JP6551561B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine has a pattern display device, and for example, three pattern rows arranged in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction are displayed in the display area of the pattern display device. There is something to do. In the pattern display device, the variable display of the pattern is started triggered by entering the ball into the operation opening provided in the game area, and thereafter, the pattern combination corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed after the variable display according to the predetermined fluctuation pattern. Is done.

  In recent years, in order to enhance the interest of the game, various ideas have been applied to the display of patterns, such as making the display content displayed on the pattern display device complicated and expanding the display area to improve the force. ing. Further, for example, a movable portion is provided around the pattern display device, and a predetermined correspondence relationship is given to the variation display mode of the pattern row and the operation mode of the movable portion to realize an integrated effect by the pattern display device and the movable portion A gaming machine has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-071059 A

  However, in many of the currently known gaming machines, similar renditions are adopted, and new renditions are required to attract the interest of the player.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and has as its main object to provide a gaming machine which realizes various effects and greatly enhances the interest of the game.

The present invention
A pattern display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of pattern rows in a preset direction in the display area;
A movable part disposed on the front side of the pattern display device and movable to a first position and a second position;
And display control means for controlling display of the pattern display device.
A game machine in which a pattern combination corresponding to a lottery result is stopped and displayed after the pattern row is displayed in a variable manner,
The display control means
Fluctuation display direction changing means for changing the direction of fluctuation display of the picture sequence so as to follow the movement of the movable part when the movable part moves from the first position to the second position;
Variable display speed variable means for changing the variable display speed of the pattern sequence to a first speed and a second speed different from the first speed;
The variable display speed variable means sets the variable display speed of the pattern sequence when the movable part is arranged at the first position as the first speed, and the movable part moves from the first position to the second position. In the specific situation of moving to, there is provided means for setting the second display speed to the variable display speed of all the picture sequences being displayed in a variable manner in the specific situation .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize various effects and greatly enhance the interest of the game.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine in one embodiment. 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. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a front view which shows the internal structure of a lower side variable entrance part. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a perspective view showing the back composition of a game board. It is a rear view of the game board which shows the state which removed the main controller unit. It is a front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. (A) It is a front view of a variable game apparatus, (b) It is a rear view of a variable game apparatus. It is the perspective view which looked at the variable game device from the front side. It is a disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows a variable game apparatus for every main structures. It is an AA line fragmentary sectional view of Drawing 11 (a). (A) The perspective view which looked at the ring unit from the front side, (b) The perspective view which looked at the ring unit from the back side. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the ring unit from the game machine front. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a ring unit. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between a ring unit and a symbol display apparatus. (A) The front view of a stage unit, (b) The top view of a stage unit. It is the perspective view which looked at the stage unit from the game machine front. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the stage unit from the front side. It is the BB sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 19 (a). It is a timing chart which shows movement of each movable board. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a movable plate. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a movable plate. It is the schematic which shows the relationship of movable plates. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various counters used for a success / failure lottery. (A)-(j) It is the schematic for demonstrating the display content in the display screen of a symbol display apparatus. (A), (b) is the schematic for demonstrating the display content in the display screen of a symbol display apparatus. (A) The flowchart which shows the timer interruption process in MPU of the main control unit, (b) The flowchart which shows the stage drive processing in MPU of the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the normal processing in MPU of a main control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the game time control process in MPU of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows the change start process in MPU of a main control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the game state transfer process in MPU of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows the shift process for special hits in MPU of a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the process for a fluctuation | variation start in MPU of a display control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process for ring synchronous production in MPU of a display control apparatus. It is a timing chart which shows the situation of ring synchronous production. It is a flowchart which shows the setting processing of hit classification alerting | reporting. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between the pattern for normal fluctuation | variation, and the pattern for special alerting | reporting. It is a flow chart which shows display processing for hit classification information. It is a timing chart which shows the situation of special information.

  Hereinafter, an 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 based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an expanded manner. In addition, in FIG. 2, the structure in the game area in the pachinko machine 10 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and a gaming machine main unit 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

  As shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3, the outer frame 11 is comprised by connecting the board material of wood to four sides, and has comprised the rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility. In the pachinko machine 10, the outer frame 11 is not an essential component, and the outer frame 11 may be provided on an island facility of the game arcade.

  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 the connection portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and the lower connection portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11 is further fixed. A side support fitting 18 is provided. The upper support bracket 17 and the lower support bracket 18 constitute a support mechanism, and the support mechanism rotates the left side of the gaming machine main part 12 with respect to the outer frame 11 in the front view of the pachinko machine 10 on the base end side. The right side is the front end side of the rotation, and the pachinko machine 10 can be turned forward.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine main part 12 includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack disposed behind the inner frame 13. Unit 15. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main part 12 is rotatably supported relative to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 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 front view.

  A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 and can be pivoted forward with the left side as a pivoting base end and the right side as a pivoting tip side in a front view. In addition, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and the back pack unit 15 has the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip end side in the front view of the gaming machine It is made rotatable (see FIG. 3).

  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 20 whose outer shape is substantially the same as the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. Yes. A substantially elliptical window 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame 20 so that almost the entire game area described later can be viewed from the front, and the window 21 is formed by the glass unit 22 in the same manner. It is closed from the back side of the door frame 14.

  The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder 24 that holds the glass panels 23. The glass holder 24 is formed with a partition part that divides the holding area of the glass panel 23 back and forth, and the two glass panels 23 face each other in the front and back across the partition part. That is, by securing a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, the game area PE is doubly covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23, while avoiding interference between the glass panels 23. It is in a state.

  In addition, it is not necessary to unitize both the glass panels 23 using the glass holder 24, and it is good also as a structure which attaches each glass panel 23 with respect to the frame 20 separately. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and crime prevention, it is preferable to adopt a plurality of glass panels and make the respective 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.

  As shown in FIG. 1, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window portion 21). 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. Further, an error display lamp unit 27 which lights up at the time of a predetermined error at the center of the annular electric decorative unit 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10 is provided. There is provided a prize ball lamp unit 28 which lights up. In addition, a speaker unit 29 is provided at a position close to the right and left award ball lamp units 28, to which sound effects and the like according to the game state are output.

  Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame 20), an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 bulging toward the front side are vertically arranged in parallel. An upper plate 33 opened upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower plate 34 opening similarly upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32. The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 34 has a function of storing game balls that become surplus in the upper tray 33.

  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.

  Above the gaming ball emission handle 41, specifically between the symbol display device described later and the gaming ball emission handle 41, a display unit 45 constituted by a dot display having a large number of luminous dots is provided. In the display unit 45, various information (for example, suggestion such as a jackpot) regarding the game is displayed. Further, in the present embodiment, there is a configuration that causes an advantageous difference in the progress of the game between the case where the gaming ball is allowed to flow by bypassing the right side of the symbol display device and the case where the game ball is allowed to flow by bypassing the left side. The display unit 45 displays information on how to shoot the game ball to advance the game in an advantageous manner. Specifically, information is displayed that urges the game ball to be launched to bypass the left side of the symbol display device during the low frequency support mode described later, and bypasses the right side of the symbol display device during the high frequency support mode Information for prompting the player to launch the game ball is displayed, and the game can be advantageously advanced by performing the game ball launch operation according to the displayed information. In addition, by displaying information on the operation at a position close to the gaming ball firing handle 41 (more specifically, between the symbol display device and the gaming ball firing handle 41) as described above, the display unit 45-gaming ball firing The amount of eye movement between the handle 41 and the symbol display device is reduced.

  Further, in the display unit 45, a display mode for performing the display associated with the display content in the symbol display device in synchronization with the display in the symbol display device is set, and contradiction with the display content in the symbol display device And a display mode for performing a display. Of these two display modes, the latter is easily selected when a jackpot described later occurs.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a passage forming unit 50 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 50 is formed of a synthetic resin, and a front door upper tray passage 51 communicating with the upper tray 33 and a front door lower tray passage 52 communicating with the lower tray 34 are formed. In the passage forming unit 50, a receiving portion 53 which protrudes rearward and is opened upward is formed at the upper corner portion, and the receiving portion 53 is divided into right and left portions by a partition wall 54, thereby front door side upper plate An entrance portion of the passage 51 and an entrance portion of the front door side lower dish passage 52 are partitioned. The front door side upper plate passage 51 and the front door side lower plate passage 52 communicate with the game ball distribution unit, the upstream side of which is described later, and the game balls entering the front door side upper plate passage 51 are guided to the upper plate 33 The gaming balls having entered the door side lower plate passage 52 are guided to the lower plate 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 projection shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of rivets 63 extending rearward is juxtaposed in the vertical direction on the pivoting tip side of the back surface of the front door frame 14. These hooks 63 constitute a locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

  Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a front view of the inner frame 13. In FIG. 4, the configuration in the game area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience as in FIG. 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inner frame 13 mainly includes a resin base 70 whose outer shape is substantially rectangular like the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the resin base 70 is set slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. The resin base 70 is disposed 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 resin base 70. A curtain plate is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close the gap. The curtain plate is disposed below the resin base 70 (more specifically, the lower end portion thereof), and when the inner frame 13 is closed to the outer frame 11, the resin base 70 is placed on the curtain plate . A slight clearance may be provided between the curtain plate and the resin base 70.

  As shown in FIG. 4, support brackets 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. 4) on the front surface of the resin base 70. Although illustration is omitted, axial holes are formed in the support fittings 71 and 72, and the front door frame 14 is inserted to the inner frame 13 by inserting the protruding shafts of the front door frame 14 into these axial holes. It is rotatably supported.

  Insertion holes 73 for inserting the metal fittings 63 (see FIG. 2) provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 are provided on the rotation tip side (right side in FIG. 4) on the front surface of the resin base 70, respectively. Yes. The pachinko machine 10 is configured such that a locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden behind the inner frame 13 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the front door frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 so as not to be opened by the hook fitting 63 being locked to the locking device 75 (specifically, the front door hook receiving member 76) through the insertion hole 73. The The locking device 75 has an inner frame collar member 77 extending rearward of the inner frame 13. When the inner frame wedge member 77 is hooked on the wedge receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11, the gaming machine main portion 12 is locked in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 11.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a cylinder lock 78 for unlocking the locking device 75 is installed at the lower right corner of the resin base 70. The cylinder lock 78 is integrated with the locking device 75, and turning the key inserted in the key hole of the cylinder lock 78 to the right unlocks the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13 and inserts it into the key hole of the cylinder lock 78. The locking device 75 is configured such that when the key is turned counterclockwise, the locking of the inner frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is released.

  A substantially elliptical window hole 74 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 70, and the window hole 74 is closed from the rear of the gaming machine by the game board 80 mounted on the resin base 70. The game board 80 has a wooden plywood and a sheet material covering the front plate surface of the plywood, and the front surface is exposed to the front side of the resin base 70 through the window hole 74. In the exposed portion, that is, the front surface of the game board 80, a game area PE in which game balls flow down is formed. 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 glass panel 23 on the rear side and the front surface of the game board 80 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 same game area PE. It is arranged so that it does not line up in front and back in the place. Thereby, the ball blockage in the game area PE is suppressed. Note that the game board 80 is not limited to wooden, and may be made of synthetic resin.

  Hereinafter, the game board 80 (in particular, various configurations arranged in the game area PE) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the game board 80. As shown in FIG.

  The gaming board 80 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its own thickness direction (longitudinal direction) by being subjected to router processing. In each opening, a general winning opening 81, variable ball entering units 82 and 83, actuating ball entering units 84 and 85, a through gate 86, a main display unit 87, a variable game apparatus 88, and the like are disposed. When game balls enter the general winning opening 81, the variable ball entering units 82 and 83, and the operation ball entering units 84 and 85, the game balls are detected by a detection sensor described later, and a predetermined number of winning balls are obtained based on the detection results. Benefits such as paying out are given to the player. In addition, an out port 89 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 80, and game balls which have not entered the various winning ports etc. 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 slot 89, the game to the general winning opening 81, the variable ball entry unit 82, 83, the operation ball entering unit 84, 85, the through gate 86 The ball entry is also expressed as a winning.

  Further, on the game board 80, a large number of nails 90 are implanted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow-down path of the game ball, and various members (features) such as a windmill are disposed. The flow paths of the game balls are differentiated by various structures such as the nail 90 and the windmill, and the above-mentioned winning of the general winning opening 81 and the like is adjusted to occur with an appropriate probability.

  The variable game apparatus 88 is disposed at the center of the game board 80, and operation ball storage units 84, 85, etc. are disposed around the variable game apparatus 88. The operation ball storage units 84 and 85 are a lower operation ball storage unit 84 disposed below the variable game device 88 (hereinafter referred to as the lower operation ball storage unit 84 for the sake of convenience); The right operating ball receiving portion 85 (hereinafter referred to as the right operating ball receiving portion 85 for the sake of convenience) disposed on the right side. In particular, the right operating ball receiving portion (lottery trigger ball receiving portion) 85 is provided. In addition, an electric accessory is provided as a movable entrance assist device (entrance assist means) or an entrance restricting device (entrance restricting means). The motorized role is switchable between a state where it is possible or easy to enter the right operation ball entry portion 85 (assist state) and a state where the same ball is not possible or difficult (non-assist state) . Details of the right operation ball receiving unit 85 will be described later.

  The above-mentioned through gate 86 is disposed above the right operation ball entry unit 85, and when the lottery is won by using the passage of the game ball as a trigger, the electric role is only for a predetermined time. Opened.

  In addition, when the ball entering the lower operation ball entering unit 84 occurs, the payout of the three game balls is executed, and when the ball entering the right operation ball entering unit 85 occurs, the four games Although the payout of the balls is executed, the payout number of the game balls is not limited to the above. However, in order to enhance the advantage of the right actuating ball receiving portion 85 with respect to the lower actuating ball receiving portion 84, the number of payouts pertaining to the right actuating ball receiving portion 85 is set larger than the payout number pertaining to the lower actuating ball receiving portion 84. It is preferable to do.

  Similarly to the lower operating ball receiving portion 84 and the right operating ball receiving portion 85, the variable ball receiving portion (special ball receiving device or special ball receiving means) 82, 83 is separately provided below and to the right of the variable game device 88. Is arranged. Hereinafter, for convenience, the variable ball entry unit 82 disposed below the variable game device 88 (specifically, below the lower operation ball entry unit 84) is referred to as "lower variable ball entry unit 82". The variable ball entry unit 83 disposed on one side (specifically, below the right operation ball entry unit 85) is referred to as a "right variable ball entry unit 83".

  The lower variable ball entry unit 82 includes a lower variable bulb unit 82 communicating with the back side of the game board 80 and as an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) for opening / closing the lower variable ball entry unit 82. The door 82 b is provided. The open / close door 82b is switchable between an open state (assisting state) in which the game ball can or can not enter the ball and a closed state (non-assisting state) in which the ball is impermissible or difficult. Further, the open / close door 82b is connected to a variable ball drive unit 82c (specifically, a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game board 80, and the open / close door 82b is maintained in a closed state under normal conditions, In the internal lottery, when the winning / opening execution mode (opening / closing execution state) is won, the open state is switched.

  Here, the open / close execution mode is a mode in which transition is made when a big hit is won. As the opening mode of the lower variable ball entry unit 82 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings is one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) Some are set so that the opening of the open / close door 82b as the upper limit is repeated.

  The right variable ball entry unit 83 is, similarly to the lower variable ball entry unit 82, as a right large winning opening 83a leading to the back side of the game board 80 and an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) for opening and closing the right large winning opening. And an open / close door 83b. The open / close door 83b is switchable between an open state (assisting state) in which the game ball can or can not enter the ball and a closed state (non-assisting state) in which the ball is impermissible or difficult. Further, the open / close door 83b is connected to a variable ball drive unit 83c (specifically, a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game board 80, and normally the open / close door 83b is maintained in a closed state. When the player wins a special winning, which will be described later, in an internal lottery based on entering the right operation ball entering unit 85, the mode is switched to the lottery result determination mode.

  In the lottery result determination mode, whether the lottery result (special hit) in the right operation ball entering unit 85 is valid and the right variable ball entering unit 83 is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode, that is, the transition to the opening / closing execution mode is decided This is a mode in which the lottery result is invalidated and whether the shift to the opening / closing execution mode is avoided or not. As a release mode of the right variable ball entry unit 83 in the lottery result determination mode, the right open ball symbol unit 83 opens and closes until a predetermined period (for example, 3 sec) elapses from the timing at which the symbol showing the special hit is displayed The door 83b is set to be opened.

  Here, the right variable ball entering portion 83 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the internal configuration of the right variable ball entry portion 83.

  The right variable pitching portion 83 is provided with a guide passage 92 that guides the game balls flowing in from the right large winning opening 83a to the back side of the game board 80, specifically to a collection passage described later. The guiding passage 92 is formed such that a plurality of gaming balls can not pass through the same place in the guiding passage 92 at the same time, and is branched into two branches from the middle position. That is, the guide passage 92 has one upstream passage 92a located upstream of the branch position, and two downstream passages 92b and 92c located downstream of the branch position.

  A part of the downstream side including the outlet portion in the upstream side passage 92a extends in the vertical direction, and the outlet portion is opened downward. The inlet portion of one of the downstream passages 92b (hereinafter referred to as the first downstream passage 92b for convenience) is located on the downstream side of the upstream passage 92a, and the inlet portion corresponds to the upstream passage 92a. It is open at the outlet portion side (upper side). On the other hand, the inlet portion of the other downstream side passage 92c (hereinafter referred to as the second downstream side passage 92c for convenience) is disposed at a position deviated from the extension of the upstream side passage 92a and has a direction different from the extension direction It is open to. Therefore, the gaming balls dropped along the upstream passage 92a normally flow into the first downstream passage 92b, and the flow into the second downstream passage 92c is avoided.

  Further, at the branch position, there is provided a switching member 93 which can be switched to a guided state for guiding the gaming ball having flowed out from the upstream passage 92a to the second downstream passage 92c and a non-guided state for not conducting guidance. ing. In the non-inductive state, the switching member 93 is restrained from protruding into the guide passage 92 (specifically, the inlet portion of the first downstream side passage 92b), and switches to the guiding state to cover the same inlet portion and the inlet portion It protrudes to a position where the inflow of the game ball to is disabled (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6).

  More specifically, the switching member 93 is provided with a guiding inclined surface which is located on the extension of the upstream passage 92a in the guiding state, and which is inclined downward to the inlet portion of the second downstream passage 92c. For this reason, in the induction state, the gaming ball having flowed out of the upstream passage 92a collides with the induction inclined surface 93a, and is guided to the second downstream passage 92c by moving along the induction inclined surface 93a. Become. As described above, the switching member 93 can also be referred to as "guiding means 93", focusing on the function of guiding the gaming ball to the second downstream passage 92c. Further, the switching member 93 can be referred to as a "shutter 93" from the viewpoint of blocking the flow of gaming balls into the first downstream side passage 92b.

  In addition to the switching member 93, the right variable ball entry portion 83 includes a biasing member (not shown) that biases the switching member 93 toward a position where the protrusion to the guide passage 92 is suppressed. A solenoid drive unit is provided which moves the switching member 93 to the projecting position against the biasing force of the biasing member. The drive unit is electrically connected to a main controller described later, and is driven based on a signal output from the main controller.

  In the present embodiment, the switching member 93 is normally held in a non-inducing state by the biasing force of the biasing member, and a special hit occurs in the lottery based on the winning of the right operation ball entry portion 85. When the driving unit is driven, the switching member 93 is switched to the guiding state. That is, the flow of gaming balls into the second downstream passage 92c is permitted.

  In the guide passage 92, an upstream side detection sensor 95a is disposed upstream of the branch position. The upstream detection sensor 95a detects an entering ball by the game ball passing through a detection area provided in the upstream passage 92a, and changes in the magnetic field generated when the game ball passes through the detection area A magnetic sensor for grasping is adopted. The upstream detection sensor 95a is electrically connected to the main control device, and the gaming balls having flowed into the guide passage 92 are detected by the upstream detection sensor 95a, and thus the number of gaming balls set in advance is It will be paid out.

  Further, downstream detection sensors 95b and 95c are provided downstream of the branch position. Specifically, the first downstream side detection sensor 95b is disposed at an intermediate position of the first downstream side passage 92b, and the second downstream side detection sensor 95c is disposed at an intermediate position of the second downstream side passage 92c. ing. The downstream side detection sensors 95b and 95c detect the ball entering by the game ball passing through the detection areas provided in the downstream side passages 92b and 92c, and unlike the upstream side detection sensor 95a, a photosensor is used. It has been adopted. The downstream side detection sensors 95b and 95c are electrically connected to the main controller, and the second downstream side passage 92c as an advantageous ball entry unit based on the detection information output from the detection sensors 95b and 95c. It is configured that the presence or absence of entering the ball is determined.

  Referring back to FIG. 5, the variable gaming device 88 will be described. The variable game apparatus 88 variably displays a symbol triggered by winning on the lower operation ball entering unit 84 and displays a predetermined character image etc. triggered by winning on the right operation ball entering unit 85. The center frame 97 is provided so as to surround the variable display unit 96. In the variable display unit 96, a holding lamp portion 98 for the lower operation ball portion corresponding to the lower operation ball receiving portion 84, and a holding lamp portion 99 for the right operation ball portion corresponding to the right operation ball portion 85 Is provided. In the present embodiment, the number of times the game ball has passed through each operation ball receiving unit 84, 85 is held up to four times at maximum, but each operation is turned on by lighting of the holding lamp unit 98, 99. The reserved number corresponding to the sphere parts 84 and 85 is individually displayed.

  The variable display unit 96 includes a symbol display device 260 as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display 261, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. On the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260, a plurality of symbols (specifically, symbol rows) are displayed side by side in the upper, middle, lower, and these symbols are scrolled in the horizontal direction (specifically, left) Is displayed in a variable manner. Then, when symbols of a predetermined combination are stopped and displayed on an effective line set in advance, a special gaming state (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot) will occur.

  The above-described holding lamp units 98 and 99 are not essential components, and information regarding the number of holdings displayed by the holding lamp units 98 and 99 may be displayed by the symbol display device 260.

  The operation ball receiving units 84 and 85 are disposed at positions closer to the variable game apparatus 88. Since a big hit may occur triggered by a winning on the action ball entry units 84 and 85, the player pays attention to whether or not to win each action ball entry unit 84 and 85, and whether or not a big hit is generated. It is considered that attention is paid to the variable gaming device 88 (specifically, the symbol display device 260) for the purpose of grasping. Providing the operation ball storage units 84 and 85 closer to the variable game apparatus 88 is a device for concentrating a portion that the player wants to focus on around the variable game apparatus 88.

  The main display unit 87 is disposed on the opposite side of the variable game device 83 with the variable game device 88 interposed therebetween. The main display unit 87 is disposed along the outer edge of the lower side of the game area PE, and protrudes forward of the pachinko machine 10 from the front of the game board 80. The front surface of the main display unit 87 is opposed to the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23) that allows the game area PE to be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and further to the rear glass panel 23. The distance between them is narrower than that of one game ball. This prevents the game ball from dropping in front of the front surface of the main display unit 87.

  In the main display unit 87, a main display portion D on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided at a portion facing the glass unit 22. The main display portion D was performed based on the lower operation entry portion display portion DL for displaying the lottery result based on the winning to the lower operation entry portion 84 and the winning to the right operation entry portion 85. It has a display part DR for the right action entrance part that displays the lottery result.

  In the display part DL for the lower action ball entry part, the variation display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the lower action ball entry part 84 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the fluctuation display, the prize is awarded to the lower action ball entry part 84. The results of the internal drawing made on the basis of If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the lower operation entrance portion 84 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the change display is stopped on the lower operation entrance portion display section DL. Then, after a predetermined pattern is displayed as a stop result, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  In the right actuating ball display portion DR, a change display of a pattern is performed triggered by a winning on the right actuating ball portion 85, and as a result of stopping the fluctuation display, the winning on the right actuating ball portion 85 is based. Clearly show the results of the internal When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning on the right operation ball entry unit 85 is the winning result corresponding to the big hit or the special hit, the fluctuation display is stopped and stopped at the right operation ball entry display unit DR After a predetermined pattern is displayed as a result, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode or the lottery result determination mode according to the result.

  Here, the variable display is started on the corresponding display parts DL and DR based on winning on any of the operation ball entering parts 84 and 85, and a predetermined stop result is displayed until the variable display is stopped. Is equivalent to one game play. However, one game round is not limited to the above contents, for example, a single display area is provided, and it is possible to win a prize in any of the operation ball storage units 84 and 85. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in one display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and until the variable display is stopped in the state where the predetermined stop result is displayed, Once.

  Further, on the main display portion D of the main display unit 87, in addition to the display portions DL and DR, a through gate display portion DS for displaying a lottery result based on winning on the through gate 86 is juxtaposed. In the through gate display section DS, the winning display on the through gate 86 is used as a trigger for variation display of the pattern, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning on the through gate 86 is It is clearly indicated. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning on the through gate 86 is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the electronic part opening state, the predetermined stopping result is displayed on the through gate display section DS and the fluctuation display After being stopped, shift to the open state. In the state where the electric combination is released, the electric combination provided in the right operation entrance portion 85 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times the game ball passes through gate 86 is suspended up to four times, but the number of reserved main display units D of main display unit 87 is displayed The display unit DH for the number of reservations is provided.

  The display units DL, DR, DS, DH are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and the front of the various display units DL, DR, DS, DH Visibility is secured by avoiding the movement of the game ball. In addition, the display mode in each of these display units DL, DR, DS, and DH will be described later.

  Referring back to FIG. 4, the structure of the inner frame 13 will be described. Under the game board 80 in the resin base 70, the game ball is fired to the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball firing handle 41. A firing mechanism 110 is provided. The game ball firing mechanism 110 has a solenoid 111 for launching a game ball disposed at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 for defining the launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and the game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for feeding balls and a base plate 114 on which the various components 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 70 to provide a resin base 70. Are integrated.

  The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to be inclined upward toward the game board 80 side. At a position closer to the downstream end (i.e., the lower end) of the firing rail 112, a ball stopper that holds the gaming balls supplied from the ball feeding device 113 in the above-described firing standby position is disposed. 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. The output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion and contraction direction based on the output of the electric signal from the power supply and emission control device, so that the game ball placed at the emission standby position is on the game board 80 side, specifically, the game It is driven out toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 80.

  In the guide rail 100, the game area PE is partitioned so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. Further, the guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 which are disposed to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the two rails 101 and 102 define a single guide passage 103 Is formed. The guiding passage 103 has an inlet portion opened to the tip side (obliquely lower) of the firing rail 112, and an outlet portion located at the top of the game 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 induction rail 100 (inlet portion → outlet portion). In addition, on the tip side of the exit portion of the game board 80, specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101, a reverse return preventing member 106 is attached which prevents the game ball reaching the game area PE from returning back into the same induction passage 103. It is suppressed that the game ball which has reached the game area PE ahead of time prevents the launch of the following game ball from being blocked.

  Each of the rails 101 and 102 constituting the guide rail 100 is in the shape of a circular arc centered on the approximate center of the game area PE. For this reason, the gaming ball passing through the guiding passage 103 is easily moved (sliding or rolling) along the outer rail 102, that is, in contact with the outer rail 102, by the centrifugal force generated in itself.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the induction rail 100 and the firing rail 112 are disposed such that the inlet portion of the induction rail 100 and the tip portion of the firing rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower edge of the game board 80. ing. That is, both the rails 100 and 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion 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 80. Thus, a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 while bringing both rails 100 and 112 close to the lower end edge of the game board 80.

  A foul ball passage is disposed below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball passage is integrally formed with the passage forming unit of the front door frame 14. If the game ball fired from the game ball firing mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE but moves backward in the guiding passage 103 as a far ball, the far balls enter the far ball passage through the gap. Become. The foul ball passage is in communication with the lower door passage on the front door side, and the gaming ball entering the far ball passage is discharged to the lower plate 34 shown in FIG. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

  A through hole that penetrates the resin base 70 in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the firing rail 112 in the resin base 70 (specifically, the side that supports the front door frame 14). A passage forming member is formed in the through hole. 121 is disposed. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 70, and has a main body side upper countersink path 122 and a main body lower countersink 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. Further, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming member 121, and the front door upper plate passage 51 is disposed below the main body upper plate passage 122. The front door side upper dish passage 51 is disposed below the main body side lower dish passage 123.

  Below the passage forming member 121 in the resin base 70, an opening / closing member 124 for opening / closing the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the main body side lower tray passage 123 is attached. The opening and closing member 124 is rotatably supported in the front and rear direction by a support shaft provided at its lower end, and is biased to a front position closing the main body upper disc passage 122 and the main body lower disc passage 123 A member is provided. Accordingly, when the front door frame 14 is opened relative to the inner frame 13, the opening and closing member 124 ascends as illustrated to close the main body upper countersink passage 122 and the main body lower countersink passage 123. Thereby, when the front door frame 14 is opened in a state where game balls are stored in the main body side upper plate passage 122 or the main body side lower plate passage 123, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the storage balls spill out. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed and opened against the biasing force by the receiving portion 53 provided in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage 51 communicate with each other, and the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage 52 communicate with each other.

  Next, the rear face configuration of the inner frame 13 (the resin base 70 and the game board 80) will be described based on FIG. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

  Bearing fittings 132 are vertically juxtaposed on the rotation base end side (right side in FIG. 7) on the back surface of the resin base 70. Bearing parts are formed on the bearing fitting 132 so as to be vertically separated from each other, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing parts.

  A plurality of locking brackets 135 are provided on the back surface of the resin base 70, and the game board 80 is attached to the resin base 70 by the locking brackets 135 as described above. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the gaming board 80 as viewed from the rear of the gaming machine, and FIG. 9 is a rear view showing the gaming machine 80 with the main control unit removed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the variable game apparatus 88 disposed at the center of the game board 80 is a synthetic resin that covers the central opening 80 a of the game board 80 from behind and accommodates the main components of the variable display unit 96. A housing 250 made of metal is provided so as to protrude rearward. The above-mentioned symbol display device 260 is mounted on the housing 250 from the rear side, and a display control device for driving the symbol display device 260 is mounted (illustration is omitted).

  The symbol display device 260 and the display control device are arranged to overlap in the front-rear direction (the symbol display device 260 is in front, the display control device is in back), and the voice lamp control device unit 142 is disposed further behind. The voice lamp controller unit 142 is configured to include a voice lamp controller 143 and a mount 144 to which the voice lamp controller 143 is attached, and the mount 144 is fixed to the housing 250. Thus, the variable display unit 96 is integrated.

  The voice lamp control device 143 includes a voice lamp control board that controls voice output, lamp display, and control of the display control apparatus in accordance with instructions from a main control apparatus to be described later. The voice lamp control board is a transparent resin material. It is accommodated in a substrate box 145 made of, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 9, below the variable gaming device 88, there is a collective board unit 150 that collects the game balls that have moved to the back side of the game board 80 via the general winning opening 81, the action ball portions 84, 85, and the like. Is provided. The collective board unit 150 is fixed to the game board 80, and the main controller unit 160 is mounted on the collective board unit 150 so as to cover the collective board unit 150 from behind (see FIG. 8). The mounting target of the main controller unit 160 is not limited to the collective plate unit 150. For example, the main controller unit 160 can be mounted on the game board 80.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the main controller unit 160 is configured of a colorless and transparent mount 161 formed of synthetic resin and a main controller 162 mounted on the mount 161. The mounting base 161 is rotatably supported by the collective plate unit 150, and the main control unit 160 is rotated together with the mounting base 161, so that visual confirmation can be performed without removing the main control unit 162 from the mounting base 161. Work is possible.

  The main control device 162 is equipped with a main control board having a function (main control circuit) to control the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) to monitor the power, and the main control board is a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 163 made of, for example.

  The substrate box 163 is provided with a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are unopenably connected by a sealing unit 164 as sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. Five sealing portions 164 are provided on the long side of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform the sealing process.

  The sealing unit 164 may have any configuration as long as it can unopenably connect the box base and the box cover. However, the box base and the box cover can be inserted by inserting the locking claws into the elongated holes constituting the sealing unit 164. And are designed to be unsealably joined. The sealing process by the sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and even if unauthorized opening is performed, such a situation can be detected early and easily, and it is possible to temporarily open the opening. It is possible to perform the sealing process again even after it has been performed. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking claw into at least one of the five sealing portions 164. Then, when the substrate box 163 is opened, such as when a defect occurs in the main control substrate accommodated or when the main control substrate is inspected, the connecting portion between the sealing portion in which the locking claw is inserted and the other sealing portion is 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, the locking claws are inserted into the long holes of the other sealing portions. If a history indicating that the substrate box 163 has been opened is left in the substrate box 163, it is possible to easily find that unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the substrate box 163.

  A plurality of coupling pieces are provided on one short side portion of the substrate box 163 so as to protrude laterally. These coupling pieces correspond one-to-one with a plurality of coupled pieces formed on the mounting base 161, and sealing processing is performed between the substrate box 163 and the mounting block 161 by the coupling pieces and the coupled pieces. Is called.

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

  As already described, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the back pack unit 15 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 10, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and to the back pack 201, a delivery mechanism portion 202, a discharge passage panel, and a control device aggregation unit 204 are attached.

  The back pack 201 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and includes a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and at least has a size sufficient to surround the variable display unit 96.

  The base portion 211 is provided with an external terminal plate 213 at the upper right portion thereof. The external terminal board 213 is provided with various output terminals, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals. The base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower retaining pins 214 at the right end as viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the bearing fitting 132 having the retaining pin 214 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. In addition, a fastening tool 215 for fastening to a fastening hole provided in the inner frame 13 is provided at the rotating tip of the base portion 211, and the fastening tool 215 is fitted into the fastening hole. Thus, the back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13.

  A dispensing mechanism unit 202 is disposed on the base unit 211 so as to bypass the protective cover unit 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 lower 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. At the most downstream portion of the case rail 223, a dispensing device 224 is provided. 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 a lower end portion of the base portion 211, a discharge passage panel and a control device aggregation unit 204 are attached so as to sandwich the lower end portion back and forth (see FIG. 3). 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.

  As shown in FIG. 10, 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 / discharge control device 243 are disposed so as to be stacked back and forth so that the payout control device 242 is located 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 recovery switch 245 is pressed when a dispensing error occurs such as a ball clogging in the dispensing device 224, the ball clogging is eliminated.

  The power source / launch control device 243 includes a power source / launch control board housed in the board box 246, and a predetermined power source required for various control devices and the like is generated and output by the board. Control of the launch of the game ball accompanying the operation of the firing handle 41 is performed. In addition, the power / emission control device 243 is provided with a RAM erase switch 247. This pachinko machine 10 has a function to store and store various data so that even if a power failure occurs, it maintains the state at the time of the power failure, and when it recovers from the power failure, it can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure. It has become. Therefore, for example, when the power supply is turned off in the normal procedure, as in the case of the game hall being closed, the state before the interruption is stored and held, but when the power is turned on while the RAM erase switch 247 is pressed, the RAM data is initialized. It is like that.

  Here, a supplementary description will be given of the aggregate plate unit 150 and the configuration related thereto. The collective plate unit 150 is provided with a collective plate 151 for collecting gaming balls guided to the back side of the gaming board 80 via the above-described general winning opening 81 and the like. The collecting plate 151 is formed of a light transmitting (specifically, colorless and transparent) synthetic resin material, and visual confirmation of the flow path of the game ball is facilitated. Thereby, even if a ball clogging or the like occurs in the collective plate 151, it is possible to easily grasp where such an inconvenience occurs.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the collective plate 151 is formed by integrally forming a main body portion provided with a function of collecting game balls and a mounting portion for the game board 80, and straddles the left and right ends of the game board 80 as a whole. It has a horizontally elongated shape. The mounting portion has a plate shape parallel to the back surface of the game board 80, and the mounting plate 151 and the game board 80 are connected to each other by screwing in a state where the mounting portion is in contact with the game board 80. It is integrated.

  The main body portion of the collective plate 151 is provided with a pair of wall portions that stand up toward the back surface of the game board 80, and a collection passage for collecting game balls is defined by these wall portions. A plurality of recovery passages are provided corresponding to the respective ball entry portions such as the general winning opening 81, the operation ball entry portions 84 and 85, the variable ball entry portions 82 and 83, and the like. All of the game balls that have won the respective ball entry portions are collected at the lower part of the game board 80 through the collection passage.

  The above-described discharge passage board 203 (see FIG. 3) is arranged below the game board 80, and the game balls collected at the lower part of the game board 80 by the collection passage are led to the discharge passage, and then the pachinko machine 10 It is discharged to the outside, and in detail it is returned to the island facility. In addition, the above-mentioned out port 89 is similarly connected to the discharge passage, and the game balls that have not won any prize opening are led out into the discharge passage through the out port 89 and are external to the pachinko machine 10. To be discharged.

  A detection sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided at an intermediate position of the collection passage corresponding to the general winning opening 81 and the lower operation ball entry unit 84 among the collection passages. Each detection sensor detects a ball entering a ball-entry portion such as the general winning opening 81 by passing a game ball through a detection area provided in the middle of each collection passage. A magnetic sensor that grasps a change in a magnetic field that occurs when a game ball passes through the detection area is employed.

  Each of these detection sensors is electrically connected to a main control unit 160 (specifically, main control unit 162) provided on the back side of the game board 80, and the detection signals generated by these detection sensors are the same. It is configured to be output to the main controller 162.

<Variable game device 88>
In the present embodiment, the above-described variable game apparatus 88 has a characteristic configuration. Therefore, the variable game device 88 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 11 to 14. 11A is a front view of the variable gaming device 88, FIG. 11B is a rear view of the variable gaming device 88, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the variable gaming device 88 viewed from the front side, and FIG. 13 is a variable gaming device. FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 11A. In FIG. 12, for convenience, the variable display unit 96 and the center frame 97 are integrally displayed with the game board 80 omitted, and in FIG. 14, the game board 80 and the display control device 170 are indicated by a two-dot chain line. Is shown schematically.

  As already described, the variable gaming device 88 includes the variable display unit 96 and the center frame 97 as its main components. In the variable gaming device 88, the variable display unit 96 is disposed so as to cover the central opening 80a (see FIG. 11 or FIG. 14) formed in the gaming board 80 from the rear of the gaming machine, and the central opening 80a is viewed from the front of the gaming machine. It is integrated with the game board 80 in a state where the center frame 97 is disposed so as to cover it.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the center frame 97 is formed larger than the central opening 80a of the game board 80 in the front view of the pachinko machine 10 (see FIG. 11 (a) and FIG. 14), and the edge of the central opening 80a The part is less visible from the front of the gaming machine. As a result, the edge of the central opening 80a is exposed, and the decorativeness of the game board 80 is less likely to be deteriorated. Furthermore, in the portion of the variable display unit 96 protruding into the central opening 80a of the game board 80, the occurrence of the restriction of the outer shape conforming to the inner shape of the central opening 80a is suppressed. Thus, the degree of freedom in design of the variable display unit 96 is improved, and the decorativeness of the variable display unit 96 is improved.

  A supplementary description of the mounting structure of the variable display unit 96 will be given below. As shown in FIG. 14, the housing 250 has a substantially box-shaped main body 251 opened to the center opening 80a (see FIG. 14) side of the game board 80 and the main body. And a plate-like mounting portion 252 that is formed at the opening edge of 251 and abuts against the back surface of the game board 80. The mounting portion 252 is screwed to the game board 80, so that the variable display unit 96 Is fixed to the game board 80.

  A portion of the bottom 251a of the main body 251 facing the central opening 80a of the game board 80 has a window 251b open to the front and back and a ring surrounding the window 251b and an upright standing up behind the gaming machine A portion 251c is formed. And the said symbol display apparatus 260 is accommodated in the area | region enclosed by this standing part 251c.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the symbol display device 260 includes a liquid crystal display 261 having a display screen 261 a and a frame body 262 formed along the periphery of the liquid crystal display 261, and is formed on the frame body 262. The claws are integrated with the housing 250 by being hooked on the display control device 170 fixed to the housing 250 (see FIG. 14). In this manner, the window 251b is covered from the rear of the gaming machine by the symbol display device 260 mounted. That is, the display screen 261a is exposed to the front of the gaming machine through the window 251b and the central opening 80a.

  A ring unit 300 as a movable accessory is provided on the opposite side to the symbol display device 260 with respect to the window 251b of the housing 250, that is, on the front side of the window 251b. The ring unit 300 constitutes a variable display unit 96 together with the housing 250 and the symbol display device 260 described above, and an effect executed on the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260 and an effect executed on the ring unit 300. The rendition function of the pachinko machine 10 is improved by providing the relativity with each other.

<Ring unit 300>
Here, the ring unit 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 14 to 16. 15A is a perspective view of the ring unit 300 viewed from the front side, FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the ring unit 300 viewed from the back side, and FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the ring unit 300 viewed from the front of the gaming machine. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the ring unit 300 has a substantially annular shape as a whole, and is arranged at a position surrounding a display screen 261a (details will be described later) in the symbol display device 260 when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. (See Figure 5). Thereby, the visibility of the display screen 261a through the central opening 301 of the ring unit 300 is ensured.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the ring unit 300 is disposed in the area surrounded by the center frame 97, the game board 80 and the housing 250, and access from the outside of the area is restricted. This is to ensure the visibility of the ring unit 300 from the front of the gaming machine through the central opening 80a, and to suppress the occurrence of malfunction etc. by suppressing unnecessary access to the ring unit 300 (movable accessory). It is a device.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the ring unit 300 has an annular fixing frame 310 that constitutes a fixing portion for the housing 250. The fixed frame 310 is disposed so as to face the bottom portion 251a of the housing 250 from the front of the gaming machine, and the ring unit 300 is attached to the housing 250 by screwing the fixed frame 310 to the housing 250. It is integrated against.

  The fixed frame 310 is molded using a colored opaque synthetic resin material, and overlaps the frame 262 of the symbol display device 260 from the front of the gaming machine. This prevents the frame body 262 from being visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine through the bottom of the housing 250. In other words, when the symbol display device 260 is viewed from the front of the gaming machine, the visibility of the display screen 261a (specifically, the display area) of the liquid crystal display 261 through the central opening 310a of the fixed frame 310 is ensured. The parts other than the display screen 261 a in the symbol display device 260 are difficult to view or not visible.

  A rail member 321 molded of a colored opaque synthetic resin material like the fixing frame 310 is fixed to the fixing frame 310. The rail member 321 has an annular shape along the inner edge of the fixed frame 310. The central opening 321a of the rail member 321 has substantially the same size as the central opening 310a of the fixed frame 310, and is configured such that regions defined by the central openings 310a and 321a overlap in the front-rear direction.

  A pivot ring 331 is disposed in front of the rail member 321 so as to be pivotable about a central portion of the rail member 321. The rotation ring 331 has an annular main body portion 332 formed so as to be coaxial with the rail member 321, and the main body portion 332 faces the rail member 321 from the front of the gaming machine.

  Here, the structure regarding attachment of the rotation ring 331 is demonstrated. A plurality of (in detail, three or more) rollers 325 are disposed on the front surface of the rail member 321 at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rail member 321. The roller 325 is rotatably mounted around an axis extending in the direction in which the rail member 321 and the rotation ring 331 are juxtaposed (in the direction of the central axis of the rail member 321). The roller 325 is formed with a front large diameter portion and a rear large diameter portion which are opposed to each other with a gap, and a small diameter portion provided between the large diameter portions, and the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion. Is configured to be coaxial. In the rotating ring 331, the main body portion 332 is sandwiched between the large diameter portion of the roller 325 and is disposed so as to come into contact with the small diameter portion, so that the rail member 321 extends in the direction of the central axis. The movement is restricted and the rotation along the rail member 321 (in a state where the rotation of the rail member 321 in the circumferential direction is allowed) is held.

  An annular groove 322 extending in the circumferential direction of the rail member 321 is formed in a portion (front surface portion) facing the opposite side of the symbol display device 260 in the rail member 321. The annular groove 322 is open on the opposite side to the symbol display device 260, and the open portion is closed by the main body 332 of the pivot ring 331. A ring side gear portion 334 is formed on the main body portion 332 so as to protrude toward the bottom of the annular groove 322. The ring-side gear portion 334 is formed by a plurality of convex portions arranged in parallel in the rotation direction of the rotation ring 331, and at the bottom portion of the annular groove portion 322, an open portion that exposes the ring-side gear portion 334 rearward. Is formed.

  A stepping motor 341 is attached to the rail member 321 so as to be positioned behind the opening, and a motor-side gear 342 mounted on the stepping motor 341 has an intermediate gear fixed to the rail member 321 as well. To the ring side gear portion 334. The power from the stepping motor 341 is transmitted to the pivoting ring 331 through the intermediate gear, and the pivoting of the pivoting ring 331 in accordance with the operation of the stepping motor 341 is realized.

<Inclined arrangement of ring unit 300>
In the present embodiment, the arrangement of the ring unit 300 with respect to the symbol display device 260 is characteristic. Therefore, the configuration relating to the arrangement of the ring unit 300 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the ring unit 300 is attached in an inclined state with respect to the display screen 261 a of the symbol display device 260. Specifically, the ring unit 300 is attached to the housing 250 in a state where the ring unit 300 is inclined obliquely so that the upper end of the ring unit 300 is positioned in front of the gaming machine with respect to the lower end.

  The upper portion of the rail member 321 is located within the central opening 80a of the game board 80, while the lower portion of the rail member 321 is located rearward of the central opening 80a of the game board 80. Thereby, about the distance dimension of the display screen 261a of the symbol display apparatus 260 arrange | positioned so that it may become parallel with the front surface of the game board 80, and the rail member 321, the distance dimension in the upper part of the rail member 321 is a lower part. It is set to be larger than the distance dimension.

  With respect to the symbol display device 260, the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260 is the same height as the line of sight of the player seated in front of the gaming machine when the pachinko machine 10 is installed in an island facility such as a gaming hall. The height position is set so as to be the position. Thereby, the visibility of the display screen 261a when playing a game is improved. Further, by arranging the symbol display device 260 behind the gaming board 80 (at a position far from the player), it is possible to suppress the light from the light installed on the ceiling of the game hall from being reflected on the display screen 261a. It is suppressed that the information displayed on the display screen 261a becomes inconspicuous.

  Here, by arranging the upper part of the ring unit 300 close to the upper part of the central opening 80a of the game board 80, the above-described function of suppressing the light irradiation can be given to the ring unit 300, and the display screen 261a. It is possible to more suitably suppress the reflection on the screen.

  Further, by adopting the above-described inclined arrangement, it is possible to suitably secure an accommodation area for the stepping motor 341 protruding rearward from the rail member 321 between the upper portion of the rail member 321 and the bottom portion 251a of the housing 250. Is possible. That is, in the configuration in which the upper portion of the ring unit 300 is advanced, it is not preferable that the central opening 80a be enlarged for the purpose of avoiding the interference between the game board 80 and the stepping motor 341. In this regard, if the accommodation area of the stepping motor 341 can be secured behind the rail member 321, the insertion path of the stepping motor 341 is added to the passage area of the variable display unit 96 when the variable display unit 96 is attached to the game board 80. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the above inconvenience.

  Here, it is not preferable that the gap between the ring unit 300 and the symbol display device 260 becomes large in order to produce an integral effect between the ring unit 300 and the symbol display device 260 (details will be described later). In addition, since the lower operation entrance portion 84 where the player's attention is likely to be directed is present below the symbol display device 260 similarly to the display screen 261a, the player's line of sight tends to be horizontal or lower than horizontal. It is assumed. Therefore, the rendering function is improved by suppressing the expansion of the above-mentioned gap so that the lower part of the ring unit 300 is closer to the symbol display device 260 than the upper part.

  In particular, by disposing the stepping motor 341 at the upper portion of the ring unit 300 as described above, the gap between the lower portion of the ring unit 300 and the symbol display device 260 can be suitably reduced.

  In addition, when the ring unit 300 is operated, it is possible to improve the production effect. By increasing the size of the ring unit 300 or expanding the operation area of the ring unit 300, the impact of the production by the ring unit 300 can be increased. it can. However, when the ring unit 300 is simply enlarged, the occupied area of the ring unit 300 in the vertical direction is expanded due to it. This is not preferable because it may cause a pressure on the game area PE. Then, as described above, if the ring unit 300 is disposed obliquely, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the rendering effect while suppressing the occurrence of such inconvenience.

  The ring unit 300 does not have to be arranged at an angle with respect to the display screen 261a, and a configuration in which the ring unit 300 faces the display screen 261a may be employed. However, when such a change is made, it becomes difficult to expect the various effects described above.

  A supplementary description will be given of the configuration relating to the operation of the rotating ring 331. As shown in FIG. 16, a position detection sensor 345 for detecting the position of the rotation ring 331 is disposed on the top of the rail member 321. The position detection sensor 345 is electrically connected to the display control device 170 (see FIG. 14), and in the display control device, the rotation ring 331 is based on detection information (detection signal) from the position detection sensor 345. It is the structure which can grasp | ascertain whether is in an initial position.

  A disk-like panel member 351 is attached to the rotation ring 331 so as to close the central opening 331 a of the rotation ring 331, and the panel member 351 rotates in accordance with the movement of the rotation ring 331. . The panel member 351 is formed using a synthetic resin material having transparency, and the visibility of the display screen 261 a through the panel member 351 is secured.

  The panel member 351 is not an essential component and may be omitted. However, focusing on the point that stabilization of the pivoting function can be expected by improving the strength of the pivoting ring 331 by the panel member 351, the pivoting ring is attributed to ensuring the visibility of the display screen 261a as described above. In a configuration in which it is difficult to pivotally support 331 so that the panel member 351 is preferably used.

<Light Emitting Device 360>
A light emitting device 360 is disposed in front of the pivoting ring 331 so as to sandwich the pivoting ring 331 with the rail member 321. The light emitting device 360 includes a light emitting substrate 362 having a plurality of light emitters 361 (specifically LEDs) mounted on the front surface, a diffusion plate 363 disposed so as to face the light emitting substrate 362 from the front, and these The front cover members 364 a and 364 b covering the light emitting substrate 362 and the diffusion plate 363 and the rear cover member 365 are provided to form an annular shape as a whole. The light emitting device 360 is integrated with the rail member 321 by screwing the front cover member 364a to the rail member 321. Note that light from the light emitter 361 is diffused by passing through the diffusion plate 363, and then irradiated to the front of the gaming machine through a light transmission portion formed in the front cover member 364a.

  In the light emitting device 360, substantially the entire area defined by the central opening 360a (see FIG. 15A) of the light emitting device 360 is divided by the central opening 321a of the rail member 321, and the light emitting device 360 and the rails The members 321 overlap each other in the direction in which they are arranged. Thereby, it is suppressed that the area | region which can be visually recognized in the display screen 261a by the light-emitting device 360 becomes small.

  Here, the relationship between the rear cover member 365, the rail member 321, and the pivot ring 331 is captured.

  A peripheral wall portion 324 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the rail member 321 so as to stand on the light emitting device 360 side (front side), and correspondingly, the outer peripheral edge of the rear cover member 365 is directed toward the peripheral wall portion 324 ( A peripheral wall portion 366 is formed to stand (on the rear side). The front end portions of the peripheral wall portions 324 and 366 abut each other, whereby the front and back positions of the rail member 321 and the rear cover member 365 are identified, and the pivot ring 331 is determined by the rail member 321 and the rear cover member 365. The accommodation space to accommodate is divided.

  At least the rear cover member 365 is formed using a colored opaque synthetic resin material, and overlaps the rail member 321 over the entire area. Therefore, the light emitting device 360 prevents the rotary ring 331 housed in the housing space from being viewed from the front of the gaming machine.

  The accommodation space in which the rotation ring 331 is accommodated is opened to the inside of the ring unit 300, and the decorative member 335 is connected to the rotation ring 331 through the open portion and the central opening 301. The decorative member 335 includes a facing portion 336 that faces the front cover member 364 from the front of the gaming machine, and a connecting portion 337 that bypasses the light emitting device 360 and is connected to the rotating ring 331. It will rotate according to the movement of the ring 331.

<Operation of Ring Unit 300>
Here, the operation of the ring unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an operation explanatory diagram of the ring unit.

  When the display control device outputs a first drive signal to the stepping motor 341, the stepping motor 341 rotates in the first direction. Based on the operation of the stepping motor 341, the rotating ring 331 and the decorative member 335 connected to the rotating ring 331 are viewed from the front of the gaming machine as shown in FIG. And rotates clockwise around the display screen 261a (more specifically, the display area). More specifically, it pivots about the central portion CTP1 of the central opening 301 of the ring unit 300.

  At this time, since the light emitting device 360 (more specifically, the front cover member 364) prevents the rotary ring 331 from being visually recognized, the player is given the impression that the decorative member 335 has moved alone. be able to.

  The movement amount (rotation amount) of the decoration member 335 is managed by the number of steps of the drive signal output to the stepping motor 341, and it is possible to control at which timing and to which position the decoration member 335 is moved.

  When the decorative member 335 is returned from the rotation position shown in FIG. 17B to the initial position shown in FIG. 17A, the first drive signal is set to have an excitation pattern opposite to that of the first drive signal. Two drive signals are output to the stepping motor 341. As a result, the stepping motor 341 operates and the rotating ring 331 and the decorative member 335 return to the initial positions. Specifically, the return of the rotating ring 331 to the initial position is monitored by the position detection sensor 345, and the output of the second drive signal is stopped when the rotating ring 331 returns to the initial position. Thereby, the return to the initial position of the rotation ring 331 is completed.

  On the other hand, when the second drive signal is output from the display control device to the stepping motor 341 in the state shown in FIG. 17A, based on the operation of the stepping motor 341, FIG. As shown in (c), the rotation ring 331 and the decoration member 335 rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the gaming machine. More specifically, it pivots about the central portion CTP1 of the central opening 301 of the ring unit 300.

  When the decorative member 335 is returned from the rotation position shown in FIG. 17C to the initial position shown in FIG. 17A, the excitation pattern is set to be opposite to that of the second drive signal. The first drive signal is output to the stepping motor 341. As a result, the stepping motor 341 operates and the rotating ring 331 and the decorative member 335 return to the initial positions. Specifically, the return of the rotating ring 331 to the initial position is monitored by the position detection sensor 345, and the output of the first drive signal is stopped when the rotating ring 331 returns to the initial position. Thereby, the return to the initial position of the rotation ring 331 is completed.

<Positional relationship between ring unit 300 and symbol display device 260>
Next, the positional relationship between the ring unit 300 and the symbol display device 260 will be described based on FIG. 18A is a schematic view of the ring unit 300 and the symbol display device 260 as seen from the front of the gaming machine, and FIG. 18B is a schematic diagram showing the front and rear positions of the ring unit 300 and the symbol display device 260.

  As already described, the ring unit 300 has a substantially annular shape, and the central opening 301 defines an area that can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine in the symbol display device 260 (specifically, the display screen 261a). Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the area thus partitioned is referred to as a partitioned area DE or a display area DE.

  In the display screen 261a, an image such as a symbol or a background is displayed. Among them, the central portion CTP2 of the region where variable display of symbols is performed (hereinafter referred to as the variable display region ME for convenience) is the central portion CTP1 of the divided region DE. The ring unit 300 is disposed so as to overlap in the front and back direction (that is, the direction in which the symbol display device 260 and the ring unit 300 are juxtaposed).

  This is a contrivance for suitably exhibiting the effect in performing an integrated effect by the ring unit 300 and the symbol display device 260. Details of the effect will be described later.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 14 again, the configuration of the center frame 97, the ring unit 300, and the symbol display device 260 will be supplementarily described.

  The center frame 97 has a frame body 501 formed along the central opening 80 a of the game board 80. The frame body 501 stands upright from the front of the game board 80, and the amount of standing can be controlled so that the game ball flowing down the game area PE passes over the frame body 501 and passes in front of the variable display unit 96 It is set to be The center frame 97 also has a panel member 511 which covers the opening of the frame 501 and is disposed at a position facing the variable display unit 96. By avoiding the interference of the game ball with the movable decorative member 335 and the like by the panel member 511, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunction of the ring unit 300 due to the positional deviation of the decorative member 335 and the like. .

  The panel member 511 is formed using a synthetic resin material having transparency, and the visibility of the variable display unit 96 through the panel member 511 is secured. On the other hand, the frame body 501 is configured to prevent the passage of light, and the portion other than the display screen 261a in the symbol display device 260 is restricted so as not to be visible from the front of the gaming machine through the frame body 501. . Specifically, although there is a slight gap between ring unit 300 and central opening 80a of game board 80, housing 250 on which symbol display device 260 or symbol display device 260 is mounted through such a gap. Etc. are formed so as not to be visible. This prevents the variable gaming device 88 from being viewed from the front of the gaming machine except for the portion other than the display screen 261a in the symbol display device 260 and the configuration related to the symbol display device 260 (housing 250, etc.). In other words, in the variable gaming device 88 according to the present embodiment, the player has a configuration (for example, various configurations such as an attachment and a mechanism portion) other than the portion related to the game such as the decorative portion of the variable display unit 96 and the display screen 261a. It is configured to be invisible. Thereby, the decoration function in the pachinko machine 10 is improved.

  A stage unit 400 is provided below the ring unit 300 described in detail above (see FIG. 14). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the housing 250 (specifically, the main body portion 251) includes a ring unit housing portion 253 that houses the ring unit 300 and a stage unit housing portion 254 that houses the stage unit 400. It is juxtaposed up and down. The stage unit 400 is integrated with the housing 250 by being fixed to the housing 250 in a state of being housed in the stage unit housing portion 254.

<Stage unit 400 and accompanying structure>
Hereinafter, the stage unit 400 and the configuration associated therewith will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 12, and 19 to 22. 19A is a front view of the stage unit 400, FIG. 19B is a plan view of the stage unit 400, FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the stage unit 400 viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and FIG. 21 is a front view of the stage unit 400. FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 19 (a).

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the frame 501 of the center frame 97, an inflow port 503 for permitting the inflow of gaming balls flowing down the gaming area PE, and the gaming balls inflowed from the inflow port 503 are partitioned by the frame 501. Of the above-mentioned area, an area under the variable display unit 96, specifically, a frame side guiding passage 504 for guiding to the stage unit 400 is formed.

  The stage unit 400 is provided with a stage device 410 provided with a retention function for temporarily retaining the gaming ball guided by the frame-side guiding passage 504. Stage device 410 accommodates a plurality (10 in the present embodiment) of movable plates 420 arranged side by side in a front-and-rear direction and a state in which the movable plate 420 stands (the plate surface faces forward). A case body 430 is formed. The case body 430 has a substantially box-like main body 431 opened upward, and the upper end of the movable plate 420 is exposed from the open portion.

  Each movable plate 420 is disposed so that the plate surfaces of one movable plate 420 are opposed to the plate surfaces of other adjacent movable plates 420 with a gap. The gap between the movable plates 420 is set smaller than the diameter size of the game balls (specifically, smaller than the radius size of the game balls), and the staying portion 425 where the game balls stay by the upper end portions of the movable plates 420. Is configured.

  The upper end portion of the movable plate 420 has a curved surface shape that curves in the direction in which the movable plates 420 are juxtaposed (longitudinal direction) so as to be upwardly convex. For this reason, the game ball placed on the upper end portion of one movable plate 420 moves forward or rearward while being in contact with the upper end portion of the movable plate 420, and both the movable plate 420 and the other movable plate 420 adjacent to each other. It stays in a state where it abuts on the surface. That is, the staying game ball is prevented from remaining on one movable plate 420.

  In a state where the game ball stays so as to straddle the two movable plates 420, the front movable plate 420 abuts the front portion of the game ball, and the rear movable plate 420 contacts the rear portion of the game ball. Will abut. The gap between the movable plates 420 is set so as to avoid interference between the game ball in contact with two adjacent movable plates 420 and the other movable plate 420.

  A groove 431a extending in the vertical direction is formed in a wall facing the movable plate 420 from the side in the case body 430 (specifically, the main body 431). The groove portions 431a are opened to the housing area side of the movable plate 420, and the left and right end portions of the movable plate 420 are inserted into the groove portions 431a through the open portions. The groove portion 431a is formed to allow vertical movement of the left and right end portions of the movable plate 420, but to prohibit movement in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. That is, the groove 431 a is provided with a function of defining the moving direction of the movable plate 420.

  The stage device 410 is provided with a drive mechanism 440 for individually moving the movable plate 450 to cause a difference in height in the staying portion 425 to guide the staying game ball to the front of the gaming machine or the like. A detailed description of the drive mechanism 440 will be described later.

  In addition, the case body 430 is provided with a restricting portion 432 that is arranged at a position side by side with the staying portion 425 and restricts the movement of the game ball to the right and left sides of the staying portion 425. The restricting portion 432 includes an inclined surface that is positioned higher than the staying portion 425 and goes down toward the staying portion 425, and a stage-side guide passage 433 that communicates with the frame-side guide passage 504. The exit portion 434 of the stage side guide passage 433 is located above the inclined surface, and the game ball dropped on the inclined surface through the inlet 503 → the frame side guide passage 504 → the stage side guide passage 433 → the outlet portion 434. Moves along the inclined surface to the staying portion 425, and after reaching the staying portion 425, it is impossible to leave the staying portion 425 through the outlet portion 434.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the lower end portion of the center frame 97 (specifically, the frame body 501) is located in front of the staying portion 425, and the lower end portion receives a game ball guided forward. An inlet 505 is formed.

  The inlet 505 is open at the top, and the center frame 97 is formed with a ball passage 506 communicating with the inlet 505. The ball passage 506 has a predetermined width so that a plurality of gaming balls can pass through the same place in the ball passage 506, and the outlet portion of the ball passage 506 is above the lower operation ball entry portion 84. Is located in At the central portion in the width direction of the ball passage 506, that is, the portion directly above the lower operation entrance portion 84, the game ball that has flowed into the reception entrance 505 is transferred to the lower operation entrance portion 84. A guiding groove 507 is formed. That is, of the game balls that have flowed into the receiving port 505, those that have reached the guide groove 507 are guided to the lower operation entrance ball portion 84, while game balls that have not reached the guide groove 507 are in the lower operation entrance ball portion. The probability of entering the lower operation ball entering portion 84 is lower than that of the gaming ball distributed to the left or right of the 84 and moved along the guide groove 507.

  The receiving port 505 is located substantially in the center in the left-right direction in the staying portion 425, and stopper portions 508 that prevent the movement of the game ball forward of the gaming machine are formed on both the left and right sides of the receiving port 505 (see FIG. 13). That is, among the gaming balls moved forward along the retaining portion 425, the gaming balls that did not reach the receiving port 505 do not flow out from the retaining portion 425 and continue on the retaining portion 425 until they reach the receiving port 505. It will continue to stay.

<Light Emitting Device 470>
The retention portion 425 is disposed rearward of the front surface of the game board 80 and is surrounded by the ring unit 300 and the restricting portion 432 described above. Thereby, it is suppressed that the light installed in the ceiling of a game hall etc. and the light from the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260 reach the retention part 425, and the dark place is actively done in the retention part 425 or its periphery. (See FIG. 14).

  Here, in the stage unit 400 in the present embodiment, a light emitting device 470 to which the illumination function in the stage device 410 is added is provided. By irradiating the staying part 425 with light by the light emitting device 470, a contrast is generated in the light emission mode of the staying part 425, and the degree of attention to the staying part 425 is improved.

  Hereinafter, the light emitting device 470 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. The light emitting device 470 includes a light emitting substrate 471, a diffusion plate 475 that is disposed in front of the light emitting substrate 471 and diffuses light from a light emitter 472 (specifically, an LED) mounted on the light emitting substrate 471, and the diffusion plate 475. The front cover 481 is disposed in front of the game machine and opposed to the diffuser plate 475 from the front of the gaming machine, and is disposed behind the retention portion 425.

  The front cover 481 and the diffusion plate 475 are formed using a transparent synthetic resin material, and light from the light emitter 472 is emitted forward through the diffusion plate 475 and the front cover 481. The light emitter 472 always emits constant light when the pachinko machine 10 is activated. As shown in FIG. 22, light from the light-emitting device 470 is irradiated forward of the gaming machine through a staying area of the game ball on the staying part 425 (see the dot hatched portion). If the game stays, it will be blocked by the game ball. That is, it is possible to change the light emission mode in the stage unit 400 in the case where the gaming ball is not present in the staying portion 425. Specifically, the light emission mode in the stage unit 400 can be changed by changing the difference between light and dark. This makes it possible to improve the degree of attention to the movement of the gaming ball.

  Further, the front cover 481 faces the movable plate 420 located at the rearmost among the plurality of movable plates 420 with a gap smaller than the radius dimension of the game ball. The game ball guided to the rear of the gaming machine along the retention portion 425 is restricted from further rearward movement by abutting on the front cover 481. That is, the front cover 481 is provided with a protective function of the light emitting substrate 471 and the like and a function of preventing the game balls in stagnation from flowing out to the rear of the gaming machine.

<Drive mechanism 440>
In the present embodiment, the drive mechanism 440 for driving the movable plate 420 has a characteristic configuration. Therefore, the drive mechanism 440 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the drive mechanism 440 has a stepping motor 441 as a drive unit disposed behind the movable plate 420. The stepping motor 441 is electrically connected to the main controller 162, and operates based on a drive signal output from the main controller 162.

  This driving signal is always output when the pachinko machine 10 is activated. More specifically, a first drive signal and a second drive signal having different excitation patterns are set as the drive signals, and the first drive signal and the second drive signal are triggered by the passage of a predetermined period. It is configured to be output alternately. Specifically, the excitation pattern of the first drive signal is set to rotate the stepping motor 441 forward, and the excitation pattern of the second drive signal is set to reverse the stepping motor 441. By alternately outputting the drive signals, the rotation direction of the stepping motor 441 is changed.

  The power generated by the stepping motor 441 is transmitted to the eccentric cam 446 via various gears constituting the power transmission means. The eccentric cam 446 has a shaft portion 447 extending in the direction in which the movable plates 420 are arranged (front-rear direction), and a cam portion 448 formed so as to protrude from the shaft portion 447 in the radial direction.

  Each movable plate 420 is formed with an insertion portion 421 through which the eccentric cam 446 is inserted. The insertion portion 421 penetrates in the thickness direction of the movable plate 420, and both end portions of the eccentric cam 446 (specifically, the shaft portion 447) inserted in the insertion portion 421 project back and forth from the movable plate 420 group. Then, the front end portion and the rear end portion of the shaft portion 447 are attached to the case body 430 so as to be rotatable by being held by a bearing portion formed on the case body 430. Yes.

  The cam portion 448 has a substantially disc shape centering on the axis offset in the radial direction with respect to the central axis of the shaft portion 447, and is in contact with the insertion portion 421 from the lower side. The insertion portion 421 has a size that allows the rotation of the cam portion 448, and the movable plate 420 periodically moves up and down by the rotation of the eccentric cam 446. Specifically, when the upper wall surface of the insertion portion 421 is pushed upward by the cam portion 448, the movable plate 420 rises along the groove portion 431a, and when the cam portion 448 moves downward, the movable plate 420 is moved by its own weight. It will go down.

  The cam portion 448 is provided in one-to-one correspondence with each movable plate 420 (specifically, each insertion portion 421), and is equiangular around the central axis of the shaft portion 447 (60 ° in the present embodiment). ). Here, the outer shapes (cam profiles) of the cam portions 448 are all the same, and the insertion portions 421 are configured to have the same shape in all the movable plates 420. Thereby, the raising / lowering period of each movable plate 420 based on the rotation of the eccentric cam 446 is shifted at equal intervals.

  Supplementing the positional relationship between the upper end portion of the movable plate 420 and the insertion portion 421, the positional relationship (distance) between the two is common to all the movable plates 420. For this reason, when the eccentric cam 446 is inserted through the insertion portion 421, the cam portions 448 and the insertion portions 421 come into contact with each other, thereby causing a height difference in the movable plate 420 (specifically, the upper end portion).

  As shown in FIG. 19B, a plurality of eccentric cams 446 are arranged side by side in the width direction (lateral direction) of the staying portion 425 described above. More specifically, it is disposed at a position on the left side of the receiving port 505 and at a position on the right side of the receiving port 505. Hereinafter, for convenience, the left eccentric cam 446 is referred to as "left eccentric cam 446L", and the right eccentric cam 446 is referred to as "right eccentric cam 446R".

  Here, with reference to FIG. 21, the power transmission means which constitutes the drive mechanism 440 together with the stepping motor 441 and the eccentric cams 446R and 446L will be supplementarily described.

  A drive gear 442 is fixed to the output shaft of the stepping motor 441, and the drive gear 442 is engaged with a driven gear 443R fixed to the shaft portion 447 of the right eccentric cam 446R. On the other hand, the driven gear 443L fixed to the shaft portion 447 of the left eccentric cam 446L is engaged with the transmission gear 444. The transmission gear 444 is rotatably attached to the main body 431 of the case 430, and engaged with the driven gear 443R.

  When the drive gear 442 rotates clockwise in the front view of the gaming machine, the driven gear 443R rotates counterclockwise following the rotation of the drive gear 442. As a result, the right eccentric cam 446R rotates counterclockwise. In addition, the transmission gear 444 rotates counterclockwise as the drive gear 442 rotates, and the driven gear 443L rotates clockwise accordingly. As a result, the left eccentric cam 446L rotates clockwise.

  On the other hand, when the drive gear 442 rotates counterclockwise in the gaming machine front view, the driven gear 443R rotates clockwise. As a result, the right eccentric cam 446R rotates clockwise. In addition, the transmission gear 444 rotates clockwise with the rotation of the drive gear 442, and the driven gear 443L rotates counterclockwise accordingly. As a result, the left eccentric cam 446L rotates counterclockwise.

  When the eccentric cams 446L and 446R rotate based on the rotation of the drive gear 442, the gear ratios of the gears 442 to 444 are the rotational speeds of the driven gears 443L and 443R, that is, the rotations of the eccentric cams 446L and 446R. The speeds are set to be the same.

  Here, the lifting and lowering cycle of each movable plate 420 will be supplementarily described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. In the following description, the frontmost movable plate 420 is the “first movable plate 420a”, the second movable plate 420 from the front is the “second movable plate 420b”, and the third movable plate 420 from the front. The “third movable plate 420 c”,..., The movable plate 420 located on the rearmost side are referred to as “movable plate 420 j”.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the cam portions 448 are disposed at an interval of 60 °, and the front and rear movable plates 420 are configured such that the phases thereof are shifted by 1/6 period. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the number of movable plates 420 is “10”. For this reason, the raising / lowering cycle of the 1st movable plate 420a and the raising / lowering cycle of the 7th movable plate 420g completely correspond (phase difference is set to 0), the raising / lowering cycle of the 2nd movable plate 420b, and the raising / lowering of the 8th movable plate 420h. The period completely coincides (the phase difference becomes 0), the elevating period of the third movable plate 420c and the elevating period of the ninth movable plate 420i completely coincide (the phase difference becomes 0), and the fourth movable plate The lifting and lowering cycle of 420 d completely matches the lifting and lowering cycle of the tenth movable plate 420 j (the phase difference becomes 0).

  By adopting the above configuration, in the staying portion 425, there are at least two portions that are higher than the other portions (portions that protrude upward), and at least one portion that is lower than the other portions. Will be formed.

<Operation of Stage Device 410>
Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the stage device 410 (each movable plate 420) and the movement of the game ball will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing the operation cycle of each of the movable plates 420a to 420j, and FIGS. 24 and 25 are schematic views showing the movement of the stage device 410. FIG. In the following description, FIG. 23 is mainly referred to and FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 are referred to as appropriate.

  First, the movement of the game ball when the stepping motor 441 is operating based on the first drive signal will be exemplified.

  The gaming balls having flowed out of the outlet portion 434 (see FIG. 24A1) of the guiding passage 433 move toward the retaining portion 425 (specifically, the ninth movable plate 420i). At the timing ta1 when the game ball reaches the staying part 425, the tenth movable plate 420j is the highest position, the ninth movable plate 420i is lower than the tenth movable plate 420j, and the eighth movable plate 420h is It is lower than the ninth movable plate 420i. That is, the upper end portions of the eighth movable plate 420h to the tenth movable plate 420j are stepped in a forward direction. In addition, the seventh movable plate 420g is the same as the eighth movable plate 420h. Therefore, the game ball that has reached the staying portion 425 moves from the ninth movable plate 420i to the eighth movable plate 420h, and finally comes into contact with both the eighth movable plate 420h and the seventh movable plate 420g. Stop at (see FIG. 24 (a)).

  At the timing of ta1, the seventh movable plate 420g and the eighth movable plate 420h are the same, but this is lowered toward the position where the seventh movable plate 420g is at the lowest position, and the eighth movable plate. In the process where 420h is ascending from the lowest position, the height positions are only temporarily aligned, and the movement of these movable plates 420g and 420h continues, whereby both movable plates 420g. , 420h, the vertical position is reversed. Specifically, at the timing of ta2 after the timing of ta1, the eighth movable plate 420h is higher than the seventh movable plate 420g, and the gaming ball which has been retained so as to straddle both the movable plates 420h and 420g is By being lifted upward by the eighth movable plate 420h, the game machine rolls forward to the gaming machine (see FIG. 24B).

  At this time, since the sixth movable plate 420f is lower than the seventh movable plate 420g and the fifth movable plate 420e is higher than the sixth movable plate 420f, the game ball is connected to the fifth movable plate 420e. Further forward rolling is prevented in the state of being in contact with the sixth movable plate 420 f (see FIG. 24B).

  Thereafter, at the timing ta3 when the fifth movable plate 420e is lowered and the sixth movable plate 420f is raised, the vertical positions of the fifth movable plate 420e and the sixth movable plate 420f are reversed. That is, the sixth movable plate 420f is higher than the fifth movable plate 420e, and the gaming ball which has been retained so as to straddle both the movable plates 420e and 420f moves to the front of the gaming machine (FIG. 25 (c )reference).

  At the timing of ta3, since the fifth movable plate 420e and the fourth movable plate 420d are in the same state, the game balls that are pushed upward by the sixth movable plate 420f and rolled forward of the gaming machine are both It reaches the position straddling the movable plates 420e and 420d, and stays at the same position (see FIG. 25C).

  In addition, at the timing of ta3, since the third movable plate 420c is higher than the two movable plates 420e, 420d, even if the game ball rolls forward toward the front of the gaming machine, By contacting the third movable plate 420c, further forward movement of the gaming machine is prevented.

  Thereafter, at the timing ta4 when the fourth movable plate 420d is lowered and the fifth movable plate 420e is raised, the vertical positions of the fourth movable plate 420d and the fifth movable plate 420e are reversed. That is, the fifth movable plate 420e is higher than the fourth movable plate 420d, and the gaming ball which has been retained so as to straddle both the movable plates 420d and 420e moves to the front of the gaming machine (FIG. 25 (d )reference).

  At the timing of this ta4, since the third movable plate 420c is lower than the fourth movable plate 420d, the gaming ball pushed upward by the fifth movable plate 420e moves forward of the gaming machine, It will stay so as to straddle the three movable plates 420c and the fourth movable plate 420d (see FIG. 25D).

  In addition, at the timing of ta4, since the second movable plate 420b is higher than the two movable plates 420c and 420d, even if the game ball rolls vigorously toward the front of the gaming machine, By contacting the second movable plate 420b, further forward movement of the gaming machine is prevented.

  When the game ball reaches a position straddling the first movable plate 420a and the second movable plate 420b at the timing ta5 after the timing ta4, preparations for discharging the game ball from the stage device 410 to the receiving port 505 are made. It is completed (see FIG. 24 (a)). At the timing of ta5, both movable plates 420a and 420b are equal to each other, and forward movement of the game ball staying so as to straddle both movable plates 420a and 420b is performed by the first movable plate 420a. It is in a state of being blocked.

  Thereafter, when the first movable plate 420a is lowered and the second movable plate 420b is raised, the vertical relationship between the two movable plates 420a and 420b is reversed, and the game ball placed upward by the second movable plate 420b is moved to the first movable plate. It will move over the board 420a to the front of the gaming machine. As a result, the gaming ball is detached from the stage device 410 (the retention unit 425), and flows into, for example, the receiving port 505.

  In this way, the relative position of each movable plate 420 is changed so that the object that is higher in the staying portion 425 and the object that is lower are shifted to the front of the gaming machine. The game ball is sent forward of the game machine. Thus, if attention is paid to the function of sending the game ball in a predetermined direction, the stage device 410 can also be referred to as the “ball feed device 410”, and further the function of guiding the game ball forward of the game machine. It is also possible to refer to the stage device 410 as the “induction device 410”.

  Next, the movement of the game ball when the stepping motor 441 is operating based on the second drive signal will be exemplified.

  At the timing tb1, the first movable plate 420a and the second movable plate 420b are in the vicinity of the lowest position (see FIG. 24A). When the game ball stays so as to straddle the first movable plate 420a and the second movable plate 420b, the first movable plate 420a is raised and the second movable plate 420b is lowered. It is lifted by the first movable plate 420a and moves to the rear of the gaming machine.

  Thereafter, when the second movable plate 420b reaches the lowest position, the second movable plate 420b turns upward. Thereby, at the timing of tb2, the vertical positions of the second movable plate 420b and the third movable plate 420c are reversed, and the second movable plate 420b is higher than the third movable plate 420c. As a result, the game ball that has stayed so as to straddle the second movable plate 420b and the third movable plate 420c until then rolls to the rear of the gaming machine, and the game ball moves to the third movable plate 420c and the fourth movable plate 420c. It stays so as to straddle the movable plate 420d (see FIG. 25D).

  Thereafter, the third movable plate 420c ascends and the fourth movable plate 420d descends, so that the fourth movable plate 420d becomes lower than the third movable plate 420c and straddles both the movable plates 420c and 420d. The staying game ball rolls backward in the gaming machine.

  Then, at the timing of tb3, the fourth movable plate 420d and the fifth movable plate 420e become equal, and the gaming ball rolled to the rear stays astride both the movable plates 420d and 420e (see FIG. 25 (c)).

  After that, when the fourth movable plate 420d rises and the fifth movable plate 420e descends, the fifth movable plate 420e becomes lower than the fourth movable plate 420d and stays so as to straddle both the movable plates 420d and 420e. The game ball rolls backward on the gaming machine.

  The game ball rolling backward in this way straddles the fifth movable plate 420e and the sixth movable plate 420f, which is lower than the fifth movable plate 420e, at the subsequent timing tb4. It will stay.

  In this way, the relative position of each movable plate 420 is changed so that the object that is higher in the staying portion 425 and the object that is lower are shifted to the rear of the gaming machine. The game ball is sent forward of the game machine.

  Here, the behavior when the gaming ball having flowed out from the exit portion 434 of the guiding passage 433 reaches the retaining portion 425 will be described. In the present embodiment, as described above, the highest target among all the movable plates 420a to 420j is shifted in order, and the eighth movable plate as a target for reaching the game ball that has flowed out of the outlet portion 434. The height relationship between 420h and the tenth movable plate 420j changes according to the timing of arrival.

  Specifically, when the ninth movable plate 420i is lower than the eighth movable plate 420h and the tenth movable plate 420j, the gaming ball having reached the retaining portion 425 is the eighth movable plate 420h and the eighth movable plate 420h. It stays so as to straddle both of the ninth movable plate 420i or straddle both of the ninth movable plate 420i and the tenth movable plate 420j.

  On the other hand, when the ninth movable plate 420i is higher than the eighth movable plate 420h and the tenth movable plate 420j, the game ball that has reached the staying portion 425 may stay on the ninth movable plate 420i. Is difficult, and it rolls to the front or back of the ninth movable plate 420i.

  When the ninth movable plate 420i is higher than the eighth movable plate 420h and the tenth movable plate 420j is higher than the ninth movable plate 420i, the movable plates 420h to 420j should be arranged along the respective movable plates 420h to 420j. Thus, the game ball moves to the front of the game machine and stays so as to straddle the seventh movable plate 420g and the eighth movable plate 420h (see FIG. 24A).

  On the other hand, when the ninth movable plate 420i is lower than the eighth movable plate 420h and the tenth movable plate 420j is lower than the ninth movable plate 420i, it follows the movable plates 420h to 420j. Thus, the game ball moves to the rear of the game machine, and the game ball stays in contact with the tenth movable plate 420j and the front cover 481 of the light emitting device 470.

  In this way, by diversifying the position where the game ball first stays depending on the timing at which the game ball reaches the staying portion 425, the movement of the game ball is suppressed from becoming monotonous, and the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball is improved Contribute to

<Configuration to move the game ball to the left and right>
As described above in detail, it is possible to move the gaming ball back and forth by individually moving the movable plates 420a to 420j up and down. However, with regard to the stage device 410 in the present embodiment, the gaming ball is Further diversification of the movement of the game ball is realized by moving the ball not only in the front-rear direction but also in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the configuration for moving the gaming ball left and right will be described with reference to FIG. 26A and 26B are schematic views showing the relationship between the movable plates 420. FIG. 26A is a view of the stage device 410 viewed from the front side, and FIG. 26B is a view of the stage device 410 viewed from above. ing.

  As described above, the upper end portion of each movable plate 420 has a curved shape. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 26A, the upper end portion has a wave shape that repeats unevenness in a direction (specifically, the left-right direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the movable plates 420 are juxtaposed.

  There are roughly two types of undulation patterns formed at the upper end, and one of the two undulation patterns is adopted in each movable plate 420. Specifically, the first movable plate 420a, the second movable plate 420b, the fifth movable plate 420e, the sixth movable plate 420f, the ninth movable plate 420i, and the tenth movable plate 420j (hereinafter referred to as the first type movable plate group 420A for convenience). And the undulation pattern employed in the third movable plate 420c, the fourth movable plate 420d, the seventh movable plate 420g, and the eighth movable plate 420h (hereinafter referred to as the second type movable plate group 420B). The relief pattern is different.

  Specifically, at the upper end of the first type movable plate group 420A, four tops 422A are formed at equal intervals on the left and right, and a bottom 423A is formed at an intermediate position between the tops 422A. Similarly, a top portion 422B and a bottom portion 423B are formed at the upper end portion of the second type movable plate group 420B, but the top portion 422B of the second type movable plate group 420B is the first type movable plate group in a front view of the stage device 410. The bottom portion 423A of 420A is disposed at a position aligned with the front and rear, and the bottom portion 423B is disposed at a position aligned with the top portion 422A of the first type movable plate group 420A. That is, in the first type movable plate group 420A and the second type movable plate group 420B, the relief pattern is shifted in the width direction of the stage device 410. In other words, periodicity is given to the undulation pattern, and the period of the undulation pattern is shifted by a half cycle between the first type movable plate group 420A and the second type movable plate group 420B.

  The gaming ball having reached the retention portion 425 swings up and down on the movable plate 420 and settles on the bottom portion 423 described above. By adopting the same relief pattern for the two movable plates 420 arranged in front and back, the gaming balls are easily retained at the bottom.

  For example, when a game ball staying in the bottom portion 423A is guided forward by the first type movable plate 420A by being pushed by the first type movable plate 420A, it comes into contact with the top portion 422B of the second type movable plate 420B located at the front, and the top portion It will be distributed to any one of the bottom portions 423B located on the left and right of 422B. As for the bottom portion 423A, the bottom surface of the bottom portion 423 has a height difference of 0 over the entire area in order to allow movement of the game balls on the left and right. Therefore, when the game ball is located on the right side in the bottom portion 423A, the game ball moves toward the bottom portion 423B located on the right side with respect to the top portion 422B, and when the game ball is located on the left side in the bottom portion 423A. The gaming ball moves toward the bottom portion 423B positioned on the left side with respect to the top portion 422B.

  That is, when the game ball is guided to the front of the gaming machine by the up-and-down movement of the movable plate 420, when moving from the first type movable plate group 420A to the second type movable plate group 420B or the second type movable plate group 420B → When moving to the second movable plate group 420B, the movement in the left and right direction is involved. Thus, by diversifying the movements of the game balls, the degree of attention to the movements of the game balls is improved.

<Electric configuration of pachinko machine 10>
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  An MPU 602 is mounted on a main control board 601 provided in the main controller 162. The MPU 602 is a ROM 603 storing various control programs executed by the MPU 602 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 603. The RAM 604 is an element in which an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like are incorporated. Note that part of the functions of the MPU 602, for example, the function of the ROM 603, the function of the RAM 604, or the like may be provided as another element.

  The MPU 602 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the MPU 602 is connected to a power failure monitoring board 605 provided in the main controller 162, a payout controller 242 and various detection sensors (for example, detection sensors 95a to 95c and position detection sensor 345). In this case, the power and emission control device 243 is connected to the power failure monitoring substrate 605, and power is supplied to the MPU 602 through the power failure monitoring substrate 605. In addition, as a part of the sensor group, the general winning opening 81, the lower variable entering ball 82, the right variable entering ball 83, the lower actuating entering ball 84, the right actuating entering ball 85, the through gate 86, etc. A plurality of detection sensors provided in the corresponding ball entry unit (disbursement correspondence ball unit) are connected, and the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 performs a prize determination (ball entry determination) on each ball entry unit. In addition, the MPU 602 executes a lottery or a special winning lottery based on winning for the lower operating ball entering portion 84 and the right operating ball entering portion 85, and a support occurrence lottery based on winning for the through gate 86. Run.

  To the output side of the MPU 602, a power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 242, and an audio lamp control device 143 (more specifically, an audio lamp control board 651) are connected. For example, a winning ball command is output to the payout control device 242 based on the result of the winning determination on the winning support ball entry unit. In this case, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referred to when a prize ball command is output. When the winning to the general winning opening 81 is specified, a winning ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output, and when the winning to the variable pitching portions 82 and 83 is specified, 15 is received. A prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the game ball is output, and when a win to the lower operation ball entering portion 84 is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of three game balls is output and the right action is performed. When a winning on the ball entry unit 85 is specified, a winning ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls is output.

  The voice lamp control device 143 outputs various commands such as a variation command, a type command, a variation end command, an opening command, and an ending command. In this case, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 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 includes various information as the information of the predetermined number of bytes.

  Further, on the output side of the MPU 602, the variable entry driving unit 82 c of the lower variable entry unit 82, the variable entry drive unit 83 c of the right side variable entry unit 83, and the electric accessory 91 in the right operation entrance unit 85. , And the main display unit 87 are connected. The main control substrate 601 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 602 executes drive control of various driving units through the driver circuits.

  That is, in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 602 performs drive control of the variable ball driving unit 82c so that the open / close door 82b of the lower variable ball entering unit 82 is opened and closed. Further, when the open state of the motorized combination 91 in the right operation ball entry unit 85 is won, the drive control of the drive unit for the motorized combination 91 is performed in the MPU 602 so that the motorized combination 91 is in the reception state. Executed. In addition, at each game turn, the light emission control of the main display section D is executed in the MPU 602.

  The power failure monitoring board 605 relays between the main control board 601 and the power / fire control device 243, and monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power / fire control device 243. 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 supply and emission control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game arcade or the like. Based on external power supplied from the commercial power supply, necessary operating power is generated for each of the main control board 601, the payout control device 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 (specifically, the solenoid 111) is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met.

  Further, the stepping motor 441 of the stage unit 400 (stage device 410) is connected to the output side of the MPU 602, and in a situation where power is supplied to the pachinko machine 10, the stepping motor 441 is driven. A signal is constantly output.

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

  The MPU 602 uses a variety of counter information during game play, a winning lottery for a big hit or a special hit, a setting of display of the main display D (that is, setting of a light emission mode in various light emitting parts DL, DR, DS, DH) The symbol display is set, etc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 28, a random number counter C1 used for lottery of occurrence of big hit or special hit, and presence or absence of high frequency support mode to be described later A hit type counter C2 used for determination, a reach random number counter C3 used for distributing presence / absence of reach and its type, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting an initial value of the hit random number counter C1, The lower display portion DL for the lower display portion for the main display portion D, the display portion DR for the lower display portion for the right operation, and variations in the symbol display device 260 It is set to be used and variation type counter CS to determine the display time. Furthermore, the counter C4 for an electric accessory used for the lottery for determining whether or not the electric accessory of the right-hand actuating ball entering portion 85 is in an electric utility open state is used.

  Each of the counters C1 to C43, CINI, and CS 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 631 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 604. The RAM 604 is provided with a holding ball storage area 632 including a first result display area reserve area Ra, a second result display area reserve area Rb, an execution area AE, and a total reserve number storage area. And in this holding ball storage area 632, according to the winning history of the gaming ball to the lower operation ball entering portion 84 or the right operation ball receiving portion 85, the random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3. Each value is stored in chronological order.

  Specifically, each counter is configured so that the hit random number counter C1 is incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, 0 to 599, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. In particular, when the winning random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial random number counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the winning random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the per random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The hit random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower operation ball entering portion 84 or the right operation ball entering portion 85. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball is won in the lower operation ball entering portion 84, and the game sphere is won in the right operation ball entry portion 85 at the timing when the game ball is won. It is stored in the second result display holding area Rb.

  The value of the random number for winning is stored as a success / failure table (availability information group) in a success / failure table storage area 621 as a success / failure information group storage means in the ROM 603. Here, the contents of the success or failure table will be described. As the success or failure table, two types are set corresponding to the operation ball entering sections 84 and 85 individually. That is to say, the winning table for the lower actuating ball portion (the lower actuating ball hitting information group) that is referred to when a winning is made to the lower actuating ball portion 84, and the right actuating ball entering portion 85 are referred to. A right operation entrance portion determination table (right operation entrance portion determination information group) that is referred to when a winning occurs is set.

  In the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the lower action entry club is referred to at the time of the lottery, the random value (that is, the winning information) for winning the big hit is “7” and “307”. . That is, among the values of the hit random number counter C1 of “0 to 599”, “7” and “307” correspond to the jackpot result, and the others correspond to the outlier result.

  On the other hand, under gaming conditions in which the hit / fail table for the right operation ball entry unit is referred to at the time of the lottery, the value of the random number for winning a big hit (ie, The winning information is “7” and “307”. In addition, among the values of the random number counter C1 for "0 to 599", "51 to 60", "151 to 160", ..., "551 to 560" correspond to special winning results, and others are otherwise Corresponds to outliers.

  Here, the difference between the jackpot result and the special hit result will be described. When a big win result is obtained by a lottery based on winning in each of the activated ball entering portions 84 and 85, the lower variable ball entering portion 82 is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode. On the other hand, when the special winning result is obtained by the same lottery, the lower variable ball entry unit 82 is not immediately shifted to the opening / closing execution mode, and the right to perform another drawing again is granted, By winning the lottery, the lower variable ball entry unit 82 is shifted to the open / close execution mode as in the case of the above-mentioned big hit result.

  Specifically, when a special hit result is obtained, first, the right variable ball entry unit 83 is shifted to the open state. At that time, the winning ball is determined by the game ball that has won the right large winning opening 83a flowing into a specific branch passage among the plurality of branch passages, and the lower variable ball entering portion 82 is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode. In other words, when a special win is won, a result similar to the jackpot is given to the player when the player enters a specific branch passage. Note that the branch passage can also be referred to as an “advantageous entrance ball portion” when attention is paid to the fact that the hit is determined by entering the specific branch passage (second downstream passage 92c).

  Next, the win type counter C2 will be described. The hit type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 29, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The hit type counter C2 is periodically updated, and is stored in the holding ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball is won by the lower operation light entering portion 84 or the right operation light entering portion 85. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball is won in the lower operation ball entering portion 84, and the game sphere is won in the right operation ball entry portion 85 at the timing when the game ball is won. It is stored in the second result display holding area Rb.

  The game result distribution destination for the win type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in a distribution table storage area 622 as a distribution information group storage unit in the ROM 603. Here, the contents of the distribution table will be described. As the distribution table, two types are set corresponding to the operation ball entering sections 84 and 85 individually. In other words, the lower operating ball entering portion allocation table (the lower operating ball receiving portion allocation information group) and the right operating ball entering portion 85 that are referred to when a winning in the lower operating ball entering portion 84 occurs. The distribution table for the right action ball entry section (the distribution information group for the right action ball entry section) which is referred to when the winning is generated is individually set. With reference to these distribution tables, distribution of the support mode in the motorized part 91 of the right operation ball entry unit 85 after completion of the open / close execution mode is performed.

  As a support mode in the motorized role 91 of the right operation ball storage unit 85, the right operation ball storage unit 85 is compared to the game area PE in the same manner in which the firing of the game ball is continued in the same manner. The low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or low-frequency guide state) and the high-frequency support mode (high-frequency support state or High frequency guide state) is set.

  Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of being in the winning combination acceptance state winning in the lottery for motorized product using the motor product counter C4 is the same (for example, both 4/5) However, in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the motorized part 91 is in the receiving state when the electronic-role-accepting state is won is set more than in the low-frequency support mode, and one more receiving The time is set longer. In this case, when the electric wave receiving state is won in the high frequency support mode and the receiving state of the motorized article 91 occurs a plurality of times, the waiting from the end of one receiving state to the start of the next receiving state The time is set to be shorter than a single acceptance time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum secured time is set shorter than the low-frequency support mode, after the first lot for the electric component is performed. Has been.

  As described above, in the high frequency support mode, the probability of winning on the right operation ball entry unit 85 is higher than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, there is a higher probability of winning the lower operation ball entry portion 84 than in the right operation ball entry portion 85, but in the high frequency support mode, the lower operation ball entry portion 84. As a result, the probability that a winning to the right-hand acted ball entering portion 85 will occur becomes higher. When a winning to the right-hand actuated pitching portion 85 occurs, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. Therefore, in the high frequency support mode, the player plays the game while not reducing the number of possessed balls so much. It can be performed.

  The configuration for increasing the frequency in which the high-frequency support mode is to be in the power reception status per unit time rather than the low-frequency support mode is not limited to the above-described one. It is good also as a structure which raises the probability that it will be elected in the electric character acceptance state in. Furthermore, increase the number of times of switching to the acceptance state, lengthen the acceptance time, and ensure that the minimum is secured when the next lottery for the electric component is performed after the first lottery for the electric component is performed It is possible to reduce the time by applying any one condition or any combination of conditions among shortening the time (that is, shortening the one-time variable display time in the through gate display section DS) and increasing the winning probability. The advantage of the high frequency support mode over the frequency support mode may be increased.

  However, in the high-frequency support mode, the transition to the low-frequency support mode is made when the number of games has reached the end reference frequency (specifically, 100 times) after the transition.

  In the pachinko machine 10, the distribution mode to the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode in the case of a big hit result or a special win result is a win based on winning in the lower operation ball entering portion 84. The case differs from the case where the player wins a win based on the winning on the right operation ball entry unit 85.

  Specifically, under the gaming state in which the success or failure table for the lower operation ball entry unit is referred to at the time of the distribution, the value of the random number (that is, the winning information) to be high frequency support mode winning is “0 to 14 ”. On the other hand, under gaming conditions in which the distribution table for the right operation ball entry unit is referred to at the time of distribution, the value of the random number (that is, the winning information) to be high frequency support mode winning is “0-24”. Of 25. In other words, if a big win is won by winning the lower operating ball 84, it is assigned to the high frequency support mode with a probability of 1/2, and a big win or special win is won by winning the right operating ball 85. In this case, it is distributed to the high frequency support mode with a probability of 5/6.

  If the result is out in the success or failure lottery, there is no transition to the open / close execution mode, and no change of the support mode occurs.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is configured to be sequentially incremented by one within the range of 0 to 238, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Here, in the present pachinko machine 10, an expected effect is set as a type of display effect on the symbol display device 260. Expected effect is the variation display of the symbol (pattern) in the symbol display device 260 in the gaming machine in which the stop result after the variable display is the result of the added correspondence in the game turn where the lower variable ball entry unit 82 is in the open / close execution mode. This is a display state for making the player think that it is a variable display state in which the result of giving is easily obtained before the stop result is derived and displayed after the start.

  The expectation effect includes two types of reach display and a notice display for expecting the occurrence of reach display and the generation of the corresponding result at the stage before the reach display occurs.

  In the reach display, a combination of reach symbols is displayed by stopping and displaying symbols for a part of the plurality of symbol rows displayed on the display screen of the symbol display device 260 in the display screen of the symbol display device 260a. In the symbol row, a display state in which symbols are displayed in a variable manner is included. Also, while displaying combinations of reach symbols as described above, while performing variable display of symbols in the remaining symbol rows, and performing reach effects by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on the background screen, or In addition, there are those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen after reducing or not displaying a combination of reach symbols.

  In the advance notice display, after variation display of symbols is started on the display screen of the symbol display device 260, in a situation where symbols are variably displayed in all the symbol rows Z1 to Z3, or a part of the symbol rows In a situation where the symbols are variably displayed in a plurality of symbol rows, a mode in which a character is displayed separately from the symbols on the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 is included. Moreover, what makes a background screen the predetermined aspect different from the aspect until then, and what makes the symbol on the symbol row | line | column Z1-Z3 the predetermined aspect different from the previous aspect are also contained. Such a notice display can occur in any game times when reach display is performed and when reach display is not performed, but the case where reach display is performed is higher than the case where reach display is not performed. It is set to occur with probability.

  The reach display is executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in the game time to shift to the open / close execution mode. In the game times that do not shift to the open / close execution mode, the reach random number counter C3 acquired at a predetermined timing is referred to the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 603 in response to the occurrence of the reach display. It is executed when On the other hand, the determination as to whether or not to perform the notice display is not performed by the main controller 162 but by the sound lamp controller 143 or the display controller 170.

  For example, the fluctuation type counter CS is sequentially incremented by one within the range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The variation type counter CS displays, in the MPU 602, the variation display time in the lower operation ball display unit DL and the right operation ball display unit DR in the main display unit 87 and the symbol variation display time in the symbol display device 260. Used in determining. The variation type counter CS 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. The buffer value of the variation type counter CS is determined when the variation pattern is determined at the start of variation display in the lower actuation ball display unit DL and the right actuation ball display unit DR and when the symbol variation is started by the symbol display device 260. Is acquired.

  The electric accessory counter C4 is, for example, configured to increment one by one within a range of 0 to 249 and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The counter C4 for the electric accessory is periodically updated and stored in the electric role reservation area 633 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 86. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory of the right-hand actuated ball entering portion 85 to the receiving state based on the stored value of the counter C4 for electric accessory. For example, if C3 = 0 to 199, the electric accessory is controlled to the acceptance state, and if C3 = 200 to 249, the electric accessory is not controlled to the acceptance state.

  As described above, the MPU 602 determines the fluctuation display time in the lower actuating ball display portion DL and the right actuating ball portion display DR using at least the buffer value of the fluctuation type counter CS. For the determination, the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603 is used. Further, in the MPU 602, using the value of the per-random number counter C1 and the value of the per-class type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE, the display area DL for the lower operation ball section and the display area DR for the right operation ball section Although the stop result is determined, the stop result table storage area 624 of the ROM 603 is used for the determination.

<Electric Configurations of Audio Lamp Controller 143 and Display Controller 170>
Referring back to the block diagram of FIG. 27, the electrical configuration of the audio lamp control device 143 and the display control device 170 will be described.

  An MPU 652 is mounted on an audio lamp control board 651 provided in the audio lamp control device 143. The MPU 652 is a ROM 653 storing various control programs to be executed by the MPU 652 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data etc. when the control program stored in the ROM 653 is executed. A RAM 654, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like are incorporated. Note that it is not essential that the ROM 653 and the RAM 654 are integrated into one chip with respect to the MPU 652, and each may be configured as a separate chip. The same applies to the MPUs of other control devices.

  The MPU 652 is provided with an input port and an output port. The main controller 162 is connected to the input side of the MPU 652, and receives various commands from the main controller 162. To the output side of the MPU 652, various lamp units 26 to 28 and a speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14 are connected and a display control device 170 is connected.

  The display control device 170 executes display control of the symbol display device 260 based on the command input from the audio lamp control device 143. In this case, the voice lamp control device 143 determines the symbol variation display time on the symbol display device 260 and the type of symbol combination to be finally stopped and displayed based on various commands input from the main control device 162. The presence or absence of reach and the contents of reach production are determined.

  Here, the display control device 170 will be described in detail.

  The display control device 170 includes a display control board 701 on which an MPU 702 in which a program ROM 703 and a work RAM 704 are combined into a chip, a video display processor (VDP) 705, a character ROM 706, and a video RAM 707 are mounted. Yes.

  The MPU 702 receives various commands from the audio lamp control device 143. Then, these received commands are analyzed or predetermined arithmetic processing is performed based on the received commands to control the VDP 705 (specifically, generation of an internal command for the VDP 705).

  The program ROM 703 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 702 and fixed value data, and also stores and holds JPEG format image data for background images.

  The work RAM 704 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, and the like used when the MPU 702 executes various programs.

  The VDP 705 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display unit driver incorporated in the symbol display device 260. Since the VDP 705 is an IC chip, it is also referred to as a “drawing chip”, and the substance of the VDP 705 should be said to be a microcomputer chip with a dedicated firmware for drawing processing. The VDP 705 adjusts the timings of the MPU 702, the video RAM 707, and the like to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads out image data to be stored in the video RAM 707 from the character ROM 706 at a predetermined timing and displays the data on the symbol display device 260.

  The character ROM 706 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the symbol display device 260. The character ROM 706 holds bitmap format image data of various display patterns, a color palette table that is referred to when determining the expression color of each dot of the bitmap image, and the like.

  It is also possible to provide a plurality of character ROMs 706 and store image data etc. in each of the character ROMs 706 in a shared manner. Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 703 is stored in the character ROM 706.

  The video RAM 707 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the symbol display device 260, and the display contents of the symbol display device 260 are changed based on rewriting the contents of the video RAM 707.

<Display contents in the symbol display device 260>
Here, the display content of the symbol display device 260 will be described. Specifically, first, the display content (display content during the low frequency support mode) based on the entry to the lower operation entry portion 84 will be described based on FIGS. 29 and 30, and then the right operation entry portion The display content (display content in the high frequency support mode) based on entering the ball 85 will be described. FIG. 29 is a schematic view individually showing the symbols variably displayed on the symbol display device 260, and FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing a display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 29 (a) to 29 (j), a pattern which is a kind of pattern consists of nine types of main designs to which numerals "1" to "9" are respectively attached, and a shell-shaped picture It consists of sub-designs. More specifically, the main symbols are configured by attaching numbers “1” to “9” to nine types of character symbols such as octopus.

  As shown in FIG. 30A, on the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260, three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 of the upper row, middle row, and lower row are set as a plurality of display areas. In each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3, the main symbols and the sub symbols are arranged in a predetermined order. Specifically, in the upper symbol row Z1, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in descending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol . In the lower figure pattern row Z3, nine types of main symbols of "1" to "9" are arranged in the ascending order of the numbers, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol.

  That is, the upper pattern row Z1 and the lower pattern row Z3 are formed 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”. The main symbols of "4" are additionally arranged in each, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. That is, only in the middle symbol row Z2, ten main symbols are arranged and are configured by twenty symbols. On the display screen 261a, the symbols in the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll in a predetermined direction with periodicity.

  As shown in FIG. 30B, standby areas are set on the display screen 261a so that three symbols are displayed for each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3. As a result, a total of nine 3 × 3 symbols are displayed. The symbol of is supposed to be displayed at the same time. Incidentally, each stand-by area includes a stop position, and when a symbol is displayed as a final stop, the symbols waiting in each stand-by area are stopped and displayed at each stop position.

  In addition, on the display screen 261a, five effective lines are provided, ie, the left line L1, the middle line L2, the right line L3, the right downward line L4, and the right upward line so as to extend over the entire display area and connect the three standby areas. L5 is set. Then, the variation display is stopped in the order of upper symbol row Z1 → lower symbol row Z3 → middle symbol row Z2, and all symbol rows Z1 are formed in a combination of symbols with the same numeral attached to one of the effective lines. When the variation display of .about.Z3 is completed, the jackpot moving image is displayed as the occurrence of the jackpot result corresponding to the high frequency support mode or the jackpot result corresponding to the low frequency support mode.

  In this pachinko machine 10, the main symbol with an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) corresponds to the "specific symbol", and when the jackpot result corresponding to the high frequency support mode occurs, the same The combination of specific symbols of is displayed stopped. Also, the main symbol with an even number (2, 4, 6, 8) corresponds to "non-specific symbol", and when a jackpot result corresponding to the low frequency support mode occurs, the same non-specific symbol The combination is stopped.

  In addition, the aspect of the variation display of the symbols in the symbol display device 260 is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary, the number of symbol rows, the direction of the variation display of the symbols in the symbol rows, the number of symbols of each symbol row, etc. Can be appropriately changed. Further, the symbols variably displayed on the symbol display device 260 are not limited to the symbols as described above, and for example, only numbers may be variably displayed as symbols.

  Next, display contents (display contents in the high frequency support mode) based on entering the ball into the right operation ball entry unit 85 will be described. During the high frequency support mode, the above-described symbols are not displayed, and instead, the first specific character (for example, girl) for the high frequency support mode is displayed on the display screen 261a. When a ball enters the right-hand actuated ball portion 85 and a lottery based on the ball is won, another second specific character (for example, a treasure chest) is displayed on the display screen 261a. Then, in accordance with this, a message (for example, “Aim for V zone”) prompting the player to enter the right side variable ball entry unit 83 is displayed.

  When a game ball flows into the second downstream passage 92c (advantageous entry ball) within an effective period in which entry into the right variable entry portion 83 is valid, the first identification character and the second identification While the character is switched to a state where the jackpot is confirmed (for example, when the girl opens the treasure box and finds a treasure), a message (for example, “V”) that the jackpot is confirmed is displayed on the display screen 261a.

  On the other hand, when the effective period has elapsed and no ball has entered the second downstream passage 92c during the effective period, the first specific character and the second specific character indicate a loss. While switching to the state (for example, as the girl opens the treasure box and switches to the empty state), a message (for example, "sorry") indicating that the detachment has been determined is displayed on the display screen 261a.

<Various processing executed by the MPU 602 of the main control board 601>
Next, each control process executed by the MPU 602 of the main control board 601 will be described. The processing of the MPU 602 is roughly classified into normal processing activated upon power-on and timer interrupt processing which is periodically interrupted and activated to the normal processing. For convenience of description, first, timer interrupt processing will be described. Thereafter, the normal process will be described. In addition to the timer interrupt processing and the normal processing, the MPU 602 is activated by the input of the power-off signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal), and the power-off flag storage area (power interruption information storage in various flag storage areas of the RAM 604). NMI interrupt processing for storing a power interruption flag (power interruption information) in the means) is executed, but a detailed description of the processing is omitted.
<Timer interrupt processing>
First, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This processing is started up periodically (for example, in a cycle of 2 msec) by the MPU 602.

  In step S101, reading processing of various detection sensors is performed. That is, the status of various detection sensors connected to the main control device 162 is read, and the status of the detection sensors is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored.

  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 updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

  In the subsequent step S103, the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the per random number counter C1, the per type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3 and the counter for motorized product C4 are respectively incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

  After execution of the process of step S103, a winning process for through for accompanying the winning of the through gate 86 is executed at step S104.

  In the through winning process, it is determined whether the gaming ball has won the through gate 86 or not. When it is determined that the game ball has won the through gate 86, it is determined whether or not the accessory reservation storage number SN is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment).

  If it is not determined that the game ball has won in the through gate 86, or if it is determined in step S202 that the value of the bonus material storage number SN is greater than or equal to the upper limit value, the value of the motorized product counter C4 is stored. Then, the winning process is finished.

  On the other hand, when the game ball wins the through gate 86 and the stored item number SN <4, the stored item number SN is incremented by one. Then, the updated value of the counter C4 for the electric power article is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the electric power reservation area 633 of the RAM 604.

  In the through winning process, a process for lighting the number-of-holds display portion DH is executed. The light emitters corresponding to the hold number display section DH are sequentially lighted in accordance with the bonus article storage number SN.

  Thereafter, in step S105, a winning process for the operation opening accompanying the winning on the operation ball entering unit 84, 85 is executed. In the winning process for the operating pitching portion, it is first determined whether or not the value of the first timer counter stored in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604 is greater than “0”. The first timer counter is a counter that is referred to when it is determined whether or not the winning on the right operation ball entry unit 85 is to be validated. When the value of the first timer counter is “0”, it is determined whether or not the switching flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. When the switching flag is stored, the setting process of the first timer counter is executed. Here, the switching flag is a flag that is stored when a driving signal to the driving unit of the electric accessory 91 is output in the electric power support process described later.

  The set value of the first timer counter differs depending on whether or not the switching is in accordance with the high frequency support mode described above. Specifically, the period during which the drive signal is output as described above is set to be longer in the high frequency support mode than in the low frequency support mode, corresponding to this, in the high frequency support mode. The value set in the first timer counter is set larger than the value set in the first timer counter in the low frequency support mode. Specifically, "1000" is set when the switch flag corresponding to the high frequency support mode is stored, and "300" is set when the switch flag corresponding to the low frequency support mode is stored. .

  On the other hand, when the first timer counter is not "0", the value of the first timer counter is decremented by "1". After executing the subtraction process in this way, after executing the setting process of the first timer counter, or when the switching flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 635, the game ball is placed in the lower operation entrance part 84. It is determined from the detection state of the detection sensor corresponding to the lower operation light entering portion 84 whether or not the ball has been entered (start winning). When it is determined that the game ball has won the lower operation ball entry portion 84, a prize ball command for causing the payout control device 242 to pay out three game balls is set. Thereafter, an external signal setting process is performed so as to output a signal to the management control device on the game hall side that the game ball has won the lower operation ball entry portion 84. Then, information acquisition processing for storing the values of the per-random number counter C1 and the per-class type counter C2 is performed, and the winning process is ended.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has not won the lower operation ball storage unit 84, the right game ball input unit determines whether the game ball has entered the right operation ball storage unit 85 (start winning). It determines by the detection state of the detection sensor corresponding to 85. When it is determined that no game ball has entered any of the lower operation entrance portion 84 and the right operation entrance portion 85, the main winning process is terminated.

  If it is determined that the game ball has won the right-hand acted ball entering portion 85, it is determined whether or not the value of the first timer counter is greater than “0”. If it is determined that the value of the first timer counter is greater than “0”, a prize ball command for causing the payout control device 242 to pay out four game balls is set. 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 right-hand actuated pitching unit 85, and after the information acquisition process is performed, the main winning process is terminated. To do.

  The prize ball command set in the above process is transmitted to the payout control device 242 in an external output process (step S301) of a normal process described later.

  On the other hand, if the value of the first timer counter is “0” when it is determined that the winning is made, the right-hand actuated entering portion 85 is in a non-accepting state and the entry should not occur substantially. It means that the ball occurred at the timing of. In other words, it is assumed that there is a low possibility that the winnings are regular. Therefore, when such an event occurs, the voice lamp control device 143 sets an abnormality notification command for executing notification indicating the occurrence of an abnormality, and management control on the game hall side through the external terminal board 681. A notification flag for outputting information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the apparatus is stored. When the abnormality notification command is stored, the abnormality leaving command is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in an external output process (step S301) of a normal process described later. When the notification flag is stored, a signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormality is output to the hole computer in the external output processing.

  After the winning process for the operation opening is performed in step S105, the process proceeds to step S106 to execute a stage driving process. Hereinafter, the stage driving process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

<Process for driving a stage>
In the present embodiment, when the pachinko machine 10 is activated, a drive signal is output from the main control device 162 to the stepping motor 441 of the stage unit 400 (stage device 410), and based on this drive signal. Then, the stage device 410 operates.

  In the stage driving process, it is first determined in step S201 whether or not it is time to switch the drive signal (excitation pattern) output to the stepping motor 441.

  If a negative determination is made in step S201, the process for driving this stage ends. On the other hand, when an affirmation judging is carried out at Step S201, it progresses to Step S202 and performs drive signal change processing.

  Specifically, in the case where the first drive signal is output, whether a predetermined first specific period (7468 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the output start timing of the first drive signal. It is determined whether or not the drive signal is switched to the second drive signal at the timing when the first specific period has elapsed. As a result, the excitation pattern of the stepping motor 441 is reversed, and rotation in a direction (second direction) opposite to the direction (first direction) that has been rotated is started.

  On the other hand, when the second drive signal is output, it is determined whether a second predetermined period (2128 msec in the present embodiment) set in advance has elapsed from the output start timing of the second drive signal. The drive signal is switched to the first drive signal at the timing when the second specific period has elapsed. As a result, the excitation pattern of the stepping motor 441 is reversed, and rotation in the direction (first direction) opposite to the direction (second direction) that has been rotated is started.

  By switching the excitation pattern and changing the operation pattern of the stage device 410 in this manner, it is possible to guide the gaming ball staying in the retaining unit 425 to the front or the back of the gaming machine. In particular, in the present embodiment, the place where the outflow of the gaming ball from the staying portion 425 is permitted is limited. Specifically, although the game ball that has reached the rear of the receiving port 505 is allowed to flow out, the game ball that has reached a location outside the receiving port 505 hits against the stopper portion 508 to move further forward. Will be hindered. Therefore, by moving the gaming ball away from the stopper portion 508 by switching the excitation pattern, it is avoided that the gaming ball continues to stay without reaching the reception port 505.

  Here, the first specific period is set to be longer than the period required for shifting the highest target in the movable plate 420 of the stage device 410 from the tenth movable plate 410j to the first movable plate 410a. In addition, the second specific period is set shorter than the first specific period, specifically, shorter than the period required to shift the highest target from the first movable plate 410a to the tenth movable plate 410j. Yes. By adopting such a setting, the guidance function to the front of the gaming machine is more dominant than the guidance function to the rear of the gaming machine. As a result, the period in which the game balls on the holding portion 425 stay on the front side of the rear side of the holding portion 425 is made longer, and the visibility of the game ball is improved.

<Normal processing>
Next, the flow of the normal process 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 S301 to S306 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S308 and S309 is executed with the remaining time.

  In the normal process, first, in step S301, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is transmitted to each sub-side control device. Specifically, the presence or 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. Further, when a predetermined effect command or an abnormality notification command is set, it is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143.

  Next, in step S302, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by one, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to zero. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

  In the following step S303, game number control processing for controlling the game in each game number is executed. In the game times control process, jackpot or special hit determination is performed, symbol variation display setting by the symbol display device 260, display control of each display unit DL, DR on the variable display side, and the like are performed. Details of this game number control process will be described later.

  Thereafter, in step S304, a game state transition process is executed to shift the game state. By this gaming state transition processing, the gaming state is shifted to the open / close execution mode, the high frequency support mode, and the like.

  In step S305, a process for supporting the combination for driving and controlling the motorized part 91 provided in the right operation ball entry unit 85 is performed. In the electronic-support support process, the electronic-arm opening of whether or not to open the electric-motor part 91 using the numerical information acquired from the electric-tool counter C4 stored in the electric-arm holding area 633 of the RAM 604 is used. In addition to performing a lottery, when the electronic combination open state is won, the opening and closing process of the motorized electronic part 91 is executed. Further, display control of the through gate display section DS and the like are performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electronic combination open 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 various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604, and the low frequency support mode is set when the flag is not set.

  In the electronic role support process, it is determined whether or not the high frequency support mode is set by determining whether or not the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. Then, in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the motorized role piece 91 is in the open state is set more when the electronic-arm open state is won, than in the low-frequency support mode. Set a longer opening time. In the high-frequency support mode, when the electrified open state is selected and the open state of the electric utility item 91 occurs multiple times, the next open state is started after one open state is completed. The closing time until is set to be shorter than one opening time.

  Incidentally, when the mode is switched to the open / close execution mode, even if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604, the support mode is forcibly set to the low frequency support mode.

  Thereafter, in step S306, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball emission control process, the solenoid 111 of the game ball emission mechanism 110 is excited once in a predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on the condition that the emission permission signal is input from the power supply and emission control device 243. To do. Thereby, the game ball is launched toward the game area.

  In subsequent step S307, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing.

  That is, in step S308, 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 updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 604. In step S309, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 604.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S301 to S307 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, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the per random number counter C1) can be randomly updated by repeatedly executing updating of the random number initial value counter CINI using such remaining time The variation type counter CS can also be updated at random.

<Game times control processing>
Next, the game number control process of step S303 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 33 and FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 33, in the game number control process, it is first determined in step S401 whether the open / close execution mode is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode flag (open / close execution state information) is stored (stored) in the open / close execution mode flag storage area (open / close execution state information storage means) in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604 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 processing described later, and is deleted when ending the opening / closing execution mode in the gaming state transition processing.

  When in the open / close execution mode, the game is executed without executing any of the processes after step S402, that is, the game times starting process in steps S403 to S405 and the game times progressing process in steps S406 to S409. 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 is made to the activated ball entering portions 84 and 85.

  If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, whether or not any one of the lower action entry part display part DL and the right action entry part display part DR in the main display unit 87 is being displayed in step S402. It is determined whether or not a game for one 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 635 of the RAM 604 This is done by judging. The variable display flag is stored when the variable display is started for either one of the lower operation ball display unit DL and the right operation ball display unit DR, and is erased when the variable display ends. The

  When the display part DL and DR for action | operation ball | bowling parts are not in a variable display, it progresses to the process for a game round start of step S403-step S405. In the game number start process, first, at step S403, the total holding number storage area of the holding ball storing area 632 is referred to, and whether the common holding number CRN, which is the number of holding information stored on hold, is "0" or not Determine. The case where the common reservation number CRN is “0” means that the start reservation storage number is “0” for both the lower operation entrance portion 84 and the right operation entrance portion 85. Therefore, the game number control process ends.

  On the other hand, when the common holding number CRN is not "0", the variable display is made based on the data stored in the lower operation ball storage area Ra or the right operation ball storage area Rb in step S404. Execute data setting process to set up for

  In the data setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the right-hand actuated ball-part holding storage number retained in the right-hand actuated ball-holding area Rb is “0”. When the number of reserved memory for the right working entrance is “0”, the data setting process for the lower working entrance is executed, and when the number of reserved storage for the right working entrance is not “0”. Execute data setting processing for the right operation ball entry unit.

  Here, the case where the data setting process is executed is the case where the common holding number CRN is one or more, as described above. In this case, in the data setting process, it is determined whether or not the right-hand actuated pitching portion reserved storage number is “0”. Data stored in the holding area Rb for the right working ball entry portion, regardless of whether or not the number of the reserved memory for the lower action ball entry portion is 1 or more. Is set to be used for variable display. As a result, when the hold information is stored in both the lower operation ball storage area Ra and the right operation ball storage area Rb, the right operation ball corresponding to the right operation ball area 85 is stored. The hold information stored in the department hold area Rb is prioritized.

  In the data setting process of the lower operation ball storage unit, first, the number of storages for lower operation ball storage for the lower operation ball storage area Ra is decremented by 1 and then the common number of held CRN is decremented by 1 To do. Thereafter, the data stored in the first area of the lower working ball holding area Ra is moved to the execution area AE, and the data stored in the memory area of the lower working ball holding area Ra is shifted. Execute the process.

  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, The data in each area is shifted in the order of 3 areas → the second area and the fourth area → the third area. Then, one LED of the lower operation pending number display section HL during lighting is turned off. In this turn-off process, contrary to the above-described turn-on process, the LEDs of the lower operation holding number display portion HL are turned off sequentially from the upper side.

  When the second result display unit flag (second result display unit information) 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 635 of the RAM 604 If it is not stored, it is erased. The second result display part flag is information for specifying whether the start of the current variation display is the lower action entry part display part DL or the right action entry part display part DR. Thereafter, the data setting process is terminated.

  In the data setting process for the second result display unit, first, the number of pending storages for the right working ball storage unit for the right working ball storage unit Rb is decremented by one, and the common holding number CRN is decremented by one. Thereafter, the data stored in the first area of the right operation ball storage area Rb is moved to the execution area AE.

  Thereafter, a process of shifting the data stored in the storage area of the right operation ball storage area Rb storage area is executed. 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, The data in each area is shifted in the order of 3 areas → the second area and the fourth area → the third area. And one LED of right operation pending number display part HR which is on is light-extinguished. In this turn-off process, contrary to the above-described turn-on process, the LEDs on the right operation hold number display portion HR are turned off sequentially from the upper side.

  After the turn-off process is performed, the second result display section flag (second result display section) is stored in the second result display section flag storage area (second result display section information storage means) provided in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. If the information) is not stored, the second result display unit flag is stored, and if it is stored, the state is maintained.

  After performing the data setting process described in detail above, after executing the fluctuation start process for starting the fluctuation display in the main display unit 87 and the fluctuation display in the symbol display device 260 in step S405, this game times control process Exit.

<Variation start processing>
Next, the change start process of step S405 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the variation start process, a command to be output to the sound lamp control device 143 so as to start the variation display in the display units DL and DR for each of the activated ball entering units of the main display unit 87 and to start the variation display in the symbol display device 260. Set

  First, in step S501, a success or failure determination process is executed. In the success / failure determination process, it is determined whether the value of the hit random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE corresponds to a jackpot result, a special hit result, or a miss result. Specifically, first, it is determined which of the lower operation light entering portion 84 and the right operation light entering portion 85 is the winning destination. Then, the winner table is selected according to the determined winning destination, and it is determined whether or not the value of the winning random number counter C1 corresponds to the jackpot result with reference to the selected winner table. If it does not correspond to the jackpot result, it is determined whether it corresponds to the special hit result. When the special hit result is not supported, it is determined that the special hit result is supported. That is, it is not determined whether the value of the random number counter C1 matches the value corresponding to the outlier.

  In addition, you may change the method of the success / failure determination process, for example, whether or not it corresponds to the jackpot result, whether or not it corresponds to the special outlier result, and whether or not it corresponds to the complete outlier result Each determination may be performed.

  In the subsequent step S502, distribution determination processing is executed. In the allocation determination process, it is determined whether or not the result of the success / failure determination process in step S501 is a jackpot result or a special hit result. If the determination result is a losing result, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the result of the success / failure determination process is a jackpot result or a special hit result, it is determined whether the winning prize destination is the lower action entry part 84 or the right action entry part 85. Then, the distribution table is selected according to the determined winning destination, and it is determined whether or not the value of the win type counter C2 corresponds to the high frequency support mode with reference to the selected distribution table. . That is, it is not determined whether the value of the hit type counter C2 corresponds to the low frequency support mode.

  When the hit / no-go determination process and the distribution determination process are executed, in step S503 to step S511, a stop result in the case of ending the variable display executed in the display unit DL and DR for the activated ball in the current game round is set. For example, the process is executed.

  Specifically, in step S503, it is determined whether the result of the success or failure determination process is a big hit. If it is a big win, the process proceeds to step S504, and after setting the open / close execution mode flag in various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S505, it is determined whether the result of the distribution determination process corresponds to the high frequency support mode. As a result, when the high frequency support mode is supported, the process proceeds to step S506, and a stop result setting process for jackpot (hereinafter referred to as a first jackpot) for high frequency support mode is executed. In the stop result setting process for the first jackpot win, a flag corresponding to the first jackpot result is set. This makes it possible to specify that the current game round corresponds to the first jackpot result. The flag corresponding to the first jackpot result is cleared at the timing when the game round is over and the transition process for variation end is over.

  On the other hand, if the high-frequency support mode is not supported, the process proceeds to step S507 to execute a stop result setting process for winning that does not support the high-frequency support mode (hereinafter referred to as a second jackpot for convenience). In the stop result setting process for the second jackpot win, a flag corresponding to the second jackpot result is set. Thereby, it can be specified that the current game round corresponds to the second jackpot result. The flag corresponding to the second jackpot result is cleared at the timing when the game round is over and the transition process for variation end is over.

  If the result of the success / failure determination process in step S503 is not a big win, the process proceeds to step S508, and it is determined whether or not the result of the same success / failure determination process is a special win. If it is a special win, the process proceeds to step S509, the lottery result confirmation mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604, and then the process proceeds to step S510. The lottery result determination mode flag is a flag that allows winning to the second downstream side passage 92c as the above-mentioned advantageous pitching portion by opening the right side variable pitching portion 83 after the special winning occurs, Details of the flag will be described later.

  In the following step S510, it is determined whether the result of the distribution determination process corresponds to the high frequency support mode. As a result, if the high-frequency support mode is supported, the process proceeds to step S 511, and a stop result setting process for winning the special support for the high-frequency support mode (hereinafter referred to as the first special hit for convenience) is executed. . In the stop result setting process for the first special hit, a flag corresponding to the first special hit result is set. This makes it possible to specify that the current game run corresponds to the first special hit result. The flag corresponding to the first special winning result is cleared at the timing when the game run ends and the transition processing for change end is ended.

  On the other hand, if the high-frequency support mode is not supported, the process proceeds to step S512, and the stop result setting process for the high-frequency support mode non-compliant special winning (hereinafter referred to as the second special winning for convenience) is executed. . In the stop result setting process for the second special hit, a flag corresponding to the second special hit result is set. Thereby, it can be specified that the current game round corresponds to the second special hit result. The flag corresponding to the second special hit result is cleared at the timing when the game run ends and the transition processing for change end is ended.

  If it is determined in step S508 that the special winning has not been won, the process proceeds to step S513. In step S513, a stop result setting process for an outlier is executed. In the stop result setting process, display data corresponding to the complete deviation result stored in the display table is set as the stop result. In each stop result setting process, the stop result in each of the display units DL and DR when the fluctuation display ends is set.

  If the stop result setting process is executed in any of step S506, step S507, step S511, step S512, and step S513, the process proceeds to step S514. In step S514, the variable display time setting process is performed. Specifically, the variable display time is set in the variable display time counter area of the RAM 604. The value of the variable display time counter area is subtracted every predetermined period, and when the value becomes “0”, the game round is ended.

  In the variation display time setting process, the value of the variation type counter CS is acquired, and the variation display time corresponding to the value of the variation type counter CS is selected from the variation display time table stored in the ROM 603. . In the variable display time table, one corresponding to the jackpot result, one corresponding to the special hit result, and one corresponding to the outlier result are set. Thereby, even if the value of the fluctuation type counter CS is the same, it is possible to make the fluctuation display time different depending on the game result. As a result, it is possible to diversify the pattern of the set variable display time.

  When the variable display time is set, the process proceeds to step S515. In step S515, a change start command and a type command are set. The fluctuation start command includes information on fluctuation display time. Further, the type command includes information on the game result. That is, the type command includes, as game result information, jackpot result, special hit result, information on presence / absence of high frequency support mode support, and the like.

  The variation start command and type command set in step S515 are transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in step S301 in the normal process (FIG. 32). Based on the received change start command and type command, the audio lamp control device 143 determines the contents of the effect at the game time and controls various devices so that the determined contents of the effect are executed. The contents of this effect include the symbol variation display mode on the symbol display device 260, and the determined symbol variation display mode is output to the display control device 170 via the audio lamp control device 143. The

  Specifically, as a command for grasping the fluctuation display time, the fluctuation start command is transmitted to the display control device 170 while maintaining the information form. Further, based on the above change start command and type command, the notice command including information corresponding to whether or not the jackpot is won, the type of jackpot when the jackpot is won and the content of the decided effect is determined, and the notice command Together with the above-mentioned fluctuation start command is sent to the display control device 170. The display control device 170 determines a variation display pattern in the symbol display device 260 at the game time based on the received variation start command and notice command, and displays the symbol display so that the determined variation display pattern is executed. The display of the device 260 is controlled.

  Thereafter, in step S516, the variable display of the pattern is started on each of the display parts DL and DR. Then, this variation start process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of the game times control process (FIG. 33), when the main display portion D (specifically, the display portion DL, DR for the actuated ball entering portion) is in a variable display, the progress of the game times in steps S406 to S409. Process. In the processing for game progression, first, at step S406, it is determined whether or not the variation display time of the current game 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 634 of the RAM 604 is “0”. As described above, the value of the variable display time information is set in the setting process of the variable display time. Also, the value of the set variable display time information is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 31) is activated.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed, processing for variable display is executed in step S407. In the variation display process, the display mode in the main display portion D (specifically, the lower action entry portion display portion DL or the right action entry portion display portion DR) is changed. Specifically, in the variable display process, the LEDs included in the display unit for the operating ball unit according to the current game turn are turned on and off in a predetermined cycle, and the light emission color is also changed. The display control of the operation ball display unit DL, DR is performed (the light emission control of each display LED). Thereafter, the game play control process ends.

  If the display continuation time has elapsed, a change end process is executed in step S408. In the change end process, the RAM 604 is stored in any one of steps S506, S507, S511, S512, and S513 of the change start process (FIG. 34) executed when starting the currently executed game round. The stored information is specified, and the display of the main display unit 87 is controlled so that the pattern form corresponding to the information is displayed on the display section DL and DR for the operation entrance portion of the main display section D.

  In the subsequent step S409, after setting the change end command, the game play control process is ended. The change end command set in step S409 is transmitted to the audio lamp control device 143 in step S301 in the normal process (FIG. 32). The voice lamp control device 143 executes a process for ending the effect in the game play based on the reception of the change end command. In addition, the fluctuation end command is transmitted to the display control device 170 via the sound lamp control device 143, and the display control device 170 receives the fluctuation end command, thereby combining the final stop symbols in the game run. A fixed display (final stop display) is performed on the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260. It should be noted that the voice lamp control device 143 or the display control device 170 may independently end the effects for the game round without transmitting the change end command.

<Game state transition processing>
Next, the game state transition process of step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result or the special hit result. If it is not in the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result or the special hit result, the process proceeds to step S602. In step S602, it is determined whether or not the lottery result determination mode corresponding to the special winning result is being performed. In other words, it is determined whether or not the lottery result based on the winning to the right-hand acted ball entering portion 85 becomes a special winning result, and the mode is switched to a mode in which the inflow of game balls to the right variable ball-entering portion 83 is allowed.

  In each of step S601 and step S602, the determination is made based on whether or not the flags corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode flag storage area and the lottery result determination mode flag storage area provided in the various flag storage areas 635 are set. The lottery result determination mode flag is stored in the flag storage area by winning a special winning when a lottery based on winning in the right-hand side actuating ball portion 85 is performed.

  If it is determined in step S602 that the lottery result determination mode corresponding to the special winning result is in progress, the process proceeds to a special winning transition process in step S603. This special winning transition process will be described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S602 that the lottery result determination mode is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S604. In step S604, it is determined whether or not it is the timing at which the variable display in each of the display portions DL and DR of one game run has ended. When it is not the timing when the variable display ends, the main game state transition processing ends.

  If it is the timing when the variable display is finished, it is determined in step S605 whether or not the game result of the current game time corresponds to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether the open / close execution mode flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. If the same flag is not stored, the game state transition processing is ended.

  If any of the above flags is stored, "15" is set in the first round counter area RC1 in step S606. The first round counter area RC1 is a counter area for counting the number of times the lower variable ball entry unit 82 has been opened.

  In the following step S 607, it is determined whether or not the hit result corresponds to the high frequency support mode, and if it corresponds to the high frequency support mode, the various flags storage area 635 of the RAM 604 is frequently processed. Set the support mode flag.

  After executing the process of step S607, an opening command is set in step S608. The set opening command is transmitted to the audio lamp control device 143 in step S301 in the normal process (FIG. 32). The opening command includes information as to whether the high-frequency winning mode or the low-frequency winning mode, or information as to a jackpot via the lottery result determination mode.

  The sound lamp control device 143 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the open / close execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the content of the determined effect is executed. Further, the opening command is transmitted from the audio lamp control device 143 to the display control device 170, and the display control device 170 receives the opening command, thereby displaying (for example, moving image display) corresponding to the current opening / closing execution mode. Display control of the symbol display device 260 is performed. After executing the process of step S608, the gaming state transition process is terminated.

<Migration processing for special bonus>
Here, the transition processing for the special hit will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S701, it is determined whether the right side variable ball entry unit 83 is open. Specifically, this determination is performed based on the driving state of the variable ball driving unit 83c. When the right side variable ball entry unit 83 is not open, the switching member 93 is switched from the non-induction state to the induction state in step S702. Specifically, by switching the switching member 93 to the induction state by exciting the drive unit 94, the flow of the gaming ball into the first downstream passage 92b is not permitted, and the game is sent to the second downstream passage 92c. A sphere can be guided.

  In the subsequent step S 703, “1500” is set in the first timer area t 1 provided in the RAM 604. The count value set here is decremented by 1 at a predetermined cycle (2 msec cycle).

  When a value is set in the first timer area t1, the process proceeds to step S704, where an opening command is set and an opening process of the right variable pitching unit 83 is executed. The release command is transmitted to the audio lamp control device 143 and the display control device 170 in the external output process (step S301) in the normal process of FIG. The sound lamp control device 143 and the display control device 170 determine the effect when the right variable ball entry unit 83 is open in the lottery determination execution mode corresponding to the special hit result based on the received open command, and Various devices are controlled so that the contents of the determined effect are executed. In the opening process of the right variable ball entry unit, the variable ball entry drive unit 83c is driven to open the right variable ball entry unit 83. After the process of step S704 is executed, the transition process for the special hit is ended.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S701 that the right variable ball entry unit 83 is in the process of opening, the process proceeds to step S705. In step S705, it is determined whether or not the value of the first timer area t1 is “500”. That is, it is determined whether 2 seconds have elapsed after switching the switching member 93 to the guiding state. If it is determined that the value of the first timer area t1 is "500", the process proceeds to step S706 and the return processing of the switching member 93 is executed. In the switching member return process, the switching member 93 is switched to the non-induction state by releasing the excitation of the drive unit 94. As a result, the game balls can not flow into the second downstream passage 92c, and the game balls having flowed into the right variable ball entry unit 83 at a later timing are guided to the first downstream passage 92b.

  In the following step S 707, it is determined whether the value of the first timer area t 1 is “0”. That is, it is determined whether or not 3 seconds have elapsed after switching the switching member 93 to the guiding state.

  If the value of the first timer area t1 is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S708. In step S 708, it is determined whether the gaming ball has flowed into the second downstream passage 92 c as the advantageous ball entry unit. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the second downstream detection sensor 95c provided in the right variable ball entering portion 83 has detected a winning of a game ball in the reading process of step S101 in the timer interrupt process described above. To do. If it is determined in step S708 that there is a winning on the advantageous ball entry unit, the open / close execution mode setting process corresponding to the lower variable ball entry unit 82 is executed in step S709. If it is not determined in step S708 that there is a prize in the advantageous entry section, or if the open / close execution mode setting process is executed in step S707, the transition process for the special out-of-order result is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S 707 that the value of the first timer area t 1 is “0”, it means that the lottery result determination mode corresponding to the special hit result is ended. In this case, first, in step S710, the closing command is set, and the closing process of the right side variable ball entering unit 83 is executed. The closing command is transmitted to the audio lamp control device 143 and the display control device 170 in the external output process (step S501). The sound lamp control device 143 and the display control device 170 control various devices based on the received closing command so that the contents of the determined effect are executed. Specifically, when this processing is executed, it means that the lottery result determination mode corresponding to the special hit result is ended, so the effect corresponding to the end of the lottery result determination mode corresponding to the special hit result is executed. Is done. For example, a message such as "retry!" Is displayed on the symbol display device 260.

  In the right side variable ball entry portion closing process, in order to close the right side variable ball entry portion 83, the variable ball entry drive portion 83c is in a non-driven state. In subsequent step S711, the lottery result determination mode flag corresponding to the special winning result is cleared, and the transition process for the special winning is finished.

  If it is determined that the opening / closing execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result or the special hit result is determined in step S601, the jackpot result or the special hit result of step S606 to step S612 is returned to the description of the gaming state transition process (FIG. 35). The processing for the corresponding opening / closing execution mode is executed.

  If it is determined in step S601 that the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot is in progress, the process proceeds to step S609. In step S609, it is determined whether or not the opening standby time has elapsed. If the waiting time for opening has not elapsed, this game state transition processing is ended as it is. If the waiting time for opening has elapsed, the lower variable ball entering and closing process is executed in step S610.

  In the lower side variable ball entry opening and closing process, when the lower side variable ball entry unit 82 is closing, the variable ball entry drive unit 82c is performed on the condition that the first round counter area RC1 is “1” or more. Is set to the driving state to open the lower variable ball-entry portion 82. In addition, when the lower variable ball entering portion 82 is open, the condition that the open limit time has elapsed from the opening of the lower variable ball entering portion 82 or the condition that the open limit number is won is satisfied. As a result, the drive state of the variable ball entry drive unit 82c is stopped, and the lower variable ball entry unit 82 is closed.

  After the lower variable ball entry unit opening / closing process is performed in step S610, it is determined in step S611 whether the value of the first round counter area RC1 is "0". If the value of the first round counter area RC1 is not "0", this game state transition processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, if the value of the first round counter area RC1 is “0”, the open / close execution mode flag is cleared in step S612.

  If the open / close execution mode flag is cleared in step S612, the process proceeds to step S613, and it is determined whether the high frequency support mode flag is set. If the high frequency support mode flag is not set, the main game state transition process is ended. If the high frequency support mode flag is set, the process proceeds to step S 614, where “100” is set in the game number counter provided in the RAM 604 and the present gaming state transition process is ended. By setting "100" in the game number counter, the game state shifts to the high frequency support mode. However, the high-frequency support mode ends when the game times continue 100 times, and thereafter, the support mode shifts to the normal game state in which the low-frequency support mode is set. In addition, high frequency support continuation number of times (limit game number of times) is not limited to 100 times, it may be 10 times, 20 times, 30 times or more and less than 100 times, and is 101 times or more. May be.

  Next, various controls executed by the MPU 702 of the display control device 170 will be described based on various commands output from the main control device 162 to the display control device 170 via the audio lamp control device 143.

<Command Input Processing in Display Control Device 170>
First, command input processing started when a command is input from the sound lamp control device 143 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The command input process is started by interrupting other processes when a command is input from the voice lamp control device 143.

  In the command input process, it is first determined in step S801 whether or not a change start command has been input. As described above, the fluctuation start command is output when one game is started, that is, when switching display of the display mode in the display units DL, DR for the operation ball storage unit of the main display unit 87 is started. That is, whether or not the jackpot state occurs in the game time, whether or not the reach change display occurs, and which reach change display among the plurality of types set when the reach change display occurs Information such as which one of the variable display time of the symbol is set as the variable display time is included.

  If a change start command has been input, an affirmative determination is made in step S801, and the process proceeds to step S802. In step S802, it is determined from the information included in the change start command whether to generate a special reach (special reach change display) or a special reach notice in the game play.

  Here, the reach variation display means that a symbol pattern corresponding to the occurrence of a jackpot state is generated by stopping symbols for a part of the symbol strings displayed on the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260. This is a display state in which a combination of reach symbols that can possibly be combined is displayed, and in that state, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol rows. More specifically, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of a jackpot state is established on a preset effective line in the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260 as a step before the variable display of symbols is ended. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying a combination of possible reach symbols, and in the situation where the reach line is formed, a symbol change display is performed by the final stop symbol row (medium symbol row). . In addition, in the reach fluctuation display, while displaying the combination of reach symbols as described above, while performing the fluctuation display of the symbols in the remaining symbol rows, and performing the predetermined reach effect display on the background screen, or reach It is possible to include reach effect display on substantially the entire display screen 261 a after reducing or non-displaying a combination of symbols.

  The special reach is set with a lower frequency of occurrence than the normal reach effect indication, and the expectation to which a bonus such as a jackpot is given is set higher than the normal reach effect indication, and special reach notice is given. The frequency of occurrence is set to be lower than that of the normal reach notice display, and the expectation with which a bonus such as a jackpot is given is set higher than that of the normal reach notice display. Supplemental explanation of the special reach notice is that the special reach notice display indicates that the ring unit 300 of the variable game apparatus 88 is in the initial state (see FIG. 17A) and the rotation state for reach notice (FIG. 17B). It is a reach notice display in which the scroll direction of the symbol row displayed on the display screen 261 a of the symbol display device 260 is changed according to the movement of the ring unit 300 while being switched to reference). Details regarding this effect will be described later.

  If no special reach or special reach notice is to be generated, the command input process is terminated after the first variation process is executed in step S803. In the first variation processing, information of the combination type of symbols to be displayed finally from the information included in the variation start command, information of the type of reach variation display when the reach variation display is performed, and The information of the variable display time is specified, and each specified information is temporarily stored in the work RAM 704 of the display control device 170. In specifying each information, table information stored in the program ROM 703 of the display control device 170 is referred to, and information corresponding to the change start command is specified from the table information. In addition, information for specifying that the variable display is being performed is also temporarily stored in the work RAM 704. Note that the information temporarily stored in the work RAM 704 in the first variation processing is deleted at the timing when the corresponding game is ended.

  In the case of generating a special reach or a special reach advance notice, the second variation processing is executed in step S804, and then this command input processing is ended. In the second variation process, each information of the variation display corresponding to the special reach or the special reach notice is specified as the information of the variation display of the symbol in the symbol display device 260, and the specified information is temporarily stored in the work RAM 704. . Specifically, information on the type of combination of symbols to be displayed finally, information for specifying that a special reach is generated as a reach change display such as a special reach flag, a jackpot state after the end of the change display Information for specifying whether or not to occur, information on the fluctuation display time from the start of the fluctuation display of the symbol to the generation of the special reach, and information on the fluctuation display time from the start of the special reach to the final stop display The specified information is temporarily stored in the work RAM 704 of the display control device 170.

  When specifying each information, the table information stored in the program ROM 703 is referred to, information for specifying that the variable display is being performed is temporarily stored in the work RAM 704, and temporarily stored in the work RAM 704. It is the same as the processing for the first change that the deleted information is deleted at the timing when the corresponding game is ended. In addition, it is optional how to measure the fluctuation display time from the start of the fluctuation display of the symbol to the generation of the special reach and the fluctuation display time from the start of the special reach to the final stop display, for example, The first counter area (first measuring means) and the second counter area (second measuring means) are set in the various counter areas 722 of the RAM 704, and the final stop from the start of the fluctuation display of the symbols in the first counter area The variable display time until the display may be measured, and the variable display time from the start of the symbol variable display to the generation of the special reach may be measured in the second counter area.

  On the other hand, if the change start command has not been input, a negative determination is made in step S801, and the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805, it is determined whether or not a jackpot start command has been input. As described above, the jackpot start command is the display color switching display on the display unit DL and DR for the operation entry part of the main display unit D and the change of the symbol on the symbol display device 260 in the game times where the jackpot state occurs. This command is output when the display ends and the game is shifted to the jackpot state.

  If the jackpot start command has been input, the start processing is executed in step S806, and then this command input processing ends. In the start process, the display information for the jackpot state is specified, and the specified information is temporarily stored in the work RAM 704 of the display control device 170. The work RAM 704 also temporarily stores information for specifying the start of the jackpot state.

  If the jackpot start command has not been input, it is determined in step S807 whether or not the jackpot end command has been input. The jackpot end command is a command that is output when the jackpot state ends, as described above.

  If the jackpot end command has been input, the end processing is executed in step S808, and then this command input processing is ended. In the end process, the information of the display for the big hit state end is specified, and the specified information is temporarily stored in the work RAM 704 of the display control device 170. In addition, information for specifying termination of the jackpot state is also temporarily stored in the work RAM 704. Further, the display information for the jackpot state stored in the start process is erased from the work RAM 704. Further, the display information for the jackpot state termination stored in the work RAM 704 in the termination processing is erased at the timing when the display is completed.

  If the jackpot end command has not been input, the standby process is executed. In the processing for standby, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time set for standby has elapsed from the timing when the fluctuation display of the previous symbol is ended, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, the information of display for standby And the specified information is temporarily stored in the work RAM 704 of the display control device 170.

  As described above, by executing the command input process, information on display is stored in the work RAM 704. The MPU 702 of the display control device 170 executes display control processing as part of the display normal processing that is repeatedly executed, although detailed description is omitted, and the display control processing is stored in the work RAM 704 in the display control processing. The internal command is generated for the VDP 705 based on the existing information, and the generated internal command is output to the VDP 705. The VDP 705 executes processing to display a predetermined image on the symbol display device 260 based on an internal command input from the MPU 702.

  Next, the ring synchronization effect display process executed as a part of the display normal process in the MPU 702 of the display control apparatus 170 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The ring synchronous effect display process is a process executed when the special reach notice is selected. Specifically, the display mode information stored in the variation display mode storage area 723 of the work RAM 704 is a ring. It is executed when it corresponds to a synchronized effect.

<Display process for ring synchronized production>
In the ring synchronization effect display process, it is first determined in step S901 whether or not it is a ring synchronization effect start timing. Specifically, referring to the values of the timing determination counters stored in the various counter areas 722 of the work RAM 704, it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the first period has elapsed since the symbol variation display was started. judge.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S901, the process advances to step S902 to execute ring unit drive processing. In this ring unit driving process, the rotation ring 331 and the decorative member 335 are rotated by outputting a drive signal to the stepping motor 341 of the ring unit 300. Specifically, it is rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle (about 45 ° in the present embodiment) from the initial position in a front view of the gaming machine.

  After the process of step S902 is performed, the process proceeds to step S903, and an image rotation process is performed. In this image rotation process, the image (pattern row and background) displayed on the display screen 261a is rotated in synchronization with the rotation of the rotation ring 331 (decorative member 335). That is, it is rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle (about 45 ° in the present embodiment) in the front view of the gaming machine. Thereby, it is possible to give an impression to the player as if the decorative member 335 and the image such as a pattern are rotated together.

  Here, the rotation center CTP2 of the image on the display screen 261a is located behind the rotation center CTP1 of the decoration member 335. Therefore, when the display screen 261a is viewed from the front side of the pachinko machine 10, it is easy to give an impression as if the decorative member 335 and the image are rotated about the same part. Thereby, it is possible to make the production using the decorative member 335 and the symbol display device 260 more integrated.

  After the processes of step S902 and step S903 are performed, the process proceeds to step S904, and the scroll speed change process is performed. In the scroll speed changing process, the scroll speed is changed in accordance with the scroll direction being changed so that the scroll direction ahead in the initial state (upward inclination to the left) in the process of step S903. Reduce. As a result, the scroll speed of the symbol row is decelerated more rapidly than usual.

  After the process of step S904 is performed, or when a negative determination is made in step S901, the process proceeds to step S905. In step S905, it is determined whether it is a ring synchronous production end timing. Specifically, referring to the value of the timing determination counter stored in the various counter areas 722 of the work RAM 704, the second period set longer than the first period after the fluctuation display of the symbol is started is It is determined whether or not the timing has elapsed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S905, the ring synchronous effect display process is terminated. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S905, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S906, and a ring unit return process is executed. In the ring unit return process, the rotation ring 331 and the decorative member 335 are rotated by outputting a drive signal to the stepping motor 341 of the ring unit 300. Specifically, it is rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle (about 45 ° in the present embodiment) from the rotation position in a front view of the gaming machine. Thereby, the rotation ring 331 and the decorative member 335 return to the initial positions.

  After the process of step S906, the process proceeds to step S907, and an image rotation process is performed. In this image rotation process, the image (pattern row and background) displayed on the display screen 261a is rotated in synchronization with the rotation of the rotation ring 331 (decorative member 335). That is, it is rotated by a predetermined angle (approximately 45 ° in the present embodiment) counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the gaming machine. Thereby, it is possible to give an impression to the player as if the decorative member 335 and the image such as a pattern are rotated together.

  Here, the rotation center CTP2 of the image on the display screen 261a is located behind the rotation center CTP1 of the decorative member 335. Therefore, when the display screen 261a is viewed from the front side of the pachinko machine 10, it is easy to give an impression as if the decorative member 335 and the image are rotated about the same part. Thereby, it is possible to make the effect of the decoration member 335 and the symbol display device 260 more integrated.

  After executing the processing of step S906 and step S907, the process proceeds to step S908, and scroll speed change processing is executed. In the scroll speed change process, the temporary deceleration of the scroll speed is canceled in accordance with the change of the scroll direction to the horizontal direction in the process of step S 907. In this state, the reach variation display is performed, and only the central symbol row is scrolled. However, by releasing the restriction on the scroll speed, the restriction on the reach display effect is avoided.

  After performing the process of step S908, the ring-synchronized effect display process is terminated.

<Display mode in ring synchronization effect>
Here, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 39, the display mode in the ring synchronization effect will be described. 39 (a) is a schematic view showing the rotation angle of the pivot ring 331 and the decoration member 335, FIG. 39 (b) is a schematic view showing the rotation angle of the image (pattern row and background), FIG. 39 (c) is the top FIG. 39 (d) is a schematic view showing the scroll speed of the middle symbol line, FIG. 39 (e) is a schematic view showing the scroll speed of the lower pattern line, FIG. 39 (f) is a schematic view It is the schematic which shows the display mode in the display screen 261a.

  When the previous game round ends at the timing of tc0 and each symbol row is stopped and displayed, the state where the symbol row is stopped and displayed temporarily is maintained. Thereafter, when entering the lower operation ball entering unit 84 occurs at the timing of tc1, the variation display of the symbol row is started triggered by the entering ball. The scroll speed of each symbol row is maximized at the timing of tc2 immediately after that, and at the timing of tc3 after a predetermined period has elapsed from the timing of tc2, the scroll velocity of the upper symbol row is gradually decreased first. Then, the upper symbol row is stopped and displayed at the timing of tc4.

  After that, at the timing of tc5, the scroll speed of the pattern row in the figure below decreases. Under the present circumstances, the rotation ring 331 and the decoration member 335 are the game machine fronts at the timing of tc6 before the design which can constitute a reach state with the design displayed stop on the effective line in the upper design row passes the effective line. Start rotating clockwise as viewed. In synchronization with this, the image (pattern row and background) on the display screen 261a rotates so as to move upward in the scroll direction of the symbol row, and in accordance with the same rotation, the lower figure pattern row and the middle symbol row scroll The speed is reduced. In particular, with regard to the pattern row shown in the figure below, although deceleration has already started, its momentum will be lost rapidly as the degree of deceleration (deceleration rate) increases.

  When the rotation of the decorative member 335 and the image is stopped at the timing of tc7, the decorative member 335 and the image are inclined so as to be on the tip side in the scroll direction of the symbol row. Then, the lower symbol is stopped and displayed at the subsequent timing of tc8. Under the present circumstances, if it is a usual deceleration mode, the symbol which should have passed the effective line (in detail, the symbol which realizes reach indication with an upper symbol) will stop on the effective line by rapid deceleration. Thereby, reach display is realized by the upper pattern row and the lower pattern row (a standby pattern is formed).

  As described above, when reaching display at the timing of tc8, the decorative member 335 and the image (pattern row and background) start to return to the initial state. Thereby, the deceleration of the middle symbol row is alleviated.

  The scrolling speed of the middle symbol row decreases again at the timing of tc9 after the restoration of the decorative member 335 and the image is completed, and a combination of symbols corresponding to the jackpot together with the upper symbol and the lower symbol stopped at the timing of tc10. The medium symbols that make up stop on the active line. As a result, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  At the time of hit occurrence based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entering section 84, the combination of symbols corresponding to the type of each stop is stopped and displayed, and the type of hit will be notified before the transition to the open / close execution mode . On the other hand, when a big hit is generated based on a ball entering the advantageous ball entry portion, a configuration for notifying the type of the big win during the opening / closing execution mode is employed. Specifically, a configuration in which the hit type is notified on the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260 is employed. Therefore, hereinafter, a configuration related to notification of the hit type will be described.

<Spot type notification setting process>
In the MPU 702 of the display control device 170, setting processing for notification of hit type is executed. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 40, in the hit type notification setting process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not a big hit has occurred due to the ball entering the advantageous ball entry unit. Specifically, the opening command from the main controller 162 is based on whether or not the jackpot type is based on the entrance to the advantageous entrance part or the entrance to the lower operation entrance part 84 in addition to the type of the jackpot. Information based on the above is included, and the determination of step S1001 is executed based on this information.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1001, the process for setting the type notification for each book ends. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1002, and it is determined whether or not the current hit type is a jackpot in the high frequency support mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, that is, if the current jackpot is a jackpot compatible with the high frequency support mode, a stop picture determination process corresponding to the jackpot compatible with the high frequency support mode is executed in step S1003. .

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1002, that is, if the current jackpot is a jackpot compatible with the low frequency support mode, a stop pattern determination process corresponding to the jackpot compatible with the low frequency support mode is performed in step S1004. Run.

  After the processes of step S1003 and step S1004 are performed, the process proceeds to step S1005, and the variable display mode determination process is performed. In the variable display mode determination process, the variable display mode is determined with reference to the variable display mode determination table stored in the variable display mode determination table storage area of the display control device 170 (program ROM 703). The variable display mode determination table is referred to when the display control device 170 performs the variable display of the symbol row based on the same ball when entering the lower operation ball entering unit 84 occurs. It is a table.

  After the variation pattern of the stop pattern and the pattern is determined in steps S1003 to S1005, the notification image setting process for interrupt is executed based on the pattern and variation pattern in the subsequent step S1006. In the processing of step S1006, information corresponding to an image to be interrupted with respect to the moving image in the opening / closing execution mode is stored in the variable display mode storage area 723 of the work RAM 704.

  In the present embodiment, the symbol that is variably displayed based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entering unit 84 and the symbol that is used for notification of the hit type in the open / close execution mode have a similar configuration. . Here, with reference to FIG. 41, the difference between these symbols and patterns will be described. FIG. 41 is a schematic view comparing a symbol for normal variation and a symbol for special notification.

  As described with reference to FIG. 29, the symbols used for the variable display based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entry unit 84 are configured by nine types of main symbols and one type of sub-patterns. Of these, the main symbol is composed of character parts such as “octopus” and “puffer fish” and numerical parts such as “1” and “2”.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 41, while the character portion of the main symbol is adopted for the pattern for the special notification, the numeral portion is omitted. For the character part and the numeral part, the former is set larger in the occupied area in the main symbol than the latter. For this reason, the design and the design are recognized to be the same as a glance.

  Note that the effect part is added so as to surround the character part for the pattern used for special notification, but the occupied area is set to be sufficiently smaller than the character part, and the pattern and the pattern are the same. Care is taken not to deny that there is. Incidentally, the effect unit is not an essential configuration, and the effect unit can be omitted.

  About each pattern mentioned above corresponds to a jackpot corresponding to high frequency support mode or a jackpot corresponding to low frequency support mode, It is set up to become the same relation also about the pattern similar to those each pattern. Specifically, among the main symbols used for normal fluctuation display, the main symbols have odd numbers such as “Octopus & 1”, “Turtle & 3”, “Shrimp & 5”, “Dugon & 7”, “Crab & 9”. As for the design, the design is compatible with the high frequency support mode. Among the designs used for special notifications, the design has character parts such as “octopus”, “turtle”, “shrimp”, “dugong”, and “crab”. Is a pattern for the high frequency support mode. In addition, among the main symbols used for normal fluctuation display, the main symbols that have odd numbers such as “Fugu & 2”, “Shark & 4”, “Ankou & 6”, and “Shimadai & 8” support the low frequency support mode. Of the designs used for special notifications, the designs with character parts such as “Fugu”, “Shark”, “Anko”, and “Shimadai” are designed for the low frequency support mode. .

  If the jackpot is confirmed by entering the advantageous golf club, a special notice will show the combination of “octopus”, “turtle”, “shrimp”, and “dugong”. Or the combination of the pattern of "crab" is displayed on the effective line as the final stop.

  On the other hand, if the jackpot for the low-frequency support mode is confirmed by entering the advantageous pitching club, a special notification will show a combination of “Fugu” design, “shark” design, and “Anko” design. Any one of the combination of the above and the combination of the patterns of "Simadai" is displayed on the effective line as the final stop.

<Display process for hit type notification>
A notification process based on the notification image for interrupt set in the above-described process for setting the hit type notification will be described.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 42, in the hit type notification display process, it is first determined in step S1101 whether the open / close execution mode is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S1101, the type notification display process for a book is ended as it is.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1101, the process advances to step S1102, and it is determined whether information corresponding to the image for special notification is stored in the change display mode storage area of the work RAM 721. If a negative determination is made in step S1102, the type notification display process is terminated as it is.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1102, the process advances to step S1103 to determine whether it is a start timing of the special notification. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the second R in the open / close execution mode. If a negative determination is made in step S1103, the type notification display process for each book is ended. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in the process of step S1103, the process advances to step S1104 to execute interrupt processing of a notification image. Specifically, an image for special notification is set in the VDP 705.

<Variation display mode of symbol and change display mode of symbol at the time of special notification execution>
Here, with reference to FIG. 43, the variation display mode of the symbol based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entering unit 84 and the variation display mode of the pattern when the special notification is performed will be described. 43 (1) group shows the variation display mode of the symbol based on the entrance to the lower operation entrance portion 84, and FIG. 43 (2) group shows the variation display mode of the pattern when the special notification is executed.

  First, an example of the variation display mode of the symbol based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entering unit 84 will be described. On the condition that the ball enters the lower operation ball entry portion 84 at the timing of td0, the display of the variation of all the symbol sequences is started (see FIG. 43 (a1)). After that, as shown in FIG. 43 (b1), the variation display of the upper symbol row ends at the timing of td1, and the symbol set based on the variation command and type command from the main control device 162 is the above effective line Stop on top. As an example of the stop mode, a symbol (for example, "Jugon & 7") corresponding to the high frequency support mode and a symbol (for example, "Ancho & 6") for the low frequency support mode are stopped on the effective line.

  After that, at the timing of td2, the fluctuation display of the lower figure design row ends, and as shown in FIG. 43 (c1), the design set on the effective line based on the respective commands is stopped. Specifically, the symbols (for example, “Dugong & 7” and “Ankou & 6”) constituting the combination of the symbols corresponding to the jackpots are stopped and displayed in the upper symbol row.

  The stopped upper symbol and the lower symbol are facing diagonally across the central part of the variable display area ME, and this central part is detached depending on which symbol in the middle symbol row is stopped, and the low frequency support The game result corresponding to any of the jackpot corresponding to the mode and the jackpot corresponding to the high frequency support mode is displayed.

  At timing td3 after reach variation display is started at timing td2, a predetermined character (in the present embodiment, an image of a girl) is displayed at the center of the display screen 261a (FIG. 43 (d1) reference). Then, at the subsequent timing of td4, as shown in FIG. 43 (e1), the middle symbol row change display ends, and the middle symbols constituting the combination of the upper symbol, the lower symbol, and the jackpot symbol are stopped on the effective line. To do. As a result, the player can grasp that the jackpot has been won.

  In the example of FIG. 43, when the symbol (Jugon & 7) corresponding to the high frequency support mode constituting the middle pattern row is stopped, the same symbol corresponding to the high frequency support mode is aligned on the effective line. Thereby, the player can grasp that the jackpot corresponding to the high frequency support mode is won.

  Next, an example of the variation display mode of the pattern when the special notification is performed will be described. At the timing of td0 after transitioning to the open / close execution mode, the pattern row is displayed in such a manner as to interrupt the moving image displayed in the open / close execution mode and variable display of those patterns is started (FIG. 43 (a2) reference). The arrangement of the patterns in each pattern row is the same as the arrangement of the above-mentioned symbol rows, and further, the display position and the scroll direction of each symbol in the display screen 261a are also the same. That is, the difference from the variation display of the symbol performed based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entering portion 84 is the difference between the symbol and the symbol described with reference to FIG.

  At the timing of td1 after the start of the variation display of the pattern, the variation display of the upper pattern row is finished, and the preset symbol stops on the effective line (see FIG. 43 (b1)). As an example of the stop mode, a pattern corresponding to the high frequency support mode (for example, "Jugon") and a pattern corresponding to the low frequency support mode (for example, "Ancho") are stopped on the effective line. In this way, by stopping both the pattern corresponding to the high frequency support mode and the pattern corresponding to the low frequency support mode on the effective line, the hit result of this time is uniquely grasped by the stop result of the upper pattern row Therefore, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the degree of attention to the subsequent hit type notification.

  After that, at the timing of td2, the change display of the lower pattern sequence ends, and as shown in FIG. 43 (c2), the same pattern (for example, “Dugong”) that is stopped on the active line in the upper pattern sequence. And “Ancho”).

  The upper picture and the lower picture that are stopped are opposed diagonally across the central part of the variable display area ME, and this jackpot is low depending on which picture in the middle picture line stops in this central part. It will be informed whether it is the jackpot corresponding to the frequency support mode or the jackpot corresponding to the high frequency support mode.

  At the timing of td3 after the pseudo reach change display is started at the timing of td2, a predetermined character (in the present embodiment, an image of a girl) is displayed at the center of the display screen 261a (FIG. 43 (d2 )reference). Then, at the following timing of td4, as shown in FIG. 43 (e2), the variation display of the middle pattern row ends, and the middle pattern forming a predetermined combination with the upper pattern and the lower pattern stops on the effective line . In the example of FIG. 43, when the high frequency support mode compatible pattern (dugong) constituting the middle pattern sequence stops, the same high frequency support mode compatible pattern is aligned on the effective line. Thereby, the player can grasp that the jackpot corresponding to the high frequency support mode is won.

  As described above, the variation display mode similar to the variation display mode of the symbol based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entering portion 84 is applied to the variation display mode of the pattern when the special notification is performed, so that the understanding is easy We are trying to make it.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

  When a big win is won by a lottery based on the entry to the right operation entry portion 85, the right variable entry portion 83 is opened, and the right side variable entry portion 83 (specifically, an advantageous entry portion) has a game ball. As a result of the inflow, the lottery result is determined, and the mode is shifted to the open / close execution mode as the special game state. At the time of entering the right operation ball entry unit 85, in addition to the jackpot lottery, a lottery of the type of jackpot is performed. As a result, it is sorted into either a jackpot corresponding to the low-frequency support mode or a jackpot corresponding to the high-frequency support mode in which a difference is set in the advantage. The jackpot type is not informed at the time of lottery based on the entry into the right-hand actuated entry part 85 or at the entry into the advantageous entry part, but is notified during the opening / closing execution mode.

  As described above, by notifying the user of the advantage during the opening / closing execution mode instead of notifying the user of the advantage before switching to the opening / closing execution mode, the expectation for the game is obtained even after the transition to the opening / closing execution mode A feeling can be maintained. Thereby, the fall of game willingness can be suppressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, attention is paid to the notification by displaying the variation of the pattern substantially the same as the symbol used in the normal gaming state and notifying the advantage by the stop display result of the same pattern. The notification content can be easily understood while raising the degree. Thereby, it becomes possible to exhibit the said suppression effect suitably.

  If it supplements about game progress, it will usually be in the low frequency support mode at the time of starting the gaming machine, and in this low frequency support mode, by aiming at the lower operation entrance part 84, The game can be advantageously advanced. When the ball entering the lower operation ball entering unit 84 occurs, the variation display of the symbol is performed on the display screen 261 a of the symbol display device 260, and the result of the lottery based on the ball entering the lower operation ball entering unit 84 When the jackpot is won, the combination of symbols determined in advance according to the result of the hit is stopped and displayed. Specifically, if a jackpot corresponding to the high frequency support mode is won, a combination of symbols corresponding to the high frequency support mode corresponding to the jackpot will be stopped and displayed if the jackpot corresponding to the low frequency support mode is selected. The low frequency support mode corresponding pattern corresponding to the jackpot is stopped and displayed.

  Here, the patterns used in the special notification during the opening / closing execution mode also individually correspond to the high frequency support mode compatible pattern and the low frequency support mode compatible pattern. If it is understood that the difference of advantage and disadvantage will occur depending on which symbol combination of the support mode corresponding symbol and the low frequency support mode corresponding symbol is stopped, the content of the above special notification based on the understanding Can be suitably understood.

  In addition, the aspect of the variation display of the pattern executed in the special notification is the same as the variation display aspect of the symbol executed in the normal gaming state. That is, the process from the start of the variable display to the stop display is the same. As a result, the relevance between the symbol variation display and the symbol variation display can be enhanced, and further improvement in the degree of understanding of the special notification using the symbol can be expected.

  About the change display mode of the pattern at the time of performing special information, it is determined with reference to the change display mode storage table referred when determining the change display mode of a symbol in the normal gaming state. Thereby, while enjoying the various effects described above, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the configuration caused by the effect.

  As described above, based on entering the ball to the right operation ball entering unit 85, a lottery for lottery or sorting is performed, and then entering the ball to the right variable ball entering unit 83 permits transition to the open / close execution mode. In the configuration, if it is notified before the transition to the opening / closing execution mode is determined whether or not the lottery result is advantageous for the player, there is a possibility that entering the ball to the right side variable ball entry unit 83 is intentionally avoided. Occurs. This is not preferable because it can be a factor of obtaining an excessive profit and lowering the operation rate of the gaming machine. Then, if it is set as the structure which alert | reports the classification of big hit after entering into the opening / closing execution mode by the ball entering into the right side variable ball entry part 83 as mentioned above, occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably avoided.

  The symbol used in the normal gaming state has a numeric part NP and a character part CP, and the symbol used when executing the special notification is the occupation in the symbol of the numeric part NP and the character part CP. The character portion CP has a large area. Although it is possible to make the symbol used in the normal gaming state the same as the symbol used for special notification, the degree of comprehension decreases by constructing the symbol using the character portion CP having a large occupied area. It is possible to differentiate between a notification function using a symbol in a normal gaming state and a notification function using a pattern at the time of special notification. Thereby, it can suppress that a player misidentifies as if the lottery was won again during the opening / closing execution mode.

  When executing the special notification, it is preferable to execute the notification using the above-mentioned pattern before the image of the symbol impressed by the player fades. Therefore, in the above embodiment, after the transition to the open / close execution mode is performed, various types of effects such as the above-described easy understanding can be realized by starting notification using a pattern at a timing close to the transition timing. Can be suitably exhibited. In addition, even if there is a slight difference between the design used for the special notification and the design used in the normal gaming state, it is easy for the player to recognize that the two designs are common. (2) It is possible to enhance the setting freedom of the pattern used by the notification means.

  A stage unit 400 (stage device 410) is adopted to change the movement of the gaming ball flowing down the gaming area PE. Thereby, it is suppressed that the motion of a game ball becomes monotonous, and the attention to the motion of a game ball is improved.

  The stage device 410 has a plurality of movable plates 420 arranged in the front-rear direction, and upper end portions of the movable plates 420 form retention portions 425 in which the game balls can be retained. In the retaining portion 425, the movable plate 420 is moved up and down to cause the retaining portion 425 to have a relatively high / low position. By guiding the gaming ball at least to the front of the gaming machine by the height difference formed in this manner, the gaming ball simply swings on a curved surface etc. and compared with a configuration in which the gaming ball is finally guided to the front of the gaming machine. Thus, the movement of the game ball and the movement of the staying part 425 (movable plate 420) can be related. As a result, it is possible to suppress monotonization of the guidance of the gaming ball, and to preferably improve the degree of attention to the movement of the gaming ball.

  The movable plate 420 is disposed to face the other movable plate 420 adjacent thereto with a gap smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and the movable plate on the rear side of the two adjacent movable plates 420 is arranged. By moving the two movable plates 420 so that 420 is higher than the movable plate 420 on the front side, the gaming balls currently staying in the staying portion 425 are guided forward to the gaming machine. As described above, by providing a gap between the movable plates 420, it becomes possible to make the gaming ball come in contact with the two movable plates 420, and it is preferable to follow the movement of the gaming ball with respect to the movement of the movable plate 420. Can be improved.

  In the staying part 425, the game ball staying in the staying part 425 is guided forward of the gaming machine by shifting an object that is higher than the other of the plurality of movable plates 420 to the front of the gaming machine. The In this manner, the high-level portion of the retaining portion 425 (more specifically, the portion convex upward in the retaining portion 425) is displaced forward of the gaming machine, and the same portion retains the gaming ball from the rear side Can be pressed. Thereby, the relation between the movement of the gaming ball and the movement of the retaining portion 425 can be suitably improved. For example, in a configuration where guidance is performed by tilting the staying part forward of the gaming machine, etc., the tilting of the staying part may cause the game ball to be guided to the front of the gaming machine at once, and the staying period may be extremely short There is. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, if the game ball is pushed from the rear side, excessive movement of the game ball as described above can be suppressed.

  In addition, by having a configuration in which the gaming ball is pushed from the rear side, it is possible to reduce the chance that the visibility from the front of the gaming machine is obstructed by the high-ranked portion. Thereby, the visibility of the game ball being guided can be preferably improved.

  The gaming ball that has reached the retaining portion 425 via the guiding passage 433 is guided to the ninth movable plate 420i. In the present embodiment, regardless of the arrival timing of the game ball, the portion (highest portion in detail) higher than the ninth movable plate 420i is always on the front side of the ninth movable plate 420i. It will exist. Thus, it is possible to preferably avoid such a disadvantage that the gaming ball hitting the ninth movable plate 420i moves forward with its momentum and flows out from the retaining portion 425. Therefore, the relationship between the movement of the gaming ball and the movement of the retaining portion 425 can be reduced, and the inconvenience that the retention period of the gaming ball in the retaining portion 425 becomes excessively short can be prevented.

  In the above embodiment, the height of the upper end of the two adjacent targets that are located in front of the target that is high in the movable plate 420 and that is lower than the target that is high The height position temporarily becomes the same height position. For this reason, the game ball pushed forward of the gaming machine straddles the lower two movable plates 420 so as to be settled, thereby suppressing the movement of the gaming machine forwardly separately from the high position part. be able to. Thereby, it is possible to strengthen the relationship between the movement of the staying portion 425 and the movement of the gaming ball.

  In addition, the height position of the two movable plates 420 (more specifically, the upper end) is the same at the lower position, and the amount of movement of the game ball in the vertical direction when moving the game ball forward to the gaming machine Can be suitably suppressed. Thereby, the responsiveness of the movement of the game ball to the movement of the movable plate 420 can be preferably improved. Therefore, the smooth movement of the game ball forward of the gaming machine is attempted.

  The movement of the movable plate 420 is reversed to make it possible to switch the guiding destination of the gaming ball in the retaining unit 425 from the front of the gaming machine to the rear of the gaming machine. Thereby, it is suppressed that the motion of the game ball on the stay part 425 becomes monotonous. In particular, the period for guiding the gaming ball to the front of the gaming machine is set shorter than the period for guiding the gaming ball to the rear of the gaming machine, and the guiding function of the gaming ball is secured. In addition, it becomes easy to make the game ball stay at the front of the staying portion 425, and it is possible to suppress the decrease in the visibility of the staying game ball.

  In addition, in the induction period to the front of the gaming machine of the gaming ball, it is set longer than the period required for the target which is the highest position from the rear end to the front end of the staying portion 425 to shift. Thereby, it is possible to suitably exhibit the guidance function and the visibility function.

  The movable plate 420 in the present embodiment has a curved surface shape in which the upper end is convex upward and curved in the front and back directions, so that it is possible to suppress staying on one movable plate 420. Can. As a result, the gaming ball is likely to stay in such a manner as to straddle the two movable plates 420, and it is possible to make it difficult to cause the inconvenience that the guiding function by the movable plates 420 is not sufficiently exhibited.

  In addition, when the gaming balls are guided forward or backward, the height difference between the front and rear movable plates 420 becomes large, so that the portion where the gaming balls are in contact with the movable plates 420 is displaced. Then, the game ball is pushed to the lower movable plate 420 side by the higher movable plate 420 by the height difference becoming larger than the preset amount, and the movable ball 420 becomes lower. It moves to the side away from the movable plate 420 which becomes high-order along the upper end (in detail, a curved surface) of. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to preferably achieve both the guiding function to the front of the gaming machine and the guiding function to the rear of the gaming machine.

  The upper end of the movable plate 420 is wavy and the arrangement of the irregularities is shifted in the horizontal direction. As a result, when moving from one movable plate 420 to another movable plate 420, movement to the left and right can be promoted with respect to the same game ball, and diversification of the movement of the game ball during stagnation is realized.

  When the gaming ball is staying at a position far from the receiving port 505, it is assumed that the degree of attention to the movement of the gaming ball is likely to decrease because the gaming ball does not become involved in the generation of a profit. Therefore, by promoting the movement to the left and right in addition to the movement to the front and back, an opportunity can be provided to move the gaming ball so as to cross the back of the entrance 505, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, when the decorative member 335 of the ring unit 300 disposed in front of the symbol display device 260 (more specifically, the display screen 261a) is rotated, the symbol displayed on the display screen 261a in accordance with it. The configuration is such that the scroll direction of the column changes. As described above, by providing the relationship between the decorative member 335 and the scroll direction of the symbol row, it is possible to intensify the sense of unity of the effects by the ring unit 300 and the symbol display device 260.

  The decorative member 335 rotates around the display screen 261a (more specifically, the display area DE) in the front view of the gaming machine, so that the overlapping between the decorative member 335 and the display area DE increases and so on. It is possible to make it difficult for the inconvenience that the visibility is lowered. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in visibility due to the diversifying effects, and it is possible to preferably contribute to the improvement of interest in the gaming machine.

  Further, on the display screen 261a, the scroll direction of the symbol row is changed by rotating the symbol row in the same direction as the decoration member 335 in accordance with the rotation of the decoration member 335. For this reason, it is possible to give the player an impression as if the unit constituted by the symbol display device 260 and the decoration member 335 were integrally rotated. As a result, it is possible to achieve a high-impact presentation and contribute to the enhancement of interest in gaming machines.

  Certainly, it is possible to perform the same effect by rotating the symbol display device, but when such correspondence is performed, securing of an operation area for the symbol display device and a large drive mechanism It is necessary to adopt etc. Since the symbol display device is disposed in the limited space of the game area PE, such correspondence can be a factor that squeezes the arrangement area of the surrounding game components and the like. In this respect, if the above configuration is adopted, coexistence with peripheral parts can be suitably realized while diversifying the effects.

  In addition, since the design row is set to rotate around the position where it overlaps with the rotation center portion of the decorative member 335 in the front view of the symbol display device 260, the rotation of the decoration member 335 and the rotation of the design row Can be more integrated. As a result, it is possible to intensify the impression as if the unit constituted by the symbol display device 260 and the decoration member 335 were integrally rotated.

  In the present embodiment, when the decorative member 335 rotates, not only the design row but also the background image rotates together. As described above, by rotating the background image integrally as well as the pattern row, the unnaturalness caused by the change in the positional relationship between the background image and the symbol row is eliminated, and the above-mentioned mimicry effect is suitably exhibited. Can.

  If the player recognizes that the symbol display device 260 is not moving when the decorative member 335 is moved, it is assumed that the impact in the effect is reduced. Therefore, as shown in the above embodiment, by covering the portion other than the display screen 261a in the symbol display device 260 with the ring unit 300 or the center frame 97, the portion other than the display screen 261a in the symbol display device 260 It is difficult to visually confirm from the front of the gaming machine that is not moving. Thereby, the above-mentioned mimicking effect can be exhibited suitably.

  In the present embodiment, the symbol row is rotated, and the scroll speed of the symbol row is reduced by rising to the front side in the scroll direction. As described above, if the variation speed is changed according to the inclination of the pattern row, the relationship between the movement of the pattern row and the inclination of the symbol row (the movement of the decoration member 335) can be strengthened, which is more integrated. It can contribute to the realization of the production. In particular, by using the symbol display device 260 in rotation by combining with the configuration in which the entire symbol display device 260 is simulated, it gives an impression as if the fluctuation speed of the pattern has increased. It can be mimicked as if gravity had acted on the symbol sequence. This can enhance the impact of the presentation.

  When performing synchronous rendering of the ring unit 300 and the symbol display device 260, the decoration member 335 and the symbol row rotate even if it is likely that the symbols that can constitute the standby symbol pass by the force line. By doing so, a brake is applied to the symbol variation display, and a standby symbol can be established. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an early decline in a sense of expectation for the establishment of the standby symbol when the standby symbol is unlikely to be established.

  As a kind of reach notice, by adopting a configuration to execute synchronous effect by the decorative member 335 and the symbol display device 260, the decorative member 335 etc. are restored to the original state by the transition to the next game round Can be This makes it possible to facilitate the progression of the game.

  The ring unit 300 is disposed in front of the symbol display device 260 and has an annular shape surrounding the display area DE, and has a rail member 321 rotatably supporting the decorative member 335 and the pivot ring 331. There is. According to this configuration, it is possible to preferably avoid such a disadvantage that the configuration related to the operation in the ring unit 300 crosses in front of the display area DE, and the visibility of the display area DE is reduced.

The display screen 261a in which the display area DE is provided in the symbol display device 260 has a substantially rectangular shape in front view of the symbol display device 260,
The ring unit 300 is formed so that the whole area of the partition area partitioned by the ring unit 300 overlaps the display screen 261a from the front of the gaming machine. According to such a configuration, it is avoided that the display screen 261a becomes insufficient for the partitioned area when the symbol row is rotated. Thereby, even if it is a case where a symbol row | line | column is rotated, the problem that the information amount displayed after rotation decreases can be avoided suitably. Further, it is not necessary to form the symbol display device 260 (specifically, the display screen 261a) in a circular shape, and it is possible to preferably avoid the difficulty in designing and manufacturing the symbol display device 260.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, the following alternative configurations may be applied individually to the configurations in the above-described embodiment, or may be applied in combination with each other.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the symbol used to notify the type during a big hit (in the open / close execution mode) as the “special game state” is to enter the ball to the lower operation ball entering portion 84. Although the configuration is such that the character portion CP constituting the symbol to be variably displayed based on the configuration is not provided and the numeral portion NP is not provided, it may be modified to have both the character portion CP and the number portion NP. Further, it is also possible to omit the effect part EP of the pattern used when informing a hit during occurrence of a big hit (during open / close execution mode).

  That is, the pattern has a portion (the character portion CP in the embodiment above) having the largest occupied area in the symbol among the portions constituting the symbol, and the same region is the most occupied area in the pattern. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that it may become large, and how to comprise other parts is arbitrary.

  If a configuration in which the occupied area of the numerical part is larger than the occupied area of the character part is adopted in the symbol variably displayed by entering the ball into the operation ball part, a hit occurs (during opening / closing execution mode) It is preferable to adopt the above-mentioned number part as a main composition in a pattern used when informing a type.

  Furthermore, when a big hit is occurring (during opening / closing execution mode) and a notification of the type is given, a pattern recognized as being the same as a symbol that is variably displayed based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entering unit 84 Although it was set as the change display, when changing it and notifying the hit type during the big hit occurrence (during opening / closing execution mode), the symbol displayed in the change based on entering the ball to the lower operation ball entering unit 84 The same symbol (pattern) may be displayed in a variable manner.

  (2) In the above embodiment, when winning in the high frequency support mode correspondence jackpot in the lottery based on entering the ball to the lower operation ball entry unit 84, it corresponds to the high frequency support mode correspondence jackpot as "specific pattern" A combination of symbols (specifically, odd symbols) is stopped and displayed on the effective line, and if the low frequency support mode compatible jackpot is won, the symbol corresponding to the low frequency support mode corresponding jackpot as "nonspecific pattern" In other words, a combination of even symbols) is stopped and displayed on the active line. That is, by stopping and displaying the combination of symbols uniquely associated with the hit type, it is configured to notify the hit type before the transition to the open / close execution mode. It is also possible to change this and to notify information (combination of symbols) different from the lottery result in a pseudo manner before the transition to the open / close execution mode.

  When such a configuration is adopted, it is preferable that in the opening / closing execution mode, the type of the jackpot uniquely corresponding to the lottery result is notified. For example, a configuration preferable for practical use can be realized by applying to the present modification a configuration in which a hit type is notified at the time of occurrence of a jackpot based on entering the advantageous entry ball portion shown in the above embodiment. However, when such a change is to be made, it is preferable to use a configuration in which information on which combination of symbols corresponds to the "specific symbol" or the "non-specific symbol" is used in combination.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the high-frequency support mode compatible jackpot and the low-frequency support mode compatible jackpot are set as jackpots based on entering the advantageous entry ball. That is, a difference is set in the degree of advantage in the game progress after the opening / closing execution mode as the "special game state" ends. This may be changed as follows.

  A plurality of jackpots provided with at least a difference between advantages and disadvantages may be set, and a difference may be made in the degree of advantage in the open / close execution mode. For example, it is possible to set 15R big hit and 8R big hit which are different in the number of rounds as a big hit. When such a configuration is adopted, it is preferable to perform notification of a hit type in rounds (1R to 8R) common to both jackpots in the open / close execution mode.

  In addition, a type in which a probability change state in which the probability of winning the jackpot by lottery is changed to be advantageous to the player after the opening / closing execution mode ends, and a normal jackpot in which the probability of winning remains normal are set. In the gaming machine of the above, there is a difference in the degree of advantage at each of these jackpots. Therefore, in such a game machine, the above-described technical idea (notification of the hit type in the special game state) is applied, and whether the present jackpot is a probability change jackpot or a normal jackpot during the open / close execution mode Can be notified.

  (4) In the above embodiment, although the variation display mode of the symbol based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entering unit 84 and the variation display mode of the pattern at the time of the special notification execution are made the same, It is not a thing. That is, as long as the design used at the time of special notification execution is a configuration that is recognized to be the same as the above-mentioned design, it is not necessary to make the variable display mode the same. However, in order to increase the player's understanding of the special notification, it is preferable to make the variable display mode the same.

  In the above embodiment, the variation display mode in the special notification is determined with reference to the table for determining the variation display mode of the symbol based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entering unit 84, but The present invention is not limited to this, and a table for determining the variable display mode in the special notification may be provided separately from the above table. However, in order to suppress an increase in the storage capacity of the display control device 170, it is preferable to make both tables common as described in the above embodiment.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the number of symbol rows used in the variable display based on entering the ball to the lower operation ball entry unit 84 and the number of symbol rows used in the special notification are the same. do not have to. For example, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the jackpot type is notified by a pattern to be stopped and displayed on the effective line, with one pattern row used in the special notification.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the timing at which the special notification is performed is set to be closer to the transition timing to the opening / closing execution mode in a period in which the opening / closing execution mode can be set. Specifically, the special notification is started in accordance with the second R start timing in all 15R. The timing for executing the special notification is arbitrary, and the start timing may be set, for example, closer to the end timing of the open / close execution mode.

  However, if the special notification is executed before the image of the symbol impressed on the player is faded, the start timing of the special notification can be calculated in consideration of the fact that the decrease in the degree of understanding of the special notification can be suppressed. It is preferable to set so as to be closer to the transition timing to the open / close execution mode.

  (7) It is good also as composition which changes the mode of special information according to the ball entering situation to lower side variable ball entering part 82. Specifically, the special notification execution period in which the special notification is executed is set longer than the round period (specifically, 30 msec) as the round end condition (that is, the special notification is set to span multiple rounds). , Notification when the round switching is performed without the number of gaming balls flowing into the lower variable ball entry unit 82 during the special notification execution period reaching the specified number (specifically, 10) A difference may be set between the mode and the notification mode when the number of inflows reaches the specified number and round switching is performed.

  For example, when the specified number of game balls have not flowed, the stop mode of the pattern is changed so that the stopping middle pattern becomes the pattern not corresponding to the hit (the combination of the pattern corresponding to complete removal) And after all the symbols are stopped and displayed, the variable display of the pattern is performed again, and a specific variable display mode (for example, super reach, premium reach, etc.) in which the selection rate is set low as the variable display mode of the same pattern. It should just be taken as composition adopted. As a result, it is possible to suppress the player from having a sense of disadvantage due to the fact that the ball into the lower variable ball entry unit 82 has not been generated properly and the interest in the game being lowered.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the movable plate 420 is adopted as the "movable member", but the "movable member" is not limited to the plate-like one. It is sufficient that the movable member can move so as to generate a height difference between at least other adjacent movable members. For example, the movable member may have a laterally extending rod-like configuration.

  In addition, although the retention part 425 was comprised by the upper end part of the movable plate 420, this may be changed and you may comprise a "retention part" by the flexible sheet material etc. which were attached to the movable plate 420.

  (9) In the above embodiment, the movable plates 420 are opposed to each other with a gap therebetween, and the game balls are retained so as to straddle the two movable plates 420 arranged in front and back, but the same gap is essential It is not a configuration of That is, the gap may be omitted and the front and rear movable plates 420 may be in contact with each other.

  However, in order to improve the followability of the movement of the game ball with respect to the movement of the movable plate 420, it is preferable to set a gap between the movable plates 420 as described in the above embodiment.

  Further, the arrangement direction of the movable plates 420 is not limited to the front-rear direction. For example, the movable plate 420 may be arranged side by side to guide the staying game ball to the left or right.

  (10) In the above embodiment, in the retaining portion 425, a portion that is higher than the same portion is always present on the front side of the portion reached by the gaming ball that has flowed out of the outlet portion 434 of the guiding passage 433. However, it is not limited to this. For example, depending on the timing at which the game ball reaches the retaining portion 425, the front side of the reaching point may be lower than the reaching point. However, when such a configuration is adopted, there is a high possibility that the game ball that has reached the staying part 425 moves forward with the momentum and the staying period in the staying part 425 becomes extremely short. . This can be a factor that makes it difficult to improve the degree of attention to the movement of the gaming ball. Therefore, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which a portion higher than the reaching location is formed in front of the reaching location so as to restrict the forward movement of the game ball.

  (11) In the above embodiment, all the movable plates 420 are operated by the power from the stepping motor 441. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A motor corresponding to each movable plate 420 in a one-to-one manner may be employed, and the operation of each movable plate 420 may be individually controlled. However, when such a configuration is adopted, the occupied area of the stage device 410 can be expanded, and the stage device 410 can coexist with other gaming devices such as the symbol display device 260 in a limited area. It becomes difficult. Therefore, preferably, as shown in the above embodiment, it is preferable to operate all the movable plates 420 by the power from one stepping motor 441.

  (12) In the above embodiment, the right eccentric cam 446R and the left eccentric cam 446L are used together, but the number of eccentric cams 446 is not limited to two. For example, a configuration having one eccentric cam 446 may be employed.

  Further, although the eccentric cams 446 are arranged on both sides of the receiving port 505, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement of the eccentric cams 446 is arbitrary. However, in order to stabilize the operation of the movable plate 420 behind the receiving port 505, it is preferable that the movable plate 420 be disposed on both sides of the receiving port 505 at least.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, although the rotation direction of the left eccentric cam 446L and the rotation direction of the right eccentric cam 446R are set to be opposite to each other, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to make the rotation direction of 446R the same.

  (13) In the above embodiment, the phase of the operation cycle of the left eccentric cam 446L is matched with the phase of the operation cycle of the right eccentric cam 446R. However, the movement of the operation cycle of each of the eccentric cams 446L and 446R is changed. It is good also as a structure to shift. When such a change is made, a phase difference of high and low occurs in the portion on the left side of the receiving port 505 and the portion on the right side of the receiving port 505 in the retaining portion 425. That is, in the staying part 425, the raising / lowering timing is shifted between the left side and the right side. As a result, the staying gaming ball can be moved to the left and right along with the guidance to the front and back, and the moving distance of the gaming ball moving back and forth on the staying portion 425 can be lengthened. That is, it is possible to lengthen the moving distance of the gaming ball while suppressing the enlargement of the retaining portion 425, and to realize diversification of the moving manner of the gaming ball.

  In addition, since the phase shift is reversed between when the game ball is guided forward and backward, the above-described shift of the elevation timing is also reversed. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress the disadvantage that the staying position of the gaming ball tends to be biased to one of the left and right in the staying portion 425 while adopting the configuration that causes the phase difference.

  In addition, even when the moving distance of the game ball is increased as described above, it is difficult to grasp the positional relationship between the game ball and the receiving port 505 by moving the game ball so as to cross the receiving port 505. By suppressing this and increasing the moving distance of the game ball, it is possible to make it difficult to cause inconvenience that the degree of attention to the game ball existing at a position away from the receiving port 505 is reduced.

  (14) In the above embodiment, the period for guiding the gaming ball forward is set to be longer than the period for guiding the gaming ball backward, but it is not limited to this, and both periods have the same length. The length may be set to be longer, or the period for guiding the gaming ball forward may be set to be shorter than the period for guiding the gaming ball backward. By making such a change, the staying period of the game ball in the staying part 425 can be lengthened. However, it is assumed that the degree of attention to the movement of the gaming ball is likely to be reduced by a reduction in the guiding function to the receiving port 505 side (front of the gaming machine) originally possessed by the retaining portion 425. Therefore, it is desirable that the period for guiding the gaming machine forward is longer than the period for guiding the gaming machine backward.

  (15) In the above embodiment, each movable plate 420 is formed such that the upper end portion of the movable plate 420 is corrugated, and the convex portion and the concave portion are arranged in the front-rear direction. That is, the phase of the unevenness is configured to be shifted by a half cycle. The shift of the phase of the unevenness in each movable plate 420 is not limited to a half cycle, and may be set arbitrarily. However, in order to give unexpectedness to the movement of the game ball, it is preferable to set the phase shift to a half cycle.

  (16) In the above embodiment, the design row is configured to scroll horizontally and the decorative member 335 is arranged with the display area DE up and down. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the decorative member 335 can be disposed at a position sandwiching the display area DE from the left and right. By projecting the decorative member 335 toward the display area DE, differentiation from the light emitting device 360 (specifically, the front cover member 364) is achieved, and improvement in visibility is realized. Therefore, when the above change is made, the decorative member 335 may be a factor that presses the variable display area ME in the display area DE. That is, the scroll amount of the symbol row is easily restricted by the decoration member 335. Therefore, it is desirable to arrange the display area DE so as to sandwich the display area DE in a direction orthogonal to the scroll direction (specifically, the vertical direction), as described in the above embodiment.

  Also, the number of decorative members 335 is not necessarily two, and the number is arbitrary. Furthermore, the decorative member 335 can be formed in an annular shape.

  (17) In the above embodiment, the scroll direction of the symbol row is left, but the scroll direction of the symbol row is arbitrary, and can be changed to the right, lower, upper or the like.

  (18) In the above embodiment, the ring unit 300 is disposed obliquely to the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to arrange them so as to face each other.

  (19) In the above embodiment, the entire area of the division area DE divided by the ring unit 300 is configured to overlap the display screen 261a in the front view of the gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration in which a part of the partition area DE does not overlap the display screen 261a is also possible. However, in order to produce an integral effect of the ring unit 300 and the image displayed on the display screen 261a, when a portion other than the display screen 261a in the symbol display device 260 becomes visible through the division area DE, It is assumed that an impression that the decoration member 335 and the symbol display device 260 are individually operating is easily given to the player, and that the sense of unity in the production is likely to be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the entire partition area DE overlaps the display screen 261a.

  (20) In the above embodiment, when the decoration member 335 and the design row are rotated, the reduction rate of the scroll speed of the design row is made constant regardless of the rotation angle, but this is changed. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the reduction rate increases as the rotation angle of the pattern row increases, and the reduction rate decreases as the rotation angle decreases. Thereby, the relationship between the change in the scroll direction and the change in the scroll speed can be strengthened.

  (21) A plurality of rotational positions of the decorative member 335, the symbol row, etc. may be set. For example, if the scroll speed reduction rate is increased each time the rotation angle is increased, further diversification of the production can be realized. When such a change is performed, the rotation ring 331 is set such that the generation expectation of the reach variation display and the generation expectation of the jackpot become larger as the decoration member 335 moves to a position where the rotation angle is larger. The degree of attention to the effect using can be improved suitably.

  (22) In the above embodiment, the design sequence and the background image are integrally rotated, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration that rotates at least the symbol row is sufficient, and a configuration that does not rotate the background image may be employed. However, when the background image is placed without rotating, it is assumed that it is difficult to give the player the impression that the symbol display device 260 is rotated together with the decorative member 335. The Therefore, preferably, as shown in the above embodiment, all the components displayed on the display screen 261 a such as a background image as well as the symbol rows may be rotated according to the rotation of the decorative member 335.

  (23) In the above embodiment, when the pivoting ring 331 is pivoted, the scroll speed of not only the lower figure handle row but also the middle symbol row is reduced, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient if the scroll speed of the lower symbol row that causes at least the reach fluctuation display is reduced, and it is not always necessary to lower the scroll speed of the middle symbol row.

  However, when the image is tilted to make it appear as if the scrolling speed of the symbol row has decreased due to the action of gravity, it is assumed that the impression will be diminished if only the scrolling rate of the lower symbol row is reduced. Therefore, preferably, at least at least a row of symbols being scrolled may be subject to deceleration.

  (24) In the above embodiment, when the image displayed on the display screen 261a is inclined, the design or the like of each symbol may be changed. For example, the character part CP (an image of “octopus” or the like) constituting the symbol may be changed as if it is working hard against the inclination, or an effect may be added around the character part CP. Thereby, it can contribute to the improvement of the further attention degree.

  (25) In the above embodiment, the ring synchronization effect using the ring unit 300 is applied to the reach notice effect, but it is also possible to apply the ring synchronization effect to other than the reach notice effect (for example, special reach effect) .

  For example, when the variation display of the symbol is started based on entering the ball into the lower operation ball entry unit 84 and the symbol is finally stopped after stopping the symbol, the decoration member 335 is temporarily stopped in a state in which all symbols are stopped. In addition, the image displayed on the display screen 261a may be rotated so as to move downward in the scroll direction of the symbol row, and each symbol may be changed again.

  When such a change is adopted, a practically preferable configuration can be realized by applying a ring synchronization effect as a so-called pseudo continuous effect. That is, during the period in which the variable display corresponding to one game is executed in the lower actuating ball display portion LD in the main display portion D, the first variable display of the symbol on the display screen 261a-stop display-re The configuration may be such that variable display to stop display are performed.

  Also, with the combination of even symbols as non-specific symbols being stopped and displayed, the image displayed on the decorative member 335 and the display screen 261a is rotated so as to go down in the scroll direction of the symbol row, The design may be changed again. Then, by stopping and displaying the combination of symbols showing the big hit after the re-fluctuation (the combination of specific symbols or the combination of non-specific symbols), it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the player's attention.

  In the case where the above-described changes are made, it is possible to contribute to diversification of ring synchronization effects by setting the possibility of re-variation to be higher as the rotation angle of the decorative member 335 and the image becomes larger.

  (26) In the above embodiment, the display control device 170 controls the display content on the display screen 261a of the symbol display device 260. However, it is also possible to change this and control by the audio lamp control device 143. Good. Furthermore, the display control device 170 and the sound lamp control device 143 are not necessarily separate from each other, and these control devices 143 and 170 can be integrated.

  (27) Other types of pachinko machines and the like different from the above embodiment, for example, pachinko machines in which the motorized part opens a predetermined number of times when gaming balls enter a specific area of a special device The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine that becomes a jackpot when a right enters and becomes a jackpot, a pachinko machine equipped with other features, an arrange ball machine, a game machine such as a ball ball, and the like.

  A non-ball-ball type game machine, for example, a plurality of reels having a plurality of kinds of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts the rotation of the reels by inserting medals and operating the start lever, and the 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 slot machines.

  Furthermore, the game machine main body supported by the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is provided with a storage section and a loading device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of gaming balls stored in the storage section are loaded by the loading device. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused to start the rotation of the reel.

<Invention Group Extracted from the Embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the embodiment described above 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 or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration illustrated in the parentheses or the like.

Feature A1. Lottery means (a function for executing a winning lottery in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a special gaming state;
A pattern display device (pattern display device 620) for variably displaying a pattern;
Display control means (display control device 170 or the like) for controlling the change of the picture and controlling the stop of the picture according to the lottery result of the lottery means;
Transition means for shifting the gaming state to the special gaming state after the symbol is stopped and displayed by the display control means when the lottery result by the lottery means becomes a winning result corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state And a function of executing the game state transition processing in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162,
The display control means
When the lottery is won, the first notification means (display control device 170 for notifying that the special gaming state is to be shifted is displayed by stopping and displaying the symbols set corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state. The function of executing the variable display process in the MPU 702),
The same pattern as the pattern or the same pattern is variably displayed during the special game state, and the stop display result of the variable display is the same as the lottery result that is a trigger for transition to the special game state. Second notification means for notifying at least one of the advantage of the special gaming state and the advantage of the gaming state to be shifted after the end of the special gaming state (MPU 702 of the display control device 170 executes hit type notification display processing A gaming machine characterized by having a function).

  According to the feature A1, when the lottery result by the lottery means is a winning result, the symbol corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state (winning result) is stopped and displayed, and the transition to the special gaming state is made. After being transferred to the special game state, the advantage of the game state to be transferred after the special game state or the end of the special game state in the middle of being in the special game state is a transition opportunity to the current special game state It is informed on the basis of the lottery result. In this way, rather than giving notice of the degree of advantage before transition to the special game state, by giving an indication of the degree of advantage during the special game state, a sense of expectation for the game is obtained even after the transition to the special game state. Can last. Thereby, the fall of game willingness can be suppressed.

  In addition, in this feature, the variation display of the pattern which is recognized as being identical to the pattern or the pattern which is changed / stopped before the occurrence of the special game state is performed, and the advantage is notified by the stop display result of the same variation display. With this configuration, it is possible to easily understand the contents of the notification while increasing the degree of attention to the notification. Thereby, it becomes possible to exhibit the said suppression effect suitably.

Feature A2. When the lottery result by the lottery means becomes the first winning result, the first notification means notifies that the first winning result has been won by stopping and displaying the combination of the specific symbols. If the special game state or the game state after the end of the special game state results in a second winning result that is more disadvantageous to the player than the first winning result, stop displaying the combination of non-specific patterns Means for notifying that the second winning result has been won by
The second informing means stops and displays the specific pattern or a pattern which is recognized to be identical to the specific pattern when the lottery result by the lottery means is the first winning result. (1) A notification indicating that the winning result has been won is given, and if the lottery result is the second winning result, the non-specified pattern or a pattern which is recognized to be identical to the non-specified pattern is displayed stopped The gaming machine according to Feature A1, further comprising means for notifying that the second winning result has been won.

  According to the feature A2, based on the understanding, for example, if the player understands that a difference in advantages and disadvantages is caused by which combination of the specific pattern and the non-specific pattern is stopped. It becomes possible to preferably understand the notification content performed during the special game state. Thereby, the effect shown to the feature A1 can be exhibited suitably.

  Feature A3. The display control means is set to feature A1 or feature A2 such that the aspect of the variation display by the second notification means is the same as the aspect of the variation display by the first notification means. Game machines.

  According to the feature A3, the relationship between the notification by the first notification unit and the notification by the second notification unit can be obtained by making the mode of the variable display, that is, the process from the start of the variable display to the stop display the same. This can be enhanced, and a further improvement of the understanding of the notification by the second notification means can be expected.

  For example, in the first notification means and the second notification means, the variable display pattern (reach mode or the like) and the variable display period may be the same.

  In addition, when displaying the combination of a specific pattern or a nonspecific pattern in the final stop display in the gaming state before transitioning to the special game state, a standby pattern forming a combination of the specific pattern or the nonspecific pattern on an effective line set in advance. The picture display device is configured to end the fluctuation display of the other picture strings except for one of the predetermined picture strings so as to be stopped and to display the standby fluctuation display to end the fluctuation display of the predetermined picture string after the stop display of the standby picture pattern. The same variation display mode may be applied to a gaming machine of a type having standby variation display means for controlling the display of the special game state.

Feature A4. The display control means
Storage means (program ROM 703 in the MPU 702 of the display control device 170) storing change display mode information for determining the mode of change display in the game state before transition to the special game state;
Means for determining a variation display mode during the special gaming state based on the variation display mode information stored in the storage unit (function of executing a variation display mode determination process in the MPU 702 of the display control device 170); A game machine according to feature A3, characterized in having the same.

  As shown in feature A4, by combining the configuration related to display control in the gaming state before transition to the special gaming state and the configuration related to display control in the special gaming state, the effects shown in the feature A1 etc. are exhibited However, it is possible to suppress the complication of the configuration due to it.

Feature A5. The lottery means is a first lottery means, and the transition means is a first transition means.
A first ball entry unit (right operation ball entry unit 85) and a second ball entry unit (right variable ball entry unit 83) capable of entering game balls that flow down the game area;
A second lottery means (a function for executing a winning lottery in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to generate the special gaming state by entering the first pitching unit;
The second transition means (the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) to shift to the special game state when the game ball enters the second ball entry portion after the winning result by the lottery by the second lottery means. And a function for executing a special winning transition process)
The second informing means has means for informing the informing by the second informing means when a transition to the special gaming state is performed by the second informing means. Thru | or the game machine as described in any one of characteristics A4.

  As shown in the feature A5, in the configuration in which the lottery by the second lottery means is first won and then the transition to the special gaming state is permitted by entering the second ball entry unit, the lottery result is advantageous for the player If notification is made before the transition to the special game state is determined, it is possible that the ball entering the second ball entry part is intentionally avoided. This is not preferable because it can be a factor of obtaining an excessive profit and lowering the operation rate of the gaming machine. Therefore, the technical idea shown in the feature A1 etc. is applied to such a configuration, and after the transition to the special game state by entering the ball in the second ball entry unit, notification is performed by the second notification unit. If employed, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably avoided.

Feature A6. The pattern used by the first notification means has a numeric part (numeric part NP) composed of numerals and a pattern part (character part CP) composed of a pattern such as a character.
The pattern used by the second notifying unit has one of the occupied areas in the pattern among the number part and the pattern part, as described in any one of features A1 to A5, Gaming machine.

  In the configuration shown in feature 1 etc., it is possible to make the pattern used by the first informing means the same as the pattern used by the second informing means, but as shown in this feature, the numeral part and By configuring the design to be used by the second notification means using one of the pattern area and the larger one of the occupied areas, the notification function by the second notification means and the notification by the first notification means can be used while suppressing a decrease in the understanding level. Differentiation with functions can be achieved. Thereby, it can suppress that a player misidentifies as if the lottery was won again in the special game state.

  Feature A7. The second informing means is set such that the start timing of the variable display is closer to the transition timing to the special game state in a period in which the special game state can be made. Features A1 to A6 The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  When the notification by the second notification means is executed, it is preferable that the notification by the second notification means is executed before the image of the image impressed by the player fades. Therefore, as shown in this feature, after the transition to the special gaming state is performed, the variation display is started at a timing close to the transition timing, so that the effects shown in the feature A1 and the like can be suitably exhibited. Can do.

  Further, according to the present feature, even if there is a slight difference between the pattern used by the first notification means and the pattern used by the second notification means, it is assumed that the both patterns are common to the player. Can be easily recognized, so that the degree of freedom in setting the pattern used by the second notification means can be increased.

Feature A8. A variable pitching device (lower variable pitching portion 82) that can be switched between a regulated state that regulates the inflow of game balls flowing down the game area and an allowed state that allows the inflow of game balls;
Variable entry control means for executing variable entry control for switching to the restricted state after placing the variable entry device in the permitted state (function of executing lower variable entry portion opening / closing processing in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) And),
Based on the fact that the lottery result by the lottery means is the winning result, the variable pitch control means sets the number of times of switching to the restricted state after the variable pitch device is in the permitted state. The variable entry control is executed until a predetermined number of times is reached, and a first switching condition or a second switching condition set in advance in a situation where the variable entry device is in the allowable state is It is set to switch to the restriction state when it is established,
The second informing means has means for making the informing mode by the second informing means different between when the first switching condition is satisfied and when the second switching condition is satisfied. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A7.

  According to the feature A7, the notification mode can be changed according to the progress of the game in the special game state. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the degree of attention to the notification by the second notification means.

Feature A9. A variable pitching device (lower variable pitching portion 82) that can be switched between a regulated state that regulates the inflow of game balls flowing down the game area and an allowed state that allows the inflow of game balls;
Variable entry control means for executing variable entry control for switching to the restricted state after placing the variable entry device in the permitted state (function of executing lower variable entry portion opening / closing processing in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) And),
Based on the fact that the lottery result by the lottery means is the winning result, the variable pitch control means sets the number of times of switching to the restricted state after the variable pitch device is in the permitted state. The variable entering control is performed until a predetermined number of times is reached, and the restricted state is performed when a predetermined period set in advance has passed under the condition where the variable entering apparatus is in the allowed state. Is set to switch to
The variable display period in which the variable display is performed by the second notification means during the special gaming state is set longer than the predetermined period,
The second notification means changes the mode of the variable display when the variable pitching device is switched to the restricted state while the variable display is being performed. The gaming machine according to any one of A8.

  According to the feature A9, the notification mode can be changed according to the progress of the game in the special game state. Thereby, it can suppress that the alerting | reporting by a 2nd alerting | reporting means becomes monotonous.

  When the variable ball entering device switches from the permitted state to the restricted state to the allowed state, gaming balls passing by the variable ball entering device during the restricted state can not flow into the variable ball entering device. If this catches the eyes of the player, it will give an impression that the game ball is consumed unnecessarily, which is not preferable. Therefore, if the mode of the variable display is changed when the variable ball entry device is switched to the restricted state, it is possible to draw the player's attention to the pattern display device and to divert the attention to the game ball. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the said inconvenience can be avoided suitably.

Feature A10. The first notification means includes
When the winning result is obtained, at least one of the advantage of the special gaming state to be transferred based on the winning result and the advantage of the gaming state to be transferred after the end of the special gaming state is obtained as a result of stopping the picture. Means for notifying by,
Means for notifying the advantage of the special gaming state to be transferred based on the winning result and the advantage of the gaming state to be transferred after completion of the special gaming state when the winning result is obtained,
Any of the features A1 to A9, wherein the second notification unit performs the notification of the advantage by the second notification unit when at least the notification of the advantage by the first notification unit has not been performed. A gaming machine according to claim 1.

  In the configuration in which the notification of the degree of advantage can be executed by the first notification means as shown in the feature 10, it can be suggested to the player that the difference between the advantage and the disadvantage is set to the pattern through the game. Thereby, it is possible to promote understanding of the notification contents by the second notification means using the same pattern of the same pattern or a pattern recognized to be the same. Therefore, it is possible to further facilitate the understanding of the notification function by the second notification means.

  The above feature A group is effective when applied to the following problems.

  Among gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, those provided with a pattern display device for variably displaying a pattern row or the like on a display screen are known. In such a gaming machine, for example, when the gaming ball passes through the operation opening provided in the gaming area, a lottery for deciding whether or not to shift to the special gaming state is performed, and variable display such as a pattern row is performed . When the success or failure lottery is won, a predetermined pattern is stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the gaming state shifts to the special gaming state. In the special game state, for example, a variable ball entry device provided in the game area is released, and a game ball is paid out based on the ball entering the variable ball entry device.

  At the time of entry to the operation opening, the lottery of the type of the win is set with the difference in the degree of advantage along with the above lottery, the pattern uniquely associated with the type of each stop is stopped according to the lottery result It displays (for example, refer patent document: Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2003-071059). However, in the case where the winning classification and the stop-displayed pattern are uniquely associated with each other, the player clearly identifies the degree of advantage (for example, the type of the hit) by visually recognizing the stop-displayed pattern. Can be recognized. In this case, it is feared that the game contents become unique and changeless, and the player's willingness to play is likely to decline. In recent years, for example, at the time of stop display of a picture before transition to the special gaming state, the hit type is concealed and a specific effect for notifying the advantage after the transition to the special gaming state is performed, thereby reducing the gaming motivation. A gaming machine that suppresses this problem has been proposed.

  However, in the configuration in which notification is made during the special gaming state, for example, although the degree of attention to the effect can be improved by setting the above specific effect elaborate, it is assumed that it becomes difficult to understand the effect . On the other hand, if the specific effect is simplified, it is possible to easily understand the effect, but it is assumed that the degree of attention to the effect is likely to decrease. And if one of the attention degree and the understanding degree falls as mentioned above, it is feared that it will become difficult to exhibit the above-mentioned control effect suitably.

Feature B1. A game board (game board 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed,
A plurality of movable members (movable plates 420a to 420j) provided in the game area and arranged side by side;
A retention portion (retention portion 425), which is configured by the upper end portion of the movable members and is configured to be capable of staying in a state where the gaming ball is placed thereon;
Guiding means (driving mechanism 440 or main control device 162) for guiding the game balls staying in the retaining portion at least in the forward direction of the gaming machine by raising and lowering the movable member to generate a height difference in the retaining portion A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature B1, the movable member moves up and down to form a relatively high / low portion at the upper end (that is, the retaining portion) of the movable member. By guiding the gaming ball at least to the front of the gaming machine by the height difference formed in this manner, the gaming ball simply swings on a curved surface etc. and compared with a configuration in which the gaming ball is finally guided to the front of the gaming machine. Thus, the movement of the game ball and the movement of the staying portion can be related. Thereby, it can suppress that guidance of a game ball becomes monotonous and can improve the degree of attention to the motion of a game ball suitably.

Feature B2. Each of the movable members is disposed so as to face the adjacent movable member with a gap smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball,
The guiding means is staying in the retention portion by moving at least one of the two movable members such that the rear movable member is higher than the front movable member of the two adjacent movable members. The gaming machine according to feature B1, characterized in that the gaming ball of A is guided forward of the gaming machine.

  By providing a gap between the movable members, the game ball can be brought into contact with the two movable members. Thereby, the followability of the movement of the game ball with respect to the movement of the movable member can be preferably improved.

  However, in such a configuration, the gaming ball moves up and down on the retaining portion. This is not preferable because it can be a factor that hinders the smooth movement of the gaming ball. Here, according to the present feature, if the game ball is moved by creating a difference in height between two movable members adjacent to each other, it is possible to prevent the gap from being unnecessarily increased, and smooth induction of the game ball can be avoided. Contribute to the realization of

  Feature B3. The guiding means is a shift for guiding the gaming ball staying in the staying portion forward to the gaming machine by shifting the target higher than the other among the plurality of movable members toward the gaming machine forward. A game machine according to feature B1 or feature B2, characterized by having means (a function to cause the eccentric cam 446 to rotate forwardly in the eccentric cam 446, the stepping motor 441, and the MPU 602 of the main control device 162).

  According to the feature B3, the high-level portion in the retaining portion (for example, the portion convex upward in the retaining portion) is displaced forward to the gaming machine, and the portion from which the gaming ball is being retained is held by the same portion. Can be pressed. Thereby, the technical idea shown to feature B1 can be realized suitably.

  Further, by adopting a configuration in which the game ball is pushed from the rear side, it is possible to prevent the visibility from the front of the game machine from being hindered by the high-order part. Thereby, the visibility of the game ball being guided can be preferably improved.

Feature B4. A ball passage (guide passage 433) for guiding the game ball flowing down the game area to a specific position in the stay portion (the ninth movable plate 420i constituting the stay portion 425);
The shift means is configured to shift the high-level target toward the front of the gaming machine such that at least one high-level portion is formed at a position on the front side of the specific position in the retention portion. The gaming machine according to Feature B3, wherein

  As shown in the feature B3, in the configuration in which the high-level target is shifted to the front of the gaming machine, it is not preferable that the induction function is not properly exhibited at the timing when the gaming ball reaches the retention portion. For example, there is a possibility that a game ball that has hit a high-level portion (the convex portion) moves forward of the gaming machine regardless of the change in the staying portion.

  In this respect, according to the present feature, the high-level part is formed at a position in front of the gaming machine relative to the specific position, whereby the gaming ball that has hit the retention portion (specifically, the movable plate present at the specific position) It is possible to suppress the outflow from the staying portion with the momentum. As a result, the relationship between the movement of the gaming ball and the movement of the stagnation part is reduced, and inconvenience such as the residence time of the gaming ball in the stagnation part becoming excessively short can be prevented.

Feature B5. One movable member of the movable members is disposed so as to face the other movable member adjacent thereto through a gap smaller than the diameter of the gaming ball,
The guiding means is located on the guidance destination side of the game ball with respect to the high-level target by the shift means, and is a target lower than the high-level target and above the two adjacent targets. The gaming machine according to Feature B3 or Feature B4, further comprising means for aligning the height positions of the end portions.

  According to the feature B5, the game ball pushed forward of the gaming machine is set so as to straddle the lower movable member so as to suppress the movement of the gaming machine alone separately from the high position part. be able to. Thereby, the relationship between the movement of the staying part and the movement of the game ball can be strengthened.

  In addition, the height position of the two movable members (more specifically, the upper end) is the same at the lower position, so that the amount of movement of the gaming ball in the vertical direction when moving the gaming ball forward is the same. An increase in size can be suitably suppressed. Thereby, the responsiveness of the movement of the gaming ball to the movement of the movable member can be suitably improved. Therefore, facilitation of the movement of the gaming ball to the front of the gaming machine can be expected.

Feature B6. The shift means is a first shift means;
The guiding means is
Second shift means (eccentric cam for guiding the game ball staying in the retention portion to the rear of the gaming machine by shifting the target higher than the other among the plurality of movable members to the rear of the gaming machine 446, stepping motor 441, function of reversing the eccentric cam 446 in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162),
Switching means for switching between a state in which guidance to the gaming machine forward is performed by the first shift means, and a state in which guidance to the game machine backward is performed by the second shift means (the drive signal is switched in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 A gaming machine according to any one of features B3 to B5.

  According to the feature B6, it is possible to suppress the movement of the game ball from becoming monotonous by swinging the game ball staying in the stay portion back and forth. This can contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the movement of the gaming ball.

  In addition, the following effects are expected by adopting "a configuration in which the portion (upper end) constituting the retention portion in the movable member has a curved surface convex toward the upper side of the gaming machine" along with this feature. it can. That is, it is possible to prevent the game ball from coming into contact with two adjacent movable members and staying on one movable member. Thereby, the induction | guidance | derivation function to the front and back accompanying a motion of a movable member can be exhibited suitably.

Feature B7. Each movable member is a plate-like member facing each other,
In each of these movable members, the portion that constitutes the staying portion has wavy undulations extending in the lateral direction,
The undulation is formed such that the level of the undulation is shifted laterally in each movable member,
In the front of the retaining portion, a regulating portion (stopper portion 508) is provided in parallel with the outlet portion of the retaining portion to regulate the outflow of gaming balls from the retaining portion. Gaming machine.

  According to the feature B7, the gaming ball guided to the front of the gaming machine comes out of the staying part by reaching the exit part. On the other hand, for the game ball guided to a position deviating from the exit portion (specifically, the restricting portion), outflow from the staying portion is restricted by the restricting portion. Here, when the game ball whose outflow is restricted is guided to the back of the game machine, the position in the lateral direction of the game ball will change due to unevenness, and by repeating movement on stagnation, the exit part is finally obtained Will be encouraged. As described above, by causing the game balls to stay while moving back and forth and right and left, attention to the movement of the game balls can be suitably improved as compared with a configuration in which the stay period is simply set long.

Feature B8. The guiding means is
A driving unit (stepping motor 441) for generating a driving force;
A cam portion (eccentric cam 446) provided rotatably and transmitting a driving force from the driving portion to each movable member;
When the first shift means guides the gaming machine forward, the switching means rotates the cam portion in a predetermined direction, and when the second shift means guides the gaming machine backward. Has a means for rotating the cam portion in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (function to execute a drive signal switching process in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) or B6 A gaming machine according to B7.

  According to the feature B8, the higher portion can be shifted back and forth by switching the rotation direction of the cam portion. Thereby, the technical idea shown to feature B6 grade can be embodied suitably.

  For example, the drive unit is configured by a motor that rotates by a drive signal, and the drive signal to the drive unit is composed of a drive signal for rotation in a predetermined direction and a drive signal for rotation in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. If it is set as the structure switched, the complexity of the structure resulting from it can be suppressed, aiming at diversification of the motion of a game ball.

Feature B9. The cam portion includes a left cam member and a right cam member disposed with an outlet portion of the stay portion interposed therebetween,
The left cam member and the right cam member are configured such that a high and low phase difference is generated between a portion on the left side of the outlet portion and a portion on the right side of the outlet portion in the staying portion. The gaming machine according to Feature B8, which is characterized.

  According to the feature B9, in the staying portion, the ascending / descending timing is shifted between the left side and the right side. As a result, the staying gaming balls can be moved to the left and right with the guidance to the front and back, and the moving distance of the gaming balls moving back and forth on the staying portion can be lengthened. That is, it is possible to increase the moving distance of the gaming ball while suppressing the increase in size of the retaining portion, and to realize the diversification of the moving manner of the gaming ball. Further, since the phase shift is reversed between the forward movement and the backward movement, the above-described deviation of the elevation timing is also reversed. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress the disadvantage that the staying position of the gaming ball is likely to be biased to one of the left and right in the staying portion due to the adoption of the configuration that causes the phase difference.

  In addition, even when the moving distance of the game ball is increased as described above, it is difficult to grasp the positional relationship between the game ball and the exit portion by moving the gaming ball so as to cross the exit portion. Suppressing and lengthening the moving distance of the game ball can make it difficult to cause inconvenience that the degree of attention to the game ball existing at a position away from the exit portion is reduced.

  Feature B10. The switching means is set such that the period for guiding the gaming ball forward by the first shift means is longer than the period for guiding the gaming ball backward by the second shift means. The gaming machine according to any one of features B6 to B9, which is characterized by the features.

  According to the feature B10, the staying game ball repeatedly swings back and forth, and finally reaches the front end portion of the stay portion. Thereby, the induction | guidance | derivation function shown to the feature B1 can be secured suitably.

  Feature B11. The switching means guides the gaming machine forward by the first shift means until at least the high-order portion of 1 formed at the rear end of the retention portion reaches the front end of the retention portion. In any one of the features B6 to B10, the second shift means performs guidance to the rear of the gaming machine after the same high order portion reaches the front end of the retention portion. The gaming machine described.

  According to the feature B11, it is possible to suppress shortening of the staying period of the gaming ball while securing the moving function of the gaming ball to the front of the gaming machine.

Feature B12. In each of the movable members, the portion constituting the staying portion has a wavy undulation that extends in the horizontal direction and continues in the horizontal direction,
The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B11, wherein the undulation is formed such that a level position of the undulation is shifted in the lateral direction in each movable member.

  According to the feature B12, the gaming ball moved by the elevation of the movable member moves laterally due to the movement by moving from one movable member to another movable member. In this way, the movement of the game ball can be diversified by being guided while moving sideways.

  For example, height positions of the movable members may be set to be reversed in the front and back. Thereby, the movement of the game ball in the lateral direction can be made diverse.

Feature B13. A game board (game board 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed,
A plurality of movable members (movable plates 420a to 420j) provided in the game area and arranged in a predetermined direction;
A retention portion (retention portion 425), which is configured by the upper end portion of the movable members and is configured to be capable of staying in a state where the gaming ball is placed thereon;
Guidance means (a driving mechanism 440 or main control for guiding the game balls staying in the retaining portion at least in the direction in which the movable members are arranged by raising and lowering the movable member to cause a height difference in the retaining portion A gaming machine characterized by comprising an apparatus 162).

  According to the feature B1, the movable member moves up and down to form a relatively high / low portion at the upper end (that is, the retaining portion) of the movable member. By guiding the gaming ball at least in the direction of arranging the movable members by the height difference formed in this manner, the gaming ball simply swings on a curved surface etc. and is finally guided to the front of the gaming machine Compared with, the movement of the game ball and the movement of the staying portion can be related. Thereby, it can suppress that guidance of a game ball becomes monotonous and can improve the degree of attention to the motion of a game ball suitably.

  The feature B group is effective when applied to the following problems.

  Some gaming machines, such as pachinko gaming machines, include a gaming board in which a gaming area in which gaming balls flow down is formed. When the game ball launch handle is operated by the player, the game ball is fired toward the game area, and when the fired game ball enters the entrance part provided in the game area, the game ball is paid out based on the game ball. Benefits are given to the player.

  As described above, in the gaming machine in which the awarding of benefits depends on the movement of the game ball, the flow path of the game ball is dispersed by arranging nails or a windmill in the game area, and the movement of the game ball is performed. There is a thing which is raising attention to the movement of the game ball by making it diversify.

  Also, in recent years, a guiding unit such as a stage unit for guiding a gaming ball to a predetermined ball entering unit or the like is provided, and the movement of the gaming ball is changed to increase attention to the movement of the gaming ball. A machine has been proposed (see, for example, patent document: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-071059).

  However, since the size of the game area is limited, it is possible to increase attention to the movement of the game ball simply by diversifying the movement of the game ball or changing the movement of the game ball. And many of such responses are likely to be similar.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably enhancing the degree of attention to the movement of the gaming ball.

Feature C1. A pattern display device (symbol display device 260) that displays the pattern row in a predetermined direction in the display area (display area DE);
A movable part (rotation ring 331 or decorative member 335) disposed in front of the pattern display device and provided to be rotatable around the display area;
A gaming machine comprising display control means (display control device 170) for changing the direction of the variable display in the picture sequence in accordance with the rotation of the movable part.

  According to the feature C1, when the movable portion is rotated, the direction of the variable display of the pattern row is changed according to the rotation of the movable portion, thereby performing an integral effect by the movable portion and the pattern row It becomes possible. In this case, since the movable portion rotates around the display area, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience such as an increase in overlap between the movable portion and the display area and a decrease in the visibility of the display area. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in visibility due to the diversifying effects, and it is possible to preferably contribute to the improvement of interest in the gaming machine.

  Feature C2. The display control means is set to change the direction of the variable display by rotating the pattern row in the same direction as the movable member in accordance with the rotation of the movable portion. The gaming machine according to Feature C1.

  According to the feature C2, it is possible to give the player an impression as if the unit constituted by the symbol display device and the movable part were integrally turned. As a result, it is possible to achieve a high-impact presentation and contribute to the enhancement of interest in gaming machines.

  Certainly, it is possible to perform the same effect by rotating the pattern display device, but when such correspondence is performed, securing of an operation area for the pattern display device or a large drive mechanism Etc. are required. Since the pattern display device is disposed in the limited space of the game area PE, such correspondence can be a factor that squeezes the arrangement area of the surrounding game components and the like. In this respect, according to this feature, coexistence with peripheral components can be suitably realized while diversifying the production.

  Feature C3. The display control means is set so as to rotate the pattern row centering on a position overlapping with the rotation center portion of the movable portion in a front view of the pattern display device. The gaming machine described.

  According to the feature C3, the movement of the movable part and the movement of the pattern can be made more integrated, and the effect shown in the feature C2 can be more suitably exhibited.

Feature C4. The display control means
Means for displaying a background image in the display area;
A game machine according to a feature C2 or a feature C3 comprising means for causing the movement of the movable portion to follow the movement and integrally rotating the background image with the pattern row.

  In a gaming machine of the type that displays a background image on a pattern display device, as shown in this feature, the positional relationship between the background image and the pattern changes by integrally rotating the background image as well as the pattern. It is possible to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling caused by the same, and to appropriately exhibit the effect shown in the feature C2.

Feature C5. It is arranged at a position overlapping the display screen of the pattern display device from the front of the gaming machine, has an annular shape surrounding the display area, and includes a frame portion (rail member 321) that supports the movable portion,
Any one of the features C2 to C4, wherein a part other than the display area in the picture display device is covered from the front of the gaming machine by the frame part or the gaming parts arranged outside the frame part. The gaming machine according to one.

  If it becomes possible to visually recognize that the picture display device is not moving when the movable portion is moved, it is assumed that the impact on the production is reduced. Therefore, as shown in the present feature, if the frame or a part other than the display area in the game board is covered by the game parts arranged outside the frame from the front of the gaming machine, the display screen in the pattern display device It becomes difficult to visually confirm from the front of the gaming machine that the other parts are not moving. Thereby, the effect shown to the feature C2 can be exhibited suitably.

Feature C6. The variation display direction of the pattern row is set to be a horizontal direction in a state where the movable part is arranged at an initial position,
The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C5, wherein the display control unit changes a changing speed of the pattern sequence according to a rotation position of the movable portion.

  As shown in the feature C6, if the variation speed is changed according to the inclination of the pattern row, the display of the pattern row can be diversified, which can contribute to further improvement of interest.

  Feature C7. When the display control means turns the pattern row downward so as to follow the movement of the movable portion in accordance with the increase in the amount of rotation of the pattern row. The gaming machine according to feature C6, characterized in that the fluctuation speed of the row is increased.

  According to the feature C7, the relationship between the movement of the pattern row and the inclination of the pattern row (the movement of the movable portion) can be strengthened to perform more integrated rendering.

  In particular, in combination with the feature C2 (a configuration that simulates as if the entire pattern display device is rotating), the pattern display device is rotated, thereby giving the impression that the variation speed of the pattern is increased. It can be given and mimicked as if gravity had acted on the pattern sequence. This can enhance the impact of the presentation.

Feature C8. The display control means
While controlling the change and stop of the pattern row, as a front step of the specific display mode when becoming a special gaming state advantageous to the player, by the symbols of at least two pattern rows stopped before leaving the final stop pattern Means for establishing a standby pattern on the active line and performing a predetermined standby state variation effect after the standby pattern is established;
A means for causing the movable portion to follow the moving pattern and turn the moving pattern so that the moving down follows the pattern row when the final stopped pattern row is stopped, and to restart the fluctuation display of the symbol row already stopped and displayed. The gaming machine according to Feature C7, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by having.

  According to the feature C8, when all the pattern rows are stopped and displayed, the variable part and the pattern rows rotate, and the variable display is started again. As a result, the game result that appears to have been confirmed by the current variation display is carried over to the next variation. As a result, when the so-called reach variation display is performed, there is a possibility that the variation display is performed again until the final result is displayed or even if the final result is displayed. It is possible to preferably avoid the decrease in the degree.

  In particular, in combination with the feature C2 (a configuration that simulates as if the entire symbol display device is rotating), etc., it is possible to perform an integral effect of establishing a standby symbol by the symbol display device and the movable portion. , Can contribute to the further improvement of interest.

  Feature C9. The display control means reduces the speed of change of the pattern row accordingly when the pattern row is turned to move up in the direction of change following the movement of the movable portion. The gaming machine according to any one of Features C6 to C8.

  According to the feature C9, the relationship between the movement of the pattern row and the inclination of the pattern row (the movement of the movable portion) can be strengthened to perform more integrated rendering.

  In particular, in combination with the feature C2 (a configuration that simulates as if the entire pattern display device is rotating), it seems as if the pattern display device rotates, the fluctuation speed of the pattern decreases. An impression can be given, and it can be mimicked as if gravity has acted on the pattern sequence. This can enhance the impact of the presentation.

Feature C10. The display control means
While controlling the change and stop of the pattern row, as a front step of the specific display mode when becoming a special gaming state advantageous to the player, by the symbols of at least two pattern rows stopped before leaving the final stop pattern Means for establishing a standby pattern on the active line and performing a predetermined standby state variation effect after the standby pattern is established;
When one of the two pattern rows forming the standby pattern is stopped and the other pattern row is subsequently stopped, the pattern forming the standby pattern in the other pattern row is the effective line When the front side is reached, the pattern row is made to follow the movable portion to turn up to be in the above state, and the variation speed of the other pattern row is reduced, thereby the other pattern row The game machine according to Feature C9, further comprising means for stopping the game so that the standby picture is established.

  According to the feature C10, for example, even when a pattern that can constitute a standby pattern is likely to pass through the effective line, the movable part and the pattern row are rotated, so that the variation display of the pattern is braked. The standby picture can be established. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an early decline in the sense of expectation for the establishment of the standby pattern when the standby pattern is unlikely to be established.

  In particular, in combination with the feature C2 (a configuration that simulates as if the entire symbol display device is rotating), etc., it is possible to perform an integral effect of establishing a standby symbol by the symbol display device and the movable portion. , Can contribute to the further improvement of interest.

  Feature C11. The display control means includes means for returning the pattern row to an initial position upon return of the movable portion to a position before turning after the standby pattern is established. Feature C10 The gaming machine described in 1.

  According to the feature C11, when the movable part and the pattern row are rotated, they can be returned to their original positions before the next game round. This makes it possible to facilitate the progression of the game.

  Feature C12. A frame portion (rail member 321) which is disposed in front of the pattern display device and has an annular shape surrounding the display area and which supports the movable portion. Features C1 to C11 The gaming machine according to any one.

  According to the feature C12, it is possible to preferably avoid the disadvantage that the movable portion or the configuration attached to the movable portion crosses in front of the display region, and the visibility of the display region is lowered.

Feature C13. The display screen (display screen 261a) in which the display area is provided in the pattern display device has a substantially rectangular shape in a front view of the pattern display device,
The gaming machine according to the feature C12, wherein the frame portion is formed such that the entire area of the divided area partitioned by the frame portion overlaps the display screen from the front of the gaming machine.

  According to the feature C13, when the pattern row is rotated, it is avoided that the display screen becomes insufficient with respect to the partitioned area. As a result, even in the case of rotating the pattern row by the display control means, it is possible to preferably avoid such a disadvantage that the amount of information to be displayed is reduced.

  Further, it is not necessary to form the pattern display device (specifically, the display screen) in a circular shape, and it is possible to preferably avoid the difficulty in designing and manufacturing the pattern display device.

  Feature C14. The movable portion is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the preset direction with respect to the pattern row, and is characterized by being convex from the frame portion to the inside of the frame portion. The gaming machine according to C12 or feature C13.

  As shown in this feature, when the movable part is configured to protrude inward of the frame part, the difference between the movable part and the frame part is clarified, and the movement of the movable part can be easily followed with eyes. Even if such a configuration is adopted, since the movable portion is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the variable display direction of the pattern, it is possible to preferably suppress compression of the variable display area by the movable portion.

Feature C15. A pattern display device (symbol display device 260) that displays a pattern row in a horizontal direction in the display area (display area DE);
And display control means (display control device 170) for controlling the pattern display device,
The display control means rotates the pattern row downward in the direction of change, and increases the variation speed of the pattern row according to the inclination angle of the pattern row, and the pattern row It has at least any one of means for rotating so as to be in a state where it rises ahead in the changing direction and reducing the changing speed of the picture row in accordance with the inclination angle of the same picture row. Gaming machine.

  According to the feature C15, the variation speed of the pattern sequence increases or decreases depending on the inclination of the pattern sequence. As a result, the relationship between the movement of the pattern row and the inclination of the pattern row (the movement of the movable portion) can be strengthened, and a more integrated presentation can be performed.

  The feature C group is effective when applied to the following problems.

  A gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine has a pattern display device, and for example, three pattern rows arranged in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction are displayed in the display area of the pattern display device. There is something to do. In the pattern display device, the variable display of the pattern is started triggered by entering the operating opening provided in the game area as a trigger, and then the variable display of the pattern is stopped after the variable display according to the predetermined fluctuation pattern. And when the stop pattern of each pattern row is decided, when the combination of the pattern becomes a specific combination (for example, the combination of the same pattern) set in advance, it shifts to the special game state, and a large amount of game balls Will be paid out.

  In recent years, in order to enhance the interest of the game, various ideas have been applied to the display of patterns, such as making the display content displayed on the pattern display device complicated and expanding the display area to improve the force. ing. Further, for example, a movable portion is provided around the pattern display device, and a predetermined correspondence relationship is given to the variation display mode of the pattern row and the operation mode of the movable portion to realize an integrated effect by the pattern display device and the movable portion A gaming machine has been proposed (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-78904).

  However, in many of the currently known gaming machines, similar renditions are adopted, and new renditions are required to attract the interest of the player.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and has as its main object to provide a gaming machine which realizes various effects and greatly enhances the interest of the game.

  The basic configuration of a gaming machine to which the above-described features can be applied will be shown below.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means (game ball emission handle 41) operated by the player, game ball emission means (game ball emission mechanism 110) for emitting game balls based on the operation of the operation means, and the emitted A ball passage (induction rail 100) for guiding game balls to a predetermined game area and game components (nails 90 etc.) arranged in the game area, and a predetermined passing portion (general winning) of each game component A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through the mouth 81 or the like.

  Throttle type gaming machines such as slot machines: A variable display means is provided to display symbols in the final stop mode after variably displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols, and the variation of symbols starts due to the operation of the starting operation means The variation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop or by the lapse of a predetermined time, the special stop game advantageous to the player as a necessary condition that the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol A gaming machine that generates a status (a bonus game, etc.).

  Ball-use belt-type gaming machine: A variable display means is provided for variably displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols and then displaying the symbol row at the final stop, and the variation of symbols is started and stopped due to the operation of the starting operation means The variation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operating means for the game or by the elapse of a predetermined time, the special gaming state (bonus advantageous to the player as a necessary condition that 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.

  10: Pachinko machine as a gaming machine, 80: gaming board, 82: lower variable ball entry unit as a variable ball entry device, 83: right variable ball entry unit as a second ball entry unit, 84: lower actuation input Ball part, 85: Right operation entry ball part as first ball entry part, 87: Main display unit, 88: Variable gaming device, 92: Guidance passage, 93: Switching member, 96: Variable display unit, 143: Voice lamp Control device 162 Main controller 170 Display control device as display control means 260 Symbol display device as pattern display device 261 Liquid crystal display 261a Display screen 300 Ring unit 321 Frame part ,..., Rotating ring, 335... Decorative member as a movable part, 341... Stepping motor as a driving part, 400... Stage unit, 410. 0a to 420j: movable plate as movable member, 422: top portion as convex portion, 423: bottom portion as concave portion, 425: retention portion, 433: guiding passage as ball passage, 434: outlet portion, 440: guiding means Drive mechanism to configure, 441: stepping motor as drive portion, 446: eccentric cam constituting shift means, 448: cam portion, 503: inlet port, 504: induction passage, 505: inlet port, 508: regulating portion Stopper portion, 602... MPU, 603... ROM, 604... RAM, 635... Various flag storage area, 702... MPU, 703... Program ROM, 704 ... Work RAM, 705. D: Main display section, DE: Partition area or display area, DL: Display section for lower operation entrance, DR: Right operation entrance Use the display unit, EP ... effect section, ME ... varying display areas, NP ... numbers section, PE ... game area.

Claims (2)

A pattern display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of pattern rows in a preset direction in the display area;
A movable part disposed on the front side of the pattern display device and movable to a first position and a second position;
And display control means for controlling display of the pattern display device.
A game machine in which a pattern combination corresponding to a lottery result is stopped and displayed after the pattern row is displayed in a variable manner,
The display control means
Fluctuation display direction changing means for changing the direction of fluctuation display of the picture sequence so as to follow the movement of the movable part when the movable part moves from the first position to the second position;
Variable display speed variable means for changing the variable display speed of the pattern sequence to a first speed and a second speed different from the first speed;
The variable display speed variable means sets the variable display speed of the pattern sequence when the movable part is arranged at the first position as the first speed, and the movable part moves from the first position to the second position. A game machine characterized by comprising means for setting the variable display speed of all the pattern rows in the variable display in the specific situation in the case of the specific situation to move to the second speed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, which is a pachinko machine.

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