative part in a complicated form, and the effect of the presentation by the first decorative part can be enhanced. Furthermore, it is also possible to cause the first decorative part and the second decorative part to emit light using the light that has been sequentially reflected by the first reflecting means, the second reflecting means, and the third reflecting means in the light emitting space. Therefore, the effect of the presentation by the first decorative part and the second decorative part can be further enhanced. Furthermore, since the light that has entered the light emitting space can be irradiated onto the first reflection means while being repeated by the first reflection means, the second reflection means, and the third reflection means, the first reflection means emitted by the light directed toward the first reflection means can be irradiated with the first reflection means. The first decorative part and the second decorative part that emits light can be irradiated with the light reflected by the first reflecting means, and it is also possible to efficiently cause the first decorative part and the second decorative part to emit light.

Note that at least one feature described in Features 10 to 31 may be applied in combination with any other feature or multiple features. Below, the basic configuration of a gaming machine to which the above-mentioned features can be applied is shown.

Pachinko machine: a firing operation means operated by a player, a game ball firing means that fires game balls based on the operation of the firing operation means, and a passage section that guides the fired game balls to a predetermined gaming area. A game machine comprising game parts arranged in a game area, and giving a bonus to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passage part of each game part.

Reel-type gaming machines such as slot machines: The rotating body starts rotating based on the operation of the start operation means, the rotation of the orbiting body is stopped based on the operation of the stop operation means, and the player A gaming machine that gives benefits to

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Left movable member, 11... Rear side decoration part, 20... Right movable member, 30... Light source, 31... Light emitting board, 32L, 32R... LED element (light emitting means), 40... Light emitting space, 41... Front member, 42 ... Rear member, 50... Front side decorative part, 50B... Back surface (rear side light output means), 51... Front window, 52... Decorative plate, 61... Rear window, 61B... Front side (other direction reflecting means), 62... Light Entrance window, 63...Left connection part, 64...Right connection part, 100...Pachinko machine, 400...Game board, 409...Game area, 409L...Left flow area (first area), 409R...Right flow area (second area) ), 409V...Bonus area, 409E...Entrance part, 420...Central structure, 434...Upper prize winning device, 437...Distribution mechanism, 479...Decoration pattern display device (display means), 920...Main control board, 940... Sub-control board (control means)

Claims (1)

It is equipped with a display means for displaying a variation of identification information, and a control means for controlling display contents displayed by the display means, and a game ball is placed in a predetermined first region in a normal game state among the game regions in which the game ball can flow down. A game is played by letting the ball flow down, and when a predetermined display result is displayed by the display means, the game ball is flown down to a second region provided separately from the first region to play the game in a predetermined privilege area. It is possible to allow a ball to enter the bonus area, and when the game ball enters the bonus area, it is configured to be able to transition to a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than when the game ball does not enter the bonus area. In gaming machines that are
A plurality of decorative members are provided in a plurality of directions with respect to the display means when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine,
The plurality of decorative members are provided with a light emitting means that allows the surface portion to emit light,
A part of the plurality of decorative members is provided with a character string portion configured by arranging a plurality of characters,
When it becomes possible to enter the game ball into the predetermined privilege area, a plurality of the character string portions are arranged so that the game ball continues downward to the right from the upper left side to the lower right side when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. It is possible to display the characters of
When the character string portion is downward to the right, on the lower right side of the character string portion when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine, there is an extension line to the lower side of the decorative member constituting the character string portion. The privilege area is located between the extension line to the upper side, an entry regulating mechanism that operates to allow the game ball to enter the privilege area, and a letter V displayed corresponding to the position where the privilege area is provided. A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming machine is configured such that the .

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