JP5214960B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a pachinko gaming machine in which a game ball is fired onto a game board by launching means to advance the game.

  Conventionally, in a pachinko machine, a game ball borrowed from a game hall by a player to advance a game or a prize ball acquired by a game is once stored in a game ball storage unit generally called an upper plate, Naturally flowed down by its own weight along the inclined surface formed on the surface, and was supplied to the firing position in the launching means.

  However, in the above-described configuration, for example, if there are too many game balls in the upper plate, the game balls cannot flow down well, so-called “ball clogging” occurs, and there are cases where the ball is not supplied to the launch position. This is very unpleasant for a player who enjoys pachinko games, and pachinko machines in which ball clogging frequently occurs may be avoided by the player and the operation rate may decrease.

  In view of this, there has been proposed a gaming machine in which, when ball clogging occurs in the upper plate, the upper plate is vibrated by vibration means to eliminate the ball clogging (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, a pachinko gaming machine has been proposed in which a game ball clogged in a flow-down passage overflows into the lower plate in the upper plate (see Patent Document 2). Here, the lower plate is usually provided at a lower position of the upper plate. For example, when a large number of prize balls are generated in a special game state such as “big hit game”, the lower plate is stored in the upper plate. Another game ball storage unit that stores game balls that cannot be exhausted, that is, overflows. In other words, among the game ball storage units, the one for the purpose of supplying game balls to the launching means is referred to as the upper plate, and the one for the purpose of storage is referred to as the lower plate.
JP 2002-282442 A JP 2005-296053 A

  However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the method of eliminating the ball clogging by vibrating the upper plate by the vibrating means, when there are a large number of game balls on the upper plate, the ball blocking only by the vibrating means. Further, it is difficult to eliminate, and furthermore, the upper plate vibrates, and there is a possibility that generation of vibration sound uncomfortable for the player or ball spilling from the upper plate may occur.

  Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, the structure in which the game balls clogged on the flow-down passage in the upper plate overflow to the lower plate may cause clogging of the ball in the upper plate.

  Therefore, it is desired from the market to provide a pachinko gaming machine that is unlikely to cause ball clogging in the upper plate and that can stably supply game balls to the launching means. An object of this invention is to provide the game machine which can solve the subject mentioned above.

(1) In the present invention, a game board provided with a game area in which a game ball rolls, a launching means for launching a game ball into the game area, and a game ball launched into the game area include the game area When a prize is entered in any of a plurality of winning openings provided in the game, a payout outlet for paying out a predetermined number of game balls and a game ball paid out from the payout outlet are temporarily stored and stored. A game ball storage unit that can sequentially feed the game balls to the launching unit, the game ball storage unit is formed in a vertically long shape, and flows into the game ball storage unit toward the launching unit A plurality of stages of ball clogging prevention means for preventing ball clogging are provided , and the ball clogging prevention means includes a plurality of ball receiving parts provided in the vertical direction and a single or a plurality of ball communication parts communicating between the ball receiving parts. A ball flow down passage, and the number of the ball flow down passages is set at the lower level. Was Kuhodo reduced to gaming machines.

( 2 ) The present invention is the gaming machine according to ( 1) , wherein the ball clogging prevention means includes a stirring bar capable of moving up and down to prevent the game ball from staying in each ball receiving portion. It is characterized by being.

( 3 ) The present invention is characterized in that, in the gaming machine according to the above ( 1 ) or ( 2), the ball receiving portion located at the uppermost stage is disposed below the payout opening.

  According to the present invention, it is difficult for the game ball to be clogged in the game ball storage unit, which causes stress for the player, and the game ball can be stably supplied to the launch position of the launch means.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a gaming board provided with a gaming area in which a gaming ball rolls, a launching means for launching a gaming ball in the gaming area, and a gaming ball launched into the gaming area. When winning a plurality of winning holes provided in the game area, the payout opening for paying out a predetermined number of game balls set in advance and the game balls paid out from the payout opening are temporarily stored and stored. A game ball storage unit capable of sequentially feeding game balls to the launching means, wherein the game ball storage part is formed in a vertically long shape, and the game balls flow down toward the launching means in the game ball storage unit This is a gaming machine provided with a plurality of stages of ball clogging prevention means for preventing ball clogging.

  That is, in this embodiment, a player who is about to start a pachinko game temporarily stores a game ball, which is a game medium borrowed from a game hall, in the game storage unit that sequentially sends balls to the launching means, By operating the launching means while adjusting to the desired launch intensity desired, the game ball is launched into the game area on the game board at a predetermined launch interval (for example, 100 per minute), and the pachinko game is executed It is what is done.

  Further, when a plurality of game balls launched into the game area enter a game ball entrance (hereinafter referred to as a prize opening) provided in a plurality of game areas, a predetermined number of game balls (hereinafter referred to as “game balls”). , Referred to as a prize ball) is paid out from the payout port to the game ball storage unit. Then, the prize balls paid out to the game ball storage unit are sequentially sent again to the launching means and then launched into the game area.

  In the pachinko gaming machine having the above-described configuration, in the present embodiment, the game ball storage portion is formed, for example, in a vertically long shape, and is arranged in the vertical direction so that the game ball flows downward, and further, the game A plurality of stages of ball clogging prevention means for preventing clogging of game balls flowing down toward the launching means are provided in the ball storage section.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the game ball storage unit that sequentially supplies the game balls to the launching unit is arranged in the vertical direction, for example, as a vertically long cylindrical shape, and a plurality of ball blocking prevention units for the game balls are provided therein. By providing a step, for example, compared to a conventional game ball storage section that is formed in a dish shape and inclined so that the game ball naturally flows down to the launch position of the launch means, the cause of stress for the player Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is less likely to be filled with game balls in the game ball storage section and that can stably feed the game balls to the launch position of the launching means.

  Further, the ball clogging preventing means can include a plurality of ball receiving portions provided in the vertical direction and a single or a plurality of ball flow down passages communicating between the ball receiving portions. That is, as the above-described ball clogging prevention means, the vertically long game ball storage unit is constituted by, for example, a plurality of ball receiving units provided in the vertical direction (that is, in the vertical direction), and between the plurality of ball receiving units. Are communicated with each other by a single or a plurality of spherical downflow passages.

  And, it is desirable that the number of the ball flow lower passages is set to decrease as it goes down. That is, the number of the ball flow down passages communicating between the plurality of ball receiving portions described above is such that the ball receiving portion provided in the uppermost stage and the ball receiving portion provided in the lower stage are, for example, three ball flowing down passages. Assuming that the ball receivers are connected to each other, the ball receiving portion provided at the lower stage is connected to the lower ball passage by connecting the plurality of ball receiving portions to each other. The number of the installed balls is reduced as it goes, and finally the game balls are sequentially delivered to the launch position by the launch means by one ball flow down passage.

  That is, according to the ball clogging prevention means of the gaming ball having the above-described configuration, when the gaming ball flows down from the ball receiving part provided in the upper stage to the ball receiving part provided in the lower stage, the number of the ball flowing down passages is reduced. By gradually reducing the flow path of the game ball by reducing it, it will become the flow path of the game ball as if it had been sifted. Is possible.

  In addition, the ball clogging preventing means may include a stirring bar that can move up and down to prevent the game balls from staying in each ball receiving portion. That is, the ball clogging preventing means in the present embodiment includes a stirring rod that can move up and down to prevent the game balls from staying in each of the plurality of ball receiving portions, and the game balls stay in each ball receiving portion. When this is detected, the stir bar is operated so that the stay of the game ball can be eliminated.

  Therefore, the plurality of ball receiving portions in the present embodiment are provided with game ball detection sensors and the like as the stay detecting means capable of detecting the stay of the game balls, and the stirring rods provided in each ball receiving portion are operated. For example, when a game ball in the upper ball receiving unit is detected by the stirring rod control unit and the game ball is not detected in the lower ball receiving unit for a predetermined time, the upper ball receiving unit is provided. It is determined that the game ball is staying in the part, and the stirring rod provided in the ball receiving part is operated.

  The stirring bar control means may be controlled by a control means for controlling the progress of the gaming machine. Further, it is desirable that the stirring ball of the game ball has a shape that can rotate while moving up and down and guide the staying game ball to a ball flow down passage provided in the ball receiving portion.

  Further, it is desirable that the ball receiving portion located at the uppermost stage is disposed below the payout port. In other words, as described above, when a game ball wins a plurality of winning holes provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out from the payout opening. Therefore, among the plurality of ball receiving units constituting the game ball storage unit in the present embodiment, the uppermost ball receiving unit is installed below the payout port, and the game balls paid out as prize balls are supplied again to the launching means. It is configured as possible.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the game ball storage unit that sequentially supplies the game balls to the launching unit is configured by, for example, a single or a plurality of ball flow down passages that communicate with the plurality of ball reception units. Furthermore, by providing a stirring rod capable of moving up and down for eliminating the retention of game balls inside each ball receiving unit, a gaming machine in which game balls are hardly clogged in the game ball storage unit is provided. It becomes possible.

  Further, as the control means in the present embodiment, for example, a control circuit including a central processing unit composed of a CPU, a storage device composed of a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and other circuits set according to necessity is configured. It is desirable to execute the stirring rod operation control means and the like based on the program stored in the ROM. Further, each of the stirring rods may be provided with a rotation motor, and the rotation motor may be configured to rotate while moving up and down so that the game ball staying inside each ball receiving portion can be stirred.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine.

[Composition of gaming machine]
A gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main body frame 12 having an opening 12a formed on the front surface, various components disposed inside the opening 12a in the main body frame 12, and a main body frame. The front door 11 is pivotally mounted in front of 12 so as to be openable and closable. Further, a door 11a that is pivotally mounted so as to be openable and closable is provided in substantially the upper half of the front door 11. As shown in FIG. 1, in the normal gaming state, the front door 11 closes the opening 12a from the front, and the game is performed with the door 11a also closed. Further, on the lower left side of the front door 11, three ball receiving portions (first ball receiving portion 20a, second ball receiving portion 20b, and third ball receiving portion 20c (see FIG. 15) arranged vertically above and below. )) And a plurality of ball flow passages 20k (see FIG. 15) communicating therewith, a game ball storage unit 20 is provided. The game ball storage unit 20 is a main part of the present embodiment, and the configuration thereof will be described in detail later. A lower plate 22 is provided at the lower part of the front door 11, a launch handle 26 is provided on the lower right side, and a liquid crystal panel 21 and an operation unit 27 are provided at a substantially central part of the lower front surface of the front door 11.

  Inside the opening 12a of the main body frame 12, a liquid crystal display device 32 as a display means for displaying an image, a game board 14, a spacer 31 and the like are disposed. Note that various components (not shown) other than the game board 14, the spacer 31, the liquid crystal display device 32, the game ball storage unit 20, the liquid crystal panel 21, and the operation unit 27 are omitted for easy understanding. To do.

  The gaming board 14 according to the present embodiment is entirely formed of a plate-shaped resin (a member having a light transmitting property) having a light transmitting property. Examples of the translucent member include various materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin. In addition, the game board 14 has a game area 15 on the front (front) side where the launched game ball rolls. The game area 15 is surrounded by the guide rail 30 and is an area in which a game ball can roll. A game area outer area 16 is formed outside the guide rail 30. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of game nails 13 are driven into the game area 15. In the present embodiment, the game nail 13 is included in one of various game members.

  A liquid crystal display device 32, which is an example of display means for displaying an effect image relating to a game, is provided behind the game board 14 with the spacer 31 interposed therebetween. In the present embodiment, the entire game board 14 is formed of a light-transmitting material, but the light-transmitting material may be used for a part of the game board 14, in which case The liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the translucent member of the game board 14.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel or the like, and has a display area 32a that can display an image related to the game. The display area 32a is all or part of the spacer 31 and the game area 15. Alternatively, it is visible from the player side through all or part of the game area outer area 16. In addition, the image regarding the game displayed on the display area 32a refers to various images such as an effect image for effect and an ornament image for decoration.

  The spacer 31 is also formed of the above-described member having translucency, but in order to improve the visibility of the liquid crystal display device 32, a hole having a size corresponding to at least the game area 15 of the game board 14 is used. A portion 31a is formed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, display means such as the liquid crystal display device 32 is provided behind the light-transmitting area in the game board 14. For example, an area where the game nail 13 is planted, an accessory, a decorative member, etc. Since the area where the game members are provided can be increased, the degree of freedom in layout can be further increased.

  Decorative lamps 133a and 133b as light-emitting display means are arranged at predetermined positions on the door 11a outside the game board 14, and display a predetermined light emission mode according to the game state.

  Further, a transparent protective plate 19 made of a glass plate or the like is attached to the door 11a. The protective plate 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the game board 14 with the door 11a closed. Speakers 46R and 46L are arranged on the left and right above the protective plate 19.

  The firing handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body frame 12. A firing solenoid (not shown) as a driving device is provided on the back side of the firing handle 26. Further, a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the peripheral edge of the firing handle 26. When the touch sensor is touched by the player, it is detected that the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player. When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, power is supplied to the firing solenoid according to the rotational angle, and the game ball stored in the game ball storage unit 20 is stored. Are sequentially fired on the game board 14, and the game is advanced.

  Here, the structure of the game ball storage part 20 in this embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIG.15 and FIG.16. FIG. 15 is an enlarged front view illustrating the entire configuration of the game ball storage unit 20. FIG. 16 is a perspective transparent view illustrating the internal configuration of the first ball receiving portion 20a.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the game ball storage unit 20 has three ball receiving units (first ball receiving unit 20a, second ball receiving unit 20b, and third ball receiving unit 20c) arranged vertically in the vertical direction. A plurality of ball flow down passages 20k communicating with the respective ball receiving portions, and a game ball supply passage 20d for sequentially supplying game balls sequentially to the launch position of the launching means are configured. The uppermost first ball receiving portion 20a is provided with a game ball inserting portion 20e for connecting an external game ball into the first ball receiving portion 20a.

  In addition, game ball stirring rods 20g are provided inside the respective ball receiving portions (first ball receiving portion 20a, second ball receiving portion 20b, and third ball receiving portion 20c). Although the details of the game ball stirring rod 20g will be described later, each game ball detection sensor (first detection sensor S1, second detection sensor S2, second detection sensor S3) provided in each ball receiving portion is provided with each ball. When the stay of game balls in the receiving unit is detected, the game balls of each ball receiving unit are rotated while moving up and down so as to stir, thereby eliminating the stay of game balls.

  In this embodiment, the ball lowering passage 20k that communicates with each of the ball receiving portions (the first ball receiving portion 20a, the second ball receiving portion 20b, and the third ball receiving portion 20c) is, as shown in FIG. The ball receiving portion 20a and the second ball receiving portion 20b arranged at the lower stage thereof are communicated by a ball flow down passage 20k provided at three locations, and the second ball receiving portion 20b and the third ball receiving portion arranged at the lower stage thereof are connected. The part 20c is in communication with a ball lowering passage 20k provided at two places. A single game ball supply path 20d is provided at the bottom of the third ball receiving portion 20c arranged at the bottom, and the first ball receiving portion 20a, the second ball receiving portion 20b, and the third ball are provided. The game balls that have flowed down sequentially with the receiving unit 20c are sequentially supplied through the game ball supply path 20d to the firing position of the launching means.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG.15 and FIG.16, the structure of the game ball storage part 20 and the flow-down mode of the game ball will be described in more detail.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a player starts a game, a predetermined number of cards are purchased and inserted into the card unit 150 (see FIG. 3) from the game hall. The game balls are paid out from the payout opening 36 to the first ball receiving portion 20a provided at the uppermost stage. Further, in recent years, a card unit 150 that can directly insert cash (mainly coins of 100 yen or more, thousand yen bills, 5,000 yen bills, 10,000 yen bills) may be added to the pachinko gaming machine 10. In this case, a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the inserted cash are paid out from the payout opening 36 to the first ball receiving portion 20a provided at the uppermost stage.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, automatically plays the pachinko gaming machine 10 when a large number of prize balls are paid out and the gaming ball storage unit 20 becomes full during the execution of a jackpot game described later. There is a case where the payout ball payout route (not shown) is switched to the lower plate 22 (see FIG. 1) and the game balls are paid out to the lower plate 22 and stored therein. Therefore, when the game balls in the game ball storage unit 20 are consumed and reduced during the normal game after the jackpot game is finished, the player can use the game balls stored in the lower plate 22 as the player's hand. When the game ball is thrown into the game ball throwing portion 20e, the game ball flows down the bottom surface 20h formed on the side of the first ball receiving portion 20a of the game ball throwing portion 20e, and flows into the first ball receiving portion 20a and the game ball. The pachinko game can be continued by being stored again in the first ball receiving portion 20a from the opening 20f provided at the joint with the throwing portion 20e.

  The game balls stored in the first ball receiving portion 20a are supplied from three game ball entrances 20P (see FIG. 16) provided on the bottom surface of the first ball receiving portion 20a. The ball enters any of 20k, flows down to the second ball receiving portion 20b, and is stored. Furthermore, the game balls stored in the second ball receiving portion 20b are two game ball entrances 20P (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the second ball receiving portion 20b, similarly to the first ball receiving portion 20a. To the third ball receiving portion 20c and stored from any one of the two ball flow down passages 20k provided at two places. Finally, the game balls stored in the third ball receiving portion 20c are supplied from a single game ball entrance 20P (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the third ball receiving portion 20c to the game ball supply path 20d. The ball enters the ball and is sequentially supplied to the firing position of the launching means.

  As described above, the game ball storage unit 20 in the present embodiment has three entrance paths for game balls from the uppermost first ball receiving unit 20a to the second ball receiving unit 20b provided in the middle stage. There are two game ball entry paths from the middle second ball receiving portion 20b to the third ball receiving portion 20c provided at the bottom, and from the third ball receiving portion 20c to the firing position of the launching means. The game balls are sequentially supplied through one game ball supply path 20d.

  That is, in the game ball storage unit 20, the flow path of the game ball is decreased as it goes from the uppermost first ball receiving unit 20a to the lowermost third ball receiving unit 20c. The game ball supply path 20d is configured to sequentially supply the game balls to the launch position of the launch means, thereby forming a flow-down path for the game balls as if they passed through the screen, thereby causing retention of the game balls. The game ball storage unit 20 is difficult. Note that, as in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to limit the ball flow down passage 20k to three or two, and the number of installed passages is not particularly limited. Moreover, it does not necessarily need to be plural, and may be single like the game ball supply path 20d.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a game ball detection sensor capable of detecting the stay of the game ball and a stirring bar for eliminating the stay of the game ball are provided in each ball receiving portion. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, on the left and right side surfaces that connect the center line of the first ball receiving portion 20a, a first detection sensor S1 that can detect the presence or absence of a game ball in the first ball receiving portion 20a is provided. In the center of the first ball receiving portion 20a, the staying game balls are moved up and down in order to prompt the player to enter the three game ball entrances 20P provided on the bottom surface of the first ball receiving portion 20a. A game ball stirring rod 20g that rotates while being provided is provided.

  And 1st detection sensor S1 is comprised from the optical sensor which used one side as the light emission part, and used the other as the light-receiving part, for example, can detect the presence or absence of the game ball in the 1st ball receiving part 20a, The game ball stirring rod 20g is configured to include three rods provided radially at an interval of approximately 120 degrees from the center. When not in operation, the game ball stirring rod 20g is provided at three locations provided on the bottom surface of the first ball receiving portion 20a. It stops at a position that does not prevent the game ball from entering the game ball entrance 20P. Then, when it is detected that the game ball stays in the first ball receiving portion 20a, the agitating motor M1 is driven to rotate while moving up and down in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the first ball receiving portion 20a. By stirring the game balls that have stayed on the bottom surface of the receiving portion 20a, it is possible to eliminate the stay of the game balls by urging them to enter the three game ball entrances 20P.

  The game ball detection sensor and the stirring rod are also provided in the second ball receiving portion 20b and the third ball receiving portion 20c in the same configuration (see FIG. 15). In the present embodiment, each ball By controlling the detection sensor and the stirring rod provided in the receiving part in a ball clogging elimination control process (see FIG. 13) described later, the retention of game balls in each ball receiving part is eliminated. Furthermore, each ball receiving portion (the first ball receiving portion 20a, the second ball receiving portion 20b, and the third ball receiving portion 20c) in the present embodiment is provided with a game ball stirring rod 20g that is a movable member inside. In addition, as a configuration in which the upper lid 20m is sealed, accidents, breakdowns, and the like that occur when something other than the game ball (for example, a player's hand or finger) enters the ball receiving unit are prevented.

  Here, a specific description will be given of the control for eliminating the retention of game balls in each ball receiving unit. For example, in a state where the second detection sensor S2 provided in the second ball receiving unit 20b does not detect the game ball. When the first detection sensor S1 of the first ball receiving unit 20a detects a game ball, the game ball stays inside the first ball receiving unit 20a, and the game ball enters the second ball receiving unit 20b in the lower stage. Therefore, the game ball stirring rod 20g of the first ball receiving portion 20a is operated to promote the flow of the game ball to eliminate the retention of the game ball.

  In the present embodiment, a fourth detection sensor S4, which is a detection sensor for a game ball, is also provided near the end of the game ball supply path 20d (the launch position of the launch means), and this fourth detection sensor S4. When the third detection sensor S3 of the third ball receiving portion 20c located in the upper part of the game ball supply path 20d detects a game ball in a state where the game ball is not detected, that is, in a state where there is no game ball, The game ball stirring rod 20g of the ball receiving unit 20c is operated to prompt the game ball to flow down to the game ball supply path 20d.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the detection sensor for the game ball below the game ball storage unit 20 (the one closer to the launch position of the launching unit) does not detect the game ball and does not detect the game ball. When the detection sensor of each ball receiving unit provided above the game ball detects a game ball, a control for operating the game ball stirring rod 20g provided in each ball receiving unit is executed to retain the game ball. It is set as the structure which eliminates.

  In the present embodiment, a ball removal lever 28 is provided in the upper part (see FIG. 3) near the terminal end of the game ball supply path 20d. The ball release lever 28 is a switch for discharging the game balls stored in the game ball storage unit 20 to the lower plate 22. For example, when the player ends the game, the ball release lever 28 is operated. As a result, a game ball flow switching route (not shown) provided behind the end of the game ball supply path 20d (the launch position of the launch means) is switched from the launch position of the game ball to the lower plate 22. As a result, the game balls stored in the game ball storage unit 20 are discharged to the lower plate 22.

  In the present embodiment, in the later-described ball clogging elimination control process (see FIG. 13), when an operation of the ball removal lever 28 by the player is detected, the game ball stirring rod 20g provided in each of the ball receiving portions described above. Is operated to smoothly discharge the game balls stored in the game ball storage unit 20 to the lower plate 22.

  In addition, each ball receiving part (the 1st ball receiving part 20a, the 2nd ball receiving part 20b, the 3rd ball receiving part 20c) which comprises the game ball storage part 20 in this embodiment, and the single ball communication part are connected. The one or more ball flow down passages 20k and the game ball supply passage 20d are all formed of a light-transmitting member, like the game board 14 described above. Thereby, the player directly visually recognizes the amount of the game balls stored in the game ball storage unit 20, and plays the game balls flowing down the ball receiving units, the ball flow down passage 20k, and the game ball supply path 20d. The game can be executed while checking, and the game can be enjoyed with peace of mind.

  Here, it returns to description of the pachinko gaming machine 10 using FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, a liquid crystal panel 21 having an image display area 21 a is provided at a substantially central portion below the door 11 a provided on the front door 11. An operation unit 27 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal panel 21.

  The liquid crystal panel 21 is the same as the liquid crystal display device 32 which is an example of the display means for displaying the effect image related to the game described above. However, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, an image related to the game (for example, In the image display area 21a of the liquid crystal panel 21, as part of the service for the player who is currently playing, for example, The game history (the number of occurrences of jackpot games, the number of prize balls acquired by the player, etc.), the television broadcast (1 segment broadcast, etc.), etc. are displayed as images.

  The operation unit 27 is provided with various selection buttons (not shown) so that the player can select an image display desired by the player from the above-described game history, television broadcast, or the like. Thus, in this embodiment, the space below the door 11a provided on the front door 11 where the so-called “top plate”, which is a conventional game ball storage unit, is installed is a vertical game ball storage. Since the unit 20 is widely used, the liquid crystal panel 21 and the operation unit 27 are provided to effectively use the space, and various image displays desired by the player are provided as part of the service to the player. It has a configuration that can be done.

  Next, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In addition, in the following description of the overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 using FIG. 3, a portion overlapping with the description using FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 may be omitted. In FIG. 3, the game nail 13 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 14 has two guide rails 30 (30 a and 30 b), a first game member 57, a second game member 55, a passage gate 54, and a start opening 25 provided with a blade member 23. A large winning opening 39 provided with an openable / closable shutter 40, general winning openings 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, and an out opening 38 are provided.

  The two guide rails 30 provided on the left side of the game board 14 are composed of an outer rail 30a that partitions (defines) the game area 15 and an inner rail 30b that is disposed inside the outer rail 30a. . The launched game balls are guided by guide rails 30 provided on the game board 14 and move to the upper part of the game area 15, and are provided on the plurality of game nails 13 (see FIG. 2) and the game area 15. Due to the collision with the first game member 57 and the like, the game flows down toward the lower side of the game area 15 while changing its traveling direction. The game balls that could not win the various winning holes provided in the gaming area 15 (the start opening 25, the big winning opening 39, the general winning openings 56a to 56d, etc.) are the out holes provided at the lower end of the gaming area 15. It is collected at 38 and discharged to the outside of the game board 14.

  The first gaming member 57 is formed in an umbrella shape with the left and right ends positioned below the center, whereas the second gaming member 55 is curved with the left and right ends positioned slightly above the center. A part of the game ball that rolls in the game area 15 is temporarily received by the second game member 55 and formed in a concave shape at the center of the second game member 55. It passes through the guide groove 55a and flows down toward the start port 25.

  The starting port 25 is defined as the specific winning port in the present embodiment, and is provided below the second gaming member 55 provided substantially at the center of the gaming area 15 and above the large winning port 39 and driven by a solenoid or the like. A blade member 23 is attached as a variable member. When a game ball that rolls while colliding with the second game member 55 and the game nail 13 installed in the game area 15 wins the start opening 25, a special symbol game and a big win lottery which will be described later are started. In other words, the start port 25 is a specific winning port that triggers a special symbol game and a big win lottery.

  A large winning opening 39 provided below the start opening 25 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front). The shutter 40 has a special symbol display 33 (FIG. 4), which will be described in detail later, in which specific numeric symbols are stopped and displayed as special symbols, and the stop display mode is shifted to a jackpot game in which the gaming state is a special game. If it is an aspect that indicates this, it is driven so as to be in an open state in which it is easy to accept a game ball. As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in an open state where it is easy to accept a game ball.

  On the other hand, a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 5) is provided inside the special winning opening 39 provided on the back side (rear) of the shutter 40 to detect a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls, or The shutter 40 is driven to the open state until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. When either a predetermined number of game balls are awarded to the big prize opening 39 or a predetermined time has elapsed in the open state, the shutter 40 is driven to be closed. As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball.

  A game from an open state in which the grand prize opening 39 is in a state where it is easy to accept a game ball to a closed state in which the grand prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball is called a round game. It is opened during a round game and closed between each round game. In the present embodiment, a game that executes this round game is referred to as a jackpot game. In addition, since the round game is counted as the number of rounds such as “1” round and “2” round, the first round game in the jackpot game may be referred to as the first round and the second round as the second round. .

  Subsequently, the shutter 40 driven from the open state to the closed state is driven to the open state again after a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) has elapsed.

  Note that a gaming state that continues until the (final) round game that cannot continue from the first round game to the next round game is called a jackpot gaming state. The jackpot gaming state is a very advantageous gaming state for the player because a large number of prize balls can be obtained.

  Further, when a game ball wins or passes through the specific area and the general area in the start opening 25, the general winning openings 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d and the large winning opening 39 described above, it is set in advance according to the type of each winning opening. The number of game balls that have been played are paid out to the game ball storage unit 20 or the lower plate 22 as prize balls.

  Moreover, the electrical decoration unit 53 is provided in the lower end part vicinity of the door 11a. As shown in FIG. 4, the electrical decoration unit 53 according to the present embodiment accommodates a special symbol display 33 corresponding to the start port 25 in a display case 37 disposed in the center thereof. The special symbol display 33 is composed of a 7-segment LED. When the game ball is won at the start opening 25, the 7-segment LED of the special symbol display 33 is turned on / off. Thus, 10 numerical symbols from “0” to “9” are variably displayed as special symbols. As described above, a game in which a special symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and the game state varies depending on the result is referred to as a “special symbol game” in the present embodiment.

  On both the left and right sides of the display case 37, special symbol holding lamps 33a to 33d corresponding to the start port 25 are provided with the display case 37 interposed therebetween. The special symbol holding lamps 33a to 33d are displayed on the special symbol display 33 until the special symbol on the variable display is stopped and displayed when the game ball wins the start opening 25 while the variable symbol is already displayed on the special symbol display 33. The number of times that the execution of the special symbol variation display based on the winning of the game ball to the start opening 25 is suspended (so-called “the number of the special symbol reserved balls”) is displayed by lighting. Then, when the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, variability display of the special symbol that has been suspended is started.

  Specifically, the special symbol hold lamps 33a to 33d are lit in order from the left in correspondence with the number of times the execution of the special symbol variation display is suspended, and the special symbol variation display is temporarily stopped. When the change display of the reserved special symbol is started, the corresponding special symbol hold lamp is turned off. An upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol variation display is suspended. For example, the special symbol variation is limited to four times (pieces) per game ball winning in the start opening 25. Display is suspended.

  Also, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, when a game ball wins the start opening 25 described above, for example, a decorative design for effects including numbers etc. is displayed at the start of the variable symbol display. Fluctuation display is started. Further, when the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the variation display regarding the special symbol, the effect based on the winning of the game ball at the start opening 25 until the decorative design for the effect during the variation display is stopped and displayed. Execution (start) of variable display of decorative symbols for use is suspended. Thereafter, when the decorative design for effect that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the decorative symbol for effect that has been put on hold is started. That is, the decorative display variation display and the special design variation display performed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 are synchronized, and the variation start and variation stop are performed at the same timing. .

  In the present embodiment, both the special symbol and the decorative symbol function as identification information, and the special symbol game which is a unit game from the change display of the special symbol to the stop display is executed in synchronization with the special symbol. The game is a “variable display game” in combination with a game in which the unit game is displayed from the change display of the decorative symbols to the stop display. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a variable display game is performed when a game ball wins the start opening 25. A game in which this variable display game is played is called a normal game.

  Further, when the game ball passes through the passing gate 54 (see FIG. 3) provided on the left side of the approximate center of the game area 15, the normal symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display 35 provided on the right side of the special symbol display 33. Two display lamps composed of symbols such as “◯” and “x” shown are variably displayed by alternately turning on and off.

  Further, below the display case 37, normal symbol holding lamps 35a to 35d are provided. The normal symbol holding lamps 35a to 35d are turned on or turned off when the game ball passes through the passing gate 54 during the fluctuation of the above-described normal symbols (in this embodiment, symbols such as “O”, “X”). By turning off the light, the number of times that the fluctuation display of the normal symbol being held can be executed (so-called “the number of balls held in the normal symbol”) is displayed. That is, the normal symbol hold lamps 35a to 35d are turned on sequentially from the left in accordance with the number of executions of the fluctuation display of the held normal symbols, and when the fluctuation is stopped and displayed, the next normal symbol that has been held is held. Is displayed, and the corresponding normal symbol holding lamp is turned off. Note that an upper limit is set for the number of times that the execution of the variable symbol display is suspended. For example, the upper limit is four times (pieces).

  When this normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯”, the blade members (so-called “normal electric accessories”) 23 provided as variable members on the left and right sides of the start port 25 are released from the closed state. The game ball easily enters the start opening 25 by changing to the state. Further, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 23 is opened, the blade member 23 is closed to make it difficult for a game ball to enter the start port 25. In this way, a game in which the normal symbol is variably displayed and then stopped is displayed, and the open / closed state of the blade member 23 differs depending on the result, which is referred to as a “normal symbol game”.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the jackpot lottery process for determining whether or not to shift to the jackpot game is performed in response to the winning of the game ball at the start opening 25, On the basis of the lottery result, the special symbol display 33 displays the variation and stop display of the special symbol. In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, a variable display game is executed in which a plurality of decorative symbols corresponding to the special symbols to be stopped and displayed are variably displayed and then stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination. The effect display using the effect image etc. accompanying this variable display game is performed. When the lottery result is a win, the game shifts from a normal game to a jackpot game.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as an example of an accessory, an accessory of the big prize winning port 39 used at the time of the big hit game is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more on the game board are described. Any number of objects may be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 and the liquid crystal panel 21 each including a liquid crystal display panel are employed as a portion for displaying an image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other forms such as EL (Electro Luminescence) and plasma are used. It may consist of.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  The control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment is mainly composed of a main control circuit 60 as game control means and a sub-control circuit 200 as effect control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the entire game, and the sub-control circuit 200 controls effects according to the progress of the game (for example, image display control, sound output control, decoration lamp control, etc.). Is positioned in things.

  As shown in the figure, the main control circuit 60 includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68. Thus, the main CPU 66 functions as various means to be described later, such as functioning as a jackpot game execution means or a jackpot lottery means.

  In the main ROM 68, a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66 is stored. In addition, a jackpot lottery table (see FIG. 6) referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery. Various tables are stored.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66.

  The main control circuit 60 also has a command for a reset clock pulse generating circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66.

  The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process described later. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to a transmission unit that transmits various commands to the sub-control circuit 200 (various units included in the sub-control circuit 200).

  Further, the main control circuit 60 includes a display control circuit 76 for controlling various displays and display lamps of the electric decoration unit 53 (see FIG. 4). The display control circuit 76 controls the variation of the special symbol display 33 and the normal symbol display 35 according to the instruction from the main CPU 66 according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 (for example, the start of variation and a predetermined symbol). In addition, the special symbol hold lamps 33a to 33d and the normal symbol hold lamps 35a to 35d are turned on and off.

  The main control circuit 60 includes a stirring bar control circuit 77. This stir bar control circuit 77 is provided in each ball receiving portion (first ball receiving portion 20a, second ball receiving portion 20b, third ball receiving portion 20c) of the game ball storage portion 20 in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 66. In order to operate the game ball stirring rod 20g (see FIG. 15), operation control is performed on the stirring motors M1, M2, and M3.

  The main control circuit 60 includes a display panel control circuit 78. In accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 66, the display panel control circuit 78 displays a predetermined image corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 27 (see FIG. 3) by the player in the image display area 21a (see FIG. 3) of the liquid crystal panel 21. Control to be executed.

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in the figure, the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, the passing ball sensor 114, the starting port winning ball sensor 117, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118, the big winning port solenoid 120, the game ball Detection sensors 121, 122, 123, 124, a ball removal sensor 105, and an operation panel sensor 125 are connected.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in a general area different from the specific area in the special winning opening 39. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area at the special winning opening 39.

  The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning ports 56a, 56b, 56c, and 56d, respectively. The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins each of the general winning ports 56 a, 56 b, 56 c, 56 d.

  The passing ball sensor 114 is provided in the passing gate 54. The passing ball sensor 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the passing gate 54.

  A start opening winning ball sensor 117 as a game ball detecting means is provided at the start opening 25. The start port winning ball sensor 117 detects that a game ball has won the start port 25 and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the blade member 23 via a link member (not shown), and makes the blade member 23 open or closed in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. .

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to make the big prize opening 39 open or closed.

  The game ball detection sensors 121 to 124 are provided in the first ball receiving unit 20a, the second ball receiving unit 20b, the third ball receiving unit 20c, and the game ball supply path 20d of the game ball storage unit 20 (see FIG. 15), respectively. The main control circuit is connected to the first detection sensor S1, the second detection sensor S2, the third detection sensor S3, and the fourth detection sensor S4, and the presence or absence of a game ball detected by each detection sensor is used as a predetermined detection signal. 60.

  The ball removal sensor 105 is connected to the ball removal lever 28 (see FIG. 3), and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the ball removal lever 28 is operated by the player.

  The operation panel sensor 125 is connected to the operation unit 27 (see FIG. 3), and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the operation unit 27 is operated by the player.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. Connected to the payout / firing control circuit 126 are a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, and a card unit 150.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130.

  In addition, the launching device 130 includes a device for launching a game ball such as the launching solenoid and the touch sensor described above. When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, power is supplied to the firing solenoid according to the rotational angle, and the game ball stored in the game ball storage unit 20 is stored. Are sequentially fired onto the game board 14 by the firing solenoid.

  On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub-control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speakers 46R and 46L, control of the decoration lamps 133a and 133b, and the like in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. Do.

  In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. Not limited to this, the sub control circuit 200 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub-control circuit 200 is a sub-CPU 206 that functions as various control means such as variable display control means and sound generation control means, a program ROM 208 as a storage means, a work RAM 210, and a display control circuit for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32. 250, a sound control circuit 230 that controls the sound generated from the speakers 46R and 46L, and a lamp control circuit 240 that controls the decorative lamps 133a and 133b. Then, the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 performs various effects control according to various command signals supplied from the main control circuit 60, as will be described later. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means described later.

  In the program ROM 208, a plurality of types of effect image data associated with the image display of the liquid crystal display device 32 executed by the sub CPU 206 in connection with the variable display of the special symbol of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and a round game during the jackpot game A plurality of types of effect image data to be executed are stored, and in addition, various tables such as a time table that defines the effect display period are also stored.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables such as a timer variable for controlling the reach effect time, an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern, and the like are positioned. Here, the reach in the present embodiment refers to a state of transition to the aforementioned jackpot game when one decorative symbol that is changing is stopped and displayed with the same symbol as the other decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed. Normally, a special reach effect display according to the reach state is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 until the decorative pattern being changed stops.

  The display control circuit 250 is executed in association with a plurality of types of effect patterns that are supplied from the sub CPU 206 and accompanied by the progress of effect display that is executed in relation to the variable display of special symbols, and in the round game during the jackpot game. Control is performed to cause the liquid crystal display device 32 to display images of effect image data such as a plurality of types of effect patterns.

  The sound control circuit 230 generates sound from the speakers 46R and 46L in response to a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  The lamp control circuit 240 performs light emission control of the decorative lamps 133a and 133b according to a program stored in the program ROM 208 supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  In the present embodiment, in the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the main control circuit 60 as the game control means and the sub control circuit 200 as the effect control means are configured separately, but the main control circuit 60 And the sub-control circuit 200 may be configured on the same substrate.

  In this embodiment, the main control circuit 60 uses the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 uses the program ROM 208 as storage means for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it is a storage medium readable by a computer equipped with a computer, a program, a table, and the like are recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM, and a ROM cartridge. May be. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the main RAM 70 in the main control circuit 60 and the work RAM 210 in the sub control circuit 200. . In this embodiment, the main RAM 70 is used as the temporary storage area of the main CPU 66 and the work RAM 210 is used as the temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

[Game machine operation]
Here, the game of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment will be briefly described. In the present embodiment, the games of the pachinko gaming machine 10 are roughly divided into normal games (games that consume game balls while performing a big hit lottery and are relatively disadvantageous to the player as compared to the big hit games). The game is divided into jackpot games (games that are advantageous for the player who can expect to acquire a large number of game balls in a short time for the player).

  Further, in the jackpot game, a 15R probability variable jackpot game (so-called “surprise”) is obtained by a specific numerical symbol that is randomly displayed in the special symbol control process 33 described later and stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 33. 3 types of jackpot games, which are called jackpot games) or 10R regular jackpot games, are determined.

  The three types of jackpot games (15R-probable jackpot game, 2R-probable jackpot game or 10R normal jackpot game) refer to the jackpot lottery table (see FIG. 6) in the special symbol memory check process (see FIG. 10) described later. However, lotteries are drawn with different lottery probabilities according to the normal mode or the probability variation mode of the normal game.

  At this time, when the jackpot game is won, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 33 (see FIG. 4) is, for example, a special symbol of “7” is displayed in the case of a 15R probability variable jackpot game. In the case of a probable big hit game, for example, a special symbol of “3” is displayed. In the case of a 10R normal jackpot game, for example, a special symbol of “5” is displayed.

  Further, when one of the three types of jackpot games is won, the display of the liquid crystal display device 32 is performed at the same timing as when the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 33 (see FIG. 4). Also in the area 32a, a special decorative pattern (for example, a set of three numbers) is displayed in the case of a 15R probability variation big hit game, for example, a specific set of decorative numbers such as “777”. In the case of 2R probable big hit games, for example, a set of three decorative symbols of specific numbers such as “333” is displayed. Further, in the case of a 10R normal jackpot game, for example, a decorative pattern of a set of three specific numbers such as “444” is displayed.

  When any of the three types of jackpot games is executed, the upper limit is a predetermined number corresponding to each of the three types of jackpot games (two times for 2R probability variable jackpot games, 15 times for 15R probability variable jackpot games, 10R Normally, 10 times in the big hit game), the shutter 40 (see FIG. 3) attached to the big prize opening 39 repeats opening for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), so that the game balls launched into the game area 15 It becomes easy to win the big prize opening 39, and the player can acquire a large number of prize balls in a short time. Acquiring such a jackpot game (winning the jackpot game) is the greatest goal of general players, and can be said to be the best part of a pachinko game.

  Further, in the present embodiment, during execution of the jackpot game, the number of rounds from the first round number to the last round game when the round game is continued (maximum number of continuous rounds) is 15 rounds, 10 rounds, Although the number of rounds is two, the maximum number of consecutive rounds of the jackpot game is not limited. For example, the maximum continuous round number is selected from “1” to “15” rounds by lottery by a round number lottery means (main control circuit 60 including a main CPU 66 described later (see FIG. 5)). Any number of rounds may be used.

  On the other hand, the normal game in the present embodiment is executed under three types of game modes: a normal mode (normally low probability game state), a probability variation mode (special high probability game state), and a short time mode (special game mode).

  Here, the mode transition of each of the three types of normal games (the normal mode, the probability variation mode, and the time reduction mode) and their characteristics will be briefly described below.

  The normal mode is a basic mode in the pachinko gaming machine 10, and when the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game is started from this normal mode. In this normal mode, the jackpot lottery probability is set to be lower than the jackpot lottery probability in the probability variation mode.

  The probability variation mode is a special high-probability gaming state in which a transition is made after the jackpot game ends when a 15R probability variation jackpot game or a 2R probability variation jackpot is won among the three types of jackpot games in normal games. The jackpot lottery probability in the probability variation mode is set to be higher than the jackpot lottery probability in the normal mode.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the jackpot lottery probability in the normal mode is “1/300”, whereas the jackpot lottery probability in the probability variation mode is “1/30”, which is 10 times the lottery. The probability is set (see FIG. 6, jackpot lottery table). In other words, in the probability variation mode, a jackpot game is generated 10 times more frequently than in the normal mode, which is an advantageous gaming state for the player. In particular, the 15R probability variation jackpot game has a maximum of 15 round games. This is the most advantageous game because it is continued.

  On the other hand, the 2R probability variation jackpot has only two round games, and the duration of the jackpot game is the shortest game among the jackpot games, so when the normal game after the winning game is in the probability variation mode However, it cannot be said that the player is a favorable jackpot game as compared to the 15R probability variable jackpot game.

  Finally, the time-saving mode (special game mode) is a game mode that is set after the jackpot game is ended, regardless of which of the three types of jackpot games is won. In this normal game, the time-saving mode means that the variation time from the start of the special symbol and the normal symbol to the time when the special symbol and the normal symbol are stopped is set to be shorter than that of the normal mode. In the case of “winning” (that is, when the display lamp is stopped and displayed as “O” in the above-described normal symbol display 35 (see FIG. 4)), the opening time of the blade member 23 attached to the start port 25 is It is set longer than the normal mode. Such control may be referred to as “electric chew support” in the present embodiment.

  As described above, when “electric chew support” is executed, it becomes easy to win a game ball at the start opening 25, so that the number of lottery wins per unit time is remarkably increased as compared to the normal mode, and to the start opening 25. Since the payout of the winning ball for the winning of the game is also increased, there is little loss of the gaming ball (so-called “ball holding” is in a good state), which can be said to be an advantageous state for the player.

  In this short-time mode, the duration is determined corresponding to the three types of jackpot games. When the jackpot game is a 10R normal jackpot game, after the jackpot game ends, the number of times the special symbol fluctuates (for example, 50 times or 100 times) is set as the duration. On the other hand, when the jackpot game is a 15R probability change jackpot game or a 2R probability change jackpot game, the duration of the special symbol that can be expected to win the next jackpot game substantially after the jackpot game ends (for example, 10,000 times). ).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the normal game is performed under the four game modes of “normal mode”, “probability change mode”, “normal mode + time reduction mode”, and “probability change mode + time reduction mode”. In other words, the gaming state changes according to the change in the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 (that is, the occurrence of the three types of jackpot games).

  Hereinafter, processing executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 in accordance with the change in the gaming state described above is shown in FIGS.

[Main processing]
As shown in FIG. 7, first, the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 executes initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization (step S11). Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9, the special symbol game progress, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 33, and the special display related to the effect display by the decorative symbol corresponding to the start opening 25 in the liquid crystal display device 32. The symbol control process is executed (step S12). Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 11, the normal symbol control process relating to the progress of the normal symbol game and the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 35 is executed (step S13). Further, this will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 13, but a ball clogging elimination control process (step S14) for eliminating the retention of game balls in the game ball storage unit 20 is executed. After the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the processes in steps S12 to S14 are repeatedly executed.

[System timer interrupt processing]
Further, the main CPU 66 may interrupt the main process and execute the system timer interrupt process even when the main process is being executed. The following system timer interrupt process is executed in response to a clock pulse generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds). This system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the main CPU 66 executes a random number update process for updating each lottery value such as a jackpot lottery random value (step S21). Then, the main CPU 66 executes an input detection process for detecting a winning of a game ball to the start opening 25 or the like (step S22). In this processing, the main CPU 66 stores in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 data for paying out the game balls (winning the game balls) on the condition that the game balls have won the various winning ports.

  Further, in this input detection process (step S22), when the main CPU 66 detects the winning of the game ball to the start port 25, the main CPU 66 reads the random number value updated in the random number update process (step S21), and a maximum of four Is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 as the upper limit of the number of reservations. Then, the winning of the game ball and the random number value stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 are referred to in the jackpot lottery process (step S64) of the special symbol memory check process (see FIG. 10) described later. Will be. Then, when this process ends, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, timer update processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 is a waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, and a large time for measuring the opening time of the big winning opening 39 that is opened when a big hit game is generated. Update processing of various timers such as a prize opening timer. Then, when this process ends, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, an output process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies a signal for drive control based on various output requests stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 to a solenoid, a motor, and the like. That is, in each process described later, the main CPU 66 outputs signals to various driving game members (game members that are arranged in the game area 15 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and change their forms according to the game state). When the request is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, a signal corresponding to the request is output. For example, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 for opening or closing the blade member 23 attached to the start opening 25 and the big prize opening solenoid 120 for opening or closing the shutter 40 attached to the big prize opening 39. When there is a drive request for each solenoid, such as the above, a control signal is output to drive various drive game members.

  Further, in this output process, the main CPU 66 displays various indicators (a special symbol display 33 corresponding to the starting port 25, a normal symbol display 35, a starting port) installed in the illumination unit 53 (see FIG. 4). The symbol change request or stop request, or lamp turn-on request or turn-off request corresponding to each of the special symbol hold lamps 33a to 33d and the normal symbol hold lamps 35a to 35d) corresponding to 25 is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. If it has been done, it controls the change or stop of the symbols, or the lighting or extinguishing of the lamps of various indicators installed in the corresponding lighting unit 53 (see FIG. 4). And when this process is complete | finished, a process is moved to step S25.

  In step S25, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies various command signals to the sub control circuit 200. These various command signals include, for example, a demonstration display command derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32, a derived symbol designation command for designating the type of decorative symbol corresponding to the start port 25, and the like. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S26.

  In the process of step S26, the main CPU 66 executes a prize ball payout process. In this prize ball payout process, a prize ball control command signal for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls is supplied to the payout / firing control circuit 126 in response to the winning of game balls in various winning holes. . When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the address is returned to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the random number value updated within a predetermined range (for example, 1 to 30000) in the random number update process (step S21) is read at the timing when the game ball wins the start opening 25, It is used as a random value for the big hit lottery. However, the means for acquiring the random number value is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment. For example, a dedicated random number generator or the like is provided in the main control circuit 60, and within a predetermined range (for example, 1 to 30000). A random value updated at random may be read out at the timing when the game ball wins the start opening 25 and used as a random value for the big hit lottery.

[Special symbol control processing]
The special symbol control process executed in step S12 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in the process of step S31, the main CPU 66 loads a special symbol control flag. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the special symbol control flag and moves the process to step S32.

  In step S32, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (00). If the special symbol control flag is not (00), the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S34. If the special symbol control flag is (00), the process proceeds to step S33 to perform a special symbol storage check process. As will be described in detail later, in this special symbol memory check process, the number of reserved special symbols is checked, and if there is a reserved number, a “big hit” lottery, special symbol variation start, special symbol variation timer is set, etc. Then, (01) which is the processing request for the next step is set in the special symbol control flag, and the processing is terminated.

  In step S34, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (01). If the special symbol control flag is not (01), the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to step S40. When the special symbol control flag is (01), special symbol variation time monitoring processing is performed. That is, in step S35, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation timer is up (that is, “0”). If the time is not up, the process is terminated. If the time is up, the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to step S36.

  In step S36, the main CPU 66 performs a special symbol stop process. In this special symbol stop process, the main CPU 66 stores a change stop request for the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner corresponding to the start port 25 in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Then, the special symbol fluctuation stop request stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 in this process is the illumination unit 53 (see FIG. 4) in the output process (FIG. 8, step S24) of the system timer interrupt process described above. In response to the start port 25, the special symbol that is being displayed in a variable manner is variably stopped. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S37.

  Then, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol is a big hit in step S37, and if it is not a big win, the main CPU 66 moves the process to step S39. On the other hand, if it is a big hit, a special winning opening release waiting process of step S38 is performed. In the special winning opening release waiting process, the main CPU 66 sets a value (02) indicating waiting for the special winning opening to the special symbol control flag, and sets a waiting time (for example, 1 second) in the special winning opening release waiting timer. This subroutine ends.

  In step S39, the main CPU 66 clears the special symbol control flag (that is, sets a value (00) for requesting the special symbol storage check process), and ends the special symbol control process.

  In step S40, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (02). If the special symbol control flag is not (02), the process proceeds to step S43. When the special symbol control flag is (02), a special winning opening release process is performed. In the special prize opening process, first, the main CPU 66 determines in step S41 whether the special prize opening waiting timer is timed up (that is, “0”). If the time is not up, the process is terminated. If the time is up, a special winning opening opening process is performed in step S42. In this special winning opening opening process, the main CPU 66 first sets the opening of the special winning opening 39 (stores the opening instruction of the special winning opening solenoid 120 by the shutter 40 in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70), and then stores the large winning opening 39. The opening time (for example, 30 seconds) of the big winning opening 39 is set in the winning opening timer. Then, the special symbol control flag is set to a value (03) indicating the special winning opening release monitoring process, and the process ends.

  In step S43, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (03). If the special symbol control flag is not (03), the process proceeds to step S49. When the special symbol control flag is (03), a special winning opening opening monitoring process is performed. In the big prize opening monitoring process, first, the main CPU 66 determines whether the big prize opening timer has timed out (that is, “0”) in step S44, or whether a prescribed number of game balls have won the big prize opening 39. Judge whether or not. Then, when the time of the grand prize opening timer expires, and at the same time, if the prescribed number of game balls have not won the grand prize opening 39, the processing is terminated. Then, when the time of the winning opening opening timer expires or when a prescribed number of game balls in the large winning opening 39 satisfy one of the conditions for winning, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the main CPU 66 executes a special winning opening closing process (stores a closing instruction of the special winning opening solenoid 120 by the shutter 40 in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70), and moves the process to step S46.

  In step S46, the main CPU 66 counts the number of times that the special winning opening is opened (so-called number of rounds), and reaches the specified number of times (10 times for the 10R normal jackpot, 15 times for the 15R probability variation jackpot, 2 times for the 2R probability variation jackpot). In step S48, the special symbol control flag is set to a value (04) for requesting the jackpot ending process, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the number of times of opening the big prize opening has not reached the prescribed number, the main CPU 66 performs a waiting process for waiting for the big prize opening in step S47. In the special winning opening release waiting process, the special symbol control flag is set again with a value (02) for requesting the opening of the special winning opening 39, and the waiting time (for example, 1 second) is set in the special winning opening release waiting timer. Exit.

  In step S49, the main CPU 66 performs jackpot end processing. In the jackpot ending process, when the jackpot symbol is 15R probability variation jackpot or 2R probability variation jackpot, the normal game is set to “probability variation mode + short time mode”, and as the duration of the short time mode, the number of fluctuations of a predetermined special symbol (for example, 10,000 times) is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70.

  On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is 10R normal jackpot, the normal game is set to “normal mode + short time mode”, and the number of fluctuations of a predetermined special symbol (for example, 100 times) is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. To do.

  Finally, the main CPU 66 clears the special symbol control flag (that is, sets a value (00) for requesting the special symbol storage check process), and ends the special symbol control process.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The special symbol memory check process executed in step S33 in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S61, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the number of special symbols held when the game ball is won at the starting port 25 is “0”. If “0”, the process proceeds to step S62, and if the number of special symbols to be held is not “0” (that is, if there is a special symbol change request), the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S62, the main CPU 66 executes a demo display process. In this process, the main CPU 66 sends a demo display command signal to the sub-control circuit 200 in order to perform a demo display. As a result, the sub-control circuit 200 can recognize that the customer waiting state (predetermined waiting state) has been reached. When this process ends, the special symbol storage check process ends.

  In step S63, the main CPU 66 sets a value (01) for requesting special symbol variation time management to the special symbol control flag, and moves the process to step S64.

  In step S64, a jackpot lottery process is executed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 selects one jackpot lottery table from a plurality of jackpot lottery tables (see FIG. 6) having different jackpot lottery values based on the current game mode (normal mode, probability change mode) of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Select. Then, with reference to the jackpot lottery random number value extracted when the game ball wins the starting opening 25 and the selected jackpot lottery table, the jackpot is lottery (15R probability variable jackpot, 2R probability variable jackpot, 10R normal jackpot or “ Decide one of “out of”.

  Here, the jackpot lottery table according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, in the jackpot lottery table in the normal mode and the jackpot lottery table in the probability variation mode, the random value is set to 1 to 30000, and the jackpot lottery value is “100/30000” in the normal mode. On the other hand, in the probability variation mode, “1000/30000” is set.

  That is, the sum of the jackpot lottery values of 2R probability variation jackpot (so-called “surprise”), which is a jackpot game with a short number of round games and a short duration of the jackpot game, that is, the jackpot game is won. The probability is set to 10/300 (1/30) in the probability variation mode while it is 1/300 in the normal mode. In other words, the probability of transition to jackpot game differs depending on the game mode (normal mode and probability change mode), and when the normal game is played under probability variation mode, the probability of transition to jackpot game is the normal mode. Therefore, the probability variation mode is a very advantageous state for the player.

  Returning to the description of the special symbol memory check process shown in FIG.

  When the jackpot lottery process in step S64 using the jackpot lottery table described above is completed, the main CPU 66 shifts the process to step S65.

  In step S65, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit. In this process, the main CPU 66 moves the process to step S66 if the lottery result in the jackpot lottery process in step S64 described above is a big win, and moves the process to step S67 if not the big win.

  In step S66, a special symbol determination process that is a jackpot symbol is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines a special symbol to be displayed corresponding to the jackpot type determined in step S64. For example, “7” is determined for the special symbol for “15R probability variation jackpot”, “3” for the special symbol for “2R probability variation jackpot”, and special symbol for “10R normal jackpot”. The special symbol is determined corresponding to each jackpot, such as “5” for the symbol. Then, the determined special symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Thus, the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot is derived and displayed on the special symbol display 33 corresponding to the start port 25 installed in the electric decoration unit 53 (see FIG. 4).

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the process of step S66, the main CPU 66 determines the jackpot type (2R probability variation jackpot, 15R probability variation jackpot, 10R normal jackpot) and the number of jackpot occurrences determined in step S64 as mains. A predetermined area of the RAM 70 is stored and updated as “a jackpot game history”. Then, when this process ends, the process moves to step S68.

  In step S67, a missing symbol determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines a special symbol (for example, a number other than “7”, “3”, “5”) corresponding to the off symbol and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. As a result, the special symbol display unit 33 corresponding to the start port 25 installed in the electrical decoration unit 53 (see FIG. 4) derives and displays the special symbol corresponding to the detachment. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S68.

  In step S68, a gaming state determination process is performed. In this gaming state determination process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the current normal game is in the time-saving mode, and if it is in the time-saving mode, the process proceeds to step S70. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current normal game is not in the time reduction mode, the special symbol variation time (for example, 10 seconds) in the normal mode is set in the special symbol variation timer and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 in step S69. To do. Then, the process proceeds to step S71.

  In step S70, the main CPU 66 sets the special symbol variation time in the time reduction mode (a time shorter than the special symbol variation time in the normal mode, for example, 5 seconds) in the special symbol variation timer and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. To do. Further, in the process of step S70, the main CPU 66 subtracts "-1" from the number of special symbol fluctuations (for example, 50 times) stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 as the duration of the time reduction mode and updates the memory. To do. When the number of fluctuations of the special symbol becomes “0”, that is, when the duration of the time reduction mode ends, the time reduction mode is reset (the flag of the time reduction mode stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 is cleared). Then, the process proceeds to step S71.

  In step S71, the main CPU 66 stores, in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, a request for starting the variable display to the special symbol display 33 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the start opening 25 where the game ball has won. The process moves to step S72. By this process, the special symbol change display is performed on the special symbol display 33 corresponding to the start port 25 in accordance with the change time set in the special symbol change timer in the steps S69 and S70. (After the special symbol variation timer expires), the special symbol of “big hit” or “out of place” determined in step S66 and step S67 is stopped and displayed.

  In step S <b> 72, the main CPU 66 performs a process for determining a decorative symbol and effect time displayed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores the “big hit” or “out of place” data stored in step S66 or step S67, the special symbol variation time stored in step S69 or step S70, and the like of the liquid crystal display device 32. The decorative design and effect time displayed in the display area 32 a are determined and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  The decorative design and effect time displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 stored here are transmitted from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200 by the command output process in step S25 of FIG. Is supplied to the sub CPU 206 as a derived symbol designation command. Thereby, in the sub control circuit 200, the decorative symbol corresponding to the start port 25 is derived and displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, and the decorative symbol variation time is also determined. That is, in the electrical decoration unit 53 (see FIG. 4), the variation time of the special symbol derived and displayed on the special symbol display 33 corresponding to the start port 25 and the variation time of the decorative symbol derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. Are performed synchronously.

[Normal symbol control processing]
The subroutine executed in step S13 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 66 loads a normal symbol control flag in step S101. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the normal symbol control flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S102.

  In step S102, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is a value (00) indicating a normal symbol storage check request. If the normal symbol control flag is not (00), the process proceeds to step S104. . If the normal symbol control flag is (00), the normal symbol storage check process in step S103 is performed. This normal symbol storage check process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12, but the main CPU 66 checks the number of reserved normal symbols, and if there is a number of reserved symbols, the main CPU 66 determines whether the normal symbol is hit, starts changing the normal symbol, The normal symbol variation timer is set, etc., and (01) which is the processing request for the next step is set in the normal symbol control flag, and the processing is terminated.

  In step S104, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is (01). If the normal symbol control flag is not (01), the process proceeds to step S107. If the normal symbol control flag is (01), it is determined in step S105 whether the normal symbol variation timer has timed up (that is, “0”). If the time has not expired, the process ends. . On the other hand, when the normal symbol variation timer expires, the main CPU 66 performs a normal symbol stop process in step S106. In this normal symbol stop process, the main CPU 66 sets a request to stop the fluctuation to the normal symbol display 35 and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. As a result, the normal symbol display 35 displays the determination result of “success” or “displacement” of the normal symbol determined by the normal symbol storage check process. When this process is completed, the stored number of normal symbols stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 is updated so as to decrease by “1”. Then, (02) is set in the normal symbol control flag and the process is terminated.

  In step S107, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is (02). If the normal symbol control flag is not (02), the process proceeds to step S111. If the normal symbol control flag is (02), the process proceeds to step S108 to determine whether or not the normal symbol is a hit. If the main CPU 66 determines that the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the main CPU 66 shifts the process to the normal electric accessory release process in step S109. On the other hand, when determining that the normal symbol is not a hit, the main CPU 66 sets a value (00) for requesting the normal symbol storage check to the normal symbol control flag and ends the processing in step S110.

  In the ordinary electric accessory release process in step S109, the main CPU 66 performs an opening process of the blade member 23, which is an ordinary electric accessory (stores the release of the ordinary electric accessory in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70). Furthermore, according to the gaming state of the gaming table, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory (wing member 23) (for example, 3 seconds when the game mode is the short-time mode, 0.2 seconds when the game mode is the normal mode or the normal mode) The normal electric accessory release timer is set, the normal symbol control flag is set to (03), and the process is terminated.

  In step S111, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is (03). If the normal symbol control flag is not (03), the process proceeds to step S114. If the normal symbol control flag is (03), the process proceeds to step S112 to determine whether the normal electric accessory release timer has timed up (that is, “0”). Then, when the normal electric accessory release timer has not expired, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal electric accessory release timer has timed out, in the normal electric accessory closing process of step S113, the blade member 23, which is an ordinary electric accessory, is closed (normally in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70). Memorize the closing of the electric accessory). Then, (04) is set in the normal symbol control flag and the process is terminated.

  In step S114, the main CPU 66 clears the normal symbol control flag (that is, sets the value “00” for requesting the normal symbol storage check) and ends the process.

[Normal symbol memory check processing]
The subroutine executed in step S103 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S121, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol holding number is “0”. If it is determined that the normal symbol holding number is “0”, the normal symbol storage check is performed. The process ends. This normal symbol holding number is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. When it is detected that a game ball has passed through the passing gate 54, the normal symbol holding number increases by "1" with the predetermined number (for example, "4") as an upper limit. When the variable display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol game is completed, “1” is subtracted and the memory is updated. On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 determines that the number of retained normal symbols is not “0”, in step S122, the main CPU 66 sets the value “01” of the normal symbol variation timer monitoring request to the normal symbol control flag, and then proceeds to step S123. Move processing.

  In step S123, a normal symbol hit determination process is executed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 determines the normal symbol per-determining random number extracted when the normal symbol starting region passes (by passing the game ball through the passing gate 54) and the normal symbol per-unit determination stored in the main ROM 68. Refers to the value. Then, as a result of the reference, when the random value for determination per ordinary symbol matches the determination value per ordinary symbol as a result of the reference, the main CPU 66 stores data indicating the winning symbol (for example, “◯” symbol) in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. To remember. On the other hand, as a result of the reference, when the random value for determination per normal symbol does not match the determination value per normal symbol as a result of the reference, the main CPU 66 stores data indicating an off symbol (for example, “×” symbol) in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. To remember. The winning symbol and the off symbol stored in this way are supplied to the normal symbol display 35 as a derived normal symbol designation command in the illumination unit 53 (see FIG. 4). As a result, the normal symbol display 35 starts normal symbol variation display (for example, “◯” and “x” symbols are alternately blinked). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S124, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal game is in the time reduction mode. If the normal game is in the time reduction mode, in step S126, the main CPU 66 stops the normal symbol fluctuation shorter than the normal mode. The time (for example, 5 seconds) is set in the normal symbol variation timer, and the process ends. On the other hand, when the game mode is not the time reduction mode (that is, the probability variation mode or the normal mode), in step S125, the main CPU 66 sets a normal symbol variation stop time (for example, 30 seconds) longer than the time reduction mode in the normal symbol variation timer. To finish the process.

[Clogging elimination control process]
The subroutine executed in step S14 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the structure of the game ball storage part 20 in this ball clogging elimination control process is demonstrated with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S150, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not an input from the ball removal sensor 105 (see FIG. 5) has been detected. If not, the main CPU 66 moves the process to step S152. On the other hand, if it is detected, the process proceeds to step S151. The ball removal sensor 105 is supplied to the main CPU 66 as a predetermined detection signal when the player operates the ball removal lever 28.

  In step S151, the main CPU 66 issues an operation request for the game ball stirring bar 20g provided in each of the first ball receiving unit 20a, the second ball receiving unit 20b, and the third ball receiving unit 20c of the game ball storage unit 20, An instruction is given to the stirring bar control circuit 77 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the stirring bar control circuit 77 controls the stirring motors M1, M2, and M3 (see FIG. 5) provided in the game ball stirring bar 20g of each ball receiving portion to operate in a predetermined operation mode. Run. As a result, as described above, the game balls stored in the game ball storage unit 20 can be quickly flowed down, and therefore, in the vicinity of the end of the game ball supply path 20d (the launch position of the launching unit). It is possible to discharge the game balls stored in the game ball storage unit 20 to the lower plate 22 in a short time from the provided game ball flow switching route (not shown). Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S152, the main CPU 66 plays the game balls with all the detection sensors (first detection sensor S1, second detection sensor S2, third detection sensor S3, fourth detection sensor S4) provided in the game ball storage unit 20. If the game ball is not detected by all the detection sensors (that is, the game ball stored in the game ball storage unit 20 is empty), the process proceeds to step S162. Move processing. On the other hand, if the game ball is detected by any of the detection sensors (that is, the game ball is stored in the game ball storage unit 20), the process proceeds to step S153.

  In step S153, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the fourth detection sensor S4 provided in the vicinity of the terminal end of the game ball supply path 20d has detected a game ball. The process moves to step S156. On the other hand, if the game ball is not detected, the main CPU 66 is provided in each of the first ball receiving unit 20a, the second ball receiving unit 20b, and the third ball receiving unit 20c of the game ball storage unit 20 in step S154. It is determined whether or not a game ball is detected by the first detection sensor S1, the second detection sensor S2, and the third detection sensor S3, and if a game ball is detected, the process proceeds to step S155. Move. If no game ball is detected, this subroutine is terminated.

  In step S155, the main CPU 66 detects the game ball stirring rod 20g provided in each ball receiving unit (first ball receiving unit 20a, second ball receiving unit 20b, third ball receiving unit 20c) that has detected the game ball. An operation request is instructed to the stirring rod control circuit 77 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the stirring rod control circuit 77 performs a predetermined operation on the stirring motors M1, M2, and M3 (see FIG. 5) provided on the gaming ball stirring rod 20g of each ball receiving unit that has detected the gaming ball. Execute the control to operate. When this process ends, this subroutine ends.

  In step S156, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the third detection sensor S3 provided in the third ball receiving unit 20c has detected a game ball, and if it has detected a game ball, the main CPU 66 performs step S159. Move processing to. On the other hand, if the game ball has not been detected, the main CPU 66, in step S157, the first detection sensor S1 or the second detection sensor provided in the first ball receiving unit 20a or the second ball receiving unit 20b, respectively. It is determined whether or not a game ball is detected by any one of the sensors in S2, and if a game ball is detected, the process proceeds to step S158. If no game ball is detected, this subroutine is terminated.

  In step S158, the main CPU 66 sends an operation request for the game ball stirring bar 20g provided in the first ball receiving unit 20a and the second ball receiving unit 20b that has detected the game ball to the stirring rod control circuit 77 (see FIG. 5). ) As a result, the stirring rod control circuit 77 causes the stirring motors M1 and M2 (see FIG. 5) provided in the game ball stirring rod 20g of each ball receiving unit that has detected the game ball to operate in a predetermined operation mode. Execute control. When this process ends, this subroutine ends.

  In step S159, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the second detection sensor S2 provided in the second ball receiving unit 20b has detected a game ball. Move processing to. On the other hand, if the game ball has not been detected, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the first detection sensor S1 provided in the first ball receiving unit 20a has detected the game ball in step S160. If a game ball is detected, the process proceeds to step S161. If no game ball is detected, this subroutine is terminated.

  In step S161, the main CPU 66 instructs the agitation bar control circuit 77 (see FIG. 5) to request an operation of the game ball agitation bar 20g provided in the first ball receiving unit 20a that has detected the game ball. Thereby, the stirring rod control circuit 77 causes the stirring motor M1 (see FIG. 5) provided in the gaming ball stirring rod 20g of the first ball receiving portion 20a that has detected the gaming ball to operate in a predetermined operation mode. Execute control. When this process ends, this subroutine ends.

  In step S162, the main CPU 66 issues a stop request for the game ball stirring bar 20g provided in each of the first ball receiving unit 20a, the second ball receiving unit 20b, and the third ball receiving unit 20c of the game ball storage unit 20. An instruction is given to the stirring bar control circuit 77 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the stirring rod control circuit 77 controls the stirring motors M1, M2, M3 (see FIG. 5) provided in each gaming ball stirring rod 20g of each ball receiving portion to stop at a predetermined stop position. Run. Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  The predetermined stop position of each game ball stirring rod 20g in each ball receiving unit described above is, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, in the first ball receiving unit 20a from the center of the first ball receiving unit 20a. The three stirring rods provided radially at intervals of approximately 120 degrees do not block the three game ball entrances 20P provided on the bottom surface of the first ball receiving portion 20a, in other words, three games. This is a position that does not prevent the game ball from entering the ball entrance 20P.

  As described above, according to the ball clogging elimination control process in the present embodiment described above, when the player operates the ball removal lever 28, the game ball stirring rod 20g provided in each ball receiving unit of the game ball storage unit 20 is The game balls stored in the game ball storage unit 20 are more smoothly operated and discharged to the lower plate 22 and the game balls below the game ball storage unit 20 (the one closer to the launch position of the launching means) are detected. If the detection sensor of each ball receiving unit provided above the detection sensor that does not detect the game ball and does not detect the game ball detects the game ball, the ball receiving unit that detects the game ball It is determined that the game ball is staying, and the control for canceling the stay of the game ball is executed by operating the game ball stirring rod 20g provided in the ball receiving portion.

[Sub control circuit main processing]
On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 executes the sub-control circuit main process. The sub control circuit main process will be described with reference to FIG. The sub control circuit main process is a process that is started when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S201, the sub CPU 206 executes initial setting processing such as RAM access permission and work area initialization. That is, the sub CPU 206 performs a predetermined initial setting for normally playing the game based on the power being turned on. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 206 that executes step S201 corresponds to an example of an initial setting unit. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S202.

  In step S202, the sub CPU 206 executes random number update processing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 updates various random number values positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S203.

  In step S203, the sub CPU 206 executes command analysis processing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 analyzes various commands (for example, a derived symbol designation command) sent from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60, and executes a process according to the analyzed command. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S204.

  In step S204, the sub CPU 206 executes display control processing. In this process, when the sub CPU 206 receives a derived symbol designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 in the command analysis process, the sub CPU 206 performs image display control such as a decorative symbol according to the derived symbol designation command. This is performed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Then, the sub CPU 206 executes sound control processing (step S205) for controlling sound generated from the speakers 46R and 46L and lamp control processing for controlling light emission of the various decorative lamps 133a and 133b (step S206). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S202.

  Thus, in the sub control circuit main process, after the initial setting process in step S201 is completed, the processes in steps S202 to S206 are repeatedly executed.

[Modified Example of Game Ball Storage Unit 20]
In the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 15, a game ball insertion unit 20e is provided on the right side of the first ball receiving unit 20a constituting the game ball storage unit 20, and each ball receiving unit (first ball receiving unit) is provided. The single or plural ball flow down passages 20k communicating with the portion 20a, the second ball receiving portion 20b, and the third ball receiving portion 20c) have been described as being vertically installed. A modified example in which the installation form of the ball lowering passage 20k is different will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an enlarged front view illustrating the entire configuration of the game ball storage unit 20 in the modification.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the game ball storage unit 20 in the modified example has three ball receiving units (first ball receiving unit 20a and second ball) arranged vertically in the vertical direction, as in the embodiment described above. Receiving portion 20b, third ball receiving portion 20c), single or plural ball flow down passages 20k communicating with each ball receiving portion, game ball supply path 20d for finally supplying game balls sequentially to the firing position of the launching means, A game ball throwing portion 20e for throwing a game ball from the outside into the first ball receiving portion 20a is provided at a further upper level of the first ball receiving portion 20a at the uppermost stage.

  As shown in the drawing, the greatest feature of the modification is that the game ball throwing portion 20e is disposed and each ball receiving portion (first ball receiving portion 20a, second ball receiving portion 20b, third ball receiving portion). 20c) is a shape of a single or a plurality of spherical flow passages 20k communicating with each other. Hereinafter, the various components other than the game ball throwing portion 20e and the ball flow down passage 20k are the same in configuration and function as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  That is, in the modified example, the game ball throwing portion 20e is provided further on the first ball receiving portion 20a, and the game ball thrown into the game ball throwing portion 20e is spirally formed by the three ball flow-down passages 20k. Are communicated so as to flow down to the first ball receiving portion 20a. The game balls stored in the first ball receiving portion 20a are communicated so as to flow down to the second ball receiving portion 20b while rotating spirally through the three ball flow down passages 20k. Further, the game balls stored in the second ball receiving portion 20b are communicated so as to flow down to the third ball receiving portion 20c while rotating spirally through the two ball flow down passages 20k.

  That is, according to the game ball storage unit 20 in the modified example, when the game ball is caused to flow down from the game ball insertion unit 20e provided in the upper stage to the third ball receiving unit 20c provided in the lowermost stage, it is simply vertical. Not only by letting it flow down, but by letting it flow while rotating spirally, the game ball that has flowed down to each ball receiving part enters the game ball entrance 20P (see FIG. 16) provided on the bottom surface of each ball receiving part. It is configured to facilitate balling.

  According to the gaming machine of the embodiment described above, each ball receiving portion (first ball receiving portion 20a, second ball receiving portion 20b, third ball receiving portion 20c) of the game ball storage portion 20 is vertically moved up and down. The game ball storage unit 20 is configured such that the clogging is less likely to occur by connecting with the ball flow lower passage 20k and the game ball supply channel 20d, which are installed and reduced in communication paths as the lower level is reached. And a game ball detection sensor (first detection sensor S1, second detection sensor S2, third detection sensor S3, fourth detection sensor S4) in the game ball supply path 20d, and a game ball agitation inside each ball receiving portion. When the game ball stays in each ball receiving portion (that is, ball clogging) is detected by the above-described ball clogging elimination control process (see FIG. 13), the game ball stirring rod 20g of the ball receiving portion is provided. To eliminate clogging by operating The occurrence of the sphere clogging of in the game ball reservoir 20 can be prevented with the gaming machine.

  Furthermore, by forming each member constituting the game ball storage unit 20 in the present embodiment by a member having translucency, like the game board 14, the player can enter the game ball storage unit 20. It is possible to directly check the amount of the game balls stored and execute the game while checking the game balls flowing down each ball receiving portion, the ball flow down passage 20k and the game ball supply path 20d. You can enjoy the game with heart.

  The following gaming machines are realized by the above embodiment.

  That is, a game board 14 provided with a game area 15 in which a game ball rolls, a launching means (for example, a launch handle 26) for launching a game ball into the game area 15, and a game launched into the game area 15 When a ball wins a plurality of winning holes (for example, start opening 25) provided in the gaming area 15, a payout opening 36 for paying out a predetermined number of game balls, and the payout opening 36 A game ball storage unit 20 that temporarily stores the paid-out game balls and that can sequentially supply the stored game balls to the launching unit, and forms the game ball storage unit 20 in an elongated shape, Ball clogging preventing means (for example, a first ball receiving part 20a, a second ball receiving part 20b, a third ball receiving part 20c) for preventing the ball of the game ball flowing down toward the launching means in the game ball storage part. A multi-stage gaming machine (pachi Co-game machine 10).

  The ball clogging preventing means includes a plurality of ball receiving portions (for example, a first ball receiving portion 20a, a second ball receiving portion 20b, and a third ball receiving portion 20c) provided in the vertical direction, and between the ball receiving portions. A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) comprising a single or a plurality of ball flow down passages 20k communicating with each other.

  A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) in which the number of installed ball flow lower passages 20k is decreased toward the lower level.

  The ball clogging prevention means includes a stirring rod (for example, a gaming ball stirring rod 20g) that can be moved up and down to prevent a game ball from staying, and the ball receiving portions (for example, the first ball receiving portion 20a and the second ball receiving portion 20a). A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) provided in the ball receiving portion 20b and the third ball receiving portion 20c).

  The ball receiving portion (for example, the first ball receiving portion 20a) located at the uppermost stage is a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) arranged below the payout opening 36.

  In the present embodiment, the three ball receiving portions (the first ball receiving portion 20a, the second ball receiving portion 20b, and the third ball receiving portion 20c) and the ball flow-down passage 20k that communicates each ball receiving portion, Although the game ball storage unit 20 is configured to be reduced to three, two, and one from the upper ball receiving unit to the lower ball receiving unit, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of installed ball receiving portions may be plural, and the number of single or plural ball flowing down passages 20k communicating with each ball receiving portion is also set as the number of the ball flowing down passages 20k installed in the lower stage. As long as the number is reduced, the number of installations is not particularly limited.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game ball stirring rod 20g is formed in the shape of three rods provided radially at intervals of approximately 120 degrees from the center of each ball receiving portion, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any change can be made as long as the retention of the game balls inside each ball receiving portion can be eliminated.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the optical sensor which consists of a light emission part and a light-receiving part was demonstrated as a sensor which detects the presence or absence of the game ball of each ball receiving part, it can detect the presence or absence of the game ball of each ball receiving part. For example, a magnetic sensor or the like can be used.

  Further, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the general view in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the electrical decoration unit in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub control circuit which are comprised in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a big hit lottery table referred in the pachinko gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front enlarged view of the game ball storage part in the pachinko gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective perspective view of a part of a game ball storage part in the pachinko gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front enlarged view of the game ball storage part in the pachinko gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko machine 11 Front door 20a 1st ball receiving part 20b 2nd ball receiving part 20c 3rd ball receiving part 20d Game ball supply path 20e Game ball insertion part 20k Ball flow down path 20g Game ball stirring rod 60 Main control circuit

Claims (3)

A game board provided with a game area in which a game ball rolls;
Launching means for launching a game ball into the game area;
The game balls, which is fired in the game area, if you win in any of a plurality of winning holes provided in the game area, and a payout opening for paying out a predetermined number of game balls predetermined,
A game ball storage unit that temporarily stores the game balls that have been paid out from the payout opening, and that can sequentially send the stored game balls to the launching unit;
With
The game ball storage section is formed in a vertically long shape, and a plurality of stages of ball clogging prevention means are provided in the game ball storage section to prevent clogging of game balls flowing down toward the launching means ,
The ball clogging prevention means includes
A plurality of ball receivers provided in the vertical direction, and a single or a plurality of ball flow passages communicating between the ball receivers,
A gaming machine characterized in that the number of installed ball flow down passages is reduced toward the bottom . The ball clogging prevention means includes
The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein each ball receiving portion includes a stirring rod capable of moving up and down to prevent the retention of game balls . The ball receiving part located at the uppermost stage, the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is arranged below the discharge opening.

Images