JP4205040B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  According to the present invention, in a game area for launching a game ball, a movable member that can be changed between a first state in which the game ball is easily received and a second state in which the game ball is difficult to be received, and a game ball received by the movable member in the first state are The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a variable winning device having a general winning area for winning and a special winning area for special winning.

Conventionally, pachinko machines are generally widely known as this type of gaming machine, but there are various types of pachinko machines, for example, there are models (feathers) having the following gaming characteristics.
That is, when a game ball launched into the game area wins the start opening, the pair of movable wings provided in the variable winning device as the main accessory opens about 0.5 seconds only once or twice, and this opened. When a game ball that is sometimes taken into the variable prize apparatus enters a special prize area called a V zone, a special game state is generated in which the pair of movable wings are released a plurality of times, such as 18 times.

  In such a special game state, when a game ball taken into the variable prize apparatus wins the special prize area, the special game state is repeatedly executed up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 rounds). One round of the special game state ends when the pair of movable wings are released a plurality of times such as 18 times, or when 10 game balls are won inside the variable winning device, but to continue to the next round As a condition, when a game ball wins in the special winning area, the current round is finished even in the middle and is generally controlled to shift to the next round.

  Therefore, if the game ball does not win in the special prize area of the variable prize winning device during the special game state, the special game state will not be continued until the final round, and will be finished less than a predetermined number of times, and there is no possibility of continuing thereafter. In addition, even if the special game state is repeatedly executed until the final round, if there are still a small number of winning balls in the variable winning device for each round and the special winning area is suddenly won, depending on the winning of the variable winning device Naturally, the number of prize balls to be paid out will also be reduced. For this reason, the provision of the game value by continuing the special game state is greatly reduced, and there is a problem that the player's expectation and interest in the game are reduced.

  As a new type of gaming machine (wings) that solves the problems of the conventional general gaming machine (wings), for example, a gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 has already been proposed. Once this special gaming state has occurred, this gaming machine can always move on to the next round and continue the special gaming, so that the best conditions within the scope of the specifications of conventional gaming machines (wings) A special game is executed according to the above, and the best ball is guaranteed.

  That is, in the variable winning device, a prize restricting means for restricting the winning of the game ball to the special winning area is provided, and a detector for detecting the game ball received by the variable winning device in the special gaming state is provided, The control device controls the winning restriction means based on the signal from the detector, so that when the ninth winning ball is detected during the special game state, the winning restriction means is operated to Only the winning balls are configured to enter the special winning area. As a result, the tenth, which is the highest number of winning balls for each round, always satisfies the conditions for shifting to the next round, and anyone can play a game under the best conditions.

  By the way, in the conventional general gaming machines (feathers) including the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the gaming method has been stylized into a specific pattern, and the game content tends to be ruined and lacks freshness. There was a trend. Therefore, as a measure for enhancing the interest of the game, for example, it is conceivable to appropriately combine elements of a pachinko machine generally called a fever machine other than the game machine (feather). Among such Fever machines, for example, gaming machines as disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 5 have already been proposed as a specially devised type of special winning device relating to the occurrence of a special gaming state.

  In the gaming machines disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 5, the special winning device related to the occurrence of the special gaming state is a common configuration having a special winning opening that is opened and closed by a single horizontally long door (attacker). Instead, the grand prize winning device is constituted by a plurality of variable prize winning openings as so-called separable large prize winning openings. Each gaming machine has a variable display device on the game board surface, and if the result of the display game executed by the variable display device corresponds to a predetermined jackpot mode, a plurality of game machines can be selected depending on the combination of identification information. The technical content is to operate one of the variable winning awards (separate type big award).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-68276 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-10397 JP 11-319227 A JP 11-319229 A JP 2003-245420 A

  However, as described above, in the conventional general gaming machines (feathers) including the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the gaming method is standardized in a specific pattern, and the game content is likely to become ruined. There was a tendency to lack fresh taste. In particular, there is no opportunity for the player to obtain special benefits other than the occurrence of a special gaming state, and there is a problem that the game tends to be monotonous and lacks interest.

  In addition, in the gaming machines described in Patent Documents 2 to 5, the prize winning device is a so-called separate type prize winning opening, and it is devised to operate any one of a plurality of variable prize winning openings corresponding to the display game result. However, the game method has been standardized to a specific pattern of Fever machines. Furthermore, as a measure to enhance the fun of the game, it is not possible to recall specific examples of combining the elements of a fever machine with a gaming machine (feathers), a variable winning device, a large winning device, and any model However, the control related to the start-up ports that started the conditions for generating the special gaming state was not specified.

  In addition, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 has a specification set for a conventional general gaming machine (wings) (that is, when a gaming ball wins a special winning area of a variable winning device during a special gaming state, The control is based on the assumption that the round ends in the next round and proceeds to the next round), and in accordance with such specifications, the mechanical regulation of the game ball winning in the variable winning device is configured to be electrically controlled. This is a complicated mechanical structure such as a prize restricting means for restricting the winning of a game ball and has a large number of parts, and the electric control of the prize restricting means is troublesome, which causes an increase in cost. It was.

  Further, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, a game process that has been left to the chance of winning a game ball in a special prize area in a conventional variable prize winning device is always forced to win by controlling the prize control means or the like. The special game state is continued, but on the contrary, the thrill and excitement of the player due to chance is lost, and the player's interest in the special game state gradually decreases. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the problems of the conventional techniques as described above, and a special game is available in any model, such as a variable winning device for gaming machines (feathers) and a large winning device for fever machines. Combining with the starting point that is the starting point of the state occurrence condition, and controlling them in a special manner in relation to each other, it is possible to realize a novel and interesting game, and in the special game state, Regardless of whether or not game balls are awarded to the special prize area of the variable prize device, which is the continuation condition, only a certain number of game balls can be accepted, so that a prize ball corresponding to the highest number of prizes can be obtained. While guaranteeing the player's profit in this way, the gaming machine that can sufficiently arouse the thrill and excitement of the player by leaving the game ball in the special winning area to a chance without any special control The It is intended to be subjected.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the above-described object resides in the inventions of the following items.
[1] A movable member (152a, 152b) capable of changing between a first state in which a game ball is easily received and a second state in which the game ball is difficult to be received, and the movable member (52a, 152b) A game machine (1) provided with a variable winning device (150) having a general winning area (154) in which a game ball received in the first state is a normal winning and a special winning area (155) as a special winning. In
In addition to the variable prize device (150) in the game area (17), the game area (17) is provided with a big prize port (161), and a big prize device (160) that can open and close the big prize port (161); A starting port (21a-21c) involved in the establishment of the condition,
When a game ball wins at the start opening (21a to 21c), the variable winning device (150) and the big winning device (160) are activated,
The variable winning device (150) is provided with a winning guiding means (156) that affects the winning probability of the game ball to the special winning area (155),
The winning guiding means (156) can be adjusted to a guiding state advantageous for a player who easily wins a game ball into the special winning area (155) or a normal guiding state,
The winning guide means (156) is composed of a horizontally long guide bar member that can be tilted left and right, and can be tilted into a tilting posture tilted to the left or right and a non-tilting posture not tilted,
When the guide bar member is in the non-tilting posture, the guide bar member is inclined downward from the left and right ends toward the central portion, and is guided to the central portion when the guide bar member is in the non-tilting posture. possess the special pay zone (155) central hole for dropping towards that game balls downwardly (156a),
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, a special gaming state is generated in which the movable members (152a, 152b) of the variable winning device (150) are operated to the first state,
In the special game state, the special game state can be repeatedly executed when the game ball received by the variable winning device (150) wins the special prize area (155).
In the special game state, the variable prize device (150) can accept a certain number of game balls regardless of whether or not the game balls are won in the special prize area (155).
There are a pair of general winning areas (154) of the variable winning device (150). Similarly, the large winning port (161) of the large winning device (160) is divided into a pair of winning ports (161a, 161b). The mouths (161a, 161b) can be opened and closed,
The main board (100) of the gaming machine (1)
In the special gaming state, when the special gaming state does not satisfy the requirement to be repeatedly executed and the continuation of the special gaming state is terminated halfway, there is a pair in the last special gaming state that does not satisfy the requirement A winning number determination means (2400) for determining a ratio of the winning number of game balls to each of the general winning areas (154, 154);
In accordance with the ratio of the number of winning game balls to each of the general winning areas (154, 154) determined by the winning number determining means (2400), the large winning device ( 160) extra prize opening operation adding means (3100) for operating in a predetermined manner,
The special winning opening operation adding means (3100) has, as the predetermined mode, any of the special winning devices (160) corresponding to the one with the larger number of winning game balls in each of the general winning areas (154, 154). A gaming machine (1) characterized in that only the prize winning opening (161a, 161b) is operated .

[2] A movable member (152a, 152b) capable of changing between a first state in which a game ball is easily received and a second state in which the game ball is difficult to be received, and the movable member (152a, 152b) A game machine (1) provided with a variable winning device (150) having a general winning area (154) in which a game ball received in the first state is a normal winning and a special winning area (155) as a special winning. In
In addition to the variable prize device (150) in the game area (17), the game area (17) is provided with a big prize port (161), and a big prize device (160) that can open and close the big prize port (161); A starting port (21a-21c) involved in the establishment of the condition,
When a game ball wins at the start opening (21a to 21c), the variable winning device (150) and the big winning device (160) are activated,
The variable winning device (150) is provided with a winning guiding means (156) that affects the winning probability of the game ball to the special winning area (155),
The winning guiding means (156) can be adjusted to a guiding state advantageous for a player who easily wins a game ball into the special winning area (155) or a normal guiding state,
The winning guide means (156) is composed of a horizontally long guide bar member that can be tilted left and right, and can be tilted into a tilting posture tilted to the left or right and a non-tilting posture not tilted,
When the guide bar member is in the non-tilting posture, the guide bar member is inclined downward from the left and right ends toward the central portion, and is guided to the central portion when the guide bar member is in the non-tilting posture. A central entrance (156a) for dropping the game ball toward the special prize area (155) located below;
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, a special gaming state is generated in which the movable members (152a, 152b) of the variable winning device (150) are operated to the first state,
In the special game state, the special game state can be repeatedly executed when the game ball received by the variable winning device (150) wins the special prize area (155).
In the special game state, the variable prize device (150) can accept a certain number of game balls regardless of whether or not the game balls are won in the special prize area (155).
There are a pair of general winning areas (154) of the variable winning device (150). Similarly, the large winning port (161) of the large winning device (160) is divided into a pair of winning ports (161a, 161b). The mouths (161a, 161b) can be opened and closed,
The main board (100) of the gaming machine (1)
In the special gaming state, when the special gaming state does not satisfy the requirement to be repeatedly executed and the continuation of the special gaming state is ended in the middle, there is a pair through the special gaming state that is repeatedly executed until the end. A winning number determining means (2400) for determining a ratio of the winning number of game balls to each of the general winning areas ( 154 );
In accordance with the ratio of the number of winning game balls to each of the general winning areas (154, 154) determined by the winning number determining means (2400), the large winning device ( 160) extra prize opening operation adding means (3100) for operating in a predetermined manner,
The special prize opening operation adding means (3100) includes, as the predetermined mode,
In accordance with the ratio of the ratio of the total number of winning game balls to each of the general winning areas (154, 154), the number corresponding to each of the general winning areas (154, 154) corresponds to the ratio. Operate each winning opening (161a, 161b) of the big winning device (160) ,
Alternatively, only one of the winning openings (161a, 161b) of the large winning device (160) corresponding to the player with the larger total value of the number of game balls won in each general winning area ( 154 ) is operated. Feature gaming machine (1).

[3] The winning guide means (156) drops the game ball placed on the guide bar member downward before reaching the left and right ends, in addition to the central port (156a) at the center of the guide bar member. The gaming machine (1) according to [1] or [2] , wherein the gaming machine (1) has a drop opening (156b).

[4] The winning guiding means (156) is a game ball when the game ball placed on the guide bar member enters other than the central port (156a) at the center of the guide bar member and is in the non-tilting posture. The gaming machine (1) according to [1], [2] or [3] , wherein the gaming machine (1) has a receiving groove (156c) through which the game ball rolls in the tilted posture.

[5] The gaming machine according to [1], [2], [3], or [4] , wherein the winning guiding means (156) is capable of adjusting an amplitude in the left / right tilting motion. 1).

[6] In the above [1], [2], [3], [4] or [5] , the winning guiding means (156) is capable of adjusting a tilting speed in the left / right tilting operation. The gaming machine (1) described.

[7] [1], [2], [3], [4 ] The winning guiding means (156) is capable of adjusting the height position in the vertical direction separately from the left and right tilting operations. ] The gaming machine (1) according to [5] or [6] .

The present invention operates as follows.
The gaming machine (1) described in [1] includes, in addition to the variable winning device (150) in the gaming area (17), a large winning device (160) capable of opening and closing a large winning port (161), and a predetermined winning device (160). Start holes (21a to 21c) that are involved in the establishment of the conditions are provided, and in a game in which a game ball is launched into the game area (17), when the game ball wins the start hole (21a to 21c), the variation The winning device (150) and the large winning device (160) are respectively operated.

In this way, when a game ball wins at the start opening (21a-21c), the movable member (152a, 152b) of the variable winning device (150) and the special winning device (160) are both activated. Control makes it possible to realize innovative and interesting games. Moreover, the player can enjoy not only the gaming benefits that can be received by the operation of the variable winning device (150) but also the gaming benefits that can be received by the operation of the large winning device (160).
In addition, although there are various conceivable configurations of the grand prize winning device (160), it is not a simple one having a single grand prize opening opened and closed by a single horizontally long door (attacker). For example, the [ 1] and [2] , the big prize opening (161) of the big prize winning device (160) is divided into a pair of prize winning openings (161a, 161b), and each winning prize opening (161a, 161b) is formed. If each can be opened and closed, in addition to the above-mentioned unique action of the gaming machine (1) according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the fun of a conventional so-called separable prize winning device.

  Further, according to the gaming machine (1) described in [2], when a predetermined condition is satisfied during a game in which a game ball is launched into the game area (17), the variable winning device (150) is set. A special game state is generated in which a movable member (152a, 152b) operates in a first state in which a game ball can be easily received. Here, the “predetermined condition” varies based on, for example, a game ball launched into the game area (17) first wins the start opening (21a to 21c), as in a general game machine (wings). When the movable members (152a, 152b) of the winning device (150) are operated to the first state only once or several times, the game balls taken into the variable winning device (150) are transferred to the general winning area (154). Rather than setting the special prize area (155), it may be set.

  Once the special gaming state occurs, the special gaming state is repeatedly executed by winning the game ball received by the variable prize winning device (150) in the special winning area (155) in the special gaming state. . That is, even if one round of the special gaming state is once completed, the special gaming state for the next round is continuously generated on the condition that the game ball is won in the special winning area (155) during the one round. By doing so, gameability is improved.

  During the special game state, the variable winning device (150) can accept a certain number of game balls regardless of whether or not the game balls are won in the special winning area (155). One round of the special game state is ended based on a predetermined end condition. However, in the present gaming machine (1), unlike the conventional general gaming machine (feather), the special prize that is a condition to be continued in the next round is used. Even if a game ball wins in the area (155), if a certain number of game balls are not yet accepted by the variable prize winning device (150) at that time, the special game state will be in the middle until a certain number of game balls are accepted. It never ends.

  As a result, the player can obtain a profit by winning based on winning a certain number of game balls in a special game state without performing complicated control based on the specifications of a conventional game machine (wings). It becomes possible to guarantee. Thus, in this gaming machine (1), during the special gaming state, the variable winning device (150) accepts a certain number of gaming balls regardless of whether or not the gaming balls are won in the special winning area (155). However, the game balls received in the special prize area (155) are not necessarily awarded to the special prize area (155).

  In other words, in this gaming machine (1), while the player's profit is guaranteed in the special gaming state, the winning of the game ball in the special winning area (155) in the special gaming state is left to randomness without any special control. ing. As a result, among the game balls accepted by the variable prize winning device (150) up to a certain number, a rare special game state will not continue unless one rarely wins the special prize area (155). There is also a risk in the game, and it can evoke the thrill and excitement of the player.

  By the way, if the special gaming state does not satisfy the requirement for repeated execution during the special gaming state, a new round of the special gaming state will not be repeated, and the continuation of the special gaming state ends in the middle. However, the smaller the number of continuations (rounds) repeatedly executed until the end, the smaller the player's profit. If the special gaming state ends in the middle of the game in spite of the occurrence of the special gaming state in this way, it may be possible to compensate the player's profit as follows. .

That is, according to the gaming machine (1) described in [1] above, when the special gaming state does not satisfy the requirement that the special gaming state is repeatedly executed and the continuation of the special gaming state is terminated in the middle In addition, the winning number determination means (2400) determines the ratio of the winning number of game balls to each of the pair of general winning areas (154, 154) in the last special gaming state that does not satisfy the requirement. For example, of a certain number of game balls won in the pair of left and right general winning areas (154, 154), 70% of them win the left general winning area (154), and the remaining 30% win the right general winning area (154). 154), the ratio of the number of winning prizes is determined.

Then, in accordance with the percentage of winning numbers determined by the winning number determination means (2400), the big winning opening operation adding means (3100) continues to the continuation of the special gaming state and the big winning device (160). Is activated in a predetermined manner. In other words, the special winning opening operation adding means (3100) has, as a predetermined mode, any of the special winning devices (160) corresponding to the one with the larger number of winning game balls in each of the general winning areas (154, 154). Only the winning opening (161a, 161b) is operated.
In this way, if the continuation of the special gaming state does not continue to the end (upper limit value) and ends in the middle, in a predetermined manner according to the winning situation in the last special gaming state. By operating the grand prize winning device (160), the player's profits can be compensated and the player can be satisfied, and a more innovative and interesting game can be produced.

As another example, according to the gaming machine (1) described in [2] above, the special gaming state does not satisfy the requirement that the special gaming state is repeatedly executed during the special gaming state, and the continuation of the special gaming state is terminated halfway. In such a case, through the special game state repeatedly executed until the end, the winning number determination means (2400) is a ratio of the total value of the winning number of game balls to each of the pair of general winning areas (154, 154). Determine.

  That is, in a series of special game states that are repeated after the special game state once occurs until the continuation thereof ends, a fixed number of game balls are provided for each special game state (round). 150), of which, for example, 70% of the total number of game balls won in the pair of left and right general winning areas (154, 154) is the left general winning area ( 154), and the remaining 30% is won in the general winning area (154) on the right side.

Then, according to the ratio of the total value of the winning numbers determined by the winning number determination means (2400), the big winning opening operation adding means (3100) continues the special game state and ends the continuation of the special winning device. (160) is activated in a predetermined manner. That is, the special winning opening operation adding means (3100), according to the ratio, according to the ratio of the ratio of the total value of the number of winning game balls to each of the general winning areas (154) as the predetermined mode. Operate each winning opening (161a, 161b) of the large winning device (160) corresponding to each of the general winning areas (154), or win a game ball in each general winning area (154). Only one winning opening (161a, 161b) of the large winning device (160) corresponding to the one having the larger total number is operated.
Thus, by operating the grand prize winning device (160) in a predetermined manner according to the winning situation in a series of special gaming states from once the special gaming state occurs until the end of continuation, the above [1] is achieved . The control content different from the described control can supplement the player's profits and give the player a sense of satisfaction, and can produce a more innovative and interesting game.

Further, in this gaming machine (1), game balls are not forced to win in the special prize area (155) of the variable prize apparatus (150), but as described in [1] above, the variable prize apparatus Takara provided prize guiding means (156) to (150), by the prize guiding means (156), whether the game ball into the special winning region (155) is winning Ru is largely.

  The winning guiding means (156) increases the possibility that the special gaming state is repeatedly executed by affecting the winning probability of the gaming ball to the special winning area (155), or the special gaming state is first set. When the predetermined condition to be generated includes a process of winning a game ball in the special winning area (155), arbitrarily adjusting so as to increase the possibility of generating the special gaming state first. Can do.

  The winning guiding means (156) can be adjusted to a guiding state advantageous for a player who easily wins a game ball in the special winning area (155) or a normal guiding state. The “advantageous guidance state” is not a complicated state in which the game ball is forcibly won in the special winning area (155), but may be a state that is easier to win than the “normal guidance state”. Further, the winning guidance means (156) is not limited to one that operates alternatively between the advantageous guidance state and the normal guidance state, and may be in various states between the advantageous guidance state and the normal guidance state. It is good to be able to adjust steplessly.

The prize guiding means (156), as specifically described in the above [1], that make up the horizontally elongated guide bar member which can tilt motion to the left and right. The guide bar member is supported inside the variable winning device (150) so as to be tiltable between a tilting posture tilted to the left or right side and a non-tilting posture not tilting.

When the guide bar member is in the non-tilting posture, the guide bar member is inclined downward from the left and right end portions toward the central portion, and the game ball guided to the central portion is placed in the special winning area ( 155), there is a central opening (156a) for dropping toward the 155) state, so that the winning guiding means (156) is maintained in a non-tilting posture, a state where the number of non-tilting postures is large, or a non-tilting posture. In a state where the time is long, an advantageous guiding state that makes it easy for a game ball to win a special winning area (155) is obtained.

  On the other hand, when the winning guiding means (156) is in a tilting posture, the winning guiding means (156) is greatly inclined from one of the left and right ends toward the other end, and the momentum is directed from one end to the other end. The game ball flows down well, and it becomes difficult to enter the central entrance (156a) with the momentum. Therefore, in a state where the winning guiding means (156) is maintained in the tilted posture, a state where the tilting posture is frequently performed, or a state where the tilting posture is long, the game ball is won in the special winning area (155). It becomes difficult to do normal guidance.

Here, as described in [3] above, the game balls placed on the guide bar member are placed on the winning guide means (156) in addition to the central port (156a) at the center of the guide bar member. It is preferable to provide a drop opening (156b) that drops downward before reaching the end portion of the. Thereby, the game ball rolling on the winning guidance means (156) does not reach the central entrance (156a) and falls downward from the fall opening (156b) depending on the inclination angle and the tilting speed of the guide bar member. Therefore, it is possible to produce a winning form with more variations of game balls.

In addition, as described in [4] above, the game ball placed on the guide bar member enters the winning guide means (156) in addition to the central port (156a) at the center of the guide bar member, There may be provided a receiving groove (156c) for holding the game ball when in the non-tilting posture and for rolling out the game ball when in the tilting posture. Thereby, depending on the inclination angle and the tilting speed of the guide bar member, the game ball rolling on the winning guide means (156) temporarily gets stuck in the receiving groove (156c), and further rolls out from the receiving groove (156c), Since it may reach the left and right ends or fall from the central entrance (156a), it is possible to produce a winning form with more variations of the game ball.

Further, as described in [5] above, if the winning guiding means (156) is capable of adjusting the amplitude in the right and left tilting operation, the change in the appearance of the variable winning device (150) may be combined. Since it changes into various forms, the game in the variable winning device (150) becomes more interesting and can attract players.

Further, as described in [6] above, the winning guiding means (156) may be capable of adjusting the tilting speed in the left and right tilting operation, and the variable winning device is similar to the amplitude adjustment in the tilting operation described above. Since the change in appearance of (150) changes to various forms, the game in the variable winning device (150) becomes more interesting and can attract players.

Further, as described in [7] above, it is also interesting that the prize guiding means (156) can be adjusted in height in the vertical direction separately from the left and right tilting operations. The lower the height position of the winning guiding means (156) and the shorter the distance from the special winning area (155), the higher the winning degree of the game ball in the special winning area (155). The height position of the winning guidance means (156) may be adjusted to, for example, preset three levels such as low, medium, and high.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, in addition to the variable winning device, the game area is provided with a large winning device that can open and close a large winning port and a starting port, and a game ball won in the starting port in the game. In some cases, by controlling the variable winning device and the big winning device to operate, it becomes possible to realize a novel and interesting game, and the player can benefit from the operation of the variable winning device. Not only that, it is also possible to enjoy the gaming benefits that can be received through the operation of the special winning device.
Moreover, in this gaming machine, the game ball is not forced to be awarded to the special prize area of the variable prize apparatus. However, since the variable prize apparatus is provided with the prize guidance means, the prize guidance means allows the game balls to be entered into the special prize area. Whether or not the game ball wins is greatly affected, and the winning probability of the game ball in the special winning area can be influenced.

  In addition, if a special gaming state in which the variable winning device is activated due to the establishment of a predetermined condition, the special gaming state can be repeatedly executed if the game ball received by the variable winning device wins the special winning area. In the special gaming state, the variable winning device can accept a certain number of game balls regardless of whether or not the game balls are won in the special prize area. While guaranteeing the player's profit in such a way, the player's thrill can be reduced by not controlling the winning of the game ball in the special winning area, but by contingent on the continuation of the special gaming state. Excitement can also be sufficiently aroused.

  In the special game state, if the special game state does not satisfy the requirement to be repeatedly executed and the continuation of the special game state ends in the middle, the winning situation in the last special game state or a series of special game states Depending on the situation, by operating the grand prize winning device in a predetermined manner, the player's profits can be compensated and the player can be satisfied, and more innovative and interesting games can be produced. Can do.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments representing the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 24 show a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a game in which a game ball (hereinafter also referred to as “ball”) is launched on the game board 2, and various kinds of games on the game board 2 in the process of dropping the launched game ball. When winning a prize or a winning opening, a predetermined profit is given to the player, such as paying out a prize ball.

First, an outline of the entire gaming machine 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine status lamp 422 for notifying a special gaming status generated during gaming by lighting, a glass frame 11 formed in a frame shape and fixing a front glass, and the glass A detachable game in which a glass frame opening detection switch 132 for detecting the opening of the frame 11 and a game ball launched by the player move while falling and attached with various objects for advancing the game. A board 2 is provided.

  On the lower surface of the glass frame 11, an upper receiving tray 3 for storing balls and prize balls, a lower receiving tray 4 for storing balls overflowing from the upper receiving tray 3, and a ball stored in the upper receiving tray 3 are extracted. An upper tray ball removal lever 7, a lower tray ball removal lever 8 for extracting the balls stored in the lower tray 4, and a handle 5 for a player to perform a game ball firing operation are provided. Further, the handle 5 is provided with a firing stop switch 652 for stopping the firing of the ball. An ashtray 6 for smokers is also provided beside the lower tray 4.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine 1. On the back surface of the gaming machine 1, control boards and parts for various functions are arranged. Here, as a control board, a main board 100 that manages and controls the operation of the entire game, and a payout control board 200 that receives instruction information from the main board 100 through parallel communication and controls the payout operation of prize balls are provided. ing. Further, as a control board, a launch control board 600 that controls the launch of the sphere, a launch motor 653 controlled by the launch control board 600, a power supply board 700 that supplies predetermined power to each board, and a frame connected to an external device. A frame external terminal board 800 is also provided for outputting external information (prize ball signal, ball break signal).

  Further, a lamp control board 400, an audio control board 500, and the like are provided in the protective cover 93 so as to be attached to the back side of the game board 2. Each control board is housed in a dedicated case so that it is protected from dust from the outside, spilled balls from other equipment, and static electricity and electrical noise. In particular, the case of the main board 100 has a structure that can be opened and closed a predetermined number of times using a dedicated screw.

Next, the flow path of the ball received from the game ball supply device will be described.
In FIG. 2, a ball replenished from a game ball replenishing device (not shown) is stored in a tank unit 90 at the upper part of the gaming machine, and each time a prize ball is paid out, the ball is a chute unit 91 and a payout unit. It passes through 92 and is sent to the upper tray 3.

  The tank unit 90 stores balls supplied from the game ball supply device, and a prize ball tank ball presence / absence switch 801 and a ball leveling 94 are provided on the bottom surface of the tank unit 90. The prize ball tank ball presence / absence switch 801 is a switch for detecting the presence / absence of a ball stored in the tank unit 90. The switch is input according to the weight of the stored ball, and the detection signal passes through the frame external terminal plate 800. Output to the outside.

  The ball leveling 94 is for leveling the ball so that the ball flowing in the lane of the chute unit 91 does not rise due to the ball pressure. The bottom surface of the tank unit 90 is inclined so that balls are gathered and dropped at a portion joined to the chute unit 91. The chute unit 91 arranges the spheres flowing down from the tank unit 90 in two lanes. On the way to the payout unit 92, the ball leveling 94 suppresses the bulge due to the ball pressure, but the ball leveling 95 sets the ball more effectively and sends it to the payout unit 92. Has been.

  Further, a chute ball cut switch 131 is provided on the ball path of the chute unit 91. The chute ball cut switch 131 is a switch that detects the presence or absence of a ball up to the payout unit 92, and the detection signal is input to the main board 100 to monitor the presence or absence of the ball. This chute ball cut switch 131 is similar in use to the prize ball tank ball presence / absence switch 801, but the presence / absence of connection with the main board 100 is greatly different.

  The payout unit 92 forms a ball passage to the upper tray 3, a payout motor 222 for sending out the ball onto the ball passage, a payout stop solenoid 223 for suppressing the flow (falling) of the ball, and a prize ball A prize ball detection switch 130 or the like is provided. The payout motor 222 and the payout stop solenoid 223 are connected to the payout control board 200 and controlled.

  When a payout request for a predetermined ball is issued from the main board 100 to the payout control board 200, the payout control board 200 sends the ball to the upper tray 3 by the payout motor 222 and the payout stop solenoid 223. The award ball detection switch 130 is connected to the main board 100 and counts a predetermined number of balls in the same manner as the payout control board 200 so that the payout can be confirmed more accurately.

  An overflow switch 133 is provided on the ball passage formed so that the overflow ball from the upper tray 3 flows down to the lower tray 4. When the sphere stored in the lower tray 4 is full and the sphere reaches the installation position of the overflow switch 133, the switch is input by the stored ball pressure, and the detection signal is input to the main board 100. . When the main board 100 detects the input of the overflow switch 133, the main board 100 outputs instruction information to the payout control board 200 so as to stop the launch of the ball.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 2. On the front side of the game board 2, a guide rail 16 for guiding the fired ball to the game area 17, a nail (not shown) and a windmill for changing the flow of the game ball guided to the game area 17 15, a plurality of start ports 21 a to 21 c, a variable winning device 150 having movable members 152 a and 152 b that can change between a first state in which game balls can be easily received and a second state in which it is difficult to receive, and the variable winning device 150 Separately, a large winning device 160 that includes a large winning port 161 and that can open and close the large winning port 161 is provided.

  Further, at the lowermost part of the game board 2, there is provided an out port 29 through which a game ball that has fallen without entering any of the winning ports in the game area 17 is discharged out of the gaming machine. When a ball enters the out port 29, no special privilege is given to the player, and no prize ball is paid out. On the other hand, near the upper corner of the game board 2, a side case lamp 423, a side LED 428, and the like are provided as decorative lamps.

  As the winning opening, a right sleeve winning opening 22a, a left sleeve winning opening 22b, and the like are provided in addition to the start openings 21a to 21c. When a game ball wins each winning opening, a winning ball is detected by a switch attached to each winning opening, and a predetermined winning ball assigned to each winning opening is paid out each time a winning ball is detected.

  FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the game board 2. Various control boards and related parts are assembled on the back of the game board 2 in the same manner as already shown in FIG. The control board includes a lamp control board 400 that controls the decorative lamp, a voice control board 500 that controls voice, a panel external terminal board 850 that is connected to an external device and outputs panel external information. It has been.

  As switches for detecting a winning ball of each winning opening, start opening switches 121a to 121c, a right sleeve winning opening switch 122a, a left sleeve winning opening switch 122b, and the like are installed in the vicinity of each winning opening. The switch for each winning opening is provided in the vicinity of each winning opening, but it can also be arranged on the passage until the winning ball is discharged out of the gaming machine.

  When a ball is won in each winning opening, it is detected by each winning opening switch, and each time it is detected, the next predetermined winning ball assigned to each winning opening is paid out. Five are assigned to each of the start openings 21a to 21c, and eight are assigned to the right sleeve winning opening 22a and the left sleeve winning opening 22b. In addition, when a ball wins a variable winning device 150 or a grand prize winning device 160, which will be described later, it is assigned so that 15 prize balls are paid out each time the ball wins. The allocation of the number of winning balls is fixed for each winning opening, but can be arbitrarily changed according to the specifications of the model of the gaming machine 1.

  In addition, as related devices that actuate (variably operate) an accessory, the variable winning device solenoids 134a and 134b for individually operating the pair of movable members 152a and 152b included in the variable winning device 150, or a big winning device Large winning device solenoids 162a, 162b and the like for opening and closing the pair of doors 160 are provided. In addition, you may comprise so that a pair of movable piece which each starting port 21a-21c each has may be opened and closed by a normal electric accessory solenoid.

Next, the main components on the game board 2 will be described in more detail.
The plurality of start ports 21a to 21c, the central start port 21a, the right start port 21b, and the left start port 21c are generally referred to as start chuckers, and a total of three are provided in the present embodiment. ing.

  When a game ball wins at any of the three start ports 21a to 21c, the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable winning device 150 and the big prize device 160 are simultaneously operated in a manner corresponding to each of the start ports 21a to 21c. It is set to operate in the first state. Detailed modes of operation will be described later. In addition, winning a game ball in each of the start ports 21a to 21c is defined as the first process of a “predetermined condition” for generating a special game state to be described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the start ports 21 a to 21 c includes start port switches 121 a to 121 c that detect winning of a game ball. Each of the start port switches 121a to 121c outputs a unique detection signal to the main board 100 when a winning ball is detected and turned ON. Each of the start port switches 121a to 121c may be specifically configured by various sensors such as an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, or a magnetic sensor.

  The variable winning device 150 is a mechanical main accessory, and movable members 152a and 152b that can be changed between a first state in which a game ball is easily received and a second state in which the game ball is difficult to receive, and the movable members 152a and 152b are first. It has a general winning area 154 for making the game balls accepted in the state a normal winning, and a special winning area 155 for making a special winning. As shown in FIG. 3, the variable winning device 150 is formed in a case shape whose upper end side opens as a receiving port 151, and the movable members 152 a and 152 b can be operated in the horizontal direction above the receiving port 151. A pair is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the pair of movable members 152a and 152b are separated into a first state in which the receiving port 151 is opened to be separated from left and right, and a second state in which the receiving port 151 is closed in the vicinity of the left and right. , Each can be operated separately in the horizontal direction. That is, each of the movable members 152a and 152b is in a state where both are maintained in the first state (see FIG. 12C), and in a state where both are maintained in the second state (see FIG. 13A), Either one is maintained in the first state and the other is maintained in the second state (see FIGS. 12A and 12B).

  Each movable member 152a, 152b is driven in the horizontal direction by driving the variable prize winning device solenoids 134a, 134b along a guide rail (not shown) extending in the horizontal direction disposed on the game board 2 on the back side. It is movable and is normally maintained in the second state in which it is difficult to accept the game ball. However, when power is supplied to the variable winning device solenoids 134a and 134b, the game ball is moved to the first state in which it is easy to accept. . The second state is a state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball, but includes a state in which a game ball cannot be received as illustrated in the present embodiment.

  Each movable member 152a, 152b is provided with storage means capable of temporarily storing game balls in a state where each of the movable members 152a, 152b is maintained in a second state in which it is difficult to receive the game balls. As shown in FIG. 13, the storage means is provided with cutouts 153 in the movable members 152a and 152b that can store game balls. More specifically, each of the movable members 152a and 152b has a downwardly inclined shape from the tip facing each other, and a game ball (see FIG. 13) from the both sides when contacting each other above the tip. A notch 153 is provided for receiving P).

  In the present embodiment, the cutout portion 153 provided in each movable member 152a, 152b is provided in a size and shape that can store only one game ball, but there are, for example, two or three or more A notch portion as a storage means may be provided in a size and shape that can store a plurality of game balls. Note that the specific configuration of the storage means is not limited to the notch, and any structure that can store one or more game balls is sufficient.

  Inside the variable winning device 150, the game balls received when at least one of the movable members 152a and 152b is in the first state are a general winning area 154 for a normal winning, and a special winning for a special winning. A winning area 155 is provided. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a general winning area switch 127 is provided inside the general winning area 154, and a special winning area switch 128 is provided inside the special winning area 155. The general winning area 154 is divided into right and left with the special winning area 155 in between, but the passage through which the winning balls pass is integrated into one, and one general winning area switch is provided on this one path. 127 is arranged.

  The general winning area switch 127 and the special winning area switch 128 each output a unique detection signal to the main board 100 when a winning ball is detected and turned ON. The general winning area switch 127 and the special winning area switch 128 may be configured by various sensors such as an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, or a magnetic sensor.

  In the present embodiment, as the “predetermined condition”, a game ball launched into the game area 17 first wins the starting ports 21a to 21c, and based on this, the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable prize winning device 150 are in the first state. When the condition that the game ball taken into the variable winning device 150 is won not in the general winning area 154 but in the special winning area 155 is established, the movable members 152a and 152b are in the first state. It is set so that a special gaming state that operates repeatedly is generated.

  In this special game state, the game ball received by the variable prize apparatus 150 has won the special prize area 155, so that the special game state is repeatedly generated up to a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 10 rounds). Yes. In such a special game state, the variable winning device 150 is set to be able to accept a certain number (for example, ten) of game balls regardless of whether or not the game balls are won in the special prize area 155. This will be described in detail later.

  In addition, notification means 310a and 310b for notifying the game state are provided on the surface side of the movable members 152a and 152b. Specifically, the notification units 310a and 310b are formed of, for example, a dot matrix in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a dense state, and the display contents can be changed by appropriately emitting the plurality of LEDs. The specific display contents of the notification means 310a and 310b will be described later in detail. Note that the notification units 310a and 310b are not limited to a dot matrix composed of a plurality of LEDs, but may be configured using another variable display device (display device) such as a liquid crystal, organic EL, or inorganic EL.

  A display unit 320 for displaying the number of reserved balls, which will be described later, is provided at the bottom of the case of the variable winning device 150. The display unit 320 includes 10 LEDs, and is set to display the number of reserved balls according to the number of lighting of each LED. In the present embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of reserved balls that can be displayed is made to coincide with 10 that is the number of LEDs. However, by using LEDs capable of emitting multicolor light, even one LED can be set so as to represent two or more reserved balls by emitting different colors, and the upper limit value for storing the reserved balls is not necessarily limited. The number of LEDs is not limited.

  Further, the display unit 320 is not limited to a dot matrix composed of a plurality of LEDs, as with the notification means 310a and 310b, but a plurality of light bulbs, a 7-segment LED, or another type of liquid crystal, organic EL, inorganic EL, or the like. You may comprise using a variable display apparatus (display device), Furthermore, you may set not only analog display but digital display as it is.

  The big prize winning device 160 includes a big prize opening 161, which can be opened and closed, and is generally called an attacker. In the present embodiment, there are a plurality of big prize winning openings 161. The winning holes 161a and 161b are divided, and the winning holes 161a and 161b are configured to be openable and closable. When the big winning device 160 is activated and is in an open state, one of the plurality of winning ports 161a and 161b is sequentially opened and closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 15 (a), in this embodiment, the big prize opening 161 of the big prize winning device 160 is divided into two prize winning openings 161 a and 161 b, but for example, As shown in FIG. 15 (b), the big prize opening 161 is divided into three prize winning openings 161a to 161c, or as shown in FIG. 15 (c), the big prize winning opening 161 is divided into six prize winning openings 161a to 161a. It may be divided into 161 f and can be set to various numbers of winning openings. The grand prize winning hole 161 is divided into a plurality of winning prizes, but it is not necessary that the winning prizes are adjacent to each other. A mouth 161 will be formed.

  The two winning openings 161a and 161b have the same structure, and as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, as a door driving means that opens and closes in a closed state where a game ball is difficult to win and an open state where a winning is easy. The system includes a large winning device solenoid 162a, 162b and a large winning device switch 163a, 163b for detecting a winning ball in the open state. The doors for opening and closing each of the prize winning openings 161a and 161b are opened by tilting forward with the lower end as a swing center.

  The doors for opening and closing each of the winning openings 161a and 161b are connected to the large winning device solenoids 162a and 162b on the back side, respectively, and are normally kept in a closed state in which it is difficult to receive a ball. , 162b is opened in an open state in which the ball can be easily received. When each winning opening 161a, 161b is in the closed state, the door overlaps with the board surface of the game area 17 in the same plane, so that the big winning device 160 does not prevent the ball from dropping in the game area 17.

  The large winning device switches 163a and 163b output unique detection signals to the main board 100 when a winning ball is detected and turned ON. Specifically, the special winning device switches 163a and 163b may be configured by various sensors such as an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, or a magnetic sensor. The specific operation mode of the special winning device 160 will be described later in detail.

Next, various control boards used for controlling the gaming machine 1 will be described.
5 and 6 are block diagrams showing various control boards used for controlling the gaming machine 1 and components related thereto. 5 and 6 show a main board 100, a payout control board 200, a lamp control board 400, a sound control board 500, a launch control board 600, and a power supply board 700 as control boards.

  Here, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 16, the main board 100 realizes various functions including a game control means 1100, a holding ball storage means 1200, a holding ball upper limit value setting means 1400, and the like. Further, the main board 100 and the lamp control board 400 realize a function as the display control means 1500 for controlling the display contents of the notification means 310a and 310b and the display unit 320.

  The game control means 1100 includes a “movable member opening means 1110” that outputs a drive signal for operating the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable prize apparatus 150 from the second state to the first state, and the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable prize apparatus 150. "Moving member closing means 1120" that outputs a driving signal for operating 152b from the first state to the second state, and driving for operating the winning openings 161a and 161b (doors) of the big winning device 160 from the closed state to the open state “Big prize opening opening means 1191” for outputting a signal and “Big prize opening closing means 1192” for outputting a driving signal for operating the winning openings 161a and 161b (doors) of the big winning device 160 from the open state to the closed state. And have.

  The game control means 1100 executes control for operating both the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable prize device 150 and the big prize device 160 when a game ball wins any of the three start ports 21a to 21c. is there.

  More specifically, the movable member opening means 1110 outputs a drive signal when a game ball wins the starting ports 21a to 21c, and based on the drive signal, the variable winning device solenoids 134a, 134b are movable members 152a, 152b. From the second state to the first state. More specifically, when a game ball wins the right start opening 21b, based on the detection signal from the start opening switch 121b, the movable member opening means 1110 outputs a drive signal to the variable winning apparatus solenoid 134a, and The movable member 152a is horizontally moved to the first state for about 0.5 seconds, for example.

  When a game ball wins the left start port 21c, based on the detection signal from the start port switch 121c, the movable member opening means 1110 outputs a drive signal to the variable winning device solenoid 134b, and the left movable member 152b is moved to the left side. Move horizontally to the first state for about 0.5 seconds. When a game ball wins in the central starting port 21a, based on the detection signal from the starting port switch 121a, the movable member opening means 1110 outputs a drive signal to the variable winning device solenoids 134a, 134b, and both the left and right movable members. 152a and 152b are horizontally moved to the first state for about 0.5 seconds, for example.

  On the other hand, the movable member closing means 1120 has a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) after the movable members 152a and 152b corresponding to the start ports 21a to 21c in which the game balls have been won operate from the second state to the first state. When the time elapses, instead of the movable member opening means 1110, a drive signal is output to the movable members 152a and 152b that are operating, and based on the drive signal, the variable prize winning device solenoids 134a and 134b respectively move to the corresponding movable members. The members 152a and 152b are horizontally moved from the first state to the original second state.

  The grand prize opening opening means 1191 outputs a drive signal when a game ball wins the start opening 21a to 21c, and the big prize device solenoids 162a and 162b are based on the drive signal, respectively. (Door) is operated from the closed state to the open state. Here, the big winning device 160 may be operated in a different manner for each of the starting ports 21a to 21c by the big winning port opening means 1191. In the present embodiment, any of the starting ports 21a to 21c has a game ball. Even if a prize is won, it may be set so that the operation of the big prize winning device 160 is continued until a certain number of game balls wins in accordance with the two prize winning openings 161a and 162b that form the grand prize winning opening 161 in the same manner. .

  On the other hand, the special winning opening closing means 1192 outputs a driving signal in place of the special winning opening releasing means 1191 when a certain number of game balls have won the special winning opening 161, and based on the driving signal, the special winning prize is closed. The device solenoids 162a and 162b are configured to stop the operation by returning the winning ports 161a and 161b (doors) from the open state to the closed state. The fixed number of game balls may be set to 150, for example.

  As described above, when the large winning device 160 is operated, it is preferable to set so that one of the two winning openings 161a and 161b is sequentially opened and closed. Here, “one of the two winning openings 161a and 161b is opened and closed sequentially” means that, for example, the two winning openings 161a and 161b are alternately opened or closed, or the two winning openings 161a and 161b are opened and closed in synchronization. Various forms of opening and closing are conceivable, such as allowing them to do so. Of course, you may control to open and close any winning opening 161a, 161b corresponding to each starting port 21a-21c.

  Furthermore, the game control means 1100 operates the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable prize apparatus 150 to the first state to generate a special game state when a predetermined condition is established, and during the special game state When the game ball received by the variable winning device 150 wins the special winning area 155, the special gaming state can be repeatedly executed. In the special gaming state, the variable winning apparatus 150 plays the game to the special winning area 155. Regardless of whether or not a ball is won, a certain number of game balls are controlled to be received.

  More specifically, as a first process under a predetermined condition, when the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable winning device 150 are operated to the first state based on the winning of the game balls to the start ports 21a to 21c, the variable winning is achieved. When the game ball taken into the device 150 wins the special prize area 155 instead of the general prize area 154, the movable member releasing means 1110 is based on the detection signal from the special prize area switch 128 and the variable prize device solenoid 134a. , 134b is output to generate a special game state in which both the left and right movable members 152a, 152b are operated to the first state.

  In the special game state, the pair of movable members 152a and 152b are repeatedly operated to the first state, but may be set so as to continue to be maintained in the first state until a certain number of game balls are won. If there is no game ball winning in the special winning area 155, the movable members 152a and 152b are returned to the original second state as they are.

  Such a special game state is until a certain number (for example, 10) of game balls is received regardless of whether or not a game ball is won in the special prize area 155 which is a condition for the special game state to be repeatedly generated. Will continue. That is, the movable member closing means 1120 receives the number of game balls won in the general prize area 154 and the special prize area 155 when the movable members 152a and 152b are operating in the first state in the special game state. When the sum of the number of game balls reached a certain number (for example, 10), a driving signal is output. Based on the driving signal, the variable prize winning device solenoids 134a and 134b move the movable members 152a and 152b to the first. Actuate from state to second state. Therefore, even if a game ball wins the special prize area 155 before a certain number of game balls win, the special game state does not end midway.

  Next, it is determined based on the detection signal from the special prize area switch 128 whether or not the game ball received by the variable prize apparatus 150 has won the special prize area 155 in the special game state. If the special winning area 155 has been won, a new special gaming state for the next round is subsequently generated even if the current special gaming state ends. In this way, the special game state that can be repeatedly executed is executed as many times as the number of reserved balls described later. If there is no game ball winning in the special winning area 155, the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable winning device 150 are returned to the original second state when the special gaming state is finished. become.

  The reserved ball storage means 1200 stores a game ball won in the special prize area 155 among the fixed number of game balls received by the variable prize apparatus 150 in the special game state as a held ball. Here, the holding ball is stored in a RAM 104 (see FIG. 6) of the main board 100, which will be described later, and is set to be displayed on the display unit 320.

  The reserved ball upper limit value setting unit 1400 sets an upper limit value for the number of held balls stored in the reserved ball storage unit 1200. Here, the upper limit value of the number of reserved balls is set to 10 which is the number of LEDs constituting the display unit 320. Of course, such an upper limit value is not limited to the number of LEDs or the like. Can be set to any value.

  The display control unit 1500 is a function for controlling the display of the notification units 310a and 310b and the display unit 320. The display control unit 1500 displays predetermined display contents on the notification units 310a and 310b or displays a signal from the reserved ball storage unit 1200. Based on this, display control is performed to turn on and display the LEDs of the display unit 320 by the number corresponding to the reserved balls. An example of the display contents of the notification units 310a and 310b and the display unit 320 controlled by the display control unit 1500 will be described in detail later.

  Furthermore, the main board 100 is provided with a function of either a prize ball payout stop means 1800 or a prize ball payout control means 1900. Here, the prize ball payout stopping means 1800 has a function of stopping the payout of the prize ball due to winning in the start openings 21a to 21c when a game ball wins in each of the start openings 21a to 21c during the special game state. is there. Also, the prize ball payout control means 1900 has a function of paying out a certain number of prize balls by winning the start holes 21a to 21c when a game ball wins the start holes 21a to 21c during the special game state. It is. The control of the prize ball payout stopping means 1800 and the prize ball payout control means 1900 will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 6 shows details of the main board 100. The main board 100 operates based on the clock generated by the clock circuit 108 inside the main board. In addition, by inputting an interrupt signal at regular intervals obtained by dividing the clock generated by the clock circuit 108 with the internal timer 107 to the CPU 102, the CPU 102 executes timer interrupt processing at regular intervals. The CPU 102 performs a series of operations by executing, for each interrupt, processing divided so as to end in a time shorter than the interval of the timer setting time.

  The start opening switches 121a to 121c, the right sleeve winning opening switch 122a, the left sleeve winning opening switch 122b, the general winning area switch 127, and the special winning area switch 128 are switches for detecting the winning of a game ball, respectively. Input signals from these switches are supplied to the gate circuit 110. Also, the input signals from the big winning device switches 163a and 163b, the right prize ball detection switch 130a, the left prize ball detection switch 130b, the shot ball break switch 131, the glass frame open detection switch 132, and the overflow switch 133 are input to the gate circuit 111. To be supplied.

  The addresses of the gate circuits 110 and 111 are set in the address space of the CPU 102 by the memory mapped I / O method. The address selection circuit 113 decodes the address signal and the write / read control signal output from the CPU 102 in accordance with the system clock output from the CPU 102 to generate a chip select signal.

  When the gate circuits 110 and 111 are selected by the chip select signal, the input signals from the start port switches 121a to 121c and the like are output to the data bus through the gate circuit 110. Each input signal on the data bus is detected multiple times by the interrupt signal generated at regular intervals until the next reset, and after chattering prevention processing is performed, the RAM specified for each input signal Stored in the area.

  The input signals from the start port switches 121a to 121c are five prize ball signals, and the input signals from the right sleeve prize port switch 122a and the left sleeve prize port switch 122b are eight prize balls, respectively. As signals, the input signals from the general prize area switch 127, the special prize area switch 128, and the big prize device switches 163a and 163b are each treated as a prize ball signal of 15 prize balls, and the prizes detected by each switch. The number is stored in the designated RAM area. At the same time, the total number of prize balls is calculated by the CPU 102 and stored in a designated RAM area.

  Output data to each control board passes through a buffer 114 provided in the middle of the data bus, and is further output to the latch circuits 112a to 112g through the output data bus. By arranging the buffer 114 in the middle of the data bus connecting the output latch circuit and the CPU 102, the bus signal flows in one direction, which is a countermeasure against fraud.

  By having data in the starting ball switch 5 prize ball RAM area, left and right sleeve winning prize switch 8 prize ball RAM area, general prize area switch, special prize area switch, 15 big prize device switch prize ball RAM area, etc. The CPU 102 sequentially outputs 8-bit prize ball data set for each prize ball number to the latch circuit 112a through the data bus and the output data bus. In synchronization with this, an interrupt signal for the payout control board 200 and a control signal for the strobe signal are output to the latch circuit 112e through the data bus and the output data bus.

  When the chip select signal obtained by decoding by the address decoding circuit 113 controlled by the memory mapped I / O is sequentially output to the latch circuit 112a and the latch circuit 112e, the 8-bit prize ball data is interrupted to the latch circuit 112a. The control signal of the signal and the strobe signal is latched by the latch circuit 112e, and the output signal composed of the 8-bit parallel prize ball output signal, the interrupt signal, and the 2-bit control signal of the strobe signal is given to the payout control board 200. Output as data.

  The payout control board 200 to which the winning ball data is input controls the ball discharging mechanism to discharge the number of winning balls corresponding to the input winning ball data. Details will be described later. The discharged prize balls are detected by the right prize ball detection switch 130a and the left prize ball detection switch 130b, input to the gate circuit 111 and taken into the CPU 102, and the number of prize balls is managed. The detection signal is also output to the payout control board 200.

  Based on these detection signals, the number of prize balls actually paid out is calculated by the CPU 102, the value is subtracted from the stored data in the RAM area, and the data of the number of prize balls is updated in real time. In addition, an output signal is output to the latch circuit 112f for each set number of winning prize balls, and is output to the outside in synchronization with the chip select signal of the address decode circuit 113, for management via the frame external output terminal board 800. It is output to a computer etc.

  When power is supplied to the main board 100, a reset signal is supplied from the power board 700 and each device on the main board 100 is reset. Thereafter, the system reset signal becomes inactive, and each device transitions to the active state. When the system reset signal changes to an inactive state, the reset signal to the one-chip microcomputer 101 becomes inactive after a predetermined time has elapsed due to delay processing by the clock synchronization / delay circuit 109. As a result, the one-chip microcomputer 101 enters an operating state, and the operating state of the main board 100 is maintained. Thereafter, initial setting of the one-chip microcomputer 101 is performed.

  When the power supply externally supplied from the gaming machine is unstable, a power failure detection signal is supplied from the power supply board 700 to the NMI (non-maskable interrupt) 105 of the one-chip microcomputer 101, and the one-chip microcomputer 101 performs a save operation for each storage area. Done. Specifically, after detecting the winning ball detection data for a certain period of time, the power failure processing determination data is stored in the RAM area to protect the RAM 104. That is, as the power supply voltage decreases, the backup power supply DC5VBB is supplied from the power supply board 700 to the RAM 104, and the storage state of the RAM 104 is maintained.

  When power is next supplied, the one-chip microcomputer 101 performs a power failure recovery process when recognizing that a power failure process has been performed based on the presence or absence of the power failure process determination data. If the RAM initialization signal is active at the time of initialization, the CPU 102 detects data of the I / O port 106 and initializes the RAM area.

  A signal for detecting the ball breakage by the shot ball break switch 131 and a signal for detecting the ball clogging of the award ball in the lower tray 4 of the game board surface by the overflow switch 133 are input to the gate circuit 111, and the one-chip microcomputer through the data bus 101. After data conversion, these signals are output from the latch circuit 112a to the payout control board 200 with the same configuration as the prize ball output data. The outputs of the latch circuits 112a to 112g are unidirectional and take an irreversible output form.

Next, the payout control board 200 shown in FIG. 7 will be described.
The payout control board 200 performs one-way communication only from the main board 100, and receives communication data including 8-bit parallel prize ball data, an interrupt signal, and a strobe signal. When an interrupt signal is input to the counter circuit 202 of the one-chip microcomputer 201, an internal interrupt signal is output from the counter circuit 202 to the CPU 203. The CPU 203 performs an interrupt process as preparation for inputting prize ball data from the main board 100. As a result, the strobe signal becomes a trigger signal for capturing the prize ball data to the CPU 203.

  The CPU 203 outputs a chip select signal to the gate circuit 212 and the gate circuit 211 through the address decoding circuit 213, and takes in the prize ball data and various signals input to the gate circuits 212 and 211 via the gate circuit and the data bus. And stored in the RAM 205. Then, the payout operation is sequentially performed with the number of winning balls corresponding to the received winning ball data.

  The CPU 203 outputs a winning ball path switching signal to the latch circuit 215 through the data bus, and at the same time, outputs a chip select signal from the address decoding circuit 213. As a result, a prize ball path switching signal is output to the path switching solenoid 224, and a prize ball path is secured for the payout operation. Thereafter, a stop release signal of the payout stop solenoid signal is output to the latch circuit 214, the payout motor control signals 1, 2, 3, 4 are sequentially output to the payout motor 222, and the motor rotation is controlled by the output timing of the chip select signal. While performing the prize ball payout operation.

  Using the clock of the clock circuit 209 as a reference, an internal timer 208 generates an interrupt signal at regular time intervals to the CPU 203. At this interrupt timing, a prize ball detection signal is taken into the data bus and a predetermined prize ball number is detected. At this time, the driving of the payout stop solenoid 223 and the payout motor 222 is stopped. The prize balls are detected by the right prize ball detection switch 130a and the left prize ball detection switch 130b installed in the prize ball path, and these detection signals are output by outputting a chip select signal to the gate circuit 211. Captured on the bus. The prize ball detection signal is also input to the main board 100 as described above, and a more accurate prize ball is paid out.

  In addition, in the payout operation, the main board 100 transmits the shot ball cut signal of the shot ball cut switch 131 and the overflow signal of the overflow switch 133 installed in the lower tray 4 of the gaming machine body 1 to the winning ball data. Then, the payout control board 200 stops the payout operation. In addition, the payout operation is resumed when each release signal is transmitted to the winning ball data. When power is supplied to the payout control board 200, a system reset signal is supplied from the power supply board 700, and each device on the payout control board 200 is reset. Thereafter, the reset signal is inactive, and each device transitions to the active state.

  Due to the delay processing of the clock synchronization / delay circuit 210, the reset signal to the one-chip microcomputer 201 becomes inactive after a lapse of a fixed time after the original reset signal changes to the inactive state. Thus, the one-chip microcomputer 201 is in an operating state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the original reset signal became inactive, and the operating state of the payout control board 200 is maintained. Thereafter, initial setting of the one-chip microcomputer 201 is performed.

  When the power supply externally supplied from the gaming machine is unstable, a power failure detection signal is supplied from the power supply board 700 to the NMI (non-maskable interrupt) 206 of the one-chip microcomputer 201, and the one-chip microcomputer 201 performs a save operation for each storage area. Done. Specifically, after detecting the winning ball detection data for a certain period of time, the power failure processing determination data is stored in the RAM area to protect the RAM 205.

  When the power supply voltage drops or is shut off, DC5VBB is supplied as a backup power source from the power supply board 700 to the RAM 205, and the storage state of the RAM 205 is maintained. When power is supplied again, the one-chip microcomputer 201 performs a power failure recovery process by recognizing the presence of the power failure processing determination data. If the RAM initialization signal is active at the time of initialization, the CPU 203 detects the data of the I / O port 106 and initializes the RAM area.

Next, the lamp control board 400 shown in FIG. 8 will be described.
The lamp control board 400 controls lighting of the gaming machine status lamp 422, the side case lamp 423, the gaming frame status LED 424, and the notification means 310a, 310b, the display unit 320, and the like installed on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 and the gaming board 2. Is to do.

  The lamp control board 400 includes a lamp control ROM 402 that stores predetermined lamp control processing procedures (programs) and control data, a lamp control CPU 401 that reads and executes predetermined lamp control processing procedures, and a lamp control CPU 401 that performs lamp control processing. Lamp control RAM 403 for storing information obtained by executing the procedure, input / output interface 404 for inputting / outputting from / to the control information in the lamp control board 400, instruction information from the main board 100, and lamp control The CPU 401 includes a driver circuit 405 for driving a lighting signal of each lamp / LED connected to the lamp control board 400 via the input / output interface 404.

  The lamp control CPU 401 receives instruction information from the main board 100 through parallel communication via the input / output interface 404. The lamp control CPU 401 executes the content of the input instruction information according to the lamp control processing procedure stored in the lamp control ROM 402, operates the driver circuit 405 while organizing and storing the information in the lamp control RAM 403, and connects Turn on / off each lamp / LED.

  The reset signal from the power supply board 700 is input from the power supply board 700 to the lamp control CPU 401 when the gaming machine 1 is turned on. The lamp control CPU 401 then initializes each control circuit in the lamp control board 400 according to the control procedure stored in the lamp control ROM 402.

Next, the audio control board 500 shown in FIG. 9 will be described.
The voice control board 500 controls sound effects, voices, and the like due to game effects when the gaming machine 1 is in a gaming state. Further, when not in the gaming state, control of a warning sound or the like for notifying the abnormal state of the gaming machine 1 is performed.

  The voice control board 500 includes a voice control ROM 502 that stores a predetermined voice processing procedure (program) and control data, a voice control CPU 501 that reads and executes a predetermined voice control procedure, and a voice control CPU 501 that executes the voice processing procedure. The voice control RAM 503 for storing the acquired information, the input / output interface 506 for performing input / output with the instruction information from the main board 100 and each control IC in the voice control board 500, and the voice control CPU 501 From the voice control IC 504 that acquires control instruction information via the interface 506 and generates specific voice, the voice data ROM 505 that is managed by the voice control IC 504 and stores various voices as data, and the voice control IC 504 An amplifier circuit 507 for amplifying the generated audio signal It is.

  The voice control CPU 501 receives instruction information by parallel communication from the main board 100 via the input / output interface 506. The voice control CPU 501 executes the contents of the input instruction information in accordance with the voice control procedure stored in the voice control ROM 502 and organizes and stores the information in the voice control RAM 503 while giving specific instructions to the voice control IC 504. Do.

  The audio control IC 504 generates a specific audio signal by referring to the audio data ROM 505 in accordance with an instruction from the audio control CPU 501, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 507. The reset signal from the power supply board 700 is input from the power supply board 700 to the voice control CPU 501 when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and the voice control CPU 501 follows the voice control procedure stored in the voice control ROM 502. The control circuits in the control board 500 are initialized.

Next, the launch control board 600 shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
The firing control board 600 includes an oscillation circuit 601 that is a circuit for generating a pulse for setting the rotational speed of the pulse motor used for the firing motor 653 to a predetermined rotational speed, a frequency dividing circuit 602, and a handle unit 650. A motor drive signal for determining a signal from the touch sensor 651, a signal from the firing stop switch 652, a reset signal from the power supply board 700, and a firing permission signal from the payout control board 200, and generating a firing motor drive signal. A control circuit 603 and a driver circuit 604 for exciting each coil of the firing motor 653 are configured.

  The handle unit 650 includes a touch sensor 651 that detects whether or not the player is touching the handle 5, a firing stop switch 652 that allows the player to arbitrarily stop firing the ball, and a pulse for firing the ball. It is composed of a firing motor 653 composed of a motor. The reset signal from the power supply board 700 is input from the power supply board 700 to the motor drive signal control circuit 603 when the gaming machine body 1 is turned on, and initializes each circuit of the launch control board 600.

  The touch sensor 651 in the handle portion 650 detects whether the player is touching or not touching the handle 5, outputs the detected signal to the motor drive signal control circuit 603, and the motor drive signal control circuit 603. Performs launch control based on the detection signal. When the player is touching the handle 5, the ball can be fired. When the player is not touching, the ball is fired.

  The launch stop switch 652 is a switch provided so that the player can arbitrarily stop the launch of the ball. The launch stop switch signal is input to the motor drive signal control circuit 603, and the motor drive signal control circuit 603. Performs launch control based on the launch stop switch signal. When the player operates the firing stop switch 652, launching is impossible, and when there is no operation, launching is possible.

  The firing stop switch 652 outputs the same signal as the state input from the firing stop switch 652 when there is no operation from the player to the launch stop switch 652 and the handle 5 is not rotated. To do. That is, due to the structure inside the handle 5, when the handle 5 is not operated, a signal from the firing stop switch 652 is input. That is, when the touch sensor 651 described above does not detect that the player is touching the handle 5 and the handle 5 is not operated, it is considered that there is no player and the launch stop control is performed.

Next, the power supply substrate 700 shown in FIG. 11 will be described.
The AC 24V supplied from the outside is subjected to full-wave rectification with a diode bridge rectifier to generate a DC power supply DC 24V. Smoothing is performed with a capacitor through a diode through a DC 24V power source to generate a DC 32V power source. DC24V and DC32V are non-stable power supplies.

  DC24V is supplied to the power supply circuit 701 to generate constant voltage power supplies of stable power supplies DC18V, DC12V, and DC5V, and the main board 100, the payout control board 200, the lamp control board 400, the sound control board 500, and the launch. It is supplied to the control board 600. The generated DC5V constant voltage power supply is connected to the capacitor of the backup circuit 702 through a diode to generate a DC5VBB backup power supply, and the DC5VBB is supplied to the main board 100 and the payout control board 200.

  The voltage level of the DC 24V power supply is detected by the voltage detection circuit 708 and output to the delay circuit 707. The delay circuit 707 has an internal time constant of 500 milliseconds, and the delay circuit 707 does not output an output signal unless the continuous output time of the voltage detection circuit 708 is larger than the time constant of the delay circuit 707. For this reason, the voltage operation and power supply stop when the voltage level of the DC24V power supply is smaller than the time constant of the delay circuit 707 are ignored, and the power failure detection signal is not output from the power supply board 700 to the outside.

  When there is an input signal larger than the time constant in the delay circuit 707, the delay circuit 707 outputs a power failure detection signal to the main board 100, the payout control board 200, and the serial input terminals of the shift register 704. The 8-bit shift register 704 always receives a clock having a period of 20 milliseconds from the clock circuit 706.

  Here, the 8-bit data input terminal is fixed to zero. Therefore, when a power failure detection signal is input to the 8-bit shift register 704, a reset signal is output from the 8-bit shift register 704 after 8 clocks (about 160 milliseconds), the main board 100, the payout control board 200, and the launch control board 600. Are output to the lamp control board 400 and the sound control board 500.

  The time of the time constant of the delay circuit 707, the power failure detection signal, and the reset signal are output in an active state from the time of the power source startup and after the power failure recovery, and the peripheral circuit power source startup. After the time constant of the delay circuit 707, the power failure detection signal becomes inactive, and the reset signal is output in the inactive state after 8 clocks of the 8-bit shift register 704. The RAM initialization signal is output to the main substrate 100 and the payout control substrate 200 in an active state by manually pressing the RAM initialization switch 705.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 will be described.
In FIG. 1, when a player rotates the handle 5, game balls are driven into the game area 17 on the game board 2 one by one. When the game ball wins one of the three start ports 21a to 21c, the ball is detected by each start port switch 121a to 121c, and the detection signals output from the start port switches 121a to 121c are shown in FIG. The gate circuit 110 shown in FIG. Then, first, five prize balls assigned to the respective start ports 21a to 21c are paid out under the control of the payout control board 200 based on the signal from the main board 100.

  In addition to the payout of such a prize ball, the movable member of the variable prize winning device 150 is controlled based on the winning of the game ball to any of the three start ports 21a to 21c by the control of the game control means 1100 of the main board 100. Both 152a, 152b and the big prize device 160 operate. Below, operation | movement of the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable winning apparatus 150 is demonstrated first, and operation | movement of the big prize apparatus 160 is demonstrated next.

  When a game ball wins the right starting port 21b (Y in FIG. 17, S101), if a special gaming state has not already occurred (N in FIG. 17, S102), a detection signal from the starting port switch 121b. On the basis of the above, the control of the movable member opening means 1110 in the game control means 1100 outputs a drive signal to the variable winning device solenoid 134a for driving the movable member 152a on the right side of the variable winning device 150, as shown in FIG. As shown, the right movable member 152a moves horizontally to the first state for about 0.5 seconds, for example (FIG. 17, S103).

  Further, when a game ball is won in the left starting port 21c (Y in FIG. 17, S106), if a special gaming state has not already occurred (N in FIG. 17, S107), the starting ball switch 121c Based on the detection signal, similarly, the control of the movable member opening means 1110 outputs a drive signal to the variable winning device solenoid 134b that drives the movable member 152b on the left side of the variable winning device 150, as shown in FIG. The left movable member 152b moves horizontally to the first state for about 0.5 seconds, for example (FIG. 17, S108).

  Furthermore, when a game ball is won in the central starting port 21a (Y in FIG. 17, S109), if a special gaming state has not already occurred (N in FIG. 17, S110), the starting port switch 121a is used. Based on this detection signal, similarly, the control of the movable member opening means 1110 outputs the drive signals to the two variable winning device solenoids 134a and 134b in synchronism with each other, as shown in FIG. 12 (c). 152a and 152b move horizontally to the first state for about 0.5 seconds, for example (FIG. 17, S111).

  Moreover, in addition to the operation of the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable winning device 150 described above, the large winning device 160 is simultaneously operated from the normal closed state to the open state (FIG. 17, S112). That is, when a game ball wins at any of the three start ports 21a to 21c, control of the big winning port opening means 1191 in the game control means 1100 is based on the detection signals from the start port switches 121a to 121c. As a result, the drive signals are outputted in synchronization with the large winning device solenoids 162a and 162b, and the pair of left and right winning openings 161a and 161b (doors) are operated from the closed state to the open state.

  As a mode of operating the big prize device 160, it is preferable to control so that one of the two prize winning openings 161a and 161b is sequentially opened and closed. Specifically, for example, various opening / closing modes are conceivable, such as alternately opening and closing the two winning openings 161a and 161b, or opening and closing the two winning openings 161a and 161b in synchronization. Of course, you may control to open and close any one or both prize-winning ports 161a and 161b corresponding to each starting port 21a-21c. As a result, the fun of the so-called separable prize-winning device is given, and the operating state of the prize-winning device 160 becomes more varied.

  As described above, when a game ball is won in any of the three starting holes 21a to 21c, the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable winning device 150 are operated in a manner corresponding to each of the starting holes 21a to 21c. At the same time, the special control related to the fact that the grand prize winning device 160 also operates synchronously makes it possible to realize a novel and interesting game, and the player can receive by operating the variable prize winning device 150. It is possible to enjoy not only gaming benefits but also gaming benefits that can be received by operating the prize winning device 160.

  By the way, although the operation of the variable winning device 150 is completed in a short time as described above, the timing of stopping the operation of the large winning device 160 is the two winning ports 161a and 162b forming the large winning port 161 as described above. In addition to the time when a certain number of game balls have been won, the following controls may be adopted. Here, it is assumed that the operating time of the big prize device 160 is relatively longer than the operating time of the variable winning device 150. In addition, as a basic timing for stopping the operation of the big winning device 160, in addition to the time when a certain number (for example, 150) of game balls wins the big winning device 160, it is simply an operation time (for example, 80 seconds). It may be determined.

  First, based on the winning of a game ball to one of the three start ports 21a to 21c, even if a certain number of game balls have not yet won in the grand prize winning device 160 after the grand prize winning device 160 is activated, When a special gaming state occurs in the variable winning device 150 based on the establishment of the predetermined condition, control is performed so that the operation of the big winning device 160 is stopped even at that time. That is, the special prize closing means 1192 in the game control means 1100 stops driving the special prize device solenoids 162a and 162b when the special gaming state occurs. As a result, the player can concentrate on the special game state and also prevent an excessive disadvantage on the game hall side.

  Further, as another first control, after the prize winning device 160 is activated based on the winning of the game ball to any of the three start openings 21a to 21c, a predetermined number (for example, 150) is given to the prize winning opening 161. The operation of the grand prize winning device 160 is continued until a number of game balls are won, and when a certain number of game balls are awarded to the grand prize winning opening 161, the operation of the grand prize winning device 160 is stopped, and the following special Control may be performed so that the operation of the variable prize apparatus 150 is stopped regardless of the gaming state.

  That is, when a certain number of game balls have won the big prize opening 161, the big prize opening closing means 1192 in the game control means 1100 stops the driving of the big prize winning device solenoids 162a and 162b, and the movable member is closed. The means 1120 stops driving the variable winning device solenoids 134a and 134b. As a result, the player's profit due to the winning of a certain number of game balls to the big winning opening 161 is assured, and an excessive disadvantage on the game hall side is also prevented.

  Furthermore, as another second control, a predetermined time (for example, 80 seconds) elapses after the grand prize winning device 160 is activated based on the winning of a game ball to any of the three start ports 21a to 21c. The operation of the grand prize winning device 160 is continued until a certain time elapses regardless of whether or not the game ball is won at the grand prize winning opening 161, and the special winning game described below is stopped. You may control to also stop the operation | movement of the variable winning apparatus 150 irrespective of a state.

  That is, when a certain time (for example, 80 seconds) has elapsed since the operation of the prize winning opening 161, the prize winning closing means 1192 stops driving the prize winning device solenoids 162a and 162b and is movable. The member closing means 1120 stops driving the variable winning device solenoids 134a and 134b. As a result, the opportunity for the player to acquire profits is assured by the operation of the special prize opening 161 over a certain period of time, and excessive disadvantages on the game hall side are also prevented.

  Next, the details of the special game state will be described. When at least one of the pair of movable members 152a and 152b of the variable winning device 150 is horizontally moved to the first state based on the winning of the game ball to each of the start ports 21a to 21c, the variable winning device When a game ball taken in from the 150 entrances 151 wins the special prize area 155 (Y in FIG. 17, S104), the “predetermined condition” for generating the special game state first is established. Based on the detection signal from the special winning area switch 128, a special game state is generated by the control of the game control means 1100 (FIG. 17, S105).

  Here, when no game balls are won in the special winning area 155 (N in FIG. 17, S104), the “predetermined condition” is not satisfied and the special gaming state does not occur. Even if the special gaming state occurs, according to the other first and second controls described above, the special gaming state is forcibly ended even in the middle as the operation of the special winning device 160 is stopped. Become. In addition, during the occurrence of the special game state, even if a game ball wins each of the start ports 21a to 21c, the large winning device 160 does not operate in an open state.

  Once the special gaming state occurs, first, the number of rounds is initialized to 0 (S201 in FIG. 18), and then a driving signal is output to the variable winning device solenoids 134a and 134b, so that both the left and right movable members 152a and 152b are repeated. Open and close (FIG. 18, S202). Based on the detection signal from the special prize area switch 128, it is determined whether or not the game ball received by the variable prize device 150 has won the special prize area 155 in this special game state.

  When even one game ball has won in the special prize area 155, the special game state is repeatedly executed under the control of the game control means 1100 based on this. That is, even if the special game state of this time ends, a new special game state for the next round continues to occur on condition that a game ball wins the special prize area 155 during this round. , Game play is improved. In this way, the special gaming state that can be repeatedly executed is executed for the number of rounds equal to the number of reserved balls described later.

  More specifically, if a game ball is won in the special prize area 155 after the occurrence of the special game state (Y in FIG. 18, S203), if this is the first (first) prize for the special prize area 155 ( Based on this, the round continuation flag for repeatedly generating the special game state is set by the control of the game control means 1100 of the main board 100 based on this (FIG. 18, S205).

  In addition, the number of times that the special game state is repeatedly executed is the number of game balls that have won the special prize area 155 out of a certain number of game balls accepted by the variable prize winning device 150 in the special game state described above. Determined based on the sphere. By the reserved ball storage means 1200 of the main board 100, the second and subsequent game balls won in the special prize area 155 during the special game state are stored as the reserved balls.

  That is, the condition for repeatedly executing the special game state is sufficient if at least one of the fixed number of game balls accepted by the variable winning device 150 wins the special prize area 155 (FIG. 18, Y in S203). When two or more game balls have won a special winning area 155 within a certain number (N in FIG. 18, S204), the winning is suspended without wasting (FIG. 18, S211). ) By repeatedly executing the special game state according to the number of reserved balls, it is possible to further increase the gameability.

  The special game state is continued until a certain number of game balls are accepted for each round (FIG. 18, S206) regardless of whether or not a game ball is won in the special prize area 155 (FIG. 18, S203). Among a certain number of game balls accepted by the variable prize winning device 150 during the special game state, the prize winning ratio for the general prize area 154 and the special prize area 155 is the number of game balls won in the general prize area 154 as a special prize. When the number of game balls won in the area 155 is larger than the number of game balls won in the general prize area 154 and the number of game balls won in the special prize area 155, the fixed number is an even number. Only in some cases, there are three possible cases where the number of game balls won in the general prize area 154 and the number of game balls won in the special prize area 155 are equal.

  Of these three winning ratios, in any case, the total number of game balls won in the general prize area 154 and the number of game balls won in the special prize area 155 in the special game state. When the predetermined number is reached (Y in FIG. 18, S206), the movable member closing means 1120 of the game control means 1100 outputs a drive signal, and based on the drive signal, the variable prize winning device solenoids 134a, 134b Since the movable members 152a and 152b are changed from the first state to the second state, one round of the special gaming state is temporarily ended (FIG. 18, S207). Therefore, during the special game state, the variable winning device 150 can accept a certain number of game balls regardless of the winning ratio to the general winning area 154 or the special winning area 155.

  As a result, the player can obtain a profit by winning based on winning a certain number of game balls in a special game state without performing complicated control based on the specifications of a conventional game machine (wings). It becomes possible to guarantee. As described above, in the gaming machine 1, in the special gaming state, the variable winning device 150 accepts a certain number of gaming balls regardless of whether or not the gaming balls are won in the special winning area 155. The game balls received inside the special prize area 155 are not necessarily awarded to the special prize area 155.

  In other words, the gaming machine 1 guarantees the player's profit in the special gaming state, but leaves the game ball winning in the special winning area 155 in the special gaming state without any special control, and leaves it to chance. As a result, among the game balls that can be received by the variable prize winning device 150 up to a certain number, in rare cases, unless one wins the special prize area 155 (N in FIG. 18, S203), the new special game state does not continue. Therefore (N in FIG. 18, S208), there is a risk in the game, and the thrill and excitement of the player can be sufficiently aroused.

  Furthermore, even in the special game state for each round that is repeatedly executed, if there are game balls that have won in the special prize area 155 out of a certain number of game balls accepted by the variable prize apparatus 150, the number is Further, it is cumulatively added as a holding ball and stored in the holding ball storage means 1200. This makes it possible to increase the number of times that the special gaming state is repeatedly executed within a range that does not exceed the upper limit of the number of rounds described below (N in FIG. 18, S209) (FIG. 18, S212).

  The reserved ball upper limit value setting means 1400 on the main board 100 can set an upper limit value for the number of reserved balls stored in the reserved ball storage means 1200. By determining the upper limit value of the number of reserved balls in this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the special game state is repeatedly executed indefinitely. In the present embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of reserved balls is determined to be 10, and the maximum number of rounds in which the special game state continues repeatedly is up to 10 rounds (Y in FIG. 18, S209). In addition, by the control by the display control means 1500, the number of reserved balls is displayed in a visible manner by the number of lighting of individual LEDs of the display unit 320, so that the player can easily check the number of reserved balls, and the special game The number of times the state is repeatedly executed can also be grasped in advance.

  Specifically, for example, when a special gaming state occurs for the first time, three of the ten (a fixed number) gaming balls received by the variable prize winning device 150 during the round are awarded in the special prize area 155. The number of reserved balls is three, and three LEDs are lit on the display unit 320. At this time, the special game state is repeatedly executed until another three rounds. Next, if one of the three reserved balls is consumed and a special gaming state occurs, and two gaming balls win in the special winning area 155 of the variable winning device 150 during these two rounds, the reserved ball The total number is four (3-1 + 2 = 4), and four LEDs are lit on the display unit 320.

  Subsequently, one of the four reserved balls is consumed and a special gaming state is generated, and four of the ten (fixed number) gaming balls received by the variable winning device 150 during the three rounds are special. When winning in the winning area 155, the total number of reserved balls is 7 (4-1 + 4 = 7), and 7 LEDs are lit on the display unit 320. In this way, the special game state is repeatedly executed according to the number of reserved balls, and is continued up to 10 rounds.

  In the case where the special game state continues to occur up to the upper limit of 10 rounds, in this embodiment, for each of the 10 game balls, which is a certain number that can be won in the variable winning device 150 for each round, respectively. Since 15 prize balls are allocated, 10 (round) × 10 (a certain number) × 15 (prize balls) = 1500 prize balls can be paid out. However, as described above, the special game state does not always continue until the upper limit of 10 rounds. For example, in the fifth round, no game balls are won in the special prize area 155 and the number of held balls is 0. When the special game state is completed in 5 rounds, 5 (rounds) × 10 (fixed number) × 15 (prize balls) = 750 prize balls will be paid out.

  Here, a “certain number” that can be won in the variable winning device 150 for each round in the special gaming state, an “upper limit value” in which each round in the special gaming state can be continued, and per winning ball in the variable winning device 150 The “number of prize balls” assigned to is not necessarily fixed uniformly, but can be arbitrarily changed according to the specifications of the model of the gaming machine 1. For example, due to laws and regulations such as the Optimization of Wind Management Act, it seems that the maximum number of prize balls paid out is limited to 2500 in a series of periods from the occurrence of a special gaming state to the end of continuation. In this case, the above-described “fixed number”, “upper limit value”, and “number of prize balls” may be set as appropriate within the range of the upper limit value of 2500.

  That is, the integrated values of “a certain number”, “upper limit value”, and “the number of prize balls” may be set within 2500. For example, the “a certain number” is set to 10, 15, and 20, for example. When three ways are set in advance and the number of “prize balls” is set to two in advance, 10 and 15, the “upper limit value” of the round is obtained as follows by combining these.

a. 2500 (legal regulations) / {10 (constant value) × 10 (number of prize balls)} = 25 (upper limit)
b. 2500 (legal regulations) ÷ {10 (fixed value) × 15 (number of winning balls)} = 16.6 (upper limit)
c. 2500 (legal regulations) ÷ {15 (fixed value) × 10 (number of prize balls)} = 16.6 (upper limit)
d. 2500 (legal regulations) ÷ {15 (constant value) × 15 (number of winning balls)} = 11.1 (upper limit)
e. 2500 (legal regulations) ÷ {20 (fixed value) × 10 (number of winning balls)} = 12.5 (upper limit)
f. 2500 (legal regulations) ÷ {20 (fixed value) × 15 (number of winning balls)} = 8.3 (upper limit)

  The “upper limit value” of the round calculated based on data of such an example shows the value rounded down to the second decimal place, but the “upper limit value” of the round that is actually set rounds down the decimal point. Value. D. According to the pattern, the “upper limit value” of the actual round is set to 11 times. A. ~ F. As in each of the patterns, several combinations of the values “fixed number”, “upper limit value”, and “number of prize balls” are set in advance so that the pattern of this setting can be arbitrarily selected. . Needless to say, the upper limit limit of 2500 is a value that can be changed as appropriate according to the revision of the law, such as the occasional optimization of wind management.

  Also, as described above, as shown in FIG. 12, the pair of movable members 152a and 152b of the variable prize apparatus 150 are operated in the horizontal direction between the first state in which the game balls are easily received and the second state in which the game balls are not easily received. It has become. Such movement of the movable members 152a and 152b in the horizontal direction is as follows: swinging around one end side as a center of rotation, like a pair of movable wings in a variable prize device in a conventional general gaming machine (wings). Are completely different operations, and the operation of the variable winning device 150, which is novel and interesting, can be produced by the horizontal operation of the movable members 152a and 152b.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (a), each movable member 152a, 152b has a notch portion that is a storage means that can temporarily store the game ball in a state where it is maintained in the second state in which it is difficult to receive the game ball. 153, and when each movable member 152a, 152b operates from the second state to the first state, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the stored game ball can be received inside the variable prize apparatus 150. it can. Thereby, even if each movable member 152a, 152b is a 2nd state unfavorable to a player, it becomes possible to contribute to a player's profit by storing a game ball.

  According to the cutout portion 153 as such storage means, it is possible to store game balls with an extremely simple configuration, and to reliably guide the stored game balls to the inside of the prize winning apparatus 150. In addition, since each movable member 152a, 152b has a downwardly inclined shape from the front end thereof, the game balls dropped on the movable members 152a, 152b except for the game balls stored in the notch 153. Can be guided to fall again toward the outside of the variable winning device 150.

  In addition, on the surface side of each movable member 152a, 152b, there are notifying means 310a, 310b for notifying the gaming state, and the gaming state can be notified by the display control by the display control means 1500. Specifically, when each movable member 152a, 152b operates from the second state to the first state based on the signal from the game control means 1100, each movable member 152a, 152b is horizontal based on the signal from the display control means 1500. By displaying the opening in the direction in advance on the notification means 310a, 310b with symbols, symbols or characters, the player's expectation for the operation of the movable member can be enhanced.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the notification units 310a and 310b display the states of the corresponding movable members 152a and 152b as face symbols. That is, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), nothing is displayed when each movable member 152a, 152b is in the normal second state, but when a game ball wins the start opening 21a-21c. When the movable members 152a and 152b are operated from the second state to the first state during the special game state, as shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C, the movable members 152a and 152b to be operated are changed. For example, a smile pattern with a bright facial expression is displayed on the notification means 310a, 310b. Of course, in addition to the face pattern, characters and symbols, or characters such as “close” and “open” may be displayed.

  Further, as a process when a game ball is won in each of the start ports 21a to 21c during the special game state, the main board 100 executes the following process. That is, when the main board 100 has the prize ball payout stop means 1800, when the game ball wins the start opening 21a-21c during the special game state by the control of the prize ball payout stop means 1800, The game balls won in the start ports 21a to 21c are treated the same as out balls collected without winning anywhere. By such processing, excessive service for the player is suppressed.

  Alternatively, as another process, when the main board 100 has the prize ball payout control means 1900 instead of the prize ball payout stop means 1800, each prize ball payout control means 1900 controls each in the special gaming state. When a game ball wins the start opening 21a-21c, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by winning the start opening 21a-21c.

  Thereby, even when the game ball wins the start openings 21a to 21c during the special game state, the player can receive the profit of the prize ball accordingly. However, the number of prize balls here is not limited to the five assigned to the start ports 21a to 21c in the normal gaming state as described above, and is 1 to 6 by the control of the prize ball payout control means 1900. It can be set as appropriate. The control by the prize ball payout stop means 1800 and the prize ball payout control means 1900 is not limited to the special game state, but also when a game ball is won at each of the start ports 21a to 21c during the operation of the big prize device 160. Can be applied.

  By the way, if the special gaming state does not satisfy the requirement for repeated execution during the special gaming state, a new round of the special gaming state will not be repeated, and the continuation of the special gaming state ends in the middle. However, the smaller the number of continuations (rounds) repeatedly executed until the end, the smaller the player's profit. If the special gaming state ends in the middle of the game in spite of the occurrence of the special gaming state in this way, it may be possible to compensate the player's profit as follows. .

  Specifically, as a first example, as shown in FIG. 16, the winning board number determining means 2400 and the special winning opening operation adding means 3100 are also included as various functions of the main board 100. First, when the special game state does not satisfy the requirement that the special game state is repeatedly executed and the continuation of the special game state ends in the middle, the winning number determination means 2400 is the last special game that did not satisfy the requirement. This is a function for determining the ratio of the number of winning game balls to each of the left and right general winning areas 154 and 154 during the state.

  Here, although it is necessary to detect the winning ball separately for each of the left and right general winning areas 154 and 154, for example, the general winning area switch 127 at the entrance of each of the left and right general winning areas 154 Separately, it is only necessary to provide a switch that can individually detect the winning ball. The winning number determination means 2400 can count the ball detection signal from the switch corresponding to each general winning area 154 and determine the ratio of the number of winning game balls to each general winning area 154. The player can easily win a prize by displaying the percentage of winning prizes as, for example, the number of balls in the left and right general winning areas 154 and 154 by the notification means 310a and 310b in the movable members 152a and 152b. The ratio of the number can be confirmed.

  In addition, “when the continuation of the special gaming state is ended halfway” means that the continuation of the special gaming state does not reach the upper limit value determined in advance by the reserved ball upper limit value setting unit 1400 in the present embodiment. It means the case where it ends in the middle. However, as described above, the case where the special gaming state is forcibly terminated in the middle due to the stop of the operation of the special winning device 160 is not included.

  Next, the special winning opening operation adding means 3100 continues to end the continuation of the special gaming state according to the ratio of the number of winning game balls to each of the general winning areas 154 and 154 determined by the winning number determining means 2400. This is a function for operating the special winning device 160 in a predetermined manner. The special prize opening operation adding means 3100 is set to output a drive signal for operating the special prize winning device 160 in a predetermined manner to the special prize opening opening means 1191 and the special prize opening closing means 1192 described above. ing.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the first example as described above, an operation for operating the special winning device 160 in a predetermined manner will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the special game state does not satisfy the requirement that the special game state is repeatedly executed (when no game balls are won in the special prize area 155 and the number of held balls is 0), the special game state When the continuation is ended in the middle (FIG. 19A, S301), the winning number determination means 2400 plays a game for each of the pair of general winning areas 154 and 154 in the last special gaming state that does not satisfy the requirement. The ratio of the number of winning balls is determined (FIG. 19A, S302).

  In the final round, a fixed number (10) of game balls will be awarded in total in the pair of left and right general winning areas 154 and 154. Of these, for example, the left winning general winning area 154 is won. The ratio of the number of winning game balls to each general winning area 154 is determined such that the number of gaming balls is 7 and the number of gaming balls winning in the general winning area 154 on the right side is 3. In accordance with the determined percentage of the number of winnings, the special winning opening operation adding means 3100 operates the special winning device 160 in a predetermined manner following the end of the continuation of the special gaming state (FIG. 19 ( a), S303).

  In this embodiment, the “predetermined mode” is the same as each pair of left and right general winning areas 154, and the big winning port 161 of the big winning device 160 is also divided into a pair of left and right winning ports 161a and 161b. Therefore, by using such a configuration, only one of the left and right winning openings 161a and 161b corresponding to the larger number of winning prizes in the left and right general winning areas 154 is opened, or the left and right general winning areas 154 are awarded. If the numbers are equal, it may be possible to open both the left and right winning openings 161a and 161b. It should be noted that the time for maintaining the prize winning device 160 in the open state is a design matter that can be appropriately determined, for example, from 0.3 seconds to 1 second.

  In this way, if the continuation of the special gaming state does not continue to the end (upper limit value) and ends in the middle, in a predetermined manner according to the winning situation in the last special gaming state. By operating the grand prize winning device 160, the player's profits can be compensated to give the player a sense of satisfaction, and a more innovative and interesting game can be produced.

  Further, as another second example, the following control may be executed. That is, if the special game state does not satisfy the requirement to be repeatedly executed and the continuation of the special game state is ended halfway, the winning number determination means 2400 causes the left and right through the special game state repeatedly executed until the end. It is set to determine the ratio of the total value of the number of winning game balls to each of the pair of general winning areas 154 and 154. Then, according to the ratio of the total value of the number of winning game balls with respect to each of the general winning areas 154 determined by the winning number determining means 2400, the special winning opening operation adding means 3100 ends the continuation of the special gaming state. Subsequently, the special winning device 160 is set to operate in a predetermined manner.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the second example as described above, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19B, the special game state does not satisfy the requirement to be repeatedly executed during the special game state (special prize area 155). When no game balls are won and the number of held balls is 0), when the special game state is continued halfway (FIG. 19 (b), S401), it is repeatedly executed until the end. Through the special game state, the winning number determination means 2400 determines the ratio of the total value of the total number of winning game balls to each of the pair of general winning areas 154 and 154 (FIG. 19B, S402).

  In a series of special game states that have been repeated between the occurrence of a special game state and the end of the continuation, a certain number of game balls have won the variable prize device 150 for each special game state. Regarding the total value of the number of game balls won in the pair of left and right general winning areas 154, 154, for example, 60% of the total value wins the left general winning area 154, and the remaining 40% is the right general winning area. When the area 154 is won, etc., the ratio of the number of winnings related to the total value is determined. In accordance with the ratio of the determined total number of winning prizes, the special prize opening operation adding unit 3100 operates the special prize winning device 160 in a predetermined manner following the end of the continuation of the special gaming state (FIG. 19 ( b), S403).

  Here, the “predetermined mode” means that, for example, the left and right general prizes are used by utilizing the fact that the big prize opening 161 of the big prize winning device 160 is divided into a pair of left and right prize winning openings 161a and 161b. If the ratio of the total number of winning prizes to the area 154 is 3: 1, the left winning opening 161b is opened and closed three times, and the right winning opening 161a is opened and closed only once. Can be considered.

  Alternatively, only one of the left and right winning openings 161a and 161b corresponding to the general winning area 154 having the larger total value may be opened. Of course, the specific mode of opening and closing each of the prize winning openings 161a and 161b of the grand prize winning opening 161 is not limited to this, and various other variations can be considered. It should be noted that the time for maintaining the prize winning device 160 in the open state is a design matter that can be appropriately determined, for example, from 0.3 seconds to 1 second.

  In this way, in the case where the continuation of the special gaming state does not continue to the end (upper limit value) and ends in the middle, a series of specials from when the special gaming state once occurs until the continuation ends. By operating the big winning device 160 in a predetermined manner according to the winning situation in the gaming state, the player's profit is compensated for by the control contents different from the first example, and the player is satisfied. In addition to being able to give, it can produce a more innovative and interesting game.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, a winning guiding means 156 may be provided inside the variable winning device 150. The winning guiding means 156 affects the winning probability of the game ball to the special winning area 155 and operates in a guiding state advantageous for a player who easily wins the special winning area 155 or a normal guiding state. Such an operation is performed by a winning guiding means solenoid (not shown) including, for example, a rotary solenoid that supports the winning guiding means 156 so as to be adjustable in tilt.

  The winning guide means 156 is specifically a horizontally long guide bar member, which can be tilted left and right, and tilted to the left or right (see FIGS. 20B and 20C). It can be tilted to a non-tilting posture that does not tilt (see FIG. 20A). However, the winning guidance means 156 is not limited to such a configuration, arrangement, and operation, and may be another configuration as long as it affects the winning probability of the game ball to the special winning area 155. good.

  When the winning guiding means 156 is in the non-tilting posture, the winning guiding means 156 is slightly inclined downward from the left and right ends toward the central portion, and the central portion of the winning guiding means 156 corresponds to above the special winning area 155. It has a central port 156a. When the winning guiding means 156 is in the non-tilting posture, the game ball guided to the central portion of the winning guiding means 156 enters the central port 156a and falls toward the special winning area 155 below. On the other hand, when the winning guiding means 156 is in a tilted posture, the game ball is greatly inclined from one of the left and right ends toward the other end, and vigorously moves from one end to the other end. Is set to be difficult to enter the central port 156a with the momentum.

  Therefore, an advantageous guiding state that makes it easy for a game ball to win a special winning area 155 includes a state where the winning guiding means 156 is maintained in a non-tilting posture, a state where the number of non-tilting postures is large, or a non-tilting state. A long time for posture. On the other hand, the normal guiding state in which the game ball is difficult to win in the special winning area 155 is a state in which the winning guiding means 156 is maintained in a tilting posture, a state in which the number of times of non-tilting posture is small, or a non-tilting posture. The state where the time to become is short.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the main board 100 may be provided with a game state determining means 1130 and a prize guiding means control means 1140 relating to the control of the winning guidance member 156. The gaming state determination means 1130 determines the winning guidance means 156 when the movable members 152a and 152b change from the second state to the first state based on the winning of the game balls to the plurality of start ports 21a to 21c. For example, a random lottery or the like is used to determine whether such a state is to be a guidance state advantageous to the player or a normal guidance state.

  The winning guidance means control means 1140 controls the state of the winning guidance means 156 by outputting a drive signal to the winning guidance means solenoid of the winning guidance means 156 based on the determination result of the game state determination means 1130. Of course, the game state determination means 1130 is not provided, and only the winning guidance means control means 1140 is provided, and the movable members 152a and 152b are moved from the second state to the first state based on the winning of the game balls to the start ports 21a to 21c. When changing to the state, the winning guidance means 156 may be set so as to be adjusted to a guidance state advantageous to the player. It should be noted that when the winning guiding means 156 is controlled to a guiding state advantageous to the player, the tilt angle and tilt time to be maintained in the non-tilting posture are arbitrarily set.

  The variable winning device 150 does not forcibly win a game ball in the special winning area 155, but whether or not a game ball wins in the special winning area 155 is determined by a winning guidance provided in the variable winning device 150. It depends greatly on the means 156. The winning guide means 156 affects the winning probability of a game ball in the special winning area 155, thereby increasing the possibility that a special gaming state will occur.

  That is, when it is determined by the game state determination means 1130 of the main board 100 that the winning guidance means 156 is brought into a guidance state advantageous to the player, the winning guidance means control means 1140 of the main board 100 is similarly used as the winning guidance means. A drive signal is output to the winning guidance means solenoid of 156, and the winning guidance means 156 is adjusted to a guidance state advantageous for the player. Thereby, the possibility that a predetermined condition for the occurrence of the special gaming state is established is increased, and the player's expectation for the special gaming state can be increased.

  When the winning guiding means 156 is controlled to a guiding state advantageous to the player, the number of times and time when the winning guiding means 156 is maintained in the non-tilting posture shown in FIG. . When the winning guiding means 156 is in the non-tilting posture, the game ball guided to the central portion of the winning guiding means 156 enters the central port 156a and falls toward the special winning area 155 below. On the other hand, when the winning guiding means 156 is in the normal guiding state, the number and time of the winning guiding means 156 being maintained in the tilting posture shown in FIGS. Become.

  Furthermore, as another configuration example of the winning guiding means 156 of the variable winning device 150, as shown in FIG. 21, a game ball placed on the guiding bar member in addition to the central port 156a in the central portion of the guiding bar member. A drop port 156b may be provided that allows the camera to drop downward before reaching the left and right ends. In the example shown in FIG. 21, a pair of drop openings 156b and 156b are provided at positions spaced apart on both sides of the central opening 156a. Each drop opening 156b is formed as a hole through which a game ball penetrates in the same manner as the central opening 156a.

  By providing such a drop opening 156b, the game ball rolling on the winning guiding means 156 does not reach the central opening 156a depending on the inclination angle and the tilting speed of the guiding bar member which is the winning guiding means 156, and left and right. In some cases, the game ball falls downward from the drop opening 156b of the player, and thus a winning form with more variations of the game ball can be produced.

  Further, as another configuration example of the winning guiding means 156, as shown in FIG. 22, a game ball placed on the guiding bar member enters in addition to the central port 156a in the central portion of the guiding bar member, A receiving groove 156c through which the game ball rolls when in the tilted posture may be provided while holding the game ball in the tilted posture. In the example shown in FIG. 22, a pair of receiving grooves 156 c and 156 c are provided at positions spaced apart on both sides of the central port 156 a. Unlike the central opening 156a, each receiving groove 156c is sized to receive a game ball, but is formed in a bottomed groove shape rather than a through hole.

  By providing such a receiving groove 156c, a game ball that rolls on the winning guiding means 156 temporarily gets stuck in the receiving groove 156c, depending on the inclination angle and tilting speed of the guiding bar member that is the winning guiding means 156. Since it sometimes rolls out of the receiving groove 156c, reaches the left and right ends, or falls from the central port 156a, it is possible to produce a winning form with more variations of the game ball.

  Further, it is only necessary to be able to adjust the amplitude in the left and right tilting operation of the winning guidance means 156. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the amplitude of the tilting operation of the winning guidance means 156 is set so that it can be adjusted in two stages: (a) small and (b) large. Thereby, the change in appearance of the variable prize apparatus 150 is changed to various forms, and the game in the variable prize apparatus 150 becomes more interesting and attracts the player.

  Further, the tilt speed in the left and right tilting operation of the winning guidance means 156 may be adjustable. Specifically, for example, the tilting speed of the winning guidance means 156 is set so that it can be adjusted in two stages: (a) slow and (b) fast. As a result, similar to the above-described adjustment of the amplitude in the tilting operation, the change in appearance of the variable prize apparatus 150 changes to various forms, so that the game in the variable prize apparatus 150 becomes more interesting. , Can attract players.

  Furthermore, the winning guidance means 156 may be configured so that the height position in the vertical direction can be adjusted separately from the left and right tilting operations. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, the height position of the winning guidance means 156 is set so that it can be adjusted in three stages: (a) low, (b) medium, and (c) high. Specifically, the guide rail (not shown) that supports each movable member 152a, 152b so as to be movable in the horizontal direction, and a rack and a pinion along a guide rail (not shown) that further extends in the vertical direction. What is necessary is just to support so that a position adjustment is possible to an up-down direction by drive means, such as.

  Thus, the lower the height position of the winning guiding means 156 and the shorter the distance from the special winning area 155, the higher the winning degree of the game ball in the special winning area 155. Here, as a cause of adjusting the height position of the winning guidance means 156 in a plurality of stages, for example, it can be considered to correspond to the operating status of the gaming machine 1. Specifically, in a special game state during a normal game, the height position of the winning guidance means 156 is set to (a) low in FIG. The (a) low is the same height position as the winning guidance means 156 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the number of occurrences of the special gaming state per predetermined unit time is large, or when the number of winnings at the starting port 21 is large, the degree of winning of the game ball in the special winning area 155 is lowered accordingly. It is conceivable to adjust as follows. That is, as described above, if the height position of the winning guidance means 156 is increased in order so as to be advantageous to the player, the degree of winning of the game ball with respect to the special winning area 155 decreases, and excessive service for the player is provided. It will also be suppressed. In addition, the cause of adjusting the height position of the winning guidance means 156, the amplitude of the tilting operation, and the tilting speed is not limited to the operation status of the gaming machine 1 described above.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention can be modified or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. Included in the invention. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been described. However, the gaming machine is not limited to a pachinko machine, and is a program-controlled smart ball game machine, an arrangement ball game machine, or the like The present invention can be similarly applied to other gaming machines.

  In the above embodiment, the variable prize device 150 is configured as illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, instead of the pair of movable members 152a and 152b operable in the horizontal direction. In addition, the movable member of the variable prize apparatus 150 may be provided as a pair of movable wings that can rotate on both sides of the receiving port 151. Moreover, although the separation-type big prize opening is adopted as the big prize-winning device 160, the configuration of the big prize-winning device is not limited to the separation-type big prize opening, and can be opened and closed by a single horizontally long door (attacker). You may adopt one with two big winning mouths.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the three start ports 21a-21c which participate in establishment of a predetermined condition are provided in all, if there are two or more start ports, it will not be restricted to three, for example, two Alternatively, four or more may be provided. Even when the number of starting ports is not three, the movable members 152a and 152b of the variable winning device 150 and the big winning device 160 are operated to the first state in a manner corresponding to each starting port.

  Further, the notification means 310a, 310b and the display unit 320 are not limited to LED lamps, but may be constituted by a variable display device such as a liquid crystal unit or a CRT display. In such a case, the display content is abundant and an interesting production is possible, but separately from the lamp control board 400, a display control board for controlling the display contents of the variable display device is required separately. . In the above embodiment, the display unit 320 for displaying the number of reserved balls is provided at the lower part of the case of the variable winning device 150. However, the place where the display unit 320 is provided is not limited to the variable winning device 150. You may make it provide separately in the other location of the game area 17. FIG.

  Further, the special game state described in the above embodiment is repeated repeatedly in synchronization with the pair of movable members 152a and 152b of the variable prize apparatus 150 until a certain number of game balls are won in the variable prize apparatus 150 every round. Although it is set to be opened and closed, a special gaming state may be produced by operating at least one of the movable members 152a and 152b to the first state.

  In the above embodiment, the notifying means 310a, 310b for notifying the game state displays the state relating to the operation of the movable members 152a, 152b of the variable prize apparatus 150 as a face symbol. For example, the number of game balls won in the variable prize device 150 for each round in the special game state may be displayed in real time on the notification means 310a, 310b. Thereby, the player can clearly know in advance how many game balls should be won out of a certain number until each movable member 152a, 152b is in the second state, and useless hit balls It is no longer fired, and the number of balls can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the lamp control board 400 and the voice control board 500 are configured as separate boards with respect to the main board 100, but other various control board configurations include, for example, the lamp control board 400 and the like. The functions of the audio control board 500 may be provided on the same board and configured as an effect control board. As described above, the specific configuration for realizing the various functions of the game control means 1100 and the like described above is not limited to the various control boards specifically shown in FIGS.

It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a rear view which shows the internal structure of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which expands and shows the game board of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a rear view which expands and shows the game board back surface side of the gaming machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole circuit structure of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the main board | substrate which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the payout control board which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the lamp | ramp control board which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the audio | voice control board which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the launch control board which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the power supply board which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement aspect of the movable member of the variable prize apparatus which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows the storage aspect of the game ball in the variable prize apparatus which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display mode by the alerting | reporting means of the variable prize apparatus which the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the big prize apparatus which the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the various functions of the main board | substrate which the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the start winning process in the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the special game state process in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation process of the big prize apparatus in the modification of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of a structure which provided the winning guide means in the variable winning apparatus which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has, and the operation | movement aspect of a winning guide means. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of a structure of the prize guidance means of the variable prize apparatus which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of a structure of the winning guide means of the variable winning apparatus which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the amplitude of the winning guidance means of the variable winning apparatus which the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention has. It is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the height position of the prize guidance means of the variable prize apparatus which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Upper saucer 4 ... Lower saucer 5 ... Handle 6 ... Ashtray 7 ... Upper saucer ball release lever 8 ... Lower saucer ball release lever 9 ... Lending button 10 ... Return button 11 ... Glass frame 12 ... Frequency display section 15 ... windmill 16 ... guide rail 17 ... gaming area 18 ... intake port 21a ... start port 21b ... start port 21c ... start port 22a ... right sleeve winning port 22b ... left sleeve winning port 29 ... out port 100 ... main Substrate 101 ... One-chip microcomputer 102 ... CPU
103 ... ROM
104 ... RAM
105 ... NMI
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 106 ... I / O port 107 ... Internal timer 108 ... Clock circuit 109 ... Clock synchronization / delay circuit 110, 111 ... Gate circuit 112a-112g ... Latch circuit 113 ... Address decode circuit 114 ... Buffer 115 ... Reset 116 ... Test test signal terminal 121a to 121c ... Start opening switch 122a ... Right sleeve winning opening switch 122b ... Left sleeve winning opening switch 127 ... General winning area switch 128 ... Special winning area switch 130 ... Award winning ball detection switch 130a ... Award winning ball detection switch 130b ... Award left Ball detection switch 131 ... Shoot ball break switch 132 ... Glass frame open detection switch 133 ... Overflow switch 134a ... Variable winning device solenoid 134b ... Variable winning device solenoid 150 ... Variable winning device 151 ... Receiving port 15 2a ... movable member 152b ... movable member 153 ... notch (storage means)
154 ... General winning area 155 ... Special winning area 156 ... Winning guidance means 156 a ... Central entrance 156 b ... Falling exit 156 c ... Receiving groove 160 ... Grand prize winning device 161 ... Grand prize winning mouth 161 a ... Winning prize outlet 161 b ... Solenoid 162b ... Grand prize device solenoid 163a ... Grand prize device switch 163b ... Grand prize device switch 200 ... Payout control board 201 ... One-chip microcomputer 202 ... Counter circuit 203 ... CPU
204 ... ROM
205 ... RAM
206 ... NMI
207 ... I / O port 208 ... Internal timer 209 ... Clock circuit 210 ... Clock synchronization / delay circuit 211, 212 ... Gate circuit 213 ... Address decoding circuit 214,215 ... Latch circuit 216 ... Reset 222 ... Discharge motor 223 ... Discharge stop solenoid 310a ... notification means 310b ... notification means 320 ... display unit 400 ... lamp control board 401 ... lamp control CPU
402: Lamp control ROM
403: Lamp control RAM
404 ... I / O interface 405 ... Driver circuit 422 ... Gaming machine status lamp 423 ... Side case lamp 424 ... Gaming frame status LED
428 ... Side LED
500 ... voice control board 501 ... voice control CPU
502 ... Voice control ROM
503 ... Voice control RAM
504 ... Voice control IC
505 ... Audio data ROM
506: Input / output interface 507 ... Amplifier circuit 510 ... Speaker 600 ... Launch control board 601 ... Oscillation circuit 602 ... Division circuit 603 ... Motor drive signal control circuit 604 ... Driver circuit 650 ... Handle portion 651 ... Touch sensor 652 ... Launch stop switch 653 ... Launch motor 700 ... Power supply board 701 ... Power supply circuit 702 ... Backup circuit 703 ... Voltage detection circuit 704 ... Shift register 705 ... RAM initialization switch 706 ... Clock circuit 707 ... Delay circuit 708 ... Voltage detection circuit 709 ... Power failure detection circuit 800 ... frame external terminal board 801 ... prize ball tank ball presence / absence switch 850 ... board external terminal board 1100 ... game control means 1110 ... movable member opening means 1120 ... movable member closing means 1130 ... game state determining means 1140 ... winning guidance Step control means 1191 ... Grand prize opening opening means 1192 ... Grand prize opening closing means 1200 ... Reservation ball storage means 1400 ... Reservation ball upper limit setting means 1500 ... Display control means 1800 ... Prize ball delivery stop means 1900 ... Prize ball delivery control means 2400 ... Number-of-winning determination means 3100 ... Extra prize opening operation adding means

Claims (7)

In a game area where a game ball is launched, a movable member that can change between a first state in which the game ball is easily received and a second state in which the game ball is difficult to be received, and a game ball that the movable member has received in the first state is used as a normal prize. In a gaming machine provided with a variable prize device having a prize area and a special prize area as a special prize,
In the game area, apart from the variable winning device, a large winning device that is provided with a large winning port and that can be opened and closed, and a start port that is involved in the establishment of a predetermined condition,
When a game ball wins at the start opening, the variable winning device and the big winning device are respectively activated,
The variable winning device is provided with a winning guiding means that affects a winning probability of the game ball to the special winning area,
The winning guidance means can be adjusted to a guiding state advantageous for a player who easily wins a game ball into the special winning area or a normal guiding state,
The winning guide means is composed of a horizontally long guide bar member that can be tilted left and right, and can be tilted into a tilting posture tilted to the left or right side and a non-tilting posture that does not tilt,
When the guide bar member is in the non-tilting posture, the guide bar member is inclined downward from the left and right ends toward the central portion, and is guided to the central portion when the guide bar member is in the non-tilting posture. Having a central entrance for dropping the game ball toward the special winning area below ;
When the predetermined condition is established, a special game state is generated that operates the movable member of the variable prize apparatus to the first state,
In the special game state, the special game state can be repeatedly executed when the game ball received by the variable prize apparatus has won the special prize area,
In the special game state, the variable prize device can accept a certain number of game balls regardless of whether or not the game balls have won the special prize area,
There are a pair of general winning areas of the variable winning device, and similarly, the large winning port of the large winning device is also divided into a pair of winning ports, and each winning port can be opened and closed,
The main board of the gaming machine is
In the special gaming state, when the special gaming state does not satisfy the requirement to be repeatedly executed and the continuation of the special gaming state is terminated halfway, there is a pair in the last special gaming state that does not satisfy the requirement A winning number determination means for determining a ratio of the number of winning game balls to each of the general winning areas;
In accordance with the ratio of the number of winning game balls to each of the general winning areas determined by the winning number determining means, the big winning device is operated in a predetermined manner following the end of the continuation of the special gaming state. Mouth operating additional means,
The special winning opening operation adding means operates, as the predetermined mode, only a winning opening of the special winning device corresponding to the general winning area having a larger number of winning game balls. A gaming machine. In a game area where a game ball is launched, a movable member that can change between a first state in which the game ball is easily received and a second state in which the game ball is difficult to be received, and a game ball that the movable member has received in the first state is used as a normal prize. In a gaming machine provided with a variable prize device having a prize area and a special prize area as a special prize,
In the game area, apart from the variable winning device, a large winning device that is provided with a large winning port and that can be opened and closed, and a start port that is involved in the establishment of a predetermined condition,
When a game ball wins at the start opening, the variable winning device and the big winning device are respectively activated,
The variable winning device is provided with a winning guiding means that affects a winning probability of the game ball to the special winning area,
The winning guidance means can be adjusted to a guiding state advantageous for a player who easily wins a game ball into the special winning area or a normal guiding state,
The winning guide means is composed of a horizontally long guide bar member that can be tilted left and right, and can be tilted into a tilting posture tilted to the left or right side and a non-tilting posture that does not tilt,
When the guide bar member is in the non-tilting posture, the guide bar member is inclined downward from the left and right ends toward the central portion, and is guided to the central portion when the guide bar member is in the non-tilting posture. Having a central entrance for dropping the game ball toward the special winning area below;
When the predetermined condition is established, a special game state is generated that operates the movable member of the variable prize apparatus to the first state,
In the special game state, the special game state can be repeatedly executed when the game ball received by the variable prize apparatus has won the special prize area,
In the special game state, the variable prize device can accept a certain number of game balls regardless of whether or not the game balls have won the special prize area,
There are a pair of general winning areas of the variable winning device, and similarly, the large winning port of the large winning device is also divided into a pair of winning ports, and each winning port can be opened and closed,
The main board of the gaming machine is
In the special gaming state, when the special gaming state does not satisfy the requirement to be repeatedly executed and the continuation of the special gaming state is ended in the middle, there is a pair through the special gaming state that is repeatedly executed until the end. Winning number determination means for determining a ratio of the total number of winning numbers of game balls to each of the general winning areas;
The large winning device is operated in a predetermined manner following the end of the continuation of the special gaming state in accordance with the ratio of the total number of game balls won for each of the general winning areas determined by the winning number determination means. A special prize opening operation adding means for causing
The special prize opening operation adding means is, as the predetermined mode,
In accordance with the ratio of the ratio of the total number of winning game balls to each of the general winning areas, each winning opening of the large winning device corresponding to each of the general winning areas is operated by the number corresponding to the ratio. ,
Alternatively, the gaming machine is characterized in that only one winning port of the large winning device corresponding to the player with the larger total number of winning balls in the respective general winning areas is operated. In addition to the central opening in the central portion of the guide bar member, the winning guide means has a drop opening for dropping the game ball placed on the guide bar member downward before reaching the left and right end portions. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 . In addition to the central opening at the central portion of the guide bar member, the winning guide means holds the game ball on the guide bar member and holds the game ball when in the non-tilting posture, while in the tilting posture. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the gaming machine has a receiving groove from which a game ball rolls . The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the winning guidance means is capable of adjusting an amplitude in the left and right tilting operations . The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the winning guiding means is capable of adjusting a tilting speed in the left and right tilting operations. The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the winning guide means is capable of adjusting a height position in a vertical direction separately from the left and right tilting operations.

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