JP5346996B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that further reliably prevents a player from playing a game with a ball with a thread. <P>SOLUTION: A ball feed device 30 has a long and thin slit 50. A slit part 53 located in the inner part of the slit 50 is formed to be different is shape in the width direction. A thin-wall portion 54 is formed by reducing the wall thickness of the inner surface side of the edge of a case, while a thin-wall portion 55 is formed by reducing the wall thickness of the outer surface side of the edge of the case. When a tensile force is applied while a thread-like member S enters the slit part 53, the thread-like member S is captured by the slit part 53. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that draws a jackpot by winning a game ball.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a big hit lottery is performed when a game ball wins a prize such as a start opening. When the jackpot is won, the gaming machine is put into a jackpot gaming state in which the jackpot is opened and many winning balls can be obtained. Therefore, in the hall in which the gaming machine is installed, the player plays a game so that the player wins a lottery by winning by hitting a game ball in order to put the gaming machine into a jackpot gaming state.

  Conventionally, various techniques have been proposed as a countermeasure against an illegal act of trying to acquire a game ball using a magnet in such a hall (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses a configuration that allows fraudulent acts to be continuously detected even if a sensor that detects a magnet is broken or damaged.

JP 2010-240274 A

Here, cheating in a hall is performed by various methods, and cheating may be performed without using a magnet. For example, it is difficult to sufficiently deal with an illegal act of illegally acquiring a game ball by launching a game ball with a thread attached to the board surface using conventional techniques.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can more reliably prevent an illegal act performed by attaching a thread to a game ball.

A gaming machine to which the present invention is applied is a gaming machine 100 that launches a game ball from a launch rail 41 toward a game area 111 for playing a game with a game ball, and the ball that sends the game ball to the launch rail 41 The feeding device 30 is formed on the outlet 30b from which the game ball sent to the firing rail 41 is discharged and the case members 31 and 32 constituting the outer surfaces 32d and 30c of the ball feeding device 30. A slit 50 that extends in the firing direction of the rail 41 and is located downstream of the firing direction and communicates the outer space and the inner space T of the case members 31 and 32 with each other. The case members 31 and 32 constituting the outer surfaces 32d and 30c of the device 30 are formed by the thread-like member S passing through the slit 50 from the inside to the outside of the case members 31 and 32. Is formed in a sectional shape so as to prevent made in a straight line in the 50, the thread-like members S through the slit 50 to the outside from the inside of the case members 31 and 32 can become straight line within the slit 50 Projecting portions 54 and 55 having thicknesses d1 and d3 smaller than the thickness D of the case members 31 and 32 are formed on the case members 31 and 32, respectively. Is.
Here, the shape of the slit 50 in the outer surface 30c of the ball feeder 30 extends from the outlet 30b can be characterized by a curve shape. Further , the slit 50 may include a portion 53 in which the width of the slit 50 becomes narrower as it goes in the direction in which the slit 50 extends from the outlet 30b. Furthermore , the protrusions 54 and 55 may be characterized by having a surface that is rougher than other portions.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to prevent more reliably the fraudulent act performed by attaching a thread | yarn to a game ball.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a partial plane enlarged view of the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process with respect to a left gate. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process with respect to a right side gate. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of V zone switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a winning combination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an open / close winning apparatus process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part. It is a perspective view explaining the structure of a frame member. It is a figure explaining the structure of a launch unit. It is a figure explaining the launching mechanism of a launching device. It is a figure explaining the structure of the launch unit arrange | positioned at the transparent plate holding frame side. It is a disassembled perspective view explaining the structure of the ball feeder which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of a ball feeder. It is a figure explaining the structure of the slit of a ball feeder. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the slit of a ball feeder. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the slit of a ball feeder. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the slit of a ball feeder. It is a figure explaining the example of 1 application of a ball feeder. It is a figure explaining another example of application of a ball feeder. It is a figure explaining another example of application of a ball feeder. It is a schematic perspective view explaining the structure of the ball feeder which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in the figure is configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 that surrounds the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing with a game ball on the front surface, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) as the game progresses by the player, An effect image by the appearance of a character or an item is displayed.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 that win when a game ball enters and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) starts, A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 that starts a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) upon passing, is provided on the game board 110. Here, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 refer to a winning port related to winning a game ball that activates one predetermined special symbol display.
The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 3 times) while lighting or flashing.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100, under a predetermined condition, shortens the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of special symbol lottery, increases the probability of winning at the time of normal symbol lottery, or the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of normal symbol lottery It may be shortened, the opening time of the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be extended, or the number of times the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be opened.

  In the present embodiment, an open / close prize apparatus 140 is further provided near the center of the game board 110 as an accessory. A pair of freely openable and closable blades 141 (141L, 141R) is provided on both the left and right sides of the upper portion of the open / close winning device 140. A stage 142 is provided inside the open / close prize winning device 140, and a V zone 143 as a specific area is provided near the center of the stage 142. Further, as shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 is provided inside the open / close prize winning device 140. Although not described in detail, the stage 142 is provided with an appropriate inclination, unevenness, and the like, and is configured such that a game ball that has reached the stage 142 is guided to the V zone 143 with a certain probability. Further, instead of providing the stage 142 with an inclination, unevenness, or the like, or along with them, an operation object may be provided near the stage 142 to control the guidance of the game ball to the V zone 143.

In the present embodiment, the other prize-winning and lottery items include the special prize opening 125 that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and the lottery starts even if the game ball wins. A normal winning opening 126 that is not to be played is provided on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first start port 121 is disposed in the lower portion near the center of the game area 111, and the second start port 122 and the big prize opening 125 are located in the right half of the game area 111. Is arranged. The gates 124 are respectively provided in the left half area and the right half area of the game area 111. In FIG. 1, the left gate 124 is denoted by 124 L with a suffix L, and the right gate 124 is denoted by 124 R with a suffix R. Also in the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish between the two gates 124, the suffixes L and R are similarly attached.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

  Here, paying attention to the arrangement of the winning holes on the game board 110 shown in FIG. 1, the second start opening 122 and the big winning opening 125 are collectively arranged in the right half area of the gaming area 111. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment aims at the first start port 121 from the left side of the game area 111 in a normal game state in which the electric tulip 123 and the big prize opening 125 of the second start port 122 are closed. A game ball is fired (left-handed), and in a gaming state advantageous to a player who has the electric tulip 123 or the grand prize winning opening 125 of the second starting opening 122 open, the second starting opening 122 or the big winning prize is to the right of the gaming area 111. The board surface is designed so that a game ball is fired (right-handed) aiming at the mouth 125. Here, the hitting of the game ball into the left half region and the right half region of the game area 111 can be performed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the lever 152 of the handle 151 and changing the hitting force of the game ball. it can. Of the two gates 124 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the gate 124L is a gate provided so that a game ball passes (gate winning) when left-handed, and the gate 124R is It is a gate provided so that a game ball can pass when hit.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. Is provided with a launching device (ball striking device) 40 (see FIG. 23) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a ball feeder 30 (see FIG. 23) that sequentially supplies game balls one by one to the launching device 40 at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and the ball feeding device 30 is the launching device. 40, a tray 153 for temporarily storing game balls to be supplied to 40. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit 560 (see FIG. 22) is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device 40 emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

The frame member 150 also includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball stored in the tray 153. A take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out the box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects based on music, voice, and sound effects, and the frame lamp 157 performs various effects based on light depending on a pattern or light emission color caused by lighting and blinking. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate 159 for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. The second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the above and the normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol resulting from winning of the first start port 121 and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222 variably displays special symbols resulting from winning at the second start port 122 and displays the lottery results. The normal symbol display unit 223 displays the normal symbol variably and displays the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 124. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, and the normal symbol display 223 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, each of the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 is composed of an LED display device arranged in a line, and depending on its lighting mode The number of holds is displayed.

  Here, the hold will be described. If there is a prize with another game ball while the special symbol or normal symbol fluctuation display operation is being performed (while the fluctuation display for one prize is being performed), the symbol is changing, The symbol variation display operation cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is stored up to a predetermined number (for example, four), and the symbol variable display operation for the winning game ball is suspended until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball is completed. . The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn lots) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which two LEDs are arranged. One of the two LEDs informs whether or not the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is changing by lighting, and the other one is a right-handed and the winning prize opening 125 or the second 2 It is notified by lighting whether or not the game state is advantageous to the player who is likely to win a prize at the start port 122.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape are provided. Are disposed on the frame member 150. The production key 162 is configured such that one central key is arranged at the center, and four peripheral keys having substantially the same shape are arranged around the central key. The player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating the four peripheral keys, and can select the selected image by operating the center key. Can be entered as information.

[Games according to this embodiment]
Here, a general game flow of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.
As described with reference to FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment is in a gaming state advantageous to a player having the electric tulip 123 or the big prize opening 125 of the second start opening 122 open. The board has been designed to make it easier to win by making a right strike. On the other hand, in the normal gaming state in which the electric tulip 123 and the big prize opening 125 of the second starting opening 122 are closed, the big winning opening 125 is not won, and it is difficult to win the second starting opening 122 as well. The player will aim to win the first start port 121 by left-handed. Since one gate 124 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the game area 111, when a left-handed game ball passes through the gate 124 (gate winning), it mainly passes through the gate 124L and is right-handed. When the game ball passes through the gate 124 (gate winning), it mainly passes through the gate 124R. When the game ball wins a gate, a normal symbol lottery is performed. When the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 123 is opened in a certain manner, and the second start port 122 can be easily won.

  When the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, a special symbol lottery is performed. As will be described in detail later, in this special symbol lottery, a big win or a small win is won with a predetermined probability. When winning the jackpot, a jackpot game is performed in which the jackpot 125 is opened in a predetermined manner. In addition, when winning a small hit, a small hit game is performed in which the blade 141 of the open / close prize winning device 140 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  When the game ball wins the open / close winning device 140 and the V zone 143 is passed while the blades 141 are released by the small hit, the big win game 125 is opened by the number of rounds determined according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. It becomes a state. After the big hit gaming state, the special symbol lottery time is shortened when the special symbol variation time is shortened according to the type of the small winnings which is the lottery result of the special symbol lottery.

  When shifting to the short-time gaming state, winning support (so-called electric chew support) to the second starting port 122 by opening the electric tulip 123 is performed (auxiliary gaming state). When this winning support is performed, the number of times the electric tulip 123 is opened when the normal symbol lottery is won is increased, and the opening time of one time is also longer than in the normal gaming state where the winning support is not performed. . In addition, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery itself increases.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in the figure, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that performs various controls relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out, such as internal lottery and determination of winning, as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

  As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 400 are each a game as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of paid-out prize balls, such as internal lottery and winning determination, and a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like. And a RAM 203 used as a working memory for the CPU 201.
The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, and sends a determination result as to whether or not it is a win in the special symbol lottery to the effect control unit 300. Also, the special symbol variation time reduction setting at the time of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol variation time reduction setting at the time of the normal symbol lottery are performed, and the setting contents are sent to the effect control unit 300.
Further, the game control unit 200 controls the extension of the opening time of the blades of the electric tulip 123, the setting of the number of times the blades of the electric tulip 123 are opened, and the setting of the opening / closing operation interval when the blades are opened. In addition, when a game ball continuously wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the game ball is suspended until the limit number (for example, four) for the undrawn lots, or the game ball continuously passes through the gate 124. The suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) for the undrawn lots.
In addition, the game control unit 200 performs a predetermined number of rounds that maintain an open state until the special winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Control to repeat. Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled. Similarly, the game control unit 200 maintains the pair of venues according to the result of the special symbol lottery until the blade 141 of the open / close winning device 140 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 18 open / closed times or 10 winning game balls). Control to repeat the round a predetermined number of times. Furthermore, an opening / closing operation interval when the blade 141 is opened is controlled.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 400 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 400 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 400 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith.
When the payout control unit 400 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 400. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, and a second start. A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the mouth 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and a game ball to the gate 124 A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 that detects passage is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a blade opening / closing unit 225 for opening / closing the blade 141 of the opening / closing prize winning device 140, and a device winning detection unit (device winning switch (SW)) 226 for detecting a game ball won to the opening / closing prize winning device 140. And a V zone detection unit (V zone switch (SW)) 227 for detecting a game ball won in the V zone 143 is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 displays the reserved number for the undrawn special symbol lottery (big win lottery) started by winning the game ball at the first start port 121 within the limit number (for example, four). A special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219 for displaying the number of unsold lots in the special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball in the second start port 122 within the limit number, A normal symbol hold indicator 220 is connected to the normal symbol lottery display (open / close lottery) started by the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 and displays the number of unsettled hold numbers within the limit number.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first start port 121, and a game ball to the second start port 122. A second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning and a normal symbol display 223 that displays the result of the normal symbol lottery are connected.

  The detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the device winning switch 226, the V zone switch 227, the big winning port switch 215, and the normal winning port switch 217, It is sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a blade opening / closing unit 225, a special prize opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, and a normal symbol. The signal is sent to the hold indicator 220, the first special symbol indicator 221, the second special symbol indicator 222, and the normal symbol indicator 223. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information about the number of paid-out prize balls, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like acquired from the payout control unit 400 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 250. To do.

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs calculation processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The production control unit 300 sets the production content based on, for example, the determination result of whether or not the winning is a special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using an effect button or the like (the effect button 161 and the effect key 162), the contents of the effect corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as an effect button, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect. In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, an instruction to set a screen display for waiting for a customer is given as one of the effects.
Furthermore, when the game control unit 200 shortens the special symbol variation time at the time of the special symbol lottery and when the game control unit 200 shortens the normal symbol variation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery, the effect control unit 300 sets the set contents. Set the contents of the production to correspond to.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored. Furthermore, various kinds of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles are stored. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, etc., and voice processing using the read acoustic data are performed using the read image data.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.
Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 402 that stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and a RAM 403 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 401 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 400 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 400 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (such as the first start port 121). Then, the payout driving unit 411 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 411 includes a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the storage unit of the game ball.

The payout control unit 400 also includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Sphere detection unit 413 for detecting whether or not there is a storage, and whether or not the plate 153 in which a game ball used when a player plays a game or a prized ball to be held is full is detected. A full tank detection unit 414 is connected. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 450. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in the figure, the game control unit 200 is a special symbol lottery unit 231, a normal symbol lottery unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol lottery result determination as functional units for executing various lottery processes. A unit 234 and a normal symbol control unit 237.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 and a game progress control unit 236 as functional units that execute processing associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc., as a function unit for a prize winning opening operation control unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. An output control unit 241, a random number control unit 242, and an open / close prize apparatus operation control unit 243.

The special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122.
The normal symbol lottery unit 232 performs the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124.
The special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 controls the fluctuation of the special symbol according to the lottery result when the special symbol lottery is performed.

The special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, when a special symbol lottery is performed, the lottery result is “whether it is a big hit”, “whether it is a big hit”, “a type of big hit when winning a big hit” , “The type of the small hit when winning the small hit” is determined.
Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined by the presence or absence of the short game state when the variation time of the special symbol is shortened. In other words, the types of jackpots include a jackpot in which a short-time gaming state occurs after the jackpot game ends and a jackpot in which a short-time gaming state does not occur. Similarly, with regard to “small hit”, there are a small hit where a short time gaming state occurs after the end of the small hit game and a small hit where no short time gaming state occurs. Hereinafter, when these hits (big hit and small win) are distinguished, they are distinguished by describing as “with time saving”, “without time saving”, etc., based on the gaming state occurring after the end of the big winning game. Each of these wins is associated with an individual special symbol, and the winning type is determined according to the type of the special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

Further, in the present embodiment, even when winning the opening / closing prize winning device 140 at the time of a small hit and passing through the V zone 143, a big hit is obtained. Therefore, the case where the special symbol lottery is won and the jackpot is won without passing through the V zone 143 is also called “direct hit jackpot” or the like.
Further, the “out of” is neither “big hit” nor “small win”, and neither the big prize opening 125 nor the blade 141 of the open / close prize winning device 140 is operated. Also, there is no transition to the short-time gaming state.

The fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 changes the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” or “small hit”. Select the pattern (variation time). Further, it is determined whether or not a reach effect is to be performed. Here, the “reach effect” is an effect performed by the image display unit 114 or the like for causing the player to expect a big hit or a small win.
The game progress control unit 236 controls the progress of the game in each game state.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or lost”. Further, the fluctuation of the normal symbol is controlled according to the lottery result. The winning probability of this normal symbol lottery is high when there is a winning support (so-called electric chew support) to the second start port 122 by the opening of the electric tulip, which is mainly performed in the short-time gaming state.
When it is determined as “winning”, the electric tulip 123 is opened for a specified time and a specified number of times, and a state (auxiliary game state) in which the winning probability of the game ball to the second start port 122 is increased is generated. During the above winning support (electrical chew support), the specified number of times and the specified time increase. In addition, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 does not occur.

  The open / close winning device operation control unit 243 controls the opening operation of the blade 141 of the open / close winning device 140. In addition, when an operation item that affects the movement of the game ball is provided inside the open / close prize apparatus 140, the operation is also controlled.

The special winning opening operation control unit 238 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The electric tulip operation control unit 239 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123.
The prize ball processing unit 240 controls the management of the number of prizes received for various types of winnings and lotteries, and controls the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 241 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400.
The random number control unit 242 controls updating of various random number values used in processing by the main control unit and the sub control unit.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described.
The basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed by a game control unit 200 that is a main control means. Then, under the control of the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, controls the game effect, and the payout control unit 400 controls the payout of the prize ball.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 200.
The game control unit 200 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 5 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Referring to FIG. 5, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric accessory process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (steps 501 to 506).

  In the random number update process (step 501), the random number control unit 242 of the game control unit 200 updates various random number values used in the process by the main control unit and the sub control unit. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (step 502), a start port switch process, a gate switch process, and a V zone switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. Processing for symbol lottery is executed.
In the gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3 and executes a process for the normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on.
In the V zone switch process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the V zone switch 227 in FIG. 3, and executes a process related to V winning when the switch is turned on.
Details of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (step 503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol processing, the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, the variation pattern selection unit 235, and the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 perform special symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation. Done.
In the normal symbol processing, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 performs normal symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric winning combination process (step 504), a big prize opening process, an electric tulip process, a winning combination process, and an open / close winning apparatus process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the special prize opening operation controller 238 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition.
In the winning combination processing and the open / close prize winning device processing, the opening / closing prize winning device operation control unit 243 of the game control unit 200 controls the operation of the blade 141 of the opening / closing prize winning device 140 and the operation item based on a predetermined condition.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

In the prize ball processing (step 505), the prize ball processing unit 240 of the game control unit 200 controls the management of the number of winning prizes and the payout of prize balls according to the winning prize.
In the output process (step 506), the output control unit 241 of the game control unit 200 outputs a control command to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400. The control command is generated in each process up to step 505, set in the RAM 203, and output in this output process.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in step 502 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball is won at the first starting port 121 and the first starting port switch 211 is turned on (step). 601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned ON, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U1 of the unlotted hold in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (step). 602). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (No in step 602), the winnings for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 602), the special symbol lottery unit 231 then adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 603). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 604). Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value. Random values here include jackpot random numbers that determine jackpots, jackpots or disappointments, symbol random numbers that determine the presence or absence of a short-time gaming state after the end of jackpot game or jackpot game (jackpot symbol random values), symbols A variation pattern random number for specifying a variation pattern in variation, a reach random number value for determining whether or not to perform a reachable effect, and the like are included.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 605). This pre-determination process is performed when the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, at step 605), and for obtaining information to be used for production on the image display unit 114. It is. In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect of the lottery result, this prior determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U1 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U1 in Step 603 in the RAM 203 (Step 606), and wins a prize at the first start port 121. The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 605 is included in the pending number U1 increase command.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (step 607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned on, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U2 of unreserved hold numbers in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit (step). 608). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in step 608), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 608), the special symbol lottery unit 231 next adds 1 to the value of the reserved number U2 (Step 609). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is acquired and stored in the RAM 203 (step 610). Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery (a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, etc.) is acquired as in step 604 above. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 611). The contents of this preliminary determination process are the same as in step 605 above. This pre-determination process may also be omitted in gaming machines that do not perform the notice effect of the lottery result.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U2 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U2 in step 609 in the RAM 203 (step 612), and wins a prize at the second starting port 122. The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 611 is included in the pending number U2 increase command.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
Next, the gate switch process among the switch processes shown in step 502 of FIG. 5 will be described. In the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the gate 124L in the left region of the game board 110 and the game ball passes through the gate 124R in the right region of the game board 110, the gate is divided into two gates 124. The contents of switch processing are different. Specifically, when a game ball passes through the gate 124L, a preliminary determination is made based on a random number used in the normal symbol lottery triggered by this.

FIG. 7-1 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when a game ball passes through the gate 124L.
In this gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, then the normal symbol lottery unit 232 determines whether or not the number of holds G for the undrawn lot is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example illustrated in FIG. 7A, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds G has reached the upper limit (No in Step 702), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any more, so the gate switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit (Yes in Step 702), the normal symbol lottery unit 232 next adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (Step 703). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

  After the random number value is acquired in step 704, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 performs a notice effect of the lottery result for the winning ball (holding ball) for which the normal symbol variation display operation is held (that is, not drawn). Pre-determination processing is performed for performing (Step 705). In this pre-determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the time of winning a gate (that is, at step 705).

  Thereafter, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 sets a command for increasing the number of held G to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held G in step 703 in the RAM 203 (step 706), and performs a process for winning in the gate 124L. finish. The retained number G increase command set when winning the gate 124L includes information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 705 (preliminary determination information).

FIG. 7-2 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when the game ball passes through the gate 124R.
In the operation shown in FIG. 7B, the operations from step 711 to step 714 are the same as the operations from step 701 to step 704 shown in FIG.

  After the random number value is acquired in step 714, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 sets a RAM number increase command to the effect control unit 300 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number G in step 713 (step 715). Then, the process for winning in the gate 124R is terminated.

  As described above, in the gate switch processing according to the present embodiment, the information related to the holding of the normal symbol lottery is also notified in the effect using the image display unit 114 and the like, and a command for increasing the holding number G is generated. 5 is transmitted from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the holding number G is increased without distinguishing between the case where the game ball passes through the gate 124L and the case where the game ball passes through the gate 124R (steps 703 and 713). On the other hand, each of the gates 124L, 124R is counted as if the holding number U1 when winning the first starting port 121 and the holding number U2 when winning the second starting port 122 are individually counted in the starting port switch process. The number of holds may be counted by distinguishing the winnings. In this case, in the display 130 shown in FIG. 2A, it is necessary to provide the normal symbol hold display 220 for each gate 124.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( Step 801). Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big win or a small win, the win game flag is a flag that is set to identify a game state corresponding to these wins. Either the big hit game flag or the small hit game flag is set according to the hit type. In the present embodiment, these are collectively called a winning game flag.

  When the winning game flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in a gaming state due to some kind of hitting (a state where the special symbol is selected and stopped), the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation. (Yes in step 801). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is OFF (No in Step 801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (Step 802). . When the special symbol is not changing (No in step 802), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number of holdings U1 and U2 (see FIG. 6) for the undrawn special symbol (steps 803 to 806). . In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

  Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (step 803). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (Step 804). On the other hand, if the hold number U2 = 0 (No in step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the hold number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (step 805). . When the number of reservations U1 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 805), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 806). On the other hand, if the number of holdings U1 = 0 (No in step 805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting for a different routine is set. The process is executed and the process is terminated (step 816).

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in step 804 or step 806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process.

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (steps 808 and 809). As will be described in detail later, setting information (design, game state, variation pattern, etc.) included in the variation start command sent to the effect control unit 300 is determined by the jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (step 810). Then, a change start command including setting information (symbol, gaming state, change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (step 811). The variation start command set in step 811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step 802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in step 802), or after the change start command is set in step 811, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. (Step 812). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol at step 810 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process at step 809. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in step 812), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in step 812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the special symbol variation in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit in step 808. Stop at the symbol determined in the determination process (step 813). A change stop command including the information of the symbol when the change of the special symbol is stopped is set in the RAM 203 (step 814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in step 814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (step 808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number in the current special symbol lottery (step 901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit is made. (Steps 902 and 905). The value of the jackpot random number acquired at step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot or the value set as the winning value of the jackpot. It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 20A).

If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a big hit (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number (step 903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (one with or without time) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches one of the preset values for each jackpot type (FIG. 20B). )reference).
After the above determination, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 904).

If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a small hit (No in step 902, Yes in step 905), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 determines a small hit symbol random number (step 906). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (one with or without time) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches one of the preset values for each kind of jackpot (FIG. 20 ( b)).
After the above determination, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of the small hit determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (hereinafter referred to as the “small bonus symbol”) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 907). .

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is neither big win nor small win (No in step 902 and step 905), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 indicates that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol). Is set in the RAM 203 as setting information (step 908).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (step 809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the big winning or the small winning is won in this special symbol lottery (steps 1001 and 1003). This determination is the same as steps 901, 902, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9) (the determination results of steps 902 and 905 may be used). When the jackpot is won (Yes in Step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for jackpot from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1002). When winning a small hit (No in Step 1001, Yes in Step 1003), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for the small hit from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1004).

On the other hand, when neither big win nor small win is made (No in steps 1001 and 1003), the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a big hit. A random number is determined (step 1005). Whether or not a reach effect is to be performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches a preset value (see FIG. 20C).
As a result of determination using random numbers, when a reach effect is performed (Yes in Step 1006), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads a variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1007). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1006), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1008).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random number using the variation pattern random number acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in Steps 1002, 1004, 1007, and 1008. Perform (step 1009). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern tables are different, the determined variation pattern may be different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in Step 1009 in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1010). The variation pattern setting information set in step 1010 is included in the variation start command set in step 811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process (step 815 in FIG. 8).
In this stop process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the time reduction flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1101). The short time flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the short time gaming state. When the time-short flag is ON (Yes in Step 1101), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time-short game state (Step 1102), and the number of lotteries J becomes 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in Step 1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (Step 1104). It should be noted that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special winning opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in step 1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in step 1104, or if the value of the number of times of lottery J is not 0 (No in step 1103), then the game progress control unit 236 Determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1105). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1105), the game progress control unit 236 then turns on the big win game flag (Step 1106). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the jackpot gaming state.

  Thereafter, the game progress control unit 236 initializes the value of the lottery count J (step 1107). That is, since the special symbol lottery was won (step 1105), the value of the number of lottery J is returned to 0 and newly counted again. Further, the game progress control unit 236 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in step 1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in step 1103 (step 1108).

  Next, the game progress control unit 236 starts an opening operation (step 1109). After that, the game progress control unit 236 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation corresponding to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1110), and ends the stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big hit (No in Step 1105), the game progress control unit 236 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (Step). 1111). When it is a small hit (Yes in Step 1111), the game progress control unit 236 sets the small hit game flag to ON (Step 1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state. On the other hand, if it is not a small hit (No in step 1111), the in-stop process is terminated.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (step 816 in FIG. 8).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  When the customer waiting flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and thus the processing is ended as it is (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game progress control unit 236 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (step 1203). The customer waiting command set in step 1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set in order to identify a game state (auxiliary game state) corresponding to a normal symbol lottery when winning. In the auxiliary gaming state, the electric tulip 123 is opened according to the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later, and it is easy to win (assistant) the second starting port 122.

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, the normal symbol is already selected and stopped, so the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in step 1301). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in Step 1301), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is changing the normal symbol (Step 1302). If the normal symbol is not changing (No in step 1302), then the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the number G of the normal symbols to be reserved (see FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2) is 1 or more. (Step 1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in step 1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in step 1303), the normal symbol control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (step 1304), and the random number in the current normal symbol lottery is calculated. A determination is made to determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery has been won (step 1305). Whether winning or not is determined by the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 of FIG. 7-1 and step 714 of FIG. 7-2 set as a winning value in the table shown in FIG. It is determined by judging whether or not it matches.

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the normal symbol in accordance with the result of the normal symbol lottery (step 1306). That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the variation time of the normal symbol (step 1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, step 1506 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in step 1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol control unit 237 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents of Step 1307 (Step 1308).

  After starting normal symbol variation in step 1308 or when it is determined in step 1302 that normal symbol variation is in progress (Yes in step 1302), the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed. (Step 1309). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of normal symbol fluctuation in step 1308 has reached the fluctuation time set in step 1307. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in step 1309), the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has ended (Yes in step 1309), the normal symbol control unit 237 stops the variation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 223 (step 1310). Then, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (step 1311). If it is elected (Yes in Step 1311), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (Step 1312). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in step 1311), the normal symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

  As described in the description of the gate switch processing (see FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2), when counting the number of holdings for each of the plurality of gates 124, the number of holdings is determined in step 1303 and the number of holdings in step 1304. This subtraction must be performed for each corresponding gate 124 in the same manner as the handling of the number of reservations in the special symbol processing (see step 803 to step 806).

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, so the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs the operation control at the time of the big hit started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step 1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in Step 1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed. Judgment is made (step 1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next sets the operation of the special winning opening 125 (step 1404) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0) (step 1405), the value of the number of operation rounds R of the big prize opening 125 is incremented by 1 from the current value (step 1406), and the big prize opening 125 is started (opened) (step 1407).

  In the operation setting of step 1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the type of jackpot. For example, in the case of a big hit with a short time, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a big hit without time saving, the number of rounds may be less than 15 rounds, and the opening time of one round may be shortened.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in Step 1404 has elapsed (Step 1408). When the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in step 1408), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 then determines that the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 is a predetermined number (for example, It is determined whether or not (9) or more (step 1409). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than the prescribed number, the operating state (opening state) of the big winning opening 125 is continued, so that the big winning opening process is terminated (step 1409). No). On the other hand, if the opening time has passed (Yes in Step 1408) or the winning number C has reached the specified number (Yes in Step 1409), the special winning opening operation controller 238 ends the operation of the special winning opening 125 ( (Step 1410).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the round number R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in Step 1404 (Step 1411). If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1411).

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special prize opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in Step 1411), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 then starts the ending operation (Step 1412). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the winning game flag among the ending operations set in the game state of the big hit game and the small hit game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets an ending command for performing the effect in the ending operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1413). This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  Next, the prize winning opening operation control unit 238 resets the round number R of the action of the prize winning opening 125 to 0 (step 1414), and then performs an ending operation in which an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time to be played (ending time) has passed (step 1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in Step 1417), the special winning opening operation unit 238 next performs the game state setting process (Step 1418), and then turns off the winning game flag to make a big prize. The mouth process is terminated (step 1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in step 1402 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening (No in step 1402), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not ending is in progress (step 1415). If ending is in progress (Yes in step 1415), the operations after step 1417 are executed.

  On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in step 1415), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the special prize opening 125 is operating (opening) (step 1416). . If it is not in operation (No in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1408 is executed.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 shows the contents of the game state setting process (step 1418) executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417).
As shown in FIG. 15, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 first determines the type of winning since the winning game flag is ON in step 1401 of FIG. 14 (step 1501). This determination can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Since these determinations are substantially the same as the steps 902, 903, 905, and 906 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, 905, and 906 may be used.

  When the winning type is a hit with a short time (big hit or small win) (Yes in step 1501), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 turns on the short time flag (step 1502). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the short-time gaming state. Further, the special winning opening operation controller 238 sets an initial value of the lottery number J (step 1503), and ends the gaming state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the short-time gaming state is performed 100 times, the short-time gaming state ends.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a hit without a short time (big hit or small win) (No in step 1501), the big winning opening operation control unit 238 does not set the short time flag ON, and also sets the initial value of the number of lotteries J The process is terminated without doing so. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot does not enter the short-time game state.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Step 1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in step 1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (step 1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern ( Step 1604). Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, steps 1503 and 1506 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in step 1603, an operation pattern that opens once with a release time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are set. An operation pattern that opens three times in the opening time is set. As described above, normally, when the hourly flag is ON (when the hourly gaming state is set), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second starting port 122 (electric chewing support) ) Is performed.

  When it is determined in step 1602 that the electric tulip is in operation (Yes in step 1602) or after the electric tulip is operated in step 1604, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 performs the opening time in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether or not the time has elapsed (step 1605). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip is continued, and thus the electric tulip process is ended (No in step 1605). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1605), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process (step 1606).

[V zone switch processing by game control unit]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the V zone switch process in the switch process shown in step 502 of FIG.
The V zone switch process is executed when a game ball that has won the open / close winning device 140 passes through the V zone 143 (V winning). Referring to FIG. 17, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the V zone switch 227 is turned on (step 1701). If the V zone switch is turned ON, the game progress control unit 230 next starts during the effective period of the V zone 143 in the opening / closing prize winning device 140 (hereinafter referred to as V effective period), that is, after starting the small hit. It is determined whether or not it is within a predetermined period (step 1702). If it is not during the V effective period (No in step 1702), the process is terminated as it is.

  If it is during the V valid period (Yes in Step 1702), the game progress control unit 230 next determines whether or not a small hit game flag indicating that a small hit is being made (Step 1703). The small hit game flag is a flag that is set in step 1112 of the in-stop process shown in FIG.

  If the small hit game flag is ON (Yes in step 1703), the small hit V flag indicating that V winning is set is turned ON (step 1704). Then, a jackpot V winning command indicating a jackpot is set (step 1705), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the small hit game flag is OFF (No in step 1703), that is, if the symbol set in the big hit determination process shown in FIG.

[Prize winnings processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the contents of a winning combination process in the electric combination process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In the winning combination process, the open / close winning device operation control unit 243 of the game control unit first checks whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1711). When the big hit game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1711), the big winning mouth game process (see FIG. 14) is executed (Step 1712), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the big hit game flag is OFF (No in Step 1711), the open / close winning device operation control unit 243 determines whether or not the small hit game flag is ON (Step 1713). When the small hit game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1713), the open / close winning device process (see FIG. 19) is executed (Step 1714), and the process is terminated. If the small hit game flag is OFF (No in step 1713), the process is terminated.

[Opening and closing winning equipment processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the open / close prize winning device processing in the electric accessory processing shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In this open / close prize apparatus process, the open / close prize apparatus operation control unit 243 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not it is during the V effective period after the operation of the blade 141 is finished, or a variation effect (hereinafter, referred to as V effect). It is determined whether or not the second variation effect is being performed (step 1721).

  If it is during the V effective period after the operation of the blade 141 is completed or if the second variation effect is being performed (Yes in Step 1721), the process proceeds to Step 1729. On the other hand, if it is not during the V effective period after the operation of the blade 141 is finished and is not in the second variation effect (No in Step 1721), then the opening / closing prize winning device operation control unit 243 determines whether or not the blade 141 is operating. Is determined (step 1722).

  When the blade 141 is in operation (Yes in Step 1722), the process proceeds to Step 1727. On the other hand, when the blade 141 is not in operation (No in step 1722), the opening / closing prize winning device operation control unit 243 then determines whether or not the big win game is based on the special symbol set in the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 9). The operation round number R of the winning opening 125 or the operation pattern of the blade 141 is set (step 1723).

  Next, the opening / closing prize winning device operation control unit 243 sets a V effective period including an effective period during the opening operation of the blade 141 and after the opening operation ends (step 1724). Then, “1” is added to the operation round number R set in Step 1803 (Step 1725), and the operation of the blade 141 is started (Step 1726).

  Thereafter, the open / close winning device operation control unit 243 determines whether or not the operating time of the blade 141 has elapsed (step 1727). If the operating time of the blade 141 has not elapsed (No in step 1727), the processing is ended as it is. If the operation time of the blade 141 has elapsed (Yes in Step 1727), the opening / closing prize winning device operation control unit 243 then ends the operation of the blade 141 (Step 1728), and the V after the operation of the blade 141 ends. It is determined whether the effective period has ended or whether the second variation effect has ended (step 1729).

  If the V effective period after the operation of the blades 141 has not ended or the second variation effect has not ended (No in step 1729), the processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, when the V effective period after the operation of the blades 141 is ended and the second variation effect is also ended (Yes in step 1729), the opening / closing prize winning device operation control unit 243 indicates the V winning at the time of a small hit. It is determined whether or not the small hit V flag is ON (step 1730). When the small hit V flag is ON (Yes in step 1730), the open / close winning device operation control unit 243 then turns on the big hit game flag indicating the big win (step 1731) and turns off the short-time game flag (step 1731). 1732).

  Then, the open / close winning device operation control unit 243 starts a jackpot opening (step 1733) and sets a jackpot opening command (step 1734). Thereafter, the open / close winning device operation control unit 243 turns off the small hit V flag (step 1735), further turns off the small hit game flag (step 1737), and ends the processing.

  In step 1730, if the small hit V flag is OFF (No in step 1730), that is, if there is no V winning during the small hit, then the open / close winning device operation control unit 243 sets the round number R to “0”. (Step 1736), the small hit game flag is turned off (Step 1737), and the process is terminated.

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 13), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a random number used in the present embodiment.
20 (a) shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number, FIG. 20 (b) shows a configuration example of a jackpot symbol random number, FIG. 20 (c) shows a configuration example of a reach random number, and FIG. Configuration examples are shown respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 20A, the jackpot random number has two types of hits, jackpot and jackpot. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 400 from 0 to 399 in all cases. Only one winning value per jackpot is set, and the winning probability is 1/400. In addition, 300 winning values per bonus are set, and the winning probability is 300/400 (= 3/4).

  Referring to FIG. 20B, there are four types of jackpot symbols: a jackpot with a short time, a big jackpot without time, a small jackpot with time, and a small jackpot without time. The range of the random number value is 100 from 0 to 99 for both big hits and small hits. For the jackpot symbol, there are 50 winning values for both short time and short time, and the winning probability is 50/100 (= 1/2). In addition, 50 winning values are set for the small winning symbol both with and without time, and the winning probability is 50/100 (= 1/2).

  Referring to FIG. 20C, the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the reach effect is not performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125).

  Referring to FIG. 20 (d), the range of random number values is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state has not occurred, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state is occurring, the winning is performed with a probability of 9/10. By using such a table, in the short-time gaming state, there is a very high possibility that the electric tulip 123 will be opened by winning a gate, and a winning support that facilitates winning to the second start port 122 is realized.

  These random number values start from a predetermined initial value and are incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2), and the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process ( Used in FIG. 13). Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 21A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 21A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 1801), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 1802), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 1803).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the period set in step 1802. Referring to FIG. 21B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (step 1811). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting operations such as an effect button by the player (step 1812). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 1813). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Configuration of Frame Member 150]
Next, the structure of the frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the frame member 150.
As shown in the figure, the frame member 150 includes an outer frame 10 as a frame member main body having a vertically long so-called frame structure, and a front frame (inner frame) 20 that is attached to the outer frame 10 so as to be opened and closed. ing.

The outer frame 10 is positioned at the four corners of the outer frame 10 and adjacent to the right vertical frame member 11, the left vertical frame member 12, the upper horizontal frame member 13, and the lower horizontal frame member 14, which are four metal frame members. And a corner member 15 for connecting the frame members to each other.
A curtain plate 16 extending in the same direction (lateral direction, left-right direction) as the lower horizontal frame member 14 is attached to the lower front portion of the outer frame 10. The vertical position of the upper end of the curtain plate 16 is substantially the same as the vertical position of the upper end of the lower horizontal frame member 14. Further, a design decoration can be applied to the front surface (player side surface) of the curtain plate 16 by adding a company name, a logo, or the like, for example.
The outer frame 10 has a resin sliding portion 17 that slides with the front frame 20 when the front frame 20 opens and closes. More specifically, the sliding portion 17 is attached to the lower horizontal frame member 14. Further, the sliding portion 17 is located on the upper surface of the lower horizontal frame member 14 and is located on the opposite side (right side in the figure) to the side opposite to the side where the rotation axis of the front frame 20 is located. The sliding portion 17 contacts the lower surface of the game board holding frame 22 and holds the front frame 20 in a state where the game board holding frame 22 of the front frame 20 is closed. For this reason, when the front frame 20 is closed, a gap is formed between the front frame 20 and the curtain plate 16.

The front frame 20 is attached to the outer frame 10 at one side (left side in FIG. 1) so that the rotation axis extends in the vertical direction. In addition, the front frame 20 includes a transparent plate holding frame 21 that holds the transparent plate 159 (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 23) in a predetermined position, and a game board holding frame 22 that holds the game board 110 in a predetermined position. ing. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the transparent plate holding frame 21 and the game board holding frame 22 in a closed state can be integrally rotated with respect to the outer frame 10 to be opened. Further, as will be described later, in a state where the transparent plate holding frame 21 and the game board holding frame 22 are closed, the game board holding frame 22 can be rotated and opened with respect to the outer frame 10 and the game board holding frame 22 alone. It is possible (see FIG. 23).
The game board holding frame 22 of the front frame 20 is provided with locking members 23, 24, 25 for locking the front frame 20 so that the front frame 20 does not open by engaging with the right vertical frame member 11 of the outer frame 10. ing. The locking members 23, 24, and 25 are interlocked by inserting a key (not shown) into a key hole 158 (see FIG. 1) disposed on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and rotating in a predetermined direction. Performs locking and unlocking operations.

  Various boards and the like are attached to the rear surface of the game board 110, and these various boards and the like are covered with a transparent cover 510 whose inside is visible. In other words, the main board and the sub board are arranged on the rear surface of the game board 110. That is, on the rear surface of the game board 110, a game control board 520 in which a game control unit that performs internal lottery and determination of winning is configured as a main board. The game control board 520 is sealed in a main board case 540 made of a transparent member so that a trace remains when opened.

In addition, as a sub-board, an effect control board 530 configured with an effect control unit that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board (not shown) configured with an image / sound control unit that controls image and sound effects, In addition, a lamp control board (not shown) on which a lamp control unit for controlling effects by various lamps and the movable accessory 115 is provided. A switching power supply 550 is provided on the rear surface of the game board 110 to convert the supplied 24V AC power supply into a DC power supply and output it to various boards.
In other words, a payout control board (not shown) configured with a payout control unit that controls payout of payout balls, and supply balls supplied from the outside controlled by the payout control board are temporarily stored, and a prize ball The payout unit 560 for paying out the ball and paying out the rental balls is disposed on the front frame 20 of the frame member 150.

[Launch Unit]
Next, the launch unit provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described. When it is detected that the player has touched the handle 151 (see FIG. 1) and operated the lever 152 (see the same figure), the launch unit detects the plate 153 (see FIG. 2) with the hitting force corresponding to the operating angle of the lever 152. It performs the function of launching a game ball of (a).
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the launch unit. (A) of the figure is a perspective view for explaining various devices attached to the transparent plate holding frame 21 and the game board holding frame 22, and rotating the game board holding frame 22 with respect to the game board holding frame 22. The opened state is shown. (B) of the figure is an enlarged perspective view showing the launching device 40.
As shown in (a) of FIG. 23, the launch unit includes a ball feeder 30 attached to the transparent plate holding frame 21 and a launcher 40 attached to the game board holding frame 22. The launch unit further includes the handle 151 and the lever 152 (see FIG. 1) and the plate 153 (see FIG. 2A) attached to the transparent plate holding frame 21.
The ball feeding device 30, the tray 153, and the ball passage rail 163 are an example of a supply device.

In a state where the transparent plate holding frame 21 is opened (see FIG. 23A), the ball feeder 30 is located away from the launching device 40, while in a state where the transparent plate holding frame 21 is closed (see FIG. 22). ), The ball feeder 30 is located adjacent to the launcher 40.
When the lever 152 of the handle 151 is operated, the ball feeding device 30 discharges the game balls thrown into the tray 153 (see FIG. 2A) one by one from the outlet 30b. In a state in which the transparent plate holding frame 21 is closed, the game ball is supplied to the launch rail (M rail) 41 provided in the launch device 40 by discharging the game ball from the outlet 30b of the ball feeder 30. The outlet 30b is an example of a discharge port.
Details of the ball feeder 30 will be described later.

The configuration of the launch unit on the game board holding frame 22 side will be described.
As shown in FIG. 23B, the launching device 40 includes a launching rail 41 to which a game ball is supplied from the ball feeding device 30. The launch rail 41 is formed such that the upper surface on which the game ball rides is M-shaped in cross section. The firing rail 41 is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. The launched game ball proceeds to run up on the inclined launch rail 41 and ascends the path formed by the rail member 112 (see FIG. 1).
In the launching device 40, the game ball is launched in the direction from the lower end to the upper end of the launch rail 41. That is, the firing direction of the firing rail 41 is a direction from the lower end to the upper end.

More specifically, the launching device 40 includes a connection rail 42 positioned between the firing rail 41 and the rail member 112 (see FIG. 1). The connection rail 42 is disposed adjacent to the firing rail 41.
A game ball that is launched on the game board holding frame 22 side proceeds from the launch rail 41 to the game area 111 of the game board 110 through the connection rail 42 and the rail member 112.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 23A, the transparent plate holding frame 21 is arranged so that a game ball is passed between the connection rail 42 and the rail member 112 (see FIG. 1). A connection rail 26 is attached. That is, the connection rail 26 is located away from the launching device 40 when the transparent plate holding frame 21 is opened (see FIG. 23A), while the transparent plate holding frame 21 is closed (see FIG. 23). 22), a passage through which the launched game ball passes is formed together with the connection rail 42.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are diagrams for explaining the launching mechanism of the launching device 40, where FIG. 24A shows a state when not energized, and FIG. 24B shows a state when energized. FIG. 24 shows a state viewed from the arrow A in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 24, in addition to the above-described firing rail 41 and connection rail 42, the launching device 40 further includes a rotatable hitting ball 43 and a rotary solenoid 44 as a drive source for rotating the hitting ball 43. I have. In addition, the launching device 40 includes stoppers 45 and 46 that restrict the rotation range of the hitting ball 43, and a magnet 47 for holding the hitting ball 43 in a predetermined position. The game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 40 stops at the launch position 40 a on the launch rail 41. The launch position 40a is formed when the lower portion of the magnet 47 is inclined so that the distance from the launch rail 41 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

The hitting ball 43 of the launching device 40 can rotate around the rotation shaft 43 a and is directly connected to the rotary solenoid 44. When the rotary solenoid 44 is not energized, the hitting ball 43 is held at the position of the stopper 45 by the magnetic force of the magnet 47 as shown in FIG.
The rotary solenoid 44 rotates the hitting ball 43 in response to a pulse from a control circuit (not shown). In other words, when the rotary solenoid 44 is energized, as shown in FIG. 24 (b), the hitting ball 43 is rotated to a position where it comes into contact with the stopper 46, so that the game ball of the launch rail 41 is hit by the hitting tip 43b. The sphere is launched at a launch position 40a (see FIG. 24A). As described above, the launching device 40 can electrically launch, for example, 100 pieces per minute as described above.
In other words, the rotational torque of the rotary solenoid 44 disappears after the ball is hit by the hitting ball 43. Then, the hitting ball 43 rotates in the reverse direction due to the reaction that the hitting ball 43 collides with the stopper 46 and the dead weight of the hitting ball 43, and stops in contact with the stopper 45.

The configuration of the launch unit on the transparent plate holding frame 21 side will be described.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the launch unit disposed on the transparent plate holding frame 21 side. FIG. 25A is a schematic right side view of the transparent plate holding frame 21, and FIG. 25B is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the ball feeding device 30 is viewed from the outlet 30 b side.
As shown in FIG. 25A, the launching unit further includes a ball passage rail 163 that aligns the game balls of the tray 153 (see FIG. 2A) in a row. The ball passage rail 163 supplies the aligned game balls to the entrance 30 a of the ball feeding device 30.
The inlet 30 a is formed on the surface of the ball feeder 30 close to the ball passage rail 163, and the outlet 30 b is formed on the surface of the ball feeder 30 close to the launcher 40. In other words, the surface on which the inlet 30a is formed and the surface on which the outlet 30b is formed are located on opposite sides.

  As shown in FIG. 25B, the ball feeding device 30 has the outlet 30b positioned below the inlet 30a. The ball feeding device 30 has one row of game balls that enter the entrance 30a in the middle of an internal passage T (see, for example, FIG. 27) from the entrance 30a to the exit 30b in accordance with the operation timing of the launching device 40. A mechanism for discharging from the outlet 30b one by one is formed. Details will be described later.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the ball feeding device 30 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 26, the ball feeding device 30 includes a case 31 having an inlet 30a and a case 32 having an outlet 30b. The cases 31 and 32 are exterior parts, and are engaged with each other and assembled with screws. The outer surface of the ball feeder 30 is constituted by these cases 31 and 32. The cases 31 and 32 are an example of a case member and an example of a cover. The case 31 is an example of a first component, and the case 32 is an example of a second component.
The inlet 30a of the ball feeder 30 is configured by an opening or notch formed in the case 31, and the outlet 30b of the ball feeder 30 is configured by an opening or notch formed in the case 32.

The ball feeding device 30 includes, as built-in components, a shaft member 33 attached to be sandwiched between cases 31 and 32, and a through hole into which the shaft member 33 is inserted. The shaft member 33 is inserted into the through hole. And a ball feed crank 34 which is held rotatably.
The ball feeding device 30 further includes a ball feeding solenoid 35 as a drive source that is connected to the ball feeding crank 34 and drives the ball feeding crank 34. The ball feed solenoid 35 operates in response to a pulse from a control circuit (not shown). More specifically, the ball feed solenoid 35 is driven and controlled so as to interlock with the rotary solenoid 44 of the launching device 40.
The ball feeder 30 further includes a plate member 36 as a shield plate attached to the case 31.

The case 31 of the ball feeding device 30 has a heat release port 31a for releasing heat generated by the operation of the ball feeding solenoid 35 and a slot hole for receiving the protrusion 35c of the ball feeding solenoid 35 and attaching the ball feeding solenoid 35. 31b. In addition, the heat radiation port 31 a and the slot hole 31 b of the case 31 are formed for the ball feed solenoid 35.
Further, the case 31 includes a positioning pin 31c (see also FIG. 28A) that protrudes to the outer surface to position the ball feeding device 30 with respect to the transparent plate holding frame 21, and a ball positioned by the positioning pin 31c. An attachment hole 31d for fixing and attaching the feeding device 30 to the transparent plate holding frame 21 is further provided. In other words, the positioning pins 31 c and the attachment holes 31 d of the case 31 are formed to attach the ball feeding device 30 to the transparent plate holding frame 21.
The case 31 is formed on the inner surface of the case 31 to hold a shaft member 33, two attachment holes 31f used when the case 32 is engaged with each other, and a plate-like member 36. And a mounting hole 31g.

The case 32 of the ball feeding device 30 has a heat release port 32a for releasing heat generated by the operation of the ball feeding solenoid 35 and a slot hole for receiving the protrusion 35c of the ball feeding solenoid 35 and mounting the ball feeding solenoid 35. 32b. The heat radiation port 32a and the slot hole 32b of the case 32 are formed for the ball feed solenoid 35, similarly to the heat radiation port 31a and the slot hole 31b of the case 31.
The case 32 further includes two holding pins 32 c for holding the ball feeding device 30 with respect to the transparent plate holding frame 21. The two holding pins 32c extend in the vertical direction and are coaxial. The holding pin 32 c of the case 32 is used by being inserted into a holding hole (not shown) formed in the transparent plate holding frame 21. That is, the ball feeding device 30 is rotatably held by the transparent plate holding frame 21 by inserting the holding pins 32 c into holding holes (not shown) of the transparent plate holding frame 21. After the ball feeder 30 is held on the transparent plate holding frame 21 by the holding pins 32c, the ball feeding device 30 is fastened with screws or the like to the transparent plate holding frame 21 using the mounting holes 31d while being positioned by the positioning pins 31c. It is fixed with a member.

The ball feed crank 34 of the ball feed device 30 has an internal passage T (see FIG. 27) extending from the entrance 30a to the exit 30b so that the game ball is not discharged from the exit 30b when the ball feed solenoid 35 is inactive. ) Is provided with a stopper portion 34a and an arm portion 34b capable of temporarily stopping the game ball.
This arm portion 34b is disposed downstream of the stopper portion 34a in the internal passage T (see FIG. 27) of the ball feeding device 30. More specifically, the arm portion 34b is located a predetermined distance away from the stopper portion 34a. More specifically, the separation distance between the stopper portion 34a and the arm portion 34b is approximately the diameter of the game ball, and the stopper portion 34a and the arm portion 34b have a surface formed in an arch shape. That is, the ball feed crank 34 is configured to be able to hold or grip one game ball between the stopper portion 34a and the arm portion 34b.

The stopper 34a of the ball feed crank 34 is positioned in the internal passage T (see FIG. 27) when the ball feed solenoid 35 is inactive, and retracts from the internal passage T when the ball feed solenoid 35 is in operation. The arm portion 34b of the ball feed crank 34 is retracted from the internal passage T when the ball feed solenoid 35 is inactive, and is positioned in the internal passage T when the ball feed solenoid 35 is in operation. That is, the stopper part 34a and the arm part 34b are opposite in behavior to the internal passage T.
The ball feed crank 34 further includes a connecting portion 34 c connected to the swing piece 35 b of the ball feed solenoid 35.
In other words, the ball feed crank 34 is integrally formed with a stopper portion 34a, an arm portion 34b, and a connecting portion 34c.

The ball feed solenoid 35 of the ball feed device 30 includes a metal piece 35 a that constitutes a part of the outer surface of the ball feed solenoid 35. Further, the ball feed solenoid 35 is supported by the metal piece 35a in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction (substantially left and right direction in FIG. 26) and is fed at one end in the longitudinal direction (the end portion on the front side in FIG. 26). The above-mentioned swing piece 35b connected to the connecting portion 34c of the crank 34 is further provided. The ball feed solenoid 35 includes the above-described protrusion 35c that is received in the slot holes 31b and 32b of the cases 31 and 32.
More specifically, the swing piece 35b has different postures depending on whether the ball feed solenoid 35 is activated or not, and thereby the ball feed crank 34 is driven. A tension coil spring 37 (FIG. 27) that generates an urging force to return to the original position between the other end in the longitudinal direction of the swing piece 35b (the end on the back side in FIG. 26) and the metal piece 35a. Link).

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the ball feeding device 30, and is a projection view of the ball feeding device 30 as viewed from the outlet 30b side. (A) of the figure shows a state when the ball feed solenoid 35 is not operated, and (b) shows a state when the ball feed solenoid 35 is operated.
When the ball feed solenoid 35 is not operated, the stopper 34 a of the ball feed crank 34 is positioned in the internal passage T by the biasing force of the tension coil spring 37 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the game ball cannot pass through the internal passage T, and the internal passage T is closed in that sense. That is, the game ball that has entered the internal passage T from the entrance 30a is temporarily stopped. The internal passage T is a passage path for game balls formed to extend from the entrance 30a to the exit 30b, and extends in the vertical direction. The internal passage T is an example of an inner space.

When the ball feed solenoid 35 is actuated, the ball feed crank 34 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft member 33 against the biasing force of the tension coil spring 37 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the stopper portion 34a of the ball feed crank 34 is retracted from the internal passage T, while the arm portion 34b of the ball feed crank 34 enters the internal passage T. Accordingly, the leading game ball that has been stopped by the stopper portion 34a until then advances through the internal passage T to the position of the arm portion 34b.
The leading game ball thus advanced is positioned between the stopper portion 34a and the arm portion 34b of the ball feed crank 34. As a result, the ball feed crank 34 holds only one leading game ball by the stopper portion 34a and the arm portion 34b.

When the ball feed solenoid 35 is deactivated after the ball feed solenoid 35 is activated, the ball feed crank 34 is rotated clockwise around the shaft member 33 by the urging force of the tension coil spring 37 to return to the original position. As a result, the leading game ball held in the internal passage T by the stopper portion 34a and the arm portion 34b vigorously moves through the internal passage T by the rotational force of the ball feed crank 34 and the weight of the game ball itself (self-weight). Fall.
The game ball falling in the internal passage T in this way is discharged from the outlet 30b of the ball feeder 30 and supplied to the launch rail 41 of the launch device 40, so that the game board is at the launch position 40a of the launch device 40. 110 (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 23 (a)).

Returning to FIG. 26, the description will be continued.
On the outer surface 32d of the case 32 provided in the ball feeding device 30, the above-described outlet 30b for discharging the game ball supplied to the firing rail 41 (see FIG. 23) of the launching device 40 is formed.
The outer surface 32e of the case 32 is formed to be continuous with the outer surface 32d and to extend in a direction intersecting with the outer surface 32d. Further, the outer surface 31 h of the case 31 is formed to extend in the same direction as the outer surface 32 e of the case 32.
More specifically, the outer surface 31 h of the case 31 and the outer surface 32 e of the case 32 constitute an outer surface (lateral surface) 30 c of the ball feeding device 30. The outer surface 30 c is located downstream of the outlet 30 b in the firing direction by the firing rail 41 and extends in a direction crossing the firing rail 41. In other words, the outer surface 30c is a surface of the ball feeding device 30 located on the side where the game ball is launched by the launching device 40. In other words, the outer surface 30c is the surface of the ball feeding device 30 that faces the direction in which the game ball launched from the launching device 40 travels.
The outer surface 30c of the ball feeder 30 and the outer surface 32d of the case 32 are examples of outer surfaces.

[Configuration of Slit 50 of Ball Feeder 30]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, the ball feeder 30 is formed with a slit 50 that is elongated from the outlet 30b (see also FIG. 27). The slit 50 can also be referred to as an elongated notch or opening. The slit 50 is located on the downstream side in the firing direction with respect to the outlet 30 b of the ball feeder 30.

The slit 50 will be described more specifically. The slit 50 is formed on the outer surface 32d of the case 32 and extends in one direction from the outlet 30b. The slit 50 is formed on the outer surface 32e of the case 32. The slit 50 is formed continuously with the slit portion 51 and crosses the firing rail 41. And a slit portion 52 extending in the direction.
The slit portion 51 is formed so as to be positioned on the upper side of the outlet 30b.

Here, the one direction refers to, for example, a direction in which a game ball is fired by the launching device 40. In this case, the game ball is fired in the direction from the lower end to the upper end of the inclined launch rail 41 (see, for example, FIG. 24), but is strictly the same as the direction in which the launch rail 41 extends. However, as will be described later, when a game ball to which a thread-like member (string-like member) S is attached for the purpose of fraud is launched from the launch rail 41, the thread-like member S (see, for example, FIG. 29) is captured. Means possible directions.
In other words, the one direction mentioned here means that the thread-like member S (see, for example, FIG. 29) is attached to the game ball launched by the launching device 40, and the thread-like member S is from the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 100. A direction in which the thread-like member S is guided inside the pachinko gaming machine 100 in accordance with the launch of the game ball by the launching device 40 when continuing inside.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the slit 50 of the ball feeder 30. (A) of the figure is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 27 and is a diagram for explaining the outer surface 30 c of the ball feeding device 30. FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 28A, and is a view showing a cross section of the slit portion 53 of the slit 50.
As shown in FIG. 28A, in addition to the above-described slit portions 51 and 52, the slit 50 is further formed with a slit portion 53 that is formed continuously with the slit portion 52 and extends in a direction crossing the firing rail 41. It is configured to include. The slit portion 53 is formed so that the outer surface 30 c of the ball feeding device 30 extends obliquely upward from the slit portion 52. More specifically, the slit portion 53 is formed so that the outer surface 30c of the ball feeding device 30 extends in a crank shape (step shape). In other words, a slit portion 53 having a curved shape (meandering shape) like a snake having a plurality of different radii of curvature is formed on the outer surface 30 c of the ball feeding device 30. The slit portion 53 is formed to extend upward.
More specifically, the slit portion 53 has a section in which the width dimension becomes narrower along the slit portion 53 in a direction away from the slit portion 52. That is, the slit portion 53 becomes gradually narrower toward the tip (tapered shape). As described above, the slit portion 53 having a narrower tip is a dead end at the base portion 32f where the upper holding pin 32c of the two holding pins 32c is formed. That is, the slit portion 53 is a dead end on the back side.

  As shown in FIG. 28 (b), the slit portion 53 of the slit 50 is formed so that the space on the outer surface 30c side of the ball feeder 30 and the space on the inner surface 30d side (internal passage T) communicate with each other. Yes. That is, the slit portion 53 is formed so that the thread-like member S (see, for example, FIG. 29) attached to the game ball for the purpose of fraud passes through the slit portion 53 as the game ball is launched.

More specifically, the slit portion 53 is formed by the edge of the case 31 and the edge of the case 32. That is, the slit portion 53 is not formed only by the case 31, and is not formed only by the case 32.
In addition, the edge part of case 31 and the edge part of case 32 which comprise the slit part 53 mutually adjoin. The edge part of case 31 and the edge part of case 32 are arrange | positioned so that it may mutually face.

Thus, by forming the slit portion 53 of the slit 50 by the combination of the edge portion of the case 31 and the edge portion of the case 32, the manufacture by the mold becomes easier. That is, only the case 31 or the case 32 is formed with the longest slit portion 53 among the slit portions 51, 52, and 53 constituting the slit 50, because the cases 31 and 32 have a relatively large outer shape. This is accompanied by technical difficulties. Therefore, the structure of the mold becomes complicated, and it is difficult to suppress an increase in cost. However, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost by using the facing surfaces (matching surfaces; adjacent surfaces) of the two components.
As described above, the slit portions 51 and 52 of the slit 50 are formed only by the case 32.

More specifically, the slit portion 53 of the slit 50 is formed to have a different shape in the thickness direction of the cases 31 and 32. More specifically, a thin wall portion (rib) 54 having a thickness d1 having a dimension smaller than the thickness D of the case 31 is formed along the edge portion of the case 31 (D). > D1). Further, a thin portion (rib) 55 having a thickness d3 having a dimension smaller than the thickness D of the case 32 is formed along the edge portion of the case 32 (D> d3). In other words, the thin-walled portion 54 is formed by reducing the thickness of the edge portion of the case 31 by the dimension d2 on the inner surface side (the right side in FIG. 28B) (d2 = D−d1). The portion 55 is formed by reducing the thickness of the edge portion of the case 32 on the outer surface side (the left side in FIG. 28B) by the dimension d4 (d4 = D−d3).
Thus, the slit portion 53 of the slit 50 is formed so that the thin portion 54 of the case 31 and the thin portion 55 of the case 32 are alternated. The edge of the case 31 and the edge of the case 32 are plate-like, and the slit portion 53 is formed by the shape of the end surface extending in the thickness direction.
From another point of view, the case 31 has an uneven surface at the edge, that is, a surface having the dimension d1 and a surface having the dimension d2. In addition, the case 32 has a stepped surface such as a surface of the dimension d3 and a surface of the dimension d4 at the edge.
The thin portions 54 and 55 are an example of a protruding portion.

Note that the thickness d1 and the thickness d3 can adopt different values, and can also adopt the same value. Further, the dimension d2 and the dimension d4 can adopt different values, and can also adopt the same value.
It is also conceivable to form a plurality of one or both of the thin portion 54 of the case 31 and the thin portion 55 of the case 32 in the thickness direction of the cases 31 and 32.

Further, the slit portion 53 of the slit 50 is formed so as to hide the gap between the edge of the case 31 and the edge of the case 32. That is, a part of the thin portion 54 of the case 31 is located in a region generated by reducing the thickness in the thin portion 55, and the thin portion 55 of the case 32 is reduced in thickness in the thin portion 54. A part of the region is located in the generated region. In other words, the slit portion 53 is not formed so as to penetrate straight from the outer surface 30c of the ball feeding device 30 to the inner surface 30d in the thickness direction of the cases 31 and 32, but is formed so as to wrap around. More specifically, when the slit portion 53 enters from the outer surface 30c of the ball feeder 30 in the thickness direction of the cases 31 and 32, the thin portion 55 of the case 32 becomes a wall and proceeds so as to wrap around the thin portion 55. become. Further, when the slit portion 53 enters from the inner surface 30d of the ball feeder 30 in the thickness direction of the cases 31 and 32, the thin portion 54 of the case 31 becomes a wall and advances so as to wrap around the thin portion 54.
The thin portion 54 of the case 31 and the thin portion 55 of the case 32 are formed so as not to contact each other and to be separated from each other.
As described above, the slit portion 53 is formed so that the gap between the edge of the case 31 and the edge of the case 32 has a crank shape in the cross section, and thus, the outer surface 30c side of the ball feeding device 30 is formed. The space communicates with the internal passage T that is the space on the inner surface 30d side. Further, the slit portion 53 is formed so that the internal passage T on the inner surface 30d side from the outer surface 30c side of the ball feeding device 30 is not easily seen, and the space from the inner surface 30d side to the outer surface 30c side of the ball feeding device 30 Is formed so that it cannot be easily seen.

[Operation of slit 50 of ball feeder 30]
29, 30 and 31 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the slit 50 of the ball feeding device 30. FIG. FIG. 29 is a schematic plan view of the firing rail 41 of the ball feeding device 30 and the launching device 40. 30 shows a state where the thread-like member S is not in tension, and FIG. 31 shows a state where the thread-like member S is in tension. 30 (a) and 31 (a) are sectional views taken along line CC in FIG. 28 (a) as in FIG. 28 (b). 4 is a cross-sectional view of the slit portion 53 for explaining the state of the thread-like member S when passing through the slit portion 53 of the slit 50. FIG. 30 and 31 (b) are perspective views of the ball feeding device 30. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 29A, when a game ball (hereinafter referred to as an illegal ball game ball) to which a relatively long thread-like member S is attached passes through the internal passage T of the ball feeder 30 and exits from the outlet 30b. , Supplied to the firing rail 41. The thread-like member S is in a relaxed state, and does not restrict unauthorized movement of the game ball.
The thread-like member S moves together with the illegal game ball and proceeds along a path (trajectory) through which the illegal game ball passes. That is, the thread-like member S passes through the entrance 30a, the internal passage T, and the exit 30b of the ball feeding device 30.

The illegal game ball supplied to the launch rail 41 rolls on the tilted launch rail 41 and is set at the launch position 40a as shown in FIG. 29 (b). Thereafter, the illegal game ball is vigorously launched at a predetermined timing from the launch position 40a.
The launched illegal game ball proceeds in the direction of the game area 111 (see FIG. 1), and accordingly, the thread-like member S deviates from the path through which the illegal game ball passes, as shown in FIG. 29 (c). To enter the slit 50 of the ball feeder 30. That is, the thread-like member S enters the slit 50 so as to take a shortcut.
An empty space is formed in a space adjacent to the outer surface 30c of the ball feeding device 30. That is, there is no other device or component that interferes with the movement of the thread-like member S beside the outer surface 30c.

  Here, until the thread-like member S is bitten by the slit 50 so as to obstruct the movement of the thread-like member S, unauthorized movement of the game ball is not restricted. As described above, since the slit 50 is also formed on the outer surface 30c of the ball feeding device 30, the time until the thread-like member S reaches the back side of the slit 50 is relatively long. That is, the slit 50 is configured to bite the thread-like member S at a certain degree of momentum without biting the thread-like member S up to a certain degree of momentum. Since the slit 50 bites the thread-like member S more reliably, it can be said that there is a high possibility of leaving a trace that an unauthorized game ball has been used.

This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 30 and FIG.
The thread-like member S that has entered the slit 50 having a crank shape in the cross section is positioned in the slit 50 as shown in FIG. When the thread-like member S is pulled, it is bent linearly in the slit 50 as shown in FIG.

More specifically, the game ball with the thread-like member S attached is supplied from the outlet 30b to the launch rail 41 of the launcher 40 of the launcher 40 (see, for example, FIG. 29) through the internal passage T of the ball feeder 30. When the firing member 41 is vigorously launched obliquely upward from the firing rail 41, the thread member S enters the slit 50 from the slit portion 51. Then, the thread-like member S is further guided to the slit portions 52 and 53 of the slit 50 as shown in FIG.
More specifically, when the thread-like member S enters the slit portion 53 of the slit 50 and has a tension, the thread-like member S is aligned in the slit 50 as shown in FIG. Without refraction. In the slit portion 53 of the slit 50, the thin-walled portions 54 and 55 prevent the thread-like member S from being straight. That is, the tightly thread-like member S is bent linearly at the corner of the thin portion 54 of the case 31 and the corner of the thin portion 55 of the case 32. In this state, the thread-like member S is pressed against the corner portion of the thin portion 54 and the corner portion of the thin portion 55, and is not easily detached from the slit 50. By adopting such a shape in which the thread-like member S is difficult to be removed in the slit portion 53, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the thread-like member S is detached from the slit portion 53.

In order to enhance such an effect, for example, a modification in which the surface of the thin portion 54 of the case 31 and the surface of the thin portion 54 of the case 31 are formed to be rougher than other portions is conceivable. By such rough surface processing of the cases 31 and 32, it becomes possible to increase the frictional resistance with the thread-like member S, and the thread-like member S is not easily detached.
In order to cut the thread-like member S, the corners of the thin part 54 and the corners of the thin part 55 are formed with a sharper angle, or a blade member (not shown) is disposed in the ball feeding device 30. It is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 31 (b), the thread-like member S in the slit 50 moves along the slit part 53 and proceeds forward, so that the thread-like member S is caught by the slit part 53 and is finally captured. Specifically, relative movement with respect to the ball feeding device 30 becomes impossible. For this reason, even if an illegal ball game ball is fired by the launching device 40, the player's intention to perform an illegal act (lifting at the start port 121 or the like, excessive passing to a warp route (not shown), etc.) The result is not in line with the illegal acquisition of the ball.

  More specifically, when an illegal ball game ball is thrown into the plate 153 (see FIG. 2B), the illegal game ball is transferred from the ball passage rail 163 (see FIG. 25A) to the ball feeding device. Enter 30 entrance 30a. When the lever 152 of the handle 151 is rotated by the player, the illegal game ball falls in the internal passage T of the ball feeder 30 (see FIG. 27) and is discharged from the outlet 30b of the ball feeder 30. It is supplied to the firing rail 41 of the launching device 40 later (see FIG. 23) and fired toward the game area 111.

In such a case, when the end of the thread-like member S adhering to the illegal game ball is located outside the pachinko gaming machine 100, for example, when the player holds it with his / her hand, it is shown in FIG. As described above, the thread-like member S travels along the path along which the illegal game ball travels.
More specifically, the thread-like member S enters the slit portion 51 of the slit 50 and then proceeds to the slit portion 52 and then reaches the slit portion 53 when an illegal game ball is launched upward. As a result, the thread-like member S is fitted into the slit portion 53. For this reason, the illegal game ball stops at the position of the game area 111 corresponding to the length of the thread-like member S so as to hang from the thread-like member S.

In this way, a player who intends to perform a fraudulent act is difficult to operate the thread-like member S, and it is difficult to collect the thread-like member S even if it is attempted to be collected. It becomes possible to leave evidence of cheating.
In addition, an illegal game ball arrives at a predetermined place (for example, the start port 121, 122, etc.) of the game area 111 having a large influence when an illegal game ball flies, contrary to the intention of the player who intends to perform an illegal act. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an illegal act from being executed by an illegal game ball.

[Various application examples]
Next, various configuration examples (application examples) to which the above-described first embodiment is applied will be described.
FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining an application example of the ball feeding device 30. Each of (a) to (c) in the figure is a diagram showing a cross section of the slit portion 53 of the slit 50, and corresponds to (b) in FIG. 32A to 32C, as in the first embodiment, the slit portion 53 of the slit 50 has a gap between the edge of the case 31 and the edge of the case 32. It is formed to hide.
In the case shown in (a) of FIG. 32, the thin wall portion 54 is configured such that the end surface has a convex shape by reducing the thickness on the outer surface side and reducing the thickness on the inner surface side. Further, the thin wall portion 55 has a concave end surface by reducing the central thickness. And the convex part of the thin part 54 is arrange | positioned so that it may enter into the concave part of the thin part 55, and the thin part 54 of case 31 and the thin part 55 of case 32 become alternate. In addition, a slit portion 53 is formed.
It is also conceivable that the cross-sectional shape of the thin portion 54 and the cross-sectional shape of the thin portion 55 are formed opposite to each other.

In the case shown in (b) of FIG. 32, the portion with reduced thickness is formed only on one side. That is, as a part constituting the slit portion 53 of the slit 50, the thin portion 55 is included and the thin portion 54 is not included. More specifically, the thin portion 55 of the case 32 is formed by reducing the thickness on the outer surface side. And the thin part 54 formed by reducing the thickness is not formed in the case 31. The edge portion of the case 31 is located in a region generated by reducing the thickness of the thin portion 55 of the case 32. The case 31 and the case 32 are shifted from each other with respect to the thickness direction (the left-right direction in the drawing). Thereby, the slit portion 53 of the slit 50 is formed in an L shape.
It is also conceivable that the cross-sectional shape of the case 31 and the cross-sectional shape of the case 32 are formed opposite to each other and the positional relationship in the thickness direction between the case 31 and the case 32 is reversed.

In the case shown in (c) of FIG. 32, a portion with a reduced thickness is not formed. That is, the thin portion 54 and the thin portion 55 are not included as the portions constituting the slit portion 53 of the slit 50. That is, the case 31 and the case 32 are formed so as not to have different shapes in the thickness direction. The case 31 and the case 32 are shifted from each other with respect to the thickness direction (left and right direction in the drawing). Thus, the slit portion 53 of the slit 50 is configured by the gap between the edge portion of the case 31 and the edge portion of the case 32.
It is also conceivable to reverse the positional relationship between the case 31 and the case 32 in the thickness direction.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining another application example of the ball feeding device 30, and is a perspective view of the ball feeding device 30.
As shown in FIG. 33A, the ball feeding device 30 according to one application example includes a detection unit (sensor) 60 disposed at a position where the slit 50 is formed. The detection unit 60 is a micro switch having an actuator 61 and is an example of a detection unit. It should be noted that another type of sensor may be used as the detection unit 60.
More specifically, the detection unit 60 is attached to the outer surface 30 c of the ball feeding device 30 so that the actuator 61 crosses the slit portion 53 of the slit 50. The detection unit 60 outputs an ON signal when the actuator 61 performs a predetermined movement. In other words, the slit 50 guides (guides) the thread-like member S to the back side and drives it to a position where the detection unit 60 can detect it.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 33B, when the thread-like member S reaches the depth of the slit portion 52, the thread-like member S moves the actuator 61 of the detection unit 60. Thereby, the detection unit 60 outputs an ON signal. By outputting such an ON signal, it becomes possible to positively cope with fraud.
Here, the output destination of the detection unit 60 is, for example, the payout control unit 400 (see FIG. 3). When the dispensing control unit 400 receives an ON signal from the detection unit 60, predetermined control is performed. More specifically, when the payout control unit 400 receives an ON signal from the detection unit 60, the payout control unit 400 transmits a signal indicating that there has been an illegal act to the game control unit 200 (see FIG. 3), thereby playing the game The control unit 200 stops the game. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs a predetermined warning effect or notification effect by transmitting a signal indicating that an illegal act has occurred to the effect control unit 300 (see FIG. 3) via the game control unit 200. . Moreover, the hall | hole which has installed the pachinko game machine 100 is transmitted to the hall computer (not shown) through the external information terminal board 450 for frames (refer FIG. 3) which shows that there was fraud. It is possible to quickly grasp the fact of fraudulent activity and deal with this.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining another application example of the ball feeding device 30 and is a perspective view of the ball feeding device 30.
As shown in FIG. 34, in a ball feeder 30 according to another application example, a slit component 70 is fixedly attached to a case 32. The slit component 70 includes a slit 50 including slit portions 51, 52, and 53. The slit 50 of the slit component 70 employs the same configuration as the above-described slit 50 (see FIGS. 26 to 28) formed in the cases 31 and 32.
More specifically, the cases 31 and 32 are formed with relatively large notches (shown by broken lines) so as to escape the range of the slit 50 of the slit component 70. In other words, the internal passage T of the ball feeder 30 is constituted not only by the cases 31 and 32 but also by the slit component 70.

As described above, the slit 50 needs to be formed with relatively high accuracy. For this reason, a mold for resin-molding a component for forming the slit 50 tends to be expensive. From this point of view, in another application example, the slit 50 is not formed in the edge of the case 31 and the edge of the case 32 but is formed in the slit part 70 which is a part different from the cases 31 and 32. The slit component 70 is a component having a smaller outer shape than the cases 31 and 32.
For this reason, the ball feeding device 30 is divided into the cases 31 and 32 that do not need to be formed with relatively high accuracy and the slit component 70 that needs to be formed with relatively high accuracy, thereby forming the slit 50. It is possible to suppress an increase in cost associated with forming the.
Further, the slit component 70 can be retrofitted to the ball feeding device 30. In that case, since it becomes possible to take a subsequent fraud countermeasure without replacing the entire ball feeder 30, it is compared to taking a fraud countermeasure on a model for which the fraud countermeasure has not been taken. It can be done easily.
In addition, as a method of attaching the slit component 70 to the main body (cases 31 and 32) of the ball feeding device 30, an adhesive or a fastening screw may be considered. Moreover, as a structure for positioning the slit component 70 with respect to the main body part of the ball feeding device 30, for example, it is conceivable to use a convex part (not shown) and a concave part (not shown).

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the ball feeder 30 according to the second embodiment will be described. Since the second embodiment has the same configuration and function as the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the common configuration, and the description and illustration of the common configuration and function are used. May be omitted.
FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of the ball feeding device 30 according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to (b) of FIG. 31 in the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 35, the ball feeder 30 according to the second embodiment includes a slit 50. The slit 50 includes a slit portion 51 formed on the outer surface 32 d of the case 32. In other words, the slit 50 in the second embodiment does not include the slit portions 52 and 53 (see FIG. 28, for example) of the outer surface (lateral surface) 30c as in the first embodiment, The length is shorter than in the case of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the slit portion 51 of the slit 50 has a cross-sectional shape of the slit portion 53 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 28B or FIGS. 32A to 32C). In addition, the taper is formed in a tapered shape in which the width dimension becomes narrower in the direction away from the outlet 30b (the right direction in the drawing).
In the second embodiment, the slit portion 51 of the slit 50 is formed to extend linearly. However, the slit portion 53 in the first embodiment has a crank shape (step shape) or a snake-like shape. It is also conceivable to form a curved shape (meandering shape).
Note that various application examples already described for the first embodiment may be applied to the second embodiment. It is conceivable to arrange the detection unit 60 (see FIG. 33) in the ball feeder 30 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the slit portion 51 of the slit 50 is formed in the case 32. However, the slit 50 is formed in a slit component 70 (see FIG. 34) which is a component different from the case 32. A configuration in which the slit component 70 is fixedly attached to the case 32 is also conceivable.

In the case of the second embodiment, the thread-like member S is captured at the tip of the slit portion 51 of the slit 50, thereby making it difficult for the player to operate the thread-like member S, and collecting the thread-like member S. Also becomes difficult.
As described above, the slit 50 in the second embodiment can leave evidence of fraud in the pachinko gaming machine 100 as in the case of the first embodiment. It is possible to prevent the execution of fraud by If it adds, it will become possible to comprise the slit 50 more simply and it will become possible to suppress an increase in cost.

  As described above, in the first and second embodiments, when an illegal act using the thread-like member S is performed, the thread-like member S is more reliably captured by the slit 50 having a simple structure. It becomes possible to take all possible measures against fraud while suppressing the increase in cost.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Ball feeder, 30b ... Outlet, 30c, 32d ... Outer surface, 31, 32 ... Case, 40 ... Launching device, 41 ... Launch rail, 50 ... Slit, 51, 52, 53 ... Slit part, 54, 55 ... Thin wall Part, T ... internal passage, 100 ... pachinko machine, 110 ... gaming board, 111 ... gaming area, 163 ... ball passage rail, S ... thread-like member

Claims (4)

A gaming machine that launches a game ball from a launch rail toward a game area for playing with a game ball,
A ball feeding device for sending a game ball to the firing rail,
An exit through which game balls sent to the firing rail are discharged;
Formed in a case member that constitutes the outer surface of the ball feeding device, extends from the outlet in the firing direction of the firing rail, and is located downstream of the firing direction, and an outer space and an inner space of the case member Slits that communicate with each other;
With
The case member constituting the outer surface of the ball feeding device is formed in a cross-sectional shape that prevents a thread-like member passing through the slit from being aligned from the inside to the outside of the case member to be straight in the slit ,
The protruding portion having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the case member so as to prevent a thread-like member passing through the slit from being aligned from the inside to the outside of the case member to be straight in the slit. A gaming machine formed on a case member . The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein a shape of the slit extending from the outlet on the outer surface of the ball feeding device is a curved shape. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the slit has a portion in which the width of the slit becomes narrower as it goes from the outlet in a direction in which the slit extends. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the protruding portion has a surface that is formed to be rougher than other portions.

Images