JP6451120B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines are provided with a game board in which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When the game ball launched from the game ball launching unit enters the entrance part provided in the game area, a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2002-78904 A

  In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in the configuration in order to suppress the monotonization of the game and suppress the decrease in the player's willingness to play.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can suitably suppress monotonization of games.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the above problems will be described.

The present invention
Based on the player's operation, game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area,
A variable pitching portion provided in the gaming area and switchable to a first state and a second state in which entering is more difficult or impossible than entering the first state ;
With
The variable pitching portion includes a first pitching entrance and a second pitching entrance, and a distribution means for distributing the game balls that have entered the variable pitching portion to the first pitching entrance and the second pitching entrance. And
A payout means for paying out a game ball to a player based on the incoming ball when a ball enters the first ball inlet or the second ball inlet ;
Information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on an entrance to the first entrance or the second entrance ;
Acquisition information storage means for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Grant determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to grant information;
Gaming state transition means for shifting the gaming state to the special gaming state based on the result of the granting correspondence that the result of the granting determination by the granting determination unit corresponds to the granting information;
A pattern display means having a display unit and variably displaying the pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the application determination being performed by the application determination unit or based on the application determination being performed by the application determination unit, the image display unit starts variable display of the pattern, and the result of the application determination The display of the stop corresponding to the above and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game round, and the variable display of the picture of each game round is made according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means Game times control means for controlling the picture display means to be performed;
Switching control means for switching the variable pitching portion to the first state and the second state,
There is an upper limit on the number of special information stored by the acquired information storage means,
The determination by the grant determination means based on the entrance to the second entrance is more advantageous to the player than the judgment by the grant determination means based on the entrance to the first entrance,
In the switching control by the switching control means, the first switching mode in which the variable pitching portion is in the first state and the period in which the first state is relatively shorter than the first switching mode. The long second switching mode is set,
The game times control means includes:
The number of pieces of acquisition information stored in the acquisition information storage means is a predetermined number when a ball enters the first ball slot under the condition of the second switching mode. A first setting means for setting a first required period as a required period of game times based on the entry,
The number of pieces of acquisition information stored in the acquisition information storage means is the predetermined number when the ball enters the second entrance in the situation where the second switching mode is set. And a second setting means for setting a second required period longer than the first required period as a required period of the game times based on the entry.

  The monotonization of the game can be suitably suppressed.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of an inner frame. (A) It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board unit, (b) It is the schematic which shows the internal structure of an operation | movement entrance unit. It is the perspective view which looked at the game board unit from the back side. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows a back pack unit. It is the schematic which shows the distribution aspect of the game ball in an action | operation entrance part. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol displayed on the display screen of a symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content on the display screen of a symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various counters used for a success or failure lottery. (A) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the success / failure table for low probability modes, (b) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the success / failure table for high probability modes. (A) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the allocation table for 1st entrance parts, (b) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the allocation table for 2nd entrance parts. (A) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the distribution table for low frequency support modes, (b) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the distribution table for high frequency support modes. It is the schematic for demonstrating the operation | movement aspect etc. of the electric accessory etc. in support mode. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed by MPU of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process performed by MPU of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows game times control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of a fluctuation | variation display time. It is a flowchart which shows a game state transfer process. It is a flowchart which shows the opening / closing process of a big prize opening. It is a flowchart which shows the process for electronic combination support. It is a flowchart which shows a power combination opening / closing process. It is explanatory drawing which shows distribution apparatus drive control processing. (A) It is the schematic which shows the average value of fluctuation display time, (b) It is the schematic which shows fixed display time. It is a timing chart which shows a flow in case a game is performed based on the entrance to the 2nd operation entrance part. It is a timing chart which shows a flow in case a game is performed based on the entrance to the 1st operation entrance part. It is a flowchart which shows the distribution apparatus drive preparation process performed in MPU of the main controller in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing for distribution apparatus drive. (A) The front view which shows the game board unit in 3rd Embodiment, (b) It is the schematic which shows the internal structure of an action | operation ball-entry unit. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the main structures of a distribution mechanism. (A) The cross-sectional view of a distribution mechanism, (b) The longitudinal cross-sectional view of a distribution mechanism. It is a front view which shows a channel | path formation body. It is the schematic which shows the flow-down aspect of a game ball. It is a flowchart which shows the sorting apparatus special drive process performed with MPU of a main control apparatus. (A) Timing chart showing the operation mode of the electric combination and the passage formation body when the support winning result D is obtained, (b) Operation mode of the electric combination and the passage formation body when the support winning result C is obtained. It is a timing chart which shows. It is a flowchart which shows the telephone combination support process in 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a power combination opening / closing process. It is a front view which shows the game board unit in 5th Embodiment. (A) The plane schematic which shows the internal structure of a 2nd distribution apparatus, (b) It is the AA partial fragmentary sectional view of Fig.45 (a). It is the schematic which shows the distribution aspect by a 2nd distribution apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd distribution apparatus special drive control process. It is the schematic which shows the modification which concerns on the average value of fluctuation | variation display time.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the main configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in an exploded manner. In FIG. 3, the configuration in the game area in the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main part 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 11 is formed by connecting a long frame material to four sides, and is formed so as to form a rectangular frame shape as a whole. By attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. In the pachinko machine 10, the outer frame 11 is not an essential configuration, and the outer frame 11 may be provided in an island facility or the like of the game hall.

  The gaming machine main part 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. Specifically, the upper support bracket 17 is fixed to a connection portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further, a lower portion is connected to the connection portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. Side support fittings 18 are provided. The upper support bracket 17 and the lower support bracket 18 form a support mechanism. The support mechanism causes the gaming machine main unit 12 to turn the left side of the pachinko machine 10 in the front view with respect to the outer frame 11. The right side can be turned to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 with the turning tip side (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gaming machine main part 12 is disposed at the inner frame 13 as a base body, the front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and the rear of the inner frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is provided. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main part 12 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation front end side in a front view of the gaming machine.

  A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 and can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view of the gaming machine. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can be rotated rearward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view of the gaming machine. Yes.

(Front door frame 14)
Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. Yes. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame body 20 so that a substantially entire game area PE described later can be viewed from the front. The window portion 21 is formed by the glass unit 22. The front door frame 14 is closed from the back side.

  The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of glass panels 23 having transparency and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition portion for partitioning the holding region of the glass panel 23 in the front-rear direction, and the two glass panels 23 face each other in the front-rear direction with the partition portion interposed therebetween. That is, by securing a predetermined gap between the glass panels 23, the gaming area PE is covered by the glass panels 23 from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 while avoiding interference between the glass panels 23. It is in a state.

  Note that it is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, in view of safety and security improvement, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and to make the glass panels face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to employ a synthetic resin panel member having transparency instead of the glass panel.

  Around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window portion 21), light emitting means such as various lamps are provided. For example, an annular illumination part 26 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window part 21. In the annular illumination part 26, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the gaming state at the time of big hit or at a predetermined reach. In addition, an error display lamp portion 27 is provided at the center of the annular illumination portion 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10 to light up when a failure such as an error occurs. A prize ball lamp unit 28 that is lit is provided. In addition, a speaker unit 29 is provided at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 28 to output sound effects, BGM, and the like according to the gaming state (see FIG. 3).

  Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 that bulge toward the front side are arranged side by side. An upper pan 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower pan 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32 (see FIG. 2). The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later and guiding them to a game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 34 has a function of storing excess game balls in the upper tray 33 and games that have not reached the game area PE (see FIG. 3) among the game balls launched by the game ball launching mechanism. When the ball is returned to the player, it has a function as a tray for storing the discharged game ball.

  A game ball launching handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to protrude toward the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 41, a game ball is launched from a game ball launch mechanism described later. The game ball firing speed increases as the operation amount (rotation amount) of the game ball launch handle 41 increases, and the game ball is played when the operation amount is adjusted to a predetermined amount by the player. The region PE is reached. Further, by adjusting the operation amount by the player, it becomes possible to divide game balls into a right route and a left route, which will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is formed of a synthetic resin and includes a front door side upper tray passage that leads to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage that leads to the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving port portion that protrudes rearward and is opened upward is formed at the upper corner of the passage forming unit 45, and the entrance portion of the front door side upper plate passage is formed by dividing the receiving port portion into left and right by a partition wall. The portion and the entrance portion of the front door side lower dish passage are partitioned. The upstream side of the front door side upper dish path and the front door side lower dish path are connected to a game ball distributing section described later, and the game balls that have entered the front door side upper dish path are guided to the upper plate 33 and are moved to the lower side of the front door. The game ball that has entered the dish passage is guided to the lower dish 34.

  Projecting shafts are provided at the upper end and the lower end of the rotation base end side of the back surface of the front door frame 14. These projecting shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

  Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the inner frame 13. In FIG. 5, as in FIG. 3, the configuration in the game area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

(Inner frame 13)
The inner frame 13 is mainly configured by an inner frame base body 50 whose outer shape is substantially rectangular like the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the inner frame base body 50 is set slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. The inner frame base body 50 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame base body 50. A curtain plate is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close the gap. The curtain plate is disposed below the inner frame base body 50 (specifically, the lower end portion thereof). When the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the inner frame base body 50 is placed on the curtain plate. It will be listed. A slight clearance may be provided between the curtain plate and the inner frame base body 50 for the purpose of preventing mutual interference.

  Support metal fittings 71 and 72 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 5) on the front surface of the inner frame base body 50. Although illustration is omitted, the support fittings 71 and 72 have shaft portions, and a bearing portion provided on the front door frame 14 is inserted into these shaft portions, so that the front door frame with respect to the inner frame 13 is inserted. 14 is rotatably supported.

  A locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is disposed on the rotating front end side (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame base body 50. The locking device 75 extends vertically along the right end portion (vertical frame member to be described later) of the inner frame base body 50, and the front door collar member 76 is disposed in a scattered manner in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). have. In the inner frame base body 50, a slit for projecting to the front side of the inner frame 13 corresponding to each of the front door flange members 76 corresponds to the flange receiving member 49 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14. It is formed in this way. The front door eaves member 76 protruding through the slits is engaged with the eaves receiving member 49 provided on the front door frame 14 in a one-to-one correspondence with the front door eaves member 76, whereby the front door The frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened. The locking device 75 has an inner frame collar member 77 extending to the rear side of the inner frame 13. When these inner frame hook members 77 are hooked on the hook receiving member 19 fixed to the outer frame 11, the gaming machine main part 12 is locked in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 11.

  The inner frame base body 50 (locking device 75) is provided with a cylinder lock 78 for performing an unlocking operation of the locking device 75. The cylinder lock 78 is provided separately from the locking units (each of the hook members 76 and 77, the interlocking hooks and the like) constituting the main part of the locking device 75, and is disposed adjacent to the locking unit. When the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the right (clockwise), the lock of the front door frame 14 on the inner frame 13 is released, and the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the left (counterclockwise). The inner frame 13 is unlocked with respect to the outer frame 11.

  A housing recess 51 for housing the game board unit 80 is formed in the central portion of the inner frame base body 50. The housing recess is recessed to the rear of the gaming machine according to the outer shape of the game board unit 80, and the game board unit 80 is fixed to the housing recess 51 by a manual lock mechanism in a state of being fitted from the front of the gaming machine. A substantially rectangular window hole 52 is formed at the bottom of the housing recess 51, and the rear configuration of the game board unit 80 (a rear block 80 b described later) protrudes behind the inner frame 13 through the window hole 52. . The window hole 52 is almost entirely covered from the front of the gaming machine by the game board unit 80 mounted on the inner frame base body 50.

(Game board unit 80)
Hereinafter, the game board unit 80 (particularly, various configurations arranged in the game area PE of the game board 80a) will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A is a front view of the game board unit 80, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game board unit 80 as viewed from the rear. In FIG. 6, the left route, which will be described later, is illustrated by a two-dot chain line, and the right route is illustrated by a one-dot chain line.

  The game board unit 80 is provided on the back side of the game board 80a mainly composed of a plate made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and various game parts (variable display device, control device, movable type) described later. And a rear block 80b in which a decorative member capable of emitting light, etc.) is mounted on the base body 251 (see FIG. 7), and the front portion of the rear block 80b is visible through the game board 80a. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the above-described game area PE in which game balls flow down is formed on the front surface of the game board 80a. As already described, the game area PE is covered with the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23). In the glass unit 22, the gap between the rear glass panel 23 and the front surface of the game board 80a is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game balls flowing down the game area PE are the same in the game area PE. It is arranged so that it is not lined up back and forth at a point. Thereby, the ball blockage in the game area PE is suppressed. Note that the game board 80a (specifically, a plate) is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, and may be made of wood.

  The game board 80a is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its own thickness direction (front-rear direction). Each opening is provided with a general winning port 81, a variable winning device 82, an operating ball entering unit 83 (operating ports 83a and 83b), a through gate 84, and the like. When game balls enter the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating ball entry unit 83, the game balls are detected by detection sensors (not shown) provided corresponding to the respective ball entry portions, and the detection results thereof. Based on the above, a predetermined number of award balls (payout of game balls) and the like are given to the player. In addition, an out port 89 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 80a, and game balls that have not entered various ball entering parts and the like are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 89. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball from entering the out port 89, the game ball entering the general game port 81, the variable game device 82, and the operating ball unit 83 is also referred to as "winning". Express.

  The game board 80a is provided with a large number of game nails 93 in order to disperse and adjust the flow path of the game balls as appropriate, and various members (functions) such as a windmill 94 are provided. Yes. The flow path of the game ball is differentiated by various configurations such as the game nail 93 and the windmill 94, and is adjusted so that a winning to the above-described general winning opening 81 or the like occurs with an appropriate probability.

  A central opening 85 is formed at the center of the game board 80a. The variable display unit 252 and the like belonging to the back block 80b is located behind the central opening 85, and the variable display unit 252 and the like can be visually recognized through the central opening 85 from the front of the gaming machine.

  Around the central opening 85, various entrance parts such as an operation entrance unit 83 and a through gate 84 are arranged. The operation entry unit 83 has an upper operation port 83a disposed below the variable display unit 252, and a lower operation port 83b disposed below the upper operation port 83a. The mouth (lottery opportunity entrance ball portion) 83b is provided with an openable entrance assist device (entrance assist means) or an electric accessory 91 as an open / close member (open / close means). The electric accessory 91 includes a movable piece and a solenoid-type drive unit that drives the movable piece, and the drive unit is connected to a main control device described later. When the drive unit operates based on a drive signal from the main control device, an open state (auxiliary state) in which the ball is allowed to enter the lower operation port 83b and a closed state (non-assistant) in which the ball can not enter To the state).

  Note that it is sufficient for the electric accessory 91 to be switchable between the first state and the second state in which a winning is more likely to occur than the first state, and it is not always necessary to be able to switch between the open state and the closed state. .

  The through gate 84 is disposed on the side of the variable display unit 252 (specifically, the right route). In the case of winning the support lottery triggered by the passage of the game ball through the through gate 84, the electric accessory 91 is switched from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time.

  In the pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types of support modes having different modes of support by the electric accessory 91 are set. Specifically, in the support mode, there is a frequency at which the electric accessory 91 is released per unit time when compared with a situation in which the game ball is continuously fired in the same manner with respect to the game area PE. The low frequency support mode (or low frequency guide state) and the high frequency support mode (or high frequency guide state) are set so as to be relatively high and low.

  In the high frequency support mode, there is a higher probability that a winning to the operating ball entering unit 83 (lower operating port 83b) will occur than in the low frequency support mode. Then, when a winning in the operating port occurs, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. Thereby, in the high frequency support mode, the player can play the game while suppressing the consumption (investment) of the ball, and more specifically, increasing the ball.

  Here, with reference to FIG.6 (b), the supplementary description about the operation | movement entrance unit 83 is demonstrated. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the working entrance unit 83.

  The operation entrance unit 83 is formed with a guide passage 83c for guiding the game ball flowing into the lower operation port 83b to a collection passage provided on the back side of the game board 80a. The guide passage 83c branches into a first branch passage 83d and a second branch passage 83e at a midway position. The guide passage 83c can be seen through from the front of the gaming machine, and the branching point of the game ball passing through the guide passage 83c can be visually confirmed.

  The branching position in the guide passage 83c is provided with a distribution means 83g that distributes the game balls that have reached the branching position to the first branch passage 83d and the second branch passage 83e. The distribution means 83g can be switched between a first guidance state for guiding the game ball that has reached the branch position to the first branch passage 83d and a second guide state for guiding the game ball to the second branch passage 83e. The distribution means 83g is configured to switch from one guidance state to the other guidance state based on guiding the game ball. Therefore, the game balls that have flowed into the lower operation port 83b are sequentially (alternately) distributed to the first branch path 83d / second branch path 83e.

  The upper working port 83a is connected to the first branch passage 83d via the communication passage 83f, and the game ball that has flowed into the upper working port 83a directly flows into the first branch passage 83d. That is, the game ball that has flowed into the lower working port 83b flows into both the branch passages 83d and 83e, while the game ball that has flowed into the upper working port 83a flows into only the first branch passage 83d.

  A detection sensor 391c for detecting a game ball is disposed in the first branch passage 83d (hereinafter also referred to as the first ball entry portion 83d), and in the second branch passage 83e (hereinafter also referred to as the second ball entry portion 83e). A detection sensor 391d for detecting a game ball is disposed at a position downstream of the communication portion of the communication passage 83f. These detection sensors 391c and 391d are connected to the main control device, and the main control device grasps whether or not there is a ball entering the ball entering portions 83d and 83e based on detection information (detection signal) from the detection sensors 391c and 391d. To do. When a ball enters the first ball entering portion 83d, three game balls (prize balls) are paid out. When a ball enters the second ball entering portion 83e, six balls are awarded. A game ball (prize ball) is paid out.

  The number of game balls to be paid out is not limited to the above. However, in order to increase the advantage of the second incoming ball portion 83e with respect to the first incoming ball portion 83d, the payout number relating to the second incoming ball portion 83e is set to be larger than the payout amount relating to the first incoming ball portion 83d. Is preferred.

  A variable winning device (special winning device or special winning means) 82 is formed with a large winning opening through which a game ball can pass and is opened and closed as an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) for opening and closing the special winning opening. The body is provided. The openable / closable body can be switched between an open state (allowed state) in which a game ball can be entered or facilitated and a closed state (blocked state) in which the entrance ball is impossible or difficult. In addition, the opening / closing body is connected to a variable prize driving unit (specifically, a solenoid or the like) provided on the back side of the game board 80a, and the opening / closing door is normally kept closed in an internal lottery. When winning the transition to the opening / closing execution mode (opening / closing execution state) (big hit: when winning the transition to the special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state), it will be switched to the open state ing.

  The opening / closing execution mode is a mode to be shifted when a big win is won. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 82 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, a predetermined time (for example, 30 sec) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings is defined as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, 2 rounds or 3 rounds) are performed. It is set so that opening of the opening / closing door as the upper limit is repeated.

  The variable winning device 82 indicates that the game balls can reach when the game balls are fired toward the right route, and that the game balls cannot reach when the game balls are fired toward the left route. It is arranged at the position.

  Next, the variable display unit 252 will be supplementarily described. The variable display unit 252 has a symbol display device 253 that variably displays symbols (variable display) using a winning to the operation pitching unit 83 as a trigger. The symbol display device 253 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. On the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, for example, symbols are displayed side by side in the top, middle, and bottom, and these symbols are variably displayed as they are scrolled in the horizontal direction. When a big win is won, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, and the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode (special game state or big win). Note that the symbol display device 253 is not necessarily a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix or 7-segment display device.

  A center frame 95 is provided on the game board 80 a so as to surround the central opening 85. The center frame 95 is fixed to the game board 80a (specifically, a plate body) from the front side thereof, and in such a fixed state, the center frame 95 is erected from the front surface of the game board 80a. The clearance dimension between 95 and the glass unit 22 is configured to be smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. This prevents the game ball flowing down the game area PE from colliding with the symbol display device 253, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE moves the variable display unit 252 (specifically, the center frame 95) to the right. The route is roughly divided into the right route detouring from the left and the left route detouring from the left.

  The variable winning device 82 and the through gate 84 described above are arranged on the right route, and the game balls flowing down the left route are prevented from winning the variable winning device 82 and the through gate 84. On the other hand, the game ball flowing down the right route is prevented from winning the upper working port 83a. For this reason, when the electric accessory 91 of the lower working port 83b is in the high frequency support mode or in the opening / closing execution mode, the game is advantageously advanced by firing the game ball to the right route. When the low-frequency support mode is enabled, the game can be advantageously advanced by firing a game ball to the left route. That is, the player can advantageously advance the game by selecting the flow path of the game ball from the right route / left route according to the game situation.

  On the upper surface of the frame portion constituting the lower portion of the center frame 95, a stage portion is formed on which the game ball can roll left and right. The game balls that have flowed in from the inflow ports formed in the left and right frame portions of the center frame 95 are discharged onto the stage portion through a warp passage formed in the center frame 95. The stage portion is configured so that the game ball that has reached the stage portion is relatively easy to flow into the upper operation port 83a, and the player's attention to the movement of the game ball on the stage portion is improved. Contributing to

  Further, a first reserved lamp portion 98a and a second reserved lamp portion 98b are provided on the front surface of the frame portion constituting the lower portion of the center frame 95. The first hold lamp portion 98a on the left side corresponds to the first incoming ball portion 83d, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the first incoming ball portion 83d is held up to four times, and the first hold lamp portion 98a is turned on. The number of holds is displayed. The second hold lamp portion 98b on the right side corresponds to the second incoming ball portion 83e, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the second incoming ball portion 83e is held up to four times, and the second hold lamp portion 98b is turned on. The number of holds is displayed.

  A game area partition member 99 that partitions the game area PE together with the guide rail 100 described later is disposed at the right end of the game board 80a (the rotation tip of the game board unit 80 described later). The game area partition member 99 is provided not only with the main display unit 87 but also with a function of forming a ball path for a game ball that flows down the right route together with the center frame 95.

  A stopper member 86 on which a game ball that flies along the guide rail 100 collides is disposed at a portion (upstream portion of the right route) positioned on the upstream side of the ball passage in the right route. The stopper member 86 is a buffer member, and the game ball colliding with the stopper member 86 is weakened and then flows into the right route through the inlet portion. In other words, the stopper member 86 is provided with a depressing function that weakens the momentum of the game ball that has collided, and the stopper member 86 falls toward the variable winning device 82 in a state where the momentum is weakened. The variable winning device 82 shown in the present embodiment is provided with a shutter member as an opening / closing body. The shutter member is in a closed state to form a horizontally long communication passage (specifically, a passage bottom surface) that guides the game ball that has reached the variable winning device 82 to the lower operation port 83b. For this reason, the game ball flowing down the right route wins the variable winning device 82 when the shutter member is open, and crosses the variable winning device 82 toward the lower operation port 83b when the shutter member is closed. It will flow down.

  Next, the main display unit 87 will be supplementarily described. The main display unit 87 is embedded in the game area partition member 99, and a part of the main display unit 87 is arranged to face the glass unit 22. A main display portion D on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided in the facing portion. The main display unit 87 is electrically connected to a main controller described later, and the display content of the main display unit is controlled by the main controller.

  The main display part D includes a first entry part display part (hereinafter also referred to as a first action entry part display part) for displaying a lottery result based on winning in the first entry part 83d, a second entry part A display unit for a second entry part (hereinafter also referred to as a display part for a second operation entry part) that displays a lottery result based on winning in the entry part 83e. In the display unit for the first pitching part, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning to the first pitching part 83d as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variation display, based on the winning to the first pitching part 83d. The result of the internal lottery performed will be specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on winning in the first pitching part 83d is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the first pitching part display unit, After a predetermined pattern is displayed as a stop result, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  The display unit for the second pitching part displays the variation of the picture triggered by the winning of the second pitching part 83e, and based on the winning of the second pitching part 83e as a result of stopping the variation display. The result of the internal lottery performed will be specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the second pitching part 83e is a winning result corresponding to the jackpot, the variable display is stopped on the second pitching part display part, After the picture is displayed, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode according to the result.

  Here, on the basis of winning in any of the pitching parts 83d and 83e, the variable display is started on the corresponding display part for the actuated pitching part, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the variable display is stopped → Until the result of the stop display is continued for a predetermined fixed time (the fixed display is completed), it corresponds to one game time. That is, the execution time of one game time in the present embodiment is set to be the sum of the pattern change display time and the fixed display time on the main display portion D.

  However, the number of game times is not limited to the above-mentioned content. For example, a single display area is provided, and any single winning area 83d, 83e may be won. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the game display is performed once until the fixed display is completed in a state where the predetermined stop result is displayed. It is also possible.

  There are a variety of patterns that are stopped and displayed on the display section for the working ball in the present embodiment, and by visually confirming the patterns, it is determined which type of jackpot, which will be described later, has been won. It has become difficult. However, such a device is not an indispensable configuration, and it is also possible to reduce the types of pictures that are stopped and displayed so that the type of jackpot can be easily determined.

  Further, the main display unit D of the main display unit 87 is provided with a through-gate display unit for displaying a lottery result based on winning through the through-gate 84 in addition to the two display units. In the through gate display unit, the display of variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the through gate 84 as a trigger, and the internal lottery (support lottery) performed based on the winning of the through gate 84 as a result of stopping the variation display. The result of is specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the through gate 84 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display unit, and the change display is displayed. After being stopped, the state shifts to the electric power open state. In the electric combination open state, the electric combination 91 provided in the lower operation port 83b is opened in a predetermined manner.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 84 is retained up to 4 times, but the number of suspension is displayed on the main display portion D of the main display unit 87. A display unit for the number of hold to be provided is provided.

  About the main display part D explained in full detail above, while being visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, it is avoided that a game ball moves in front of these various display parts. Therefore, the visibility is guaranteed.

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, the configuration of the inner frame 13 will be described. Below the game board unit 80 in the inner frame base body 50, a game ball is launched into the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41. A game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided.

(Game Ball Launching Mechanism 110)
The game ball launching mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball placed at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying a ball and a base plate 114 on which the various configurations 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the inner frame base body 50, thereby The inner frame base body 50 is integrated.

  The firing rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to be inclined upward toward the game board 80a. The firing rail 112 is formed with a groove portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section, and the front and rear positions of the game ball are defined by fitting the game ball into the groove portion.

  A ball stopper that holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 at the above-described firing standby position is disposed at a position closer to the downstream end portion (that is, the lower end portion) of the firing rail 112. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream than the ball stopper.

  The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power source / launch control device described later. Based on the output of the electrical signal from the power supply / launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion / contraction direction, so that the game ball placed at the launch standby position is on the game board 80a side, more specifically, the game. It is driven toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 80a.

  The guide rail 100 partitions the game area PE together with the game area partition member 99 fixed to the game board 80a (specifically, the front surface of the plate) so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. In addition, the guide rail 100 includes an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 that are arranged so as to face each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a single guide passage 103 is formed by both the rails 101 and 102. Has been. The guide passage 103 includes an inlet portion 104 that is opened to the tip side (obliquely downward) of the firing rail 112, and an outlet portion 105 that is located above the gaming area PE. The game ball fired based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the firing rail 112 → the guide rail 100 (the entrance portion 104 → the exit portion 105). In the game board 80a, on the front side of the exit portion 105, specifically, in the vicinity of the front end of the inner rail 101, a reversal prevention member 106 for preventing the reversal of the game ball reaching the game area PE into the guide passage 103 is attached. Thus, it is possible to prevent the subsequent launch of the game ball from being hindered by the game ball that has reached the game area PE first.

  Each of the rails 101 and 102 constituting the guide rail 100 has an arc shape centered at a substantially central portion of the game area PE. For this reason, the game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is likely to move (slide or roll) along the outer rail 102, that is, in contact with the outer rail 102 due to the centrifugal force generated by itself. That is, when a game ball is launched so as to be delivered to the game area PE, the area along the outer rail 102 in the guide passage 103 substantially constitutes a pass area (passage path) through which the game ball passes. However, the area along the inner rail 101 is an area through which the game ball does not pass.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower edge of the game board 80a. Has been. That is, both the rails 100 and 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the firing rail 112 are shifted left and right in the vicinity of the lower end edge of the game board 80a. Thus, a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the firing rail 112 while bringing both rails 100 and 112 close to the lower end edge of the game board 80a.

  A foul ball passage is disposed below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball path is formed integrally with the path forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If the game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 do not reach the game area PE and return to the inside of the guide passage 103 as foul balls, the foul balls enter the foul ball passage through the gap. Become. The foul ball path leads to the front door side lower dish path, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball path are discharged to the lower dish 34 shown in FIG. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

  A rail cover 107 is provided at the left end of the game board 80a so as to cover the outer rail 102 from the side. The game board unit 80 is often handled as a single unit during manufacturing or maintenance work, and at this time, the outer rail 102 may collide with a game table or the like. The rail cover 107 is a member mounted in view of such circumstances, and is provided with a protective function for preventing the outer rail 102 from being deformed due to the above factors or the like.

  A through-hole penetrating the inner frame base body 50 in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the firing rail 112 in the inner frame base body 50 (specifically, the side supporting the front door frame 14). A passage forming member 121 is disposed on the side. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the inner frame base body 50 and has a main body side upper dish path 122 and a main body side lower dish path 123. The upstream side of the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123 communicates with a game ball distributing section described later. In addition, a receiving portion of a passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 enters below the passage forming member 121, and a front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side upper plate passage 122, A front door side upper dish passage is disposed below the main body side lower dish passage 123.

  An opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper dish path 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123 is attached below the passage forming member 121 in the inner frame base body 50. The opening / closing member 124 is urged to a front position that closes the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123. When the front door frame 14 is opened, each opening / closing member 124 is urged by this urging force. By being in the closed state, falling off of the game balls from the passages 122 and 123 is avoided. On the other hand, in a state where the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper dish path 122 and the front door side upper dish path communicate with each other, and the main body side lower dish path 123 and the front door side lower dish path communicate with each other.

  Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (the inner frame base body 50 and the game board unit 80) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (right side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50. A bearing portion 133 is formed on the bearing bracket 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. A plurality of fixing levers 134 are provided on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame base body 50 in a closed state.

  As already described, the bottom portion of the housing recess (game board housing portion) 51 in the inner frame base body 50 penetrates in the thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50 and is opened to the back side of the inner frame base body 50. A window hole 52 is formed, and the window hole 52 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board unit 80 housed in the housing recess 51. Various components such as a control device are mounted on the back of the game board unit 80 (rear block 80 b), and these various components are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the window holes 52. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board unit 80 will be described.

  As described above, the back block 80b is attached to the back of the game board 80a. As shown in FIG. 7, the back block 80b has a substantially box-shaped base body 251 that is opened on the game board 80a side, and the base body 251 is fixed to the back of the game board 80a. The game board 80a and the back block 80b are integrated.

  The front side of the base body 251 is an arrangement area for a movable production mechanism, a decorative member capable of emitting light, and the like, and the back side thereof is a control device for controlling these various components and the variable display unit 252 (design display device). 253).

  More specifically, a part of the base body 251 protrudes toward the back side of the inner frame base body 50, and the symbol display device 253 (see FIG. 6) described above with respect to the protruding portion, and the symbol display device. A display control device for driving 253 is attached. The symbol display device 253 and the display control device are arranged so that the symbol display device is on the front side and the display control device is on the rear side in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50). Further, a notification / production control device 143 is mounted on the back surface of the base body 251 so as to be positioned behind the display control device.

  The notification / production control device 143 includes a notification / production control board that controls sound output, lamp display, and control of the display control device in accordance with instructions from the main control apparatus described later. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 141 made of a resin material or the like.

  A main controller unit 160 is provided below the notification / production control device 143 so as to cover the base body 96 from behind. The main controller unit 160 includes a synthetic resin mounting base 161 fixed to the back of the game board unit 80 (specifically, the back block 80b), and a main control unit 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. Yes. The main controller 162 includes a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that controls the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power source, and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 163 made of, for example.

  The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be unsealed by a box sealing portion 164 as sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing portions 164 are provided on the short side portion of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used for sealing processing.

  Any configuration can be applied to the box sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. However, by inserting a locking pin into the locking hole that forms the box sealing portion 164, the box sealing portion 164 can be applied. The base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. The sealing process by the box sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. Even after opening, the sealing process can be performed again. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking pin into at least one locking hole portion among the plurality of box sealing portions 164. When the substrate box 163 is opened, such as when a failure occurs in the accommodated main control board or when the main control board is inspected, a connecting portion between the box sealing portion into which the locking pin is inserted and the substrate box 163 main body. Disconnect. As a result, the box base and the box cover of the substrate box 163 are separated, and the internal main control substrate can be taken out. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, a locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If the history of opening the substrate box 163 is left in the substrate box 163, it can be easily found that the unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the substrate box 163.

  The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected by a base seal part 165 so that they cannot be opened. Specifically, the pedestal sealing portion 165 has a locking hole portion and a locking pin similarly to the box sealing portion 164, and the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole portion so that the board box 163 and The mounting base 161 is coupled so as not to be separable. This makes it easier to grasp the fact that the substrate box 163 has been illegally removed.

  A portion of the front surface of the base body 251 facing the lower back of the game board 80a corresponds to the game board openings of the general winning port 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating ports 83a and 83b and on the downstream side. A collection passage (not shown) that collects in one place is formed. Thereby, all the game balls won in the general winning opening 81 etc. are gathered below the game board unit 80 through the collection passage. That is, the base body 251 is provided with a function of collecting game balls won in various winning ports.

  A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board unit 80, and the game balls gathered below the game board unit 80 by the collection passage are led out into the discharge passage. Similarly, the out port 89 leads to the discharge passage, and a game ball that has not won any winning port is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 89.

  In addition, the base body 251 constituting the back block 80b includes a general winning opening detection sensor for detecting a game ball won in the general winning opening 81 as a detection sensor for each of the above-described winning portions, and an operational ball. An operating port detection sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the unit 83 is mounted, and a winning detection mechanism is configured by these various detection sensors. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main controller 162, and detection information (detection signals) is output from the respective detection sensors to the main controller 162.

  Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the inner frame 13 is covered from behind by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201 as a main body of the back pack unit 15, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. .

  The back pack 201 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and as shown in FIG. 10, a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. 212. The protective cover part 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 252 (see FIG. 9).

  The base part 211 is provided with an external output terminal plate 213. The external output terminal plate 213 is provided with various output terminals, and various signals are output to the management control device (hall computer) on the game hall through these output terminals. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower latch pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the bearings provided on the inner frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner frame 13 by being inserted through the portion 133. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions through which the fixing levers 134 provided on the inner frame 13 are inserted, and the base portion 211 is contacted from the rear in a state where the fixing levers 134 are inserted through the insertion portions. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by contact.

  In the base portion 211, a payout mechanism portion 202 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is arranged at the top of the back pack 201 and that opens upward, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. The A tank rail 222 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution unit 225 provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224.

  The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to any one of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, and a discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is the main body described above. It is formed so that it communicates with the upper plate 33 through the side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage, and the outer opening communicates with the lower plate 34 through the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage. Has been.

  At the lower end portion of the base portion 211, the discharge passage board and the control device collective unit 204 are attached so as to sandwich the lower end portion in the front-rear direction. In the discharge passage board, a discharge passage opened rearward is formed on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and an open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game ball led to the discharge passage from the recovery passage described above passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Discharged.

  The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and a payout control device 242 and a power supply / launch control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

  In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is accommodated in the board box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box 244. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is eliminated.

  The power / fire control device 243 has a power / fire control board accommodated in a board box 246. A predetermined power source required by various control devices and the like is generated and output by the power source / launch control board, and further, control of launching of the game ball accompanying the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 by the player is performed. Specifically, drive control of the solenoid 111 constituting the game ball launching mechanism 110 and drive control of the ball feeding device 113 are executed.

  Further, the power source / launch control device 243 is provided with a power switch 247. By operating the power switch 247, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched to the on state (on state) or the shut off state (off state).

  Here, this pachinko machine 10 has a function for storing various data, and even if a power failure occurs, it retains the state at the time of the power failure and returns to the state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure. It can be done. For example, when the power supply is shut down by a normal procedure as in the case of a game hall being closed, the state before the shutdown is stored and held. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166 provided in the main controller 162, the RAM data is initialized.

  These various switches can be operated from the front side of the gaming machine by opening the gaming machine main part 12 (inner frame 13) and exposing the back side of the inner frame 13. On the other hand, when the opening of the gaming machine main part 12 is restricted by the locking device 75, these various switches cannot be operated from the front side of the gaming machine. In other words, the various switches are difficult to operate when the gaming machine main part 12 is closed, and are operated from the front side of the gaming machine by a person who does not own the key for the locking device 75 (for example, a fraudster). Making it difficult.

  In the present embodiment described in detail above, the configuration relating to the distribution of the game balls built in the operation ball entry unit 83 in the operation ball entry unit 83 provided in the game board unit 80 is characteristic. ing. Therefore, the characteristic configuration will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a manner of distributing game balls in the operating ball entering unit 83.

  As already described, at the midway position of the guide path 83c in the working ball entry unit 83, specifically, at the branching position of the first ball entry portion 83d / second ball entry portion 83e, the operation ball entry unit 83 through the lower operation port 83b. The distribution means 83g for distributing the game balls that have entered the ball to the first ball entry portion 83d / second ball entry portion 83e is provided.

  The distribution means 83g is a rotating body that is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in parallel with the front surface of the game board 80a, and has a plurality of arms protruding in a direction (radial direction) intersecting the rotation center. It becomes. The distribution unit 83g is connected to a distribution drive unit 83h (specifically, a motor) provided behind the distribution unit 83g. The distribution driving unit 83h is electrically connected to the main control device 162, and the distribution driving unit 83h operates based on the drive signal from the main control device 162, whereby the attitude of the distribution means 83g is the first guide. The state is forcibly changed to the state / second guidance state.

  In addition, the operation entry unit 83 is provided with a position detection sensor for detecting the rotational position of the distribution means 83g. The position detection sensor is connected to the main control device 162. In the main control device 162, based on the detection information (detection signal) from the position detection sensor, the posture of the distribution means 83g (first guidance state / (2 guidance state).

  A distribution device 92 that distributes game balls by the distribution means 83g, the distribution drive unit 83h, and the position detection sensor is configured.

  Since the allocating means 83g is fixed to the output shaft of the allocating drive section 83h, even when no drive signal is input to the allocating drive section 83h, it resists changes in the attitude of the allocating means 83g. Resistance is generated. However, this resistance is suppressed to such an extent that the rotation by the weight is not hindered when the arm of the distributing means 83g is pushed by the game ball.

  That is, under the situation where the drive signal is not output to the distribution drive unit 83h, the distribution unit 83g is in the first guide state and the second guide state as the game ball passes (distributes) as described above. Switching from one guide state to the other guide state. That is, in a situation where no drive signal is input, the game balls that have flowed into the lower operation port 83b are sequentially distributed to the first branch passage 83d / second branch passage 83e (for example, FIG. 11 (a) → FIG. 11 (b) → FIG. 11 (a) →.

  On the other hand, when the first drive signal that puts the sorting unit 83g in the first guiding state is input to the sorting driving unit 83h, the first forcibly is forced when the sorting unit 83g is in the second guiding state. Switching to the guidance state (see FIG. 11 (b) → FIG. 11 (a)), and when the distribution means 83g is already in the first guidance state, the first guidance state is maintained (FIG. 11). 11 (a)). The operation entrance unit 83 is provided with a stopper portion that prevents further rotation of the distribution means 83g in the counterclockwise direction when the first guiding state is established. Under the situation where the first drive signal is input, the sorting means 83g is pressed against the stopper (first guiding state), and a drag force against the weight of the game ball is generated. That is, the distribution means 83g is prevented from switching from the first guide state to the second guide state by the weight of the game ball that has reached the distribution means 83g.

  When the second drive signal for setting the sorting means 83g in the second guiding state is input to the sorting driving unit 83h, the second guiding state is forcibly applied when the sorting means 83g is in the first guiding state. (See FIG. 11 (a) → FIG. 11 (b)), and when the distribution means 83g is already in the second guide state, the second guide state is maintained (FIG. 11 ( b)). The operation entrance unit 83 is provided with a stopper portion that prevents further rotation of the distribution means 83g in the counterclockwise direction when the second guiding state is established. Under the situation where the second drive signal is input, the sorting means 83g is pressed against the stopper (second guide state), and a drag force against the weight of the game ball is generated. That is, the distribution means 83g is prevented from switching from the second guide state to the first guide state by the weight of the game ball that has reached the distribution means 83g.

  As described above, with respect to the sorting device 92 of the activated ball entering unit 83, the game ball distribution destinations are alternately switched (hereinafter referred to as a free state), and the game ball distribution destinations are assigned to both the ball entering portions 83d and 83e. The state can be switched to a state fixed to one (hereinafter referred to as a fixed state), and the free state and the fixed state are switched according to the game situation. In other words, the destination of the game ball that has flowed into the upper operation port 83a is determined to be the first ball entry portion 83d regardless of the game situation, whereas the destination of the game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b Is configured to change according to the game situation.

(Electric configuration of the pachinko machine 10)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block of FIG.

  An MPU 402 is mounted on a main control board 401 provided in the main controller 162. The MPU 402 is a ROM 403 storing various control programs executed by the MPU 402 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 403. The RAM 404 is an element incorporating an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like. Note that a part of the functions of the MPU 402, for example, the function of the ROM 403 and the function of the RAM 404 may be provided as separate elements.

  The MPU 402 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the MPU 402 is connected to a power failure monitoring board 405 provided in the main controller 162, a payout controller 242 and various detection sensors. The power failure monitoring board 405 is connected to a power source / launch control device 243, and power is supplied to the MPU 402 via the power failure monitoring board 405.

  As a part of the various detection sensors, a detection sensor 391a for detecting a winning at the general winning opening 81, a detection sensor 391b for detecting a winning at the variable winning device 82, and a detection sensor for detecting a winning at the first winning portion 83d. 391c, a detection sensor 391d for detecting a winning at the second pitching portion 83e, and a detection sensor 391f for detecting a pitch at the through gate 84 are connected, and the MPU 402 of the main controller 162 connects to each pitching portion. Winning determination (ball entering determination) is performed. In addition, the MPU 402 executes a lottery generation lottery based on winnings to the first and second pitching parts 83d and 83e, and performs a support lottery (support generation lottery) based on winnings to the through gate 84. To do.

  Further, the MPU 402 of the main controller 162 is connected to the position detection sensor 83i of the operating ball entry unit 83. In the MPU 402, based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 83i, the attitude of the distribution means 83g ( (First guidance state / second guidance state) can be grasped.

  On the output side of the MPU 402, a power failure monitoring board 405, a payout control device 242 and a notification / effect control device 143 are connected. For example, a payout ball command is output to the payout control device 242 based on a winning determination result to a winning-corresponding winning portion such as the aforementioned winning portions 83d and 83e. In this case, when outputting the prize ball command, the command information storage area 425 of the ROM 403 is referred to. When a winning to the general winning opening 81 is specified, a winning ball command corresponding to paying out 10 gaming balls is output, and when a winning to the variable winning device 82 is specified, 15 gaming balls are output. A prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the three game balls is output when the winning ball command corresponding to the payout of the three game balls is output. When the winning is specified, a winning ball command corresponding to the payout of six game balls is output.

  Various commands such as a change command, a type command, a change end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output from the main control device 162 to the notification / production control device 143. In this case, the command information storage area 425 of the ROM 403 is referred to when these various commands are output. Details of these various commands will be described later. Each command is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various information is included as information of the predetermined number of bytes.

  In addition, on the output side of the MPU 402, a variable winning drive unit 82b for opening and closing an opening / closing body (for example, a shutter member 82a) of the variable winning device 82 and an electric accessory 91 (for example, a movable piece 91a) of the lower operation port 83b are opened / closed. The electric accessory driving unit 91b to be operated, the main display unit 87, and the distribution driving unit 83h of the operation entrance unit 83 (the distribution device 92) are connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 401, and the MPU 402 performs drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

  In other words, in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 402 performs drive control of the variable winning drive unit 82b so that the variable winning device 82 is opened and closed. The MPU 402 performs drive control of the electric accessory drive unit 91b so as to be opened and closed, the MPU 402 performs display control of the main display unit D of the main display unit 87, and the MPU 402 performs drive control of the distribution drive unit 83h. Executed.

  Furthermore, an external output terminal board 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU 402, and through this external output terminal board 213, information on the entrance to various entrances to the management control device (hall computer HC) on the game hall side. Information on the lottery results such as the jackpot and the jackpot is output. Thereby, it is possible to grasp the state and the like of the pachinko machine 10 by the hall computer HC.

  The power failure monitoring board 405 relays the main control board 401 and the power / fire control device 243. The power failure monitoring board 405 has a DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power / fire control device 243. The function to monitor is given. The payout control device 242 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 224 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

  The power / launch control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power source (external power source) in a game hall or the like. Based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, necessary operating power is generated for each of the main control board 401, the payout controller 242 and the like, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. To do. The power supply / launch control device 243 is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met.

  The notification / production control device 143 drives and controls the display lamp units 26 to 28 and the speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 162 and the display control device 410. Is to control.

  The display control device 410 performs display control of the symbol display device 253 based on the command input from the notification / production control device 143. In this case, in the notification / production control device 143, on the basis of various commands input from the main control device 162, the symbol variable display mode (for example, presence / absence of reach generation, contents of reach production, etc.) and the symbol on the symbol display device 253. Stop display mode (the type of combination of symbols to be finally stopped and displayed with the end of the variable display) is determined.

  Here, the display content of the symbol display device 253 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining symbols displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display contents on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253.

  The character ROM of the display control device 410 has nine types of main symbol data (see FIGS. 13 (a) to (i)) with numbers “1” to “9” and no numbers. Sub-symbol data (see FIG. 13J) is stored.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253 is set with three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 of an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage. Each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 includes a main symbol and a sub symbol arranged in a predetermined order. On the display screen 253a, the symbols in the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll in a predetermined direction (specifically, from right to left) with periodicity.

  In the upper symbol row Z1, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in descending order of numbers, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. That is, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row Z2, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and then between the main symbol “9” and the main symbol “1”. In addition, a main symbol “4” is additionally arranged, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In other words, only the middle symbol row Z2 is composed of 20 symbols by arranging 10 main symbols.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, on the display screen 253a, three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of nine symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed. It has come to be. The display screen 253a has five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right lower line L4, and a right upper line L5. Then, the variable display stops in the order of the upper symbol row Z1 → the lower symbol row Z3 → the middle symbol row Z2, and a predetermined symbol combination (for example, a combination of symbols with the same numerals) is formed on any effective line. If the variation display of all the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 is finished in the state of being played, the big hit video is displayed as the occurrence of the big hit result.

  In view of the fact that the variable display of each symbol row is stopped as described above, the upper symbol row Z1 is the first symbol row (or the first symbol row), and the lower symbol row Z3 is the second symbol row (or the second symbol row). 2 symbol rows) and middle symbol row Z2 can also be referred to as third symbol rows (or third symbol rows).

  Incidentally, the variation display mode of the symbol in the symbol display device 253 is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary. The number of symbol columns, the direction of variation display of symbols in the symbol row, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be appropriately changed. For example, a plurality of symbol sequences may be set to be arranged side by side, and the direction of symbol variation display in the symbol sequence may be set to the vertical direction.

(About various counters)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

  The MPU 402 uses lots of counter information in the game to perform a jackpot occurrence lottery, setting the display of the main display unit 87 (main display unit D), setting the symbol display of the symbol display device 253, and more specifically, As shown in FIG. 15, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery in which the jackpot is generated, the jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type such as the probability variation jackpot result or the normal jackpot result, and the symbol display device 253 Reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery in the case of out-of-range fluctuation, random number initial value counter CINI used for initial value setting of jackpot random number counter C1, and fluctuation display of the picture on the display unit for the entrance part of the main display unit 87 A variation type counter CS1 for determining the time and symbol variation display time in the symbol display device 253; An open random number counter C4 used for the support lottery for determining whether or not the electric accessory 91 of the moving port 83b is in the electric utility open state, and an open type counter C5 used for determining the type of the open mode of the electric accessory 91 And a variation type counter CS2 that determines the variation display time in the through-gate display section of the main display unit 87.

  Each of the counters C1 to C5, CINI, CS1, and CS2 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer 431 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 404.

  The RAM 404 is provided with a reserved ball storage area 432 including a first incoming ball holding area Ra, a second incoming ball holding area Rb, an execution area AE1, and a total reserved number storage area. Then, in the reserved ball storage area 432, each of the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 according to the winning history of the game balls to the first incoming ball portion 83d or the second incoming ball portion 83e. Values are stored in chronological order.

  In addition, the RAM 404 is provided with an electrical role reservation area 433 including an electrical role reservation area Rc and an execution area AE2. Then, the values of the release random number counter C4 and the release type counter C5 are stored in time series in this electric role reservation area 433 (electrical use reservation area Rc) according to the winning history of the game balls to the through gate 84. It has come to be.

  For details of each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 599, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 599), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The big hit random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the first ball entering portion 83d or the second ball entering portion 83e. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the first ball holding section holding area Ra of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the first ball entering portion 83d, and the game 404 of the RAM 404 is stored at the timing when the game ball wins the second ball entering portion 83e. 2 is stored in the reserved area Rb for the two entering parts.

  The value of the random number for winning the jackpot is stored as a success / failure table (availability information group) in a success / failure table storage area 421 as a success / failure information group storage means in the ROM 403. Here, the contents of the success / failure table will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 16, as the success / failure table, the success / failure table for low probability mode (low probability success / failure information group) in FIG. 16 (a) and the success / failure for high probability mode in FIG. 16 (b). A table (high probability success / failure information group) is set. That is, in the present pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery mode in the winning lottery means.

  In the gaming state in which the low-probability mode success / failure table is referred to at the time of the lottery, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), the value of the random number for winning the big hit (that is, the winning information) is “7”, “307” and “507”. That is, “7”, “307”, and “507” among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 of “0 to 599” correspond to the jackpot result. On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the high probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), the value of the random number for winning the jackpot (that is, the winning information) is “7. ”,“ 67 ”...“ 572 ”,“ 598 ”. That is, among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 of “0 to 599”, “7”, “36”... “572”, “598” correspond to the jackpot result. Note that, in each lottery mode, the lottery result is a result other than the random number value that is a big win. Incidentally, if the winning probability is higher in the high probability mode than in the low probability mode, the number and value of the random numbers to be won are arbitrary.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 29, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 29) and then returns to 0. Here, in the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot results are set. The plurality of jackpot results are obtained by providing a difference in two conditions: (1) the opening / closing control mode of the variable winning device 82 in the opening / closing execution mode, and (2) the lottery mode in the winning lottery means after the opening / closing execution mode ends. Multiple jackpot results are set.

  Here, the support mode of the lower working port 83b in the electric accessory 91 is the electric mode of the lower working port 83b when compared in a situation in which the game ball is continuously emitted in the same manner with respect to the game area PE. The low frequency support mode (the low frequency support state or the low frequency guide state) and the high frequency support mode (the high frequency support state or the high frequency) are set so that the frequency at which the accessory 91 is opened per unit time is relatively high. Frequency guide state) is set.

  Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability that the power combination open state winning in the electric component open lottery using the open random number counter C4 is higher in the latter than in the former. . In addition, the high frequency support mode is set longer than the low frequency support mode for one open time when the electric utility item 91 is in the open state when the electric role open state is won, When the electrified open state is won and the open state of the electric accessory 91 occurs multiple times, the closing time from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state is in the high frequency support mode. Is set shorter than the low frequency support mode. In addition, the high-frequency support mode is set shorter than the low-frequency support mode even during the minimum period of time after the next electric-power-item opening lottery is performed. Has been.

  As described above, in the high frequency support mode, there is a higher probability of winning the lower working port 83b than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize to the upper operating port 83a is higher than that of the lower operating port 83b, but in the high frequency support mode, a prize is generated to the lower operating port 83b rather than the upper operating port 83a. Probability increases. When a winning is made to the operation ports 83a and 83b, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. In the high-frequency support mode, the player does not reduce the number of possessed balls so much. Specifically, as will be described later, it is possible to play a game while increasing the number of balls.

  The configuration for increasing the frequency at which the high frequency support mode is set to the power release state per unit time as compared with the low frequency support mode is not limited to the above-described configuration, for example, the electric component release lottery It is good also as a common probability that it becomes the electrification open state winning in. In this case, the high frequency support mode and the low frequency support mode may be set by changing any one condition or any combination of the number of times, the opening time, and the required time.

  The big hit type counter C2 is regularly updated, and stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the first ball entering portion 83d or the second ball entering portion 83e. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the first ball holding section holding area Ra of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the first ball entering portion 83d, and the game 404 of the RAM 404 is stored at the timing when the game ball wins the second ball entering portion 83e. 2 is stored in the reserved area Rb for the two entering parts.

  The game result distribution destination for the big hit type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in the distribution table storage area 422 as a distribution information group storage means in the ROM 403. Here, the contents of the distribution table will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 17, as the success / failure table, a distribution table for the first incoming ball part (first incoming ball part distribution information group) in FIG. 17A and FIG. And a distribution table for the second incoming ball part (second incoming ball parting information group).

  As shown in FIG. 17 (a), in the gaming state in which the distribution table for the first entry part is referred to based on the entry to the first entry part 83d at the time of the assignment, as shown in FIG. The 2R normal jackpot result (low probability corresponding special game result), the 2R probability variable jackpot result (high probability corresponding special game result), and the 3R probability variable jackpot result (high probability corresponding special game result) are set.

  The 2R normal jackpot result is high after the open / close execution mode ends, and the lottery mode becomes the low probability mode, and after the support mode shifts, until the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times). It is a jackpot result that becomes support mode. After the end reference count has elapsed, the mode shifts to the low frequency support mode.

  The 2R probability variation jackpot result and the 3R probability variation jackpot result are jackpot results in which the success / failure lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends. The high-frequency support mode continues until the lottery result in the winning or failing lottery becomes a big hit state winning and the operation shifts to the opening / closing execution mode.

  When the first incoming allocation table is referred to, “0” to “2” of the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of “0 to 29” correspond to the 2R normal jackpot result, and “3 ”To“ 22 ”correspond to the 2R probability variation jackpot result, and“ 23 ”to“ 29 ”correspond to the 3R probability variation jackpot result, but the distribution of these numerical values is arbitrary.

  As shown in FIG. 17 (b), in the gaming state in which the second pitching part sorting table is referred to based on the pitching into the second pitching part 83e at the time of the lottery drawing, as shown in FIG. As the minutes, the 2R normal jackpot result (low probability special game result) and the 3R probability variable jackpot result (high probability special game result) are set.

  In the second incoming allocation table, “0” to “2” of the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of “0 to 29” correspond to the 2R normal jackpot result, and “3” to “29”. Corresponds to the 3R probability variation jackpot result, but the distribution of this numerical value is arbitrary.

  Referring to FIG. 15 again, the reach random number counter C3 is configured to increment one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the first ball entering portion 83d or the second ball entering portion 83e. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the first ball holding section holding area Ra of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the first ball entering portion 83d, and the game 404 of the RAM 404 is stored at the timing when the game ball wins the second ball entering portion 83e. 2 is stored in the reserved area Rb for the two entering parts. Then, based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 403, it is determined whether to generate a reach.

  However, in the game times that shift to the open / close execution mode, the MPU 402 determines the occurrence of reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of reach display is the same in each gaming state, but may be set individually according to the gaming state. For example, when the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of reach display may be set larger than that in the low frequency support mode.

  Further, the reach occurrence probability may be varied depending on the destination. For example, it is possible to set the probability that the reach display will occur based on the entrance to the first entrance portion 83d higher than the probability that the reach display will occur based on the entrance to the second entrance portion 83e. is there.

  Here, the reach display (reach state) is provided with a symbol display device 253 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of symbols (pictures), and the game result is a game result corresponding to the open / close execution mode. In gaming machines, the stop display result after the variable display can be a special display result, the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) on the symbol display device 253 is started. This means a display state for making the player think that it is a variable display state in which the special display result is likely to be obtained in the previous stage.

  In other words, a combination of symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode is established by stopping and displaying symbols for some of the symbol sequences displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253. This is a display state in which possible reach symbol combinations are displayed, and in that state, symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol rows.

  More specifically, as a step before ending the symbol variation display, a symbol combination corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode is established on a preset active line in the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying possible combinations of reach symbols, and symbols are displayed in a variable manner by the final stop symbol sequence in a situation where the reach line is formed.

  The display contents on the display screen 253a will be described in more detail. First, when the symbol variation display is finished in the right symbol row and the symbol variation display is finished in the left symbol row, the symbol hits one of the effective lines. Reach lines are formed by stopping and displaying the main symbols with the numbers that make up the combination, and reach is achieved by displaying the symbols in the middle symbol row in the situation where the reach lines are formed. Display. When a big hit occurs, the main symbols with numbers that make up the combination of winning symbols together with the main symbols forming the reach line are stopped and displayed on the reach line. Is terminated.

  In the reach display, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variation display of symbols is performed on the remaining symbol rows, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the background screen. There are those that produce an effect, and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on almost the entire display screen after reducing or not displaying a combination of reach symbols. Further, when reach display is performed or before reach display, it is determined using the reach random number counter C3 or other counter whether or not to perform a notice display using a predetermined image such as a predetermined character. May be.

  The variation type counter CS1 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS <b> 1 is a variation display time of the symbols on the first entrance portion display portion and the second entrance portion display portion of the main display unit 87 (main display portion D), and the symbol variation on the symbol display device 253. This is used for determining the display time in the MPU 402. The variation type counter CS1 is updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer value of the variation type counter CS1 is determined when the variation pattern is determined at the start of variation display in the first entrance portion display portion and the second entrance portion display portion (at the beginning of symbol variation by the symbol display device 253). To be acquired.

  For example, the open random number counter C4 is incremented by 1 in order within a range of 0 to 249, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 249). The open random number counter C4 is periodically updated and stored in the electric role holding area 433 of the RAM 404 at the timing when a game ball wins the through gate 84. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 91 in the lower working port 83b to the open state based on the stored value of the open random number counter C4.

  The value of the random number for winning the support is stored as a success / failure table (availability information group) in a success / failure table storage area 421 as a success / failure information group storage means in the ROM 403. Here, the contents of the success / failure table will be described. As the success / failure table, a success / failure table for the low-frequency support mode (a low-frequency support mode success / failure information group) and a success / failure table for the high-frequency support mode (high-probability success / failure information group) are set.

  In the gaming state in which the support table for the low-frequency support mode is referred to in the support lottery, if the open random number counter C4 = “0” to “24”, the support winning result is obtained, and the open random number counter C4 = “25”. "-" 249 "is a support non-winning result. That is, the probability of being a support winning result is 10/100.

  On the other hand, if the open random number counter C4 = “0” to “224” in the gaming state in which the low-frequency support mode success / failure table is referred to in the lottery, the support winning result is obtained, and the open random counter C4 = “ If “225” to “249”, the support non-winning result is obtained. In other words, the probability of being a support winning result is 90/100.

  For example, the opening type counter C5 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 29, and reaches 0 to the maximum value (that is, 29). The release type counter C5 is periodically updated and stored in the electric role reservation area 433 of the RAM 404 at the timing when a game ball wins the through gate 84. The allocation destination of the support winning result by the open type counter C5 is stored as an allocation table (allocation information group) in the allocation table storage area 422 as the allocation information group storage means in the ROM 403. Here, the contents of the distribution table will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 18, the success / failure table includes a low frequency support mode distribution table (low frequency support mode distribution information group) in FIG. 18 (a) and a high frequency table in FIG. 18 (b). A distribution table for frequency support mode (high frequency support mode distribution information group) is set.

  Under the condition of the low frequency support mode, as shown in FIG. 18 (a), as a distribution destination, support winning result A (low frequency support result A) and support win result B (low frequency support) Result B) is set. On the other hand, in the situation where the high-frequency support mode is set, as shown in FIG. 18B, as a distribution destination, a support win result C (high-frequency support result C) and a support win result D (high-frequency support mode). Corresponding support result D) is set.

  Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 19, a supplementary explanation will be given on the operation mode of the electric accessory 91 in each of the support winning results AD.

  When the support winning result A is reached, the electric accessory 91 is opened three times, and when the support winning result B is reached, the electric accessory 91 is opened twice. When the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed in this way, the time for opening (open time) is set to 0.6 sec, and the interval time (open time) between open states is set to 1.0 sec. ing.

  When the support winning result C is reached, the electric accessory 91 is opened twice, and when the support winning result D is reached, the electric accessory 91 is opened three times. When the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed in this way, the time for opening (open time) is set to 1.2 sec, and the interval time (open time) between open states is set to 0.6 sec. ing.

  Referring to FIG. 15 again, the variation type counter CS2 is incremented by 1 in order, for example, within a range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS2 is used when the MPU 402 determines the variation display time in the through-gate display unit of the main display unit 87 (main display unit D). The variation type counter CS2 is updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer value of the variation type counter CS2 is acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation display in the through gate display unit.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 19, when the low frequency support mode is compared with the high frequency support mode, the variable display time is shorter in the latter than in the former. It is configured as follows. Specifically, when the low frequency support mode is selected, 30 to 60 seconds is selected as the variable display time. When the high frequency support mode is selected, the variable display time is set to 0. 6 sec to 1.2 sec is selected.

  As described above, in the MPU 402, at least the buffer value of the variation type counter CS2 is used to determine the variation display time of the picture in the through gate display unit. In this determination, the variation display time table storage area of the ROM 403 is determined. The variable display time table relating to the through gate display unit stored in 423 is used. The MPU 402 uses the value of the open random number counter C4 and the value of the open type counter C5 stored in the execution area AE2 to determine the stop result in the through-gate display unit. The stop result determination table related to the through gate display unit stored in the stop result table storage area 424 is referred to.

(About various processes executed by the main controller 162)
Next, a timer interrupt process and a normal process that are executed when the MPU 402 in the main controller 162 advances the game in each game time will be described. In addition to the timer interrupt process and the normal process, the MPU 402 executes a main process activated when the power is turned on and an NMI interrupt process activated by input of a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). Description of these processes is omitted.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is started periodically (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec) by the MPU 402 of the main controller 162.

  First, in step S101, reading processing of various switches and the various detection sensors 83i, 391a to 391f is executed. That is, the state of various switches connected to the main control device 162 and various detection sensors 83i, 391a to 391f and the like are read, and the state of the switches is determined to store detection information (for example, winning detection information).

  Thereafter, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404.

  In the subsequent step S103, the values of the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, the open random number counter C4, and the open type counter C5 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, the open random number counter C4, and the open type counter C5 are each incremented by 1, and each of them reaches 0 when reaching the maximum value. clear. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C5 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404. Thereafter, in step S104, a winning winning process for winning through the through gate 84 is executed, and in step S105, a winning process for operating opening accompanying winning in the operating ball entering unit 83 (operating opening 83a, 83b) is executed. After executing, this timer interrupt processing ends.

(Through winning process)
Here, the through winning process will be described. In the through winning process, first, whether or not the game ball has won (passed) the through gate 84 is determined based on the detection state of the through gate detection sensor 391f.

  When it is determined that the game ball has not won the through gate 84, the winning process for this through is ended as it is. When it is determined that the game ball has won the through gate 84, it is determined whether or not there is a vacancy in the first area to the fourth area of the reserved role area Rc for electric roles. When it is determined that there is a vacancy, the values of the open random number counter C4 and the open type counter C5 stored in the lottery counter buffer are read, and each counter C4 is set in a predetermined area among the first area to the fourth area. Stores the value of C5. Along with this, the display mode of the holding number display section for the through gate 84 in the main display section D is changed.

  Specifically, among the four LEDs arranged side by side in the holding number display unit, the number of LEDs corresponding to the current number of winnings is turned on. For example, when the number of holds is increased from “2” to “3” due to the current winning, the third LED is lit in addition to the two already lit LEDs.

(Prize processing for working port)
Next, the winning process of the operating ball entering unit 83 (for the operating ports 83a and 83b) will be described. In the winning process for the operation opening, first, it is determined from the detection state of the detection sensor 391c for the first winning portion 83d whether or not the game ball has won the first winning portion 83d (start winning prize). If it is determined that the game ball has won the first ball entering portion 83d, the payout control device 242 sets a prize ball command for paying out three game balls. When it is determined that the game ball has won the first action entry portion 83d, it is determined whether or not there is a vacancy in the first to fourth areas of the first entry portion reservation area Ra. When it is determined that there is a vacancy, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 stored in the lottery counter buffer are read out and predetermined values of the first to fourth areas are read out. The values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the area. In connection with this, the display mode of the display part for the number of reservations for the first entrance part 83d in the main display part D is changed.

  Thereafter, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the management control device on the game hall side that the game ball has won the first ball entry portion 83d, and the number of holds in the first ball entry portion reservation area Ra is stored. The value stored in the area is read out, and the starting reserved memory number stored in the first incoming ball holding area Ra is set (hereinafter also referred to as the first incoming ball reserved memory number).

  The lighting process of the first hold lamp unit 98a is executed in correspondence with the changed start hold storage number. Specifically, among the four LEDs arranged side by side in the first holding lamp unit 98a, the number of LEDs corresponding to the current winning number is turned on. For example, when the number of holds is increased from “2” to “3” due to the current winning, the third LED from the lower side is turned on in addition to the two left-side LEDs that have already been lit. Thereafter, an information acquisition process for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is performed, and the main winning process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has not won the first ball entry portion 83d, whether or not the game ball has won the second ball entry portion 83e (start winning) is determined for the second ball entry portion 83e. It is determined based on the detection state of the detection sensor 391d. When it is determined that the game ball has won the second ball entering portion 83e, the payout control device 242 sets a prize ball command for paying out six game balls. When it is determined that the game ball has won the second operation ball entering portion 83e, it is determined whether or not there is a vacancy in the first area to the fourth area of the second ball holding portion holding area Rb. When it is determined that there is a vacancy, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 stored in the lottery counter buffer are read out and predetermined values of the first to fourth areas are read out. The values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the area. Along with this, the display mode of the holding number display section for the second incoming ball section 83e in the main display section D is changed.

  Thereafter, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the management control device on the game hall side that the game ball has won the second ball entering portion 83e, and the number of holds in the second ball holding portion holding area Rb is stored. The value stored in the area is read out, and the start reserved memory number stored in the second incoming ball holding area Rb is set (hereinafter also referred to as the second incoming ball reserved memory number).

  The lighting process of the second hold lamp unit 98b is executed in correspondence with the changed start hold storage number. Specifically, among the four LEDs arranged side by side in the second holding lamp unit 98b, the number of LEDs corresponding to the current winning number is turned on. For example, when the number of holds is increased from “2” to “3” due to the current winning, the third LED from the lower side is turned on in addition to the two left-side LEDs that have already been lit. Thereafter, the same process as the information acquisition process described above is performed, and the main winning process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the game ball has not won in either of the winning ball portions 83d and 83e, the main winning process is finished as it is. Note that the winning ball command set in the winning process for the working port is transmitted to the payout control device 242 in the external output process S201 of the normal process described later.

(Normal processing)
Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is activated when the power is turned on, and the main process of the game is executed in the normal process. As an outline, the processing of steps S201 to S207 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S209 and S210 is executed with the remaining time.

  In the normal process, in step S201, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence / absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if a prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 242. In addition, if a command for an effect such as a command corresponding to an effect for game times such as a change start command, a type command, a change end command, or a command corresponding to an effect for an opening / closing execution mode is set, it is notified. Transmit to the production control device 143. Further, the output setting for the external output terminal board 213 is performed according to the information set in the external output buffer of the RAM 404.

  In the subsequent step S202, the fluctuation type counter CS (the fluctuation type counter CS1 and the fluctuation type counter CS2) is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS1 and the variation type counter CS2 are incremented by 1, and the counter value is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the variation type counter CS1 and the variation type counter CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404 (lottery counter buffer 431).

  In subsequent step S203, a game number control process for advancing the game of each game time is executed. In the game times control process, determination of success / failure of jackpot etc. and distribution determination are performed, setting of symbol variation display by the symbol display device 253, display control of the display unit for the entrance portion in the main display unit 87, and the like are performed. . Details of the game times control process will be described later.

  Thereafter, in step S204, a game state transition process for shifting the game state is executed. Although details will be described later, the gaming state shifts to an opening / closing execution mode, a high probability mode, a high frequency support mode, and the like by this gaming state transition processing.

  In step S205, an electric combination support process for driving and controlling the electric combination 91 provided in the lower operation port 83b is executed. In this electric role support process, in this electric role support process, whether the electric utility item 91 is opened using the numerical information acquired from the open random number counter C4 stored in the electric role holding area 433 of the RAM 404. In addition to performing the electrification opening lottery, the opening mode is determined using the numerical information acquired from the opening type counter C5 when the support winning result (the electrifying opening state winning) is obtained. And the opening / closing process of the electrically-driven accessory 91 is performed according to the determined opening | release aspect. In addition, display control of the through-gate display unit in the main display unit 87 is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electric role release lottery.

  Here, as already described, the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode are set as the modes of support by the electric accessory 91, and a transition to one of the support modes is performed in the gaming state transition process. Is called. In this case, the high frequency support mode is set when the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 404, and the low frequency support mode is set when the flag is not set.

  In a succeeding step S206, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, a predetermined operation is performed on the condition that a launch permission signal output from the power source / fire control device 243 is input based on the launch operation being performed on the game ball launch handle 41. The solenoid 111 of the game ball launching mechanism 110 is excited once in a firing period (for example, 0.6 sec). Thereby, the game ball is launched toward the game area.

  In a succeeding step S207, it is determined whether or not a power failure flag is set in the RAM 404. The power failure flag is a flag that is set when the occurrence of a power failure is confirmed in the power failure monitoring board 405 and a power failure signal is input from the power failure monitoring board 405 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 402, and is erased in the next main processing.

  If the power failure flag is not set, the last process of the plurality of processes that are repeatedly executed is completed, so whether or not the next normal process execution timing has been reached in step S208, that is, the previous normal process It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the process. The random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS (the variation type counter CS1 and the variation type counter CS2) are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing. That is, in step S209, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated, and in step S210, the variation type counter CS (the variation type counter CS1 and the variation type counter CS2) is updated.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S206 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and varies. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) can be updated at random. Similarly, The fluctuation type counter CS (the fluctuation type counter CS1 and the fluctuation type counter CS2) can be updated at random.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that the power failure flag has been set, the power interruption has occurred, so the power interruption processing from step S211 is executed. That is, in step S211, the generation of the timer interrupt process is prohibited, and then the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S212. After the access to the RAM 404 is prohibited in step S213, the power supply is completely shut down and the process is performed. Continue infinite loop until it can no longer be executed.

(Game control process)
Next, the game times control process of step S203 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 22, in the game times control process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is in effect. Specifically, it is determined whether the opening / closing execution mode flag (opening / closing execution state information) is stored (stored) in the opening / closing execution mode flag storage area (opening / closing execution state information storage means) in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. To do. The opening / closing execution mode flag is stored when the gaming state is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode in the gaming state transition process described later, and is erased when the opening / closing execution mode is ended in the gaming state transition process.

  When in the opening / closing execution mode, the game is executed without executing any of the processes after step S302, that is, the game turn starting process in steps S303 to S305 and the game turn progress process in steps S306 to S309. End control processing. In other words, in the open / close execution mode, the game times are not started regardless of whether or not a winning for the activated ball entering unit 83 has occurred.

  If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, it is determined in step S302 whether the game is being played. Specifically, it is determined whether one of the first entrance part display part and the second entrance part display part of the main display unit 87 is changing display to final display, that is, for one game. It is determined whether or not the game is being executed. This determination is made as to whether or not the variable display flag (variable display information) is stored (stored) in the variable display flag storage area (variable display information storage means) in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. This is done by judging. The variable display flag is stored when the variable display is started for one of the first entrance part display unit and the second entrance part display unit, and the design is stopped and the confirmation display ends. If erased.

  If the game is not being played, the process proceeds to a game turn start process in steps S303 to S305. In the game round start process, first, in step S303, the total number-of-holds storage area of the ball-holding ball storage area 432 is referred to, and the common number-of-holds storage number CRN, which is the number of pieces of hold information stored on hold, is "0" Determine whether. The case where the common reserved memory number CRN is “0” means that the start reserved memory number is “0” for both the first incoming ball portion 83d and the second incoming ball portion 83e. Therefore, the game times control process is finished as it is.

  On the other hand, if the common reservation number CRN is not “0”, the variable display is based on the data stored in the first entrance area reservation area Ra or the second entrance area reservation area Rb in step S304. Data setting processing for setting to is executed.

  In the data setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the number of second stored storage for reserved balls stored in the second reserved area for reserved balls Rb is “0”. When the number of reserved memories for the second pitching portion is “0”, the data setting process for the first pitching portion is executed, and when the number of reserved memories for the second pitching portion is not “0” The data setting process for the two entrance parts is executed.

  Here, the case where the data setting process is executed is a case where the common pending number CRN is 1 or more as described above. In this case, in the data setting process, it is determined whether or not the second stored number of reserved balls is “0”. If it is not “0”, that is, the second displayed ball display unit is for variable display. The stored information in the second incoming ball holding area Rb varies regardless of whether the first incoming ball holding memory number is 1 or more. It is configured to be set for display. As a result, when the holding information is stored in both the first ball holding part holding area Ra and the second ball holding part holding area Rb, the second ball entering part corresponding to the second ball entering part 83e. The hold information stored in the hold area for use Rb is prioritized.

  In the data setting process of the first incoming ball portion 83d, first, the first incoming ball portion reserved storage number in the first incoming ball portion holding area Ra is decremented by 1, and then the common reserved number CRN is decremented by 1. Thereafter, a process of moving the data stored in the first area of the first ball holding section holding area Ra to the execution area AE1 and shifting the data stored in the storage area of the first ball holding section holding area Ra. Run.

  This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower area side, and clears the data in the first area, and the second area → the first area, the first area, Data in each area is shifted, such as 3 area → second area, fourth area → third area, and so on. Then, one LED of the first holding lamp unit 98a that is lit is extinguished. In this turn-off process, contrary to the turn-on process, the LEDs of the first holding lamp unit 98a are turned off sequentially from the right side.

  When the second result display portion flag (second result display portion information) is stored in the second result display portion flag storage area (second result display portion information storage means) provided in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. If it is not stored, it is erased. The second result display portion flag is information for specifying whether the start of the current variation display is the first entrance portion display portion or the second entrance portion display portion. Thereafter, the data setting process is terminated.

  In the data setting process for the second result display section, first, the second stored ball section reserved memory number in the second received ball section reserved area Rb is decremented by 1, and the common reserved number CRN is decremented by one. Thereafter, the data stored in the first area of the second pitching section reservation area Rb is moved to the execution area AE1.

  Then, the process which shifts the data stored in the storage area of 2nd entrance area reservation area Rb is performed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower area side, and clears the data in the first area, and the second area → the first area, the first area, Data in each area is shifted, such as 3 area → second area, fourth area → third area, and so on. Then, one LED of the second holding lamp unit 98b that is lit is extinguished. In this turn-off process, contrary to the turn-on process, the LEDs of the second holding lamp unit 98b are turned off sequentially from the right side.

  After the turn-off process is performed, the second result display unit flag (second result display unit) is stored in the second result display unit flag storage area (second result display unit information storage unit) provided in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. If the (information) is not stored, the second result display section flag is stored, and if stored, the state is maintained.

  After performing the data setting process detailed above, in step S305, the fluctuation start process for starting the fluctuation display of the pattern on the main display unit 87 (main display section D) and the fluctuation display of the pattern on the symbol display device 253. After executing this game process, the game times control process is terminated.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 23, the fluctuation start process of step S305 will be described.

(Variation start processing)
In the variation start process, first, in step S401, a success / failure determination process is executed. In the success / failure determination process, first, it is determined whether or not the success / failure lottery mode is a high probability mode. In the case of the high probability mode, with reference to the high probability mode success / failure table among the tables stored in the success / failure table storage area 421, the information for the success / failure determination among the information stored in the execution area AE1, that is, It is determined whether or not the numerical information related to the jackpot random number counter C1 matches the jackpot numerical information for high probability. In the case of the low probability mode, the numerical value relating to the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE1 with reference to the low probability mode success / failure table among the tables stored in the success / failure table storage area 421. It is determined whether or not the information matches the low probability jackpot information.

  In a succeeding step S402, it is determined whether or not the result of the success / failure determination process in the step S401 is a jackpot winning result. If it is a big win result, a distribution determination process is executed in step S403.

  In the allocation determination process, information for allocation determination among the information stored in the execution area AE1, that is, numerical information related to the big hit type counter C2 is grasped. Then, with reference to the sorting table stored in the sorting table storage area 422, it is specified which jackpot result corresponds to the numerical information related to the grasped jackpot type counter C2. Specifically, it specifies which jackpot result corresponds to the 2R normal jackpot result, the 2R probability variable jackpot result, or the 3R probability variable jackpot result.

  In the subsequent step S404, a stop result setting process for the jackpot result is executed. Specifically, in the game round related to the start of the current change, the main display unit D of the main display unit 87 (specifically, the first entrance part display part and the second entrance part display part) is finally stopped and displayed. The information on the pattern mode to be performed is specified from the stop result table for the jackpot result stored in advance in the ROM 403, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 404. In the stop result table for the jackpot result, the types of patterns that are stopped and displayed on the main display portion D are set differently for each type of the jackpot result. In step S404, the pattern is specified in step S403. Information on the pattern mode corresponding to the type of the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 404.

  The information on the type of the picture to be stopped and displayed is determined according to the value of the jackpot type counter C2. In this case, as described above, the pattern modes may be set in a one-to-one correspondence with each game result, and a plurality of types of pattern modes may be set for each game result.

  Incidentally, in the process of step S404, a process of setting a flag according to the type of the jackpot result specified in step S403 in the RAM 404 is executed. Specifically, when the 2R normal jackpot result is specified, the 2R normal jackpot result corresponding flag (2R normal flag) is set, and when the 2R probability variable jackpot result is specified, the 2R probability variable jackpot result is set. When a response flag (2R probability variation flag) is set and it is specified that the result is a 3R probability variation jackpot result, a 3R probability variation jackpot result correspondence flag (3R probability variation flag) is set. In the following description, whether or not the various jackpot results are determined is determined by determining whether or not a flag corresponding to the RAM 404 is set.

  If it is determined in step S402 that the result is not a jackpot winning result, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, a stop result setting process for a detachment result is executed. Specifically, in the game round related to the start of the current change, the main display unit D of the main display unit 87 (specifically, the first entrance part display part and the second entrance part display part) is finally stopped and displayed. The information on the pattern mode to be performed is specified from the stop result table for the detachment result stored in advance in the ROM 403, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 404. The information on the pattern mode selected in this case is different from the information on the pattern mode selected in the case of the jackpot result.

  After executing any one of steps S404 and S405, a variable display time (display duration) setting process is executed in step S406. Here, the variable display time setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the variation display time setting process is performed, the value of the variation type counter CS1 stored in the variation type counter buffer in the lottery counter buffer 431 of the RAM 404 is acquired and stored in the register of the MPU 402.

(Variable display time setting process)
In the variable display time setting process, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not reach display occurs in the symbol display device 253. Specifically, if the current game result is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S501 as the occurrence of reach display. Even if the result is not a jackpot result, if the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE1 is a value corresponding to the occurrence of reach display, the result of a reach display is affirmed in step S501. Make a decision. Note that the reach determination table stored in the reach determination table storage area of the ROM 403 is referred to when the presence / absence of reach occurrence is determined using the value of the reach random number counter C3.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S502, where it is determined whether or not the jackpot is supported. If an affirmative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, referring to the first reach occurrence variation display time table stored in the variation display time table storage area 423 of the ROM 403, the variation display time information corresponding to the value of the current variation type counter CS1 is acquired. To do. In step S504, the variable display time information is set in a variable display time counter area (variable display time measuring means) provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404, and the variable display time setting process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S502, that is, if the game time is not a big hit result (if it is a missed reach result), the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, referring to the second reach occurrence variation display time table stored in the variation display time table storage area 423 of the ROM 403, the variation display time information corresponding to the value of the current variation type counter CS1 is acquired. To do. In step S506, the variable display time information is set in the variable display time counter area (variable display time measuring means) provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404, and the variable display time setting process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of step S501, if a negative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S507. In step S507, it is determined whether or not the low frequency support mode is in effect. If a positive determination is made in step S507, the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, the reach type non-occurrence type 1 variation display time table corresponding to the low frequency support mode stored in the variation display time table storage area 423 of the ROM 403 is referred to, and the value of the current variation type counter CS1 is supported. Get variable display time information. In step S509, the variable display time information is set in a variable display time counter area (variable display time measuring means) provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404, and the variable display time setting process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S507, that is, if it is determined that the high-frequency support mode is in progress, the process proceeds to step S510. In step S510, it is determined whether or not it is based on entering the first entering part 83d. If a positive determination is made in step S510, the process proceeds to step S511. In step S511, the second type variation display time table for non-reach occurrence corresponding to the high frequency support mode stored in the variation display time table storage area 423 of the ROM 403 is referenced to correspond to the value of the current variation type counter CS1. The obtained variable display time information is acquired. In step S512, the variable display time information is set in a variable display time counter area (variable display time measuring means) provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404, and the variable display time setting process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S510, that is, if it is determined that it is based on entering the second entering portion 83e, the process proceeds to step S513. In step S513, the third type variation display time table for non-reach generation corresponding to the high frequency support mode stored in the variation display time table storage area 423 of the ROM 403 is referenced to correspond to the value of the current variation type counter CS1. The obtained variable display time information is acquired. In step S512, the variable display time information is set in a variable display time counter area (variable display time measuring means) provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404, and the variable display time setting process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of the variation start process in FIG. 23 again, after the variation display time setting process in step S406 is executed, a fixed display time setting process is performed in step S407. In the present embodiment, the fixed display time is changed according to the game situation (for example, whether or not in the high frequency support mode) and the starting point of the game turn. In addition, regarding the above-described variable display time, when a game time related to non-reach is executed during the high-frequency support mode, the game time is determined as one of the first ball entering portion 83d and the second ball entering portion 83e. One of the features is that the variable display time is set with reference to whether or not it is compatible, and the set variable display time changes according to the destination. ing. Details of the configuration related to these features will be described later.

  After the fixed display time setting process is executed in step S407, the process proceeds to step S408, and the change start command and the type command are set. The change start command includes information on the change display time. Here, as described above, the fluctuation display time obtained by referring to the non-reach occurrence fluctuation display time table is different from the fluctuation display time obtained by referring to the reach occurrence fluctuation display time table. Even if the start command does not include information on the presence or absence of reach, the notification / production control device 143, which is the control device on the sub-side, can identify the presence or absence of reach from the information on the variable display time. . In this regard, it can be said that the change start command includes information indicating whether or not reach has occurred. Note that the change start command may include information directly indicating whether or not reach has occurred.

  The type command includes game result information. That is, the type command includes any of 2R normal jackpot result information, 2R probability variable jackpot result information, 3R probability variable jackpot result information, and outlier information as game result information.

  The variation start command and type command set in step S408 are transmitted to the notification / production control device 143 in the external output process (step S201) in the normal process (FIG. 21). Based on the received change start command and type command, the notification / production control device 143 determines the content of the production in the game time and controls various devices so that the content of the decided production is executed. The contents of the effect include a symbol variation display mode on the symbol display device 253, and the determined symbol variation display mode is displayed as a display content command from the notification / effect control device 143 to the display control device 410. Is output. Based on the display content command received from the notification / production control device 143, the display control device 410 controls the display of the symbol display device 253 so as to perform a variable display of symbols corresponding to each game time.

  After executing the process of step S408, the process proceeds to step S409, where one of the display parts for the first entrance part and the second entrance part of the main display part D that corresponds to the current game round is displayed. Start the variable display. Then, this variation start process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of the game turn control process (FIG. 22), during game turn (one of the first entrance part display part and the second entrance part display part in the main display part D is in a variable display or in a fixed display) ), The game turn progression process in steps S306 to S309 is executed. In the process for advancing game times, first, in step S306, it is determined whether or not the variation display time of the current game time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the display continuation period counter (variable display time information) provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404 is “0”. The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting process as described above. The set value of the variable display time information is decremented by 1 every time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 20) is started.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed, the variable display process is executed in step S307. In the process for variable display, the display mode in the display unit for the first entrance portion or the display portion for the second entrance portion of the main display portion D is changed. Specifically, in the variable display process, the LED included in the display unit for the ball part related to the current game round is turned on and off at a predetermined cycle, and the light emission color is changed. Display control (light emission control of each display LED) is performed on the sphere display unit. Then, this game times control process is complete | finished.

  If the display continuation time has elapsed, a change end process is executed in step S308. In the change end process, the information stored in the RAM 404 in any one of steps S504, S506, S509, S512, and S514 of the change start process (FIG. 15) executed when starting the currently executed game round is executed. The display of the main display unit 87 is controlled so that the pattern form corresponding to the information is displayed on the display unit for the ball entrance part of the main display part D.

  After setting the change end command in the subsequent step S309, the game times control process is ended. The change end command set in step S309 is transmitted to the notification / production control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 21). The notification / production control device 143 executes a process for ending the production in the game times based on the reception of the change end command. Further, the change end command is transmitted to the display control device 410 via the notification / production control device 143, and the display control device 410 receives the change end command to thereby combine the final stop symbols in the game times. Is finally displayed (final stop display) on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253. In addition, it is good also as a structure which terminates the effect for game rotations independently by the alerting / production control device 143 or the display control device 410 without transmitting the change end command.

  Next, the gaming state transition processing in step S204 will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS.

(Game state transition process)
In the game state transition process, first, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode is in effect. If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, the process proceeds to step S602, and the game times (the display change of the pattern on the display unit for the first entry part or the display part for the second entry part of one game time (detailed display)). It is determined whether or not the timing is completed. If it is not the timing at which the game round has ended, the gaming state transition process is terminated as it is.

  If the game times have ended, more specifically, if the preset stop display period (determined display period) has elapsed since the end of the variable display, the process proceeds to step S603, and the current game It is determined whether or not the game result (the result of the above-mentioned lottery determination) corresponds to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the 2R normal jackpot result corresponding flag, the 2R probability variable jackpot result corresponding flag, and the 3R probability variable jackpot result corresponding flag is stored in the RAM 404. If none of the above flags is stored, the gaming state transition process is terminated as it is.

  If any of the above flags is stored, an opening / closing execution mode start process is executed in step S604. In the start process, first, an opening waiting time (starting waiting period) for causing the variable winning device 82 to wait without opening the large winning opening 82c of the variable winning device 82 for the opening in the opening / closing execution mode is started. Set. Specifically, opening waiting time information stored in advance in the ROM 403 is set in a waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404.

  In a succeeding step S605, it is determined whether or not the current opening / closing execution mode corresponds to the 3R probability variation jackpot result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S605, “3” is set in the number-of-opens counter OC provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404 in step S606. If a negative determination is made in step S605, that is, if the current opening / closing execution mode corresponds to the 2R probability variation jackpot result or the 2R normal jackpot result, the process proceeds to step S607, and “2” is set to the opening number counter OC. To do. The open number counter OC is a counter for counting the number of times the variable winning device 82 (large winning opening 82c) is opened.

  After executing the process of step S606 or step S607, the process proceeds to step S608. In step S608, it is determined whether the high-frequency support mode is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the high frequency support mode flag is stored in various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. If an affirmative determination is made in step S608, the high-frequency support mode flag is deleted in step S609. As a result, the high frequency support mode is shifted to the low frequency support mode based on the end of the corresponding game times triggered by the opening / closing execution mode.

  After executing the process of step S609, or when a negative determination is made in step S608, an opening command setting process is performed in step S610. The set opening command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 143 and the display control device 410 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 21). The notification / production control device 143 determines the content of the production corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the content of the decided production is executed. The contents of the effect include the display mode in the symbol display device 253, and the determined display mode is output from the notification / effect control device 143 to the display control device 410 as a display content command. In the display control device 410, based on the opening command received from the main control device 162 and the display content command received from the notification / production control device 143, the display corresponding to the current opening / closing execution mode, for example, the display content corresponding to the jackpot The display control of the symbol display device 253 is executed so that the moving image display of the character, etc., the background image, etc. are switched.

  After executing the opening command setting process in step S610, the external signal setting process is executed in step S611, and the gaming state transition process is terminated. In the external signal setting process of step S611, it is determined whether or not any of the various jackpot correspondence flags is stored in the RAM 404. If any of the flags is stored, management control on the game hall side is performed. A signal indicating that a jackpot has occurred is output to the device (hall computer HC), and it is possible to grasp that the pachinko machine 10 has shifted to the opening / closing execution mode in the management control device.

  Returning to the description of step S601, if it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, an affirmative determination is made in step S601 and the process proceeds to step S612. In step S612, it is determined whether or not the waiting time for opening has elapsed. If the opening standby time has not elapsed, the gaming state transition process is terminated. If the opening standby time has elapsed, a special winning opening opening / closing process is executed in step S613. Here, the special winning opening opening / closing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Big prize opening / closing process)
In the big winning opening / closing process, first, in step S701, it is determined whether or not the variable winning device 82 (big winning opening 82c) is being opened. Specifically, the determination is made based on the driving state of the variable pitching device drive unit 82b of the variable winning device 82. If the special winning opening 82c is not open, it is determined in step S702 whether the value of the open number counter OC is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S702, the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S702, the process proceeds to step S703. In step S703, it is determined whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is “0”. The open timer counter TC is a counter that is referred to when the open period or interval period of the special winning opening 82c is grasped, and the value is decremented by “1” every time the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 20) is executed. Is done. If a negative determination is made in step S703, the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated.

  If the value of the opening number counter OC is not “0” and the value of the opening timer counter TC is “0”, the process proceeds to step S704, and the opening process of the variable winning device 82 (big winning port 82c) is executed. . Specifically, the variable pitching device drive unit 82b is set in a driving state so as to open the special winning opening 82c.

  Thereafter, the processing of step S705 and step S706 is executed as a closing condition setting process (opening setting process) corresponding to the variable winning device 82 (large winning opening 82c). Specifically, “15000” (corresponding to 30 sec) is set in the release timer counter TC in step S705, and “10” is set in the winning counter PC in the subsequent step S706.

  After the processing of step S706 is executed, an opening command indicating that the variable winning device 82 (large winning opening 82c) is opened is set in step S707, and the large winning opening / closing process is ended. The set release command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (see FIG. 21). The notification / production control device 143 determines the content of the production corresponding to the release based on the received release command, and controls various devices so that the content of the decided production is executed.

  Returning to the description of step S701, if it is determined in step S701 that the variable winning device 82 (large winning opening 82c) is open, the process proceeds to step S708, and whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is “0”. Determine whether. If the value of the release timer counter TC is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S709, and whether or not a game ball has won a prize winning opening 82c is determined based on a detection signal from a detection sensor provided in the variable winning device 82. Judgment.

  If a winning has occurred, a winning command output process is executed in step S710. The winning command is output to the notification / effect control device 143, and the effect in the opening / closing execution mode executed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, for example, is changed by the winning command.

  After executing the command output process in step S710, the process proceeds to step S711. In step S711, the value of the winning counter PC is decremented by 1, and in the succeeding step S712, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter PC is “0”. finish.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S712, that is, if the value of the winning counter PC is “0”, or if an affirmative determination is made in step S708 (that is, it is determined that the value of the open timer counter TC is “0”). ) Means that the special winning opening closing condition has been established. In this case, in step S713, in order to close the variable winning device 82 (large winning opening 82c), the variable pitching device driving portion 82b is set in a non-driven state.

  In a succeeding step S714, an update process of the release number counter OC is executed. Specifically, when the value of the opening number counter OC is not “0”, the opening number counter OC is decremented by 1 and when the value of the opening number counter OC is “0”, the opening number counter OC is decremented. The value of “0” is maintained as “0”.

  Thereafter, in step S715, it is determined whether or not the value of the updated release number counter OC is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S715, the process proceeds to step S716, and “1000” (corresponding to 2.0 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC.

  After executing the process of step S716, a close command is set in step S717, and the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated. The set closing command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 143 in step S301 in the normal process (FIG. 21). The notification / production control device 143 determines the content of the production corresponding to the closure command based on the received closure command, and controls various devices so that the content of the decided production is executed.

  Returning to the description of step S715, when it is determined in step S715 that the value of the release number counter OC is “0”, the process proceeds to step S718. In step S718, an ending start process is executed. In the start process, an ending waiting time for waiting without starting the next game round is set for the ending in the opening / closing execution mode. Specifically, ending waiting time information stored in advance in the ROM 403 is set in a waiting time counter area provided in various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404.

  Then, after setting an ending command in step S719, the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated. The set ending command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 21).

  Returning to the description of the gaming state transition process (FIG. 25), after performing the big prize opening / closing process in step S613, it is determined in step S614 whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is “0”, and step S815. It is determined whether or not the waiting time for ending has passed. If the value of the release number counter OC is not “0” or if the ending waiting time has not elapsed, the gaming state transition process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the value of the opening number counter OC is “0” and the waiting time for ending has elapsed, in step S616, after executing the transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode, End the state transition process.

(Transition processing at the end of opening / closing execution mode)
In the transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode, first, it is determined whether or not the 2R probability variation big hit result correspondence flag or the 3R probability variation big hit result correspondence flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. If any flag is stored, a flag erasing process for erasing information for specifying the gaming state is executed. Specifically, when the opening / closing execution mode flag, the high probability mode flag, and the high frequency support flag are stored, they are deleted, and when they are not already stored, the states are maintained. Thereafter, the high probability mode flag is stored and the high frequency support flag is stored, and the transition process is terminated. As a result, the gaming state shifts to a gaming state in which the success / failure lottery mode is the high probability mode and the support mode is the high frequency support mode.

  If it is determined that neither the 2R probability variable jackpot result correspondence flag or the 3R probability variation jackpot result correspondence flag is stored, that is, if the 2R normal jackpot result correspondence flag is stored, flag erasure processing is executed. Specifically, when the opening / closing execution mode flag, the high probability mode flag, and the high frequency support flag are stored, they are deleted, and when they are not already stored, the states are maintained. Thereafter, the high-frequency support mode flag is stored, and after “100” is set in the game number counter GC provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404, the transition process is terminated. As a result, the gaming state shifts to a gaming state in which the success / failure lottery mode is the low probability mode and the support mode is the high frequency support mode. The game number counter GC is decremented by 1 each time the game number is played, and the high frequency support mode is ended when the game number counter GC becomes “0”.

(Telephone support processing)
Next, the electric role support process in step S205 in the normal process (FIG. 21) will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 27, in the electric power support process, first, in step S801, it is determined whether or not support is being performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a supporting flag is stored in a supporting flag storage area provided in various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. The in-support flag is a flag that is stored when the electric accessory 91 of the lower working port 83b is opened, and is erased when returning to the closed state.

  If no supporting flag is stored, the process advances to step S802 to determine whether or not a support winning flag is stored in a support winning flag storage area provided in various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. The support winning flag is stored when the electrified object 91 is in an open state (support lottery) to be in an open state winning (support winning), and is erased when a supporting flag is stored. Flag.

  If the support winning flag is not stored, the process proceeds to step S803, and it is determined whether or not the value of the accessory timer counter YT provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404 is “0”. If the value of the accessory timer counter YT is not “0”, the main character support process is terminated as it is.

  If the value of the accessory timer counter YT is “0”, it is determined in step S804 whether or not it is the end timing of the pattern change display on the through gate display unit. When it is the end timing of the variable display, after setting the out-of-display in step S805, the main role support process is ended. By setting the out-of-display, the display of the variation of the picture on the through-gate display unit is finished in a state where the out-of-display is stopped and displayed.

  If the value of the accessory timer counter YT is “0” and it is not the end timing of the variable display, it is determined in step S806 whether or not the value of the accessory reservation storage number SN is greater than “0”. When the value of the stored item reservation memory number SN is “0”, the main character support process is terminated as it is. If the value of the accessory reservation storage number SN is larger than “0”, it is determined in step S807 whether or not the high frequency support mode is in effect.

  If it is in the high frequency support mode, an open lottery (support lottery) is performed in step S808. Specifically, the value stored in the electronic role holding area 433 (specifically, the holding time area Rc for electric role) is shifted, and the open lottery is performed with reference to the value of the open random number counter C4 shifted to the execution area AE2. Do. At this time, the lottery is executed with reference to the table for the high frequency support mode stored in the acceptance table storage area 421 of the ROM 403. Also, a variable display time setting process is performed in conjunction with the open lottery. Specifically, referring to the value of the variation type counter CS2 and the variation display time table corresponding to the high frequency support mode, the variation display time of the picture in the through gate display unit is determined, and the determined variation display time Is set in the accessory timer counter YT. The accessory timer counter YT is decremented by 1 every time the timer interrupt process is started.

  After executing the process of step S808, the process proceeds to step S809. In step S809, it is determined whether or not the result of the open lottery in step S808 is a support win. If it is not a support win, the process proceeds to step S811 without executing the process of step S810. If it is a support win, a support win flag is stored in step S810. Then, with reference to the open type counter C5 and the distribution table corresponding to the high frequency support mode, the distribution of the support winning result C / support winning result D is performed. After a value (“2” or “3”) corresponding to the type of the support winning result is set in the round counter RC2 provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404, the process proceeds to step S811. In step S811, a sorter drive control process is executed. Details of this sorter drive control process will be described later.

  After performing the process of step S811, or when making a negative determination in step S809, the process proceeds to step S812. In step S812, it is determined whether or not the gaming state corresponds to the low probability mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a high probability mode flag is stored in various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404.

  If a negative determination is made in step S812, the present support process is terminated. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S812, the process proceeds to step S813. In step S813, it is determined whether or not the value of the game number counter GC is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S813, the present support process ends. When an affirmative determination is made in step S813, that is, in a situation where the low probability mode is set (a situation where a fall from the high probability mode has already occurred), the value of the game number counter GC becomes “0”. If YES in step S814, the flow advances to step S814 to execute the frequent support mode flag erasing process, and then the present support process is terminated. As a result, the high frequency support mode is switched to the low frequency support mode.

  Returning to the description of step S807, if a negative determination is made in step S807, that is, if the gaming state is compatible with the low-frequency support mode, the process proceeds to step S815, and an open lottery (support lottery) is performed. Specifically, the value stored in the electronic role holding area 433 is shifted, and the open lottery is performed with reference to the value of the open random number counter C4 shifted to the execution area AE2. At this time, the lottery is executed with reference to the table for the low frequency support mode stored in the acceptance table storage area 421 of the ROM 403. Also, a variable display time setting process is performed in conjunction with the open lottery. Specifically, referring to the value of the variation type counter CS2 and the variation display time table corresponding to the low frequency support mode, the variation display time of the picture in the through gate display unit is determined, and the determined variation display time Is set in the accessory timer counter YT. The accessory timer counter YT is decremented by 1 every time the timer interrupt process is started.

  After performing the process of step S815, it progresses to step S816. In step S816, it is determined whether or not the result of the open lottery in step S815 is a support win. If the support is not won, the support process is terminated. On the other hand, if the result of the open lottery in step S815 is support winning, a support winning flag is stored in step S817. Then, with reference to the open type counter C5 and the allocation table corresponding to the low frequency support mode, the allocation of the support winning result A / support winning result B is performed. After the value (“2” or “3”) corresponding to the type of the support winning result is set in the round counter RC2 provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404, this support processing is terminated.

  Returning to the description of step S802, when the support winning flag is stored in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404, an affirmative determination is made in step S802, and the process proceeds to step S818. In step S818, it is determined whether or not the value of the accessory timer counter YT is “0”. When the value of the accessory timer counter YT is not “0”, since the variation display of the picture on the through gate display unit is being performed, the main character support process is terminated as it is. When the value of the accessory timer counter YT is “0”, a win display is set in step S819. As a result, the display of the variation of the pattern on the through gate display unit is terminated in a state where the pattern corresponding to the winning is stopped. In the subsequent step S820, the supporting flag is stored, and after the support winning flag is erased, the main role supporting process is terminated.

  If the supporting flag is stored, an affirmative determination is made in step S801, and the process proceeds to step S821. In step S821, an electric combination opening / closing process for controlling opening / closing of the electric combination 91 is executed, and the electric combination support process ends. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Electronic switch control processing)
In the electric combination opening / closing control process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the electric combination 91 is being opened. Whether or not the electric accessory 91 is being opened is determined based on whether or not the driving portion 91b for the electric accessory is in a driving state. If the electric accessory 91 is not open, a negative determination is made in step S901, and the process proceeds to step S902. In step S902, it is determined whether or not the accessory timer counter YT is “0”. When the accessory timer counter YT is not “0”, the main character opening / closing process is terminated as it is.

  If the accessory timer counter YT is “0”, the process proceeds to step S903. In step S903, it is determined whether or not the low frequency support mode is in effect. If an affirmative determination is made in step S903, a closing process for controlling the electric accessory 91 to a closed state is performed in step S904, and "500" (corresponding to 1.0 sec) is set in the accessory timer counter YT. If a negative determination is made in step S903, a closing process for controlling the electric accessory 91 to a closed state is performed in step S905, and "300" (corresponding to 0.6 sec) is set in the accessory timer counter YT. .

  Thereafter, after updating (subtracting 1) the value of the round counter RC2 in step S906, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter RC2 is “0” in step S907. When the value of the round counter RC2 is not “0”, the main utility opening / closing process is terminated as it is, and when the value of the round counter RC2 is “0”, the supporting flag is deleted in step S908. After executing the erasure process in step S908, the state recovery process is executed in step S909, and the main role opening / closing process is terminated. The state return process in step S909 will be described later.

  Returning to the description of step S901, when the electric accessory 91 is not open, a negative determination is made in step S901, and the process proceeds to step S910. In step S910, it is determined whether or not the accessory timer counter YT is “0”. When the accessory timer counter YT is not “0”, the main character opening / closing process is terminated as it is. If the accessory timer counter YT is “0”, an opening process for controlling the electric accessory 91 to the open state is executed in step S911.

  Thereafter, in step S912, it is determined whether or not the low frequency support mode is set. In the case of the low frequency support mode, “300” (corresponding to 0.6 sec) is set in the accessory timer counter YT in step S913, and then the main function opening / closing process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is the high frequency support mode, “600” (corresponding to 1.2 sec) is set in the accessory timer counter YT in step S914, and then the main function opening / closing process is terminated.

  As described above, with regard to the sorting device 92 shown in the present embodiment, when a support winning result is obtained during the high probability gaming state corresponding to the high frequency support mode and the high probability mode, the type of the support winning result (support Depending on the winning result C or the support winning result D), the distribution mode of the game balls in the operating ball entering unit 83 may change. The distribution device drive control process contributes to the realization of such a function. Here, the distribution device drive control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29 and the schematic diagram of FIG.

(Distributor drive control processing)
As shown in FIG. 29, in the sorting apparatus drive control process, it is first determined in step S1001 whether or not the high probability mode is in effect. If a negative determination is made in step S1001, the distribution device drive control process is terminated as it is. That is, in the present embodiment, it is a requirement for executing the various processes of Steps S1002 to S1008 that the game state is in the high probability mode and the high frequency support mode. That is, in the gaming state corresponding to the low frequency support mode and the gaming state not corresponding to the high probability mode even in the high frequency support mode, the attitude of the distribution device 92 is not controlled by the main controller 162. The game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b is maintained in a state of alternately winning the first and second ball entering portions 83d and 83e (see FIG. 19).

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1002. In step S1002, the state grasping process of the sorting device 92 is executed. Specifically, based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 83i, it is ascertained whether the sorting means 83g of the sorting device 92 is in the first guidance state or the second guidance state. After executing the grasping process in step S1002, a setting process for returning the state is performed in subsequent step S1003. In the present embodiment, depending on the type of the support winning result, the game ball distribution destination may be fixed to one of the first incoming ball portion 83d and the second incoming ball portion 83e. When the distribution destination is forcibly fixed as described above, the state before the start of the support is restored after the support by the electric accessory 91 is completed. Specifically, according to the content of the setting process in step S1003, the state returning process in step S909 (see FIG. 28) returns the sorting device 92 (sorting means 83g) to the original state. It has become.

  After executing the setting process of step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, it is determined whether or not the current winning result is the support winning result D. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1004, the process proceeds to step S1005, and processing for starting output of a drive signal for switching to the second guidance state is performed. Thereby, the drive part 83h operate | moves and the distribution means 83g is fixed to a 2nd guidance state. As a result, the game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b is guided to the second ball entry portion 83e.

  After executing the start process of step S1005, in step S1006, the process for setting the output period of the drive signal for switching to the second guidance state is performed, and the distribution apparatus drive control process is terminated. In the output period setting process, the drive signal output period is set so that the output of the drive signal is continued until a series of supports corresponding to the support winning result D is completed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1004, that is, if the current winning result is the support winning result C, the process proceeds to step S1007. In step S1007, processing for starting output of a drive signal for switching to the first guidance state is performed. Thereby, the drive part 83h operate | moves and the distribution means 83g is fixed to a 1st guidance state. As a result, the game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b is guided to the first ball entry portion 83d.

  After executing the start process of step S1007, in step S1008, the process for setting the output period of the drive signal for switching to the first guidance state is performed, and the distribution apparatus drive control process is terminated. In the output period setting process, the drive signal output period is set so that the output of the drive signal is continued until a series of supports corresponding to the support winning result C is completed.

  As already described, during the high frequency support mode in the present embodiment, the prize ball is more than the investment (the number of game balls launched to the game area PE) by firing the game ball toward the right route. It is set so that (the number of game balls to be paid out based on winning a prize) is increased, and it is possible to play a game while increasing the number of balls in the high frequency support mode.

  The high frequency support mode is the same as the open / close execution mode in that it can be expected to increase the number of holding balls, but the difference in the increase speed (increase rate) is set, and the progress of the game times is further increased. It differs depending on whether it accompanies. However, the main factor that the number of game balls increases during the high frequency support mode is payout of game balls (prize balls) based on the entrance to the operation entry unit 83, while the entry to the operation entry unit 83 is about Can also trigger the downgrade from the high frequency support mode to the low frequency support mode. In view of such circumstances, it can be said that entering the working entry unit 83 has both the advantage of increasing the number of balls and the disadvantage of being demoted to the low frequency support mode.

  One feature of the present embodiment is that the monotonous progress of the game during the high-frequency support mode is suppressed by causing a bias in the above-described merits and demerits. Hereinafter, the configuration according to the device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 (a) is a schematic diagram showing an average value of the game time variation display time under various situations, and FIG. 30 (b) is a schematic diagram showing a game time fixed display time under various situations. As already described, since a certain range is given to the variable display time, an average value is illustrated in FIG. About the magnitude relationship of the said fluctuation | variation display time on various conditions, even if it is a case where it compares with the median instead of an average value, it becomes the same relationship.

  As explained in the setting process of the variable display time, when determining the variable display time, refer to the variable display time table provided separately according to the results such as jackpot result, miss reach result, complete miss result, etc. The variable display time that is set differs depending on each result. Here, in the case of the jackpot result and the case of the missed reach result, a common table is referred to regardless of the gaming state. Even if the result is a complete miss, the same variable display time table (for non-reach occurrence) is used during the low-frequency support mode regardless of the destination (the first entrance portion 83d and the second entrance portion 83e). The variation display time is determined with reference to the first type variation display time table (first type variation display time table), and there is no difference in the variation display time according to the destination. On the other hand, during the high-frequency support mode, the variable display that is referred to when the destination is the first entrance part 83d and when the destination is the second entrance part 83e. The time tables are different, and the variable display time set is also different. Specifically, in the case of a ball entry related to the first ball entry part 83d, the fluctuation display time is determined by referring to the second type fluctuation display time table (second type fluctuation display time table) for non-reach occurrence. In the case of the entry relating to the second entry part 83e, the change display time is determined by referring to the third type change display time table (type 3 change display time table) for when no reach occurs.

  In any of the first type variation display time table to the third type variation display time table, the variable display time is set to be shorter as the number of the common holding number CRN is larger (a so-called time reduction function is provided). Is common). However, the first type variation display time table corresponding to the low frequency support mode has a variable display time compared to the second type / third type variation display time table corresponding to the high frequency support mode. It is set to be long for any number of holdings, and is configured such that the degree of shortening accompanying a change in the number of holdings is reduced.

  Here, the second type variation display time table and the third type variation display time table are compared. When these variable display time tables are compared with the same number of holdings, the variable display time based on the incoming ball relating to the second incoming ball 83e is more than the variable display time based on the incoming ball relating to the first incoming ball 83d. Is set to be longer. Further, the difference in the variable display time when compared with the same number of holds is configured to become smaller as the number of holds increases. For example, when a comparison is made in a situation where there is no hold (the number of hold = “0”), a difference of about 2 sec occurs, whereas the number of the hold reaches the upper limit (the number of hold = “8”). In comparison, a difference of about 1 sec occurs. That is, if the number of holdings increases, the difference in the variable display time corresponding to the destination is reduced.

  As described above, during the high-frequency support mode, when the support lottery is won, the support lottery result C and the support winner result D are allotted. This distribution is configured such that the support winning result C is larger than the support winning result D. In the case of the support winning result C, on the condition that it is in the high probability mode, the sorting device 92 is fixed in the first guiding state, and the game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b goes to the first ball entry portion 83d. You will be guided. In other words, when support related to the support winning result C occurs, a relatively short variable display time is set based on the entry during support. In the case of the support winning result D, on the condition that it is in the high probability mode, the sorting device 92 is fixed in the second guiding state, and the game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b goes to the second ball entering portion 83e. You will be guided. That is, when the support according to the support winning result D occurs, a relatively long variable display time is set based on the entry during the support.

  In this way, while having a configuration in which the destinations are sorted, the rate of change until the transition from the high-frequency support mode to the opening / closing execution mode is made by changing the display time of the fluctuation according to the destination. It is possible to make a change.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 30 (b), the fixed display time is also configured to change according to the ball destination during the high frequency support mode. Specifically, the first confirmed display time (0.6 sec) is set for game times related to entering the first ball entering portion 83d, and the first time is set for game times relating to entering the second ball entering portion 83e. The second fixed display time (0.3 sec) that is shorter than the fixed display time is set.

  In general, during the high-frequency support mode, the game time execution time (variable display time + determined display time) based on the entry to the first entry part 83d is relatively short, and the second entry part 83e The execution time of the game times based on the entry becomes relatively long.

  By entering the ball entering portions 83d and 83e, benefits such as payout of game balls and lottery for shifting to the opening / closing execution mode can be enjoyed, but there is a risk of demotion from the high probability mode to the low probability mode. In consideration of such circumstances, it is preferable to avoid high-risk risks while enjoying only the privilege of paying out game balls if the game is to be advantageously advanced as much as possible. Here, in the present embodiment, an upper limit is set for the number of hold information that can be stored (hold number), and even if a further entry occurs under the situation where the hold number has reached the upper limit, it is more than that. Acquisition of the hold information is avoided. In other words, the game as described above can be advantageously advanced by intentionally generating a ball exceeding the upper limit of the number of holds.

  When playing such a game, it is important to earn as many game balls as possible while earning as much as possible the execution period of the game times. In the present embodiment, when the support lottery is won during the high-frequency support mode, the game ball allocation destination changes according to the support winning result. A difference is set in the variable display time set according to the distribution destination. By adopting such a configuration, monotonization of the game in the high frequency support mode is suppressed.

  Here, with reference to the timing charts of FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, the flow of the game in the high-frequency support mode (high-probability gaming state) will be described. FIG. 31 exemplifies the flow of the game when the game is performed based on the entrance to the second entrance part 83e, and FIG. 32 illustrates the game based on the entrance to the first entrance part 83d. The flow of the game when is performed is illustrated.

(Support Winning Result D)
As shown in FIG. 31, when the support winning result D is won at the timing of ta1, the sorting device 92 is in the second state, and the electric accessory 91 is switched from the closed state to the open state. Here, the number of reserves relating to the first entrance part is “0”, and the number of reservations relating to the second entrance part is “4”. Therefore, the variable display of the second entrance display portion of the main display unit 87 (main display portion D) is started at the timing ta2.

  When a ball enters the second ball entry portion 83e through the lower operation port 83b at the timing ta3, six game balls are paid out, and the number of holds on the second ball entry portion 83e is the upper limit “4” Is updated. When the ball enters the second ball entry portion 83e again through the lower operation port 83b at the timing of the following ta4, the number of holds has already reached the upper limit, so six game balls are paid out without increasing the number of holds. Will be. The electric accessory 91 returns to the closed state at the timing ta5 when a predetermined opening time (1.2 sec) has elapsed from the timing ta1. This closed state continues for a predetermined closing time (0.6 sec). When the electric accessory 91 is in the closed state, the inflow of game balls to the lower operation port 83b is avoided.

  At the timing ta6 when the predetermined closing time has elapsed from the timing ta5, the electric accessory 91 is switched from the closed state to the opened state again. Thereby, the inflow of the game ball to the lower operation port 83b is allowed. Thereafter, when a ball enters the second ball entry portion 83e through the lower operation port 83b at the timing ta7 and the timing ta8, six game balls are paid out. At this point in time, the display of the variation in the pattern on the second entrance display unit continues and the number of reservations has reached the upper limit, so the number of reservations does not increase.

  The electric accessory 91 returns to the closed state at the timing ta9 when a predetermined opening time (1.2 sec) has elapsed from the timing ta7. This closed state continues for a predetermined closing time (0.6 sec). When the electric accessory 91 is in the closed state, the inflow of game balls to the lower operation port 83b is avoided.

  Here, at the timing of ta10 when a preset variation display time (3.0 sec) has elapsed from the timing of ta2, the display of the variation of the pattern on the second entrance display unit is terminated, and the predetermined pattern is stopped and displayed. Is done. Then, at the timing of ta12 when the fixed display time has elapsed, the next game round is started based on the hold information relating to the entry to the second entry portion 83e. That is, the display mode of the second entrance display unit is switched from the fixed display to the variable display.

  After the electric accessory 91 is closed at the timing ta8, it is opened at the timing ta11 when a predetermined closing time (0.6 sec) has elapsed, and the predetermined opening time (1.2 sec) has elapsed. The closed state is reached at the timing of ta14, and a series of support based on the support winning result D ends.

  The execution time of the game times based on the entry to the second entry portion 83e (variable display time + confirmed display time) is substantially 1 although it is shorter than the support execution time of the electric accessory 91. One game is executed within the support execution time. On the other hand, the game time execution time (variable display time + determined display time) based on the entry to the first entry part 83d is shorter than the support execution time of the electric accessory 91 and is substantially 1 A plurality of game times are executed within the support execution time.

(Support winning result C)
As shown in FIG. 32, when the support winning result C is won at the timing of tb1, the sorting device 92 is in the first state, and the electric accessory 91 is switched from the closed state to the open state. Here, the number of reserves relating to the first entrance part is “4”, and the number of reservations relating to the second entrance part is “0”. Therefore, the variable display of the first entrance portion display section of the main display unit 87 (main display section D) is started at the timing tb2.

  When a ball enters the first ball entering portion 83d through the lower operation port 83b at the timing of tb3, three game balls are paid out and the number of holds on the first ball throwing portion 83d is the upper limit “4” Is updated. When the ball enters the first ball entry portion 83d again through the lower operation port 83b at the timing of the subsequent tb4, the number of reserves has already reached the upper limit, so three game balls are paid out without increasing the number of holds. Will be. The electric accessory 91 returns to the closed state at the timing of tb5 when a predetermined opening time (1.2 sec) has elapsed from the timing of tb1. This closed state continues for a predetermined closing time (0.6 sec). When the electric accessory 91 is in the closed state, the inflow of game balls to the lower operation port 83b is avoided.

  At the timing tb6 when the predetermined closing time has elapsed from the timing tb5, the electric accessory 91 is switched from the closed state to the opened state again. Thereby, the inflow of the game ball to the lower operation port 83b is allowed. Thereafter, when a ball enters the first ball entry portion 83d through the lower operation port 83b at the timing of tb7, three game balls are paid out. At this point in time, the display of the variation of the pattern on the display unit for the first entrance portion continues and the number of holds has reached the upper limit. For this reason, the number of reservations concerning the 1st entrance part 83d does not increase.

  At the timing of tb8 when a preset variation display time (2.0 sec) has elapsed from the timing of tb2, the variation display of the pattern on the first incoming ball display section is terminated and the predetermined pattern is stopped and displayed. Then, at the timing of tb9 when the fixed display time has elapsed, the next game round is started based on the hold information relating to the entry to the first entry part 83d. That is, the display mode of the first entrance display unit is switched from the fixed display to the variable display. At this time, the number of stored hold information is reduced from “4” to “3”, and storage of new hold information is permitted.

  Thereafter, when a ball enters the first ball entry portion 83d through the lower operation port 83b at the timing of tb10, three game balls are paid out. Along with this, the holding information related to the first incoming ball portion 83d is newly acquired, and the number of the holding information related to the first incoming ball portion 83d returns to the upper limit “4”.

  At the timing tb11 when a predetermined opening time (1.2 sec) has elapsed from the timing tb6 when the electric accessory 91 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the electric accessory 91 returns to the closed state. This closed state continues for a predetermined closing time (0.6 sec). When the electric accessory 91 is in the closed state, the inflow of game balls to the lower operation port 83b is avoided.

  At the timing tb12 when the predetermined closing time has elapsed from the timing tb11, the electric accessory 91 is switched from the closed state to the opened state again. Thereby, the inflow of the game ball to the lower operation port 83b is allowed. Thereafter, when a ball enters the first ball entry portion 83d through the lower operation port 83b at the timing of tb13, three game balls are paid out. At this time, the display of the variation of the pattern on the first incoming ball display unit is still continued, and the number of holds related to the first incoming ball portion 83d has reached the upper limit (four). For this reason, the number of reserves related to the first entrance part 83d does not increase.

  At the timing of tb14 when a preset variation display time (2.0 sec) has elapsed from the timing of tb9, the variation display of the pattern on the display unit for the first incoming ball is finished, and a predetermined response corresponding to the current game result is obtained. The picture (the disengagement result in FIG. 32) is stopped and displayed. Then, at the timing of tb15 when the fixed display time has elapsed, the next game round is started based on the hold information related to the entry to the first entry part 83d. That is, the display mode of the first entrance display unit is switched from the fixed display to the variable display. In addition, at the timing of tb15, the opening time of the electric accessory 91 elapses, the state returns from the open state to the closed state, and a series of supports based on the support winning result C is completed.

  As described above, when the game is progressing based on the entrance to the first entrance part 83d, the execution time of the game based on the entrance to the first entrance part 83d (variable display time + confirmed) The display time) is shorter than the support execution time of the electric accessory 91, and two game times are executed substantially within one support execution time.

  When the game is progressing based on the entrance to the first entrance part 83d under the situation of the high frequency support mode, the game is executed based on the entrance to the second entrance part 83e. Compared to the progress, the game progress tempo is faster. For this reason, the time required to obtain a jackpot result (for example, a normal jackpot result) is inevitably shortened. On the other hand, when the game is progressing based on the entrance to the second entrance part 83e, the game is proceeding based on the entrance to the first entrance part 83d. As a result, the game progress tempo is slowed down. For this reason, the time required for a jackpot result (for example, a normal jackpot result) is inevitably increased. That is, the game progress tempo changes according to the destination, and the expected number of game balls to be paid out changes accordingly. In particular, with respect to the first entrance portion 83d and the second entrance portion 83e, a difference is also set in the number of winning balls that are set, and the game progresses mainly in which of the entrance portions 83d and 83e. Depending on whether or not it is, the starting rate will also change.

  According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be expected.

  A game ball that has flowed into the lower working port 83b as a “variable pitching portion” in a situation where the high-frequency support mode has a relatively high rate of entering the ball, The first entrance part 83d as the “first entrance” and the second entrance part 83e as the “second entrance” are distributed. Here, when a ball enters the first ball entering portion 83d, a relatively short required time is set as the required time for the game times (execution time: for example, variable display time + confirmed display time). When a ball enters the ball entering portion 83e, a relatively long required time is set as the required time for game play. Thus, by changing the required time according to the destination (distribution destination) of the game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b, it is possible to change the rhythm of the game progress.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the high-frequency support mode has a configuration in which the variable display time is shortened compared to the low-frequency support mode (so-called time reduction function), and the game progress speed ( Digestion rate) will increase. If an attempt is made to speed up the progress of the game, the difference in required time between game times will inevitably be reduced. Therefore, while it is possible to suppress the progress of the extended game, it is assumed that the adverse effect that the game becomes monotonous is likely to occur. In particular, game times that are completely out of play are digested mechanically, and the game tends to be monotonous.

  Therefore, if the rhythm change is generated during the high-frequency support mode in which multiple balls can be entered as described above, it is possible to suitably suppress the monotonous progress of the game. In other words, it is possible to suitably suppress the fact that the time-shortening function is exerted with the increase in the probability of entering the ball, causing the game to become monotonous.

  During the high-frequency support mode, the number of game balls to be paid out by the pay-out means based on the ball entering the lower operating port 83b or the like rather than the number of game balls fired by firing the game ball toward the right route Is set to be more. For this reason, the longer the high frequency support mode continues, the greater the number of game balls (held balls) that can be acquired. For this reason, it is assumed that the player plays the game with the expectation that the game is played in the high-frequency support mode for as long as possible before the jackpot result. Here, the progress speed of the game depends on the execution time for each game. In the present embodiment, the execution time described above changes in accordance with the distribution destination of the game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b (first ball entry portion 83d / second ball entry portion 83e). Specifically, when a ball enters the second ball entering part 83e, the execution time based on the ball is set longer than the execution time based on the ball entering the first ball entering part 83d. As described above, if the execution time is changed according to the distribution destination of the game balls, the rhythm of the game progress can be changed according to the distribution destination of the game balls flowing into the lower operation port 83b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

  Based on the entrance (acquired holding information) to the first entrance part 83d and the second entrance part 83e, the winning / failing lottery, the downgrade lottery to the low frequency support mode, and the payout of the game ball are performed. Is called. If you try to get benefits such as jackpots or paying out game balls, you will inevitably take the risk of being demoted to the low frequency support mode. For this reason, it is important to generate as many balls as possible before the determination of one grant is made in order to advance the game advantageously. Providing the above-described difference in execution time in such a game mode has the technical significance of suitably improving the degree of attention to the game by suppressing monotonization of the game.

  A predetermined upper limit is set for the storage number of the hold information acquired based on the entrance to the first entrance portion 83d, and is acquired based on the entrance to the second entrance portion 83e. There is also a predetermined upper limit for the number of stored hold information. When a plurality of hold information is stored, a lottery such as a big hit is sequentially performed on the hold information. Here, when a new entry occurs in a situation where the number of stored hold information has reached the upper limit, acquisition of the hold information based on the entry is restricted, while The game ball is paid out based on the ball. That is, when an upper limit is set for the number of hold information that can be stored, acquisition of the hold information based on the occurrence of a ball exceeding the upper limit is avoided. Therefore, in the case of entering in a situation where the upper limit is exceeded, you can enjoy the benefits of paying out game balls, but there is no demerit of taking the risk of being demoted to the low frequency support mode (the end of the high frequency support mode) To avoid triggering).

  As described above, in the high-frequency support mode, if it is directly linked to the advantageous advancement of the game as long as possible, a delayed action is performed that suppresses the launch of the game balls and generates one ball at a time. The possibility cannot be denied. If such a delayed action is performed, there may be inconveniences such as not being able to perform the above-described monotonization suppression function well, and reducing the operating rate of the gaming machine. In addition, the original function of the high-frequency support mode of accelerating game progress can be wasted.

  In this regard, according to the embodiment, it is possible to urge the player to play a game with a goal exceeding the upper limit, and the operation of launching the game ball is likely to be continued (so-called irregular hits are less likely to be performed). Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the said various inconvenience can be suppressed suitably.

  In particular, when the storage number of the hold information related to the first incoming ball portion 83d reaches the upper limit, only the above benefits can be enjoyed by entering the first incoming ball portion 83d, and the second incoming ball portion 83e When the stored number of the hold information reaches the upper limit, only the above-mentioned benefits can be enjoyed by entering the second entering portion 83e. That is, a preferable distribution destination changes depending on the situation. Thereby, monotonization of a game can be suppressed more suitably.

  Depending on the number of stored hold information, the difference between the variable display time for the first incoming ball portion 83d and the variable display time for the second incoming ball portion 83e changes. In the configuration in which the hold information is acquired based on the game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b, the number of stored hold information increases or decreases as the game progresses. It is possible to contribute to further diversification of the game by changing the difference in the variable display time set by using such irregularities.

  In particular, the difference between the variable display time related to the first incoming ball portion 83d and the variable display time related to the second incoming ball portion 83e is configured to become smaller as the number of stored hold information approaches the upper limit. Has been. As described above, with a configuration that can avoid the disadvantages for a ball that exceeds the upper limit, it is assumed that a game is performed aiming for a ball that exceeds the upper limit. Here, if it becomes a state in which allocation to the first ball entering part 83d that is disadvantageously presumed (the required period is short) is performed, the state is overtaken without intentionally firing the game ball. The option of waiting for a switch to an advantageous state can occur. If an act of aiming at such an advantageous state is performed, the operation rate in the high-frequency support mode is lowered. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, some execution is performed by reducing the difference between the variable display time related to the first incoming ball portion 83d and the variable display time related to the second incoming ball portion 83e near the upper limit of storage. Even if time reduction occurs, there will be a merit by aiming for a ball exceeding the upper limit by knowing that, and it is possible to promote the continuation of the game. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the difference in execution time from hindering the function of diversifying the game.

  If a function that shortens the execution time by increasing the number of stored hold information (so-called time-saving function) is installed, the stored hold is dared when trying to earn as much time as possible. After reducing the number of information, there is a possibility that a game ball may be launched aiming at exceeding the upper limit at once. In this case, it is assumed that the operation rate in the high frequency support mode is lowered. In consideration of such circumstances, by reducing the degree of shortening by approaching the upper limit of the number of stored hold information, suppressing the merit by playing a game by the above-described method, and speeding up the game Can be urged.

  Also, in the high-frequency support mode, if an increase in the number of balls can be expected, the increase rate is the same as when the open / close execution mode is set. The difference between and the game progress (out) can become monotonous. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, by making the rate of increase of game balls in the high frequency support mode lower than the rate of increase of game balls in the open / close execution mode, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of such inconveniences. it can.

  The distribution means 83g arranged in the operation entrance unit 83 receives the first guidance state in which the game balls that have flowed into the lower operation port 83b are distributed to the first entry portion 83d and the game balls that have flowed into the lower operation port 83b. It is possible to switch to the second guidance state that is distributed to the second entrance portion 83e. In this way, by making the distribution means 83g switchable between the first guidance state and the second guidance state, it is possible to change the bias of the distribution destination. For example, the game progress is accelerated by frequently causing the first entrance part 83d to enter the game, or the game progress is decelerated (delayed) by frequently making the entry to the second entrance part 83e. Can do. Thereby, a big flow can be generated in the rhythm of game progress, and it can contribute to suppression of monotonization of a game.

  By adopting a configuration in which the guidance state of the allocating means 83g is switched when the electric accessory 91 as the “switching means” is switched to the open state, the movement of the electric accessory 91 and the state change of the allocating means 83g Relevance can be given to In the first place, if the game ball does not flow into the lower operation port 83b, the game ball will not enter the first ball entry portion 83d / second ball entry portion 83e, but the distribution destination after the flow into the distribution means 83g. Because it depends, the number of points that the player should pay attention to increases. While this is preferable for exhibiting the various effects described above, it increases the burden on the player's eyes and the like. Therefore, by adopting a configuration in which the state of the allocating means 83g is changed in accordance with the movement of the electric accessory 91 that is easy for the player to focus attention, the timing at which the player should pay attention to the allocating means 83g becomes clear. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the above inconvenience.

  In the low frequency support mode, the switching of the distribution means 83g is allowed so that the game balls that have flowed into the lower operation port 83b are alternately distributed to the first incoming ball portion 83d and the second incoming ball portion 83e. When the high-frequency support mode is set, the distribution means 83g allows the game balls that have flowed into the lower operation port 83b to be distributed continuously to one of the first and second balls 83d and 83e. It was set as the structure which controls a state switch. As described above, by changing the distribution mode of the game balls according to the support mode, it is possible to realize further differentiation between the game in the low frequency support mode and the game in the high frequency support mode. In particular, by causing a bias in the destination during the high-frequency support mode in which the frequency of entry (entry probability) is higher than that in the low-frequency support mode, the rhythm change of the game progression based on the difference in the execution time described above can be achieved. It can be suitably exhibited.

  The electric accessory 91 is configured to switch to the open state based on the passing of the game ball through the through gate 84 provided in the game area PE, and the lower operation port 83b and the through gate 84 are arranged on the right route. Yes. It is difficult or impossible for the game balls launched to the left route to win the lower operation port 83b and the through gate 84, and the game balls launched to the right route enter the lower operation port 83b and the through gate 84. Winning is allowed. Here, if the intervention of a technique that can advance the game advantageously by contriving with the operation of launching the game ball is allowed, the profit that can be acquired by the player's technique etc. changes, and the fairness is likely to be impaired. Become. Therefore, if the game ball is launched by aiming at the through gate 84 to switch the electric accessory 91 to the open state, the game ball inevitably reaches the lower operation port 83b. It is difficult to switch the electric accessory 91 to the open state while avoiding the ball. As a result, it is difficult to generate a ball entering the second ball entering portion 83e while suppressing the ball entering the first ball entering portion 83d, and the variable display times related to the both ball entering portions 83d and 83e are made different. The technical significance of having been able to be secured can be suitably secured.

  The execution time of the game times includes a change display time of the pattern on the display unit for the entrance part of the main display part D and a fixed display time for clearly indicating the game result, and enters the first entrance part 83d. When the variable display time set based on the ball and the variable display time set based on the ball entering the second ball entering portion 83e are compared, the latter is configured to be longer than the former. ing. As described above, in the configuration including the variable display time for performing the variable display of the pattern, the monotonous game is suppressed by changing the variable display time according to the game situation. A practically preferable configuration can be realized by using such a configuration to differentiate the variable display time associated with each of the ball entering portions 83d and 83e.

  Further, in recent years, a gaming machine equipped with a so-called time reduction function for shortening the symbol display time has been proposed by increasing the number of stored hold information as described above. In this type of gaming machine, the high-speed support mode is set and the probability of entering the ball is increased, so that the above-mentioned time-saving function is easily exhibited. That is, when the above-mentioned time shortening function is exerted strongly, the proportion of the fixed display time in the execution time increases. Then, if it is set as the structure which produces a difference in execution time by the difference of this fixed display time, the various effects mentioned above can be ensured, ensuring the time-shortening function and the alerting | reporting function of a game result. And it can suppress suitably that existence of such a difference is buried and it becomes difficult to understand the difference in execution time.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball that has flowed into the upper operation port 83a of the operation ball unit 83 enters the first ball entry portion 83d through the guide passage 83c, and the game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b is the first game ball. The ball enters either the ball entry portion 83d or the second ball entry portion 83e. Here, when the support mode is the low-frequency support mode, it becomes difficult to flow into the lower operation port 83b, so that the game ball mainly flows into the upper operation port 83a. Therefore, most game balls have a first entry portion 83d. On the other hand, when the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the inflow to the lower operation port 83b is facilitated, so that the game ball mainly flows into the lower operation port 83b. However, since the game balls that have flowed into the lower operation port 83b are then distributed to either the first ball entry portion 83d or the second ball entry portion 83e, The possibility increases. Here, the privilege based on the entrance to the first entrance part 83d is different from the privilege based on the entrance to the second entrance part 83e. Specifically, since the privilege related to the second entering part 83e is preferentially given, it is assumed that the player plays a game in expectation of entering the second entering part 83e. In other words, in the high frequency support mode, whether or not the game can be advantageously advanced changes depending on the distribution destination of the game ball after entering the ball. Thereby, the monotonization of the game in the high frequency support mode can be suitably suppressed.

  When the game ball that has flowed into the lower operation port 83b flows into the first ball entry portion 83d or the second ball entry portion 83e, by providing means for distributing the game balls, the distribution means 83g Become the center of attention. Thereby, the attention degree to the behavior of the game ball can be preferably improved. Further, in the configuration having the distribution unit 83g, for example, it is possible to change the distribution mode by changing the posture of the distribution unit 83g and the like, and the monotonization of the behavior of the game ball can be suitably suppressed.

  Even under the condition of the low frequency support mode, although the inflow probability is lower than that of the high frequency support mode, the inflow to the lower operation port 83b is not denied. According to the present embodiment, the distribution mode by the distribution unit 83g is changed according to the low frequency support mode / high frequency support mode. That is, in the high frequency support mode, not only the possibility of entering the lower operation port 83b is increased, but also the distribution mode itself is changed. Thereby, it becomes possible to give relevance to a support mode and a distribution mode, and can contribute to suppression of monotonization of a game suitably.

  By entering the high-frequency support mode, the state of the distribution means 83g is forcibly switched to the first guidance state / second guidance state by the drive signal from the main controller 162. In the low-frequency support mode, the game balls are alternately distributed to the first ball entering portion 83d and the second ball entering portion 83e by changing the posture of the sorting means 83g as the game balls pass. Thereby, the bias | inclination of the ball destination which concerns on the lower operation port 83b is avoided. On the other hand, in the high-frequency support mode, the distribution means 83g is driven and controlled, and the change of the attitude of the distribution means 83g is restricted, so that the game balls are unbalanced.

  As already described, in the high-frequency support mode, the game flow can be speeded up by increasing the probability of the game ball flowing into the lower operation port 83b. By increasing the speed like this, the possibility of the game progress becoming monotonous increases. Therefore, during the high-frequency support mode, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by specifying the game ball allocation destination according to various conditions and generating the above-described bias.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the distribution device 92 is switched between the first guidance state and the second guidance state at the timing when the support winning result is obtained, but the distribution device 92 operates at such timing. In this case, the state of the sorting device 92 is visually confirmed, and there is a high possibility that the operation of launching the game ball is performed only in the second guide state advantageous to the player. With this, not only the operating rate of the pachinko machine 10 is lowered but also the time-saving function in the high frequency support mode is not exhibited well. Therefore, there is a concern that the technical significance of the provision of the high-frequency support mode may deteriorate in the first place.

  In the present embodiment, in consideration of such circumstances, one of the features is that the switching timing is changed by devising the configuration related to the drive control of the sorting device 92. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 33 and 34, differences from the first embodiment (various processes relating to drive control of the sorting device 92) will be described. Note that the main configuration of the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the gaming machine shown in the first embodiment, and thus the description of the common configuration is incorporated here.

(Distributor drive preparation process)
The MPU 402 of the main control device 162 executes the sorter drive preparation process as part of the normal process (specifically, the power support process). As shown in FIG. 33, in the sorting apparatus drive preparation process, first, a state grasping process of the sorting apparatus 92 is executed in step S1101. Specifically, based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 83i, it is ascertained whether the distribution unit 83g is in the first guidance state or the second guidance state. After executing the grasping process in step S1101, the process proceeds to step S1102, and a canceling setting process is performed. Also in the present embodiment, when the support winning result C or the support winning result D is obtained in a situation where the gaming state is in a highly probable gaming state, from the free state in which the sorting device 92 can freely rotate, The state is switched to a state (locked state) fixed in the first guide state or the second guide state. In step S1102, preparation is made to release the state in which the game ball is allocated to a fixed destination. As a result, the above-mentioned forced distribution is canceled after a series of supports by the electric accessory 91 is executed.

  After executing the process of step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1103. In step S1103, it is determined whether or not the current winning result is the support winning result D. If an affirmative determination is made in step S113, the process proceeds to step S1104.

  As described above, the support winning result D corresponds to the switching of the distribution device 92 to the second guidance state, and based on the grasp result in step S1101, whether or not the second guidance state has already been established in step S1104. judge. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1104, the process proceeds to step S1105, and output start processing of a drive signal for switching to the second guidance state is executed for the sorting drive unit 83h. As a result, the sorting device 92 in the second guidance state is fixed in the second guidance state, and switching to the first guidance state is restricted.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1104, that is, if the sorting device 92 is in the first guidance state, the process proceeds to step S1106. In step S1106, output waiting processing of a drive signal for switching to the second guidance state is performed. As a result, the output of the drive signal is avoided until an output start condition described later is satisfied.

  Returning to the description of step S1103, if a negative determination is made in step S1103, that is, if it is determined that the current winning result is the support winning result C, the process proceeds to step S1107. As described above, the support winning result C corresponds to the switching of the distribution device 92 to the first guidance state, and based on the grasp result in step S1101, whether or not the first guidance state has already been established in step S1107. judge. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1107, the process proceeds to step S1108, and output start processing of a drive signal for switching to the first guidance state is executed for the distribution drive unit 83h. As a result, the sorting device 92 in the first guidance state is fixed to the first guidance state, and switching to the second guidance state is restricted.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1107, that is, if the sorting device 92 is in the second guidance state, the process proceeds to step S1109. In step S1109, output standby processing of a drive signal for switching to the first guidance state is performed. As a result, the output of the drive signal is avoided until an output start condition described later is satisfied.

  Next, the sorting device driving process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Processing for sorting device drive)
The MPU 402 of the main control device 162 executes the sorter driving process as part of the normal process (specifically, the electric power support process). As shown in FIG. 34, in the sorting apparatus driving process, first, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not a supporting flag is stored in various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. If a negative determination is made in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1202, and it is determined whether it is time to end support. If a negative determination is made in step S1202, the distribution apparatus driving process is terminated as it is.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1202, the standby state canceling process is executed in step S1203, and then the sorting apparatus driving process is terminated. In the standby state canceling process, when the support is terminated without satisfying the output start condition described later in spite of the drive signal output standby state in the previous sorting device drive preparation process, the output standby state Release the state.

  If a positive determination is made in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1204. In step S1204, it is determined whether or not it is in a standby state related to switching to the second guidance state. If a positive determination is made in step S1204, the process proceeds to step S1205. In step S1205, it is determined whether or not the sorting device 92 has been switched to the second guidance state. Specifically, based on detection information from the position detection sensor 83i, it is determined whether or not the distribution unit 83g of the distribution device 92 has been switched to the second guidance state. If a negative determination is made in step S1205, the distribution apparatus driving process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1205, an output start process of a drive signal for maintaining the second guide state is executed in order to maintain the sorting device 92 in the second guide state. That is, when the distribution device 92 is switched to the second guide state due to the weight of the game ball flowing into the lower operation port 83b, the output start condition for starting the output of the drive signal for maintaining the second guide state is satisfied. Yes.

  Returning to the description of step S1204, if a negative determination is made in step S1204, the process proceeds to step S1207. In step S1207, it is determined whether or not it is in a standby state related to switching to the first guidance state. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1207, the process proceeds to step S1208. In step S1208, it is determined whether or not the sorting device 92 has been switched to the first guidance state. Specifically, based on detection information from the position detection sensor 83i, it is determined whether or not the distribution unit 83g of the distribution device 92 has been switched to the first guidance state. If a negative determination is made in step S1208, the distribution apparatus driving process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1208, an output start process of a drive signal for maintaining the first guide state is executed in order to maintain the sorting device 92 in the first guide state. That is, when the distribution device 92 is switched to the first guide state due to the weight of the game ball flowing into the lower operation port 83b, the output start condition for starting the output of the drive signal for maintaining the second guide state is satisfied. Yes.

  According to the above configuration, it is difficult to grasp the type of the support winning result by looking at the state of the distribution device 92. That is, it can be grasped that the game ball is actually flown into the lower operation port 83b to be in either the first guide state or the second guide state. For this reason, it becomes practically difficult for the player to advantageously advance the game by deciding whether or not to release the game ball according to the state of the sorting device 92, and it is possible to prompt the player to continuously release the game ball. Thereby, it can suppress that the function which generates the bias | inclination of a ball-out by forcibly switching the state of the distribution apparatus 92, or the function which suppresses the monotonization of game progress is not utilized well.

<Third Embodiment>
As described above, when there are a plurality of ball entering portions 83d and 83e in which a difference in the degree of advantage is set and the game device is distributed to the ball entering portions 83d and 83e by the sorting device 92, the sorting device The influence of the distribution result by 92 on the game progress becomes large. In a gaming machine of a type to which such a distribution function is given, it is assumed that the player's attention is likely to be directed toward the configuration related to distribution.

  In the first embodiment, the route through which the game ball passes when the support winning result C is obtained in the highly probable gaming state and the route through which the game ball passes when the support winning result D is obtained are uniform. It was the target. Specifically, if the support winning result C is in the highly probable gaming state, the entry target is limited to the first entry part 83d, and if the support winning result D is reached, the entry target is the first entry. The configuration is limited to the two balls 83e. Such a configuration is very effective in changing the rhythm of the game progress by increasing the bias of the game ball entry destination, but it is a game for the movement of the game ball that the distribution destination is uniform. It can also be a factor that reduces the attention of a person.

  Here, the behavior of the game balls at the time of distribution is diversified, and the possibility of entering the first and second entrance parts remains depending on the behavior of the game balls regardless of the winning result. If it is set as a structure, generation | occurrence | production of the said inconvenience can be suppressed. In the present embodiment, the configuration relating to the sorting apparatus is devised in consideration of such circumstances. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 35, the sorting apparatus and the configuration related thereto will be described. FIG. 35 (a) is a front view showing a game board unit 80X in the third embodiment, and FIG. 35 (b) is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the operation entry unit 83X.

  As shown in FIG. 35 (a), in the game board unit 80X (game board 80aX) in the present embodiment, the variable winning device 82 is moved above the symbol display device 253 (upstream area of the right route). In the area on the right side of the symbol display device 253, a through gate 84 and a right operation port 83bX (corresponding to the lower operation port 83b in the first embodiment) to which the electric accessory 91 is attached are provided. The through gate 84 and the right operation port 83bX are arranged vertically in parallel so that the through gate 84 is on the upstream side and the right operation port 83bX is on the downstream side in the right route. The right operating port 83bX is positioned immediately below the through gate 84, and is configured such that the game ball that has passed through the through gate 84 falls directly toward the right operating port 83bX.

  When the electric accessory 91 attached to the right operating port 83bX is in an open state, the game ball that has passed through the through gate 84 flows into the right operating port 83bX, and the electric accessory 91 is in a closed state. The game ball that has passed through the through gate 84 is repelled by the electric accessory 91 and passes through the right operation port 83bX.

  Here, in the game area PE, the ball passage unit 600X that functions as a communication path connecting the right operation port 83bX located on the right side of the symbol display device 253 and the operation entry unit 83X located below the symbol display device 253. Is arranged. The ball passage unit 600X is disposed in an inclined state so as to be inclined obliquely to the left, and a first ball passage 601X extending obliquely and a second ball arranged side by side below the first ball passage 601X. And a passage 602X. The exit portions of the first ball passage 601X and the second ball passage 602X are connected to the operation entry unit 83X, and the game ball that has flowed into the right operation port 83bX in the state where the electric accessory 91 is opened is It will be guided to the operation entrance unit 83X through the 1 ball passage 601X or the second ball passage 602X.

  The operation entrance unit 83X shown in the present embodiment is partly different from the operation entrance unit 83 shown in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation entrance unit 83X will be described with reference to FIG.

(Operating entrance unit 83X)
The operating ball entering unit 83X is formed with a guide passage 83cX that guides the game ball flowing into the upper operation port 83aX to a collection passage provided on the back side of the game board 80aX. The guide passage 83cX branches into a first branch passage 83dX and a second branch passage 83eX at a midway position. The guide passage 83cX can be seen through from the front of the gaming machine, and the branching point of the game ball passing through the guide passage 83cX can be visually confirmed.

  At the branch position in the guide passage 83cX, there is provided sorting means 83gX that alternately distributes the game balls that have reached the branch position to the first branch passage 83dX and the second branch passage 83eX. The distribution means 83gX can be switched between a first guidance state for guiding the game ball that has reached the branch position to the first branch passage 83dX and a second guide state for guiding the game ball to the second branch passage 83eX. The distribution means 83gX is configured to switch from one guidance state to the other guidance state based on the guidance of the game ball. Therefore, the game balls that have flowed into the upper operation port 83aX are sequentially distributed to the first branch passage 83dX / second branch passage 83eX.

  The first ball passage 601X described above is connected to the second branch passage 83eX via the communication passage 83nX, and the game ball that has flowed into the working ball entry unit 83X through the first ball passage 601X directly flows into the second branch passage 83eX. To do. Further, the second ball passage 602X described above is connected to the first branch passage 83dX via the communication passage 83mX, and the game ball that has flowed into the working ball entry unit 83X through the second ball passage 602X enters the first branch passage 83dX. Direct inflow. That is, the game ball that has flowed into the upper working port 83aX flows into both branch passages 83dX and 83eX, while the game ball that has flowed into the right working port 83bX passes through either the first ball passage 601X or the second ball passage 602X. The inflow destination is uniquely determined according to the situation.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration corresponding to the distribution drive unit and the position detection sensor shown in the first embodiment is omitted, and the distribution function of the game ball that has flowed into the right operation port 83bX is a ball path. It is given to the unit 600X.

  Hereinafter, the ball path unit 600X and the related configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

(Ball passage unit 600X)
The ball passage unit 600X includes a first passage formation body 610X that forms the first ball passage 601X and a distribution mechanism 605X that has a holder 620X (see FIG. 36) that holds the first passage formation body 610X. The holder 620X is fixed to the game board 80aX so that the game board 80aX and the distribution mechanism are integrated. A second passage forming body 650X that forms a second spherical passage 602X is provided below the distribution mechanism. The second passage forming body 650X has a bowl shape, and is fixed to the game board 80aX so that the open portion faces upward (the distribution mechanism side). Although the details will be described later, the distribution mechanism 605X is configured such that a game ball can flow out of the first ball passage 601X at a midway position of the first ball passage 601X, and a game that has flowed out of the first ball passage 601X. The sphere will flow into the second passage forming body 650X.

  The first passage forming body 610X has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is arranged in an inclined state so as to be left-down. The first spherical passage 601X is partitioned by the inner peripheral surface of the first passage forming body 610X. Thus, by making the first passage forming body 610X cylindrical, the back and forth movement (swing) of the game ball is allowed in the passage.

  The upper end of the first passage forming body 610X is an inlet portion of the first spherical passage 601X defined by the first passage forming body 610X, and the inlet portion communicates with the right working port 83bX. Yes. The lower end of the first passage forming body 610X is an outlet portion of the first ball passage 601X, and this outlet portion communicates with the second branch passage 83eX through an inflow passage formed in the working ball entry unit 83X. doing.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, supplementary description will be given of the distribution mechanism 605X. 36 is an exploded perspective view of the distribution mechanism 605X, FIG. 37A is a transverse sectional view of the distribution mechanism 605X, and FIG. 37B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the distribution mechanism 605X.

(Distribution mechanism 605X)
As shown in FIG. 36, a first opening portion 615X and a second opening portion 616X are formed at a midpoint position of the first passage forming body 610X so as to face each other with the first ball passage 601X interposed therebetween. . Specifically, the first passage forming body 610X has an upstream annular portion 613X in which an inlet portion 611X is formed and a downstream annular portion 614X in which an outlet portion 612X is formed, and these annular portions 613X, The opening portions 615X and 616X are formed in an intermediate portion excluding the portion where 614X is formed. 36 shows a state where the first passage forming body 610X is arranged so that the first opening portion 615X faces the upper side and the second opening portion 616X faces the lower side.

  The holder 620X includes an upstream ring portion 621X that engages with the upstream annular portion 613X, a downstream ring portion 622X that engages with the downstream annular portion 614X, and a pair of front and rear connecting portions that connect the ring portions 621X and 622X. 623X. The connecting portion 623X has a long shape extending in the same direction as the passage direction of the spherical passage (the central axis CL3 of the first passage forming body 610X). By opening the holder 620X up and down without forming a case shape covering the first passage forming body 610X, it is possible to expose an intermediate portion of the first passage forming body 610X up and down. The opening portions 615X and 616X are sized to allow the passage of the game ball, and the outflow path of the game ball is secured through the opening portion of the holder 620X and the opening portions 615X and 416 of the first passage forming body 610X.

  In the present embodiment, the game nail 93 is disposed above the ball passage unit 600X, and it is restricted that the game ball flows into the ball passage unit 600X without passing through the right operation port 83bX. It is also possible to give the function as a barrier to the holder 620X. For example, you may provide the cover part which covers the 1st channel | path formation body 610X from the upper side in the holder 620X.

  By holding the first passage forming body 610X so as to surround from the outside, the first passage forming body 610X is allowed to rotate around its central axis CL3. The spherical passage unit 600X includes a drive unit 630X that rotates the first passage forming body 610X in a predetermined direction (a clockwise direction when viewed from the right side (upstream side)) around the central axis CL3. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 37, the structure which concerns on attachment and operation | movement of the 1st channel | path formation body 610X is demonstrated.

  The game board 80aX has a recess 264X that is recessed backward. The depth of the concave portion 264X is formed to be approximately the same as the thickness of the holder 620X, and the offset amount of the first passage forming body 610X from the front surface of the game board 80aX is suppressed from increasing. . This is a contrivance for suppressing a catch when a game ball flowing down (moving) along the front surface of the game board 80aX flows into the first passage forming body 610X.

  An insertion portion 265X into which a flange portion 624X formed on the rear connection portion 623X is inserted and an accommodation portion 266X that accommodates the drive unit 630X are arranged in parallel at the bottom of the recess 264X. As the flange portion 624X and the insertion portion 265X are engaged, the sorting mechanism 605X is positioned.

  A slit 625X is formed in a portion of the upstream ring portion 621X of the holder 620X that faces the housing portion 266X. A part of the upstream-side annular portion 613X is exposed to the accommodating portion 266X (rear) through the slit 625X. The drive unit 630X includes a motor 631X and a gear 632X that is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 631X and engages with teeth (gears) arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the upstream annular portion 613X.

  The motor 631X is connected to the main controller 162 and operates based on a drive signal from the main controller 162. Under a situation where the power of the gaming machine is ON, the first passage forming body 610X is configured to rotate at a predetermined speed (steady rotation, constant speed rotation).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 36 and FIG. 38, the opening parts 615X and 616X of the first passage forming body 610X will be supplementarily described. FIG. 38 is a front view showing a state where the first passage forming body 610X is rotated.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the second opening 616X has a round hole shape, and is formed so that its diameter dimension is slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball. Meat portions are secured on both sides of the second opening portion 616X in the rotation direction, and these meat portions form a bypass path that bypasses the second opening portion 616X.

  As shown in FIG. 38 (a), in a state where the second opening portion 616X faces downward, the discharge of the game ball flowing down the first ball passage 601X through the second opening portion 616X is promoted. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), in the state where the second opening portion 616X faces upward, the discharge of the game ball through the second opening portion 616X is suppressed. As already described, since the first passage forming body 610X has a cylindrical shape and allows the game ball to move back and forth inside, the second opening portion 616X faces directly below depending on the behavior of the game ball. Even in the state, the discharge of the game ball from the second opening portion 616X may be avoided.

  Here, the first opening portion 615X will be described with reference to FIG. The first opening 615X includes an upstream slit 617X extending upstream from the second opening 616X, a downstream slit 618X extending downstream from the second opening 616X, and a central opening that connects both the slits 617X and 618X. 619X.

  In the state where the first opening portion 615X faces upward, the outflow of game balls from the first ball passage 601X through the first opening portion 615X is avoided, and in the state where the first opening portion 615X faces downward. Outflow of game balls from the first ball passage 601X through the first opening portion 615X is allowed. That is, the first opening portion 615X is also provided with a function as an inlet to the second sphere passage 602X and an outlet from the first sphere passage 601X in the same manner as the second opening portion 616X. These functions are switched between valid / invalid according to the rotational position of the body 610X.

  Here, the upstream slit 617X and the downstream slit 618X have different extending directions with the central opening 619X as the base end, thereby causing a phase difference in the predetermined rotational direction in the direction of the open portion. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 38 (a), when the downstream slit 618X faces the front side of the gaming machine, the upstream slit 617X faces diagonally backward, in other words, as shown in FIG. 38 (b). In the state where the upstream slit 617X faces the front side of the gaming machine, the downstream slit 618X is configured to face obliquely rearward.

  As described above, by providing a phase difference between the upstream slit 617X and the downstream slit 618X, the timing at which the outflow of game balls from the first ball passage 601X to the second ball passage 602X through the first opening 615X is allowed. And the timing at which outflow is avoided can be made different according to the arrival position of the game ball in the first ball passage 601X, and the diversification of the flow-down mode of the game ball is realized.

  Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 39, the relationship between the operation of the distribution mechanism 605X and the flow-down mode of the game ball will be exemplified.

  As shown in FIG. 39 (a) → FIG. 39 (b), when a game ball flows in from the inlet portion 611X in a state where the second opening portion 616X is located rearward (facing rearward), the first opening portion Since the upstream slit 617X of 615X faces obliquely upward, the game ball flows down along the first ball passage 601X without being discharged from the first ball passage 601X. If the game ball reaches the slit 617X with the upstream slit 617X facing downward, the game ball is discharged from the first ball path 601X to the second ball path 602X through the slit 617X. Will be.

  As shown in FIG. 39 (b), when the second opening 616X faces downward as the first passage forming body 610X rotates, the game ball reaches the second opening 616X. In such a case, whether the game ball continues to flow as it crosses the second opening 616X, or is it discharged from the first ball passage 601X to the second ball passage 602X through the second opening 616X? Sorting is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 39 (b) → FIG. 39 (c), the rotational position of the first passage forming body 610X is changed and the second opening 616X until the game ball reaches the intermediate position of the first passage forming body 610X. Is a region in which the game ball is located downstream of the second opening 616X through the meat part secured on both sides of the second opening 616X in a state where the player faces the front side or the back side. Move to. Thereby, the discharge in the upstream region and the midstream region is avoided.

  As shown in FIG. 39 (c) → FIG. 39 (d), when the game ball reaches the downstream area before the downstream slit 618X faces directly below, the ball enters the lower working port 83b as it is through the communication passage 83mX. To do. On the other hand, when the game ball reaches the downstream region with the downstream slit 618X facing right below, the game ball bypasses the downstream slit 618X from the front side or the rear side and passes the downstream slit 618X. By avoiding the flow, the flow continues as it is or whether the flow is discharged from the first spherical passage 601X through the downstream slit 618X.

  Here, the inner peripheral surface of the first passage forming body 610X is formed such that a cross section orthogonal to the rotation center axis CL3 forms an arc shape. Since the diameter of the inner peripheral surface is set larger than the diameter of the game ball, the game ball is allowed to swing in the front-rear direction when passing through the first ball passage 601X. In particular, the inlet portion 611X of the first ball passage 601X has a configuration in which the position in the front-rear direction is not defined. That is, the variation of the inflow position and the inflow angle of the game ball when flowing into the inlet portion 611X is intentionally allowed.

  With such a configuration, when the game ball flows down along the first ball passage 601X, a position change in the front-rear direction occurs, and the movement of the game ball is diversified. By making such a movement, for example, the bypass of the downstream slit 618X described above is allowed.

  The operation mode of the ball passage unit 600X (first passage formation body 610X) shown in the present embodiment is changed according to the gaming state. Specifically, when the support mode is the low frequency support mode, or when the support mode is the high frequency support mode and the low probability mode, the rotation continues at a predetermined speed. Such steady rotation is referred to as normal operation. On the other hand, when the support mode is the high frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the high probability gaming state, the operation mode of the first passage formation body 610X is changed from the normal mode to the special mode. Will be. About the operation | movement by a special aspect, the 1st channel | path formation body 610X will repeat rotation-stop.

  When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a high-probability gaming state. If it is determined that the gaming state is not a high-probability gaming state, the motor 631X of the ball path unit 600X is determined. The output of the drive signal to is started. As a result, the first passage forming body 610X rotates normally at a predetermined speed.

  When the gaming state shifts to the high probability gaming state, the operation mode of the ball passage unit 600X is changed to a special mode as described above until the high probability gaming state ends. Here, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 40, a special device for the sorting device for the ball passage unit 600X, which is executed as part of the periodic processing (electric power support processing in the normal processing) by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162. The drive control process will be described.

(Special drive control processing)
In the special drive control process, it is first determined in step S1301 whether it is the end timing of the opening / closing execution mode. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1301, the process proceeds to step S1302, and it is determined whether or not the gaming state to be shifted after the opening / closing execution mode is a high-probability gaming state. If a negative determination is made in step S1302, the drive control process is terminated as it is. As a result, the operation mode of the ball passage unit 600X remains the normal mode, and the steady rotation is continued.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1302, the standby control process is executed in step S1303, and then the drive control process ends. In the standby state transition process in step S1303, a process of placing the passage forming body 610X during steady (constant speed) rotation at a predetermined rotational position (standby position) is performed. As a result, the passage forming body 610X is stopped (standby) at a predetermined rotational position. Here, the predetermined rotation position is a position where the second opening portion 616X is shifted slightly rearward (specifically, 20 degrees) from directly below, and the state where the second opening portion 616X faces obliquely rearward is the passage forming body 610X. Waiting state.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1301, the process proceeds to step S1304. In step S1304, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a highly probable gaming state. If it is determined that the game state is not a highly-probable gaming state, the drive control process is terminated. If it is determined that the game state is a highly-probable gaming state, the process advances to step S1305 to determine whether or not the support lottery result is the support winning result C.

  If it is determined in step S1305 that the support winning result is C, the process proceeds to step S1306. In step S1306, it is determined whether it is time to switch the electric accessory 91 to the open state. If it is determined in step S1306 that it is not the opening timing, the drive control process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1306, the process proceeds to step S1307, and the rotation process in the first type rotation mode corresponding to the support winning result C is executed. As a result, the first passage forming body 610X of the ball passage unit 600X that has been maintained in the standby state starts to rotate in the predetermined direction at the first rotational speed.

  In the present embodiment, the operation mode of the electric combination 91 in the support winning result C and the operation mode of the electric combination 91 in the support winning result D are common. Specifically, the opening time is 1.2 sec, the number of opening times is 2, and the interval is 1.2 sec. That is, it is difficult for the player to identify which one of the support winning result C and the support winning result D is based on the operation mode of the electric accessory 91.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1305, that is, if it is determined that the support lottery result is the support winning result D, the process proceeds to step S1308. In step S1308, it is determined whether it is time to switch the electric accessory 91 to the open state. If it is determined in step S1308 that it is not the opening timing, the present drive control process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1308, the process proceeds to step S1309, and a rotation process in the second type rotation mode corresponding to the support winning result D is executed. As a result, the first passage forming body 610X of the ball passage unit 600X that has been maintained in the standby state starts to rotate in the predetermined direction at the second rotational speed.

  After executing the processing of step S1307 and step S1309, the process proceeds to step S1310. In step S1310, it is determined whether it is time to return to the standby state. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the operation in the special mode based on the current support winning result. If a negative determination is made in step S1310, the present drive control process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1310, the process for returning to the standby state is executed in step S1311 and then the drive control process is terminated.

  In addition, after the highly probable gaming state ends, the standby state is released, and the passage forming body 610X resumes steady rotation. Further, when the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, if it is in the highly probable gaming state, the transition processing to the standby state similar to step S1303 is executed.

  Also in the present embodiment, compared to the support winning result C, the support winning result D is set to have a higher probability of entering the second incoming portion 83eX (distribution probability). Here, with reference to FIG. 41, the manner in which game balls are distributed in the first type rotation mode and the second type rotation mode will be described. FIG. 41 (a) is a timing chart showing an operation mode of the electric combination 91 and the first passage forming body 610X in the second type rotation mode, and FIG. 41 (b) is an electric combination 91 and the first type in the first type rotation mode. It is a timing chart which shows the mode of operation of passage formation object 610X.

(Type 2 rotation mode)
When the support winning result D is reached, as shown in FIG. 41A, the passage forming body 610X starts to rotate in a predetermined direction at the timing when the electric accessory 91 is first switched from the closed state to the open state. To do. And it stops at the predetermined timing after the electric accessory 91 is finally switched to the closed state, rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and returns to the initial state.

  Regarding the rotation speed (second rotation speed) when rotating in a predetermined direction, the passage forming body 610X is configured to rotate 35 degrees during the support execution period.

  In the range where the rotation angle is 0 degree to 5 degrees with reference to the standby state, most of the game balls in which the first opening portion 615X is located at the lowest position and reaches the intermediate position of the first ball passage 601X are concerned. It will be discharged | emitted from the 1st bulb | ball path 601X through the 1st open part 615X. That is, in the range of 0 degrees to 5 degrees, the game balls are allocated mainly to the first entrance portion 83dX.

  In a range in which the rotation angle is 5 degrees to 15 degrees with reference to the standby state, the meat part provided between the first opening part 615X and the second opening part 616X is located at the lowermost part, and the first ball passage 601X The game ball that has reached the intermediate position of the current will flow down the first ball passage 601X through the meat part. That is, in the range of 5 degrees to 15 degrees, the game ball is allocated to the second ball entering portion 83eX mainly.

  In the range where the rotation angle is 15 degrees to 25 degrees with reference to the standby state, the second opening portion 616X is located at the lowermost position, and the game ball that has reached the intermediate position of the first ball passage 601X is in the second opening state. It will be discharged | emitted from the 1st bulb | ball path 601X through the part 616X. That is, in the range of 15 degrees to 25 degrees, the game ball is allocated to the first ball entering portion 83dX mainly.

  In a range in which the rotation angle is 25 degrees to 35 degrees with reference to the standby state, the meat portion provided between the first opening portion 615X and the second opening portion 616X is located at the lowermost portion, and the first ball passage 601X. The game ball that has reached the intermediate position of the current will flow down the first ball passage 601X through the meat part. That is, in the range of 25 degrees to 35 degrees, the game ball is allocated to the second ball entering portion 83eX mainly.

  In the case of rotating at the second rotation speed described above, the support by the electric accessory 91 is completed when the rotation angle of the first passage forming body 610X reaches 35 degrees (the support related to the current support winning result D). To do. Thereafter, the first passage forming body 610X rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (rotates in the reverse direction) and returns to the initial state until the next support winning result is obtained.

  Here, it takes about 0.6 seconds for the game ball that has flowed into the right operation port 83bX to reach the intermediate position, and a time lag occurs when the game ball reaches the intermediate position from the inflow. For the first passage formation body 610X that has started to rotate from the initial state with the opening of the electric accessory 91 as the support winning result D, the second rotation speed is such that the rotation angle from the initial state reaches 5 degrees after 0.6 sec. Is stipulated. For this reason, at the timing when the game ball that has flowed into the right working port 83bX immediately after the electric accessory 91 is opened reaches the intermediate position, the first passage forming body 610X passes through the first ball passage 601X of the game ball. The game ball enters the second ball entry portion 83eX through the first ball passage 601X.

  At the timing when 1.2 sec elapses after the electric accessory 91 is in the open state, the electric accessory 91 is switched to the closed state. The rotation angle of the passage forming body 610X becomes 15 degrees at a timing delayed by 0.6 sec (a timing at which 1.8 sec has elapsed from the start). For this reason, at the timing when the game ball that has flowed into the right operating port 83bX reaches the intermediate position immediately before the electric accessory 91 is closed, the first passage formation body 610X passes through the first ball passage 601X of the game ball. The game ball is allowed to enter the second ball entering portion 83eX through the first ball passage 601X.

  After the electric accessory 91 is in the closed state, the closed state is maintained for 1.2 seconds, and then the second opened state. As described above, there is a time lag of 0.6 sec for the game ball that has flowed into the right operation port 83bX to reach the intermediate position when it is in the open state. The first passage forming body 610X continues to rotate during the period including this time lag, and the rotation angle is changed from 15 degrees to 25 degrees.

  At the timing when the game ball that has flowed into the right operation port 83bX reaches the intermediate position when the open state is reached, the first passage forming body 610X is in a state of allowing the game ball to pass through the first ball passage 601X. The game ball enters the second ball entering portion 83eX through the first ball passage 601X.

  When the electric accessory 91 is closed again, the rotation angle of the first passage forming body 610X reaches 35 degrees with a delay of 0.6 sec. For this reason, at the timing when the game ball that has flowed into the right operating port 83bX reaches the intermediate position immediately before the electric accessory 91 is closed, the first passage formation body 610X passes through the first ball passage 601X of the game ball. The game ball is allowed to enter the second ball entering portion 83eX through the first ball passage 601X.

  As described above, when the support winning result D is obtained, a phase difference of a period necessary for the game ball to move from the right operation port 83bX to the intermediate position is generated, and the opening / closing cycle of the electric accessory 91 and the first passage The configuration is such that the switching cycle of the assignment destination of the formed body 610X coincides (synchronizes). The game ball is allowed to move back and forth in the first ball passage 601X. For this reason, all of the game balls that have flowed into the right working port 83bX while the electric accessory 91 is in the open state pass through the inlet portion 611X to the outlet portion 612X of the first ball passage 601X, and the second incoming portion 83eX. However, most of them reach the second entrance 83eX through the above route.

  The supplementary explanation of the second rotation speed is as follows. Initially, the total rotation allowable time is as follows: opening time (1.2 sec) + closing time (1.2 sec) + opening time (1.2 sec) + time lag (0.6 sec). The rotation angle from the state is defined to be 35 degrees.

(First type rotation mode)
When the support winning result C is reached, as shown in FIG. 41B, the passage forming body 610X starts to rotate in a predetermined direction at the timing when the electric accessory 91 is first switched from the closed state to the open state. To do. And it stops at the predetermined timing after the electric accessory 91 is finally switched to the closed state, rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and returns to the initial state.

  Regarding the rotation speed (second rotation speed) when rotating in a predetermined direction, the passage forming body 610X is 45 during the support execution period (opening time 1.2 sec + closing time 1.2 sec + opening time 1.2 sec + time lag 0.6 sec). It is configured to rotate degrees. That is, the rotational speed is faster than that in the case of the support winning result D. As described above, when the rotation speed is increased, the period during which the passage of the first spherical passage 601X is substantially allowed (rotation angle = 5 degrees to 15 degrees, 25 degrees to 35 degrees) is compressed. As a result, synchronization between the operation of the electric accessory 91 and the operation of the passage forming body 610X is avoided (asynchronous).

  As a result, when the game ball that has flowed in when the electric accessory 91 is in the open state reaches the intermediate position of the first ball passage 601X, it is caught by the opening portions 615X and 616X of the first passage formation body 610X. The possibility of being discharged to the second ball passage 602X is high.

  When the support winning result D (second type rotation mode) is reached, about 80% of the game balls that flow into the right operation port 83bX reach the second entrance portion 83eX. When the support winning result C (first type rotation mode) is reached, about 40% of the game balls that flow into the right operation port 83bX reach the second entrance 83eX. Yes.

  According to the third embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be expected.

  Even when the support winning result C is obtained in a highly probable gaming state, the distribution destination of the game ball is not necessarily limited to the first ball entry portion 83dX, but to the second ball entry portion 83eX. The possibility of entering will remain. Further, even when the support winning result D is reached, the game ball is not necessarily limited to the second entrance portion 83eX, and the possibility of entering the first entrance portion 83dX remains. In this way, any support winning result is configured such that there is room for entering the respective balls 83dX and 83eX so that when the support winning result C is reached, the game will not be performed. Can be suppressed.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, the first passage forming body 610X is a cylindrical rotating body, and the first spherical passage 601X is formed therein. That is, diversification of the distribution mode of the game balls is realized by adopting a configuration in which the game balls can swing back and forth when passing through the first ball passage 601X.

  Moreover, about the operation | movement aspect of the 1st channel | path formation body 610X at the time of becoming the support winning result C, and the operation | movement aspect of the 1st channel | path formation body 610X at the time of becoming the support winning result D, the said 1st channel | path formation body 610X is set. By making it possible to rotate along the front surface of the game board 80aX, the difference in appearance is less noticeable. For this reason, after grasping the operation mode of the first passage forming body 610X and determining whether it is the support winning result C or the support winning result D, it is determined whether or not to release the game ball ( It is difficult to perform so-called irregular beating.

  In particular, when the support by the electric accessory 91 is performed, the first half of the support is favored to enter the second entrance 83eX through the first ball passage 601X than the second half of the support. For this reason, when launching a game ball by watching the movement (mode) of the first passage formation body 610X, the above-mentioned benefits are enjoyed from the presence of a time lag until the game ball reaches the first passage formation body 610X. It becomes difficult to do. As a result, it is possible to urge the continuous launch of game balls.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the third embodiment, by moving the sorting device 92X in accordance with the operation of the electric accessory 91, the predetermined ball entering parts (the first ball entering part 83dX and the second ball entering part 83eX) are operated. Diversification of the distribution mode was realized by changing the probability of entering (distribution probability). On the other hand, in this Embodiment, it is set as the structure which operates the electrically-driven accessory 91 according to the operation | movement of the ball path unit 600X (1st channel | path formation body 610X), and the electric role thing 91 and the ball path unit 600X are comprised. One of the features is that relevance is given to the operation mode. Specifically, the ball aisle unit 600X is configured to constantly rotate at a predetermined speed regardless of the gaming state, and the electric accessory 91 operates in accordance with the movement of the ball aisle unit 600X. This is one of the characteristics. Here, with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 42 and FIG. 43, a description will be given of the power combination support process executed as part of the regular process (normal process) in the MPU 402 of the main controller 162. Note that the main flow of the electric power support process (electric power open / close process) is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description is simplified and the difference from the electric power support process (electric power open / close process) is described. The explanation will focus on the points. The opening / closing mode (opening time = 1.2 sec, number of opening = 2 times, closing time = 1.2 sec) of the electric accessory 91 when the support winning result C and the support winning result D are reached is the above third. Since it is the same as that of embodiment, description is used.

(Telephone support processing)
As shown in FIG. 42, in the electric power support process, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not support is being performed. If it is determined that support is not in progress, the process advances to step S1402 to determine whether or not a support winning flag is stored in the support winning flag storage area provided in the various flags storage area 435 of the RAM 404.

  If the support winning flag is not stored, the process advances to step S1403 to determine whether the value of the accessory timer counter YT provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404 is “0”. If the value of the accessory timer counter YT is not “0”, the main character support process is terminated as it is.

  If the value of the accessory timer counter YT is “0”, it is determined in step S1404 whether or not it is the end timing of the pattern change display on the through gate display unit. If it is the end timing of the variable display, in step S1405, after setting the out-of-display, the main character support process is ended. By setting the out-of-display, the display of the variation of the picture on the through-gate display unit is finished in a state where the out-of-display is stopped and displayed.

  If the value of the accessory timer counter YT is “0” and it is not the end timing of the variable display, it is determined in step S1406 whether or not the value of the accessory reservation storage number SN is greater than “0”. When the value of the stored item reservation memory number SN is “0”, the main character support process is terminated as it is. If the value of the stored item reserve storage number SN is greater than “0”, it is determined in step S1407 whether or not the high frequency support mode is in effect.

  If it is the high frequency support mode, an open lottery (support lottery) is performed in step S1408. Specifically, the value stored in the electronic role holding area 433 (specifically, the holding time area Rc for electric role) is shifted, and the open lottery is performed with reference to the value of the open random number counter C4 shifted to the execution area AE2. Do. At this time, the lottery is executed with reference to the table for the high frequency support mode stored in the acceptance table storage area 421 of the ROM 403. Also, a variable display time setting process is performed in conjunction with the open lottery. Specifically, the variation display time is determined by referring to the value of the variation type counter CS2 and the variation display time table corresponding to the high frequency support mode, and the value corresponding to the determined variation display time is determined as the accessory timer counter. Set to YT. The accessory timer counter YT is decremented by 1 every time the timer interrupt process is started.

  After executing the process of step S1408, the process proceeds to step S1409. In step S1409, it is determined whether or not the result of the open lottery in step S1408 is a support win. If it is not a support win, the process proceeds to step S1411 without executing the processing of step S1410. If it is a support win, a support win flag is stored in step S1410 and provided in various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404. After setting “2” to the round counter RC2, the process proceeds to step S1411.

  In step S1411, the rotational position grasping process of the ball passage unit 600X is executed. Specifically, the rotational position of the ball passage unit 600X is grasped based on detection information input from the rotational position detection sensor for the first passage forming body 610X provided in the ball passage unit 600X.

  After performing the process of step S1411, or when making a negative determination in step S1409, the process proceeds to step S1412. In step S1412, it is determined whether the gaming state corresponds to the low probability mode. If a negative determination is made in step S1412, the present support process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1412, the process proceeds to step S1413. In step S1413, it is determined whether or not the value of the game number counter GC is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S1413, the support process is terminated. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1413, that is, when the value of the game number counter GC is “0” in a situation in which the low probability mode is set (a situation in which the high probability mode has already been demoted). In step S1414, the high-frequency support mode flag is erased, and the support processing ends. As a result, the high frequency support mode is switched to the low frequency support mode.

  Returning to the description of step S1407, if a negative determination is made in step S1407, that is, if the gaming state is corresponding to the low frequency support mode, the process proceeds to step S1415, and an open lottery (support lottery) is performed. Specifically, the value stored in the electronic role holding area 433 is shifted, and the open lottery is performed with reference to the value of the open random number counter C4 shifted to the execution area AE2. At this time, the lottery is executed with reference to the table for the low frequency support mode stored in the acceptance table storage area 421 of the ROM 403. Also, a variable display time setting process is performed in conjunction with the open lottery. Specifically, the variation display time is determined by referring to the value of the variation type counter CS2 and the variation display time table corresponding to the low frequency support mode, and the value corresponding to the determined variation display time is determined as the accessory timer counter. Set to YT. The accessory timer counter YT is decremented by 1 every time the timer interrupt process is started.

  After executing the process of step S1415, the process proceeds to step S1416. In step S1416, it is determined whether or not the result of the open lottery in step S1415 is a support win. If the support is not won, the support process is terminated. On the other hand, if the result of the open lottery in step S1415 is support winning, the support winning flag is stored in step S1417, and “2” is set in the round counter RC2 provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404. Later, this support process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of step S1402, when the support winning flag is stored in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404, an affirmative determination is made in step S1402, and the process proceeds to step S1418. In step S1418, it is determined whether or not the value of the accessory timer counter YT is “0”. When the value of the accessory timer counter YT is not “0”, since the variation display of the picture on the through gate display unit is being performed, the main character support process is terminated as it is. When the value of the accessory timer counter YT is “0”, a win display is set in step S1419. As a result, the display of the variation of the pattern on the through gate display unit is ended in a state where the pattern corresponding to the winning is stopped. In the subsequent step S1420, the supporting flag is stored, and after the support winning flag is erased, the main role supporting process is terminated.

  If the supporting flag is stored, an affirmative determination is made in step S1401, and the process proceeds to step S1421. In step S1421, the electric combination opening / closing process for opening / closing the electric combination 91 is executed, and the electric combination support process ends. Hereinafter, the electric utility opening / closing control process will be described with reference to FIG.

(Electronic switch control processing)
In the electric combination opening / closing control process, it is first determined in step S1501 whether or not the electric combination 91 is being opened. Whether or not the electric accessory 91 is being opened is determined based on whether or not the driving portion 91b for the electric accessory is in a driving state. If the electric accessory 91 is not open, a negative determination is made in step S1501, and the process proceeds to step S1502. In step S1502, it is determined whether or not the accessory timer counter YT is “0”. When the accessory timer counter YT is not “0”, the main character opening / closing process is terminated as it is.

  If the accessory timer counter YT is “0”, the process proceeds to step S1503. In step S1503, it is determined whether the low-frequency support mode is in progress. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1503, a closing process for controlling the electric accessory 91 to a closed state is performed in step S1504, and "1000" (that is, 2.0 sec) is set in the accessory timer counter YT. If a negative determination is made in step S1503, a closing process for controlling the electric accessory 91 to a closed state is performed in step S1505, and "600" (that is, 1.2 sec) is set in the accessory timer counter YT.

  Thereafter, after updating (subtracting 1) the value of the round counter RC2 in step S1506, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter RC2 is “0” in step S1507. If the value of the round counter RC2 is not “0”, the main utility opening / closing process is terminated as it is, and if the value of the round counter RC2 is “0”, the supporting flag is deleted in step S1508. After executing the erasing process in step S1508, the main role opening / closing process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of step S1501, if the electric accessory 91 is not open, a negative determination is made in step S1501, and the process proceeds to step S1510. In step S1510, it is determined whether or not the accessory timer counter YT is “0”. When the accessory timer counter YT is not “0”, the main character opening / closing process is terminated as it is. If the accessory timer counter YT is “0”, it is determined in step S1511 whether or not it is a highly probable gaming state (a gaming state compatible with the high frequency support mode and the high probability mode). If a negative determination is made in step S1511, the process proceeds to step S1514, and an opening process for controlling the electric accessory 91 to an open state is executed.

  Thereafter, in step S1516, it is determined whether or not the low frequency support mode is set. If it is in the low frequency support mode, “300” (that is, 0.6 sec) is set in the accessory timer counter YT in step S1517, and then the main function opening / closing process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is the high frequency support mode, “600” (that is, 1.2 sec) is set in the accessory timer counter YT in step S1518, and then the main feature opening / closing process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of step S1511, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1511, that is, if it is determined that the game state is a highly probable gaming state, the process proceeds to step S1512. In step S1512, it is determined whether or not the current lottery result is the support winning result C. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1512, the process proceeds to step S1513, and it is determined whether or not the rotational position of the first passage forming body 610X is a predetermined first rotational position. If it is not the first rotation position, the main utility opening / closing process is terminated without executing the opening process of step S1514. On the other hand, when the rotation position of the first passage forming body 610X is the first rotation position, the process proceeds to step S1514, and the opening process of the electric accessory 91 is executed. That is, in the case of the support winning result C, the opening of the electric accessory 91 is delayed until the first passage forming body 610X reaches the first rotation position.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1512, that is, if the current lottery result is the support winning result D, the process proceeds to step S1515, where the rotational position of the first passage forming body 610X is a predetermined second rotational position. It is determined whether or not there is. If it is not the second rotation position, the main utility opening / closing process is terminated without executing the opening process of step S1514. On the other hand, when the rotation position of the first passage forming body 610X is the second rotation position, the process proceeds to step S1514, and the opening process of the electric accessory 91 is executed. That is, in the case of the support winning result D, the opening of the electric accessory 91 is delayed until the first passage forming body 610X reaches the second rotation position.

  Here, the rotation speed of the first passage forming body 610X in the present embodiment is the same as the second rotation speed in the third embodiment. That is, it is comprised so that it may become the same period as the opening-and-closing period of the electrically-driven accessory 91. FIG.

  The second rotational position is the same as the initial position shown in the third embodiment. When the first passage forming body 610X reaches the second rotation position, most of the game balls that have flowed into the right operation port 83bX are guided to the second ball entering portion 83eX by starting to open and close the electric accessory 91. It will be.

  On the other hand, the first rotational position is a position shifted by 5 degrees in the predetermined direction from the second rotational position. Although the operation cycle is the same as that of the first passage forming body 610X, the opening portion 615X is reached at the timing when the game ball that has flowed into the right working port 83bX reaches the intermediate position of the first ball passage 601X due to the large phase difference. , 616X may be located at the bottom. When the rotation of the first passage forming body 610X is started at the second rotation position, approximately 80% of the game balls that have flowed into the right operation port 83bX are guided to the second ball entering portion 83eX. On the other hand, when the rotation of the first passage forming body 610X is started at the first rotation position, approximately 40% of the game balls that have flowed into the right operation port 83bX are the second incoming balls. It will be guided to the part 83eX.

  As shown in the present embodiment, if the configuration is such that the game ball distribution destination changes by devising the opening and closing timing of the electric accessory 91 while rotating the first passage forming body 610 at a constant speed, It becomes difficult to find out the optimal launch timing of the game ball from the movement of the first passage forming body 610. In this way, the fairness of the game can be suitably secured by reducing the room for technical intervention.

  In addition, in a configuration in which the game ball distribution destination can change depending on the operational relationship of a plurality of movable bodies, the complexity of the movement of each movable body can be a cause for confusion to the player. Therefore, the movement of one movable body (first passage forming body 610X) is simplified, and the above adjustment is performed by the movement of the movable body (the electric accessory 91) that is originally assumed to be switched to a plurality of states. Thus, the occurrence of the inconvenience described above can be suitably suppressed.

<Fifth embodiment>
In the third embodiment, the distribution mode of the game balls is changed by controlling the driving of one ball path unit 600X. In the present embodiment, the configuration related to this distribution is used. Is characteristic. Specifically, a plurality of sorting devices are used in combination, and one of these sorting devices is interlocked with the movement of the electric accessory 91 while the other is not interlocked with the movement of the electric accessory 91. I am trying. Hereinafter, the sorting apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 44 and 45. FIG. 44 is a front view showing a game board unit 80Y according to the fifth embodiment, FIG. 45 (a) is a plan view showing a sorting apparatus built in the operating ball entering unit 83Y, and FIG. 45 (b) is FIG. It is an AA partial fragmentary sectional view of (a). The basic configuration of the game board unit 80Y shown in the present embodiment is common to the basic configuration of the game board unit 80X shown in the third embodiment. Therefore, the description of these common configurations will be cited, and the difference from the third embodiment will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 44, the operation ball entering unit 83Y shown in the present embodiment also has a configuration in which a game ball flows from the right operation port 83bY through the first ball passage 601Y and the second ball passage 602Y of the ball passage unit 600Y. It has become.

(Operating entrance unit 83Y)
As shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 44, the working ball entering unit 83Y has a housing 501Y that forms the outer area of the working ball entering unit 83Y and defines the inflow region DE of the game ball. The housing 501Y has a box shape opened to the front of the gaming machine, and the front end of the housing 501Y projects beyond the front surface of the gaming board 80aY. This restricts the game balls flowing down the game area PE from directly entering the inflow area DE without going through the right operation port 83bY → the ball path unit 600Y. In addition, the game ball that has entered the inflow area DE is also restricted from flowing out through the open portion. The open portion is covered with a transparent front cover, but in FIG. 44, the operation entrance unit 83Y is shown with the front cover omitted so as to approximate the actual appearance.

  As shown in FIG. 45, a first ball entry portion 83dY and a second ball entry portion 83eY are arranged side by side at the bottom of the housing 501Y, and a first game ball is inserted by a partition portion 502Y provided at the bottom. A first guide area DE1 for guiding to the ball part 83dY and a second guide area DE2 for guiding to the second ball entering part 83eY are divided into two.

  A disk-shaped rotating body 530Y is disposed above the partition portion 502Y. Rotating body 530Y is rotated by the power of motor 540Y connected to notification / production control device 143. The rotation direction of the rotator 530Y is set to be counterclockwise when viewed from above, and the rotation starts when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned on and stops when the power is turned off. To do.

  The rotating body 530Y has a groove 531Y that is open upward. The groove portion 531Y extends from the center of the rotating body 530Y to the outer peripheral edge, and the bottom surface thereof is inclined downward toward the outer peripheral edge. An inclined surface 532Y that is inclined downward from the rotation center of the rotator 530Y toward the outer peripheral edge is formed on the side of the rotator 530Y. Of the game balls that have reached the rotator 530Y, the game balls that have not entered the groove 531Y are guided to the inner wall (vertical wall) side of the housing 501Y along the inclined surface 532Y. A gap through which a game ball can pass is formed between the rotating body 530Y and the inner wall (vertical wall) of the housing 501Y.

  The game ball guided to the inner wall (vertical wall) side of the housing 501Y by the rotating body 530Y (the groove portion 531Y and the inclined surface 532Y) moves to the guide areas DE1, DE2 by its own weight, and finally the guide area DE1, The ball enters the ball entry portions 83dY and 83eY through DE2.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball that has reached the working ball entering unit 83Y through the first ball passage 601Y is guided to the groove 531Y through the first communication passage 541Y, and reaches the working ball entering unit 83Y through the second ball passage 602Y. The gaming balls thus configured are configured to be guided above the first guide area DE1 through the second communication passage 542Y. Most of the game balls that have reached the operating ball entering unit 83Y through the second communication passage 542Y enter the first ball entering portion 83dY through the first guide area DE1. On the other hand, as for the game ball that has reached the groove 531 through the first communication passage 541Y, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 46, the distribution destination depends on the rotational position of the rotating body 530Y. That is, as shown in FIG. 46A, in a situation where the groove 531Y faces the first guide area DE1, the game ball that has reached the groove 531Y via the first communication path 541Y is in the first guide area DE1. When the groove 531Y is directed to the second guide area DE2 as shown in FIG. 46B, the game ball that has reached the groove 531Y via the first communication passage 541Y is second guided. It will be guided to area | region DE2.

  In the present embodiment, the rotating body 530Y is configured to rotate constantly at a constant speed when the high-probability mode and the high-probability gaming state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode are not achieved. In this case, the probability that the game ball that has reached the operating ball entering unit 83Y through the first communication passage 541Y is distributed to the second ball entering portion 83eY is approximately 50%.

  On the other hand, when the highly probable gaming state is reached, the rotation of the rotating body 530Y shifts from a steady rotation to a special rotation including temporary deceleration or acceleration. By adjusting the position of the rotator 530Y according to such an operation mode, the distribution probability to the second ball entering portion 83eY is changed so as to be higher than the state other than the highly probable gaming state.

  When the support winning result D is reached, most of the game balls that have reached the operating ball entering unit 83Y through the first communication passage 541Y enter the second guidance area DE2 → the second ball entering portion 83eY, and the support winning result In the case of C, approximately 80% of the game balls that have reached the operating ball entering unit 83Y through the first communication passage 541Y enter the second guide area DE2 → the second ball entering portion 83eY so as to rotate. The rotational position of 530Y is adjusted. In the following description, the ball path unit 600Y is referred to as a “first sorting device 600Y”, and the configuration relating to the sorting of the rotating body 530Y, the motor 540Y, etc. in the working ball entering unit 83Y is referred to as a “second sorting device 500Y”.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 47, the special drive control process of the second sorting apparatus 500Y that is executed as part of the regular process (electric utility support process) by the MPU 402 of the main controller 162 will be described.

(Second sorter special drive control process)
In the second sorter special drive control process, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not a highly probable gaming state. If a negative determination is made in step S1601, the special drive control process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1601, the process proceeds to step S1602, and it is determined whether or not the result of the current support lottery is a support winning result D.

  In the present embodiment, the probability of becoming the support winning result C and the probability of becoming the support winning result D are reversed, and in most cases, the support winning result D is won.

  If a positive determination is made in step S1602, the process proceeds to step S1603. In step S1603, it is determined whether or not it is time to switch the electric accessory 91 to the open state. More specifically, in the present embodiment, when the support winning result D is reached, the electric accessory 91 is detected twice. It is determined whether or not it is the first opening timing. If a negative determination is made in step S1603, the special drive control process is terminated as it is.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1603, the process proceeds to step S1604, and the rotational position first adjustment process is executed. In the present embodiment, the rotation period of the rotating body 530Y is set to be 2.4 sec which is the same as the opening time (1.2 sec) + the closing time (1.2 sec) of the electric accessory 91. That is, the operation cycle of the electric accessory 91 and the rotation cycle of the rotating body 530Y coincide with each other. In addition, a predetermined time lag (1.2 sec) occurs until the game ball that has flowed into the right operation port 83bY reaches the operation entry unit 83Y through the first distribution device 600Y.

  In the first rotational position adjustment process, the rotational position of the rotator 530Y is first grasped, and the groove 531Y is moved to the first guide area DE1 at a timing 1.2 seconds after the game ball can reach the working ball entry unit 83Y. The phase shift of the rotator 530Y is corrected so as to shift from 2 to the second guide area DE2. Specifically, position adjustment is performed by temporarily accelerating or decelerating the rotating body 530Y. As a result of this position adjustment, most of the game balls that have flowed into the right operation port 83bY as the electric accessory 91 is released are guided to the second guide area DE2. Then, the groove portion 531Y passes through the first guide area DE1 in a situation where it is difficult for the electric accessory 91 to reach the working ball entry unit 83Y with the closing, and the closing time (interval) It is possible to proceed with preparations corresponding to the second opening while maintaining the rotation at a constant speed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1602, that is, if it is determined that the current support lottery result is the support winning result C, the process proceeds to step S1605. In step S1605, it is determined whether or not it is time to switch the electric accessory 91 to the open state. More specifically, in the present embodiment, when the support winning result C is reached, the electric accessory 91 is 2 Although it is opened over a number of times, it is determined whether or not it is the first release timing. If a negative determination is made in step S1605, the special drive control process is terminated as it is.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1605, the process advances to step S1606 to execute the rotational position second adjustment process. As already described, the rotation period of the rotating body 530Y is set to be 2.4 sec, which is the same as the opening time (1.2 sec) + the closing time (1.2 sec) of the electric accessory 91. That is, the operation cycle of the electric accessory 91 and the rotation cycle of the rotating body 530Y coincide with each other. In addition, a predetermined time lag (1.2 sec) occurs until the game ball that has flowed into the right operation port 83bY reaches the operation entry unit 83Y through the first distribution device 600Y.

  In the first rotational position adjustment process, the rotational position of the rotator 530Y is first grasped, and the groove 531Y is moved to the first guide area DE1 at a timing 1.2 seconds after the game ball can reach the working ball entry unit 83Y. The phase shift of the rotator 530Y is corrected so as to be the position before moving to the second guide area DE2. Specifically, the position adjustment is performed by temporarily accelerating or decelerating the rotating body 530Y. Compared with the rotation position first adjustment process, the position is delayed by about 36 degrees, so that about 80% of the game balls that flow into the right operation port 83bY with the opening of the electric accessory 91 are in the second guide area. It will be guided to DE2.

  While linking only one of the two sorting devices 500Y and 600Y arranged in parallel on the right route with the movement of the electric accessory 91, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being overly complicated. It is possible to change the distribution bias according to the type of support winning result.

  In particular, by targeting the sorting device 500Y on the downstream side, it is possible to earn a period until the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 reaches the sorting device 500Y. It is difficult to adjust the launch by watching the movement.

  In addition, by making one of the “variable entrance part” away from the right working port 83bY as a target of drive control, both the movement of the electric accessory 91 and the movement of the sorting device 500Y can be seen to perform the launch operation. It is difficult to make adjustments.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of each embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above embodiments. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or some of the various configurations shown in the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects to be exerted) of the components to be combined is ensured. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration that is a combination of the embodiments, or a part or all of the configurations may be applied in combination.

  (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the operation hole 83b as the “variable ball entry portion” is provided, and the game ball that has flowed into the operation port 83b is distributed to the first ball entry portion 83d (“the first ball entry portion” by the distribution means 83g. Although it is configured to distribute to the second entrance 83e (corresponding to the “second entrance”), it is not limited to this. It is sufficient that there are multiple entrances with different game times execution time set, and in the high frequency support mode, it is sufficient to enter any entrance part. It is also possible to omit a distribution device that provides a portion or distributes game balls that have entered the variable ball-entry portion.

  However, in a configuration where the game can be advantageously advanced by changing the aim (entrance ball club) according to the situation, excessive technical intervention is allowed and it is difficult to ensure fairness among players. In the first place, it is assumed that the effect of the present application that suppresses monotonization of the game will not be exhibited well. Therefore, in the structure having a plurality of ball entering portions, it is preferable to arrange these ball entering portions on one path.

  (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the variable display time set based on the entry to the first entry part 83d with relatively few prize balls is set to the second entry part with relatively many prize balls. Although it is shorter than the variable display time set based on the entry to 83e, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 48 (a), the entry to the first entry part 83d with relatively few award balls May be set longer than the variable display time set based on entering the second ball entering portion 83e having a relatively large number of award balls.

  In the above embodiment, the rate at which the variable display time set based on the entry to the first entry part 83d is shortened in accordance with the increase in the number of holds is set to the entry to the second entry part 83e. Although the variable display time set based on the sphere is set to be larger than the rate shortened in accordance with the increase in the number of holds, as shown in FIG. The rate at which the variable display time set based on the increase in the number of holdings is shortened according to the increase in the number of holdings. It is also possible to make it smaller than the ratio to be generated.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the number of prize balls when the entrance to the second entrance 83e that is relatively difficult to enter is the same as the first entrance that is relatively easy to enter. Although it has a configuration in which superiority is given to the second pitching portion 83e by increasing the number of prize balls when the ball enters 83d, the difference is provided in the variable display time set as described above. Therefore, the superiority of the second entrance part 83e is secured. In view of such circumstances, it is not necessary to provide a difference in the number of winning balls between the two entering parts 83d and 83e, and it is possible to share the same number of winning balls.

  (3) In each of the above embodiments, the variable display time set based on the ball entering the first ball entering portion 83d and the variable display time set based on the ball entering the second ball incoming portion 83e The difference is reduced so as to increase as the number of holds increases. However, the difference may be changed so that the difference increases, for example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 48B. Is possible.

  In addition, the variable display time that is set based on the entrance to the first entrance part 83d and the change display time that is set based on the entrance to the second entrance part 83e are not necessarily used for all the holding numbers. There is no need to set a difference. It is sufficient that a difference is set in at least a part (preferably, a variable display time in a situation where the number of holds reaches the upper limit), and it is also possible to eliminate the setting difference of other variable display times.

  (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the variable display time set based on the entrance to each of the entrance portions 83d and 83e due to the increase in the number of holds in the situation of the high frequency support mode. Although the configuration is shortened, it is not necessary to make the relationship of increase in the number of holdings → shortening the variable display time essential. For example, it is possible to configure so that the variable display time becomes longer as the number of holds increases.

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, the difference in accordance with the destination of the ball for both the variable display time and the fixed display time of the pattern in the display unit for the ball portion of the main display portion D (corresponding to “picture display means”) By setting, the game execution time is made different. If it is possible to provide a difference in the game execution time set based on the entrance to each entrance, there is no need to provide a difference in both the variable display time and the final display time, and a difference is provided in at least one of them. It is sufficient if the configuration is provided.

  (6) In each of the above embodiments, the reservation information based on the entry to the second entry portion 83e is prioritized and digested over the hold information based on the entry to the first entry portion 83d. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which preferentially digests the reservation information based on the entrance to the first entrance portion 83d over the suspension information based on the entrance to the second entrance portion 83e, or in time series order (stored). It is good also as a structure digested in order.

  (7) In each of the above-described embodiments, even if the high-frequency support mode is set, the game balls are allocated to the distribution unit 83g depending on whether the high-probability mode or the low-probability mode is selected. Although the diversification of the game under the high frequency support mode is realized by adopting the configuration for separating whether or not to stipulate, the game ball is not limited to this, but is also limited to the game ball by the distribution means 83g in the low probability mode. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that prescribes the distribution destination. Even in the case of making such a change, it is possible to exert an effect of suppressing the monotony of the game by setting a difference according to the probability mode in the regulation mode of the distribution destination.

  (8) In the first and second embodiments, the destination is restricted by switching the distribution means 83g to either the first guidance state or the second guidance state according to the support winning result. It was. It is not limited to this, but by applying the technical idea shown in the third embodiment, even if any support winning result occurs, the bias of the destination will occur, It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the distribution is not limited to a single entrance part.

  (9) In the first and second embodiments, the game ball distribution mode is changed according to the type of support winning result (support winning result A to supporting winning result D). If it is possible to change the distribution mode to a plurality of pitching parts provided with a difference in fluctuation display time, it is not always necessary to depend on the determination of the type of the support winning result. For example, a lottery means for determining the distribution mode may be provided separately, or the distribution mode is determined with reference to the values of existing counters such as the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, etc. It is good also as a structure.

  (10) In the third to fifth embodiments, the game ball that has flowed out from the midway position of the first ball passage 601X is guided to the operation entry unit 83X through the second ball passage 602X. It is not limited to. For example, the configuration may be such that the second ball passage 602X is excluded, and the game balls discharged from the first ball passage 601X are not guided to the working entry unit 83X. In addition, a discharge port or the like is formed in the middle of the second ball passage 602X, and a part of the game balls that have flowed into the second ball passage 602X are not guided to the operation ball entry unit 83X, It is good also as a structure discharged | emitted from 600X.

  (11) In the third to fifth embodiments, a horizontally long spherical passage between the right operation port 83bX as the “variable entrance portion” and the entrance portions 83d and 83e as the “entrance entrance”. By interposing the unit 600X (corresponding to “distribution means”), it is configured to encourage attention to the behavior of the game ball. In such a configuration, the game ball flows into the right operation port 83bX and then the prize ball There will be a time lag before the payout is executed. Therefore, for example, a right detection opening 83bX is provided with a ball detection sensor, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out based on the detection of the ball input by the ball detection sensor, in order to determine whether or not a winning ball is possible. The detection means and the means (detection sensors 391c, 391d) for acquiring the hold information as “special information” may be provided individually.

  In addition, when employ | adopting the structure shown in the said modification (10), a practically preferable structure is realizable by applying the technical idea shown to this characteristic.

  (12) In the third to fifth embodiments, the distribution means (the first passage forming body 610X and the rotating body 530Y) prior to the support winning result under the condition of being in a highly probable gaming state. ) Is moved to a predetermined preparation position. However, the time for such preparation can be an obstacle to realizing a quick game progression. Focusing on the fact that the values of the open random number counter C4 and the open type counter C5 acquired in advance by passing through the through gate are stored, the support lottery etc. in advance for the lottery related to the corresponding electronic role holding information ( For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the distribution unit is started prior to the operation of the electric accessory 91 according to the result. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid occurrence of useless waiting time, and to appropriately prevent the presence of the movable distribution means from hindering the speeding up of the game progress.

  (13) In the fourth embodiment, the opening timing of the electric accessory 91 is delayed according to the rotational position of the first passage forming body 610X. However, if this delay function becomes excessively strong, It is assumed that the original support function of the object 91 is lowered. In view of such circumstances, the configuration shown in the fourth embodiment may be changed as follows.

  That is, for the first passage forming body 610X, the period required for the game ball to pass through the first ball passage 601X is approximately 2.4 seconds, and the rotation cycle of the first passage forming body 610X is equivalent to this (2.4 seconds). ). With this configuration, the maximum delay time at the start of support (at the first opening) is 2.4 seconds, but the maximum delay time during support (at the second opening) is (open time 1.2 sec + closed) The time can be reduced to 0 sec. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the closing time from becoming excessively longer than the opening time of the electric accessory 91 during the highly probable gaming state, thereby contributing to improvement in support efficiency.

  (14) In the fifth embodiment, two distribution devices are arranged upstream / downstream, and the distribution mode of game balls by one of the distribution devices on the downstream side is set as the type of the support winning result. The control is performed in response to the control, but the control target may be a sorting device arranged on the upstream side or all the sorting devices.

  (15) In the third to fifth embodiments, the operation cycle of the allocating means and the operation cycle of the electric accessory 91 are aligned. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient if the distribution probability of the game ball to the first ball entering part 83d and the second ball entering part 83e can be changed while operating at least the distributing means, and it is not necessary to make the operation cycle uniform. For example, it is not necessary to keep the speed of the allocating means constant during rotation, and the operation speed of the allocating means can be changed.

  (16) In the above embodiment, the configuration is such that the support mode is forcibly switched to the low frequency support mode when the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode. In some cases, it is possible to adopt a configuration that takes over this and maintains the high-frequency support mode.

  However, it is an opportunity to acquire a large number of game balls during the opening / closing execution mode, and if the number of balls entered into the variable winning device 82 does not reach the predetermined number within a predetermined time, whether or not the privilege that should have been originally obtained has been missed It can be a factor that gives such an impression to the player. Therefore, when applying the technical idea shown in the present modification, as shown in the third embodiment, etc., it is variable on the flow-down path toward the right working port 83bX as the “variable entrance part”. A winning device 82 may be provided.

  (17) It is also possible to adopt a configuration that suggests or teaches the movement of various game parts constituting the “distributing means” on the display screen 253a or the like of the symbol display device 253. In particular, in the combination with the modified example (12) (configuration in which the prefetching function is installed), by showing the player the movement of the sorting means in advance, the effect of improving the degree of attention to the sorting means is further improved. Can be demonstrated.

  (18) The configuration may be such that it does not depend on the number of common hold counts CRN, and may be set so that the variable display time becomes shorter as the number of common hold counts CRN is smaller. When the second start pending storage number RbN is “0”, the larger the first start pending storage number RaN is, the shorter the variable display time becomes, and the second start pending storage number RbN is equal to or greater than “1”. In this case, the variation display time may be set to be shorter as the number of the second start pending storage numbers RbN is larger. When the second start pending storage number RbN is “0”, the larger the first start pending storage number RaN is, the shorter the variable display time becomes, and the second start pending storage number RbN is equal to or greater than “1”. In this case, the variable display time may be longer as the number of the second start reserved memory number RbN is larger, or may be set to be constant without depending on each of the reserved memory numbers RaN and RbN.

  (19) When the high-frequency support mode and the low-frequency support mode are set as modes for changing the probability of entering the operation port 83b as the “variable entrance portion”, the entrance is made in each of these support modes. If the probability is changed, the specific configuration may be arbitrarily changed. For example, in either the high frequency support mode or the low frequency support mode, the probability that the support winning result is the same will be the same, and the variable display time under the high frequency support mode will be greater than the variable display time under the low frequency support mode. Can be shortened. As a result, the number of times support is substantially changed changes, and the superiority of the high frequency support mode can be secured.

  (20) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiments, such as pachinko machines in which an electric accessory is released a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or games in a specific area of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a big hit when a ball enters, a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball, and the like.

  Also, a non-ball-type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reel by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. If a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line visible from the display window after the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has passed, a privilege such as paying out medals is given to the player The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine.

  Furthermore, a pachinko machine and a slot machine that have a take-in device and start rotation of the reel by operating a start lever after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are taken in by the take-in device The present invention can also be applied to game machines in which and are fused.

<Invention Group Extracted from Each Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

  The following feature group includes: “A game machine such as a pachinko machine includes a game board on which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching unit that launches a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by a player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1) "With regard to the gaming machine of the type described above, the configuration is still improved in order to suppress the monotony of the game and suppress the decline in the player's gaming motivation. The invention that “there is room” is made with a problem to be solved.

<Feature A group>
Feature A1. Based on the player's operation, a game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area (game area PE);
A variable entry part (for example, a lower entry port of the action entry unit 83, which is provided in the game area and can be switched to a first state and a second state in which entry is more difficult or impossible than in the first state. 83b)
A payout means (payout function by the payout control device 242) for paying out a game ball to a player based on the incoming ball when a ball enters the variable ball portion;
Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on entering the variable pitching unit (a function of acquiring holding information in the MPU 402 of the main controller 162);
Acquisition information storage means (RAM 404 of the main controller 162) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Grant determination means (lottery function by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the grant information;
A game state transition unit (MPU 402 of the main control device 162) that shifts the gaming state to the special gaming state based on the fact that the result of the grant determination by the grant determination unit corresponds to the grant information corresponding to the grant information. Function to execute the game state transition process in)
Pattern display means (for example, main display unit 87 or symbol display device 253) having a display unit (for example, main display unit D or display screen 253a) and variably displaying a pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the application determination being performed by the application determination unit or based on the application determination being performed by the application determination unit, the image display unit starts variable display of the pattern, and the result of the application determination The display of the stop corresponding to the above and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game round, and the variable display of the picture of each game round is made according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means Game time control means (function to execute game time control processing in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling the picture display means to be performed;
Switching control means for switching the variable pitching portion to the first state and the second state (function to execute a power support process in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162),
In the switching control by the switching control means, the first switching mode (low frequency support mode) in which the variable pitching portion is in the first state and the first state are relatively short. The second switching mode (high frequency support mode) that is relatively long is set,
The variable pitching part is
A first entrance (first entrance 83d) and a second entrance (second entrance 83e);
Distribution means (distribution device 92) for distributing the game balls that have entered the variable entry portion to the first entry port and the second entry port;
The game times control means includes:
A first required period is set as a required period of the game times based on the incoming ball when a ball enters the first ball slot in the situation of the second switching mode. Setting means (function to execute the variable display time setting process (S512) in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162);
In the situation where the second switching mode is in effect, when a ball enters the second ball slot, a required period of game play based on the ball is longer than the first required period. 2. A gaming machine comprising second setting means for setting a required period (a function for executing a setting process (S514) of a variable display time in the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162).

  According to the feature A1, the game ball that has flowed into the variable pitch portion under the condition of the second switching mode having a relatively high pitch rate is the first pitch port after flowing into the variable pitch portion. And it will be distributed to the 2nd entrance. Here, when the entrance to the first entrance is generated, a relatively short first required period is set as a required period of game play (execution period: for example, a variable (variable) display period + a fixed display period). When a ball enters the second entrance, a relatively long second required period is set as the required period of game play. In this way, by changing the required period according to the destination (distribution destination) of the game ball that has flowed into the variable entrance portion, it is possible to change the rhythm of the game progress. Therefore, it can suppress suitably that it becomes a factor which makes a game monotonous when it becomes the 2nd switching mode and the pitching frequency to a variable pitching part increases.

Feature A2. The game times control means is configured to determine whether or not the first entrance and the second entrance are in the first switching mode, based on the entrance. A third setting means (a function for executing the variable display time setting process (S509) in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for setting a third required period as a required period of game times;
The gaming machine according to Feature A1, wherein the first required period and the second required period are set to be shorter than the third required period.

  According to the feature A2, in the situation of the second switching mode, the entrance rate of the game balls is increased and the progress speed of the game is increased as compared with the first switching mode. If an attempt is made to speed up the progress of the game, inevitably the difference in the required period between the game times is reduced. Therefore, while it is possible to suppress the progress of the extended game, it is assumed that the adverse effect that the game becomes monotonous is likely to occur. In this way, by changing the required period according to the destination, the game rhythm can be changed even in the uptempo. Thereby, it can suppress suitably that game progress becomes monotonous.

  Feature A3. When in the second switching mode, the payout means is more than the number of game balls fired toward the variable pitching portion by firing the game balls toward the variable pitching portion. The gaming machine according to Feature A1 or Feature A2, wherein the number of game balls to be paid out is set to be larger.

  According to the feature A3, the longer the second switching mode continues, the greater the number of game balls (held balls) that can be acquired. For this reason, it is assumed that the player plays the game with the expectation that the game in the second switching mode will be performed as long as possible before shifting to the special gaming state. If this game machine is configured such that the required period changes according to the entrance as shown in the above feature A1, etc., the game can be made according to the distribution destination of the game balls entered into the variable entrance. The rhythm of progress will change. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

  Feature A4. The gaming machine according to Feature A3, further comprising a determining unit that determines whether or not to shift from the second switching mode to the first switching mode based on the special information.

  According to the feature A4, based on the entrance to the variable entrance part (acquired special information), the transition determination to the special gaming state (winning lottery) and the transition determination to the first switching mode (falling lottery) , Game balls are paid out. If a privilege such as a transition to the special gaming state or a payout of a game ball is to be obtained, a risk of shifting to the first switching mode (demotion) is inevitably taken. For this reason, it is important to generate as many balls as possible before the determination of one grant is made in order to advance the game advantageously. Providing the above-described difference in the required period in such a game mode has a technical significance of suitably improving the degree of attention to the game by suppressing monotonization of the game.

Feature A5. The acquisition information storage unit is configured to store the special information acquired by the information acquisition unit as a plurality of numbers, with a predetermined number predetermined as an upper limit,
The grant determination means is configured to sequentially perform the grant determination on the plurality of special information when a plurality of special information is stored in the acquisition information storage means,
In the situation where the number of special information stored in the storage means has reached a specified number, when the entrance to the variable entrance section has occurred, the information acquisition means based on the entrance The gaming machine according to Feature A3 or Feature A4, wherein acquisition of the special information by the player is restricted, while payout of the game ball by the payout means based on the incoming ball is permitted.

  When an upper limit (specified number) is set for the number of special information that can be stored, acquisition of special information based on the occurrence of a ball exceeding the upper limit is avoided. In other words, in the case of entering a ball in a situation where the number exceeds the specified number, the advantage of paying out the game ball can be enjoyed, but the disadvantage of taking the risk of demotion to the first switching mode does not occur (in the second switching mode) Can be a trigger for termination).

  As shown in the feature A3 and the like, in the second switching mode, if the time as much as possible is directly linked to the advantageous advancement of the game, the delay is such that one ball is generated while suppressing the launch of the game balls. There is no denying the possibility of action. If such a delayed action is performed, there may be inconveniences such as not being able to perform the above-described monotonization suppression function well, and reducing the operating rate of the gaming machine. Further, the original function of the second switching mode for accelerating the game progress can be wasted.

  In this regard, according to the combination with the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to prompt the player to play a game with a goal exceeding the upper limit, and the operation of launching the game ball is easily continued (so-called irregular hitting is performed). It ’s hard to break) Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the said various inconvenience can be suppressed suitably.

  Feature A6. The feature A5 is characterized in that the difference between the first required period and the second required period changes according to the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means. Game machines.

  In the configuration in which the special information is acquired based on the entry into the variable entry portion, the number of stored special information increases or decreases as the game progresses. By using such irregularities to change the difference between the first required period and the second required period, it is possible to contribute to further diversification of the game.

  Feature A7. The difference between the first required period and the second required period is configured such that the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means decreases as the specified number approaches. The gaming machine according to Feature A6.

  As shown in feature A5, in a configuration that can avoid the disadvantages for a ball that exceeds the upper limit, it is assumed that the game is played aiming for a ball that exceeds the upper limit. Here, if it becomes a state where the distribution to the entrance of entrance that is disadvantageously disadvantageous (the required time is short) is performed, it is advantageous to overtake the state without intentionally launching the game ball The option of switching to pine may occur. If an act of aiming at such an advantageous state is performed, the operation rate in the second switching mode is lowered. Therefore, as shown in this feature, by reducing the difference between the first predetermined period and the second predetermined period in the vicinity of the specified number, even if some reduction of the required period occurs, the upper limit is acknowledged. The advantage of aiming to enter the game can arise, and the game can be continued. Therefore, it can suppress that the difference in a required period obstructs in exhibiting the function of diversifying a game.

Feature A8. The first required period and the second required period are configured such that the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means is shortened by approaching the specified number,
The gaming machine according to Feature A6 or Feature A7, wherein the degree of shortening of the first required period and the second required period is configured to decrease as the prescribed number approaches.

  If a function that shortens the required time by increasing the number of special information (so-called time-saving function) is installed, the number of special information that is memorized when trying to earn the required time as much as possible There is a possibility that a game ball may be launched at once, aiming to exceed the specified number after it is reduced. In this case, it is assumed that the operation rate in the second switching mode decreases. In consideration of such circumstances, by reducing the degree of shortening as the number of stored special information approaches the specified number, the advantage of playing a game by the above-described method is suppressed, and the game progresses quickly. Can be encouraged.

Feature A9. The first required period and the second required period are configured such that the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means is shortened by approaching the specified number,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A6 to A8, wherein the degree of shortening of the first required period is configured to be smaller than the degree of shortening of the second required period.

  When the stored information is small, the distribution to the first entrance is caused by the fact that the distribution to the second entrance is generated when the stored information is large. Disadvantageous. For this reason, it is possible to prompt the player to launch the game ball so that a state in which as much special information as possible is stored is maintained, and the occurrence of the various inconveniences described above can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A10. When in the second switching mode, the payout means is more than the number of game balls fired toward the variable pitching portion by firing the game balls toward the variable pitching portion. The number of game balls to be paid out is set to be larger,
When the special gaming state is entered, the game ball is paid out to the player on the basis of the entry to the special entry unit (variable winning device 82),
The increase rate of the game balls in the second switching mode is configured to be lower than the increase rate of the game balls in the special game state. Game machines.

  According to the configuration shown in this feature, the longer the second switching mode continues, the greater the number of game balls (held balls) that can be acquired. For this reason, it is assumed that the player plays the game with the expectation that the game in the second switching mode will be performed as long as possible before shifting to the special gaming state. If this game machine is configured such that the required period changes according to the entrance as shown in the above feature A1, etc., the game can be made according to the distribution destination of the game balls entered into the variable entrance. The rhythm of progress will change. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

  Also, in the second switching mode, when an increase in the number of balls can be expected, if the rate of increase is the same as that in the special gaming state, the second switching mode and the special gaming state in the game progress The difference between and the game progress (out) can become monotonous. Therefore, as shown in this feature, by making the increase rate of the game balls in the second switching mode lower than the increase rate of the game balls in the special game state, occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  Feature A11. The distribution means includes a first distribution state (first guidance state) in which game balls are more easily distributed to the first entrance than the second entrance, and the first entrance than the first entrance. 2. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A10, characterized in that it can be switched to a second distribution state (second guidance state) in which game balls are easily distributed to two entrances. .

  According to the feature A11, by making the distribution unit switchable between the first distribution state and the second distribution state, it is possible to change the distribution destination bias. For example, the game progress can be accelerated by frequent occurrence of entrance to the first entrance, or the game progress can be slowed (delayed) by causing frequent entrance to the second entrance. . Thereby, a big flow can be generated in the rhythm of game progress, and it can contribute to suppression of monotonization of a game.

  Feature A12. Means for switching the distribution means to either the first distribution state or the second distribution state when the variable pitching portion is switched from the second state to the first state by the switching control means; A gaming machine according to Feature A11, comprising the gaming machine.

  According to the feature A12, it is possible to provide a relationship between the movement of the variable ball-in-feed unit and the change in the state of the distribution means by adopting a configuration in which the distribution state is switched when the variable ball-in-ball unit is opened. In the first place, if the game ball does not flow into the variable entrance portion, the game ball will not enter the first entrance / second entrance, but the distribution destination after the inflow depends on the distribution means. The number of points that the player should pay attention to increases. While this is preferable for exhibiting the various effects described above, it increases the burden on the player's eyes and the like. Therefore, by configuring the distribution means to change the state of the distribution means according to the movement of the variable pitching portion where the player's attention is likely to be directed in the first place, it becomes clear when the player should pay attention to the distribution means. It can suppress suitably that the said inconvenience arises.

  Feature A13. When the first switching mode is set, the distribution means is switched so that the game balls that have entered the variable entry portion are alternately distributed to the first entrance and the second entrance. When the second switching mode is permitted, the game balls that have entered the variable entry portion are continuously distributed to one of the first entry port and the second entry port. The game machine according to Feature A11 or Feature A12, further comprising means for restricting state switching of the distribution means.

  As shown in the feature A13, by changing the distribution mode of the game balls according to the switching mode, further differentiation between the game in the first switching mode and the game in the second switching mode can be realized. In particular, by causing a bias in the destination during the second switching mode in which the frequency of entering (the probability of entering) is higher than in the first switching mode, the rhythm change of the game progression based on the difference in the required period described above can be achieved. It can be suitably exhibited.

Feature A14. When in the second switching mode, the payout means is more than the number of game balls fired toward the variable pitching portion by firing the game balls toward the variable pitching portion. The number of game balls to be paid out is set to be larger,
The switching means is configured to switch the variable pitching portion to the first state based on a game ball passing through a predetermined location (through gate 84) in the game area,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A13, wherein the game area is configured such that a game ball that has passed through the predetermined location flows down to the variable pitching portion.

  According to the configuration shown in this feature, the longer the second switching mode continues, the greater the number of game balls (held balls) that can be acquired. For this reason, it is assumed that the player plays the game with the expectation that the game in the second switching mode will be performed as long as possible before shifting to the special gaming state. If this game machine is configured such that the required period changes according to the entrance as shown in the above feature A1, etc., the game can be made according to the distribution destination of the game balls entered into the variable entrance. The rhythm of progress will change. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

  Here, if the intervention of a technique that can advance the game advantageously by contriving with the operation of launching the game ball is allowed, the profit that can be acquired by the player's technique etc. changes, and the fairness is likely to be impaired. Become. Therefore, if the game ball is fired aiming at a predetermined location to switch the variable ball entry portion to the first state, the game ball inevitably reaches the variable ball entry portion. It is difficult to switch the variable entrance portion to the first state while avoiding the sphere. As a result, it becomes difficult to generate the entrance to the second entrance while suppressing entrance to the first entrance, and the technical significance of using the first required period and the second required period together is reduced. It can be suitably secured.

Feature A15. The required period of the game times includes a variable display period for performing variable display of the pattern by the pattern display means,
The first required period has a first variable display period as the variable display period,
The second required period has a second variable display period as the variable display period,
The first setting means and the second setting means make the second required display period longer than the first required period by making the second variable display period longer than the first variable display period. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A14, wherein the gaming machine is configured.

  In the configuration in which the required period includes a variable display period in which the pattern is variably displayed as shown in the feature A15, the monotonousness of the game is suppressed by changing the variable display period according to the game situation. . A practically preferable configuration can be realized by using such a configuration to differentiate the first required period and the second required period.

Feature A16. The required period of the game times includes a stop display period in which the design is stopped and displayed after the variable display of the design is performed by the design display means.
The first required period has a first stop display period as the stop display period,
The second required period has a second stop display period as the stop display period,
The first setting means and the second setting means make the second required period longer than the first required period by making the second stop display period longer than the first stop display period. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A15, wherein the gaming machine is configured.

  In recent years, a gaming machine equipped with a so-called time reduction function for shortening the variable display period of a picture by increasing the number of stored special information has been proposed. In this type of gaming machine, when the probability of entering is increased in the second switching mode, the above-mentioned time-saving function is easily exhibited. That is, when the above-described time-shortening function is strongly exerted, the proportion of the stop display period in the required period increases. Therefore, if the difference is caused in the required period due to the difference in the stop display period, the effect shown in the feature A1 and the like can be ensured while ensuring the time reduction function and the game result notification function. And it can suppress suitably that existence of such a difference is buried and it becomes difficult to understand the difference of a required period.

Feature A17. Based on the player's operation, a game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area (game area PE);
A variable entry part (for example, a lower entry port of the action entry unit 83, which is provided in the game area and can be switched to a first state and a second state in which entry is more difficult or impossible than in the first state. 83b)
A payout means (payout function by the payout control device 242) for paying out a game ball to a player based on the incoming ball when a ball enters the variable ball portion;
Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on entering the variable pitching unit (a function of acquiring holding information in the MPU 402 of the main controller 162);
Acquisition information storage means (RAM 404 of the main controller 162) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Grant determination means (lottery function by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the grant information;
A game state transition unit (MPU 402 of the main control device 162) that shifts the gaming state to the special gaming state based on the fact that the result of the grant determination by the grant determination unit corresponds to the grant information corresponding to the grant information. Function to execute the game state transition process in)
Pattern display means (for example, main display unit 87 or symbol display device 253) having a display unit (for example, main display unit D or display screen 253a) and variably displaying a pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the application determination being performed by the application determination unit or based on the application determination being performed by the application determination unit, the image display unit starts variable display of the pattern, and the result of the application determination The display of the stop corresponding to the above and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game round, and the variable display of the picture of each game round is made according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means Game time control means (function to execute game time control processing in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling the picture display means to be performed;
Switching control means for switching the variable pitching portion to the first state and the second state (function to execute a power support process in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162),
In the switching control by the switching control means, the first switching mode (low frequency support mode) in which the variable pitching portion is in the first state and the first state are relatively short. The second switching mode (high frequency support mode) that is relatively long is set,
The variable entrance part has a first entrance (first entrance part 83d) and a second entrance (second entrance part 83e), and the game ball flowing into the variable entrance part is It is configured to enter either the first entrance or the second entrance,
The game times control means includes:
A first required period is set as a required period of the game times based on the incoming ball when a ball enters the first ball slot in the situation of the second switching mode. Setting means (function to execute the variable display time setting process (S512) in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162);
In the situation where the second switching mode is in effect, when a ball enters the second ball slot, a required period of game play based on the ball is longer than the first required period. 2. A gaming machine comprising second setting means for setting a required period (a function for executing a setting process (S514) of a variable display time in the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162).

  According to the feature A17, the game ball that has flowed into the variable pitch portion under the condition of the second switching mode having a relatively high pitch rate is the first pitch port after flowing into the variable pitch portion. And it will be distributed to the 2nd entrance. Here, when the entrance to the first entrance is generated, a relatively short first required period is set as a required period of game play (execution period: for example, a variable (variable) display period + a fixed display period). When a ball enters the second entrance, a relatively long second required period is set as the required period of game play. In this way, by changing the required period in accordance with the destination of the game ball that has flowed into the variable entrance portion, it is possible to change the rhythm of the game progress. Therefore, it can suppress suitably that it becomes a factor which makes a game monotonous when it becomes the 2nd switching mode and the pitching frequency to a variable pitching part increases.

  Note that the technical idea shown in the features A2 to A16 can be applied to this feature.

Feature A18. Based on the player's operation, a game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area (game area PE);
A ball entry portion (for example, a lower operation port 83b of the operation ball entry unit 83) provided in the game area and into which a game ball enters;
A payout means (payout function by the payout control device 242) for paying out the game ball to the player based on the incoming ball when the ball enters the ball entrance section;
Information acquisition means (a function for acquiring hold information in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on the entry to the ball entry section;
Acquisition information storage means (RAM 404 of the main controller 162) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Grant determination means (lottery function by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the grant information;
A game state transition unit (MPU 402 of the main control device 162) that shifts the gaming state to the special gaming state based on the fact that the result of the grant determination by the grant determination unit corresponds to the grant information corresponding to the grant information. Function to execute the game state transition process in)
Pattern display means (for example, main display unit 87 or symbol display device 253) having a display unit (for example, main display unit D or display screen 253a) and variably displaying a pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the application determination being performed by the application determination unit or based on the application determination being performed by the application determination unit, the image display unit starts variable display of the pattern, and the result of the application determination The display of the stop corresponding to the above and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game round, and the variable display of the picture of each game round is made according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means Game time control means (function to execute game time control processing in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling the picture display means to be performed,
The entrance part is
A first entrance (first entrance 83d) and a second entrance (second entrance 83e);
Distribution means (distribution device 92) for distributing the game balls that have entered the entrance to the first entrance and the second entrance;
The game times control means includes:
First setting means for setting the first required period as the required period of the game times based on the incoming game when the first entrance has occurred (variable display on the MPU 402 of the main controller 162) A function for executing the time setting process (S512)),
Second setting means (main control) for setting a second required period longer than the first required period as a required period of game play based on the incoming ball when a ball enters the second ball slot A game machine having a variable display time setting process (S514) in the MPU 402 of the device 162.

  According to the feature A18, the game balls that have flowed into the ball entrance are distributed to the first ball entrance and the second ball entrance after flowing into the ball entrance. Here, when the entrance to the first entrance is generated, a relatively short first required period is set as a required period of game play (execution period: for example, a variable (variable) display period + a fixed display period). When a ball enters the second entrance, a relatively long second required period is set as the required period of game play. In this way, by changing the required period according to the destination (distribution destination) of the game ball that has flowed into the variable entrance portion, it is possible to change the rhythm of the game progress. Therefore, it can contribute to the monotonous suppression of the game.

  Note that the technical idea shown in the features A2 to A16 can be applied to this feature.

<Feature B group>
Feature B1. Based on the player's operation, a game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area (game area PE);
A first incoming part (first incoming part 83d) and a second incoming part (second incoming part 83e) into which game balls enter;
A privilege granting means (for example, a lottery function or the like by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for granting a privilege to a player when a ball enters the first ball entry unit or the second ball entry unit;
A first inflow port (upper operation port 83a) and a second inflow port (lower operation port 83b) that are provided in the game area and into which game balls flow;
A switching means capable of switching to a permissive state allowing the inflow of game balls to the second inflow port and a restricting state for restricting inflow of game balls to the second inflow port;
Switching control means for switching the switching means between the permissible state and the restricted state (function to execute a power support process in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162),
The privilege granting means is different from the privilege granted to the player based on the entrance to the first entrance portion and the privilege granted to the player based on the entrance to the second entrance portion. Is configured as
In the switching control by the switching control unit, the first switching mode (low frequency support mode) in which the switching unit is in the allowable state is relatively short and the period in which the switching unit is in the allowable state are relatively Long second switching mode (high frequency support mode) is set,
A first guide passage (communication passage 83f) for guiding the game ball flowing into the first inflow port to the first entrance portion;
A game having a second guide passage (guide passage 83c) for guiding the game ball flowing into the second inflow port to either the first entrance portion or the second entrance portion. Machine.

  According to the feature B1, the game ball that has flowed into the first inflow port enters the first ball entering portion through the first guide passage, and the game ball that has flowed into the second inflow port enters the first ball through the second guide passage. It will enter either the part or the second entrance part. Here, when the switching mode is the first switching mode, it is difficult to flow into the second inflow port, so that the game ball mainly flows into the first inflow port. Therefore, most game balls have a first entry part. On the other hand, when the switching mode is the second switching mode, inflow to the second inflow port is facilitated, so that the game ball mainly flows into the second inflow port. However, since the game balls that have flowed into the second inflow port are then distributed to either the first entrance portion or the second entrance portion, there is a possibility of entering the second entrance portion. Rise. Here, the privilege based on the entrance to the first entrance portion is different from the privilege based on the entrance to the second entrance portion. For example, when a privilege related to the second pitching part is preferentially given, it is assumed that the player plays a game in anticipation of entering the second pitching part. If the player is cold-treated, the player will play a game in anticipation of entering the first entrance. That is, in the second switching mode, whether or not the game can be advantageously progressed changes depending on the distribution destination of the game ball after entering the ball. Thereby, the monotonization of the game during 2nd switching mode can be suppressed suitably.

  Feature B2. In the middle of the second guide passage, there is provided a distribution means (distribution device 92) that distributes the game balls that have flowed into the second inflow port to the first entrance portion and the second entrance portion. The gaming machine according to Feature B1, characterized in that:

  By providing means for distributing the game balls when the game balls that have flowed into the second inflow flow into the first ball entering part or the second ball entering part, the distributing means can attract the attention of the player. become. Thereby, the attention degree to the behavior of the game ball can be preferably improved. Further, in the configuration having the distribution means, for example, it is possible to change the distribution mode by changing the attitude of the distribution means and the like, and the monotonization of the behavior of the game ball can be suitably suppressed.

  Feature B3. In the first switching mode, the distribution mode of the game balls by the distribution means is the first distribution mode, and in the second switching mode, the game balls are allocated by the distribution means. The gaming machine according to Feature B2, further comprising a distribution mode changing unit (such as the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) that sets the distribution target as the second distribution mode.

  In the first place, although the probability of inflow is lower than in the second switching mode even in the situation of the first switching mode, the inflow to the second inflow port is not denied. According to this feature, the distribution mode by the distribution unit is changed according to the first switching mode / second switching mode. That is, in the second switching mode, not only the possibility of entering the second entrance part is increased, but also the distribution mode itself is changed. Thereby, it becomes possible to give relevance to a switching mode and a distribution mode, and can contribute to suppression of monotonization of a game suitably.

Feature B4. In the first distribution mode, the attitude of the distribution unit is changed each time the game ball that has flowed into the second inflow port passes through the distribution unit. It is configured so that game balls can be alternately distributed to the entrance part,
In the second distribution mode, the attitude of the distribution means is changed even when the game ball that has flowed into the second inflow port passes through the distribution means by drivingly controlling the distribution means. The gaming machine according to Feature B3, wherein the gaming machine is configured to be regulated.

  According to the feature B4, the distribution mode is switched from the first distribution mode to the second distribution mode by entering the second switching mode. In the first switching mode, the game balls are alternately distributed to the first and second balls by changing the attitude of the sorting means as the game balls pass. Thereby, the bias | inclination of the entrance point which concerns on a 2nd entrance is avoided. On the other hand, in the second switching mode, the distribution means is driven and controlled, and the change in the attitude of the distribution means is restricted, so that the game balls are biased at the destination.

  As already described, in the second switching mode, the game progress can be speeded up by increasing the inflow probability of the game ball to the second inflow port. By increasing the speed like this, the possibility of the game progress becoming monotonous increases. Therefore, during the second switching mode, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by specifying the distribution destination of the game balls according to various conditions to generate the above-described bias.

  In order to embody the technical idea shown in this feature, it is preferable to provide a drive unit that changes the attitude of the distribution means.

Feature B5. The privilege granting means is more advantageous for the player when the privilege is granted based on the entrance to the second entrance than the privilege granted based on the entrance to the first entrance. Is configured to be
The game area includes a first flow path (for example, a left route) in which a game ball flows down toward the first inflow port, and a second flow path (for example, in the right side) in which the game ball flows down toward the second inflow port. Route), and
The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B4, wherein the gaming ball flowing down the second flow path is configured to avoid inflow into the first flow inlet.

  In the second switching mode, the game can be advantageously advanced by firing a game ball toward the second flow down path. Here, when playing a game using the second flow down route, if the game becomes monotonous, the degree of attention to the game decreases. By applying the technical idea shown in the feature B1 or the like to such a configuration, when a game ball is being fired to the second downstream path, the entrance to the first entrance part and the second entrance part is made. A ball is generated, and it is possible to prevent the benefits obtained by entering the entrance part from being uniform. Thereby, it can contribute to suppression of monotonization of the game in the 2nd switching mode.

Feature B6. The privilege granting means is more advantageous for the player when the privilege is granted based on the entrance to the first entrance than the privilege granted based on the entrance to the second entrance. Is configured to be
The game area includes a first flow path (for example, a left route) in which a game ball flows down toward the first inflow port, and a second flow path (for example, in the right side) in which the game ball flows down toward the second inflow port. Route), and
The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B4, wherein the gaming ball flowing down the second flow path is configured to avoid inflow into the first flow inlet.

  In the second switching mode, more balls can be generated by firing game balls toward the second flow down path. However, on the other hand, the expectation for the privilege granted based on the entry is reduced. On the other hand, when a game ball is launched toward the first flow down path, the benefit obtained is increased while the benefit related to the probability of entering is reduced. By adopting such a configuration, even when the second switching mode is set, it is possible to select which of the first flow path / second flow path the game ball is to be fired. By increasing the degree of freedom in this way, it is possible to contribute to the suppression of monotony of the game.

Feature B7. The privilege granting means is:
First payout means for paying out a first predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls based on the entry into the first entry portion (execution winning process for the operating port is executed by the MPU of the main controller 162) Function to pay out three game balls),
Second payout means (actuated by the MPU of the main controller 162) for paying out a second predetermined number (for example, six) of game balls larger than the first predetermined number based on the entrance into the second entrance portion A function of paying out six game balls by performing a winning process for a mouth)
When the second switching mode is set, the first payout is performed by firing game balls toward the second flow down path, rather than the number of game balls launched toward the second flow down path. The game machine according to Feature B3 or Feature B4, characterized in that the number of game balls paid out by the means and the second payout means is set to be larger.

  According to the feature B7, the longer the second switching mode continues, the greater the number of game balls (held balls) that can be acquired. For this reason, it is assumed that the player plays the game with the expectation that the game in the second switching mode will be performed for as long as possible. By changing the number of game balls to be paid out according to the distribution destination of the game balls flowing into the second entrance, it is possible to change the rate of increase of possessed balls per unit time. That is, the rhythm of the game changes according to the distribution destination of the game balls flowing into the second inflow port. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

Feature B8. The privilege granting means is:
First payout means for paying out a first predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls based on the entry into the first entry portion (execution winning process for the operating port is executed by the MPU of the main controller 162) Function to pay out three game balls),
Second payout means for paying out a second predetermined number (for example, six) of game balls based on the entry into the second entry portion (execution winning process for the operation port is executed by the MPU of the main controller 162) A function of paying out 6 game balls)
When the second switching mode is set, the first payout is performed by firing game balls toward the second flow down path, rather than the number of game balls launched toward the second flow down path. And the number of game balls to be paid out by the means and the second payout means are set to be larger,
Information acquisition means (in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) that acquires special information (holding information) based on the incoming ball when the incoming ball to the first incoming ball portion or the second incoming ball portion occurs. Function to get hold information)
Acquisition information storage means (RAM 404 of the main controller 162) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Grant determination means (lottery function by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the grant information;
A game state transition unit (MPU 402 of the main control device 162) that shifts the gaming state to the special gaming state based on the fact that the result of the grant determination by the grant determination unit corresponds to the grant information corresponding to the grant information. Function to execute the game state transition process in)
Pattern display means (for example, main display unit 87 or symbol display device 253) having a display unit (for example, main display unit D or display screen 253a) and variably displaying a pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the application determination being performed by the application determination unit or based on the application determination being performed by the application determination unit, the image display unit starts variable display of the pattern, and the result of the application determination The display of the stop corresponding to the above and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game round, and the variable display of the picture of each game round is made according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means Game time control means (function to execute game time control processing in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling the picture display means to be performed,
The game times control means includes:
A first required time period is set as a required time period for a game round based on the incoming ball when a ball enters the first ball entry part under the condition of the second switching mode. Setting means (function to execute the variable display time setting process (S512) in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162);
When a ball enters the second pitching section in the situation where the second switching mode is set, a required period of game play based on the pitch is longer than the first required period. 2 having a second setting means for setting a required period (a function for executing the variable display time setting process (S514) in the MPU 402 of the main controller 162). The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  According to the feature B7, the game balls that have flowed into the second Ryukyu mouth in a situation where the second switching mode has a relatively high entrance rate are the first and second entrance parts after the inflow. Will be distributed. Here, when a ball enters the first pitching part, a relatively short first required period is set as a required period of game play (execution period: for example, a variable (variable) display period + a fixed display period). Then, when the entry to the second entry part occurs, a relatively long second required period is set as the required period of the game times. As described above, by changing the required period according to the destination (distribution destination) of the game ball that has flowed into the second inflow port, it is possible to cause a change in the rhythm of the game progress. Therefore, it can suppress suitably that it becomes a factor which makes a game monotonous when it becomes the 2nd switching mode and the pitching frequency to a variable pitching part increases.

  The longer the second switching mode continues, the greater the number of game balls (held balls) that can be acquired. For this reason, it is assumed that the player plays the game with the expectation that the game in the second switching mode will be performed as long as possible before shifting to the special gaming state. As described above, for this type of gaming machine, if the required period changes according to the destination, the rhythm of the game progress changes according to the destination of the game ball flowing into the second inflow port. Will be. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

  Feature B9. The gaming machine according to feature B8, further comprising a determining unit that determines whether or not to shift from the second switching mode to the first switching mode based on the special information.

  According to the feature B9, the transition determination to the first switching mode (falling lottery) and the payout of the game ball are performed based on the entrance to the variable entrance portion (acquired special information). If a privilege such as paying out a game ball is to be obtained, a risk of shifting to the first switching mode (demotion) is inevitably taken. For this reason, it is important to generate as many balls as possible before the determination of one grant is made in order to advance the game advantageously. Providing the above-described difference in the required period in such a game mode has a technical significance of suitably improving the degree of attention to the game by suppressing monotonization of the game.

Feature B10. The acquired information storage means includes
Means for storing a first prescribed number (for example, four) predetermined as a plurality of special information related to the first pitching part acquired by the information acquisition means as an upper limit (holding area for the first pitching part) Ra) and
Means for storing a second prescribed number (for example, four) predetermined as a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means as a plurality of special information related to the second entrance part (second entry part reservation area) Rb)
The grant determination means is configured to sequentially perform the grant determination on the plurality of special information when a plurality of special information is stored in the acquisition information storage means,
In the situation where the number of special information stored by the storage means has reached the first specified number, when a ball enters the first ball entrance part, While the acquisition of special information by the information acquisition means is restricted, the payout of game balls by the first payout means based on the incoming ball is permitted,
In the situation where the number of special information stored by the storage means has reached the second specified number, when a ball has entered the second ball entry section, The game according to Feature B9, wherein the acquisition of special information by the information acquisition means is restricted, and the payout of game balls by the second payout means based on the incoming ball is permitted. Machine.

  When an upper limit (specified number) is set for the number of special information that can be stored, acquisition of special information based on the occurrence of a ball exceeding the upper limit is avoided. In other words, in the case of entering a ball in a situation where the number exceeds the specified number, the advantage of paying out the game ball can be enjoyed, but the disadvantage of taking the risk of demotion to the first switching mode does not occur (in the second switching mode) Can be a trigger for termination).

  As described above, in the second switching mode, if it is directly linked to gaining as much time as possible to advance the game advantageously, a delay action is performed such that one ball is generated one by one while suppressing the launch of the game balls. The possibility cannot be denied. If such a delayed action is performed, there may be inconveniences such as not being able to perform the above-described monotonization suppression function well, and reducing the operating rate of the gaming machine. Further, the original function of the second switching mode for accelerating the game progress can be wasted.

  In this regard, according to the combination with the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to prompt the player to play a game with a goal exceeding the upper limit, and the operation of launching the game ball is easily continued (so-called irregular hitting is performed). It ’s hard to break) Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the said various inconvenience can be suppressed suitably.

  In addition, when the first specified number has been reached, the game is played in the hope of being distributed to the first pitching part, and when the second specified number has been reached, the game is allocated to the second pitching part. There is a possibility that a game will be played in anticipation of the game, and the starting point expected by the player may change depending on the situation. Thereby, monotonization of a game can be suppressed more suitably.

Feature B11. Based on the player's operation, a game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area (game area PE);
A first incoming part (first incoming part 83d) and a second incoming part (second incoming part 83e) into which game balls enter;
A first payout means for paying out a first predetermined number of game balls based on the entry into the first entry portion;
A second payout means for paying out a second predetermined number of game balls different from the first predetermined number based on the ball entering the second ball entry portion;
A first inflow port (upper operation port 83a) and a second inflow port (lower operation port 83b) that are provided in the game area and into which game balls flow;
A switching means that can be switched to a permissible state that allows the inflow of game balls to the second inflow port, and a restricting means that restricts the inflow of game balls to the second inflow port;
Switching control means for switching the switching means between the permissible state and the restricted state (function to execute a power support process in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162),
In the switching control by the switching control unit, the first switching mode (low frequency support mode) in which the switching unit is in the allowable state is relatively short and the period in which the switching unit is in the allowable state are relatively Long second switching mode (high frequency support mode) is set,
When the second switching mode is set, the first payout is performed by firing game balls toward the second flow down path, rather than the number of game balls launched toward the second flow down path. And the number of game balls to be paid out by the means and the second payout means are set to be larger,
A first guide passage (communication passage 83f) for guiding the game ball flowing into the first inflow port to the first entrance portion;
A game having a second guide passage (guide passage 83c) for guiding the game ball flowing into the second inflow port to either the first entrance portion or the second entrance portion. Machine.

  According to the feature B11, the game ball that has flowed into the first inflow port enters the first ball entering portion through the first guide passage, and the game ball that has flowed into the second inflow port enters the first ball through the second guide passage. It will enter either the part or the second entrance part. Here, when the switching mode is the first switching mode, it is difficult to flow into the second inflow port, so that the game ball mainly flows into the first inflow port. Therefore, most game balls have a first entry part. On the other hand, when the switching mode is the second switching mode, inflow to the second inflow port is facilitated, so that the game ball mainly flows into the second inflow port. However, since the game balls that have flowed into the second inflow port are then distributed to either the first entrance portion or the second entrance portion, there is a possibility of entering the second entrance portion. Rise. Here, the privilege (prize ball) based on the entrance to the first entrance portion is different from the privilege (award ball) based on the entrance to the second entrance portion.

  The longer the second switching mode continues, the greater the number of game balls (held balls) that can be acquired. For this reason, it is assumed that the player plays the game with the expectation that the game in the second switching mode will be performed for as long as possible. By changing the number of game balls to be paid out according to the distribution destination of the game balls flowing into the second entrance, it is possible to change the rate of increase of possessed balls per unit time. That is, the rhythm of the game changes according to the distribution destination of the game balls flowing into the second inflow port. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

  Any one of the technical ideas shown in the above-described features may be applied to other features, or the technical ideas shown in a plurality of features may be combined and applied to other features. It is also possible to extract a part of the configuration shown in each feature and apply it to other features.

  The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which the above features can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko machine: operation means (game ball launching handle 41) operated by a player, game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired A ball path (guide path 103 of the guide rail 100, etc.) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area (game area PE) and game parts (nails, etc.) arranged in the game area, each of these game parts Among these, a gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passing portion (general winning opening 81 or the like).

  Slot machine, etc .: A variable display means that displays a symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then stops and displays the symbol sequence. Special game advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stoppage or when a predetermined time elapses and the final stop symbol at the time of stoppage is a specific symbol A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

  Ball-use belt-type game machine: Equipped with variable display means that displays the symbol sequence consisting of multiple symbols in a variably displayed state, and then stops and displays the symbol sequence. The special game state (bonus) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operating means or when the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol A throwing device that performs a throwing process for taking in a game ball from the ball tray and a payout device for paying out the game ball to the ball tray, A gaming machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means is made effective when a game ball is inserted by.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a gaming machine, 41 ... Game ball launching handle, 80 ... Game board unit, 80a ... Game board, 83 ... Acting ball entry unit, 83a ... Upper action port, 83b ... Lower action as a variable pitching part Mouth, 83c ... Guide passage, 83d ... First entrance as first entrance, 83e ... Second entrance as second entrance, 83f ... Communication passage, 83g. Distributing means, 83h: drive section constituting the sorting apparatus, 84 ... through gate, 87 ... main display unit constituting the picture display means, 91 ... electrically acting object, 92 ... sorting apparatus, 91 ... electrically acting object, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Guidance rail, 110 ... Game ball | bowl launching mechanism, 140 ... Notification / production control apparatus, 162 ... Main control apparatus, 253 ... Symbol display apparatus which comprises a picture display means, 253a ... Display screen which comprises a display part, 402 ... MPU, 403 ... R M, 404 ... RAM, D ... main display unit, PE ... game area.

Claims (2)

Based on the player's operation, game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area,
A variable pitching portion provided in the gaming area and switchable to a first state and a second state in which entering is more difficult or impossible than entering the first state ;
With
The variable pitching portion includes a first pitching entrance and a second pitching entrance, and a distribution means for distributing the game balls that have entered the variable pitching portion to the first pitching entrance and the second pitching entrance. And
A payout means for paying out a game ball to a player based on the incoming ball when a ball enters the first ball inlet or the second ball inlet ;
Information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on an entrance to the first entrance or the second entrance ;
Acquisition information storage means for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Grant determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to grant information;
Gaming state transition means for shifting the gaming state to the special gaming state based on the result of the granting correspondence that the result of the granting determination by the granting determination unit corresponds to the granting information;
A pattern display means having a display unit and variably displaying the pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the application determination being performed by the application determination unit or based on the application determination being performed by the application determination unit, the image display unit starts variable display of the pattern, and the result of the application determination The display of the stop corresponding to the above and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game round, and the variable display of the picture of each game round is made according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means Game times control means for controlling the picture display means to be performed;
Switching control means for switching the variable pitching portion to the first state and the second state,
There is an upper limit on the number of special information stored by the acquired information storage means,
The determination by the grant determination means based on the entrance to the second entrance is more advantageous to the player than the judgment by the grant determination means based on the entrance to the first entrance,
In the switching control by the switching control means, the first switching mode in which the variable pitching portion is in the first state and the period in which the first state is relatively shorter than the first switching mode. The long second switching mode is set,
The game times control means includes:
The number of pieces of acquisition information stored in the acquisition information storage means is a predetermined number when a ball enters the first ball slot under the condition of the second switching mode. A first setting means for setting a first required period as a required period of game times based on the entry,
The number of pieces of acquisition information stored in the acquisition information storage means is the predetermined number when the ball enters the second entrance in the situation where the second switching mode is set. And a second setting means for setting a second required period that is longer than the first required period as a required period of the game times based on the incoming game. When in the second switching mode, it is set so that a game ball can be played while increasing the number of possessed balls by firing the game ball toward the variable pitching portion. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the gaming machine is characterized.

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