JP4350611B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine.

  In general, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a launching device that launches a game ball by a handle operation, and the game ball fired by this launching device passes through a specific winning opening (start winning prize opening). In response to this, the change of the special symbol displayed on the display device (electronic winning / losing lottery) is started. When the winning / losing lottery is won, a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed on the display device, and a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. In the jackpot game state, the state where the special prize opening is continuously opened within a predetermined upper limit time and until the total number of received game balls reaches the predetermined upper limit winning number is a predetermined number of times. (Hereinafter referred to as the number of rounds). As a result, the special winning opening (large winning opening) accepts a large number of game balls, so that the player can acquire a large number of winning balls.

  Note that the related prior art recognized by the applicant is not related to the literature known invention, so prior art document information is not described.

  In the above conventional ball game machine, since the number of rounds generated in the jackpot game state is always the same, the game during the jackpot game tends to be monotonous, and the player's interest may be lost. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine that can change a game during a jackpot game and can prevent the player's interest from being lost.

  In order to achieve the above object, a ball game machine according to the present invention is to play a game ball on a game area of a game board and play a game, a winning device, a winning ball detection means, and a specific gaming ball detection means And a plurality of passing game ball detecting means, game ball paying means, and control means.

The winning device includes a winning area, a first opening / closing member, a specific game ball passage section, a plurality of game ball passage sections, a second opening / closing member, and a shielding plate, and is provided in the game area. The first opening / closing member opens and closes the winning area and allows and prohibits the entry of the game ball into the winning area. The specific game ball passing portion is arranged in the winning area and allows the game ball to pass. The plurality of game ball passage portions are arranged in the winning area, and the game balls that have passed through the specific game ball passage portion selectively pass therethrough. The second opening / closing member is disposed in the winning area and opens and closes so as to permit and prohibit the entry of the game ball into the specific game ball passage portion. The shielding plate is disposed between the specific game ball passage portion and the plurality of game ball passage portions, and sequentially moves to a position at which the entry of the game ball into each of the plurality of game ball passage portions is permitted and prohibited.

  The winning ball detection means detects all game balls that have entered the winning area. The specific game ball detection means detects a game ball that passes through the specific game ball passage section. The plurality of passing game ball detecting means are provided for each of the plurality of game ball passing portions, and detect a game ball passing through each game ball passing portion. The game ball payout means pays out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to the detection of the game ball by the winning ball detection means.

When the predetermined start condition is satisfied, the control means sets the first opening / closing member to the open state continuously or intermittently, thereby setting the first profit grant state in which the game ball easily enters the winning area. And a state in which the second opening / closing member is continuously or intermittently set in the open state to cause a state in which the game ball easily enters the specific game ball passage portion and the specific game during the first profit granting state. When the ball detecting means detects a game ball, the first profit is obtained by setting the first opening / closing member to the open state continuously or intermittently, thereby allowing the game ball to easily enter the winning area. Occurs at least once after the end of the grant state.

In the second profit granting state, the opening / closing member is set to the open state continuously or intermittently within a predetermined upper limit time and until the total number of game balls detected by the winning ball detecting means reaches the predetermined upper limit winning number. Is done. The number of occurrences of the second profit granting state is set for each of the plurality of passing game ball detecting means so that at least two are different from each other. The control means generates the second profit grant state by the number of occurrences corresponding to the passing game ball detection means that has detected the game ball , and during the occurrence of the second profit grant state, the game to the specific game ball passage portion The second opening / closing member is kept closed so as to prohibit the entry of the ball .

In the above configuration, when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, the control means sets the first opening / closing member to the open state continuously or intermittently, thereby providing the first profit that allows the game ball to easily enter the winning area. The state is generated , and the second opening / closing member is set to the open state continuously or intermittently, thereby causing a state in which the game ball easily enters the specific game ball passage portion . When the game ball that has entered from the opened second opening / closing member passes through the specific game ball passage portion during the first profit granting state, the specific game ball detection means detects this. In addition, the game balls that have passed through the specific game ball passage portion are appropriately distributed according to the moving position of the shielding plate, and must pass through any one of the plurality of game ball passage portions, and are provided for each game ball passage portion. Each passing game ball detecting means detects this.

  When the specific game ball detecting means detects the game ball, the control means causes the second profit grant state to occur a predetermined number of times after the end of the first profit grant state. In the second profit granting state, the opening / closing member is set to the open state continuously or intermittently within a predetermined upper limit time and until the total number of game balls detected by the winning ball detection means reaches the predetermined upper limit winning number. Is done. This makes it easier for a game ball to enter the winning area. Here, the number of occurrences of the second profit granting state is set corresponding to the passing game ball detecting means that has detected the game ball. That is, the number of occurrences of the second profit grant state is determined depending on which game ball passage portion the game ball that has passed the specific game ball passage portion passes.

For this reason, during the occurrence of the first profit-giving state, which is a jackpot gaming state, the player's interest increases as to whether or not the game ball first enters the winning area and passes through the specific game ball passage part. After the game ball has passed through the specific game ball passage portion, the player's interest increases with respect to which game ball passage portion the game ball passes through. Therefore, it is possible to change the game during the jackpot game and prevent the player's interest from being lost. In addition, since the game ball passage portion where the entry is blocked changes depending on the moving position of the shielding plate, and the number of occurrences of the second profit granting state differs depending on the game ball passage portion into which the game ball has entered, an unprecedented player Can create a sense of tension and expectation. Furthermore, the second opening / closing member is set to the open state continuously or intermittently during the occurrence of the first profit grant state, but is maintained closed during the occurrence of the second profit grant state. Therefore, in the middle of the second profit granting state, it is possible to prevent the game ball from entering the specific game ball passage part and the specific game ball detection means from detecting the game ball, and the occurrence of erroneous processing in the control means Can be reliably prevented.

  In addition, the control means may select one mode from a plurality of preset modes when the second profit grant state is generated. The plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode in which the set upper limit time is different from the number of occurrences set corresponding to the same passing game ball detecting means. Regarding the upper limit time, the first mode is set shorter than the second mode. With respect to the number of occurrences corresponding to each of the plurality of passing game ball detecting means, the first mode is set to be larger than the second mode.

  In the above configuration, when the first mode is selected when the game ball passes through the specific game ball passage part and the one game ball passage part and the second profit grant state is generated, The upper limit time for opening and closing the opening / closing member is shorter than when the second mode is selected, but the number of occurrences of the second profit granting state is greater than when the second mode is selected. Become.

  Thus, even if the game balls pass through the same game ball passing portion, the upper limit time for opening and closing the opening / closing member and the number of occurrences of the second profit granting state differ depending on the set mode. The player's interest in which mode is set increases, and the game during the jackpot game can be further changed.

  As for the upper limit time, the first mode is set to be shorter than the second mode, and the number of occurrences corresponding to each of the plurality of passing game ball detecting means is the second mode. It is set more than the mode. Therefore, when the game balls pass through the same game ball passing portion, the difference between the first mode and the second mode of the average total number of game balls entering the winning area by the second profit granting state is calculated. It is possible to reduce the size, and the generation of a difference in the number of prize balls between modes can be suppressed as much as possible.

  Further, the plurality of modes may include a first mode and a second mode in which the set upper limit winning number is different from the number of occurrences set corresponding to the same passing game ball detecting means. As for the maximum number of winning prizes, the first mode is set to be smaller than the second mode. With respect to the number of occurrences corresponding to each of the plurality of passing game ball detecting means, the first mode is set to be larger than the second mode.

  In the above configuration, when the first mode is selected when the game ball passes through the specific game ball passage part and the one game ball passage part and the second profit grant state is generated, The upper limit winning number for opening the opening / closing member is small when the second mode is selected, but the number of occurrences of the second profit granting state is larger than when the second mode is selected. .

  As described above, even when the game balls pass through the same game ball passage portion, the upper limit winning number for opening the opening / closing member and the number of occurrences of the second profit granting state differ depending on the set mode. Therefore, the player's interest in which mode is set increases, and the game during the jackpot game can be further changed.

  As for the maximum number of winning prizes, the first mode is set shorter than the second mode, and the number of occurrences corresponding to each of the plurality of passing game ball detecting means is the first mode. More than the second mode. Therefore, when the game balls pass through the same game ball passing portion, the difference between the first mode and the second mode of the average total number of game balls entering the winning area by the second profit granting state is calculated. It is possible to reduce the size, and the generation of a difference in the number of prize balls between modes can be suppressed as much as possible.

  The control means may execute an internal lottery and determine which mode to set according to the lottery result. Further, mode selection means operated by the player may be provided, and the control means may set the mode according to the output signal from the mode selection means.

  Thus, when a mode is determined according to an internal lottery, the player can enjoy the unexpectedness regarding the determination. On the other hand, when the mode selection means is provided, the player can freely select the mode.

  Furthermore, a second opening / closing member that opens and closes the specific game ball passage portion to permit or prohibit entry of the game ball into the specific game ball passage portion may be provided in the winning device. In this case, the control means sets the second opening / closing member to the open state continuously or intermittently for a predetermined time during the occurrence of the first profit granting state, and second during the occurrence of the second profit granting state. The opening / closing member is kept closed.

  In the above configuration, during the second profit granting state, it is possible to prevent the game ball from entering the specific game ball passage part and the specific game ball detection means from detecting the game ball. Can be reliably prevented.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to change the game during the jackpot game and to prevent the player's interest from being lost.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a gaming machine (for example, a ball) that is installed in a place such as a game machine-installed store and that allows a player to play a game based on supply of gaming media (for example, a gaming ball or medal). The structure and operation of a gaming machine or a spinning machine) will be described. In the following description, a winning opening is an entrance of a game ball that triggers a payout of a winning ball, and an accessory is a structure having a winning opening.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store is paid into a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 by paying a value such as cash. Thus, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball used for the game will be described. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, this gaming machine performs an electronic winning lottery when a borrowed game ball is received in a predetermined start winning port (start chucker) 2 and enters a winning state. If the result of the lottery is a win, a ball game that makes the center ball 60 as a winning device easy to win a game ball so that the game state is advantageous to the player from the normal game state Machine (hereinafter referred to as a gaming machine). However, the present invention is not limited to the gaming machine of the present embodiment. For example, in the Law on the Optimization of Customs Business and the Law on the Suitability of Business (Fair Management Optimization Act) and the Law Enforcement Regulations, the pachinko game It can also be applied to those classified as machines.

[Outline of gaming machine structure]
The gaming machine of this embodiment has an outer frame (wooden frame) 4, a main body member (main body) 5, an opening frame door 6, a game board 7, a door 8 with a ball tray, a ball tray 9, and a rotating type as external structures. An operation handle (ball launching handle) 10, a ball lending-related operation unit 11, a stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball tray 9, a mode change operation button 52, and the like are provided on the front side. In addition, this gaming machine has, as an internal structure, a main control device 13, a sub-control device 14, a game ball payout device 15, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a collection passage member 18, a storage tank 19, A passage member (prize ball opening) 20 used when paying out game balls, and a power supply device 21, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device 23, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail in the order of an external structure, an internal structure, a game area configuration, and an electrical configuration with reference to FIGS.

[External structure]
First, the external structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The outer frame 4 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member 5 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 4 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 4 via a hinge portion 26. Moreover, the main body member 5 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside.

  The opening frame door 6 has a lock function 25 and is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable via a hinge portion 26, and is configured in a frame shape. This is a door member having an opening 27 inside thereof. The opening frame door 6 is provided with a transparent plate member 28 made of glass or resin so as to face the opening 27, and an electric decoration 29 and a speaker 30 are attached in the vicinity of the opening 27. Yes.

  The game board 7 has a game area 31 on its board surface, and is detachably attached to the main body member 5 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 5. The game area 31 can be observed from the opening 27 after the game board 7 is mounted on the main body member 5.

The door 8 with a ball tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the following members are attached to the door 8 with a ball tray.
(1) A ball tray 9 in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 23 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 10 having a game ball launch stop button 10a for launching a game ball guided to the launch drive device 23 to a game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7. .
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit 11 including buttons for instructing a prepaid card reading process and a lending process related to a game ball borrowed by a player (hereinafter referred to as a lending ball).
(4) A stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball receiving tray 9 for allowing the player to discharge the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 9 to a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).
(5) A mode change operation button 52 for selecting the state of the center accessory 60 in the second profit granting state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state from two preset modes.

[Internal structure]
Next, the internal structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The main control device 13 functions as a control means according to the present invention, and is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to these. The main control device 13 performs electric game control processing and generates main processing information.

  The sub-control device 14 is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to them, and performs control to execute a predetermined output mode process according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Device. As will be described in detail later, the sub control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a ramp control device 14b, a sound control device 14c, and a payout control device 14d as a game ball payout means.

  The game ball payout device 15 is a device provided with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a game profit (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball) in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined winning condition.

  The ball lending signal control device 16 controls the prepaid card reading processing relationship and the lending lending processing relationship.

  The movable object control device 17 includes a plurality of movable objects (for example, a movable piece 44, an opening / closing member 63, a second opening / closing member 75, a shield, and the like arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Plate 79 or the like), and is provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. Note that the movable object control device 17 of the present embodiment includes a movable piece driving device, an opening / closing member driving device, and a second opening / closing member driving device.

  The collection passage member 18 is a passage for collecting the game balls that have been launched into the game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7 by the rotary operation handle 10 to the back side of the game board 7 (common name, collective bowl). It is the member which becomes.

  The passage member 20 used when paying out the game ball is a member that serves as a passage for guiding a winning ball or a rental ball to the ball tray 9.

  The power supply device 21 is a device that supplies power to each control device in the gaming machine in response to power being turned on.

  When an operation for launching a game ball to the game area 31 is performed via the rotary operation handle 10, the launch control device 22 launches 100 play balls in one minute. And the like, and the launching intensity of the game ball is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation handle 10.

  The launch drive device 23 is a device that activates the launch drive unit for the game ball in accordance with launch control by the launch control device 22 and launches the game ball into the game area 31.

[Composition of game area]
Next, the configuration of the game area 31 of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The game area 31 is partitioned and formed so as to be substantially circular by a guide rail 32 and a game ball regulation rail 33 for sliding the game ball, and regulates the movement range of the game ball launched by the rotary operation handle 10. It is an area. The game ball regulating rail 33 is configured to be continuously connected to the guide rail 32 and is disposed on the board surface of the game board 7.

  Further, in the game area 31, there are a start winning port 2, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 34, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device 35, a predetermined winning port 37, a predetermined passing port (through chucker) 38, an out A mouth 39, a game nail (not shown), a windmill (not shown), a specific reservation number display lamp 41, a passage reservation number display lamp 42, an effect display lamp 43, a center accessory 60, and the like are provided.

  The variable display device 34 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 31, and the winning device 60 is provided integrally with the variable display device 34 above the variable display device 34.

  The winning device 60 includes a winning area 61, a pair of left and right opening / closing members 63, a specific game ball entrance 64 as a specific game ball passage, and three ball outlets 65, 66 communicating with the specific game ball entrance 64. , 67, three gates 68, 69, 70 as game ball passing portions corresponding to the ball outlets 65, 66, 67, and a winning ball collection port 71 arranged at the bottom of the winning area 61, Have.

  The winning area 61 is defined in the winning device 60 and has openings 62 on both the left and right sides of the upper portion thereof. Each opening / closing member 63 has a size and shape capable of closing each opening 62, and is supported by the winning device 60 so as to be rotatable around its lower end. The opening / closing member 63 is rotationally driven by an opening / closing member driving device (not shown) such as a solenoid or a motor, and opens / closes the opening 62 when a first profit provision state and a second profit provision state described later occur. . When the opening 62 is opened by the opening and closing member 63, the game ball 90 easily enters the winning area 61, and when the opening 62 is closed, the game ball is prevented from entering the winning area 61. Is done. The opening 62 is provided with a winning area detection sensor 47 c as a winning ball detection means for detecting a game ball entering the winning area 61 from the opening 62.

  A stage forming member 74 having a substantially L-shaped cross section for forming an upper stage 72 and a lower stage 73 arranged above and below is provided below the winning area 61. The upper stage 72 and the lower stage 73 are respectively disposed on the rear side (back side as viewed from the player) and the front side (front side as viewed from the player). A front end region collar of the upper stage 72 extends above the rear part of the lower stage 73. Further, the front end region collar portion of the upper stage 72 and the lower stage 73 are inclined forward and downward, respectively.

  A specific game ball entrance 64 is formed at an approximately center in the left-right direction of the upper stage 72. The specific game ball entrance 64 is formed by an opening extending downward in the stage forming member 74. Three game nails 76 arranged in a triangular shape are provided above the specific game ball entrance 64, and a pair of second opening / closing members 75 as second opening / closing means are provided on the left and right sides, respectively. The second opening / closing member 75 is supported by the winning device 60 so as to be rotatable around its lower end. The second opening / closing member 75 is rotationally driven by a second opening / closing member driving device (not shown) such as a solenoid or a motor, and opens / closes above the specific game ball entrance 64. When the second opening / closing member 75 is opened, the game ball easily enters the specific game ball entrance 64. In a state in which the second opening / closing member 75 is closed, the second opening / closing member 75 prevents the game ball from entering the specific game ball entrance 64 together with the game nail 76.

  Three outlets 65, 66, and 67 are formed at the rearmost part (the innermost part) of the lower stage 73, each of which has an opening hole extending rearward inside the stage forming member 74. The ball outlets 65, 66, and 67 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Each of the ball outlets 65, 66, and 67 communicates with the specific game ball entrance 64 inside the stage forming member 74. The communication path inside the stage forming member 74 extends substantially vertically downward from the specific game ball entrance 64 and then branches in three directions on the way and is connected to the ball exits 65, 66, and 67, respectively.

  Here, the internal structure of the stage forming member 74 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a part of the stage forming member 74 in a broken state.

  A space 91 that extends in the left-right direction is formed inside the stage forming member 74, and the specific game ball entrance 64 and the ball exits 65, 66, and 67 communicate with the space 91, respectively. The upper end 64 a of the specific game ball entrance 64 is opened at the upper surface 72 a of the upper stage 72, and the lower end 64 b is opened at the inner upper surface 91 a of the space portion 91. Upper ends 65 a, 66 a, 67 a of the ball outlets 65, 66, 67 are opened at the inner lower surface 91 b of the space portion 91, and lower ends 65 b, 66 b, 67 b are opened at the front surface 72 b of the upper stage 72. Each ball outlet 65, 66, 67 is inclined downward on the player side from its upper end 65a, 66a, 67a toward its lower end 65b, 66b, 67b.

  In the space portion 91, a shielding plate 79 extending in a substantially horizontal direction from the game board surface side to the player side is provided so as to be reciprocally movable in the left-right direction. The moving path of the shielding plate 79 is set between the lower end 64b of the specific game ball entrance 64 and the upper ends 65a, 66a, 67a of the ball outlets 65, 66, 67. The upper end 65a, 66a, 67a of 67 is sequentially moved above. Due to the moving shielding plate 79, the upper ends 65a, 66a, 67a of the respective ball outlets 65, 66, 67 are sequentially changed into a state where the entry of the game ball from the space portion 91 is permitted and a state where the game ball is prevented from entering. The shielding plate 79 is moved in a regular manner (constant speed), for example, by a shielding plate driving device (not shown) such as a solenoid or a motor.

  The game balls that have entered the specific game ball entrance 64 fall from the lower end 64b to the space portion 91, are distributed within the space portion 91, and enter any one of the ball outlets 65, 66, and 67, and the lower ends thereof. It is discharged from 65b, 66b, 67b. At this time, the moving shielding plate 79 is involved in determining the ball outlets 65, 66, and 67 through which the game ball enters by contacting the game ball. That is, the ball outlets 65, 66, and 67 from which the game ball is discharged are determined depending on the behavior of the game ball and the operation of the shielding plate 79 at that time. Further, the interval between the inner upper surface 91a of the space 91 where the lower end 64b of the specific game ball entrance 64 is formed and the shielding plate 79 is set to be 1 or more and less than 2 game balls. For this reason, even when the shielding plate 79 is located immediately below the lower end 64b of the specific game ball entrance 64, the game ball falling from the lower end 64b of the specific game ball entrance 64 is the specific game ball entrance 64. Without stopping inside, one ball is surely dropped into the space portion 91 and is well distributed to the left and right by contact with the shielding plate 79.

  Gates 68, 69, and 70 are provided in front of the ball outlets 65, 66, and 67 of the lower stage 73, respectively. The game balls discharged from the ball outlets 65, 66, and 67 pass through the gates 68, 69, and 70 corresponding to the ball outlets 65, 66, and 67, and roll down on the lower stage 73 toward the front lower side. Note that the gates 68, 69, and 70 are arranged below the front end region collar of the upper stage 72 in order to prevent contact between the game balls falling from the upper stage 72 to the lower stage 73 and the gates 68, 69, and 70. ing.

  At the front and lower ends of the lower stage 73, left and right guide plates 77 are provided for receiving the falling game balls and guiding them to the approximate center in the left-right direction. Between both guide plates 77, a ball drop groove 78 is formed for dropping the guided game ball downward. A winning ball collection port 71 is provided below the ball dropping groove 78.

  A specific game ball detection sensor 47h as a specific game ball detection means is provided at the specific game ball entrance 64, and a pass game ball detection sensor 47i, 47j, 47k as a pass game ball detection means is provided at each of the gates 68, 69, and 70. The winning ball collection port 71 is provided with a special winning ball detection sensor 47b as a winning ball detection means, and each sensor 47h, 47i, 47j, 47k, 47b detects an incoming game ball.

  The game ball that has entered the winning area 61 from the opening 62 by opening the opening 62 falls toward the upper stage 72. The game ball that has entered the specific game ball entrance 64 at the time of the fall is discharged from one of the ball outlets 65, 66, and 67, passes through the corresponding gates 68, 69, and 70, and is moved downward and forward to the lower stage 73. It rolls up, falls in the ball drop groove 78, and is collected from the winning ball collection port 71. On the other hand, a game ball that does not enter the specific game ball entrance 64 falls from the front end of the upper stage 72, rolls forward and downward on the lower stage 73, falls in the ball drop groove 78, and wins a winning ball collection port 71. Recovered from. That is, the winning ball collection port 71 collects all game balls that have entered the winning area 61.

  The variable display device 34 has identification information in accordance with a result of an electronic winning lottery executed in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, winning a game ball into a predetermined winning opening). The display control device stops display after variably displaying the identification display information (for example, a symbol, a character, a background image, etc.). The variable display device 34 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a drum display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, or an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device. .

  The LED display device 35 is a device that displays various information to the player using LEDs. For example, a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball passes through a predetermined passage, etc.). In accordance with the result of the electronic winning lottery executed according to the above, the identification lighting information as identification information is variably displayed by the LED and then stopped and displayed.

  The predetermined winning opening 37 is a structure provided with a plurality of openings at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and having openings for receiving the falling game balls. In addition, the start winning port 2 and the winning ball collection port 71 are also included in the predetermined winning port 37.

  Here, the start winning port 2 is one of a plurality of winning ports, and includes an electric movable piece 44 that expands and contracts the opening range of the winning port, and the game ball wins the winning port. In response to this, the variable display device variably displays the identification display information, and is a winning opening for allowing the player to acquire a prize ball. Hereinafter, a plurality of predetermined winning ports 37 other than the start winning port 2 and the winning ball collection port 71 are referred to as other winning ports 37.

  A predetermined number of the predetermined passage openings 38 are provided at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and are structures having gates that allow the falling game balls to pass therethrough.

  The out port 39 is a game ball collection opening provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged.

  The game nail has a plurality of rod shapes that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface of the game board 7 in order to make the movement direction of the game ball irregular by making contact with the game ball or to regulate the movement direction of the game ball. It is a member.

  The windmill is a rotating member that can rotate by contact with a game ball.

  The specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is a light-emitting device that notifies the on-hold state relating to the start of variable display after winning the winning prize opening 2 by turning on or off.

  The passing hold number display lamp 42 is a light emitting device that notifies the holding state relating to the start of variable display after the passage to the predetermined passage port 38 is turned on or off.

  The effect display lamp 43 is a light-emitting device that has various lighting modes according to changes in the gaming state after the power is turned on.

[Electrical configuration]
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as an electrical configuration, a CR unit 1, a main control device 13, a sub control device 14, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a power supply device 21, and a launch control device 22. , A firing drive device 23, a detection sensor 47, a centralized management device 48, and the like. Since the configurations of the CR unit 1, the ball lending signal control device 16, the movable object control device 17, the power supply device 21, the firing control device 22, and the firing drive device 23 are as described above, description thereof will be omitted below. .

  The main controller 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13a constituting a control means, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13b for storing a predetermined control program (computer program). The RAM (Random Access Memory) 13c that temporarily stores the generated processing information and deletes the stored information, the frequency generation circuit unit 13d that generates a periodic signal, and the like are included in the gaming machine. It is a device that performs main information processing and generates processing information to be input to the sub-control device 14.

  The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, a voice control device 14c, and a payout control device 14d, and performs predetermined output mode processing according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. The sub-control device 14 may be configured as a device for each output mode process, or may be configured by combining a plurality of output mode processes. Each control device constituting the sub-control device 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM so that the processing can be executed independently according to the processing information.

  Here, the symbol control device 14a is identified by controlling the variable display device 34 or the LED display device 35 via the video display processor (VDP) 50 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that performs control to stop and display after lighting information or identification display information is variably displayed.

  The lamp control device 14b is used for effects provided in the electrical decorations 29 (including effect notification lamps, payout lamps, trouble lamps) and the game area 31 of the opening frame door 6 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that controls lighting of the display lamp (electric decoration) 43, the specific hold number display lamp 41, the passing hold number display lamp 42, or the like. The information represented by the specific hold number display lamp 41 or the passing hold number display lamp 42 may be notified as identification display information by the variable display device 34.

  The voice control device 14c is a device that controls the voice generation device 51 such as the speaker 30 and the sound processor according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13 to generate voice.

  The payout control device 14d is a device that performs control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by the game ball payout device 15 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Further, the payout control device 14d refers to the data information stored in the prepaid card read into the CR unit 1 via the ball lending signal control device 16 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13, and determines a predetermined value. It is a device that performs control to pay out a number of rented balls and counts and manages the number of lent out balls.

  The detection sensor 47 includes a start winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error detection sensor 47g. The specific game ball detection sensor 47h and the passing game ball detection sensors 47i, 47j, and 47k. Each detection sensor includes a start winning port 2, a winning ball collecting port 71, an opening 62 of the winning device 60, a predetermined passing port 38, other predetermined winning ports 37, a winning ball port 20, and a ball that is likely to be clogged. It is provided in the vicinity of the ball passage 49a of the passage member 49, the specific game ball entrance 64, and each of the gates 68, 69, and 70, and detects whether or not a game ball has passed in each place.

  The centralized management device 48 is a device that manages processing information generated by the main control device 13 outside the gaming machine.

[Game machine operation]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into the operations of the main control device 13, the sub control device 14, and the movable object control device 17.

[Operation of main controller]
First, the operation of the main controller 13 that performs main game control will be described.

  The power supply device 21 supplies power to the electrical control device of the gaming machine in response to power being turned on. Then, when the power is supplied, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 checks the following necessary confirmation items as an initial setting, and checks whether or not the gaming machine is in an appropriate activated state.

  Specifically, first, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 determines whether or not a switch (not shown) for clearing processing information stored in the RAM 13c is in an on state. When the switch is on, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 deletes the processing information stored in the RAM 13c such as prize ball information and game history information as unnecessary residual data, and stores predetermined processing information in the RAM 13c. It is checked whether or not it can be stored normally. If the check result indicates that the data can be stored normally, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 permits the shift to the main routine process and notifies the sub control device 14 of the start of the main control activation. Process information etc. are generated.

  On the other hand, if the switch is not on, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 determines whether or not the backup flag is set. If the backup flag is set, the same check and Permits transition to main routine processing. On the contrary, when the backup flag is not set, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 determines whether or not the processing information (the contents of the storage area) stored in the RAM 13c is broken and stores it in the RAM 13c. When it is determined that the processed information is not “broken”, the same check as described above and permission to shift to the main routine are performed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing information stored in the RAM 13c is “broken”, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 generates an unforeseen power failure, failure, processing error, etc. before the power is turned on. It is determined that the error has occurred, and after the error cancellation recovery process is performed, control is performed to start the process from the point of power-off when the error occurred.

  Here, the main routine processing in the present embodiment is executed by a control program (computer program) stored in advance in the ROM 13b provided in the main control device 13. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs, as main routine processing, random number update processing, input detection reception processing, input management processing, mode setting processing, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp management processing, Preparation ball payout processing, external information management processing, and output management processing are performed.

  The main routine processing is to generate a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) by frequency division setting based on a periodic signal generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, and to match the generated timing pulse. The CPU 13a is a basic routine that repeatedly executes a control execution process including reading and updating of each of the processes, writing and storing, or deletion of the memory.

  Hereinafter, each process of the main routine process will be described in detail.

"Random number update process"
The random number update process is a process of setting a lottery game process and a random number generation range composed of a group of a plurality of predetermined numerical groups for each individual type, and generating a random number based on this setting. The random number in the present embodiment is a random number generation program in which a random number generation range corresponding to each lottery game process is set (for example, the random number generation range for determination of success / failure is 0 to 699, the random number generation range for determining the variation pattern is 0 to 39, the display symbol determination random number generation range is 0 to 11 etc.), and means a numerical value when the numerical value is updated by +1 within the random number generation range according to the timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds). . The random number update process is not limited to a software process by a control program stored in the ROM 13b of the main control device 13, but a random number update process based on a random number generation unit that is a physical device provided outside. This random number may be taken into the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 to perform a random number extraction control process.

"Input detection reception process"
The input detection reception process includes a start winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error detection sensor. 47g, whether there is input information generated by the specific game ball detection sensor 47h, the passing game ball detection sensors 47i, 47j, 47k, and the mode change operation button 52, according to the timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds). This is a process of monitoring and receiving input information from a sensor.

"Input management process"
The input management process analyzes the input information received by the input detection reception process, and, for example, according to the analysis result such as from which detection sensor the input signal is, Performs processing such as counting management of the number of game balls, time management from the time of reception related to winning detection until control processing based on the winning is started, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, and normal symbol control processing described later In the lamp management process and the prize ball payout process, the process result can be used as appropriate.

"Mode setting process"
In the mode setting process, a mode in a second profit granting state to be described later is set to one of a first mode and a second mode set in advance according to a mode change signal from the mode change operation button 52. It is processing to do.

"Abnormality monitoring process"
The abnormality monitoring process includes error processing information in the input management process, such as a capacity over error when the game ball is stored in the ball tray 9, a ball clogging error when the game ball flows, a defect error when executing the control process, and the like. Is generated according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds), and when error processing information is generated, notification processing information of an output mode corresponding to the error processing information is generated. It is processing to do. Further, in this abnormality monitoring process, when the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 receives the process information for canceling the error state by the input management process, the CPU 13a also generates notification process information on the output mode of the error cancellation.

  Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated notification processing information to the sub-control device 14 side, and stores the notification processing information as an error notification output mode in the abnormality monitoring processing (for example, RAM 13c). To remember. Note that the notification process information stored for transmission to the sub-control device 14 side means, for example, a “preceding command number” meaning an abnormality monitoring process in a normal gaming state and an error output mode of notification to be executed. It consists of a combination with the “following command number”. Hereinafter, the processing information generated in the main routine processing is a combination of a “preceding command number” meaning what processing in what gaming state and a “following command number” meaning a predetermined output mode to be executed (hereinafter, Simply referred to as a number or a command number).

"Special symbol control process"
In the special symbol control process, an electronic winning / losing lottery is performed in response to receiving input information from a starting winning ball detection sensor 47a provided in the vicinity of the starting winning opening 2, and in the case of winning, a normal game The first profit grant state or the second profit grant state, which is a game state advantageous to the player from the state (a jackpot game state), is generated to make it easier for the game ball to win the winning area 61 of the center accessory 60 It is processing. In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 also performs a process related to display control of identification display information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol) by the variable display device 34.

  Here, the special symbol is a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, three symbols of left, middle, and right) that variably display the result of the winning / failing lottery based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 2. When the lottery result is a win, a plurality of identification information is displayed in a display mode stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, a state in which all three symbols of left, middle, and right are aligned with the same symbol) Thereby, it is notified that the game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player has been shifted. In such a gaming state, a state in which more prize balls can be acquired in a shorter time than in the normal gaming state occurs continuously. On the other hand, if the lottery result is out of place, a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped in a display mode other than a predetermined combination (for example, at least one of the three symbols of left, middle, and right is different from the other). Thus, it is notified that the normal gaming state is continuing.

  Moreover, the variable display in the special symbol is a mode in which a plurality of different special symbols (for example, 12 types) set in advance are periodically displayed at a predetermined speed in a plurality of display areas (for example, This is a display method performed in three ways (left, middle, right, etc.). Hereinafter, the effect in the variable display and the background fluctuation (including character display) accompanying the variable display is referred to as a notification effect.

  In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 receives the winning of the game ball in the start winning opening 2 as an opportunity, and determines whether or not the lottery is determined according to the comparison of the predetermined numerical values by random number extraction. In order to perform such display control, a random number for determining whether or not to shift to an advantageous gaming state for determining whether or not to win (lottery) and a variable display according to the determination result of whether or not the variable display device 34 is used. Random number update processing generates a random number for determining a variation pattern for providing a notification effect and a random number for determining a special symbol for setting a stop display according to the determination result of the variable display device 34 in the same manner. To do. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 individually reads the generated random numbers and stores them in the storage means as acquired random numbers.

  Further, in this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the condition on the condition that the preceding control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control has not already been performed at the time of obtaining the random number. The determination is made by comparing the acquired random number with a comparison value for success / failure preset in the table as a numerical distribution data group, and the result information is stored in the storage means.

  Next, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the variation pattern comparison numerical value for winning or losing that has been classified and stored in advance in the table on the basis of the success / failure, and the stored obtained random number for determining the variation pattern. Then, by comparing and comparing according to the success / failure information stored in the storage means, the determination of the variation pattern is performed, and the variation pattern information (pattern number) used for hit or miss as a result is stored in the storage means.

  Further, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 compares special symbols in a stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment mode) that is preliminarily classified and stored in the table based on whether or not it is correct. The special symbol determination is performed by comparing the stored numerical value and the stored random number for determining the special symbol with the stored determination information according to the variation pattern information to be used for hitting or losing. Each of the plurality of special symbols obtained from the result is individually stopped and displayed, and special symbol information (left, middle and right special symbol numbers) for hitting or losing is stored in the storage means.

  Here, comparing and comparing according to a table having a numerical value for fluctuation pattern comparison or a special symbol comparison numerical value and an acquired random number corresponding thereto, This is the process of finding a match by determining the match of the combination with the acquired random number corresponding to, and if it is not, determining the match of the combination of the comparison numerical value for removal and the corresponding acquired random number. . Then, a variation pattern number for winning or losing according to the match or a plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing are stored in the storage means.

  In addition, at the time of acquisition of the random number by the random number generating means, it is said that “the determination of success / failure is made on the condition that the advance control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control is not performed”, but the trigger condition is arbitrarily set The design can be changed.

By the special symbol control process described so far, the following information is generated as process information obtained after winning at the start winning opening 2.
(1) A variation pattern number for winning or losing.
(2) A plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing that temporarily stop display (including fine motion display) for a predetermined variable display area.
(3) A fixed stop instruction number for making a stop display mode for a plurality of special symbols that are temporarily stopped.
(4) A jackpot transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure.

  Then, when transmitting the variation pattern number and the plurality of special symbol numbers to the sub-control device 14 side through an output management process described later, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 sets the control processing execution time corresponding to the determined variation pattern. Set the timer to update the timer that performs the count calculation process. It should be noted that the fixed stop instruction number and the jackpot transition instruction number in case of winning in the determination of success / failure are transmitted via the output management process at a timing corresponding to the elapse of the control process execution time by the timer.

  Therefore, whether or not to shift to a game state advantageous to the player is determined by, for example, a lottery game process for determination of success / failure, and “special use” associated with 0 to 697 “exclusion numbers” for normal use. In the random number update process, the “number” and 700 “random number generation range” including “special value” associated as a more useful hit than the normal use are set to correspond to each other, As a result of determining whether or not the obtained random number is “special value” or “special value”, the updated value is read and acquired as a random number at a timing corresponding to the winning time of the game ball at the start winning port 2 Determined by. That is, when the winning determination is a 1/350 lottery probability triggered by the winning, the condition for shifting is satisfied.

  In addition, when the combination of the special symbols (for example, the left, middle, and right special symbols are of the same type) is used for the stop and display mode to shift to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, one step before that The undecided display is referred to as a so-called reach effect. The contents of various other notification effects including such reach effect are as follows: (a) the result of the hit / decision determination, and (b) the aforementioned This is determined based on the obtained random numbers for determining the variation pattern and for determining the special symbol, which are read out according to the winning timing of the game ball with respect to the start winning opening 2. In other words, the variable display device 34 via the symbol control device 14a can perform variable display at random.

  In the case where a preceding control process such as a notification effect process by special symbol control has been performed at the time of acquisition of a random number by the random number generating means, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 until the control process ends. In order to store the acquired random number related to the special symbol control as the read result or the processing information for executing the display mode in the storage unit and notify the storage, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is stored every time the random number is stored. Lighting command information to be transmitted to the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) is generated.

  Then, based on the timer that is updated by the count calculation that is set to manage the transition of the variation display time of the variation pattern that is variably displayed, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 notifies the stop display mode notification time. At the same time, unnecessary acquired random numbers or processing information stored in the storage means are deleted, and when the fixed stop instruction number is transmitted, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned off one by one. That is, the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) uses the fixed stop instruction number as the turn-off command processing information when the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned on.

  In this embodiment, when the acquired random number or processing information is stored in the storage means, an upper limit number (for example, 5) of the acquired random number or processing information to be stored is determined in advance, and the prior control processing is performed. When the total storage number including the storage of the acquired random number or processing information is the upper limit, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores it as an invalid condition even if the condition for generating the acquired random number or processing information is satisfied No special symbol control is performed.

  Also, in this special symbol control process, the result of determination of whether or not to shift to the advantageous gaming state (big hit gaming state) is a hit, and in order to notify the winning result, a predetermined combination of the special symbols is predetermined. When executing the displayed stop display mode, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs the following processing.

  First, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 causes the first profit granting state when the result of the determination is successful, and opens or closes the opening / closing member 63 of the center accessory 60 continuously or intermittently. Generate processing information. Then, a predetermined upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses, or the total number of game balls (total number of game balls that have entered the winning area 61) detected by the winning area detection sensor 47c is determined in advance. When the number of winnings (for example, 10) is reached, processing information for controlling closing of the opening / closing member 63 is generated.

  Next, when the game ball that has entered the winning area 61 during the first profit grant state enters the specific game ball entrance 64 and the special winning ball detection sensor 47b detects the game ball, the CPU 13a After the profit granting state ends, the second profit granting state is subsequently generated at least once. In each second profit granting state, processing information for opening or closing the opening / closing member 63 of the center accessory 60 continuously or intermittently is generated. When the predetermined upper limit time elapses or the total number of game balls detected by the winning area detection sensor 47c (total number of game balls entering the winning area 61) reaches a predetermined upper limit winning number, the opening / closing member 63 is moved. Processing information for creating a closed state is generated.

  Here, the number of occurrences for continuously repeating the second profit granting state is set in advance corresponding to each gate 68, 69, 70 (each passing game ball detection sensor 47i, 47j, 47k). In addition, the number of occurrences that continuously repeat the second profit granting state and the predetermined upper limit time are divided for each mode (first mode and second mode) and stored in a table in the ROM 13b or RAM 13c. Is set. As for the upper limit time, the first mode is set longer than the second mode (for example, the upper limit time of the first mode is set to 6 seconds and the upper limit time of the second mode is set to 3 seconds, respectively. The number of occurrences corresponding to each of the gates 68, 69, and 70 is set to be larger in the first mode than in the second mode. For example, in the table corresponding to the first mode, the number of occurrences corresponding to the gates 68, 69, and 70 is set to 1, 3, and 2 respectively, and the upper limit time corresponding to each gate 68, 69, and 70 is set. Are both set to 6 seconds. On the other hand, in the table corresponding to the second mode, the number of occurrences corresponding to the gates 68, 69, and 70 is 2 times, 6 times, and 4 times, respectively, and the upper limit time corresponding to each gate 68, 69, and 70. Are both set to 3 seconds. In this case, the predetermined upper limit winning numbers are all set equal. In addition, when a plurality of game balls pass through different gates 68, 69, and 70 in the first profit granting state, it may be set so that the largest number of occurrences among them is adopted. The number of occurrences corresponding to the gates 68, 69, 70 having the largest number of game balls may be set to be adopted.

  Based on the mode change signal from the mode change operation button 52, the CPU 13a reads the number of occurrences and the upper limit time from the table corresponding to the mode selected by the player, and detects passing game ball detection sensors 47i and 47j that detect the game ball. , 47k (the gates 68, 69, 70 through which the game balls have passed) are generated in accordance with the number of occurrences and the upper limit time, and processing information for generating the second profit granting state is generated.

  Further, at the time of the validity determination by comparing the acquisition random number for the success and the table of comparison values for the success / failure, the acquired random number is “corresponding to a predetermined special value (for example, corresponding to the transition to the hit probability increasing fluctuation state”). If it is determined that the winning is based on “the numerical value)”, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 uses, for example, a winning probability of 1/350 to 1/75 for the table used after the advantageous gaming state ends. The reference table is changed to a table having a high probability of winning, and thereafter, until the number of variable displays based on winning in the start winning port 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times) or special When a condition determined to be a winning related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change is generated. A gaming state controlled by such processing information is referred to as a privilege gaming state.

  Further, as another embodiment in the privilege gaming state, when a table in which a variation display time related to one variation pattern is set with a shorter variation pattern compared to that in the normal gaming state is provided, and it is determined that it is a hit by a special random number The CPU 13a of the main control device 13 changes the reference table to the table, until the number of variable displays based on the winning to the start winning port 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times), or special If a condition determined to be a win related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change may be generated. That is, in the present invention, the form of the privilege gaming state is not concerned.

"Normal design control processing"
The normal symbol control process is a process for making the game state advantageous to the player, and electronic determination of lottery in response to receiving input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d provided in the vicinity of the predetermined passing port 38. In the case of winning, the movable pieces 44 provided on both sides of the entrance of the start winning opening 2 are enlarged to expand the opening range, and the launched game balls are made easy to enter the start winning opening 2. . In this normal symbol control process, the LED display device 35 also performs a process of controlling display of identification information called a normal symbol.

  Here, the normal symbol is a predetermined number of pieces of identification information for variably displaying or blinking the result of the success / failure lottery according to the input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d (for example, “O · −” → winning symbol, “ − · × ”→ off symbol). When the lottery result is a win, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are displayed in a specific combination that is stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, “O · −”), and thereby a gaming state advantageous for the player (for example, , Small hit) is notified. In such a gaming state, compared to the normal gaming state, a state in which a launched game ball is likely to win a prize occurs once or continuously. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the predetermined number of pieces of identification information becomes a display mode (eg, “− · ×”) that is stopped in a combination other than a predetermined specific combination, and thus the normal gaming state continues. Is informed. In the present invention, instead of the LED display device 35 that controls the display of identification information, the variable display device 34 or a drum-type or dot-matrix type display device may be used, regardless of the display method.

  In this normal symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 determines whether or not to activate the movable piece 44 that expands the start winning port 2 when the game ball passes through the predetermined passing port 38. A random number for success / failure is generated by the random number update process. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 reads the generated random number and stores it in the storage means as an acquired random number.

  In addition, in this normal symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the determination whether or not the preceding control process such as the notification effect process by the normal symbol control has not already been performed at the time of obtaining the random number. The determination is made by comparing the obtained random number for use with the comparison value for success / failure preset in the table for the numerical distribution data, and the result of the determination is stored in the storage means as the success / failure information.

  Next, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 compares the stored fluctuation random number for hitting or losing, which is classified and stored in advance in the table on the basis of the success / failure, with the stored acquisition random number for the success / failure. Thus, the determination of the variation pattern is performed, and the variation pattern information for blinking display for winning or losing is stored in the storage means according to the result.

  Further, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 compares the normal value comparison numerical value for winning or losing, which has been classified and stored in advance in the table based on the result, with the stored acquired random number for success / failure. Then, the normal symbol determination is performed, and the normal symbol information for the stop display for winning or losing is stored in the storage means according to the result.

  In the above, the comparison between the obtained random number and the table having the fluctuation pattern comparison numerical value or the normal symbol comparison numerical value is a case where the matching judgment of the combination of the winning comparison numerical value and the corresponding acquired random number is true. Yes, it is a case where the matching judgment of the combination of the comparison numerical value for losing and the acquired random number corresponding to this is irrelevant. Then, a variation pattern number for winning or losing according to the match or a plurality of normal symbol numbers for winning or losing are stored in the storage means.

  In addition, at the time when the random number generated by the random number generating means is acquired by the normal symbol control process, the determination as to whether or not to win is made based on the condition that “advanced control such as notification effect processing by the normal symbol control is not performed. However, the trigger condition can be arbitrarily changed in design.

The following information is generated as the processing information obtained after the passing state at the predetermined passing port 38 is achieved by the normal symbol control processing described so far.
(1) A variation pattern number for winning or losing.
(2) Normal symbol number for winning or losing.
(3) A fixed stop instruction number for setting a stop display mode for a normal symbol that is variably displayed or blinked.
(4) The small hit transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure.

  Then, when transmitting the variation pattern number and the normal symbol number to the sub-control device 14 side through the output management processing described later, the variation control processing execution time of the variation pattern is set corresponding to the determined variation pattern. The timer that is set by the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 and performs count calculation processing is updated. It should be noted that, at a timing corresponding to the elapse of the control processing execution time by the timer, the confirmed stop instruction number and the small hit transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success or failure are transmitted via the output management process.

  Accordingly, whether or not to shift to a game state advantageous to the player is determined by, for example, a lottery game process for determining whether or not the game is successful, 0 to 48 “numbers for losing”, and “number for identification” associated with small hits. Is set in the random number update process so as to be associated with a random number generation range consisting of a total of 50, and a numerical value updated at a timing according to the passage of the game ball described above is acquired as a random number, This is determined based on the result of whether or not the acquired random number is “specific numerical value”. In other words, when the game ball passes through the passage opening, the process shifts to a normal symbol process that is a hit determination with a 1/50 lottery probability.

  If a prior control process such as a notification effect process by the normal symbol control is performed at the time when the random number generated by the random number generation means is acquired in the normal symbol control process, it is a read result until the control process ends. In order to store the acquired random number related to the normal symbol control or the processing information for executing the display mode in the storage means, and to notify that it has been stored, one pass pending number display lamp 42 for each random number storage, etc. The CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs processing for generating lighting command processing information to be transmitted to the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) side in order to light up.

  Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs the stop display mode notification time based on the timer that is updated by the count calculation that is set to manage the transition of the variable display time of the variable pattern that is variably displayed. At the same time, unnecessary acquired random numbers or processing information stored in the storage means are deleted, and when the fixed stop instruction number is transmitted, the passage hold number display lamps 42 are turned off one by one. That is, the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) uses the fixed stop instruction number as the turn-off command processing information when the lighting processing of the passage hold number display lamp 42 is being performed.

  In this embodiment, when the acquired random number or processing information is stored in the storage means, an upper limit number (for example, 5) of the acquired random number or processing information to be stored is determined in advance, and the prior control processing is performed. If the total storage number including the storage of the acquired random number or processing information is the upper limit, even if the condition for generating the acquired random number or processing information is satisfied, the control process for storing is not performed as the invalid condition is satisfied, It is not determined whether or not the normal symbol control is correct.

  Further, in the normal symbol control process, when a win / no-go determination is made as to whether or not the gaming state is advantageous for the player, the winning result is notified. The notification method is performed by executing a predetermined stop display mode based on blinking display of normal symbols. In this case, the following processing is also performed.

That is, in order to achieve the advantageous gaming state corresponding to the win,
(A) The pair of movable pieces 44 that have been configured to reduce the opening range with respect to the start winning opening 2 are operated to expand the opening range for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) (start winning opening) 2)
(B) Then return to the original state,
Processing information for instructing to perform the above process a predetermined number of times (for example, once) is generated.

  Note that the maintenance time when the pair of movable pieces 44 is expanded is, for example, when the special symbol control process is shifted to the special gaming state by the hit determination when the special numerical value is acquired as a random number. 0.2 to 1.7 seconds, and the expansion / contraction time of the pair of movable pieces 44 is preferably changed from once to twice.

  Further, as another embodiment in the privilege gaming state, the winning probability at the time of determination of success / failure is reduced from 1/50 to 1/10 by comparing the acquisition random number for success / failure with a table of comparison values for success / failure The reference table may be changed to a table with a high winning probability.

  In addition, a table in which a short fluctuation pattern for shortening the blinking display time related to one fluctuation pattern from 29 seconds in the normal time to 5.1 seconds is provided, and the reference table is changed to the table. Instructing to return to the table before the change until the number of variable displays based on the winning to the start winning opening 2 reaches a predetermined number or when the condition determined to be special symbol control is satisfied. Processing information may be generated.

  In other words, in the present invention, the form of the privilege gaming state is not concerned. Note that the period from the start time to the end time for variable display or blinking display is normally 29 seconds, but it may be shortened to 5.1 seconds.

  Alternatively, a table in which a short variation pattern is set may be provided, and the reference table may be changed to the table after the jackpot gaming state ends to shift to the short-time gaming state. The short-time gaming state is determined until the special symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined number of times (the lottery for generating the jackpot gaming state is executed a predetermined number of times) or as a win related to the special symbol control (the jackpot gaming state is generated). The process ends when the processing information for instructing to return the reference table to the table before the change is generated. At this time, in the short game state, the blinking display time related to one variation pattern is shortened, and the chance of determination of success / failure per unit time increases, so the number of times (time) the start winning opening 2 is released per unit time increases. Thereby, the winning rate of the game balls to the start winning opening 2 is increased, so that the player can play the game without reducing the game balls. Note that the short-time gaming state may be generated only after the end of the jackpot gaming state immediately after the bonus gaming state, not after the completion of all jackpot gaming states.

"Lamp management process"
The lamp management process monitors whether or not there is processing information relating to lamp lighting, such as winning process information generated in the input management process, in accordance with a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds). This is a process for generating light emission processing information that is an output mode corresponding to the processing information when there is processing information related to the processing information. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated light emission processing information to the sub-control device 14 side, and stores the light emission processing information in the storage means so as to be executed as a lighting notification output mode in the lamp management processing. .

"Preparation ball payout processing"
In the preparation ball payout process, there is processing information related to prize ball payout such as winning process information generated in the input management process, or processing information related to ball payout is generated from the ball lending signal control device 16. This is a process of generating payout operation information that is an output mode corresponding to the payout processing information when there is processing information relating to the payout or ball payout. . Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated payout operation information to the sub-control device 14 side, and stores the payout operation information in the storage means to be executed as an output mode of the payout operation in the preparation ball payout process. To do. Further, in this process, when the payout operation information is generated, the operation time related to the game ball payout control and the number of times for each operation of paying out one game ball are counted by a predetermined counting means. The total value is set by the CPU 13a of the main controller 13, and execution management of the payout operation is performed. The preparation ball is a game ball prepared in advance for paying out a prize ball or paying out a ball.

"External information management process"
The external information management process determines whether the storage information stored in the storage means generated for transmission to the sub-control device 14 side is storage information necessary when managing outside the gaming machine, This is processing for transmitting stored information to be managed according to the determination result to the centralized management device 48 side.

"Output management process"
The output management process is an output for transmitting processing information generated by the abnormality monitoring process, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, the lamp management process, and the preparation ball payout process to the sub-control device 14 side. This is a process of editing the data and transmitting the output edited storage information together with a strobe (STB) signal for notifying the output timing of the processing information.

[Operation of sub-control unit]
Next, the operation of the sub control device 14 will be described.

  The sub-control device 14 performs an initial setting at the start of activation upon power-on, and performs a check process for necessary confirmation items. If the check processing result is normal, the shift to the main routine processing in the sub-control device 14 is permitted, and main control activation start information, which is stored information transmitted from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13, is received. .

  The main routine process of the sub-control device 14 is a main control program stored in advance in the ROM provided in each of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, the voice control device 14c, and the payout control device 14d. In accordance with a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) generated by the frequency derivation circuit unit 13d, a basic routine for repeatedly executing a control execution process including read update, write storage, or deletion of the storage That is. Hereinafter, an example of basic processing in the main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 will be described.

  First, the sub-control device 14 monitors whether or not the processing information transmitted in the output management processing has been received according to the timing pulse, and if it is being received, the sub-control device 14 stores it in the storage means (for example, RAM). Remember. Next, the sub-control device 14 performs an analysis process on the received process information, and in any gaming state, any of an abnormality monitoring process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a lamp management process, and a ball payout process It is determined which processing information (preceding command) and what kind of output mode the processing information (subsequent command number) is executed.

  Then, the sub-control device 14 sets a flag according to the result of the analysis process, sets a timer for counting based on the control process execution time according to the output mode, and stores a predetermined control program A control process for reading out and executing a control program for an output mode corresponding to the result of the analysis process from (for example, ROM) is performed.

  Hereinafter, operations of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, the voice control device 14c, and the payout control device 14d when processing information is received will be described in order.

"Operation of the design controller"
Multiple special patterns for winning or losing that the processing information makes a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal game state for special symbol control and a temporary stop display (including fine movement display) for a predetermined variable display area When it is a symbol number (for example, left, middle, and right), the symbol control device 14a classifies and stores in advance a notification effect classification table based on whether or not it is in a normal gaming state for special symbol control. Then, by collating and comparing the fluctuation pattern numbers, a notification effect classification table for winning or losing is determined.

  Then, the symbol control device 14a reads out from the random number generating means for updating the effect selection random number provided in the symbol control device 14a based on the determined notification effect classification table in response to the reception of the variation pattern number. The notification effect data for winning or the notification effect data for losing is set by comparison with the acquired random number stored in the storage means.

  In addition, the symbol control device 14a is configured so that a special symbol classification table for a normal gaming state in which a plurality of types of special symbols for performing a stop display on a predetermined variable display area are programmed, and the plurality of special symbol numbers individually. By the comparison by collation, each of a plurality of special symbol data for stopping or losing the stop display on the variable display device 34 is set. Note that the special symbol for stop display stored in the special symbol classification table may include a temporary stop. Thereafter, the symbol control device 14a performs display control of variable display and stop display according to the set notification effect data and a plurality of special symbol data in the variable display device 34 via the VDP 50.

  In addition, the symbol control device 14a relates to display control by the timer of the main control device 13 or the sub control device 14 that performs update by counting according to transmission or reception of the variation pattern number and a plurality of special symbol numbers. A stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment) for a plurality of special symbols for which display control of variable display has been performed in accordance with a fixed stop instruction number transmitted or received based on the timing of processing execution time Aspect) is performed.

  Further, when the jackpot transition instruction number is received at the time of receiving the fixed stop instruction number, the symbol control device 14a sets the game effect notification effect data advantageous to the player, and the stop display mode After that, display control for jackpot. When the received information is information in a gaming state or a privilege gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control, the symbol control device 14a performs the notification effect classification table or the special symbol control related to the special symbol control. The reference table is changed to the symbol classification table, and notification effect data for hit or miss for variable display and stop display performed in the advantageous game state or privilege game state, and a plurality of special symbol data for hit or miss Set.

  When the received information is the variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal gaming state for normal symbol control and the normal symbol number for winning or losing, the symbol control device 14a performs normal symbol control. By matching and comparing the flashing effect classification table that has been classified and stored in advance according to the gaming state in the normal gaming state, the variation display data for hit or miss is set. .

  Further, the symbol control device 14a compares the normal symbol classification table for the normal gaming state in which the normal symbol to be stopped and displayed in a predetermined blinking display area is compared with the normal symbol number by comparing the LED display. Ordinary symbol data for hitting or losing is set by the device 35 to be stopped.

  The symbol control device 14a performs processing execution time related to display control by the timer of the main control device 13 or the sub control device 14 that performs update by counting according to transmission or reception of the variation pattern number and the normal symbol number. In accordance with the fixed stop instruction number transmitted or received based on the timing of the elapse of time, a stop display mode (for example, “O · −” or “− · ×” for a normal symbol for which display control of blinking display is performed) The lighting mode is performed.

  In addition, when the winning stop instruction number is received at the time of receiving the fixed stop instruction number, the symbol control device 14a sets flashing effect data in a state that is advantageous to the player, and displays the stop display. After the mode is set, display control for small hits is performed.

  When the received information is stored information in a state that is advantageous for a player for special symbol control or in a privileged game state, the symbol control device 14a performs the blinking effect classification related to normal symbol control. Change the table referred to by the table or the special symbol classification table, blinking effect data for hitting or losing to be displayed in the advantageous gaming state or privilege gaming state, and a plurality of specials for winning or losing Set symbol data.

“Operation of the lamp controller”
When the received information is a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the special game state for special symbol control or a jackpot shift instruction number, the lamp control device 14b emits light in the normal game state for special symbol control. Based on the data table, light emission data corresponding to the variation pattern number or jackpot shift instruction number is set, and depending on the light emission data set in at least one of the panel-related electric decoration 43 and the frame door-related electric decoration 29 The lamp lighting process is performed so as to obtain the light emission mode.

  If the received information is stored information (light emission processing information) in a gaming state or privilege gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control, the lamp control device 14b Referring to the light emission data table in the privilege game state, light emission data that has a light emission mode different from that for the normal game state is set.

  Further, when the received information is stored information (lighting command processing information) in the normal gaming state for special symbol control or the advantageous gaming state or privilege gaming state for lighting the specific hold number display lamp 41 In this case, the lamp control device 14b turns on the specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 one by one, and from the fixed stop instruction number transmitted in accordance with the timing of the stop display mode notification time based on the timer of the main control device 13. In response to receiving the information, the specific hold number display lamps 41 are turned off one by one.

  When the received information is a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal game state for normal symbol control, or a small hit transition instruction number, the lamp control device 14b has the normal game state for normal symbol control. The light emission data corresponding to the variation pattern number or jackpot shift instruction number is read and set from the light emission data table in FIG. 5 and the light emission data set in at least one of the panel-related electrical decoration 43 and the frame door-related electrical decoration 29 A lamp lighting process is performed so as to obtain a corresponding light emission mode.

  When the received information is stored information (light emission processing information) in a state that is a game advantageous for a player for normal symbol control or a privilege game state, the lamp control device 14b determines that the advantageous game With reference to the light emission data table in the state or the privilege gaming state, the light emission data that sets the light emission mode different from that for the normal gaming state is set.

  Further, the received information is stored information (lighting command processing information) for the normal game state for normal symbol control, the state that becomes the advantageous game, or the privilege game state for lighting the passage hold number display lamp 42. If there is, the lamp control device 14b turns on the passage holding number display lamp 42 one by one, and the fixed stop transmitted in accordance with the timing of the stop display mode notification time based on the timer of the main control device 13. In response to the reception of the information including the instruction number, the passage hold number display lamps 42 are turned off one by one.

  Furthermore, when the received information is other storage information such as processing information related to an error in a predetermined gaming state or processing information related to a preparation ball payout, the lamp control device 14b stores the stored information in a reference light emission data table. Light emission data to be a light emission mode according to information is set.

"Operation of voice control device"
When the received information is a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal gaming state of special symbol control, or a jackpot shift instruction number, the voice control device 14c uses the voice data table in the normal gaming state for special symbol control. From the speaker 30 provided on members such as the board surface relation and the frame door relation, the voice mode corresponding to the set voice data is set. The voice is generated through the voice generator 51.

  When the received information is stored information in special symbol control for a gaming state or a privilege gaming state advantageous to the player, the voice control device 14c performs voice in the advantageous gaming state or the privilege gaming state. With reference to the data table, audio data having an audio mode different from the normal gaming state is set.

  If the received information is stored information of a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal gaming state for normal symbol control, or a small hit transition instruction number, the voice control device 14c is for normal symbol control. From the voice data table in the normal gaming state, set the voice data according to the variation pattern number or the small hit transition instruction number, from the speaker provided on at least any member such as the board surface relation and the frame door relation, A sound is generated via the sound generation device 51 so as to obtain a sound mode corresponding to the set sound data.

  When the received information is stored information in the normal symbol control for the game advantageous state or the bonus game state for the player, the voice control device 14c adds the stored information to the voice data table to be referenced. The audio data corresponding to the audio mode is set.

  Furthermore, when the received information is other storage information such as processing information related to an error in a predetermined gaming state or processing information related to a preparation ball payout, the voice control device 14c stores the stored information in a reference voice data table. Audio data that is an audio mode according to information is set.

"Operation of payout control device"
The received information is the prize ball processing information from the start winning ball detection sensor 47a in the normal game state for the special symbol control or the special winning ball detection sensor 47b in the gaming state advantageous to the player for the special symbol control. If the information is stored information such as prize ball processing information, the payout control device 14d pays out based on a payout data table for operating the game ball payout device 15 to obtain the number of prize balls according to the stored information. Data is set, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player so as to obtain a prize ball according to the setting.

  In the case where the received information is stored information that becomes prize ball processing information from the start winning ball detection sensor 47a in a gaming state or a privilege gaming state advantageous to the player for special symbol control, the payout control device 14 d is changed to a payout data table in which the game ball payout device 15 is operated to increase or decrease the number of prize balls as compared with that in the normal game state, and based on the changed payout data table The payout data is set, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player so that the prize ball is increased or decreased according to the setting.

  Further, when a predetermined number of balls are paid out by referring to the data information of the prepaid card read by the CR unit 1 by a button operation via the ball lending signal control device 16, the payout control device 14d sets the payout data based on the payout data table for receiving the referenced data information and setting the number of rented balls according to the data information, and a predetermined number so as to be a prize ball according to the setting Pay out the game balls to the player.

[Operation of movable object control device]
Next, the operation of the movable object control device 17 will be described separately for the operations of the movable piece driving device, the opening / closing member driving device, the second opening / closing member driving device, and the shielding plate driving device.

"Operation of movable piece drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece drive device has reduced the opening range of the start winning opening 2 in response to generating the small hit transition instruction number in the normal gaming state for normal symbol control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a drive unit such as a solenoid provided in the movable piece driving device so that the pair of movable pieces 44 is expanded for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and then contracted again. A command for instructing to execute the enlargement execution process for applying a predetermined number of times (for example, once) is generated.

  Further, in the processing by the main control device 13, when the small hit transition instruction number in the gaming state or the privilege gaming state advantageous to the player for normal symbol control is generated, the movable piece driving device may 2 is a solenoid provided in the movable piece driving device 17a so that the pair of movable pieces 44 whose opening range is reduced with respect to 2 is enlarged from 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds and then enlarged and reduced again. A command for transmitting a predetermined voltage to a drive unit such as the above, and generating an instruction to perform an enlargement execution process from one to two times, for example, is generated.

“Operations of Opening / Closing Member Driving Device, Second Opening / Closing Member Driving Device, and Shield Plate Driving Device”
In the processing by the main control device 13, the opening / closing member driving device is a solenoid provided in the opening / closing member driving device in response to generating the jackpot transition instruction number in the normal game state or the special game state for special symbol control. A predetermined voltage is transmitted to a drive unit such as. Thereby, the 1st profit provision state is started. Then, the opening / closing member driving device operates the opening / closing member 63 closed with respect to the winning area 61 of the center accessory 60 to be in an open state, and a predetermined upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds), or when a condition for whether a predetermined maximum number of winning balls (for example, 10) is won in the winning area 61 is satisfied, the execution process for closing the mouth again is performed. Generate a command to instruct to do. When the opening / closing member 63 is in the closed state, the first profit provision state is terminated.

  Subsequently, in response to any of the game balls winning in the open state entering the specific game ball entrance 64 and the special winning ball detection sensor 47b detecting the game ball, the opening / closing member driving device A predetermined voltage is transmitted to a driving unit such as a solenoid provided in the opening / closing member driving device. Thereby, the second profit granting state is started. Then, the opening / closing member driving device operates the opening / closing member 63 closed with respect to the winning area 61 of the center accessory 60 to be in an open state, and a predetermined upper limit time elapses after the opening. Alternatively, if any of the conditions for winning a predetermined upper limit number of game balls to win the winning area 61 is satisfied, a command for instructing execution processing for closing again is generated. When the opening and closing member 63 is in the closed state, the first second profit provision state is completed. The command generation is repeatedly executed according to a predetermined number of occurrences. The predetermined upper limit time and the number of occurrences are read from a table set for each selected mode. In each table, an upper limit time and the number of occurrences are set in advance corresponding to the passing game ball detection sensors 47i, 47j, and 47k that have detected the game ball. Thereby, the second profit granting state is repeatedly generated a predetermined number of times according to the passing game ball detection sensors 47i, 47j, 47k that have detected the game ball.

  Also, only when the first profit granting state has occurred, the second opening member control device reduces the opening range of the specific game ball entrance 64 to prevent the entry of the game ball. Enlarging execution processing for applying a predetermined voltage to a drive unit such as a solenoid provided in the second opening / closing member driving device is performed a predetermined number of times so that the second opening / closing member 75 is enlarged for a predetermined time and then reduced again. Generate a command to indicate.

  The shielding plate driving device is provided in the shielding plate driving device so that the shielding plate 79 moves regularly in the left-right direction in accordance with the generation of the command for performing the enlargement execution process of the second opening / closing member 75. A command for instructing a drive unit such as a solenoid to periodically apply a predetermined voltage (for example, 12 V) is generated. Note that the command for instructing the movement mode of the shielding plate 79 is not limited to the command for causing the shielding plate 79 to move regularly. For example, depending on the set mode (for example, the first mode or the second mode). ) May be changed as appropriate, or may be changed irregularly without depending on the mode.

  When a jackpot transition instruction number in a gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control is generated during execution of the opening / closing process in the opening / closing member driving device, the jackpot transition is performed until the opening / closing process is completed. The control process based on the generation of the instruction number is not performed and is put on hold.

  Here, the main processing of the CPU 13a for the center accessory 60 and the variable display device 34 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  When the player starts a game and fires a game ball in the game area 31, and a winning in the starting winning port 2 is detected by the starting winning ball detection sensor 47a (step S1), the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 Electronic lottery determination is performed (step S2).

  In step S3, the special display is variably displayed on the variable display device.

  In step S4, it is determined whether or not the lottery result in step S2 is a win. In the case of winning, after a special symbol for notifying winning is stopped and displayed (step S5), the process proceeds to step S6, and the first profit grant state is generated. On the other hand, if the lottery result in step S2 is out, a special symbol for notifying the stop is displayed (step S7), and the process returns to step S1.

  In step S <b> 6, the opening / closing member 63 is continuously set to an open state, thereby generating a first profit grant state in which a game ball easily enters the winning area 61. As a result, the game ball is allowed to enter the winning area 61. All game balls that have entered the winning area 61 are collected from the winning ball collection port 71, and the winning balls are paid out in accordance with the number. In the first profit granting state, the second opening / closing member 75 is in the open state. Thereby, the entry of the game ball that has entered the winning area 61 into the specific game ball entrance 64 is permitted. The game ball allowed to enter the specific game ball entrance 64 is moving in a predetermined manner, for example, to any one of the ball outlets 65 to 67 by the shielding plate 79 moving regularly from side to side. Sorted.

  In step S8, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the specific game ball entrance 64 during the first profit granting state. If the game ball has entered the specific game ball entrance 64, the process proceeds to step S9. Moreover, when it does not enter, it returns to step S1.

  In step S9, the number of occurrences and the upper limit time corresponding to the mode selected by the player by the operation of the mode change operation button 52 and the gates 65, 66, 67 through which the game ball has passed during the first profit granting state. And is obtained from the table.

  In step S10, the open / close member is continuously opened until the total number of game balls detected by the winning area detection sensor 47c reaches the predetermined upper limit winning number within the upper limit time acquired in step S9. The second profit granting state occurs. This second profit granting state is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times acquired in step S9. Thereby, the game ball is allowed to enter the winning area 61. All game balls that have entered the winning area 61 are collected from the winning ball collection port 71, and the winning balls are paid out in accordance with the number. In the first profit granting state, the second opening / closing member 75 is in the open state. Thereby, the entry of the game ball that has entered the winning area 61 into the specific game ball entrance 64 is permitted. When the number of occurrences of the second profit grant state reaches a predetermined number, the second profit grant state is terminated and the process returns to step S1.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, during the occurrence of the first profit-giving state that is a jackpot gaming state, the game ball first enters the winning area 61 and enters the specific game ball entrance 64. The player's interest in whether or not the game ball has entered the specific game ball entrance 64 after the game ball has entered the specific game ball entrance 64, the player's interest in which of the gates 68, 69 and 70 the game ball passes through. Will increase. Therefore, it is possible to change the game during the jackpot game and prevent the player's interest from being lost.

  Even when the game ball passes through the same gate 68, 69, 70, the upper limit time for opening the opening / closing member 75 and the number of occurrences of the second profit granting state differ depending on the selected mode. . For this reason, the player's interest in which mode to select increases, and the game during the jackpot game can be further changed.

  Further, as in this embodiment, the upper limit time is set shorter in the first mode than in the second mode, and the number of occurrences corresponding to each of the plurality of gates 68, 69, 70 is By setting more in the mode 1 than in the second mode, when the game ball passes through the same gate 68, 69, 70, the game that enters the winning area 61 during the second profit grant state The difference between the modes in the average total number of balls can be reduced, and the generation of a difference in the number of prize balls between modes can be suppressed as much as possible.

  Furthermore, since the second opening / closing member 75 is opened only during the occurrence of the first profit granting state and is kept closed during the occurrence of the second profit granting state, the second profit granting state In the middle of the game, it is possible to prevent the game ball from entering the specific game ball entrance 64 and the specific game ball detection sensor 47h to detect the game ball, and reliably prevent erroneous processing in the CPU 13a or the like. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, the upper limit time is set so that the first mode is shorter than the second mode, and the number of occurrences corresponding to each of the plurality of gates 68, 69, and 70 is set to the first time. Although the mode is set more than the second mode, instead of the upper limit winning number, the first mode is set to be less than the second mode, and the gates 68, 69, and 70 are set. For the number of occurrences corresponding to each, the first mode may be set more than the second mode. In this case, the predetermined times are all set equal.

  In addition, the first mode and the second mode may be set so that the upper limit time, the upper limit winning number, and the number of occurrences for the same gate 68, 69, 70 are different.

  In the above embodiment, the mode change operation button 52 is provided so that the player can select the mode in the second profit granting state, but instead of this, the game ball of the game ball by the special winning ball detection sensor 47b is selected. It may be configured to execute electronic lottery determination based on the detection, and to determine the mode according to the lottery result. In this case, the player can enjoy the unexpectedness regarding the determination of the mode. On the other hand, when the mode selection means is provided, the player can freely select the mode.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the game ball wins the start winning opening 2 and the start winning ball detection sensor 47a detects this, the electronic winning / losing lottery is performed. Although the profit grant state has occurred, the conditions for causing the first profit grant state are not limited to the above. For example, the first profit-giving state may be generated in response to the start winning ball detection sensor 47a detecting a game ball (winning a game ball to the start winning port 2) without performing a lottery determination. .

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment to which the invention made by the present inventor is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited by the discussion and the drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention according to this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a rear view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a schematic plan view which shows the game area | region of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a principal part perspective view which shows a center accessory. It is a principal part perspective view which fractures | ruptures and shows a part of stage formation member of a center accessory. It is a flowchart regarding the process of one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Start winning opening, 7 ... Game board, 13 ... Main control device, 13a ... CPU (control means), 13b ... ROM, 13c ... RAM, 14 ... Sub-control device, 14d ... Discharge control device (game ball payout means) , 31 ... gaming area, 34 ... variable display device, 38 ... predetermined passage, 44 ... movable piece, 47a ... start winning ball detection sensor, 47b ... special winning ball detection sensor (winning ball detection means), 47c ... winning area detection Sensor (winning ball detection means), 47h ... specific game ball detection sensor (special game ball detection means), 47i ... passing game ball detection sensor (passing game ball detection means), 47j ... passing game ball detection sensor (passing game ball detection) Means), 47k ... passing game ball detection sensor (passing game ball detection means), 52 ... mode change operation button, 60 ... center accessory (winning device), 61 ... winning area, 63 ... opening / closing member, 64 ... specifying Game ball entrance (specific game ball passage), 68 ... Gate (game ball passage), 69 ... Gate (game ball passage), 70 ... Gate (game ball passage), 79 ... Shielding plate, 91 ... Space Part

Claims (3)

A ball game machine that launches a game ball into the game area of the game board and plays.
Provided in the gaming area, a winning area, a first opening / closing member that opens and closes the winning area and allows or prohibits the entry of gaming balls into the winning area, and allows the passing of gaming balls disposed in the winning area A specific game ball passing section, a plurality of game ball passing sections arranged in the winning area and selectively passing game balls passing through the specific game ball passing section, and the specific game ball passing arranged in the winning area. A second opening / closing member that opens and closes so as to allow and prohibit entry of a game ball into the portion, and is disposed between the specific game ball passage portion and the plurality of game ball passage portions. A winning device having a shielding plate that sequentially moves between positions allowing and prohibiting the entry of game balls to each ;
Winning ball detecting means for detecting all the game balls that have entered the winning area;
Specific game ball detecting means for detecting a game ball passing through the specific game ball passing section;
A plurality of passing game ball detecting means provided for each of the plurality of game ball passing parts, and detecting a game ball passing through each game ball passing part;
Game ball payout means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to detection of game balls by the winning ball detection means;
When predetermined start condition is met, the game ball to the winning region occurred the first benefit applied state easily enter by setting the first closing member continuously or intermittently opened The second opening / closing member is set in an open state continuously or intermittently, thereby causing a state in which a game ball easily enters the specific game ball passage portion, and during the first profit granting state, When the specific game ball detection means detects the game ball, the second opening state is set to the first opening / closing member continuously or intermittently so that the game ball can easily enter the winning area. Control means that occurs at least once after the end of the first profit granting state,
In the second profit granting state, the first opening / closing member is continuously or intermittently within a predetermined upper limit time and until the total number of game balls detected by the winning ball detection means reaches a predetermined upper limit winning number. Set to open,
The number of occurrences of the second profit granting state is set for each of the plurality of passing game ball detecting means so that at least two are different from each other,
The control means causes the second profit grant state to occur for the number of occurrences corresponding to the passing game ball detection means that has detected the game ball , and the specific game ball is generated during the occurrence of the second profit grant state. A bullet ball game machine characterized in that the second opening / closing member is maintained in a closed state so as to prohibit entry of a game ball into a passage part . The ball game machine according to claim 1,
The control means selects one mode from a plurality of preset modes when the second profit granting state occurs.
The plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode in which the number of occurrences set corresponding to the same passing game ball detecting means is the same as the set upper limit time,
The upper limit time is set shorter in the first mode than in the second mode,
The number of occurrences corresponding to each of the plurality of passing game ball detecting means is set to be greater in the first mode than in the second mode. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
The control means selects one mode from a plurality of preset modes when the second profit granting state occurs.
The plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode in which the number of occurrences set corresponding to the same passing game ball detecting means is the same as the set upper limit winning number,
The upper limit winning number is set to be less in the first mode than in the second mode,
The number of occurrences corresponding to each of the plurality of passing game ball detecting means is set to be greater in the first mode than in the second mode.

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