JP6558053B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a ball game machine.

  In a conventional gaming machine, there is known a gaming machine equipped with a variable winning device that enters an entry-permitted state when a predetermined condition is satisfied and returns to an entry prohibited state when the entry of a predetermined number of game balls is detected. Yes. In such a gaming machine, when the variable winning device is in an entry-permitted state, a configuration in which the launching handle is rotated to the maximum and a game ball is launched with the maximum strength can be entered into the variable winning device with a high probability. Has become the mainstream.

JP 2014-004177 A

  In the above-mentioned mainstream gaming machines, when the variable winning device is in the entry-permitted state, the game ball is launched at a predetermined constant strength (maximum strength), that is, the launch handle is rotated to the maximum. Since the game is progressed while being fixed in a state, the game is likely to be monotonous, and there is room for improvement in terms of game play when the game ball is entered into the variable winning device.

  Accordingly, an object of the gaming machine according to the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the gameability when a game ball is entered into a variable winning opening (advance to a variable winning device).

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention
A launching means for launching game media with variable strength, a variable winning opening that allows entry of game media based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and prohibits entry based on entry of a predetermined number of game media; A first flow-down area in which a game medium launched from the launching means in a predetermined first intensity range flows down, and a predetermined second that is stronger than the strength in the first intensity range from the launching means and includes a maximum intensity. A gaming machine including a second flow down area in which a game medium launched in a strength range can flow down to the variable prize opening;
A game medium launched from the launching means in a strength range between the first strength range and the second strength range can flow down to the variable winning opening through a path different from the second flow-down region. Including three downflow areas,
In the state where the variable winning opening is allowed to enter, at least one game medium is caused to flow down through the second flow-down area by switching the strength of the game medium emitted from the launching means, and at least one game through the third flow-down area. by flowing down the media, only including the privilege granting means that can be granted the privilege with respect to entry of the game medium to the variable winning opening,
The privilege granting unit suppresses the flow of the game medium, and the subsequent game medium that has flowed down following the previous game medium in which the flow is suppressed falls within a predetermined range with respect to the preceding game medium. When approached, the flow restriction on the preceding game medium is released, and the preceding game medium and the subsequent game medium are caused to flow in a state of being close to each other within the predetermined range .

  With the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the gaming characteristics when a gaming ball is made to enter the variable winning opening.

Front side perspective view of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine Perspective view showing pachinko machine in open state Perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in yet another open state Front view of pachinko machine Front view of the pachinko machine with the front block removed Front view of game board Rear perspective view of pachinko machine Rear view of pachinko machine Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine Flow chart showing an example of main control main processing Flow chart showing an example of main control interrupt processing Partial enlarged front view of game board Partial enlarged front view of game board Partial enlarged front view of a variation of the game board

  With respect to an embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a pachinko machine 100 as an example of a ball and ball gaming machine which is a kind of gaming machine will be described, and then a modified example and other types of gaming machines will be described. First, regarding the embodiment of the pachinko machine 100, a structural configuration, an electrical configuration, and various control processes will be described in order.

<Structural structure>
First, the structure of the structural part of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference mainly to FIGS. 1 to 4 are perspective views showing various states of the pachinko machine 100, FIG. 1 shows a closed state of the pachinko machine 100, and FIG. 2 shows that the front block 102 and the intermediate block 103 are integrated with the outer frame 101. 3 shows a state in which the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the rear block 104 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103. Show. 5 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which the front block 102 of the pachinko machine 100 is removed from the state of FIG. Various wirings are omitted in each figure, and a part of the configuration of the game board 400 is omitted in FIGS. 3 and 6.

  The pachinko machine 100 includes, for example, an outer frame 101, a front block 102, an intermediate block 103, and a rear block 104, as shown in FIGS. It is configured to be displaceable.

  The outer frame 101 has a function as a main body support means for supporting the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 101 is a substantially quadrilateral frame in which a top plate portion 111, a bottom plate portion 112, a left side plate portion 113, and a right side plate portion 114 are assembled, and the pachinko machine 100 is installed. The game machine is installed in a game machine installation facility (island facility) provided in the game hall and is firmly fixed by a fixture (not shown). In the pachinko machine 100, the outer frame 101 is not an indispensable configuration, and the main body portion corresponding to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101 has the same inner shape as the outer frame 101 or the outer frame 101. It is good also as a structure with which the island facility was equipped with the support mechanism to support, and a part of locking mechanism which locks the main-body part.

  Intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided on one side of the outer frame 101 in the left-right direction (on the left side plate portion 113 side). The outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 are connected (coupled) by the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, and the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 rotates one end side (left side) in the left-right direction in the front view of the pachinko machine 100. The base end side is configured to be capable of rotating forward with the other end side (right side) serving as a rotating front end side.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided separately at the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the outer frame 101. Each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 is configured such that, for example, a shaft portion provided in the intermediate block 103 is supported from below by a shaft support portion provided in the outer frame 101, and a shaft portion is provided in a shaft hole provided in the shaft support portion. It is comprised so that rotation is possible by setting it as the state inserted. In addition, the structure which can rotate the main-body part of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is not limited to the above structure, and a shaft hole is provided on the intermediate block 103 side and a shaft part is formed on the outer frame 101 side. Other configurations may be used.

  The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided with a function of releasing the connection state between the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined removal operation, and the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is attached to the outer frame 101. Removably attached to it. For example, the connection state of the intermediate block 103 with respect to the outer frame 101 is released by performing a predetermined removal operation of opening the intermediate block 103 with respect to the outer frame 101 by a predetermined amount or more and moving it upward. The Thereby, the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 can be removed from the outer frame 101.

  The front block 102 is disposed so as to overlap the front side with respect to the intermediate block 103, and the intermediate block 103 and the front block 102 are connected by front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 provided on the left side of the front view. The front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, support the front block 102 so as to be pivotable forward with respect to the intermediate block 103, and remove it by a predetermined removal operation. It is configured to be possible.

  The rear block 104 is arranged on the rear side with respect to the intermediate block 103, and the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 are arranged by rear block support mechanisms 136, 137 (see FIG. 8) provided on the left side in front view. It is connected. The rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 and the front block support mechanisms 131 and 132, and support the rear block 104 so that the rear block 104 can be rotated rearward with respect to the intermediate block 103. And, it is configured to be supported so as to be removable by a predetermined removal operation.

  The pachinko machine 100 also includes an intermediate block locking mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the intermediate block 103 relative to the outer frame 101, a front block locking mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the front block 102 relative to the intermediate block 103, an intermediate block locking mechanism, and a front block There is provided a lock operating mechanism that is operated to unlock and lock the block locking mechanism. As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate block 103 is provided with a key cylinder 141 as a lock operating mechanism that is exposed to the front side of the pachinko machine 100 through the opening of the front block 102.

  As a predetermined operation on the key cylinder 141, when a right rotation operation is performed with an operation key (not shown), the movable portion 143 of the intermediate block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is activated. As a result, the engagement between the engaged portion 142 provided on the outer frame 101 and the movable portion 143 as part of the intermediate block locking mechanism is released, and the intermediate block 103 is in an open / close permitted state with respect to the outer frame 101. Become.

  On the other hand, the movable portion 144 of the front block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is operated in response to a left rotation operation with a predetermined operation key on the key cylinder 141. As a result, the engaged portion 145 provided on the front block 102 as a part of the front block locking mechanism and the movable portion 144 are disengaged, and the front block 102 is in an open / close permitted state with respect to the intermediate block 103. Become.

  Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a rear block opening / closing regulating mechanism that regulates opening / closing of the rear block 104 with respect to the intermediate block 103. By this rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism, the rear block 104 can be switched with respect to the intermediate block 103 between a state in which opening / closing is prohibited (open / close prohibited state) and a state in which opening / closing is permitted (open / close permitted state) by a predetermined operation. It is said that.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism includes two opening / closing restriction portions 150 </ b> A and 150 </ b> B provided in the intermediate block 103 and one opening / closing restriction portion 150 </ b> C provided in the rear block 104. . The three opening / closing regulating portions 150A to 150C are provided with rotating pieces 151A to 151C that can be rotated. The rotating pieces 151A to 151C change the engagement state with the opening portion arranged so as to overlap in the front-rear direction in the closed state of the rear block 104 due to the rotation operation, and thereby the open / close prohibited posture corresponding to the open / close prohibited state And an open / close permission posture corresponding to the open / close permission state can be switched. When all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C are in the opening / closing allowable posture, the rotating pieces 151A to 151C can pass through the openings, and the rear block 104 is in an opening / closing allowable state with respect to the intermediate block 103. The open / close prohibited posture and the open / close allowable posture may be switched between the open / close prohibited state and the open / close permitted state by at least one of the positions and orientations of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C. Alternatively, it may be configured to move in a certain direction, or may be configured to operate by a combination of movement and rotation. Hereinafter, the same applies to the change in posture when the constituent members in each apparatus move between a plurality of postures.

  Among the three rotating pieces 151A to 151C, two rotating pieces 151A and 151B corresponding to a part of them are formed in the rear block 104 in the open / close prohibited state of the rear block 104 as shown in FIG. One rotating piece 151C exposed to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 through the opening and corresponding to the remaining portion is exposed to the front side of the intermediate block 103 as shown in FIG. For this reason, it is not possible to switch all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C to the opening / closing allowable posture only by an operation from one side such as the back side of the pachinko machine 100 or the front side of the intermediate block 103. Has been increased.

  Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a game ball movement restricting mechanism for restricting the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, for example, the game ball movement restriction mechanism is configured by a combination of a flow restriction piece 161 provided in the intermediate block 103 and a restriction changing unit 162 provided in the front block 102. The flow restricting piece 161 is biased by a coil spring (not shown) toward the front side where the front block 102 is located.

  In a state in which the front block 102 is closed with respect to the intermediate block 103 (a closed state of the front block 102), the flow-down restricting piece 161 is in a movement-permitted state that allows the game ball to flow down. The change unit 162 is pushed and pushed to the rear side of the intermediate block 103. The flow restricting piece 161 is arranged to be shifted rearward with respect to a guide passage (not shown) for guiding the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 in the movement-permitted state. Thereby, in the closed state of the front block 102, the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is permitted.

  On the other hand, in the state where the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103 (open state of the front block 102), the pressure of the flow restricting piece 161 by the restriction changing unit 162 is released, and compared with the closed state of the front block 102. Accordingly, the movement restriction state in which the flow restriction piece 161 protrudes toward the front block 102 is set. The flow restriction piece 161 protrudes into the guide passage in the movement prohibited state, and prevents the game ball from flowing down to the downstream side. Thereby, the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the previous block 102 is prohibited.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the intermediate block 103 is closed with respect to the outer frame 101 at the lower end portion on the rear side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rotation front end side (left side in the rear view). An open / close detection switch 108 for detecting whether or not the intermediate block 103 is provided is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. An open / close detection switch 109 for detecting whether or not the front block 102 is closed with respect to 103 is provided.

  Next, each structure of the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the back block 104 is demonstrated in order.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front block 102 forms a substantially entire front surface of the pachinko machine 100 and is a substantially rectangular member having a thickness in the front-rear direction, and decorates the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 100. It functions as a front decoration means. The front block 102 is mainly configured by a base frame 201 made of synthetic resin, and is configured by attaching a plurality of functional parts before and after the base frame 201. On the front side of the base frame 201, a front decorative body 210 that forms the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 surrounds the opening 210A along the outer edge of the opening 210A that is formed to include the front-view center portion of the front block 102. It is attached. In a state where the base frame 201 and the front decorative body 210 constituting the front block 102 are combined, the opening 210A is formed through the wide area excluding the outer periphery to which the front decorative body 210 is attached. The intermediate block 103 including the game board 400 located on the rear side of the front block 102 is configured to be visible to the player through the opening 210A.

  1 and 3, the front block 102 includes a central panel 220 provided on the back side of the base frame 201 so as to close the opening 210A, a main storage mechanism 230 for storing game balls, An auxiliary storage mechanism 240 that stores game balls and a launch operation device 250 that is operated by a player to sequentially launch game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 onto the game board 400 are provided.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the front block 102 has an opening peripheral portion 211 that surrounds the periphery of the opening 210A as a part of the front decorative body 210, and projects forward on the lower side with respect to the opening 210A. An upper projecting portion 217, a lower projecting portion 218 located below the upper projecting portion 217 and projecting forward, and an upper projecting portion 217 and a lower projecting portion on the right side of the lower projecting portion 218. A flat portion 219 is formed which is configured by a substantially flat region located on the back side from 218 and on which the firing operation device 250 is disposed. The main storage mechanism 230 is disposed on the upper protrusion 217, and the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is disposed on the lower protrusion 218.

  The center panel 220 has a function as a cover body that allows the rear side to be visually recognized while closing the opening 210 </ b> A formed penetrating in the front-rear direction in a state where the base frame 201 and the front decorative body 210 are combined. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the center panel 220 includes a panel frame 221 (see FIG. 3) attached from the rear side of the base frame 201, and a light transmitting property fitted on the front side of the panel frame 221. 1 and a light transmitting rear plate 223 (see FIG. 3) fitted substantially parallel to the front plate 222 with a predetermined gap on the rear side of the panel frame 221. Yes.

  The main storage mechanism 230 has a function of storing game balls acquired as the game progresses and game balls lent out from the game hall. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the main storage mechanism 230 includes a storage portion 231, a ball removal mechanism (not shown), and a ball removal operation member 232 that operates the ball removal mechanism. The storage unit 231 includes an inflow port 231 </ b> A that allows game balls to flow into the storage unit 231 from the inside of the pachinko machine 100, and an outflow port (not shown) that allows game balls to flow out from the storage unit 231 into the pachinko machine 100. A discharge port (not shown) formed upstream from the outflow port is provided. By releasing the discharge port, the game ball is released from the storage unit 231 to the player side without being taken into the pachinko machine 100. The ball removal mechanism has a function of switching the discharge destination of the game ball between the outlet and the outlet.

  A game ball acquired according to the progress of the game and a game ball lent according to a lending operation to a lending operation device 292 described later mainly flow into the storage unit 231 through the inflow port 231A. The storage portion 231 is formed with an opening on the upper side, and a game ball owned by a player is manually inserted through the opening, or a game ball lent out at a game hall is supplied.

  The game balls that have flowed into the storage unit 231 are sequentially guided to the side where the outflow port and the discharge port are formed (upper right side in FIG. 1) while being aligned in a row. When a ball removing operation (for example, a pressing operation) is not performed on the ball removing operation member 232, the game ball is guided to a launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) described later through an outlet. On the other hand, when the ball removal operation is performed on the ball removal operation member 232, the game ball is guided to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 1) through the discharge port.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 opens and closes the storage unit 241 having the inflow ports 241A and 241C (see FIG. 5) and the discharge port 241B (see FIG. 1) of the game ball, and the discharge port 241B. And a ball removal operation member 242 for operating the ball removal mechanism 243. A game ball or the like acquired as the game progresses mainly flows into the main storage mechanism 230, but flows into the storage unit 241 through the inlet 241A if the storage unit 231 is full. Further, even in response to the ball removal operation on the ball removal operation member 232, the game ball flows from the storage unit 231 to the storage unit 241 through the inflow port 241C.

  The bottom surface of the storage unit 241 is inclined downward toward the discharge port 241B. When the discharge port 241B is opened by a ball removal operation (for example, a pressing operation) with respect to the ball removal operation member 242, all the game balls stored in the storage unit 241 can be sequentially released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. In addition, when the discharge port 241B is completely opened by the ball removal operation on the ball removal operation member 242, the release state is kept until a return operation (for example, a pressing operation again) is performed on the ball removal operation member 242. Maintained. A ball overflow switch 249 (see FIG. 10) for detecting whether or not game balls are excessively stored in the storage unit 241 is provided at the back of the inflow port 241A.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the firing operation device 250 includes a pedestal 251 projecting forward from the flat portion 219 of the front decorative body 210, a rotatable firing handle 252 provided around the pedestal 251, A variable resistor 253 (see FIG. 10) for detecting the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252, a contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 10) for detecting that a player is in contact with the firing handle 252, and the firing handle 252 It includes a firing stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) that invalidates the injection of the game ball accompanying the rotation operation by the player's operation. When the launch handle 252 is rotated by the player, a game ball is ejected from the launch device 330 (see FIG. 3) toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3) with an intensity corresponding to the rotational operation amount. When the contact between the firing handle 252 and the player is not detected by the contact sensor 254, or when the firing operation is invalidated by the operation of the firing stop switch 255, the firing handle 252 is rotated. However, the game ball is not ejected from the launching device 330.

  In addition, frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 (see FIG. 10) are provided at the back of the front decorative body 210 in the front block 102. The frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 are arranged so as to overlap the opening peripheral portion 211 of the front decorative body 210 and are attached to the base frame 201. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening peripheral edge 211 includes an upper central edge 211A, an upper left edge 211B and an upper right edge 211C located on both the left and right sides of the upper central edge 211A, and an upper left edge. The left side edge portion 211D positioned below 211B and the right side edge portion 211E positioned below the upper right side edge portion 211C as light emitting portions, and frame light emission corresponding to each light emitting portion Devices 271 to 275 are installed.

  The frame light-emitting devices 271 to 275 include an upper center frame light-emitting device 271 corresponding to the upper central edge portion 211A, a left upper frame light-emitting device 272 corresponding to the left upper edge portion 211B, and an upper-right frame light emission corresponding to the upper right side edge portion 211C. The apparatus 273 includes a left frame light emitting device 274 corresponding to the left edge 211D, and a right frame light emitting device 275 (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the right edge 211E. Each of the frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 integrates and electrically connects a light emitting diode (LED) as one or a plurality of light emitting means, an electronic component such as a resistor for controlling the LED, and the electronic components. And a printed circuit board.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the front block 102 is provided with, for example, an upper left acoustic output port 211F and an upper right acoustic output port 211G at the upper portion of the opening peripheral edge 211, and these upper left acoustic output ports 211F. In addition, an upper left acoustic device 281 and an upper right acoustic device 282 (see FIGS. 3 and 10) are provided corresponding to each of the upper right acoustic output ports 211G. The upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282 are attached to the base frame 201 so as to be located behind (in the rear of) the opening peripheral edge 211 of the front decorative body 210.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with a game ball lending device 290, for example, on the upper right portion of the upper protrusion 217. The game ball lending device 290 includes a frequency display device 291 that displays a numerical value corresponding to the remaining amount of banknotes, cards, and the like placed in a card unit (not shown) arranged side by side in the pachinko machine 100, and a game ball lending A lending operation device 292 operated by the player when receiving the card, and a return operation device 293 operated by the player when returning the bills, cards, etc. inserted into the card unit. When a lending operation is performed on the lending operation device 292 in a valid state in which bills or cards are inserted into the card unit and numerical values corresponding to those amounts are displayed on the frequency display device 291, the lending operation is performed. In response, a predetermined number of game balls are lent out from the payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) of the rear block 104, and the display of the frequency display device 291 is updated as the game balls are lent out. On the other hand, when a return operation is performed on the return operation device 293 in the valid state, a card in which the equivalent of the banknote corresponding to the remaining amount or the remaining amount is recorded is returned from the card unit according to the returning operation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with an input operation device 260 capable of an input operation different from the shooting operation by the player. The input operation device 260 includes, for example, a push operation device 261 that can perform a push operation, a rotation operation device 262 that can perform a rotation operation, and a selection operation device 263 that can perform an up / down / left / right direction operation. With these operation devices 261 to 263, an effect selection operation for selecting an effect to be executed in the pachinko machine 100, an apparatus setting operation for setting the volume and light amount of each device for executing the effect of the pachinko machine 100, or a player It is possible to execute a production setting operation or the like that enables execution of the performance of the pachinko machine 100 according to the game before the previous time by inputting information, and these operations can be performed by the player or the game hall manager as necessary. It is said that. Note that an input operation unit (for example, an annular rotation operation unit in the rotation operation device 262) with which the player contacts in the input operation device 260 is rotated and moved up and down by input operation unit driving means such as a motor and a solenoid. Alternatively, it is preferable that an operation such as vibration is performed by control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, control of the sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10)), before and after the input operation, or during the input operation. By operating the input portion at any or a plurality of timings, it is possible to diversify the effects accompanied by the input operation, such as actively urging the input operation.

  Next, the intermediate block 103 will be described. The intermediate block 103 is a substantially rectangular member having substantially the same size as the front block 102, and the front block 102 and the rear block 104 are attached so that the main body of the pachinko machine 100 is integrated. have. The intermediate block 103 is configured by attaching a plurality of functional components including the game board 400 to the base frame 301.

  3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 includes a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see FIG. 3) that is attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, and a base frame A game board support mechanism that rotatably and detachably supports the game board 400 with respect to the 301, a game board fixing mechanism that fixes the position of the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, and a game ball on the game board 400. Based on a command from the launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) to be ejected, a main control device 370 (see FIG. 4) that is attached to the back side of the game board 400 and controls the progress of the game in an integrated manner. And a sub-control device 390 (see FIG. 4) for controlling game effects and state notifications.

  In the base frame 301, as shown in FIG. 3, a guide passage portion 301A in which a guide passage for guiding a game ball released from a payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) described later to the front block 102 is formed, A plurality of wirings (not shown) and an opening 301B where the signal relay device 311 is located are provided. The opening 301B has a shape penetrating in the front-rear direction below the game board 400, and a plurality of wires inserted into the opening 301B are various devices provided in the front block 102 (for example, frame light emitting devices 271 to 271). 275, an upper left acoustic device 281 and an upper right acoustic device 282) and devices (for example, the main control device 370 and the sub control device 390) provided on the back side of the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 The signal relay device 311 includes a wiring, and has a function as a relay board that relays a part of the wiring.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 400 includes a flat base 401 having a through-hole through which a game ball such as a discharge port 401A can pass back and forth, and an outer rail that curves smoothly from the lower left to the upper right of the base 401. 402, the inner rail 403 that curves smoothly from the lower right to the upper left of the base body 401, the return ball prevention mechanism 404 attached to the upper left end of the inner rail 403, and the upper right end of the outer rail 402 And a rebound preventing member 405 to be attached. The outer rail 402 guides a game ball launched from a launch device 330 described later into the game area. The return ball prevention mechanism 404 prevents the game ball once released into the game area from the launch passage 401B formed at a portion where the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 are opposed in parallel from returning to the launch passage 401B. The recoil prevention member 405 has a shock absorption property that prevents a significant recoil of the game ball that has passed the upper center of the game board 400 and directed to the right side through the upper center and returns to the left side again. For example, it is made of a material such as vibration damping rubber.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a return ball passage portion 163 is formed in the lower portion on the back side of the front block 102. There is a gap between the guide member 335 for guiding the game ball from the launcher 330 in the direction of the launch path 401B and the outer rail 402, and the launcher 330 was launched but launched without exceeding the return ball prevention mechanism 404. The game ball returning backward in the passage 401B is returned to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 5) from the inlet 241A (see FIG. 5) via the return ball passage portion 163 arranged below the gap.

  The game ball that has advanced beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 reaches the game area, and moves (flows down) while falling in the game area by its own weight. The game area has a substantially circular outer peripheral shape, and is divided into a shape having a large area in the front-rear width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The game area is generally divided into an outer peripheral portion by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403, the front side is substantially planar by the rear plate 223 of the central panel 220, and the rear side is substantially planar by the base body 401 of the game board 400. It is divided into. Various structures provided in the game area will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the launching device 330 sequentially sends out game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to the launch position, and a ball feed solenoid 332 that drives the ball feed mechanism 331 (FIG. 10). A launching mechanism 333 for injecting a game ball arranged at the launch position, a launching solenoid 334 for driving the launching mechanism 333 (see FIG. 10), and a game ball launched from the launching mechanism 333 on the game board 400. And a guide member 335 for guiding to the firing passage 401B. As described above, the launch device 330 operates in response to the launch operation on the launch operation device 250, and the drive control of the launch solenoid 334 changes in accordance with the launch operation on the launch operation device 250 to adjust the launch force.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 370 includes a main control board 920 (see FIG. 10) and a board case 371 having a split structure that accommodates the main control board 920. The main control board 920 is housed in a light-transmitting board case 371 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace.

  Further, the main control device 370 is rotatably attached to the back side of the game board 400. Specifically, an attachment portion 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the base 401 of the game board 400 on the back side, and the main controller 370 is attached to the attachment portion 372. As a result, not only the rear side (front side) of the main control device 370 but also the front side (back side) of the main control device 370 is operated on the game board 400 by rotating the mounting portion 372. It can be easily confirmed while attached. The main control device 370 may be connected to the attachment portion 372 so that it cannot be removed without leaving a trace, and the removal state of the main control device 370 may be easily managed.

  The sub-control device 390 includes a sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10) and a board case 391 having a split structure that accommodates the sub-control board 940. For example, the sub-control board 940 is housed in a translucent board case 391 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace, like the main control board 920. It is attached to the back side.

  Here, in the game board 400, various structures arranged in the game area will be described with reference mainly to FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board 400.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 includes a base body 401, flow-down changing members such as nails 411 and windmills 412 that change the flow direction and flow speed of the game ball, and a center disposed at the center of the base body 401. A structure 420, a starting device (specifically, an upper middle starting winning device 431A and a lower middle starting winning device 431B) according to a first special symbol disposed below the central structure 420, a center A starting device (specifically, a right starting winning device 432) according to a second special symbol arranged on the lower right side with respect to the structure 420, and a big winning device 433 arranged below the right starting winning device 432 434 (specifically, the lower prize-winning device 433 and the upper prize-winning device 434), the starting device 436 related to the normal symbol arranged on the upper side (upstream side) of the right starting winning-winning device 432, and the game board 400 On the top right and above and below Winning device that the winning combination communicating actuating device 435 which is arranged above (upstream side) with respect to 433, regular winning device 439A arranged on both left and right sides of the lower side middle starting winning device 431 B, and a 439B.

  Further, the game board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches as detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball corresponding to the above-mentioned upper middle start winning device 431A and the like (see FIG. 10), and corresponds to each switch. The entry of a game ball into a predetermined area can be detected. For example, a middle start winning switch (upper middle start winning switch 441A) that detects a game ball that has entered the upper middle start winning device 431A, and a middle start winning switch (lower) that detects a game ball that has entered the lower middle start winning device 431B. Side middle start winning switch 441B), right start winning switch 442 that detects a game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432, lower large prize switch 443 that detects a game ball that has entered the lower large winning device 433, and a top large winning device. An upper prize switch 444 that detects a game ball that has entered 434, a combination operation switch 445 that detects a game ball that has entered the combination actuating device 435, a start switch 446 that detects a game ball that has entered the starter 436, and the bottom A non-specific passage switch 447 for detecting a game ball that has entered a non-specific passage (not shown) formed inside the grand prize winning device 433; A specific path switch 448 for detecting a game ball that has entered a specific path (not shown) formed inside the grand prize winning device 433, and a general prize switch 449A for detecting each of the game balls that have entered the general winning devices 439A and 439B. 449B and the like are installed on the game board 400.

  The entrance portion of the game ball of the central structure 420 and the starter 436 constitutes a ball entrance, and the game ball that has entered each ball entrance is discharged into the game area. Games of each winning device, specifically, upper middle starting winning device 431A, lower middle starting winning device 431B, right starting winning device 432, lower large winning device 433, upper large winning device 434 and general winning devices 439A, 439B The entrance portion of the ball constitutes a winning opening, and the game ball that has entered each winning opening is guided through a through hole formed in the base 401 to a recovery / discharge passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base 401. . In addition, the game balls that have not entered each winning device are guided to the collection / discharge passage through the discharge port 401A provided in the most downstream portion of the game area. The game balls guided to the collection discharge passage are discharged from the pachinko machine 100 to a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided in the game hall. When a game ball enters one of the winning devices, a predetermined number of gaming balls corresponding to the type of the winning device are paid out from the payout device 540 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Each winning device may be configured separately from other winning devices, or an apparatus in which two or more winning devices (for example, the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B) are integrated. The starting device such as the upper middle starting winning device 431A may not necessarily be a winning opening through which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when a game ball enters. It is good also as a entrance where a ball | bowl is discharge | released again to a game area, without paying out.

  Each of the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B and the general winning device 439A and the general winning device 439B according to the first special symbol does not change the probability of entering the game ball into them, and enters The played game ball is guided to the back side of the base body 401. Further, the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol has a mechanism for changing the entrance probability of the game ball into the inside. The mechanism for changing the probability of entering the game ball need not be provided only in the starting device related to the second special symbol. Instead of or in addition to that, the starting device and the general winning device related to the first special symbol. It may be provided in any one or a plurality of 439A and 439B. In addition, the mechanism for changing the entrance probability of the game ball may be constituted by a drive means such as an electrically driven solenoid, and is represented by a mechanism that operates by the weight of the game ball that has entered the predetermined area. You may comprise by the mechanism which operate | moves mechanically.

  The right start prize winning device 432 according to the second special symbol includes a right entry restriction mechanism 452 that changes an entry probability of a game ball to the inside by a transition between an entry allowable attitude and an entry prohibited attitude, and a right entry restriction mechanism A right entry restricting solenoid 462 (see FIG. 10) for driving 452. The right entry restriction mechanism 452 includes two movable pieces that are driven by the right entry restriction solenoid 462. When the right entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibition posture, the two movable pieces are the entrance (award opening). The game ball cannot enter the right start prize-winning device 432 by adopting an arrangement that narrows (or closes)), but when the right entry restricting mechanism 452 is in the approaching allowable posture, the two movable pieces are at their tips. The game ball can enter the right start winning device 432 by arranging the parts so that the interval between the parts is increased. The right entry restriction mechanism 452 enters the right when a game ball that has entered the starter 436 related to the normal symbol is won by a lottery based on detection by the start switch 446 (hereinafter also referred to as “normal symbol lottery”). In accordance with the drive by the restriction solenoid 462, the posture is allowed to enter the predetermined allowable number of times and for a predetermined time.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the lower grand prize winning device 433 includes a lower entry restriction mechanism 453 for restricting the entry of a game ball into the inside by a transition between an allowable entry position and an prohibited entry attitude, and a lower entry restriction mechanism. The lower entry restriction solenoid 463 (see FIG. 10) that changes the posture of the mechanism 453 and the transition between the non-guidance posture and the guidance posture causes the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 to be a non-specific passage or a specific passage. A sorting mechanism (not shown) for sorting and a switching solenoid 465 (see FIG. 10) for switching the guidance destination of the game ball by changing the attitude of the sorting mechanism are provided. When the lower entry restricting mechanism 453 is in the entry prohibition posture, the lower entry restricting mechanism 453 closes the entrance (winning entrance), so that the game ball cannot enter the lower outstanding prize device 433. When the lower entry restricting mechanism 453 is in the approach permitting posture, the lower entry restricting mechanism 453 opens the entrance, so that the game ball can enter the lower prize-winning device 433. In addition, the game ball that has entered the lower prize-winning device 433 is guided to a non-specific path when the distribution mechanism is in a non-guided posture protruding forward, and is in a guided posture in which the distribution mechanism is immersed backward. It is guided to a specific passage. The specific passage, the non-specific passage, and the distribution mechanism are provided to diversify the game state transition, and when a game ball enters the specific passage, an advantageous game state is given to the player as a privilege. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, the upper prize winning device 434 includes an upper entry restriction mechanism 454 that restricts the entry of a game ball into the inside by a transition between an entry allowable attitude and an entry prohibited attitude, and an upper entry restriction. An upper entry restriction solenoid 464 (see FIG. 10) that changes the posture of the mechanism 454 is provided. When the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is in the entry prohibition posture, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 closes the entrance (winning port) so that the game ball cannot enter the upper prize winning device 434, but the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 Is in the allowance for entering position, the upper entry restricting mechanism 454 opens the entrance to allow the game ball to enter the upper prize winning device 434.

  In addition, as an approach allowable posture and an entry prohibition posture as a mechanism for changing the probability of entering a game ball into the right entry restricting mechanism 452 or the like, each mechanism is configured to receive a winning opening (or a winning opening) of each device. In response to a change in posture of the operation member that switches between a special state in which a game ball can enter and a normal state in which the game ball cannot enter, at least one of the position and orientation of the operation member differs depending on each posture I just need it. Further, as a mechanism for changing the entrance probability of a game ball such as the right entry restriction mechanism 452, it is not always necessary to set the game ball in an inaccessible state, and the game ball is allowed to enter even in the normal state. In the state, the posture of the operation member may be changed so that the game ball can enter more easily than the normal state.

  A game ball can enter the lower prize-winning apparatus 433 and the upper prize-winning apparatus 434 when winning a lottery. Specifically, a game ball that has entered the upper middle start prize device 431A or the lower middle start prize device 431B according to the first special symbol is detected by the upper middle start prize switch 441A or the lower middle start prize switch 441B. When a lottery based on the above (hereinafter also referred to as “first special symbol lottery”) is won, or a game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442 When winning a lottery based on (hereinafter also referred to as “second special symbol lottery”), at least one of the lower entry restriction solenoid 463 and the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 is activated. By this operation, at least one of the lower approach restricting mechanism 453 and the upper approach restricting mechanism 454 takes the approach permitting posture for a predetermined time for a predetermined number of times. In addition, the distribution mechanism shifts to the guidance posture in accordance with the operation of the switching solenoid 465 after a predetermined time from the transition of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 to the approach allowable posture, and further switches after the predetermined time from the transition to the guidance posture. The non-guided posture is returned in response to the stop of the solenoid 465.

  The combination operating device 435 is a device for setting conditions necessary for the lower prize winning device 433 and the upper prize winning device 434 to start operating. After winning the big win lottery, either the lower big prize device 433 or the upper big prize device 434 starts operation on condition that the game ball of the combination operating device 435 passes. For this reason, when a player wins a big hit, the player can start a special gaming state at the timing he / she intends. Note that it is not always necessary that either the lower prize-winning device 433 or the upper prize-winning device 434 start the operation on condition that the game ball of the combination actuating device 435 passes, instead of or In addition, either the lower prize-winning device 433 or the upper prize-winning device 434 may be activated when a predetermined time elapses.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 is integrated with display devices 471 to 473 for displaying symbol change display and lottery results, and display devices 476 to 478 for displaying the number of times a game is held. A display device having a plurality of light emitting units is provided in a lower left portion corresponding to a part of the game board 400. The plurality of light emitting units are partitioned in advance into light emitting areas corresponding to each device, and the state of each device is displayed according to the light emitting state.

  Specifically, the first special symbol is variably displayed on the game board 400 in accordance with the first special symbol lottery, or the first special symbol is fixedly displayed with a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result. The special symbol display device 471 related to the special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed in a variable manner in accordance with the second special symbol lottery, or the second special symbol is displayed with the stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result. Special symbol display device 472 related to the special symbol, special symbol hold display device 476 that displays the number of times the unit game is held according to the first special symbol, and special symbol hold that displays the number of times the unit game is held related to the second special symbol A display device 477 is provided. The right of the unit game related to the first special symbol and the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol are each reserved up to four times. Here, the unit game is a game for one time executed based on one start prize, and whether or not a lottery is executed based on one start prize and a lottery based on the determination A series of games including the start and end of variable display until the result is displayed.

  When the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol is held for the maximum number of times, the game ball that has entered the start winning device 431 is the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) or the lower middle start winning prize. Even if it is detected by the switch 441B (see FIG. 10), the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol is not added. Similarly, when the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, it is assumed that the game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 is detected by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10). However, the unit game right related to the second special symbol is not added.

  Each of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is composed of a plurality of light emitting units, and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). . Each of the display of the first special symbol and the display of the second special symbol is represented by a light emission pattern of the plurality of light emitting units (a combination of a light emission state including a light emission color (off, on, flashing)). The special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol have the number of times of holding depending on the combination of the light emission states (off, on, flashing) of the two single color light emitting units. indicate.

  In addition, the game board 400 includes a normal symbol display device 473 that displays a normal symbol in a variable manner or a normal symbol that is fixedly displayed in accordance with a lottery result according to the normal symbol. A normal symbol hold display device 478 for displaying the number of hold times of the right of the unit game is provided. The right to unit games related to normal symbols is reserved up to 4 times. If the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is held for the maximum number of times, the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is not added even if the game ball that has entered the starter 436 is detected by the start switch 446. .

  The normal symbol display device 473 includes a plurality of light emitting units, and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). A normal symbol is expressed by a light emission pattern of a plurality of light emitting units. Further, the normal symbol hold display device 478 displays the number of hold times by a combination of the light emission states (off, on, flashing) of the two single color light emitting units.

  In addition, the game board 400 is displayed so as to overlap the rear of the central structure 420, so that the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner or the decorative symbols are displayed in a unit game related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol. A decorative symbol display device 479 is provided. The decorative symbol variation display and finalization display are controlled by the sub-control board 940 and are substantially synchronized with the main special control board 920 variation display and finalization display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In the variation display of the decorative symbol, more complicated and various effects are executed than the variation display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  Further, the game board 400 includes a board surface light emitting device 490 (see FIG. 10) provided on the back side of various structures, and the board surface light emitting device 490 accompanies the progress of the game based on the control by the sub control board 940. Various light emission effects and state notifications by light emission are executed.

  Here, various game states and transitions between game states will be described. The normal game state (hereinafter abbreviated as “normal game state”) is a state in which the variable display time of the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is long (hereinafter also referred to as “non-short state”). Correspond.

  When a big win is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the game ball enters the specific passage (the internal passage of the lower grand prize winning device 433) during the special game state that shifts based on the win. Depending on whether or not, the game state to be transferred after the special game state is different. If the game ball does not enter the specific passage during the special game state, the variation display time of the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is shorter than the non-short-time state (hereinafter referred to as the “short-time state”). And a gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as a “low-probability state”) in which the winning probability of the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is the same as the normal gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as “low probability state”). In the following, it is also referred to as “time saving gaming state”. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the specific passage during the special game state, the game is in a short-time state and the winning probability of the big hit in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is higher than the normal game state. The game state (hereinafter also referred to as “probability game state”), which is a “high probability state” (hereinafter, also referred to as “high probability state”).

  The short-time gaming state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), but thereafter returns to the normal gaming state. In addition, the probability variation gaming state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), but thereafter returns to the normal gaming state.

  Note that the transition between the gaming state and the gaming state is not necessarily configured as described above. For example, the high probability state may be continued until the next big win, or the gaming state may be changed depending on other contents. At least one may be configured, a configuration in which a gaming state different from the above-described gaming states is further included, or a configuration in which the gaming state is shifted by a condition different from the above-described conditions may be employed.

  Next, the operation of the main devices of the game board 400 will be described in chronological order. In the main control board 920, winning random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, stop pattern random numbers, various variation pattern random numbers related to special symbols (common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol) are generated, and various game states are generated. When a game ball that has entered one of the start winning devices 431A and 431B related to the first special symbol is detected by one of the medium start winning switches 441A and 441B (see FIG. 10), the start winning of the first special symbol is detected. It becomes. At the time of starting winning the first special symbol, if the unit game right related to the first special symbol is not reserved up to the maximum number of times, the winning random number, jackpot symbol random number and stop pattern random number relating to the special symbol are acquired, It is stored in a predetermined area of the main control board 920 RAM.

  The unit game based on the random number acquired based on the start winning of the first special symbol is not in the special game state, not the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, but the unit game related to the first special symbol. If the right is not reserved, it is started immediately after storing the random numbers. In addition, even when the game is not in a special game state, when the unit game right related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is reserved during the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The unit game based on the current start winning is started after the end of the unit game relating to all the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) held before the current winning. If each random number is acquired based on the start winning of the first special symbol during the special gaming state, the unit game based on the random number is all of the units that were held before the current starting winning prize after the special gaming state. It starts after a unit game related to a special symbol.

  In addition, the unit game based on the random number acquired based on the start winning of the first special symbol is started after the end of all the unit games related to the second special symbol. That is, when each random number is acquired based on the start winning of the second special symbol after the current start winning, the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is preferentially executed. The unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol does not necessarily have to be executed in preference to the unit game related to the first special symbol, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol in order of the start winning. The configuration may be such that unit advantage control is executed, or the two special symbols are not alternative but can be varied simultaneously.

  In the case of winning a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery based on the start winning of the first special symbol, the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot winning in the first special symbol lottery is further based on the acquired jackpot symbol random number ( The type of jackpot symbol) is determined. The types of stop symbols correspond to the types of jackpots, for example, the number of rounds corresponding to the number of times the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes the entry allowable posture (for example, 5 rounds and 16 rounds), A plurality of types of jackpots are set corresponding to the type of gaming state such as a gaming state that shifts after the special gaming state (whether or not to shift to the probability variation gaming state), and a jackpot symbol is set for each type. In the first special symbol lottery, when a big win is not won, a lost symbol different from the big win symbol is set as a stop symbol.

  After the first special symbol lottery, based on the current gaming state, lottery result, stop pattern random number value, various variation pattern random number values, and the number of reserved unit rights related to the first special symbol, the first special symbol The design variation display time is determined, and the design variation pattern is selected. Thereafter, the first special symbol variation display on the special symbol display device 471 relating to the first special symbol and the decorative symbol variation display (variation effect) on the decoration symbol display device 479 are started, and the first special symbol variation is started. Variation display according to a certain pattern is continued over the display time, and variation display according to the variation pattern is continued over the variation display time in the decorative design. Thereafter, as the variable display time elapses, the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is fixedly displayed, and the symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol is fixedly displayed as a decorative symbol. The final display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol is continued for at least a predetermined time.

  When the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the gaming state shifts to the special gaming state after the final display of the first special symbol. In the special gaming state, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 of the lower prize winning device 433 are allowed to enter the prescribed number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of the big hit. . When a predetermined number (for example, 8 balls) of game balls are detected by the big winning switches 443 and 444 in each of the allowed entry postures in the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454, or a predetermined maximum When the allowable entry time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 shifts to the entry prohibition posture. Thereafter, after a predetermined entry prohibition time has elapsed, either the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 returns to the entry allowable posture again. This entry restriction operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of jackpot.

  The lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 are configured such that only one of them takes an entry allowable posture during the special game state, and after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the start of the special game state (after the opening period) ) Will shift to the first allowed entry posture. In addition, the special gaming state ends after a predetermined entry prohibition time has elapsed since the last return to the prohibition posture and a predetermined standby time has elapsed thereafter (after the ending period). After the end of the special gaming state, as described above, the state shifts to the short-time gaming state or the probability variation gaming state.

  In various gaming states, when a game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442, the start special winning of the second special symbol is made. The control of the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is not reserved up to the maximum number of times when starting the second special symbol, each random number related to the special symbol is acquired and the unit game based on the start winning is executed. Is done. Also, stop symbol determination according to the second special symbol lottery, decoration symbol variation pattern selection, variation display execution, game state transition control, etc. are executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol. Is done.

  In various gaming states, when a game ball that has entered the starter 436 is detected by the start switch 446, the winning random number for the normal symbol is acquired unless the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times. Then, it is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control board 920. At this time, if the unit game related to the normal symbol is not in progress, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol is started immediately after the storage. On the other hand, if the unit game related to the normal symbol is in progress, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol is started after the unit game based on the right of the unit game related to the already obtained normal symbol.

  In the unit game related to the normal symbol, it is determined whether or not the winning game is won based on the value of the winning random number, and when winning, a predetermined winning symbol is set as the stop symbol. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a predetermined lose symbol is set as the stop symbol. After the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 473 starts the variable display of the normal symbol. In the non-time-short state, the variable pattern is continuously displayed over a predetermined variable display time, and in the time-short state. The variable display by a fixed pattern is continued over a predetermined variable display time shorter than the non-time-short state. As the predetermined time corresponding to the gaming state elapses, the stop symbol related to the normal symbol is fixedly displayed over a certain period of time.

  When the stop symbol related to the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 of the right start winning device 432 shifts to the entry allowable posture at least once after the normal symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, when winning in a non-time-short state (normal game state and special game state), the right start winning device 432 has a predetermined maximum allowable permissible time (for example, 0) for a predetermined number of times (for example, once). .2 seconds), and in the case of winning in the short time state (short time gaming state and probability variable gaming state), a predetermined number of times (when the right start winning device 432 is in the non-short time state) For example, it shifts intermittently to the approach permitting posture for a predetermined maximum approach allowable time (for example, 4.8 seconds) longer than that in the non-time-short state. However, when a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of game balls are detected by the right start winning switch 442, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 shifts to the entry prohibition posture without waiting for the maximum allowable entry time to elapse. In addition, even if the number of times of transition to the permissible approach posture has not reached the predetermined number of times, the operation of the right start winning device 432 in the unit game related to the current normal symbol ends.

  Next, the playability of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described. In order to receive the second special symbol lottery, first, the normal symbol lottery must be won, and further, the game ball enters the right start prize winning device 432 in the permitted entry state of the right start winning device 432 based on the winning. Must. The winning probability of winning for the normal symbol in the normal gaming state is the same as the winning probability in the short-time gaming state, but the staying time in the permitted entry state of the right start winning device 432 based on the winning in the normal gaming state (for example, about 0.1 seconds x 1) is set to be very short compared to the time spent in the short-time state (for example, about 4.8 seconds x 3 times). The opportunity per unit time is significantly smaller than the opportunity per unit time for receiving the first special symbol lottery. On the other hand, in the short-time state such as the short-time gaming state or the probability variation gaming state, the opportunity per unit time for receiving the second special symbol lottery is significantly larger than the opportunity per unit time for receiving the first special symbol lottery. .

  Therefore, the player wins the big hit in the first special symbol lottery, and in the special game state thereafter, the player plays the game aiming at the transition to the probability changing game state by entering the specific passage. On the other hand, in the short-time gaming state and the probability variation gaming state, the game is played aiming to win a big win in the second special symbol lottery before each gaming state ends.

  Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a central structure 420 in the center of the game area where the game balls flow down, and a game technique (left-handed game) in which the game balls flow down mainly from the left side of the central structure 420. Method) and a game method (right-handed game method) in which a game ball flows down mainly from the right side of the central structure 420 can be selectively performed. In the normal gaming state, the player plays the game using the left-handed gaming method, and in the short-time gaming state and the probability-changing gaming state, the player plays the game using the right-handed gaming method. The lower prize-winning device 433 and the upper prize-winning device 434 are also arranged on the right side with respect to the central structure 420, and a game is played by a right-handed game technique even in a special game state.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball can be caused to flow down through the left flow down region 407 by striking the game ball with a strength to fly so as to exceed the return ball prevention mechanism 404 but not the branch position P1. By launching the game ball with a strength that flies over the position P2, the game ball can flow down through the right-fall region 408, and further, the strength that flies over the branch position P1 but not over the branch position P2. The game ball can be flowed down through the middle flow down region 409 by launching the game ball at Note that the game balls that have been flying enter the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B in the same manner as in a general game in the left-handed gaming method in the normal gaming state. In the game using the right-handed gaming method in the short-time gaming state or the probability variation gaming state in general, the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) is adjusted so that the launch strength becomes easy. As in a typical case, the game ball is launched by fixing the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252 to the maximum rotation operation amount so that the launch strength of the game ball is maximized. However, in the game using the right-handed game technique in the special game state, unlike a general case, the game ball is launched at the maximum strength, and the flight jumps so as to exceed the branch position P1 but not the branch position P2. In order to selectively perform the launch of the game ball at the strength, the game ball is launched by appropriately switching the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252.

  Next, the rear block 104 will be described. 8 and 9 are a rear perspective view and a rear view showing the pachinko machine 100, respectively. In FIG. 8, the outer frame 101 is omitted for easy understanding.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rear block 104 is configured by attaching other members and devices to the base 501. By connecting the base body 501 and the intermediate block 103 by the rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, the rear block 104 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the intermediate block 103.

  The rear block 104 has a game ball tank 510 serving as a ball storage unit for storing game balls, and rectifies the game balls (for example, in one row) continuously on the downstream side of the game ball tank 510 and aligns them in one row. A tank rail 520 as a ball alignment portion, a case rail 530 as a ball guiding portion for guiding a game ball flowing in from the tank rail 520 on the downstream side of the tank rail 520, and a game ball payout on the downstream side of the case rail 530 A payout device 540 that lends out game balls, and guidance as a ball guide unit that guides game balls that have flowed out of the payout device 540 downstream of the payout device 540 to a guide passage (not shown) formed in the base 501. A member 550, a payout control device 560 for controlling the payout of game balls and the lending of game balls by the payout device 540, and external power A function as a power supply means for converting and outputting power of a predetermined voltage required for various types of devices and the like, and a game ball ejection based on a launch operation on the launch operation device 250 are controlled in cooperation with the main control board 920. A power supply / launch control device 570 having a function as a launch control means, a payout control device 560, a game ball lending device 290 (see FIG. 1), and a card unit (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 100 And a relay device 950 that relays signals between them.

  The base body 501 is integrally formed of resin (for example, ABS resin), and includes a base portion 502 corresponding to the front side portion and a protective cover portion 503 positioned behind the base portion 502. The upper portion of the base portion 502 is formed in a substantially frame shape along the outer shape of the rear block 104, and the lower portion is formed in a substantially flat shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. It has a function as a mounted part.

  The protective cover portion 503 is formed in a substantially plate shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. The protective cover 503 is not shaped to cover the entire back surface of the intermediate block 103, but a part of the back surface of the intermediate block 103 that requires frequent inspection and confirmation, such as a part of the main controller 370, is attached to the back surface of the pachinko machine 100. It is set to a size that forms a window portion for exposure to the window. A large number of air holes 503 </ b> A having a function of improving the heat dissipation of heat generation in the main control device 370 and the sub control device 390 are formed on the back surface of the protective cover portion 503.

  The game ball tank 510 is a horizontally long box-shaped container that opens upward, and game balls supplied from a ball circulation device (not shown) of the island facility are sequentially supplied to one end side in the longitudinal direction. An opening (not shown) is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction different from the side where the game ball is supplied in the game ball tank 510. The bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is gently inclined in the longitudinal direction, and the game ball supplied to the game ball tank 510 moves to the opening side by its own weight. Further, the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is inclined in a direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction as compared with the longitudinal direction, and guides the game ball to the side where the opening is provided (for example, the front side). . Further, a metal antistatic plate (not shown) is attached to the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 so as to overlap the game ball tank 510, and the antistatic plate is connected to the ground potential so that the inside of the game ball tank 510 and The static electricity of the game ball on the downstream side is removed.

  The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, and the game ball flows through the opening of the game ball tank 510. The tank rail 520 gradually increases in height as the upper surface of the passage formed by the passage forming member 521 and the passage forming member 521 that forms a passage of a substantially bowl-shaped gaming ball having a width that passes in line with one row of game balls. And a rectifying member 522 that rectifies a game ball that has a lower top surface portion and flows down the passage from the height of the game ball that overlaps vertically to a height of one step. The passage formed by the tank rail 520 is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and guides the game ball to the side opposite to the game ball tank 510.

  The case rail 530 is formed in a vertically long shape so as to continue to the lower side of the tank rail 520, and a game ball from the tank rail 520 flows in. The case rail 530 continues downward while curving left and right so that game balls do not flow vigorously. In addition, a storage ball switch 591 (see FIG. 10) for detecting a ball break is attached to an intermediate portion of the ball passage in the case rail 530. The storage ball switch 591 detects a broken ball state in which a ball clogging or the like occurs on the case rail 530 or the upstream side thereof and game balls are not normally replenished in the case rail 530.

  The payout device 540 includes a payout mechanism for sending out the game ball, a payout motor 542 (see FIG. 10) as a driving means for driving the payout mechanism, and a payout counting switch 592 (see FIG. 10). In accordance with the operation of the payout motor 542 based on the control by the payout control device 560, the game balls stored in the ball passage are released downstream. The passage of the released game ball through the ball passage is detected by a payout counting switch 592, whereby the payout control device 560 (payout control board 930) counts the number of payout of game balls.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the payout control device 560 and the power supply / launch control device 570 are attached so as to overlap the lower back surface of the base portion 502 of the base body 501 so as to be positioned at the lower back side of the rear block 104. It has been. The rear block 104 including the payout control device 560 and the power supply / launch control device 570 can be continuously used even when the game board 400 is replaced with another game board in a model change or the like.

  The payout control device 560 includes a payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the payout control board 930, and the payout control board 930 does not leave any trace of opening, like the main control board 920. The substrate case is sealed so that it cannot be opened.

  The power / fire control device 570 includes a power / fire control board 900 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the power / fire control board 900. The power / fire control board 900 is the same as the main control board 920. Are accommodated in a sealed substrate case.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG. 10, the pachinko machine 100 includes control circuit devices such as a power supply / launch control board 900, a power supply monitoring board 910, a main control board 920, a payout control board 930, and a sub control board 940. In FIG. 10, a relay circuit device that only relays various signals is omitted. Hereinafter, these main control circuit devices will be individually described in detail.

  The power supply / launch control board 900 includes a power supply unit 901 that supplies power of a predetermined voltage to each part of the pachinko machine 100 via a power supply path (broken line in the figure), and a launching device according to the operation of the launching operation device 250. A launch control unit 902 that controls the driving of 330, and a signal relay unit 903 that relays a setting display signal from the main control board 920, an initialization signal from the initialization switch 907, and a ball overflow signal from the ball overflow switch 249. I have.

  The power supply unit 901 takes in external power (for example, AC 24 volts) supplied from the outside and converts it into internal power (for example, DC 24 volts), and generates various types of power from the internal power. The power generated by the power supply unit 901 is power of driving voltage (for example, DC 12 volts) for driving devices such as various solenoids and various motors, drives various switches, and executes control processing. Power of control voltage (for example, DC 5 volts) for backup, power of backup voltage for holding the contents of the RAM of the main control board 920, and the like.

  The power supply unit 901 supplies various power generated from the internal power to the power supply monitoring board 910, the main control board 920, the payout control board 930, the sub control board 940, and the like. Specifically, internal power, driving voltage, control voltage, and backup voltage power are supplied to the power monitoring board 910. The main control board 920 is supplied with driving voltage, control voltage, and backup voltage power, and these powers are supplied via the power supply monitoring unit 911 of the power supply monitoring board 910. The payout control board 930 is supplied with driving voltage and control voltage power. The sub-control board 940 is supplied with driving voltage and control voltage power. The firing control unit 902 and the signal relay unit 903 are supplied with driving voltage and control voltage power.

  A power switch 909 is connected to the power supply unit 901. When the power switch 909 is in an off state, the external power capture is stopped. It is to be noted that the power switch 909 is turned off or a power plug (not shown) connected to the power supply unit 901 via the power switch 909 is removed from an external power supply outlet (not shown). A state where the supply of power to the inside of the machine 100 is stopped and a state where the supply of external power itself is stopped are collectively referred to as a “power failure state”. The power supply unit 901 is configured to normally output the control voltage power over a predetermined period even after the transition to the power failure state. As a result, the main control board 920 can save the state and finish the control so that the current control state can be restored.

  The firing control unit 902 controls the driving of the ball feed solenoid 332 and the firing solenoid 334 of the launching device 330 in cooperation with the main control board 920. The ball feed solenoid 332 and the firing solenoid 334 are permitted to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, it is detected that the player is touching the firing handle 252 (see FIG. 1) based on a contact sensor signal from the contact sensor 254, and a launch stop switch 255 for stopping the launch is provided. On the condition that it is not operated, the firing control unit 902 outputs a firing permission signal in an on state to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 outputs a firing solenoid control signal and a ball feed solenoid control signal to the firing control unit 902 based on the firing permission signal and the firing abnormality signal. The firing control unit 902 activates the ball feed solenoid 332 based on the ball feed control signal in the on state, and activates the launch solenoid 334 based on the reception of the launch solenoid control signal in the on state and the resistance value of the variable resistor 253. Let As a result, the game balls are sequentially fired from the launching device 330 with a strength corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor 253 (the rotational operation amount of the firing handle 252).

  The signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state initialization signal to the main control board 920 when the initialization switch 907 is pressed. In the main control board 920, the stored information stored in the RAM of the main control board 920 is initialized in response to the reception of the on-state initialization signal.

  Further, when the ball overflow switch 249 detects a game ball, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state ball overflow signal to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 outputs a low-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on detection of the ball overflow signal in the on state, and the payout control board 930 that has received the low-speed payout signal receives the payout motor 542. The rotational speed (payout speed of the game ball from the payout device 540) is reduced. Conversely, a high-speed payout signal is output to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the off state, and the payout control board 930 that has received the high-speed payout signal increases the rotation speed of the payout motor 542. It will be.

  The power monitoring board 910 is a power monitoring section 911 that monitors the power supply status from the power / fire control board 900, and supplies power and transmits various signals between the power / fire control board 900 and the main control board 920. And a signal relay unit 912 for relaying. The power monitoring unit 911 also outputs a power failure signal to the main control board 920 in response to the transition to the power failure state, and monitors the voltage of 24 VDC which is the maximum voltage output from the power source unit 901. When the state where the voltage is less than 22 volts continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the state is a power failure, and an on-state power failure signal is output to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 recognizes the transition to the power failure state by receiving the power failure signal in the on state.

  The main control board 920 comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine 100. On the main control board 920, an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer is mounted. The MPU includes a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (not shown) storing various control programs and fixed data executed by the CPU, and various data temporarily during execution of the control program. And a RAM (not shown) for storing and the like. In addition, various circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are mounted on the main control board 920. Yes. The RAM of the main control board 920 is configured to be able to maintain (back up) internal data by supplying a backup voltage from the power / fire control board 900 even after the transition to the power failure state.

  The payout control board 930 controls a game ball payout operation by the payout apparatus 540 according to an instruction from the main control board 920 and a game ball lending operation by the payout apparatus 540 according to an operation of the game ball lending apparatus 290. As with the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 is an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (not shown), ROM (not shown), and RAM (not shown), a timer circuit. Various circuits such as (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are mounted. The payout control board 930 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so as to be able to communicate information. For example, the main control board 920 and the relay device 950 can perform bidirectional information input / output communication. The open / close detection switches 108 and 109, the storage ball switch 591 and the payout counting switch 592 are connected so that only information input communication in only one direction is possible, and the payout motor 592 has information in only one direction. Only output communication is possible. Unlike the RAM of the main control board 920, the RAM of the payout control board 930 is not configured to maintain internal data in a power failure state.

  The sub control board 940 controls operations of various rendering devices, various light emitting devices, various acoustic devices, and the like based on instructions from the main control board 920. The sub-control board 940 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so as to be able to perform information communication. The input operation device 260 is connected to be capable of information communication in both directions, and the decorative symbol display device 479 is connected to be capable of only one-way information output communication.

<Various control processes>
Next, various control processes executed by the main control board 920 will be described. The control processing in the main control board 920 can be broadly divided into main processing that is started upon recovery from a power failure state, and periodic execution (in this embodiment, with a cycle of 2 ms (milliseconds)). Timer interrupt processing.

  First, the main process executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a main process of the main control board 920 (abbreviated as “main control main process” in FIG. 11).

  In the main process of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processes (program start process S1001 to random number initial setting process S1019) for starting up the main control board 920 and initializing various information are executed only once. After that, the interrupt prohibition processing S1020 for prohibiting the interrupt, the winning random number initial value counter (partial area of the RAM), the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter (partial area of the RAM) and the normal symbol related to the special symbol Random initial value update processing S1021 for updating the value of the winning random number initial value counter (part of the RAM) and the first variation type counter to the fourth variation type for determining the variation time, variation pattern, etc. Fluctuation counter update processing S1022 for updating the value of the counter (part of the RAM), and interrupt permission processing S for permitting interrupts 023 and is repeatedly executed. When a timer interrupt request is generated before the interrupt permission process S1023, the timer interrupt process is executed immediately after the interrupt permission process S1023.

  In a series of control start processes, a program start process S1001 for setting an initial value to a stack pointer (part of the RAM) for controlling the execution of a program, an interrupt mode setting process S1002 for setting an interrupt mode, and a payout control board A stand-by standby process S1003 that waits for a predetermined time until 930, the sub-control board 940, and the like stand up is executed.

  After start-up standby process S1003, determination process S1004 of the output state of the initialization signal from initialization switch 907 of power supply / emission control board 900, determination process S1005 of the value of power failure information (part of RAM), storage Information storage state determination processing S1007 is performed, and it is determined based on these determination results whether or not to erase information in substantially the entire area of the RAM.

  The storage state of the stored information is determined as follows. First, a checksum value for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM is calculated (checksum calculation process S1006), and the current checksum value and a power failure monitoring process S1202 (see FIG. 12) accompanying the transition to the previous power failure state. It is determined whether or not the exclusive OR with the RAM determination value that is the 2's complement of the checksum value calculated in (0) is “0” (determination processing S1007), and thereby the current checksum value and It is determined whether or not the checksum value at the time of transition to the power failure state is the same.

  When the initialization signal is in the on state (S1004: Y), when the power failure information is not a predetermined power failure value indicating that the stored information is stored and terminated when the transition to the power failure state is completed (S1005: N), or saved If the information is not normally held (S1007: N), a RAM clear process S1008 is executed to erase information on substantially the entire area of the RAM. After it is determined that the stored information is normally held (S1007: Y), or after the RAM clear process S1008 is executed, hardware for initializing various devices connected to the main control board 920 A hardware initialization process S1009 is executed.

  After the hardware initialization process S1009, a determination process S1010 of whether or not the power failure information is a power failure value is executed. When the power failure information is a power failure value (S1010: N), a RAM recovery setting process S1011 for initial setting of various types of information including a return of stored information and a recovery command indicating completion of the setting are set (return command). Output processing S1012). By the return of the retained information in the RAM return setting process S1011, the control state of the main control board 920 is returned to the control state immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state.

  On the other hand, when the power failure information is not a power failure value (S1010: Y), various types of information are initialized without returning the retained information (RAM initial setting processing S1013), and an initialization command indicating the completion of the setting is output. (Initialization command output processing S1014).

  In the RAM recovery setting process S1011 and the RAM initial setting process S1013, the power failure information is set to a predetermined energization value different from the power failure value, and various error states such as fraud detection errors immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state. Even if has occurred, all those error states are cleared. Further, either the return command or the initialization command is output from the main control board 920 to both the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940, and the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940 that have received the return command or the initialization command. In each of these, a predetermined initialization process is executed.

  After the initial setting of the RAM according to the situation at the time of start-up (determination process S1004 to initialization command output process S1014), if the condition device is operating at the time of transition to the previous power failure state, the special gaming state is set. Preparation for returning is performed (special gaming state return preparation processing S1015). Specifically, in the special game state return preparation process S1015, the operating states of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are determined, and a process corresponding to the game situation in the power failure state is executed in the sub-control board 940. The

  After the special game state return preparation process S1015, it is determined whether or not the time-short state flag is set to determine whether it is a time-short state or a non-time-short state (determination process S1016). In the case (S1016: Y), a time reduction command is output (time reduction command output processing S1017). On the other hand, if it is in the non-time-short state (S1016: N), a non-time-short command is output (non-time-short command output processing S1018). Thereafter, the value of the winning random number counter (part of the RAM) related to the special symbol is initialized (random number initial setting process S1019).

  Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing (abbreviated as “main control interrupt processing” in the figure) executed by the main control board 920.

  In the timer interrupt process of the main control board 920, first, an interrupt start process S1201 for starting a timer interrupt is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the interrupt control register. As a result, interrupts other than this timer interrupt are prohibited. Thereafter, the power failure monitoring process S1202 to the external information output process S1221 related to the substantial control of the pachinko machine 100 is sequentially executed. However, when the game progress is stopped based on various fraud detections (S1207: Y), the control signal output process S1208 to the external information output process S1221 are not executed. Finally, an interrupt permission process S1222 that permits the next timer interrupt is executed, and the current timer interrupt process ends. In the following, various main processes will be described individually.

  In the power failure monitoring process S1202, the value of the power failure information (part of the RAM) is updated based on the output state of the power failure signal output from the power monitoring unit 911 of the power monitoring board 910. Specifically, the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, and when the on state is detected at all three times, it is determined that the power failure state is present. If it is not determined in this determination that the power is out, the power outage information is maintained at the energization value.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the power failure monitoring process S1202 that the power is out, the following process is executed. First, the value of the power failure information is changed from the energization value set in the RAM recovery setting process S1011 or the RAM initial setting process S1013 (see FIG. 11) to a predetermined power failure value. Also, a checksum value for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM is calculated, and the 2's complement of the checksum value is set as the RAM determination value. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 enters an infinite loop in which substantially no processing is performed, and the state of the RAM after the RAM determination value is set is held based on the backup power. In addition, since the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, each process of the timer interrupt is executed twice after the first reception of the power failure signal is detected.

  In the random number update process S1203, the winning random number counter related to the special symbol, the big hit symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter related to the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, when the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is a value different from the specified maximum value (for example, “576”), the value is changed by “1” larger than the current value, and the special symbol is changed. When the value of the winning random number counter relating to is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value (“0”). However, if the value after the change is the same as the cyclic initial value for the winning random number counter related to the special symbol, the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is the same as the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol. The cyclic initial value is also set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter.

  The jackpot symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter related to the normal symbol are also updated in the same manner as the winning random number counter related to the special symbol. However, as the update range determined by the specified maximum value and specified minimum value of each counter, a unique value is set for each counter, and a plurality of counters are updated asynchronously. Is referred to an initial value counter unique to each counter. For example, the winning random number counter related to the special symbol and the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol have the same value range, and the big hit symbol random number counter and the big hit symbol random number initial value counter have the same value range, The winning random number counter related to the normal symbol and the winning random number initial value counter related to the normal symbol have the same value range.

  In the random number initial value update process S1204, the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol, the big hit symbol random number initial value counter, and the winning random number initial value counter related to the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, if the value of the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, “576”), the value is changed to a value “1” larger than the current value, When the value of the winning random number initial value counter related to the symbol is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value (“0”). The initial random number counter for the special symbol and the initial random number counter for the normal symbol are also the initial random numbers for the special symbol, except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are unique to those counters. It is updated in the same way as the value counter.

  In the variation counter update processing S1205, the values of the first variation type counter to the fourth variation type counter for determining the variation time, variation pattern, and the like are updated. Specifically, when the value of the first variation type counter is a value different from a specified maximum value (for example, “187”), the value is changed to a value that is larger by “1” than the current value, and the first variation When the value of the type counter is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value (“0”). The second variation type counter to the fourth variation type counter are also updated in the same manner as the first variation type counter except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are values unique to those counters. Is done.

  In the game stop determination process S1206, when the fraud detection information is a fraud detection value, it is updated to the game stop value and various information for stopping the progress of the game is set. On the other hand, when the fraud detection information is not the fraud detection value or when the fraud detection value is already the game stop value, the game stop determination process S1206 ends without executing the substantial process. The fraud detection information is set to a fraud detection value when occurrence of various frauds is detected in the fraud detection processing S1211. In the determination process S1207, whether or not the game is stopped is determined based on whether or not the fraud detection information is a game stop value.

  In the control signal output process S1208, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, and the normal symbol related A signal for controlling various notification devices such as the normal symbol display device 473 is output. Based on the control data stored in the output buffer, various actuators such as a ball feed solenoid 332, a firing solenoid 334, a right entry restriction solenoid 462, a lower entry restriction solenoid 463, an upper entry restriction solenoid 464, and a switching solenoid 465 are provided. A control signal is output.

  In the switch reading process S1209, the middle start winning switch 441A, 441B, the right starting winning switch 442, the lower large winning switch 443, the upper large winning switch 444, the combination operation switch 445, the starting switch 446, the non-specific passage switch 447, the specific The signal state from each of the passage switch 448 and the general winning switches 449A and 449B is read, and a change in the detection state of the game ball by various switches is detected.

  Specifically, in the switch reading process S1209, signal states from various switches are read into the input buffer (part of the RAM) twice at predetermined time intervals, and signals from the various switches are read. Each time, the signal state read for the first time (hereinafter abbreviated as “first signal state”) and the signal state read for the second time (hereinafter abbreviated as “second signal state”) Based on the detection state detected by the previous timer interrupt (hereinafter abbreviated as “previous detection state”), changes in the detection state of various switches are detected. For each switch, when the previous detection state is the off state, the first signal state is the on state, and when the second signal state is the on state, it is determined that the switch is on. Thus, a detection flag (a partial area of the RAM) corresponding to the type of switch is set. As described in the power failure monitoring process S1202, even if the power supply is stopped, each process of the timer interrupt is executed twice, so that the various switches are turned on immediately after the power supply is stopped. Even when it is started, detection flags of various switches can be set accurately.

  In the timer update process S1210, various timers (predetermined areas of the RAM) used for special symbol and normal symbol variation display, control of each gaming state, fraud monitoring, and the like are updated.

  In the fraud detection process S1211, an illegal act such as forcibly entering a game ball into various winning devices or forcibly operating various winning devices is detected. Specifically, the right start winning device 432, the lower grand prize winning device 433, and the upper grand prize winning device 434 are forced to move into the allowable approaching posture, and the game ball is guided to a specific passage of the lower major prize winning device 433 by vibration. , The right start winning device 432 by radio waves, the lower winning device 433 and the upper winning device 434 are forcibly triggered, the game balls are guided to various winning devices by magnetic attraction, the upper middle starting winning device 431A, There is a high possibility that an illegal act such as guiding a game ball at an abnormal timing to the lower middle start winning device 431B, the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434 is performed. Detect occurrence.

  In the winning detection response process S1212, control based on detection of a game ball by various switches provided in the game board 400 is executed. Specifically, when the middle start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) and the lower middle start winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10). The middle start winning counter (predetermined area of the RAM) and the first payout counter (predetermined area of the RAM) are updated. Further, when the right start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the first payout counter is updated. Further, when the lower prize winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the lower prize winning switch 443 (see FIG. 10), or when the game ball is detected by the upper prize winning switch 444 (see FIG. 10). If the upper prize winning switch detection flag is set on the basis, the big prize counter (predetermined area of the RAM) and the second payout counter (predetermined area of the RAM) are updated.

  In the launch control process S1213, launch related information for controlling the launch of the game ball by the launch device 330 is updated. Specifically, the operation flag of the ball feed solenoid 332 that drives the ball feed mechanism 331 and the operation flag of the firing solenoid 334 that drives the firing mechanism 333 are updated.

  In the input signal monitoring process S1214, based on the output state of the signal from the open / close detection switch 108 (see FIG. 10) via the payout control board 930, an intermediate block is provided for the outer frame 101 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). It is detected whether 103 (refer FIG.1 and FIG.2) is closed. Further, based on the output state of the signal from the open / close detection switch 109 via the payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10), the front block 102 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to the intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). 3) is detected.

  In the payout state monitoring process S1215, information indicating the payout control state output from the payout control board 930 is monitored, and various payout state commands corresponding to the payout control state are set as necessary. The sub-control board 940 that has received the payout state command causes the decorative symbol display device 479, the upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282 to execute notification according to the type of the payout state command.

  In the payout signal output process S1216, various prize ball commands are set based on the values of the first payout counter and the second payout counter as necessary, and output to the payout control board 930. The first payout counter and the second payout counter are updated according to the setting of the prize ball command. For example, the first payout counter is incremented by 1 each time a game ball corresponding to one winning is detected, and decremented by 1 each time a winning ball command based on the winning is set. Each time the payout control board 930 executes control for paying out the number of game balls (for example, 3) corresponding to the winning (specifically, shortly before the payout is completed), the main control board 920 is awarded. In a situation where a ball command is requested and the payout of a prize ball is continuing, a further prize ball command is output from the main control board 920. The second payout counter is a counter that is updated in response to a winning (for example, 13) that has a different number of prize balls than the first payout counter, and outputs a prize ball command based on the value of the second payout counter. When the 930 is received, the payout control board 930 executes control for paying out a number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command.

  In the special symbol-related process S1217, control for holding the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol and control of the unit game related to the first special symbol are executed. Specifically, operation control of the special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol is executed in the hold control of the unit game right related to the first special symbol. In addition, in the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol is executed, and if the big win is won in the first special symbol lottery, Operation control of 433 and the top prize winning device 434 is further executed.

  Further, in the special symbol related process S1217, the unit game right holding control related to the second special symbol and the unit game control related to the second special symbol are executed. Specifically, the operation control of the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol is executed in the hold control of the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol. In addition, in the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is executed, and when the big win is won in the second special symbol lottery, Operation control of 433 and the top prize winning device 434 is further executed.

  In the normal symbol related process S1218, the unit game right holding control related to the normal symbol and the unit game control related to the normal symbol are executed. Specifically, the operation control of the normal symbol hold display device 478 is executed in the hold control of the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol. Further, in the control of the unit game related to the normal symbol, the operation control of the normal symbol display device 473 related to the normal symbol is executed, and when the normal symbol lottery is won, the operation control of the right start winning device 432 is further executed. .

  In the display control processing S1219, the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, the special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol in the special symbol related processing S1217, and Based on various information updated to control the operation of the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol, output data for specifically operating these devices is synthesized. The synthesized output data is output to each device in the control signal output process S1208 based on the next timer interrupt.

  In the motor control process S1220, operation control of various motors is executed. In the external information output process S1221, output data to be output to an external device such as a data display device (not shown) or a management device (not shown) electrically connected to the pachinko machine 100 is set.

<Flowing aspect of game balls>
Next, with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the flow-down mode of the game ball in the game area will be described. 13 is a front view in which the upper side of the game board 400 is partially enlarged, and FIG. 14 is a front view in which the right side of the game board 400 is partially enlarged. Note that FIG. 7 is also referred to if necessary.

  In the game board 400, as shown in FIG. 7, a game area roughly defined by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 is formed. In the game area, various structures such as the central structure 420, and the like, Various devices such as a grand prize winning device 433 and an upper prize winning device 434 are provided. The flight of the game ball in the game area is determined by the launch strength when launched from the launching device 330 and the shape of the outer rail 402. Here, the “flying game ball” means a movement until the game ball that exceeds the return ball prevention mechanism 404 comes into contact with a member other than the outer rail 402. The launch strength of the game ball launched from the launch device 330 is proportional to the rotational operation amount of the launch handle 252 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) of the launch operation device 250, and the maximum rotational operation amount of the launch handle 252 is approximately 120 °. It is. When the launch handle 252 is rotated by the player, the game ball is launched from the launch device 330 at approximately 0.6 second intervals. Even when the launch handle 252 is being rotated by the player, the launch of the game ball is stopped when the launch stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) is pressed.

  The inclination of the arc-shaped portion that determines the upper boundary of the game area in the outer rail 402 (the inclination of the tangent to the outer rail 402 with respect to the left-right direction of the pachinko machine 100) is, as shown in FIG. In the vicinity where the recoil prevention member 405 is disposed, the inclination is approximately 45 degrees to the right. The game ball launched from the launching device 330 with the maximum strength flies along the arc-shaped portion of the outer rail 402. In the following, the flight trajectory of the game ball launched with the maximum strength is referred to as the “maximum flight trajectory”.

  At the upper part of the central structure 420, as shown in FIG. 13, the branch position P1 that is opposite to the maximum height position of the central structure 420 and that the slope of the outer rail 402 rises to the right is about 5 degrees. Thus, a left wall portion 421 that is descending to the left is formed. Note that the branch position P1 is based on the maximum width W (see FIG. 7) between the left end T1 (see FIG. 7) and the right end T2 (see FIG. 7) of the game area, and the maximum width from the left end T1 of the game area. The center position is approximately 45% of the width of W.

  A game ball that is launched with a strength that exceeds the return ball prevention mechanism 404 but does not exceed the branch position P1 (approximately 20% or more and less than 45% of the maximum strength) is more than the portion of the outer rail 402 that faces the branch position P1. It is separated from the maximum flight trajectory before this and collides with the nail 411 and the left wall 421, and flows down the left flow area 407 formed on the left outer edge side of the central structure 420.

  In addition, a right wall portion 422 that is lowered to the right by approximately 40 degrees from the branch position P2 that faces the portion where the inclination of the outer rail 402 is 40 degrees that is lowered to the right is formed on the upper portion of the central structure 420. Note that the branch position P2 is a position on the right side by approximately 80% of the maximum width W from the left end T1 of the game area, based on the maximum width W of the game area. A game ball launched with a strength exceeding the branch position P2 (75% or more of the maximum strength) flows down the right flow region 408. As shown in FIG. 14, the right-falling region 408 is formed by a region in which a game ball is guided to the branch passage 408A by the right wall portion 422, a branch passage 408A, and a curved passage 408B.

  Specifically, the game ball launched with the maximum strength flies along the maximum flight trajectory, collides with the recoil prevention member 405, and starts to flow down the right flow down region 408. In addition, a game ball that is launched in a predetermined strength range that is weaker than the maximum strength (a range that is 80% or more of the maximum strength and less than the maximum strength) enters the maximum flight trajectory at a slower speed than when it is launched at the maximum strength. The rebound prevention member 405 flies along and starts to flow down in the right flow down region 408. The game ball that has collided with the recoil prevention member 405 is then formed on the right outer edge side of the central structure 420 through the branch passage 408A in which the middle portion branches into two and the curved passage 408B communicating with the branch passage 408A. It is guided above the big prize device 433 and the top big prize device 434. In addition, a game ball launched in a weaker predetermined strength range (a range of 75% or more of the maximum strength and less than 80% of the maximum strength) deviates from the maximum flight trajectory on the way and collides with the right wall portion 422. The flow starts in the flow area 408. The game ball that has collided with the right wall 422 then recoils toward the recoil prevention member 405, collides with the recoil prevention member 405, and enters the branch passage 408A.

  Further, the upper portion of the central structure 420 is curved downward from the right end (branch position P1) of the left wall portion 421 between the left wall portion 421 and the right wall portion 422, and the left end of the right wall portion 422 ( An intermediate wall portion 423 is formed which extends to the lower side of the branch position P2). In addition, a guide passage 424 that smoothly guides the game ball is formed at the right end of the central structure 420. A step portion between the right end of the middle wall portion 423 and the left end of the right wall portion 422 is an entrance 424A to the guide passage 424, and the game ball that has entered the entrance 424A is located at the upper left of the upper prize winning device 434. It is discharged from the formed discharge port 424B. In addition, a midstream down area 409 is formed by the area where the game ball is guided to the guide path 424 by the middle wall portion 423 and the guide path 424.

  A game ball launched in a predetermined strength range (a range of 45% or more of the maximum strength and less than 75% of the maximum strength) deviates from the maximum flight trajectory on the way and collides with the middle wall portion 423, and in the middle downstream area 409 Start to flow down. The game ball that has collided with the middle wall portion 423 then rebounds slightly, but is smoothly guided to the entrance 424A of the guide passage 424 substantially along the middle wall portion 423. Note that the middle wall portion 423 has a shape in which the inclination becomes steeper as it moves to the right side from the branch position P1, and even if the game ball collides at any position of the middle wall portion 423, the middle wall portion 423 has a thin angle. However, it can recoil only toward the entrance 424A. Further, the guide passage 424 has a shape that bends in multiple stages in a plane along the surface of the base body 401 of the game board 400, and the game ball is smoothly guided from the entrance 424A to the discharge port 424B also in the guide passage 424. .

  The shape of the guide passage 424 is such that the time when the game ball reaches the upper prize winning device 434 through the middle downstream area 409 after the game ball is launched with a predetermined strength exceeding the branch position P1 but not exceeding the branch position P2 Is longer by the time corresponding to the shortest firing interval by the launching device 330 (for example, 0.6 seconds) than the time for reaching the top prize winning device 434 through the right-falling region 408 after being launched at the maximum intensity. Have been adjusted so that. The upper prize-winning device 434 and the lower prize-winning device 433 are arranged close to each other and there is no member for changing the flow of the game ball between them. The time difference between the case where the player enters the lower prize-winning device 433 and the case where the player enters the lower prize-winning device 433 through the right flow down area 408 is substantially the same as that for the upper prize-winning device 434. The time for reaching the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 through the middle downstream area 409 and the time for reaching the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 through the right downstream area 408 are as follows. The time corresponding to the mode value in the frequency distribution based on a large number of trials, the average time based on the frequency distribution, the weighted average time based on the frequency distribution, and the like can be employed.

  Here, the operation of the upper prize-winning device 434 and the lower prize-winning device 433 and the behavior of the game ball in them will be described.

  When a big win is won by the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the mode of the special gaming state is determined, and the state shifts to the special gaming state of the determined mode. Specifically, it is a special game state for a short period (6 rounds in this embodiment) with a small number of continuous rounds or a special game state for a long period (16 rounds in this embodiment) with a large number of continuous rounds. In each round of the special game state, when the maximum allowable entry time (29.5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed, or the specified number (8 balls in this embodiment) of game balls is the top prize winning switch 444 (see FIG. 10). ) Or the lower big prize switch 443 (see FIGS. 10 and 14), the upper big prize device 434 and the lower big prize device 433 change from the entry permission state to the entry prohibition state. Normally, when a predetermined number of game balls are detected by the upper prize winning switch 444 or the lower prize winning switch 443, the entry allowable state is changed to the entry prohibited state.

  Here, the behavior of the game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 and its detection will be described. In the entry permitted state of the upper prize winning device 434, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 (see FIG. 7; omitted in FIG. 14) is inclined so that the upper end portion protrudes forward, and the diameter of the game ball is about 5 A game ball can enter through a double lateral entrance 434A. The game ball that has reached the upper prize winning device 434 is guided to the back by the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 and enters the entrance 434A. Inside the upper prize winning device 434 is formed slightly on the center side from the right end, and a left side guide passage portion 434B that guides the game ball to the back and a left side slope that slopes downward to the right on the left side of the back guide passage portion 434B. A passage portion 434C and a right-side inclined passage portion 434D that is inclined to the lower left on the right side of the back guide passage portion 434B are formed. An upper prize winning switch 444 that detects a game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 is provided in the back guide passage portion 434B, and a game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 passes through the rear guide passage portion 434B. It is detected after being guided deeper than the left inclined passage portion 434C and the right inclined passage portion 434D.

  The main approach path of the game ball that enters the upper prize winning device 434 through the right flow down region 408 is a path E1 that passes through the left side of the right start winning device 432 and enters the approximate center of the entrance 434A. A game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 through this route E1 is greatly accelerated in the left inclined passage portion 434C because the moving distance along the left inclined passage portion 434C from the entry position to the back guide passage portion 434B is short. There is nothing. Accordingly, the game ball that has entered the upper prize winning device 434 through the route E1 temporarily passes the back guide passage portion 434B, moves to the right inclined passage portion 434D, and then returns to the back guide passage portion 434B. There is hardly any reciprocating motion in the left-right direction in the front, and the front guide passage portion 434B enters almost smoothly. When the player enters the top prize winning device 434 through the right flow down area 408, the time from when the game ball reaches the top entry restricting mechanism 454 until it is detected by the top prize winning switch 444 is about 0.2 seconds. . Therefore, even if the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the right flow area 408, the shortest firing interval at which the game ball is launched from the launching device 330 is approximately 0.6 seconds. If the game ball does not flow down accidentally significantly due to interference with the game, or the subsequent game ball does not flow down accidentally significantly faster, the top prize will be given after the preceding game ball reaches the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 A subsequent game ball does not reach the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 until it is detected by the switch 444.

  On the other hand, the main approach path of the game ball that enters the upper prize winning device 434 through the middle flow down area 409 is on the left side of the game ball that passes through the right flow down area 408 and enters the vicinity of the left end of the entrance 434A. It is. A game ball that has entered the upper grand prize winning device 434 through this route E2 rarely and smoothly enters the back guide passage portion 434B. However, the game ball reciprocates left and right in front of the back guide passage portion 434B and then guides the back. Enter the passage portion 434B. As a result, the time from when the game ball reaches the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 until it is detected by the upper prize winning switch 444 is higher than when the player reaches the upper prize winning device 434 through the right falling area 408. Since the distance guided inside the device 434 is long, it becomes long to reciprocate left and right in front of the back guide passage portion 434B and then enter the back guide passage portion 434B, and in about 0.4 seconds. is there. Therefore, even if the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the middle downstream area 409, the shortest launch interval at which the game ball is launched from the launching device 330 is 0.6 seconds. A subsequent game ball does not reach the upper entry restricting mechanism 454 after reaching the mechanism 454 until it is detected by the upper prize winning switch 444. It should be noted that the time from when the game ball enters the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 until it is detected by the upper prize switch 444 is longer than when the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the right side of the central structure 420. However, in order for the guide passage 424 to smoothly guide the game balls, the preceding game balls flow down accidentally much slower than the case where the game balls continue to be fired so as to flow down the right side of the central structure 420. Or the subsequent game ball will flow down much faster.

  The behavior and detection of a game ball that has entered the lower grand prize winning device 433 will be described. In the entry permission state of the lower prize-winning device 433, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 is immersed rearward, and the game ball can enter through the entrance 433A having a lateral width approximately five times the diameter of the game ball. In the lower prize-winning device 433, a central guide passage part 433B that tilts to the left and guides the game ball to the lower prize-winning switch 443 is formed at the upper left of the central guide path part 433B and tilts to the lower right. A left-side inclined passage portion 434C and a right-side inclined passage portion 434D which is formed on the right side of the central guide passage portion 433B and inclines downward to the left are formed.

  A main approach route of the game ball that enters the lower prize-winning device 433 through the right flow down region 408 is a route E3. A game ball that has entered the lower prize-winning device 433 through this path E3 directly enters the central inclined passage part 433B, is guided leftward along the central inclined passage part 433B, and is detected by the lower big prize switch 443. . The time from when the game ball passes through the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 until it is detected by the lower big prize switch 443 is about 0.2 seconds.

  On the other hand, the main approach path of the game ball entering the lower grand prize winning device 433 through the midstream lower area 409 is a path E4. The game ball that has entered the lower grand prize winning device 433 through the route E4 is once guided to the right end side of the central inclined passage portion 433B by the left inclined passage portion 433C and then guided to the left along the central inclined passage portion 433B. It is detected by the lower prize winning switch 443. In this case, since the distance traveled from entering the lower prize-winning device 433 until reaching the lower prize-winning switch 443 is longer than that when reaching the lower big prize-winning device 433 through the right flow down area 408, the game ball Is longer than the lower entry control mechanism 453 until it is detected by the lower prize winning switch 443, and is approximately 0.4 seconds. It should be noted that even if the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the right flow region 408, or the game ball is continuously launched so as to flow down the middle flow region 409, the shortest game ball is launched from the launching device 330. Since the firing interval is approximately 0.6 seconds, the subsequent game ball is restricted from entering the lower entry control mechanism 453 until the lower game winning switch 443 detects it. It does not pass through the mechanism 453.

<Game procedure in special game state>
Next, the game procedure in the special game state will be described. In order to allow the game balls to enter the upper prize apparatus 434 and the lower prize apparatus 433 through the right downstream area 408 in the permissible entry state of each round of the upper prize device 434 and the lower prize device 433, the game ball with the maximum strength Shoot out. In order to allow the game ball to flow down to the right flow down region 408, it is sufficient to launch at a strength of 75% or more of the maximum strength as described above, but even if a predetermined strength is selected from those strength ranges, Since the flow-down mode of the sphere hardly changes, there is no need to launch with a strength other than the maximum strength.

  In addition, the decorative symbol display device 479 arranged at the approximate center of the central structure 420 in the upper entry winning state of the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433 in addition to the effects in the special game state. The number of remaining game balls up to the specified number (the number of remaining waiting for entry) and the remaining time in which the entry is allowed (allowable remaining time for entry) are notified. In addition, information for assisting optimal game progress is appropriately notified.

  The player, while monitoring the remaining waiting time for entry and the allowable entry time, launches the game ball at the maximum strength that causes the game ball to flow down through the right flow region 408, and lowers the game ball through the middle flow region 409. The timing to change to launch so as to flow down will be measured.

  Hereinafter, specific game progress will be described. When the special game state is started, the decorative symbol display device 479 is notified of information for instructing the game handle to flow down through the right flow area 408 by rotating the firing handle 252 with the maximum rotation operation amount. Further, when the launching handle 252 is appropriately operated to adjust the firing strength of the game ball at the time of launching the specified number of last game balls to enter the upper grand prize winning device 434 or the lower grand prize winning device 433, the privilege is received. It is notified that there is a possibility that Specifically, in order to receive a privilege, a game ball is allowed to enter the upper prize-winning device 434 or the lower major prize-winning device 433 until the remaining number reaches the specified number, and then flowed down through the middle downstream area 409. It is necessary to launch a game ball by reducing the rotational operation amount of the firing handle 252, and then launch the game ball so that the rotational operation amount of the firing handle 252 is returned to the maximum rotational operation amount to flow down through the right flow area 408. Is notified.

  The player rotates the firing handle 252 by the maximum amount of rotation and starts launching a game ball. First, one less game ball than the prescribed number is launched, and then the game ball launch is temporarily stopped. When at least one of the launched game balls does not enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433, the game balls are additionally launched by the number that has not entered. Such launching is repeated as necessary, and the number of remaining waiting games is “1” until a game ball that is one ball less than the prescribed number enters the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433. Until this is repeated.

  When the number of remaining entry waits is “1”, the launch handle 252 is rotated so that the next game ball flows down through the middle flow down area 409 so that it is 50% or more and less than 75% of the maximum rotation operation amount. A game ball is launched by adjusting the operation amount, and the game ball is launched so that the next game ball flows down through the right flow area 408 continuously with the game ball. In the decorative symbol display device 479, when the number of remaining waiting for entry is “1”, if the allowable entry remaining time is less than a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), the above irregularities Not to perform a typical launch but to inform a normal launch. This is to prevent the occurrence of a situation where both of the two game balls cannot be reached while the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 are allowed to enter when irregularly launched. It is.

  Both the game ball that is launched in this way and flows down through the middle downstream area 409 and the game ball that flows down through the right downstream area 408 will enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower grand prize winning device 433 with high probability. .

  Next, the operation and effect of the pachinko machine 100 described above will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100, when a game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle downstream area 409, and a game ball that is launched at the shortest launch interval following the game ball is launched so as to flow down through the right downstream area 408. These game balls reach the upper prize device 434 and the lower prize device 433 almost simultaneously at a high probability. Therefore, when the number of game balls that have entered the upper prize device 434 and the lower prize device 433 is one more ball up to the specified number, if the launch adjustment as described above is performed, both of the game balls that have been launched are The player can enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 with high probability. This makes it possible to increase the number of prize balls that can be acquired in the special game state. Thus, with the pachinko machine 100, the player can enjoy benefits such as an increase in the number of prize balls by adjusting the amount of rotation operation of a predetermined launch handle by the player (adjusting the launch intensity of the game ball).

  Further, in the launch adjustment as described above, it is necessary to switch the amount of rotation operation of the launch handle 252 by the player, and a predetermined number of game balls enter the upper big prize device 434 and the lower big prize device 433 in a special game state. The monotony of the game at the time of playing is reduced, and the gameability in the special game state is improved. In addition, before the launch adjustment as described above, in order to adjust the number of game balls entering the upper prize device 434 and the lower prize device 433, it is necessary to temporarily stop the game ball launch. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the remaining open time of the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433, and a predetermined number of game balls enter the upper winning device 434 and the lower winning device 433 in a special gaming state. The monotony of the game when it is played is reduced. Thereby, the gameability in the special game state is further improved.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the preceding game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down region 409 passes through a longer path than the subsequent game ball launched out of flow through the right flow down region 408. Since the shape of the guide passage is designed to reach the winning device 434 and the lower grand winning device 433, the game ball flowing down through the middle flow down region 409 and the game ball flowing down through the right flow down region 408 are substantially simultaneously. It is possible to enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle downstream area 409 has substantially the same minimum firing interval time as the game ball launched so as to flow down through the right downstream area 408. Since the shape of the guide passage is designed so as to reach the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433, the amount of rotation operation of the launching handle can be reduced without stopping the game ball launching. If changed, these game balls can be made to reach the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 almost simultaneously. As a result, after the game ball has been launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409, the game ball is temporarily stopped, the flow situation of the game ball is judged, and the next game ball passes through the right flow down area 408. Compared with the case where the launching is resumed so as to flow down, the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle downstream region 409 and the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle downstream region 409 are larger. It is possible to reach the vicinity of the winning device 434 or the lower prize-winning device 433.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the game ball launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409 guides to the entrance 424A of the guide passage 424 almost smoothly even if it hits any position of the middle wall portion 423. Then, it is smoothly guided to the discharge port 424B through the guide passage 424. Further, the game balls released from the discharge port 424B are smoothly guided to those devices with a predetermined probability because the discharge port 424B is formed in the vicinity of the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433. The As a result, the game balls that are launched to flow down through the middle flow down region 409 pass through a longer path than the game balls that are launched through the right flow down region 408, and the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning. Although it reaches the device 433, the time lag from the launch from the launching device 330 to the arrival at the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 can be reduced, and the game ball flowing down through the middle downstream area 409 and the right The game balls flowing down through the flow down area 408 can enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 almost simultaneously.

  In addition, after launching to flow down through the middle downstream region 409, in order to change the launch so as to flow down through the right downstream region 408, the opposite configuration, that is, launching through the middle downstream region 409, was performed. The guide path so as to reach the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower grand prize winning device 433 earlier than the game ball launched so that the game ball flows down through the right flow down region 408 by approximately the same time as the shortest firing interval time. In the case where the shape is designed so that the launch is changed so as to flow down through the middle downstream region 409 after being launched through the right downstream region 408, it is surely preceded. The game ball is caused to flow down through the middle flow area 409, and the subsequently launched game ball is flowed down through the right flow area 408. It can be. This is because when the game ball is caused to flow down through the right flow down region 408, the launch handle 252 may be rotated as much as possible. However, when the game ball is caused to flow down through the mid flow down region 409, the rotation of the launch handle 252 is sufficient. It is necessary to appropriately adjust the operation amount to an intermediate rotation operation amount. If the adjustment is wrong, the game ball is moved through the left flow area 407 even though the game ball is tried to flow through the middle flow area 409. This is because the game ball is caused to flow down or the game ball is caused to flow down through the right flow down region 408.

  Moreover, in the pachinko machine 100, since an operation necessary for enjoying the privilege and the timing of the operation are notified, an opportunity for obtaining a privilege can be given to all players, It can suppress giving a privilege only to a player.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the main path and the part where the game balls launched so as to flow down through the middle downstream area 409 enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 flow down through the right downstream area 408. Since the game balls thus launched are different from the main paths and parts that enter the upper grand prize device 434 and the lower major prize device 433, these game balls are almost simultaneously at the upper grand prize device 434 and the lower major prize device 433. Even if it reaches the vicinity of, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the game balls interfere with each other and do not enter the upper prize-winning device 434 or the lower prize-winning device 433 almost simultaneously.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, the time difference for each game ball until it reaches the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 after flowing down through the middle downstream area 409, in particular, the time delayed from the average time, It is configured to be smaller than the time difference for each game ball until it reaches the upper prize device 434 or the lower prize device 433 after flowing down through the right flow area 408, in particular, the time that is delayed from the average time, It is configured so that the time from when it flows down through the middle downstream area 409 and enters the upper prize device 434 or the lower prize apparatus 433 until it is detected by the upper prize switch 444 or the lower prize switch 443 becomes longer. Yes. As a result, even if it takes a little time for the game ball flowing down through the right flow down area 408 to reach the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433, the game ball flows down through the middle flow down area 409. Before the game ball is detected by the upper prize winning switch 444 or the lower prize winning switch 443 and the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 changes to the entry prohibited state, the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device. 433 can be entered.

  In addition, this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, For example, you may deform | transform and implement as described below. In this case, each configuration described below may be applied to the above embodiment, or a plurality of configurations described below may be combined and applied to the above embodiment.

  (1) In the above embodiment, when reaching the upper prize-winning device 434 and the lower prize-winning device 433 through the middle downstream area 409, the launching apparatus 330 is more effective than when passing through the right downstream area 408. Although it is configured to delay by the same time as the shortest firing interval, it is not always necessary to delay by the same time as the shortest firing interval. For example, it is good also as a structure delayed in the range of 3 / 4-5 / 4 of the shortest discharge interval, or a structure delayed in the range of 1 / 2-3 / 2 of the shortest discharge interval. Even in these configurations, as compared to the case where both the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball are made to reach the upper prize device 434 and the lower prize device 433 through the right flow down area 408 or the middle flow down area 409, Either the game ball flowing down through the middle downstream area 409 or the game ball flowing down through the right downstream area 408 is detected by the upper prize winning switch 444 or the lower prize winning switch 443, so that the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device is detected. Before 433 changes to the entry prohibited state, there is a high possibility that both of these game balls can enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433. As the delay time approaches the shortest launch interval, both the game ball that has flowed down through the middle flow area 409 and the game ball that has flowed down through the right flow area 408 are allowed to enter the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433. The probability of being able to be increased. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which delays only predetermined time longer than 3/2 of the shortest firing interval. In this case, the player can know the timing of launching the next game ball so as to flow down the right flow area 408, for example, by marking a predetermined part of the guide passage 424 and marking the mark. When a game ball hits a given part, a configuration in which the next game ball is launched so as to flow down the right flow area 408 or a timing at which the next game ball is launched is notified by the decorative symbol display device 479. Is preferred.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the operation timing of the operation necessary to enjoy the privilege is indirectly notified by the number of remaining entry waiting in the decorative symbol display device 479, and the player determines the specific timing. Although configured, it is not necessary to have such a configuration. For example, when a predetermined number (for example, five balls) of game balls enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower major prize winning device 433, a notification is made to change the launch strength so that the game balls flow down through the middle downstream area 409. In addition, immediately after that, a specific operation timing may be notified by notifying that the launching strength is returned to the maximum strength so that the game ball flows down through the right-falling region 408. When a specific timing is notified, all of the game balls (for example, two balls) that have already been launched when a predetermined number of game balls enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 are upper. Since it is assumed that the player has entered the grand prize winning device 434 or the lower grand prize winning device 433, a game ball that flows down through the middle downstream area through the right downstream area 408 or the middle downstream area 409 is the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower grand prize winning. It is particularly preferable to apply the configuration to the device 433 surely or with a very high probability (95% or more).

  (3) In the above embodiment, the arrival at the upper prize winning device 434 and the lower prize winning device 433 is delayed when passing through the middle downstream area 409 than when passing through the right downstream area 408. However, it is not always necessary to delay the case where the middle flow area 409 is passed. For example, the configuration may be faster when passing through the middle downstream region 409 than when passing through the right downstream region 408. However, in the case of this configuration, after a game ball is launched so as to flow down through the right flow down region 408, the next game ball needs to be driven out through the middle flow down region 409. In addition, as for the time to advance, it is preferable to advance in the range of 1/2 to 3/2 of the shortest firing interval, as in the case of delaying above, and 3/4 to 5/4 of the shortest firing interval. It is more preferred to advance by range, and most preferably to advance by the same time as the shortest firing interval.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the game balls are caused to flow down through the right flow area 408 until a number of game balls smaller by “1” than the prescribed number enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433. After that, after the game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle downstream area 409, the game ball is launched again so as to flow down through the right downstream area 408. It is not necessary to have a configuration for adjusting the launch in three stages. For example, in the case of delaying the arrival at the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 when passing through the middle-stream lower area 409, the number of game balls smaller by the number “1” than the prescribed number is the upper prize winning. Until the player enters the device 434 or the lower prize-winning device 433, a game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle downstream region 409, and further, the next game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle downstream region 409. A configuration may be adopted in which game balls are launched so as to flow down through the region 408. Also, for example, when the player reaches the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 through the midstream lower area 409, the number of game balls that are smaller by “1” than the prescribed number is increased. The game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409 until it enters the big prize winning device 434 or the lower grand prize winning device 433, and then the game ball is once shot out so as to flow down through the right flow down area 408. A configuration may be adopted in which the next game ball is launched so as to flow down through the flow down region 409. Also, until a number of game balls smaller by “1” than the prescribed number enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower major prize winning device 433, the game balls are launched so as to flow down through the right flow down area 408, and further down to the right flow A configuration may be adopted in which after a game ball is launched so as to flow down through the region 408, the game ball is launched so as to flow down through the middle flow region 409.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the number of game balls that enter the upper prize-winning device 434 and the lower prize-winning device 433 is approximately two at the same time. However, the configuration is not necessarily two. For example, in addition to the right downstream region 408 and the middle downstream region 409, at least one new downstream region different from the left downstream region 407 is formed, and each of the right downstream region 408, the middle downstream region 409, and the new downstream region 409 is formed. It may be configured to promote that three or more game balls that have flowed down enter the upper prize device 434 and the lower prize device 433 substantially simultaneously.

  (6) In the embodiment described above, the game ball that has been launched so as to flow down through the middle downstream region 409 and the game ball that has been launched through the right downstream region 408 are substantially at the top prize winning device. 434 and the lower prize-winning device 433 are configured to increase the possibility of entering, but the possibility that a game ball that has flowed down through different flow-down areas will enter the upper prize-winning device 434 and the lower grand prize-winning device 433 almost simultaneously increases. It is not necessary to make it the structure to make. For example, it may be configured to increase the possibility that two game balls launched so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409 enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433 at substantially the same time.

  Here, this configuration will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged front view of a modified example of the game board. In the game board 400 shown in FIG. 15, a path switching mechanism 425 is provided between the upper side-by-side passage part 424 </ b> C and the lower side-by-side passage part 424 </ b> D that are arranged vertically in the guide passage 424. The path switching mechanism 425 is a delay guide so as to form a path that short-circuits the delay guide path plate 425A that forms the bottom surface of the upper side-by-side path part 424C, and the upper side-by-side path part 424C and the lower side-by-side path part 424D. A rotation control mechanism (not shown) that rotates the passage plate 425A by approximately 90 degrees is provided. On the upper surface of the delay guide passage plate 425A, there is formed a guide groove (not shown) that bends in the front-rear direction so that the game balls that have flowed down the guide passage 424 flow down over a period of about 1 second. Yes. In addition, when two game balls flow down on the delay guide passage plate 425A, the rotation control mechanism unit rotates the delay guide passage plate 425A by the weight of the two game balls. The game balls are released to the lower side-by-side passage portion 424D. When such a path switching mechanism 425 is provided, if two game balls are launched at the shortest firing interval so as to flow down through the middle flow down area 409, the time for the game balls to pass over the delay guide path plate 425A. Is longer than the shortest firing interval, the subsequent game ball enters the delay guide passage plate 425A before the previous game ball finishes passing over the delay guide passage plate 425A. As a result, the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball are discharged to the lower side-by-side passage portion 424D, and the flow of the guide passage 424 continues at least at an interval equal to or less than the length of the delay guide passage plate 425A. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that these two game balls enter the upper prize device 434 or the lower prize device 433 almost simultaneously.

  (7) In the above embodiment, in a special game state, the number of prize balls that can be acquired as a privilege is increased by adjusting the amount of rotation operation of a predetermined launch handle by the player (adjustment of the launch intensity of the game ball). However, the benefit may not necessarily be an increase in the number of prize balls. For example, even if game balls exceeding a prescribed number enter the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433, only the prescribed number of game balls when the prescribed number of game balls enter them is given, and the prescribed number is given as a privilege. It may be configured to increase the chance that a special effect can be appreciated in the ending effect according to the number of times that the exceeding game balls have entered the upper prize device 434 or the lower prize device 433. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which can enjoy | combine and enjoy benefits, such as the privilege of an increase in the number of prize balls, and the increase in the appreciation opportunity of a special production.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the discharge port 424B of the guide passage 424 is formed at the upper left of the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device 433. However, the upper prize winning device 434 or the lower prize winning device is not necessarily used. The structure may not be formed in the vicinity of 433. For example, it is possible to form a guide passage that discharges to the upper left of the starting device 436 related to the normal design, and to facilitate the entry of two game balls into the upper large winning device 434 and the lower large winning device 433 substantially simultaneously. . Further, the game ball flowing down through the middle downstream region 409 is released so as to be able to interfere (collision) with the game ball flowing down through the right downstream region 408, and the game ball flowing down through the right downstream region 408 is caused by the interference. It is good also as a structure which can accelerate | stimulate entering into the starter 436. FIG.

  When the flow path of the game ball is configured to be small in the right flow down area 408, or when the repulsion mode when contacting the obstacle member is set to be constant, the game ball continuously fired Although the flow-down time to flow down to reach the top prize winning device 434 and the like is constant so as to maintain a constant interval, the interference between the game balls is reduced, so the start-up port of the start-up device 436 is reduced in the flow of a single game ball. If the game ball is set so that little or no game balls enter the winning opening, the player may be unable to deal with and may be dissatisfied with the gaming machine. On the other hand, as described above, when the game ball that has flowed down through the middle downstream area 409 is discharged upstream from the start port and the winning port of the starter 436, the interference of the game ball is controlled by the player. Can be generated. Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with a privilege such as increasing the number of unit games or increasing the number of prize balls by changing the probability of entering the start opening or winning opening.

  (9) You may implement this invention in the pachinko machine etc. of a type different from the said embodiment. For example, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine in which a big hit expectation value is increased until a big hit state is generated several times (for example, two times or three times) including that. Moreover, after a jackpot symbol is displayed, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special gaming state on the condition that a ball wins a predetermined area. Moreover, you may implement in the enclosed pachinko machine with which a ball | bowl circulates. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, the present invention may be implemented as various game machines such as an arrangement ball type pachinko machine and a sparrow ball. Further, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko machine and may be applied to a slot machine, or may be applied to a game machine such as a parrot of a type in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated.

<Invention extracted from the above embodiment>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in each of the above embodiments is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses. In addition, the meanings and examples of terms described in each feature may be applied as the meanings and examples of terms described in other features described in the same wording.

  In a conventional gaming machine, there is known a gaming machine equipped with a variable winning device that enters an entry-permitted state when a predetermined condition is satisfied and returns to an entry prohibited state when the entry of a predetermined number of game balls is detected. Yes. In such a gaming machine, when the variable winning device is in an entry-permitted state, a configuration in which the launching handle is rotated to the maximum and a game ball is launched with the maximum strength can be entered into the variable winning device with a high probability. Has become the mainstream.

  In a mainstream gaming machine, when the variable winning device is in an entry-permitted state, the game ball is launched at a predetermined constant strength (maximum strength), that is, with the launch handle rotated to the maximum. Since the game progresses in a fixed manner, the progress of the game tends to be monotonous, and there is room for improvement in terms of game play when a game ball is entered into the variable winning device.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, for example, for the purpose of providing a gaming machine capable of improving the gaming property when a game ball is entered into a variable prize opening (advance to a variable prize winning device). Yes.

<Feature 10>
A launching means for launching game media with variable strength, a variable winning opening that allows entry of game media based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and prohibits entry based on entry of a predetermined number of game media; A first flow-down area in which a game medium launched from the launching means in a predetermined first intensity range flows down, and a predetermined second that is stronger than the strength in the first intensity range from the launching means and includes a maximum intensity. A gaming machine including a second flow down area in which a game medium launched in a strength range can flow down to the variable prize opening;
A game medium launched from the launching means in a strength range between the first strength range and the second strength range can flow down to the variable winning opening through a path different from the second flow-down region. Including three downflow areas,
In the state where the variable winning opening is allowed to enter, at least one game medium is caused to flow down through the second flow-down area by switching the strength of the game medium emitted from the launching means, and at least one game through the third flow-down area. A gaming machine comprising bonus granting means capable of granting bonuses regarding entry of gaming media into the variable prize opening by flowing down the media.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 10, in order to obtain a privilege related to the entry of the game medium into the variable prize opening, the player launches the game medium in the middle of the period in which the variable prize opening is in the entry-permitted state. Must be adjusted. Thereby, the monotonousness of the game progress in the game when the game medium is entered into the variable prize opening can be improved as compared with the case where the privilege is not given even if the launch of the game medium is not adjusted. In addition, since there is a possibility that a privilege will be granted if the launch of the game medium is adjusted, it is possible to increase a sense of expectation for granting a privilege in a game when the game medium is entered into the variable prize opening. . Therefore, the game playability when the game medium is made to enter the variable prize opening is improved.

<Feature 11>
The privilege granting means acts on the game medium flowing down the third flow down area, and the variable prize opening through the flow down time of the game medium entering the variable prize opening through the second flow down area and the third flow down area. A game medium flowing down through the second flow-down area and a game medium flowing down through the third flow-down area by causing a predetermined time lag between the flow-down time of the game medium entering the game medium by the launching means The gaming machine according to claim 10, which promotes reaching the variable winning award at an interval shorter than the shortest firing interval.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 11, by switching the strength of the game medium launched from the launching means, all through only the shortest shooting interval of the game medium, that is, one of the second and third downstream areas. The possibility of reaching the variable prize opening at a shorter interval becomes higher than the interval of the game media entering the variable prize opening when the game medium is caused to flow down. As a result, more than a predetermined number of game balls are likely to enter, and more game media can be paid out than planned, just before the entry of game balls into the variable prize opening is prohibited.

<Feature 12>
The privilege granting unit suppresses the flow of the game medium, and the subsequent game medium that has flowed down following the previous game medium in which the flow is suppressed approaches a predetermined range with respect to the preceding game medium. 11. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein in the case of the game machine, the flow restriction on the preceding game medium is released, and the preceding game medium and the subsequent game medium are caused to flow in a state in which they are close to each other within the predetermined range.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 12, the interval between the preceding game medium and the subsequent game medium is reduced in the flow-down process toward the variable winning opening by switching the strength of the game medium emitted from the launching unit. These game media are close to each other and can easily reach the variable prize opening. As a result, more than a predetermined number of game balls are likely to enter, and more game media can be paid out than planned, just before the entry of game balls into the variable prize opening is prohibited.

  Even if the preceding game medium and the subsequent game medium flow down through the third flow-down area, one of the preceding game medium and the subsequent game medium flows down through the second flow-down area, and the other flows through the second flow-down area. It may be the case of flowing down through the three falling areas.

<Feature 13>
The gaming machine according to any one of features 10 to 12, further comprising an informing means for informing information relating to a change in strength of a gaming medium for enjoying the privilege in the special gaming state.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 13, it is possible to surely provide all the players with an opportunity for giving a privilege, and to ensure fairness among the players.

  Note that at least one feature described in features 10 to A13 may be applied in combination with any one or more features. The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which the above-described features can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko gaming machine: launch operation means operated by a player, game ball launch means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the launch operation means, and a passage section for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area And a gaming machine that provides each player with a bonus when a game ball passes through a predetermined passing portion of the gaming parts.

  A spinning machine such as a slot machine: the rotation of the circulating body is started based on the operation of the start operation means, the rotation of the circulating body is stopped based on the operation of the stop operation means, and the player is made according to the pattern after the stop. A gaming machine that grants bonuses.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for a gaming machine such as a ball game machine.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Pachinko machine, 250 ... Launching operation device, 330 ... Launching device, 400 ... Game board, 402 ... Outer rail, 403 ... Inner rail, 404 ... Return ball prevention mechanism, 405 ... Anti-recoil prevention member, 407 ... Left-flow area , 408 ... Right down area, 409 ... Downstream area, 420 ... Central structure, 421 ... Left wall part, 422 ... Right wall part, 423 ... Medium wall part, 424 ... Guide passage, 424A ... Advance entrance, 424B ... Release Exit, 425 ... Route switching mechanism, 425A ... Delay guide passage plate, 433 ... Lower large prize device, 434 ... Upper big prize device, 443 ... Lower big prize switch, 444 ... Upper big prize switch.

Claims (2)

A launching means for launching game media with variable strength, a variable winning opening that allows entry of game media based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and prohibits entry based on entry of a predetermined number of game media; A first flow-down area in which a game medium launched from the launching means in a predetermined first intensity range flows down, and a predetermined second that is stronger than the strength in the first intensity range from the launching means and includes a maximum intensity. A gaming machine including a second flow down area in which a game medium launched in a strength range can flow down to the variable prize opening;
A game medium launched from the launching means in a strength range between the first strength range and the second strength range can flow down to the variable winning opening through a path different from the second flow-down region. Including three downflow areas,
In the state where the variable winning opening is allowed to enter, at least one game medium is caused to flow down through the second flow-down area by switching the strength of the game medium emitted from the launching means, and at least one game through the third flow-down area. by flowing down the media, only including the privilege granting means that can be granted the privilege with respect to entry of the game medium to the variable winning opening,
The privilege granting unit suppresses the flow of the game medium, and the subsequent game medium that has flowed down following the previous game medium in which the flow is suppressed falls within a predetermined range with respect to the preceding game medium. A game machine characterized in that, when approached, the flow restriction on the preceding game medium is released, and the preceding game medium and the subsequent game medium are caused to flow in a state of being close to each other within the predetermined range . The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine.