JP5443715B2 - Big prize opening device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a big prize opening device for a gaming machine, and more particularly to a big prize opening device that opens and closes a big prize opening opening / closing member that opens and closes during a special game performed according to a lottery result when a game ball enters a start opening. .

  In a gaming machine in which a special game is executed according to the lottery result when the game ball enters the starting port, in addition to the long hit game for the purpose of causing the player to acquire a prize ball, A plurality of types of special games such as a short hit game having a different purpose or a small hit game are set. In such a special game, a prize ball corresponding to the number of game balls entered in the big prize opening is paid out to the player by opening the big prize opening normally maintained in a closed state.

  A game per long is a game in which a round game in which the big prize opening is kept open is repeated several times until a predetermined number of game balls enter or until a predetermined time elapses. By doing so, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls.

  On the other hand, in the short win game, as in the long win game, the round game is executed a plurality of times, but the time for which the big prize opening is kept open is short, so that almost no game balls enter the big prize opening. In a short hit game, the player can hardly obtain a prize ball. However, when winning a short win, the winning probability of the jackpot changes after the short hit game ends, and the low probability game state changes from the low probability gaming state in which the game progresses at a preset probability. A transition is made to a high probability gaming state in which the winning probability of jackpot is higher than the state, or a transition is made from a high probability gaming state to a low probability gaming state.

  In the small win game, as in the short win game, the opening and closing operation of the big prize opening is performed, but since the opening and closing operation of the big winning opening is set to be the same as the short win game, This difference is indistinguishable or difficult for the player. However, even if winning a small win, the winning probability of winning a big win does not change before and after winning a small win, so this is different from the short win.

  Because it is difficult for a player to determine whether he has won a small win or a short win, the player may have won a short win that has shifted to a high-probability gaming state from the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening. There is a sense of expectation that there is not, and anxiety that it may have shifted to a low-probability gaming state.

  In this way, when multiple types of special games are provided, if a special game with a different number of round games is provided, when the right to execute a special game is acquired (at the time of winning the jackpot), the round It is necessary to inform the player how many times the game can be executed by a lamp or the like. For example, in a gaming machine in which the game per long is set to 15 rounds and the game per short game is set to 2 rounds, the lamp for 15 rounds is turned on when winning per long and 2 when winning per short The round lamp will be turned on.

  On the other hand, since the small hit is different from the big hit such as long hit or short win, the round lamp cannot be turned on even when winning. For this reason, even if the operation mode of opening / closing the big prize opening is the same for the small win game and the short win game, it is possible to determine which player has won by the lighting of the round lamp. If it is known that it is a small hit, the player may lose the incentive to continue the game.

  Therefore, if the number of rounds in the short win game is the same as the number of rounds in the long hit game, it is considered unnecessary to inform the player of the number of round games executed, but the long win game is awarded to the player. Since the goal is to pay out the ball, the number of rounds cannot be reduced. After all, in order to make the number of rounds in the game per long and the game per short, it is necessary to match the number of rounds in the game per short with the game per long game. It is necessary to increase the number of times, that is, to open and close the large winning opening (opening / closing door) at high speed.

  The opening and closing of the prize winning opening is performed by opening and closing the opening and closing door of the winning prize opening unit (attacker unit) installed on the back of the game board, but when the opening and closing door is opened and closed, the game ball bites between the glass plate The operation member that opens and closes the open / close door supports the supported portion of the open / close door with some clearance so as not to cause a situation (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  Specifically, the open / close door opens and closes when a pin-shaped locked portion (supported portion) is supported by a bifurcated locking portion of the operation member so as to rotate or reciprocate. Is formed larger than the diameter or width of the locked portion, and a certain amount of clearance is secured between the locked portion and the supported portion. The relationship between the locking portion 96a of the operation member 96 and the locked portion 91c of the open / close door 91 in the conventional prize winning unit 94 is shown in FIGS. 6 shows an open state of the door 91, and FIG. 7 shows a closed state.

JP 2001-46693 A (paragraphs 0042-0055, FIGS. 6-8) JP 2001-327687 A (paragraphs 0007 to 0013, FIGS. 3 to 8) JP 2002-35386 (paragraphs 0029 to 0052, FIGS. 3 and 4)

  When the locked part of the door and the locking part of the operating member are locked with a clearance as described above, the locked door is locked when the operating member moves a distance exceeding the clearance. After the operation member is stopped by opening and closing the opening and closing door by engaging with the part, the opening and closing door is opened and closed excessively by the clearance. Therefore, when the operating member reciprocates, the opening and closing door opens and closes behind the operating member. Therefore, even if the operating member is reciprocated at high speed, it is not possible to cause the opening and closing door to follow the operating member and open and close at high speed. Is possible.

  In view of the above background, the present invention proposes an opening / closing device capable of opening and closing a large winning opening (opening / closing member) at high speed.

The big prize opening device according to claim 1 is provided so as to face the game board, and has a big prize opening having an opening shape of the big prize opening that allows a game ball to pass in the depth direction of the game board. , A large winning hole extending from the large winning opening to the depth direction of the game board, and an opening / closing member that opens the large winning opening in the case of a big hit and allows a lot of game balls to be won In the grand prize opening device with
A front plate that is provided on the front side of the big prize opening and that controls the direction of a game ball that forms the big prize opening and falls from above the game board toward the big prize opening; An inclined surface portion that is provided in the winning hole and that rolls the game ball that has passed through the large winning hole in the depth direction; a biasing member that biases the opening and closing member in one direction; and A rotating member that rotates the opening and closing member against an urging force , a driving device that rotates in a certain direction, and a locking movement or a disengagement with the rotating member by a rotating motion in a certain direction by the driving device. And an operating member that rotates the rotating member, and the opening / closing member is connected to the rotating member, and is turned into and out of the prize winning hole by the rotation of the rotating member. opening and closing the mouth hole, said operating member, the rotation shaft of the driving device The Rukoto such a plurality of protrusions disposed on an end face of the connected flanges and configuration requirements.

  The opening / closing member is connected to the rotating member, and when the rotating member rotates, the opening / closing member is provided as a part of the rotating member. This means opening and closing the big prize opening functionally by a part of the rotating member itself.

  The rotation member has a rotation center axis provided in the front-rear direction of the game board in addition to the case where the rotation center axis is provided in the width direction of the game board and rotates in the front-rear direction (vertical direction) of the game board. May be rotated in the width direction (left-right direction) of the game board. One end of the rotating member is connected (or integrally formed) with the opening / closing member, and the other end is locked to the operating member, and is rotated by a linear motion or a rotating motion of the operating member to form a prize winning hole. Open and close the opening and closing member. Further, the rotating member uses the urging force of the urging member when the opening / closing member is moved in and out of the prize winning hole by the linear motion or the rotational motion of the operation member.

  As the operating member, a part of the driving device is used as the operating member, and an operating member (for example, a rotating member) connected to a part of the driving device may be used. The operating member is basically connected to the driving device, and linearly or rotationally moves by driving the driving device. The direction of the linear motion of the operating member is not limited, and the operating member may linearly move in the horizontal direction or linearly in the vertical direction. As the driving device, a solenoid or a motor (stepping motor, servo motor, etc.) is mainly used, but there is no particular limitation.

  The opening / closing member normally closes the big prize opening hole, and when the execution of the special gaming state is decided based on the result of the lottery performed when the game ball enters or passes through one of the start openings The immersive action opens the grand prize opening, functionally the grand prize opening. On the other hand, the conventional big prize opening is opened when the front-retracting door opens to the front side (player side), and the fallen opening and closing door itself becomes a receiving tray and the game ball becomes the big prize opening. It has come to be guided. That is, in the special prize opening device of the present invention, when the opening / closing member performs an immersing operation to open the special prize opening hole, the front plate guides the game ball to the special prize opening entrance.

  The front plate is provided with a front plate protrusion that regulates the direction of the game ball falling from above the game board toward the entrance of the big prize opening. In addition, a base plate projection that restricts the direction of the game ball falling from above toward the front plate side is also provided on the base plate arranged on the front side of the prize winning opening. By making the separation distance between the front plate protrusion and the base plate protrusion in the direction perpendicular to the game board surface smaller than the diameter of the game ball, the game ball falling from the upper side of the game board can be surely entered into the big prize opening entrance. (Claim 2). Further, the front plate protrusion and the base plate protrusion are arranged at different positions on the game board surface different from each other.

  Further, in this case, since the game ball hits the opening lower end edge of the big prize opening entrance, it is necessary to protect the opening lower end edge from the falling game ball. Therefore, the lower edge of the opening of the prize winning opening is a curved surface, specifically, a polygonal shape of the end surface, a rounded end surface, C chamfering, in order to protect the lower edge of the opening from the falling game ball. Etc. (Claim 3).

  Closing the big prize opening hole with the opening / closing member means that the game ball only needs to move toward the back side of the big prize opening hole, so that the big prize opening hole is closed without any gap, and the game ball cannot pass This refers to the case of forming an opening hole to be (blocked), specifically, an opening hole smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Compared to the case where the opening / closing member closes the winning hole opening without any gap, the opening hole that prevents the gaming ball from passing through can be used to open the gaming ball with a smaller opening / closing stroke even if the closing hole is not completely closed. Since it cannot be passed, the opening / closing member can be opened / closed at high speed. Further, the size of the opening / closing member can be reduced by making the stroke so that the game ball does not pass. Since the size of the opening / closing member is reduced, the opening / closing member is reduced in weight, the moment of inertia when the opening / closing member is opened / closed is reduced, and the opening / closing time is increased.

  Therefore, the opening / closing member can increase the opening / closing time by forming an opening hole that prevents the game ball from passing when the large winning hole is functionally closed by protruding into the large winning hole. (Claim 4)

  When there is a certain clearance between the rotating member and the open / close door as in the past, when the operating member is reciprocated once, the open / close door tends to open and close behind the behavior of the operating member due to inertia. Therefore, there is a limit to shortening the time required for opening and closing the door. Even if the speed of the operation member is increased, the opening / closing door cannot follow the speed, so the speed of the operation member is limited. For example, even if the operation member is stopped when the opening / closing door is opened, the opening / closing door does not stop immediately, so when the operation member is moved in the closing direction of the opening / closing door, the opening / closing door moves in the closing direction. A time difference occurs.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, since there is no delay of the opening / closing member with respect to the operation member, the time required to open and close the opening / closing member once is shortened in comparison with the conventional method, and the opening / closing member can be opened / closed at a higher speed than the conventional method. It becomes possible. Even if the speed of the operating member is increased, the opening / closing member does not cause or is hardly delayed due to inertia as described above. Therefore, when the opening / closing member is opened, the opening / closing member stops simultaneously with the stop of the operating member and closes simultaneously with the subsequent movement. It is possible to follow the speed of the operation member.

  Since the opening / closing member can be opened / closed at high speed, the opening / closing door can be opened / closed a certain number of times, and the time can be significantly reduced compared to the conventional method. As a result, it is possible to open and close (for example, 15 rounds) the opening / closing member many times in a few seconds. Since a large number of times of opening and closing can be performed within a few seconds, the number of opening and closing members becomes the same as that of the game per long, and the display of the round lamp can be turned off. Apparently, the player can no longer be distinguished from the short hit state and the small hit state, so the player is not lost the incentive to continue the game.

  The opening / closing member is connected to the rotating member, and the opening / closing member functionally opens / closes the opening / closing member by opening and closing the opening / closing member by the rotation of the rotating member. The opening / closing member can be opened / closed at high speed, and an operation of opening / closing the opening / closing member many times within a few seconds can be realized. As a result, since it is possible to prevent the short hit state and the small hit state from being distinguished, it is possible to eliminate the grounds for the player to lose the incentive to continue the game.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 5 show a gaming machine 1 in which a big prize opening unit 9 for opening and closing a big prize opening opening / closing member (hereinafter referred to as an opening / closing member) 91 that opens and closes a big prize opening 93 facing the game board 101 is disposed. 2 shows a configuration example of a special prize opening device 90 for operating opening and closing of the opening and closing member 91.

  First, the entire gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. An operation handle 113 having a launching unit 292 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) is disposed below the gaming board 101 of the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. After rising between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaching the upper position of the game board 101, the game area 103 is dropped. In the game area 103, in addition to a plurality of nails (not shown) for dropping the game ball in an unspecified direction, a windmill and a entrance for changing the fall direction of the game ball are arranged.

  In the central portion of the game area 103, for example, a symbol display unit 104 using a liquid crystal display (LCD) is arranged. A first start port 105 capable of receiving a game ball is disposed below the symbol display unit 104, and a second start having a pair of movable pieces 120a (shown in FIG. 9) below the first start port 105. A mouth 120 is arranged. The second starting port 120 makes it difficult to receive a game ball when the pair of movable pieces 120a are closed, and makes it easier to receive the game ball than the first starting port 105 when the pair is open.

  On the left side of the symbol display unit 104, a winning gate 106 for detecting the passing of a game ball and performing lottery of a normal symbol for opening the second start port 120 for a predetermined time is arranged. In a position below the winning gate 106, etc., a normal winning opening 107 is provided for acquiring a predetermined number (for example, ten) of winning balls when a game ball enters. At the bottom of the game area 103, a collection port 108 for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the entrances is disposed.

  In the lower right of the symbol display unit 104, a first special symbol display 84 for displaying a lottery result by a first special symbol lottery means 300 described later, and a second special for displaying a lottery result by a second special symbol lottery means 320. A symbol display 86 is arranged. On both of these indicators 84 and 86, special symbols are variably displayed, a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed after a lapse of a predetermined time, and a lottery result triggered by the entry of a game ball into the starting port is displayed. The A plurality of LEDs are used for both indicators 84 and 86, and the LEDs blink as the special symbols change display starts, giving the player the impression that the lottery is currently being drawn. After a predetermined time has elapsed, an LED set in advance according to the lottery result is turned on and the lottery result is notified to the player.

  If a game ball enters the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 120 during the special symbol variation display, the right to display the special symbol variation display (hereinafter referred to as “reserved ball”) reserved by the entry is reserved. Is done. The number of reserved balls thus reserved is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 88 and the second special symbol hold indicator 90.

  If a game ball enters the winning gate 106 during the special symbol variation display, the normal symbol lottery means 360 will perform a lottery. The normal symbol display 82 for displaying the lottery result is displayed on both the indicators 84 and 86. Located in the vicinity. The right of the normal symbol change display obtained by the game ball entering the winning gate 106 during the normal symbol change display, that is, the number of reserved balls is displayed on the normal symbol hold display 92.

  The symbol display unit 104 starts a variation display of a plurality of decorative symbols when a game ball enters the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 120, and stops the variation of the decorative symbols after a predetermined time elapses. . If a specific symbol (for example, “777”) is prepared at the time of stoppage, it means that the right to execute the jackpot game (long win game) is acquired, and then the jackpot game (long hit game) is started. When the big hit game (long win game) is started, the opening / closing member 91 in the big prize opening unit 9 located below the game area 103 is repeatedly opened for a predetermined time (for example, 15 times) to enter the ball. Prize balls corresponding to game balls are paid out.

  The big prize opening unit 9 rotatably supports an opening / closing member 91 that opens and closes the big prize opening 93 facing the game board 101, and the opening / closing member 91 is located on the front (front surface) side of the big prize opening 93. It is installed on the back of the game board 101. The opening / closing member 91 normally protrudes into the big winning hole 93b as shown in FIG. 10 (a) and functionally closes the big winning hole 93 to prevent the game ball from entering the big winning hole 93. doing. When the big hit game is started, the opening / closing member 91 is immersed as shown in FIG. 10B under the control of the driving device 97 to be described later, and the big winning opening 93 is functionally opened (set to the open state). When the big prize opening 93 is opened, as will be described in detail later, a base plate protrusion 98a provided on the base plate 98 that forms the front surface of the big prize opening unit 9 and a U-shape in plan view forming the big prize opening 93 are formed. The front plate projection 96a (see FIG. 1) provided on the front plate 96 regulates the direction of the game ball falling from above and guides it to the big prize opening 93a, so that the depth direction of the big prize opening 93b The game ball can pass through.

  On the outer periphery of the game board 101, a frame member 110 is formed so as to surround the game area 103 and project from the game board 101 to the player side. A plurality of lights are provided on the upper and lower sides of the frame member 110. An effect light 111 (lamp unit) having 112 is installed. Each light 112 irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine 1, and light is driven by a motor (not shown) in the effect light 111 so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. The irradiation direction can be changed in the vertical direction. Each light 112 can be rotated in the direction of light rotation by another motor in the effect light 111 so that the irradiation position can form a circle with respect to the gaming machine 1 and irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine. Yes.

  Below the frame member 110, a receiving tray unit 119 to which game balls lent out from a lending device (not shown) is supplied is installed, and an operation handle 113 is arranged. The operation handle 113 protrudes from the game board 101 to the player side, and is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launch unit 292.

  The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the launching portion 292 to launch a game ball. The firing instructing member 114 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 113 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player, and gives a firing ball firing instruction to the launching portion 292 when operated directly by the player. The operation handle 113 incorporates a sensor or the like that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 114.

  On the upper side and the side of the symbol display unit 104 (right side of the drawing in FIG. 7), effects for the effect (hereinafter referred to as “effects”) 115 and 116 are arranged. The director 115 is driven by a solenoid, for example, and the director 116 is driven by a motor. By driving the similar directors 115 and 116 with different types of driving sources, the directors 115 and 116 can each have their own movements, and the stage effect is enhanced.

  Under the frame member 110, a chance button 117 for receiving an operation by the player is arranged. The operation of the chance button 117 is effective while guidance for prompting the operation of the chance button 117 is displayed, for example, in the case of a specific reach effect during the game.

  The frame member 110 incorporates a speaker 277 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) that outputs a production effect sound or a sound that informs fraud. The speaker 277 has a function capable of outputting high, medium, and low sound areas, and outputs a high sound, medium sound, and low sound in a well-balanced manner during normal production, but there was an irregularity or the like during special production described later. In such a case, control is performed so that the high sound region is output high so that it can be heard well around.

Here, an example of the configuration of the special prize opening device 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a box-shaped case 94 supported on the back surface of the game board 101 and an opening / closing member 91 supported to be freely opened and closed by the case 94. . Further, the special prize opening unit 9 includes a turning member 92 that opens and closes the opening / closing member 91 by turning, and an operation member 97a that turns the turning member 92 by turning movement.
Instead of combining the opening / closing member 91, the rotating member 92, the operating member 97a, etc. into one unit, the opening / closing member 91, the rotating member 92, the operating member 97a, etc. are individually arranged on the back side of the game board 101. May be.

  The case 94 has a shape and dimensions that can accommodate the special prize opening device 90, the special prize opening detection unit (detector) 224, and the like, and a base plate 98 provided on the front surface of the case 94 is exposed to the front surface of the game board 101. In this state, it is installed on the back of the game board 101 and fixed. The inside of the case 94 is partitioned into a plurality of regions for storing the components of the big prize opening device 90 by a partition wall or the like.

  The base plate 98 is formed with a large winning opening 93a having a substantially rectangular shape as a front view as an inlet of the large winning opening 93b, and the large winning opening extending from the large winning opening 93a in the depth direction of the game board 101 is formed. A game ball rolls along the inclined surface portion 93b1 of 93b and falls. The inclined surface portion 93b1 is provided with an opening / closing member hole 93b2 that allows the opening / closing member 91 to be moved in and out of the large winning hole 93b, and the opening / closing member 91 is passed through the opening / closing member hole 93b2 to be the large winning hole 93b. Infested with. The opening / closing member 91 is connected to one end side of a rotating member 92 that is rotatably supported by the case 94.

  The rotation member 92 includes a rotation center portion 92a that is rotatably supported by the case 94, a long arm portion 92b that extends from the rotation center portion 92a toward the game board 101, and the long arm portion 92b. The opening / closing member 91 connected in a state where the tip end portion thereof is bent toward one direction (above the game board 101) orthogonal to the long arm portion 92b, and the rotation arm portion 92a in a direction different from the long arm portion 92b. And a short arm portion 92c extending toward the end. Further, an urging member 92d using, for example, a spring is provided between the opening / closing member 91 and the upper portion of the case 94 to constantly urge the opening / closing member 91 in the closing direction (protruding direction, in this case, upward).

  The longitudinal direction distance of the long arm portion 92b is set longer than the longitudinal direction distance of the short arm portion 92c. The short arm portion 92c is detachably locked to the operation member 97a. For this reason, the rotation member 92 is regulated to be lowered by the rotational movement of the operation member 97a so as to always rotate the opening / closing member 91 side upward by the biasing force of the biasing member 92d. Thus, the opening / closing operation (in / out operation) of the opening / closing member 91 is possible.

  The opening / closing member 91 has an opening 93c smaller than the diameter of the game ball that prevents the game ball from passing through the large winning hole 93b when the large winning hole 93 is functionally closed by protruding into the large winning hole 93b. Form. Further, the long arm portion 92b is provided with a drop space 92b1 having a depth that allows a game ball falling from the downward outlet of the big winning hole 93b to fall into the big winning hole detecting portion 224.

  The operation member 97a includes a plurality (for example, six in the present embodiment, provided that the number is equal to the end surface (board surface) of the flange 97c connected to the rotation shaft 97b of the drive device 97 that performs the rotational movement. Although the number of protrusions (not limited to six) is directly used, the plurality of protrusions 97a, the rotation shaft 97b, and the flange 97c may be regarded as one of the operation members. Further, a stepping motor is used as the driving device 97, but a servo motor can also be used. The projecting portion (operation member) 97a rotates and rotates the rotation member 92 by continuously engaging and disengaging the short arm portion 92c by the rotational drive of the driving device 97, and moves the opening and closing member 91 up and down. Open and close.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 2 (a), and 2 (b), a large winning opening 93b is formed on the short arm portion 92c of the rotating member 92 with the opening and closing member 91 closed, and six protruding portions 97a. Among them, a protruding portion 97a located at a 9 o'clock position (a position rotated by 270 degrees from a 0 degree position) is joined from below. FIG. 1 (b) shows a state in which the drive device 97 is controlled to rotate in the clockwise direction (from the lower side to the upper side) in the drawing in accordance with a preset step angle so that the projecting portion 97a is not detached from the short arm portion 92c. ) And FIGS. 2C and 2D. The rotating member 92 shown in FIG. 1B or the like rotates in the counterclockwise direction (from the upper side to the lower side) in the drawing from the state shown in FIG. Movement, that is, immersing in the big prize opening hole 93b, makes the big prize opening 93 functionally open.

  Further, FIG. 1 shows a state in which the driving device 97 is controlled to rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 in accordance with a preset step angle so that the protruding portion 97a engaged with the short arm portion 92c is detached from the short arm portion 92c. It shows in (a) etc. At this time, when the projecting portion 97a that has lifted the short arm portion 92c from the short arm portion 92c is detached, the turning member 92 moves the opening / closing member 91 upward by the urging force of the urging member 92e, and the big prize opening The large winning opening 93 is functionally closed by protruding into the hole 93b. Further, a new projecting portion 97a is engaged with the short arm portion 92c rotated downward from the lower side of the short arm portion 92c.

  Here, a configuration example of the special prize opening unit 9 when a normal motor (for example, a DC motor or the like) is used for the driving device 97 will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the special prize opening unit 9, a driving gear 97b1 is provided on the rotating shaft 97b of the driving device 97, and a driven gear 97c2 that meshes with the driving gear 97b1 is a rotating shaft 97c1 of the flange 97c. Is provided. The drive gear 97b1 and the driven gear 97c2 are a pair of reduction gears for reducing the rotational speed of the drive device 97, and their diameters are arbitrary.

  The flange 97c is a light shield, and the board surface has a uniform hole 97g as a slit that allows light from the light emitting part 97h1 of the transmissive photosensor 97h to pass through the light receiving part 97h2, as will be described in detail later. It is formed in a state of penetrating through. One of the uniform holes 97g is an origin detection slit 97g1 that is set so that the light incident time is longer than that of the other holes by expanding the diameter of the holes. A transmissive photosensor 97h composed of a light emitting portion 97h1 and a light receiving portion 97h2 is disposed at a position sandwiching the equally distributed holes 97g and the like of the flange 97c from the left and right sides. Further, the uniform hole 97g and the origin detection slit 97g1 are provided in synchronization with the pitch of the protrusion 97a, and the flange 97c has a light incident time that passes through the uniform hole 97g and the origin detection slit 97g1. The rotation position is accurately detected, and the rotation control of the flange 97c is accurately performed.

In some cases, the big prize opening unit 9 may be configured using a reflective photosensor instead of the transmissive photosensor. By using a normal motor, cost can be reduced as compared with the case of using a stepping motor or a servo motor. Further, even in this case, each member constituting the special prize opening unit 9 may be individually arranged on the back side of the game board 101.
The configuration example of the special prize opening unit 9 in the case where a normal motor is used for the driving device 97 has been described above.

  The rotation control of the drive device 97 is controlled by a command from the main control board 201 to be described later when the engagement and disengagement between the rotation member 92 and the operation member (projecting portion) 97a is performed at two step angles, There is a case where the moving member 92 and the operating member 97a are engaged and disengaged at one step angle. When the engagement and disengagement between the rotating member 92 and the operation member 97a is performed at one step angle, it is used when the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 is executed 15 times in several seconds. As described later, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 is performed by the CPU 201a of the main control board 201 in the short hit game control means 341 or the small hit game control state in the short hit game state and the small hit game state as described later. The hit game control means 345 is operated, and the engagement and disengagement of the rotating member 92 and the operation member 97a are repeated, for example, a plurality of times per second, specifically several times to several times.

  The opening / closing member 91 functionally closes the grand prize opening 93 with an opening 93c that prevents the game ball from passing normally, and the game ball enters or passes through any starting port. When the execution of the special game state is determined based on the result of the lottery performed, the opening / closing member 91 is moved in the direction of immersing from the big prize opening hole 93b to functionally open the big prize opening 93. By the way, in a conventional gaming machine, the front-opening type opening / closing door is opened by falling toward the front side (glass plate side), and the falling opening / closing door itself becomes a receiving tray so that the game ball is guided to the grand prize opening. It has become. Therefore, when the opening / closing member 91 functionally opens the grand prize opening 93, the pair of front plate projections 96a and base plate projections 98a for guiding the game balls to the grand prize opening 93a are faced to the game board surface 101. Provided.

  The base plate 98 is formed with a base plate protrusion 98 a that protrudes toward the glass plate 99 that forms the front surface of the game board 10. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, a large winning opening is provided on the inner side of the U-shaped front plate 96 having a large winning opening 93 between the facing surfaces facing the game board 101. A front plate protrusion 96a (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) protruding toward the 93 side is formed. Further, the vertical separation distance between the base plate protrusion 98a and the front plate protrusion 96a in the game board surface is set to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Further, the base plate protrusion 98a is disposed above the front plate protrusion 96a, and repels a game ball that has dropped from above along the game board 101 toward the glass plate 99 side. The front plate projection 96a is always played by the base plate projection 98a, or when a game ball that has fallen along the glass plate 99 passes through the big prize opening 93, the game ball must be put into the big prize entrance 93a. Lead (play) in the direction you head. A game ball whose direction is regulated by the front plate protrusion 96a enters the big prize opening hole 93b as long as the big prize opening hole 93b is opened, and if the big prize opening 93 is closed, The game ball falls along the game board 101 without entering the big winning hole 93b.

  In addition, when the big winning opening 93 is functionally opened, the game ball hits the lower opening edge of the big winning opening 93a, so the lower edge of the opening must be protected from the falling gaming ball. . Therefore, in order to protect the lower end edge of the opening from the falling game ball, a shape different from the corner, specifically, the end face is R-shaped or C-chamfered at the lower end edge of the prize winning opening 93. ing.

  Next, another configuration example of the special prize opening device 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structural member similar to an above-described member.

The special winning opening unit 9 includes a box-shaped case 94 supported on the back surface of the game board 101 and an opening / closing member 91 supported by the case 94 so as to be freely opened and closed. Further, the special prize opening unit 9 includes a turning member 92 that opens and closes the opening and closing member 91 by turning, and a plunger 97a as an operation member that turns the turning member 92 by linear motion.
Instead of combining the opening / closing member 91, the rotation member 92, the operation member (plunger) 97a, etc. into one unit, the opening / closing member 91, the rotation member 92, the operation member (plunger) 97a, etc. are individually played. You may arrange | position to the back side of the board 101. FIG.

  The case 94 has a shape and dimensions that can accommodate the special prize opening device 90, the special prize opening detection unit (detector) 224, and the like, and a base plate 98 provided on the front surface of the case 94 is exposed to the front surface of the game board 101. In this state, it is installed on the back of the game board 101 and fixed. The inside of the case 94 is partitioned into a plurality of regions for storing the components of the big prize opening device 90 by a partition wall or the like.

  The base plate 98 is formed with a large winning opening 93a having a substantially rectangular shape as a front view as an inlet of the large winning opening 93b, and the large winning opening extending from the large winning opening 93a in the depth direction of the game board 101 is formed. A game ball rolls along the inclined surface portion 93b1 of 93b and falls. The inclined surface portion 93b1 is provided with an in / out hole 93b2 through which the open / close member 91 can enter / exit in the big prize opening hole 93b, and the open / close member 91 goes in and out of the big prize opening hole 93b through the in / out hole 93b2. The opening / closing member 91 is connected to one end side of a rotating member 92 that is rotatably supported by the case 94.

  The rotation member 92 includes a rotation center portion 92a that is rotatably supported by the case 94, a long arm portion 92b that extends from the rotation center portion 92a toward the game board 101, and the long arm portion. An opening / closing member 91 connected upward to the tip of 92b, and a short arm portion 92c extending from the rotation center portion 92a in a direction different from the opening / closing member 91 are provided.

  The longitudinal direction distance of the long arm portion 92b is set longer than the longitudinal direction distance of the short arm portion 92c. Moreover, the short arm part 92c is latched with the flange part 97b provided in the front-end | tip part of the operation member (plunger) 97a. For this reason, the rotation member 92 is restricted by the linear motion of the operation member (plunger) 97a so that the rotation member 92 tries to rotate so that the opening / closing member 91 side is always positioned downward by its own weight. Can be moved up and down (moving in the opening and closing directions).

  The opening / closing member 91 has a size (height) that forms an opening hole 93c smaller than the diameter of the game ball that prevents the game ball from passing when entering the big prize opening 23 and closing the big prize opening 23. have. Further, the long arm portion 92b is formed with a drop space 92b1 having a depth that allows a game ball falling from an exit of a game ball guiding path 95, which will be described later, to fall to the large winning opening detection unit 224 below. . A biasing member that constantly biases the opening / closing member 91 in the opening direction is provided between the rotating member 92 and the case 94 so that the rotation member 92 rotates when the opening / closing member 91 moves in the opening direction. Operation may be assisted.

  As the operation member, a part of a shaft (plunger) 97a of a drive device 97 that performs linear motion is used. Although a solenoid having good responsiveness when energized is used as the driving device 97, a motor (stepping motor, servo motor) or the like can be used because it only needs to be housed in the case 94. In the stepping motor, a driving cam is connected to an output shaft thereof, and the driving cam is combined with the driving cam to convert the rotary motion of the output shaft into a linear motion of the operation member 97a.

  A flange 97d is provided at the tip of the operation member (plunger) 97a, and a biasing member 97f such as a coil spring is provided between the flange 97d and the housing 97e of the drive device (large winning opening / closing solenoid) 97a. Are arranged in a state of being locked to both sides. The urging member 97d is set so as to exert a restoring force from the immersive state of the operation member (plunger) 97a toward the protruding state, but conversely, the restoring force from the protruding state of the shaft 97a toward the immersive state. It may be set to demonstrate. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the operating member (plunger) 97a of the driving device (large winning opening opening / closing solenoid) 97 is immersed, the opening / closing member 91 moves in the opening direction (downward). 4 (b), since the opening / closing member 91 moves in the closing direction (upward) when the operation member (plunger) 97a protrudes, the biasing member 97f extends in the closed state of the opening / closing member 91. And placed in a state where it does not exert its resilience.

  When the power source of the driving device (large winning opening opening / closing solenoid) 97 is turned on by a command from the main control board 201 to be described later, the operation member (plunger) 97a is immersed, and the rotation member 92 is rotated about the rotation center axis. 4 is turned in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4A, and the opening / closing member 91 is moved in a direction (downward) to disengage from the big prize opening 93 to make the big prize opening 93 functional. Leave it open. When the power supply is switched from the ON state to the OFF state, the operating member (plunger) 97a returns to the protruding state by the restoring force of the urging member 97f, and the rotating member 92 is rotated clockwise in FIG. The opening / closing member 91 is protruded toward the inside of the big prize opening hole 93b so that the big prize opening 93 is functionally closed.

  Switching between power ON and OFF is performed instantaneously, and the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 is executed 15 times in a few seconds. As will be described later, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 at this high speed results in the big hit lottery, and when the short hit gaming state and the small hit gaming state, the CPU 201a of the main control board 201 performs the short hit gaming control means 341 or the small hitting game control means 341. It is executed by operating the game control means 345. The control of the driving device (large winning opening opening / closing solenoid) 97 will be described later. The operation member 96 appears and disappears by switching the power ON and OFF, for example, a plurality of times per second, specifically several times to several times. Repeated.

(Internal structure of control means)
FIG. 11 shows the internal configuration of the control means of the gaming machine 1. As shown here, the control means 200 mainly includes a main control board 201, a sub control board 202, a prize ball control board 203, and a lamp control board 206. It is composed of a plurality of control boards.

  The main control board 201 controls the basic operation related to the game of the gaming machine 1 in a state where the power is turned on, and performs the basic processing accompanying the progress of the game content based on the program stored in the ROM 201b. A CPU 201a to be executed, a RAM 201c functioning as a data work area at the time of arithmetic processing of the CPU 201a, and the like are provided. The main control board 201 performs a jackpot lottery when the game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, and relates to the effects stored in the ROM 201b based on the lottery result. Select a command.

  On the input side of the main control board 201, a first start port detecting unit 221 that detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 and a game ball that has entered the second start port 120 are detected. A second start opening detection unit 225, a gate detection unit 222 that detects that a game ball has passed through the winning gate 106, a normal winning port detection unit 223 that detects a game ball that has entered the normal winning port 107, A big prize opening detecting unit 224 that detects a game ball that has entered the big prize opening unit 9 is connected.

  An accessory operating device 231 is connected to the output side of the main control board 201. In the present embodiment, the accessory actuating device 231 is divided into a driving device (motor, stepping motor, special prize opening / closing solenoid, etc.) 97 for opening / closing the opening / closing member 91, and a second starting port for opening / closing the second starting port 120. The switching solenoid 120b is used (see FIG. 12). The drive device 97 corresponds to the drive device of the special prize opening device 90 of the present invention.

  The accessory actuating device 231 is controlled by the main control board 201 and energizes the big prize opening opening / closing solenoid 97 to open the opening / closing member 91 in the big hit game (long win game, short win game). By electing, the second start port 120 is energized to open and close the second start port 120.

  Connected to the input side of the sub-control board 202 is a chance button detection unit 220 that detects that the chance button 117 has been operated. The sub control board 202 mainly controls the effects during the game, and stores a program 202 and past effect patterns, a CPU 202a for executing the effect lottery and effect processing based on the commands transmitted from the main control board 201. A ROM 202b and a RAM 202c functioning as a data work area when the CPU 202a performs arithmetic processing are provided.

  When the sub-control board 202 is in a state in which the power is turned on, when receiving a command related to the effect transmitted from the main control board 201, the sub-control board 202 performs a lottery based on the command to produce the effect background pattern, reach An effect such as an effect pattern and an appearing character is determined and the determined effect is controlled. The symbol display unit 104 is connected to the output side of the sub-control board 202, and the decorative symbol effect is developed in the symbol display unit 104 according to the contents determined by the lottery. The sub control board 202 is also provided with a VRAM 202 d for writing image data to be displayed on the symbol display unit 104.

  At normal times, the CPU 202a reads a program stored in the ROM 202b, executes various image processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display and variation processing, and character image display processing, and reads necessary image data from the ROM 202b to the VRAM 202d. Write. The background image, the symbol image, and the character image are superimposed and displayed on the symbol display unit 104 on the display screen. That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM 202d by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. Let

  A speaker 277 is connected to the output side of the sub control board 202 and outputs sound as determined in the sub control board 202. Also connected to the output side of the sub control board 202 is a lamp control board 206 for controlling the lamp 262, the effect light 111, and the effect agent actuating device 254. The stage effect actuating device 254 is configured by a motor, a solenoid, and the like that actuate the stage actors such as the stage actors 115 and 116. The lamp control board 206 operates a program based on a command transmitted from the sub-control board 202 to execute an effect process, a ROM 206b that stores various effect pattern data, and a data work area at the time of arithmetic processing by the CPU 206a. RAM 206c or the like functioning as

  The lamp control board 206 performs lighting control for the various lamps 262 provided on the game board 101, the base frame, and the like, and performs lighting control for the plurality of lights 112 in the effect light 111 and the like. In order to change the irradiation direction, the drive control for the motor is performed. The lamp control board 206 also performs drive control for a solenoid that operates the effect actor 115 based on a command transmitted from the sub control board 202, and performs drive control for a motor that operates the effect actor 116.

  A prize ball control board 203 is connected to the main control board 201 so as to be able to transmit in both directions. In the state where the power is turned on, the prize ball control board 203 operates the program stored in the ROM 203b to execute the prize ball control process, and the data of the data during the calculation process of the CPU 203a. A RAM 203c functioning as a work area is provided, and prize ball control is performed based on a program stored in the ROM 203b.

  The prize ball control board 203 performs control for paying out the number of prize balls at the time of entering the ball to the connected payout unit 291 when the power is supplied to the stand. In addition, an operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 is detected, and the launch of the game ball is controlled. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit.

  In the state where the power is supplied to the stand, the winning ball control board 203 is provided with respect to the payout unit 291 with respect to each of the winning holes (first starting port 105, second starting port 120, normal winning port 107). The payout number corresponding to the game ball entered into the big winning opening 93) is controlled. The launcher 292 includes a sensor (not shown) that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid (not shown) that launches a game ball, and the like, and launches a game ball for gaming. When the game operation is detected by the sensor of the launching unit 292, the prize ball control board 203 drives the solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation to intermittently fire the game ball, and enters the game area 103 of the game board 101. Send out a game ball.

(Functions of main control board and sub control board)
FIG. 12 schematically shows a functional configuration of the control means 200 for controlling the progress of the game. As shown here, the ROM 201b of the main control board 201 mainly includes a first special symbol lottery means 300 and a first special symbol display control as means for functioning when a game ball enters the first starting port 105. Means 301, first special symbol variation control means 302, and first random number determination means 303 are provided.

  The ROM 201b is a second special symbol lottery means 320, a second special symbol display control means 321, a second special symbol variation control means 322, a second special symbol lottery means 320, and a second special symbol variation control means 322 as means for functioning when a game ball enters the second start port 120. Random number determination means 323 is provided. The ROM 201b also has a long hit game control means 340, a short hit game control means 341, a high probability game control means 342, a short-time game control means 343, a normal game control means 344, and a small hit game control means as means for controlling the progress of the game. 345, an effect execution command transmission means 333 is provided. Further, the ROM 201b includes a normal symbol lottery means 360, a normal symbol display control means 361, a normal symbol fluctuation control means 362, and a normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 as means for functioning when a game ball enters the winning gate 106. I have.

  The RAM 201c of the main control board 201 includes a first special symbol hold storage unit 401, a second special symbol hold storage unit 402, a normal symbol hold storage unit 403, a game state storage unit 404, and a round number storage unit 405.

  The ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 includes effect lottery means 501, effect control means 502, and probability change suggestion flag control means 503. The RAM 202c of the sub-control board 202 includes a game state storage unit 510 and a probability change suggestion flag storage unit 511.

  The long hit game control means 340, the short hit game control means 341, the high probability game control means 342, and the short time game control means 343 are programs for controlling the progress of the game when winning a big hit. In the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot types are provided, and when the jackpot is won, a jackpot type is further determined, and based on this determination, the CPU 201a operates each program to generate each jackpot. To control the progress of the game. On the other hand, the normal game control means 344 is a program for controlling the progress of the game in the normal game state where the jackpot is not won, that is, the same state as the initial state when starting the game.

  The long hit game control means 340 receives the long hit game execution right as a result of the big hit lottery triggered by the game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120. Control the progress of the hit game. The “long hit game” in the present embodiment is a kind of jackpot game, and is a game in which a round game in which the opening and closing member 91 is opened and closed is played a total of 15 times.

  The opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 is performed by the driving device 97. Specifically, when the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to control the long hit game, the round game is started by controlling the driving device 97 so that the opening / closing member 91 is opened. When the big prize opening detecting unit 224 detects that a predetermined number (9) of game balls have entered the big prize opening 93, the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to control the driving device 97 (for example, The rotation control of the stepping motor and the energization to the special prize opening / closing solenoid are stopped), and the round game is ended.

  Even if a predetermined number of game balls have not entered the grand prize winning opening 93, when a predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses after the opening and closing member 91 is opened, the driving device 97 is set so that the opening and closing member 91 is closed. To control. When either of these two conditions is satisfied, the opening / closing member 91 is closed, and the round game is ended.

  When a predetermined time (2 seconds) elapses after the opening / closing member 91 is in the closed state, the CPU 201a controls the driving device 97 so as to open the opening / closing member 91 again by operating the game control means 340. Thereby, the second round game is started. In this manner, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 is repeated 15 rounds, and when a game ball enters the big winning opening 93, the payout unit 291 pays out a winning ball corresponding to the winning ball. Thus, in the long hit game, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls.

  When the short hit game control means 341 acquires the right to execute the short hit game as a result of the big hit lottery triggered by the game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, Control the progress of the short hit game. The “short hit game” in the present embodiment is a kind of big hit game, and is a game in which the open / close member 91 is opened and closed 15 times as in the above “long hit game”, and the round game is executed 15 times. However, in the “short hit game”, the maximum opening time of the opening / closing member 91 is set shorter than the “long hit game”.

  The opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 in the “short hit game” state is performed by the drive device 97 as in the long hit game. Specifically, when the CPU 201a operates the short hit game control means 341 to control the short hit game, first, the round game is started by controlling the driving device 97 so as to open the opening / closing member 91. However, in the “short hit game” state, the opening / closing member 91 is controlled to repeat opening and closing 15 times at a predetermined interval (short time). Therefore, the time for which the opening / closing member 91 is in the open state is extremely short compared to the long win game, and the possibility that the game ball enters the big winning opening 93 is extremely low compared to the long hit game.

  In the “short hit game”, since the opening / closing member 91 returns to the closed state in an instant, it is difficult for the player to recognize that the opening / closing member 91 is opened. In this way, the “short win game” is aimed at improving the playability and the interest rather than paying the player a prize ball. However, even in the “short win game”, when a game ball enters the big winning opening 93, a winning ball corresponding to the winning game is paid out.

  The high-probability game control means 342 controls the game to a high-probability game state in which the game is progressed in a state where the winning probability of the big hit (including long win and short win) is higher than that in the normal game state. The high probability game state is executed after the long hit game or the short hit game is completed.

  Specifically, when a game ball enters the first start opening 105 or the second start opening 120, the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 acquires a winning random number. Then, the first random number determination unit 303 or the second random number determination unit 323 determines the acquired hit random number based on a predetermined table. At this time, in a normal gaming state (including a short-time gaming state that is not a high-probability gaming state, hereinafter referred to as a low-probability gaming state), a hit random number is determined based on a special symbol normal hour hit determination table. In the probabilistic gaming state, a hit random number is determined based on the special symbol high probability hourly determination table. In the special symbol high probability hourly determination table, the number (type) of random numbers for determining that the jackpot is larger than the special symbol normal hour determination table. The determination and type of jackpot will be described later in detail.

  The short-time game control means 343 is a program for controlling the short-time game. However, the short-time game in this embodiment has a short variation time of the normal symbol by the normal symbol variation control means 362 and a high winning probability for the normal symbol. A game in a state. Specifically, it is as follows.

  When the game ball passes the winning gate 106, a normal symbol lottery is performed. The normal symbol lottery is performed by the CPU 201a operating the normal symbol lottery means 360 to randomly extract random numbers when the game ball passes through the winning gate 106. The random numbers obtained in this way are determined based on the normal symbol normal hour determination table in the normal gaming state (including the high-probability gaming state that is not the short-time gaming state). Is determined based on the normal symbol time per hour determination table.

  At this time, the normal symbol time per hour determination table is set with more random numbers for determining that the normal symbol normal time per hour determination table than the normal symbol normal time per hour determination table. Thus, the winning probability of the normal symbol in the short-time gaming state is as high as 90%, for example. However, when the normal symbol is won, the pair of movable pieces 120a of the second starting port 120 are opened for a predetermined time, and the game ball is It becomes easy to enter the second start port 120.

  Also, in the short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared to the normal gaming state. That is, when the game ball passes the winning gate 106, random numbers are acquired and the acquired random numbers are determined. At this time, the player is informed whether the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win or a loss. A predetermined time is required until notification. The time required for notifying the player of the result of the normal symbol lottery is set shorter in the short-time game state than in the normal game state, and in the short-time game state, the normal symbol lottery results are played one after another. And the second start port 120 is frequently opened. In this way, the short-time gaming state makes it easy for a game ball to enter the second starting port 120, so that the game state progresses in a state where the right of the big hit lottery can be obtained without spending much of the game ball. That is.

  The normal game control means 344 controls the progress of a normal game that does not correspond to either the big hit game (long win game, short win game) or the special game state (high probability game state, short-time game state). As described above, the CPU 201a operates any one of the long hit game control means 340, the short hit game control means 341, the high probability game control means 342, the short time game control means 343, and the normal game control means 344 to control the progress of the game. However, the current gaming state controlled by each of the control units 340 to 344 is written in the gaming state storage unit 404 of the RAM 201c.

  As a result of the big hit lottery triggered by the game ball entering the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, the small hit game control means 345 acquires the right to execute the small hit game. Control the progress of the small hit game. In the small hit game, as in the short hit game, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 is performed for 15 rounds. In the small hit game, the number of times the opening / closing member 91 is opened, the opening time, and the release timing are the same as or similar to the “short hit game”.

  Based on one of the above game states, a game related to a normal symbol and a game related to a special symbol proceed. Each of these game states will be described in detail below. First, the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol display control means 361, the normal symbol fluctuation control means 362, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363, and the normal symbol hold storage means that start control when the game ball passes the winning gate 106. 403 will be described.

  When the gate detector 222 detects that the game ball has passed the winning gate 106, the normal symbol lottery means 360 acquires a random number of 1 from a random number prepared in advance (for example, 0 to 250). When the random number is acquired by the normal symbol lottery means 360, the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 determines whether or not the winning is based on the table stored in the ROM 201b. At this time, if it is the normal gaming state, the winning is determined based on the normal symbol normal hour hit determination table, and if it is the time-short gaming state, the hit is determined based on the normal symbol short time hit determining table.

  If the result of the determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is a win, the second start port opening / closing solenoid 120b is operated to open the movable piece 120a and maintain the open state. The control is terminated while the second start port opening / closing solenoid 120b is maintained in the closed state without being operated. The result of determination by the normal symbol lottery result determination means 363 is displayed on the normal symbol display 82 by the normal symbol display control means 361.

  When the game ball passes through the winning gate 106, the normal symbol display 82 is displayed with the lamp lit or flashing as if the lottery is currently being performed, and the lighting and flashing continued for a predetermined time. Later, the lottery result is finally displayed. This is normal symbol variation display, but the variation display time is preset for each gaming state.

  Specifically, in the short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set as short as, for example, 1.5 seconds, and the probability of winning the winning is also set as high as 90%. Therefore, in the short-time gaming state, as long as the game ball passes through the winning gate 106, the normal symbol lottery and the variation display are successively performed, and the time for the second start port 120 to be kept open becomes long. On the other hand, in game states other than the short-time game state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set to be as long as 10 seconds, for example, and the probability of winning a win is also set as low as 10%.

  In addition, when the normal symbol is won in the short-time gaming state, the second starting port 120 is opened four times for 1.2 seconds, whereas the normal symbol is won in the gaming state other than the short-time gaming state. Even so, the opening operation of 0.2 seconds is performed only once. As described above, in the short-time gaming state, the time that the second start port 120 is in the open state is much longer than in the normal game state, and the possibility that a game ball enters the second start port 120 is also much greater. Get higher.

  If the game ball further passes through the winning gate 106 during the normal symbol fluctuation display, the right to draw the normal symbol lottery means 360, that is, the right to display the normal symbol fluctuation display, is reserved in the normal symbol hold storage means 403. The The maximum number of reserved rights for the lottery is four, and is displayed on the normal symbol hold display 92 by the normal symbol display control means 361.

  Next, control when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120 will be described. For example, when the first start port detection unit 221 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105, a detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 201.

  When the detection signal is received, the first special symbol lottery means 300 extracts any random number (game data of the present invention) from random numbers (for example, 0 to 600) prepared in advance. The random numbers extracted here include a hit random number, a design random number, and a reach random number. The winning random number is a random number for determining whether or not a big hit, that is, whether or not a right to execute the big hit game is acquired. The design random number is the type of jackpot (long win, short win, presence / absence of transition to high-probability gaming state, presence / absence of transition to short-time gaming state), that is, what game value is given when winning the jackpot It is a random number to determine what will be done. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to perform reach production.

  The RAM 201c of the main control board 201 is provided with a game state storage unit 404 that stores the current game state. When the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 acquires a random number, the first random number determination means 303 or the second random number is based on the gaming state stored in the gaming state storage means 404. The determination unit 323 determines the random number.

  Specifically, if the gaming state is low probability, the acquired random number is determined based on the special symbol normal hour determination table, and if the gaming state is high probability, the acquired random number is determined based on the special symbol high probability hourly determination. Judgment is made based on the table. In the present embodiment, the same determination table is used when a game ball enters the first start port 105 and when a game ball enters the second start port 120. Different determination tables may be used depending on the start opening into which the game ball has entered.

  Each random number acquired by the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 and the determination table used when determining the acquired random number are as shown in FIG. FIG. 13 (a) shows an example of the jackpot winning probability and the winning random number, and FIG. 13 (b) shows an example of the type of game value given when winning the jackpot, the winning probability, and the design random number. FIG. 13C shows an example of the presence / absence of the reach effect, the appearance probability thereof, and the reach random number.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, one winning random number is acquired from 601 random numbers from 0 to 600. In the low probability gaming state, the hit random number is determined based on the special symbol normal hour hit determination table. According to the special symbol normal hour hit determination table, the two random numbers 7 and 317 are determined to be big hit. Is done. On the other hand, in the high-probability gaming state, the hit random number is determined based on the special symbol high-probability hourly determination table. According to this special symbol high probability per hour determination table, 7, 37, 67, 97, 127, 157, 187, 217, 247, 277, 317, 337, 367, 397, 427, 457, 487, 517, Twenty random numbers 547 and 577 are determined to be big hits.

  For example, when a game ball enters the first start port 105, the CPU 201a operates the first special symbol lottery means 300 to acquire the winning random number. At this time, in the normal gaming state, the CPU 201a operates the first random number determination unit 303 to determine whether or not the winning random number hits or loses based on the special symbol normal time determining table. That is, if the winning random number acquired by entering the game ball into the first starting port 105 is 7 or 317, it is determined to be a winning, and if it is any other random number, it is determined to be lost. In the high probability gaming state, it is determined whether or not the winning is based on the special symbol high probability per hour determination table.

  In the present embodiment, a “small hit” is provided separately from the “big hit” described above, and the winning of the “small win” is also determined by a random number. The “small hit” in the present embodiment is to acquire the right to execute the “small hit game” in which the opening and closing member 91 is opened 15 times in the same manner as the short hit game. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13A, regardless of the gaming state, when the winning random number is 50 or 100, a small winning game in which the opening / closing member 91 is opened for 15 rounds is executed. Become. The small hit game is controlled by the CPU 201a operating the small hit game control means 345. Further, as will be described in detail later, this small hit game is not intended for paying out a prize ball, and the player recognizes that the gaming state has shifted to the high probability gaming state, as will be described later. It is provided for the purpose of making it difficult.

  As a result of the determination of the winning random number, if it is determined that the winning random number is a random number for acquiring the right to execute the jackpot game, the CPU 201a activates the first random number determining means 303, and FIG. The type of jackpot is determined (determined) based on. The types of jackpots determined here are "per length with high probability", "per length with normal", "short per period with high probability", "short per period with normal", "short per hour with high probability" ”And“ Normal short / short short hit ”.

  “Per probability with a short time with high probability” is a game to which three game values are given. If this “high probability per short with long” is won, the first game value is that the opening and closing member 91 is controlled to open and close for 15 rounds, and the predetermined number of game balls (9) is the condition that one round ends. A long hit game is executed in which a predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses. As a result, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. When the long hit game ends, the game progresses in the high-probability gaming state as the second gaming value, and the game advances in the short-time gaming state as the third gaming value. As a result, the player can win a large amount of prize balls, and after winning the prize balls, can reduce the consumption of the game balls and realize a big win again early. The short-time gaming state, which is the third gaming value given here, continues until the jackpot is won.

“Regular per short time” is a game to which two game values are given. This “per length with a short time” is different from the above “per length with a short time with a high probability” in that the winning probability of the jackpot becomes a low-probability gaming state after the end of the game with a long time. Further, in the “per length with normal time saving”, the time-short gaming state after the end of the long winning game ends when a special symbol variation display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).
As described above, in the present embodiment, after the end of the long hit game in which a large amount of prize balls can be obtained, the long win in which the game progresses in the high probability game state where the winning probability of the big win is high, There is provided a long win in which the game progresses in a low-probability gaming state in which the winning probability is low.

  “Short hit with short time with high probability” is a game that progresses in a high-probability gaming state in which the winning probability of jackpot is high after repeating the operation of opening and closing member 91 for 15 rounds. When winning this “short win with high probability”, a large amount of prize balls due to the opening of the opening / closing member 91 cannot be obtained immediately, but since the subsequent gaming state becomes a high probability gaming state, There is a high possibility of winning a large number of prize balls in the game. In addition, if you win the “short win with high probability short-time”, the game ball will be in the high-probability gaming state at the same time as the winning or after the short win game, and will be in the short-time gaming state. Cost consumption can be reduced.

  “Short hit with normal time” is a game that progresses in a low-probability gaming state in which the winning probability of jackpot is low after repeating the action of opening and closing member 91 for 15 rounds. However, since the subsequent gaming state becomes the short-time gaming state in the same manner as the above “short chance with short time with high probability”, it is possible to reduce the consumption of gaming balls only for a predetermined number of times. In the normal game state, if the “short win with normal time” is won, the game value that enables execution of the short time game is only given thereafter, but in the high probability game state, If the player wins the “short win with normal time”, there is a demerit that the win probability of the jackpot will fall from a high probability to a low probability.

  In this embodiment, both the “short hit with normal time” and “short hit with high probability” have an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 and an opening / closing operation of the second start port 120 after shifting to the short-time gaming state. Are the same. Also, as will be described later, the production contents are the same for “short win with normal time” and “short win with high probability”. Therefore, for the player, after the short hit game (15-round opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91) is completed, it is determined whether the jackpot winning probability is high or low. It has become very difficult. In this way, the reason for providing "short win with normal time" is whether the winning probability of jackpot is high probability or low probability when it becomes short-time game state after the short win game ends, This is to make the player have doubts.

  “Short win without short time with high probability” is a high probability gaming state in which the winning probability of jackpot is high after repeating the opening operation of the opening and closing member 91 for 15 rounds, similar to the above “short win with short time with high probability” It is a game that shifts to a so-called latent probability variation state. However, this “high probability short-time short win” is different from the above “high probability short-time short win” in that the short-time game is not started after the short win game ends. Even when this “high probability short / short short win” is won, a large amount of prize balls due to opening of the opening / closing member 91 cannot be obtained immediately. In addition, since it does not become a short-time gaming state thereafter, the consumption of the game ball is higher than “short hit with high probability short-time”. However, since the subsequent gaming state is a high-probability gaming state, there is a high possibility of winning a large number of prize balls by winning the long game in subsequent games.

  “Normal short time short hit” is a game that progresses in a normal game state after the opening and closing member 91 is repeatedly opened for 15 rounds. In other words, even if the “normal short-time short win” is won, neither the high-probability gaming state nor the short-time gaming state is entered. Moreover, since it is impossible to obtain a large number of prize balls by opening the opening / closing member 91 for 15 rounds, the player is hardly given the game value due to the big win.

  The reason for providing such “normal time short hits” is mainly to return the gaming state from the high probability gaming state to the low probability gaming state without paying out a prize ball. In addition, even if the “normal time short no short win” is won in the normal gaming state, the gaming state does not change at all. Therefore, if the player is made indistinguishable from “short win without short time” and “short win without normal time”, will the winning probability of jackpot be high after the short win game ends? It can make the player doubt about whether the probability is low.

  In the present embodiment, in order to raise a suspicion about the fact that the winning probability of jackpot is high due to the winning of “high probability short / short short win”, Is provided with a “small hit”. However, since this “small hit” is not a kind of big hit, the small hit game is started when the hit random number (50, 100) is acquired instead of the symbol random number. In the “small hit game”, the operation of opening and closing the opening and closing member 91 for a moment is repeated 15 rounds, as in the case of winning the “normal short and short win”. However, the “small hit” is different from the “normal short no hit short” in that the gaming state does not change at all after the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91. In other words, if you win “Short win without normal time” in the high probability gaming state, the gaming state becomes the normal gaming state after the short winning game ends, but even if you win “Small hit” in the high probability gaming state Thereafter, the high-probability gaming state continues.

  When a game ball enters the first starting port 105, the CPU 201a activates the first special symbol lottery means 300 to acquire a reach random number together with the winning random number and the symbol random number. One reach random number is randomly acquired from 0 to 250 random numbers. The reach random number is determined as follows. That is, when the CPU 201a activates the first random number determination means 303 and determines that the winning random number is a loss, the reach random number is determined based on the reach random number determination table at the time of the loss, and is determined to be a big hit. In this case, the reach random number is determined based on the reach random number determination table for the big hit. In the reach random number determination table at the time of losing, a random number from 0 to 24 is determined as a reach effect, and other random numbers are determined as a reachless effect.

  Even when a game ball enters the second start port 120, the same control as described above is performed by the second special symbol lottery means 320 and the second random number determination means 323.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 or the second start port 120, if a special symbol change display is performed based on the previous game ball, it is acquired. The random number (game data) is stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402 of the RAM 201c. The first special symbol reservation storage means 401 and the second special symbol reservation storage means 402 are configured as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a storage area related to the holding ball. As is clear from this figure, the first special symbol holding storage unit 401 detects that the game ball is detected by the first starting port detection unit 221. Random numbers (hit random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers) acquired based on the fact are stored in association with the order in which game balls are detected as reserved balls. In other words, when a game ball enters the first start opening 105, the right of the special symbol change display is stored in the first special symbol hold storage means 401 as a so-called hold ball. The reserved balls retained in the storage unit 401 are digested and processed in the storage unit 401 in the order stored.

  Specifically, the first special symbol storage unit 401 includes four storage areas from the first storage area 401 a to the fourth storage area 401 d, each time a game ball enters the first start port 105. The reserved balls are retained in order from the first storage area 401a. That is, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 in a state where the reserve ball is retained in the first storage area 401a, the reserve ball is retained in the second storage area 401b. In this way, up to four reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first start port 105 in a state where the reserve ball is retained in all of the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d, a special symbol by the entry is displayed. The right to change is not reserved. In other words, if the number of reserved balls is retained up to the upper limit number of reserves in the first special symbol reservation storage means 401, even if a game ball enters the first start port 105, the big hit lottery by the entered ball is performed. I will not. However, even in this case, a predetermined number of prize balls for the game balls entering the first start port 105 are paid out.

  Further, the reserved ball retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 is always digested (processed) from the first storage area 401 a by the first special symbol variation control unit 302. When the reserved sphere stored in the first storage area 401a is digested, the reserved sphere retained from the second storage area 401b to the fourth storage area 401d moves from the storage area to the previous area. That is, when the reserved sphere retained in the first storage area 401a is digested, the retained sphere retained in the second storage area 401b moves to the first storage area 401a. Similarly, the reserved ball retained in the third storage area 401c moves to the second storage area 401b, and the retained ball retained in the fourth storage area 401d shifts to the third storage area 401c. Accordingly, the fourth storage area 401d can accept the reserved ball again, that is, can reserve it.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, if the variation display based on the previous game ball is being displayed, the second special symbol storage unit 402 stores the game ball. Random numbers (hit random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers) acquired based on the detection by the second start-up port detection unit 225 are stored in association with the order in which game balls are detected as reserved balls. That is, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, the right of special symbol change display, that is, the right of jackpot lottery is stored in the second special symbol hold storage means 402 as a hold ball. The right to display the variation of the special symbol reserved in the storage area 402 is digested and processed in the storage area 402 by the second special symbol variation control means 322 in the stored order.

  Specifically, the second special symbol storage unit 402 includes four storage areas from the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d, and each time a game ball enters the second start port 120, The reserved balls are retained in order from the fifth storage area 402a. That is, when a game ball enters the second start port 120 in a state where it is retained in the fifth storage area 402a, a reserved ball is retained in the sixth storage area 402b. In this way, up to four reserved balls are reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second starting port 120 in a state in which the reserve ball is retained in all of the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d, the change display of the special symbol is displayed. Rights are not reserved. In other words, if the number of reserved balls is retained up to the upper limit number of reserves in the second special symbol storage unit 402, even if a game ball enters the second start port 120, the big hit lottery by the entered ball is performed. I will not. However, even in this case, a predetermined number of prize balls for the game balls entering the second start port 120 are paid out.

  In addition, when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the second special symbol storage unit 402, it is digested from the fifth storage area 402a, but the reserved balls stored in the fifth storage area 402a are digested. Then, the reserved ball retained from the sixth storage area 402b to the eighth storage area 402d moves from the storage area to the previous area. That is, when the reserved sphere retained in the fifth storage area 402a is digested, the retained sphere retained in the sixth storage area 402b moves to the fifth storage area 402a. Similarly, the reserved sphere retained in the seventh storage area 402c moves to the sixth storage area 402b, and the retained sphere retained in the eighth storage area 402d moves to the seventh storage area 402c. Therefore, the eighth storage area 402d can accept the reserved ball again, that is, can reserve it.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage area is divided for each start opening into which the game ball has entered, and the reserved balls are reserved. Therefore, the random numbers related to these hold balls and the start opening into which the game balls have entered are stored. It is stored in association with each other. However, as described above, the reserved balls may not be stored separately in the two storage units 401 and 402 but may be stored by other methods. For example, the reserved balls are retained in one storage means in the order in which the game balls enter the start opening. At this time, it may be stored in association with the holding ball which starting ball the game ball has entered, and the holding ball associated with the preset starting port may be preferentially processed.

  As shown in FIG. 14C, each of the eight storage areas from the first storage area 401a to the eighth storage area 402d is a hit random number storage area, a design random number storage area, and a reach random number storage area. have. The winning random number storage area stores the winning random number, the symbol random number storage area stores the symbol random number, and the reach random number storage area stores the reach random number. As described above, when a reserved ball is reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401, the CPU 201a operates the first special symbol display control unit 301 to determine the number of reserved balls that are reserved as the first special symbol. Displayed on the hold indicator 88.

  Note that the second special symbol lottery means 320 and the second special symbol display control means 321 also when a game ball enters the second start port 120 and the second start port detector 225 detects a game ball. The second special symbol variation control means 322 and the second random number determination means 323 perform the same processing as described above. However, the extracted random number is stored in any of the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area 402d.

  When a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the special symbol storage means 401, 402, the reserved balls are digested in the following order. That is, when the reserved ball is retained in both the first special symbol storage unit 401 and the second special symbol storage unit 402, the retained ball retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402 has priority. Digested. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), a holding ball is retained in the first storage area 401 a to the third storage area 401 c of the first special symbol holding storage means 401, and the fifth special symbol holding storage means 402 It is assumed that a reserved ball is reserved in the storage area 402a and the sixth storage area 402b.

  The order in which the game balls enter the first start port 105 and the second start port 120 is, as shown, the first start port 105 → the second start port 120 → the first start port 105 → the second start port. It is assumed that 120 → first start port 105. In the present embodiment, since the second starting port 120 is a priority starting port, in this case, the holding balls in the fifth storage area 402a are processed with priority, and the holding balls are held in the order of the arrows shown in FIG. The ball is digested.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15 (c), it is assumed that three reserved balls are reserved in the first special symbol storage unit 401 that performs non-priority processing. In this case, the three reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 are digested successively in the order indicated by the dotted lines in the figure. However, when the first reserved ball is digested, in other words, when the first special symbol variation display is performed, the reserved ball is stored in the second special symbol holding storage unit 402 to which priority processing is performed. Is retained (when the ball enters the second starting port 120), the reserved ball is interrupted, and the reserved balls are digested in the order indicated by the solid line in the figure.

  As is clear from this, when a plurality of reserved balls are reserved in the first storage area 401a where non-priority processing is performed in both storage means 401 and 402, the fifth storage area where priority processing is performed. There is a high possibility that an interruption process will be performed by holding the reserved ball at 402a. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second start port 120, which is the priority start port, and a plurality of holding balls are reserved, no interruption processing is performed, and the plurality of holding balls are always continuous. To be digested.

  The retained balls are sequentially digested as described above. The CPU 201a controls the digestion of the retained balls, and the first special symbol variation control means 302 and the second special symbol variation control means of the ROM 201b. 322. Both of these fluctuation control means 302 and 322 monitor the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage area 402a to determine which reserved ball is to be processed.

  Next, the control when a game ball enters the starting port will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, first, the first start port detector 221 or the second start port detector 225 detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 105 or the second start port 120.

(Step S301)
Then, the CPU 201a of the main control board 201 operates a variation determination program (not shown) to determine whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variation manner. At this time, if it is determined that the special symbol is not in a variable display, the special symbol based on the incoming ball is immediately displayed, so that the fluctuation start process of FIG. 16 described later is performed.

(Step S302)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that the change is in progress, the first special symbol storage unit 401 or the second special symbol storage unit 402 stores a random number in the fourth storage area 401d or the eighth storage area 402d. Determine whether it is stored. Specifically, when a ball entry signal is received from the first start port detector 221, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 is less than 4, and the second start When the incoming signal is received from the mouth detector 225, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol storage unit 402 is less than 4.

  If it is determined in step S302 that there are four reserved balls, a special symbol variation display, that is, a big win lottery will not be performed depending on the game ball's entry. The control on the main control board 201 is finished by paying out.

(Step S303)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the number of reserved balls is less than 4, that is, it is determined that the reserved balls are reserved, the first storage area 401a to the fourth storage area 401d or the fifth storage area 402a to the eighth storage area. Game data (a hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number) is stored in 402d, and the reserved ball is reserved.
At this time, the CPU 201a activates a predetermined program, and the number of reserved balls retained is lit on the special symbol hold indicators 88 and 90. Thereby, the control in the main control board 201 is completed.

(Variation start processing)
Next, with respect to the control related to the special symbol variation display performed based on the game data and the control related to the special game (long win game, short win game, small hit game) performed after the special symbol variation display, FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S401)
First, when starting the special symbol variation display, game data (a winning random number, a design random number, a reach random number) is stored in a predetermined processing area of the RAM 201c in the main control board 201. Here, when the game ball enters the start port when the special symbol variation display is not performed, the CPU 201a operates the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 to play the game. Data is acquired, and this game data is stored in the processing area. On the other hand, when game data is stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402, the CPU 201a operates a predetermined program to store the first storage area 401a or the fifth storage. The game data stored in the area 402a is stored in the processing area.

(Step S402)
Further, when game data is stored in the first special symbol storage unit 401 or the second special symbol storage unit 402, each game data is shifted to the previous storage area. Specifically, in the above step S401, when the game data stored in the fifth storage area 402a of the second special symbol storage means 402 is stored in the processing area, the sixth storage area 402b to the eighth storage. The game data stored in the area 402d is shifted to the previous storage area. On the other hand, when the game data stored in the first storage area 401a of the first special symbol holding storage means 401 is stored in the processing area in the above step S401, it is stored in the second storage area 401b to the fourth storage area 401d. The stored game data is shifted to the previous storage area. However, if no game data is stored in the first special symbol hold storage unit 401 or the second special symbol hold storage unit 402, the process in step S402 is not performed.

(Step S403)
In step S401, when game data is stored in the processing area, the CPU 201a activates a predetermined program to determine whether or not the game state stored in the game state storage unit 404 is a high probability game state. However, here, there is no distinction between the high probability gaming state after the end of the long hit game and the high probability gaming state after the end of the short hit game.

(Step S404) (Step S405)
If it is determined in step S403 that the game state is not the high probability game state (low probability game state), the special symbol normal time determination table is selected. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S403 that the game state is a high probability game state (regardless of whether there is a short time game state), the special symbol high probability determination table is selected. The three tables selected here are a winning determination table for determining a winning random number, a symbol determining table for determining a symbol random number, and a reach random number determining table for determining a reach random number.

(Step S406)
Then, the CPU 201a operates the first random number determination unit 303 or the second random number determination unit 323, and determines each random number based on the table selected in step S404 or step S405. Thereby, whether or not the jackpot can be won, the type of jackpot in the case of winning the jackpot, and the aspect of the effect made during the change display of the special symbol are determined. Since each random number determination process is as described above, a description thereof is omitted here.

(Step S407)
In step S407, as a result of determining the reach random number, it is determined whether the effect mode is an effect with reach or an effect without reach.

(Step S408)
When it is determined that the effect mode is the effect with reach, the CPU 201a further operates the first special symbol lottery means 300 or the second special symbol lottery means 320 to acquire the effect random number. This effect random number is used to determine the time for displaying the variation of the special symbol, that is, the time (scale) of the reach effect. For example, one random number is randomly selected from 0 to 250 effect random numbers.

(Step S409)
When the effect random number is acquired, the effect random number is determined based on the effect random number determination table stored in the ROM 201b. For example, when the production random number is 0 to 50 production random numbers, the reach production time is determined to be 20 seconds, and when the production random number is 51 to 150, the reach production time is 30. When it is determined to be seconds and the effect random number is 151 to 250, the reach effect time is determined to be 60 seconds. Therefore, in this step S409, the time for the special symbol variation display, that is, the time for the reach effect is determined.

(Step S410)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S407 that the effect is not a reached effect (a reachless effect), the CPU 201a activates a predetermined program to store the first special symbol hold means 401 and the second special symbol hold memory. The total reserved number of reserved balls of the means 402 is determined.

(Step S411)
Then, the CPU 201a operates a variation time determination program (not shown) to determine the variation time (effect time) of the special symbol based on the total number of reserved balls. For example, when the total number of reserved balls is 0 or 1 during the change start process, the change time is determined to be 12 seconds. Further, when the total number of reserved balls is 2, the variation time is determined to be 8 seconds and 3 or more to 4 seconds.

  In addition, when starting the variable display of the special symbol related to the reserved ball retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401, the variation time according to the number of reserved balls retained in the first special symbol storage unit 401 Is determined, and the variable symbol display of the reserved ball retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402 is started, according to the number of reserved balls retained in the second special symbol storage unit 402. The fluctuation time may be determined.

(Step S412)
As described above, when the time of the special symbol variation display (reach effect time, reach-less effect time) is determined, the CPU 201a activates the effect execution command transmission means 333 and sends the effect execution command to the sub-control board 202. Send. Each information based on the game data is attached to the effect execution command. Specifically, whether or not you win a jackpot (including a jackpot), if you win a jackpot, the type (long win, short win,), the mode of production (reach with reach or non-reach production Information regarding the time of the special symbol variation display, and information regarding the current gaming state stored in the gaming state storage unit 404.

(Step S413)
As described above, when the effect execution command is transmitted, the CPU 201a operates the first special symbol display control means 301 to start the special symbol display on the special symbol indicators 84 and 86. The special symbol variation display time is only the time determined in step S409 or step S411. After the time has elapsed, the special symbol indicators 84 and 86 have a symbol corresponding to the type of jackpot. Finally stop display.

(Step S414)
In addition, if the game data is a “big hit (long win, short win)”, it is necessary to start the jackpot game because the big jackpot game will start after the special symbol change display ends. Processing is performed. Therefore, here, it is determined whether or not the game data wins the “big hit”.

(Step S415)
If it is determined in step S414 that the “big hit” is not won, it is further determined whether or not the “small win” is won. Then, when the “small hit” is won, processing for starting the small hit game is performed after the special symbol variation display is completed. On the other hand, when neither “big hit” nor “small win” is won, the processing in the main control board 201 is ended.
When an effect execution command is transmitted to the sub-control board 202 in step S412, the sub-control board 202 displays the decorative symbol effects and effect actors 115 and 116 on the symbol display unit 104 during the special symbol variation display. The effect production by, other sound production and lamp production are controlled. This control will be described in detail later.

  In the special symbol variation start process controlled as described above, if the jackpot is won, after the jackpot special symbol is stopped and displayed, "long win game" or "short win game" starts Is done. If it is determined in step S414 that the big win is won, the RAM 201c stores whether the long win or the short win is identifiable. In the case of winning per long, the “long win game” is controlled as shown in FIG.

(Step S501)
First, at the start of control of the long hit game, the CPU 201 a operates the long hit game control means 340 and transmits a long hit effect start signal to the sub-control board 202. In the sub-control board 202, the effect during the long game is started by receiving the long effect production start signal. In the present embodiment, a movie is displayed on the symbol display unit 104 during a long game, the effect light 111 is lit corresponding to the movie, and music is output from the speaker 277. Such effects are consistently performed from the start to the end of the long hit game, but are controlled by the CPU 202a of the sub-control board 202 operating the effect control means 502.

(Step S502)
As described above, when the long hit game-specific effect starts, the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to send a control signal to the drive device 97 so as to open the opening / closing member 91. As a result, the opening / closing member 91 is opened, and a game ball can enter the special winning opening 93.

  A round start signal is transmitted from the main control board 201 to the sub-control board 202 at the same time as the control signal is sent to the driving device 97. When the sub control board 202 receives the round start signal, the CPU 202a operates the effect control means 502 to control the effect for each round. For example, in the symbol display unit 104, a movie dedicated to a long game is already displayed, and a message such as “start one round” is displayed together with this movie.

(Step S503) (Step S504) (Step S505)
In step S502, when the opening / closing member 91 is opened, the time counter provided on the main control board 201 starts measuring time. When a predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses, the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to control the driving device 97 so as to close the opening / closing member 91 (step S505). Similarly, when the special winning opening detection unit 224 detects the entry of a predetermined number (9) of game balls, the driving device 97 is controlled so as to close the opening / closing member 91. Therefore, the control in step S503 and step S504 is repeatedly performed within a predetermined time after the opening / closing member 91 is opened and while the number of game balls detected by the special winning opening detection unit 224 is less than the predetermined number. Therefore, the opening / closing member 91 is maintained in the open state.

(Step S506)
In step S505, the CPU 201a controls the driving device 97 to close the opening / closing member 91 by passing the predetermined time or detecting the predetermined number of game balls by the special winning opening detecting unit 224. The long hit game control means 340 is operated, and “1” is counted and stored in the round number storage means 405. The count value stored in the round number storage means 405 is used to determine how many rounds of the game per game have been played.

(Step S507)
Further, the CPU 201a operates the long hit game control means 340 to determine the count value stored in the round number storage means 405. If the count value is not 15, the processes in steps S502 to S506 are repeated.

(Step S508)
On the other hand, when the number of rounds reaches 15 as a result of repeating the processes of steps S502 to S507, the count value stored in the round number storage unit 405 is cleared.

(Step S509)
When the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 is performed a predetermined number of times (15 rounds), the long hit game is ended, and the CPU 201a activates the long hit game control means 340 to send a long hit game end signal to the sub-control board 202. Send. Then, when the sub-control board 202 receives the long hit game end signal, the CPU 202b activates the effect control means 502, and the so-called long hit game end effect is performed.

(Step S510)
Further, the CPU 201 a operates the long hit game control means 340, and the subsequent game state is stored in the game state storage means 404. In the present embodiment, since the gaming state becomes the short-time gaming state after the end of the long hit game, the gaming state storage unit 404 stores a flag indicating that it is the short-time gaming state. In addition, when the long winning game related to the winning of “long probability with short time” ends, a flag indicating that the high probability gaming state is stored in the gaming state storage means 404, When the long winning game related to winning is completed, a flag indicating the low probability gaming state is stored.
In this way, when the process for proceeding with the subsequent game is performed, the control of the long hit game on the main control board 201 is finished.

  On the other hand, when winning in a short win, the control of “short win game” is performed as shown in FIG.

(Step S601)
First, at the start of control of the short hit game, the CPU 201 a operates the short hit game control means 341 and transmits a short hit effect start signal to the sub-control board 202. In the sub control board 202, the effect during the short hit game is started by receiving the short hit effect start signal (step S601a). In the present embodiment, a movie is displayed on the symbol display unit 104 during the short hit game, the effect light 111 is turned on corresponding to the movie, and music is output from the speaker 277. Such effects are consistently performed from the start to the end of the short hit game, and are controlled by the CPU 202a of the sub control board 202 operating the effect control means 502.

  The short hit game is set in advance from the start to the end, and the short hit game-specific effect is set to the short hit game from the start to the end. As an effect dedicated to the short hit game, for example, an effect related to the opening at the time of starting a “probability change suggestion effect mode” described later is suitable.

  In the sub control board 202, when the short hit effect start signal is received, the CPU 202a operates the probability variation suggestion flag control unit 503 to store the probability variation suggestion flag in the probability variation suggestion flag storage unit 511 (step S601b). This probability change suggestion flag is used for performing the effect during the subsequent variation display of the special symbol in the probability change suggestion effect mode described later after the short hit game is completed.

(Step S602)
As described above, when the effect dedicated to the short hit game is started, the CPU 201a controls the driving device 97 to open the opening / closing member 91 by operating the short hit game control means 341 (step S602). However, in this short hit game, since the opening time of the opening / closing member 91 is set to be as short as 0.1 second, the opening / closing member 91 returns to the closed state immediately after opening for a moment.

(Step S603)
In step S602, when the driving device 97 is controlled to open the opening / closing member 91, a time counter provided on the main control board 201 starts measuring time.

(Step S604)
In step S603, when a predetermined time (1.5 seconds) elapses, the CPU 201a activates the short hit game control means 341 and counts and stores “1” in the round number storage means 405. As a result, it is determined how many rounds the short hit game has been played.

(Step S605)
Further, the CPU 201 a operates the short hit game control means 341 to determine the count value stored in the round number storage means 405. If the count value is not 15, the processes in steps S602 to S604 are repeated. Note that the time until the process of step S602 is repeated is the predetermined time (1.5 seconds). That is, in the short hit game, the time during which the opening / closing member 91 is opened is set to 1.5 seconds.

(Step S606)
On the other hand, when the processes in steps S602 to S604 are performed 15 times, the count value stored in the round number storage unit 405 is cleared.

(Step S607)
Further, the CPU 201 a activates the short hit game control means 341, and the subsequent game state is stored in the game state storage means 404. Specifically, when the gaming state becomes the short-time gaming state after completion of the short hit game, a flag indicating that it is in the short-time gaming state is stored in the gaming state storage unit 404. In addition, when the short win game related to the winning of “short win with high probability short time” or “short win without high probability time short” is completed, a flag indicating that the game state storage means 404 is in a high probability game state is displayed. Remembered. On the other hand, when the short win game related to the winning of “short win with normal time” or “short win without normal time” is completed, a flag indicating that the game state is low probability is stored.
In this way, when the process for proceeding with the subsequent game is performed, the control of the short hit game on the main control board 201 is finished.

  On the other hand, in the special symbol variation start process controlled as described above, when the small bonus is won, the “small bonus game” is started after the small bonus special symbol is stopped and displayed. . When winning a small hit, the control of “small hit game” is performed as shown in FIG.

(Step S701)
First, at the start of control of the small hit game, the CPU 201 a operates the small hit game control means 345 and transmits a small hit effect start signal to the sub-control board 202. In the sub control board 202, the effect during the small hit game is started by receiving the small hit effect start signal (step S701a). In the present embodiment, a movie is displayed on the symbol display unit 104 during the small hit game, the effect light 111 is lit corresponding to the movie, and music is output from the speaker 277. Such effects are consistently performed from the start to the end of the small hit game, but are controlled by the CPU 202a of the sub control board 202 operating the effect control means 502.

  Note that the time from the start to the end of the small hit game is set in advance, and the effect dedicated to the small hit game is set to the time from the start to the end of the small hit game. Further, the special effect for the small hit game is set to the same content as the special effect for the short hit game. In this way, the player does not know whether the small hit game is being executed or the short hit game is being executed simply by looking at the effect.

  In the sub control board 202, when the small hit effect start signal is received, the CPU 202a operates the probability variation suggestion flag control means 503 to store the probability variation suggestion flag in the probability variation suggestion flag storage means 511 (step S701b).

(Step S702)
As described above, simultaneously with the start of the special effect for the small hit game, the CPU 201a activates the small hit game control means 345 and intermittently energizes the big prize opening / closing solenoid 97. In other words, the small hit game control means 345 is programmed to energize the special winning opening / closing solenoid 97 for 0.1 seconds 15 times with an interval of 1.5 seconds. Therefore, when the CPU 201a operates the small hit game control means 345, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 is continuously performed 15 times.

  This small hit game control method is different from the short hit game control method, but the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 is set in the same manner for the short hit game and the small hit game. Accordingly, not only the production as described above, but also when the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 91 is seen, the player makes a distinction between whether the small hit game is being executed or whether the short hit game is being executed. It is not possible.

  Next, control of effects performed during the special symbol variation display will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, when the special symbol variation start process is performed, an effect execution command is transmitted from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202 (step S412 in FIG. 17). In the present embodiment, when the sub control board 202 receives the effect execution command, the effect related to either the “normal effect mode” or the “probability change suggestion effect mode” is executed.

  Here, the “normal effect mode” is an effect mode mainly performed in the normal game state. Further, the “probability change suggestion effect mode” is an effect mode that is performed after the end of the “small hit game” and the “short hit game”. In the “probable change suggestion effect mode”, for example, in the symbol display unit 104, a character that does not appear in the “normal effect mode” appears, or a different background image is displayed. In addition, an audio production that is different from the “normal production mode” is developed such that music different from the “normal production mode” is output. In any case, the content of the “probable change suggestion effect mode” is not particularly limited as long as it is an effect mode different from the “normal effect mode” at first glance. In this way, by making an effect mode different from the “normal effect mode”, the player is expected to have a high probability game state.

  The ROM 202b of the sub-control board 202 stores two tables, a “normal effect mode table” and a “probability change suggestion effect mode table”. Both tables store a plurality of effect commands having contents corresponding to the respective modes. For example, in the “normal effect mode”, one effect command is selected from the “normal effect mode table”. . In the following, a flow from when an effect command is selected from both tables until the effect is controlled based on the effect command will be described.

(Step S801)
When the sub control board 202 receives the effect execution command, the CPU 202a operates a predetermined program to determine whether or not the probability variation suggestion flag is stored in the probability variation suggestion flag control means 503. Here, the case where the probability variation suggestion flag is stored is a case where either “short win game” or “small hit game” is performed before the special symbol change start processing (FIG. 19). Step S601b, Step S701b in FIG. 20).

(Step S802)
If it is determined in step S801 that the probability variation suggestion flag is not stored, the “normal effect mode table” is selected.

(Step S803)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S801 that the probability variation suggestion flag storage unit 511 stores the probability variation suggestion flag, the “probability variation suggestion effect mode table” is selected. In other words, after the “short hit game” or the “small hit game” is ended, an effect related to the “probable change suggestion effect mode” is performed during the special symbol variation display.

(Step S804)
As described above, when one of the “normal effect mode table” and the “probable change suggestion effect mode table” is selected, the CPU 202a operates the effect lottery means 501 to perform the effect lottery.

  In addition, in both of the above tables, the table when winning “long win”, the table when winning “short win”, the table when winning “small hit”, and the table when “losing” Each table is provided. Moreover, each table is further provided with a reach effect table and a non-reach effect table, and is further provided with tables corresponding to effect times that can be executed for each effect mode. Then, the corresponding table is selected based on the information related to the effect time information included in the received effect execution command and the effect mode (the effect with reach and the effect without reach). Each of these tables stores a plurality of commands in which a decorative design effect form in the design display unit 104, a combination effect effect form in the effect actors 115 and 116, or a voice effect mode and a lamp effect mode are combined. One command is determined from the plurality of commands.

(Step S805)
If one command is determined in step S804, it is determined whether or not the received effect execution command is an effect execution command related to “long hit”. As a result, when it is determined that the received effect execution command does not relate to “long hit”, the effect is controlled based on the confirmed command in step S808 described later.

(Step S806)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S805 that the received effect execution command is related to “long hit”, the probability variation suggestion flag stored in the probability variation suggestion flag storage unit 511 is turned OFF. . As a result, the production by the “probable change suggestion production mode” executed after the “short win game” or “small win game” is finished, and the production is controlled in the “normal production mode” after the big game is finished. The Rukoto.

(Step S807)
When each control is performed as described above, the CPU 202a activates the effect control unit 502 and starts control of the symbol display unit 104, the effect actors 115 and 116, the speaker 277, and the effect light 111 based on the determined command. To do. Thus, various effects are performed during the special symbol variation display, and the player's expectation is enhanced by such effects.

(A) is the sectional side view which showed one structural example of the big prize opening unit when the opening-and-closing member was opened, (b) The side cross section which showed one structural example of the big prize opening unit when the opening and closing member was closed FIG. (A) is the perspective view which showed the state of the rotation member and drive device when the opening / closing member was opened, (b) is the perspective view which showed one structural example of the big prize opening unit when the opening / closing member was opened, (C) is the perspective view which showed the state of the rotation member and drive device when the opening-and-closing member was closed, (d) is the perspective view which showed one structural example of the big prize opening unit when the opening-and-closing member was closed. is there. It is the perspective view which showed the other structural example of the big prize opening unit different from the example. (A) is the sectional side view which showed the other structural example of the big prize opening unit when the opening / closing member was opened, (b) showed the other structural example of the big prize opening unit when the opening / closing member was closed. It is a sectional side view. (A) is the perspective view which showed the state of the rotation member and drive device when the opening-and-closing member was opened, (b) The perspective view which showed the other structural example of the big prize opening unit when the opening-and-closing member was opened. (C) is the perspective view which showed the state of the rotation member and drive device when the opening-and-closing member was closed, (d) is the perspective view which showed the other structural example of the big prize opening unit when the opening-and-closing member was closed. FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the conventional big prize opening unit when opening and closing a door. It is the perspective view which showed the conventional big prize opening unit when the opening / closing door is closed. It is the front view which showed the structural example of the gaming machine. (A) is the enlarged view which showed the 1st starting opening and the 2nd starting opening part in FIG. 8, (b) is the enlarged view which showed a mode that the 2nd starting opening was open | released. (A) is the enlarged view which showed the big winning opening part in FIG. 8, (b) is the enlarged view which showed a mode that the big winning opening was open | released. It is a block diagram of a control means. It is a detailed block diagram in a main control board and a sub control board. (A)-(c) is the figure which showed an example of the determination table which determines the random number acquired when a game ball enters a starting port, and this random number. (A)-(c) is a conceptual diagram of a 1st special symbol reservation storage means and a 2nd special symbol reservation storage means. (A)-(c) is a figure explaining the digestion order of holding | maintenance. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board | substrate at the time of a holding ball having entered into the starting port. It is a flowchart which shows the change start process of the special symbol in a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board at the time of performing a game per long. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board at the time of performing a short hit game. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the main control board at the time of performing a small hit game. It is a flowchart which shows the effect process in a sub control board.

Explanation of symbols

9 ... Grand prize opening unit 90 ... Opening / closing device 91 ... Opening / closing member 92 ... Turning member, 92a ... Turning center, 92b ... Long arm, 92b1 ... Falling space, 92c ... Short arm Part, 92d .... Biasing member 93 ... Large prize opening, 93a .... Large prize opening entrance, 93b .... Large prize opening hole, 93b1 ... Inclined surface part, 93b2 ... Extruding hole, 93c .... Opening hole 94 ... ... Case 96 …… Base plate, 96a …… Base plate projection 97 …… Drive device (stepping motor, motor, large prize opening solenoid), 97a …… Operating member (protrusion, plunger), 97b …… Rotating shaft 97b1 ... drive gear, 97c ... flange, 97c1 ... rotary shaft, 97c2 ... driven gear, 97d ... flange, 97e ... housing, 97f ... biasing member, 97g ... uniform hole, 97g1 ... ... Home position detection Slit, 97h …… Photo sensor, 97h1 …… Light emitting portion, 97h2 …… Light receiving portion 98 …… Front plate, 98a …… Front plate protrusion

Claims (4)

A large winning opening that is provided facing the gaming board and has an opening shaped large winning opening that allows a game ball to pass in the depth direction of the gaming board, and the depth of the gaming board from the large winning opening In the big prize opening device provided with a big prize opening hole extending toward the direction, and an opening and closing member that opens the big prize opening in the case of a big win and allows a lot of game balls to win,
A front plate that is provided on the front side of the big prize opening, forms the big prize opening, and restricts the direction of the game ball falling from above the game board toward the big prize opening,
An inclined surface portion that is provided in the big prize opening hole and causes the game ball that has passed through the big prize opening to roll further in the depth direction;
A biasing member that biases the opening and closing member in one direction;
A rotating member that rotates the opening / closing member against the urging force of the urging member;
A drive device that rotates in a certain direction;
An operation member for rotating the rotating member by engaging or disengaging with the rotating member by a rotational movement in a certain direction by the driving device ;
The opening / closing member is connected to the rotating member, and opens and closes the large winning opening hole by appearing in and out of the large winning opening by rotation of the rotating member ,
The operating member, special winning opening device according to claim Rukoto such a plurality of protrusions disposed on an end face of the connected flange to the rotation shaft of the driving device.   The front plate has a front plate protrusion that regulates the direction of a game ball falling from above the game board toward the big prize entrance, and the front plate and the front of the big prize entrance The winning prize according to claim 1, characterized in that a distance in the vertical direction of the game board surface between the base plate projections provided on the base plate arranged on the side is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Mouth device.   3. The big prize opening device according to claim 1, wherein a lower edge of the opening of the big prize opening has a curved surface shape.   2. The big prize opening device according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing member forms an opening hole that prevents the game ball from passing when the big prize opening is closed by projecting into the big prize opening hole. 3. .

Images