JP6672662B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Some gaming machines, such as pachinko gaming machines, include a gaming board in which a gaming area in which gaming balls flow is formed. When a game ball is fired toward the game area based on the operation of the player and the fired game ball enters the ball entry section provided in the game area, a bonus such as payout of the game ball is provided based on the game ball. Is given to

  As described above, in the gaming machine in which the award of the privilege depends on the movement of the game ball, by disposing game parts such as nails and windmills in the game area, the flow path of the game ball is dispersed, (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-071059 A

  However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration for appropriately realizing the diversification of the movement of the game ball.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably diversifying the movement of a game ball.

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

The present invention
A ball entry section into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter,
A distributing device having a distributing means, for distributing the game balls entered into the entering ball portion by the operation of the distributing means to a first predetermined part and a second predetermined part different from the first predetermined part;
A game machine comprising: a guide means for guiding a game ball entering the ball entry section to the distribution device,
The apparatus has a first distribution unit and a second distribution unit as the distribution unit,
The guide means includes a first guide unit that guides the game ball that has entered the entering ball unit to the first sorting unit, and a first guide unit that guides the game ball that has entered the entering ball unit to the second sorting unit. And two guides,
The game ball that has entered the ball entry portion is configured to flow more easily into the first guide portion than the second guide portion,
During the period required for the game balls flowing into the first guide portion to be distributed to the first predetermined portion and the second predetermined portion by the first distribution means, the game balls flowing to the second guide portion are It is configured to be shorter than a required time until it is distributed to the first predetermined portion and the second predetermined portion by the second distribution means,
Said first distributing means and second distributing means has a configuration which operates periodically, operation period of the first sorting hand stage is shorter than the operation period of the second sorting hand stage It is characterized by having such a configuration.

  The movement of the game ball can be appropriately diversified.

It is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine in a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structure of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structure of a pachinko machine. It is a front view showing the composition of a game board. FIG. 2A is a front view showing a variable unit constituting the lower variable ball-entering device, and FIG. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the variable unit as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the variable unit as viewed from the back side. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the variable unit in an exploded manner for each main configuration. It is a longitudinal section showing an internal structure of a variable unit. It is the schematic which shows the difference of each distribution member. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration related to an operation of a distribution member, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between the distribution member and a rotation cycle. It is an operation explanatory view showing the movement of the variable unit. It is an operation explanatory view showing the movement of the variable unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the content of various counters used for a success / failure lottery. It is the schematic which shows the table for success / failure lottery. It is the schematic which shows the table for distribution lottery. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process executed by the MPU of the main control device. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a normal process executed by the MPU of the main control device. It is a flow chart which shows a game times control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a change start process. It is a flowchart which shows a game state transition process. It is a flowchart showing a special winning opening opening and closing process. It is a flowchart which shows a process for a continuous lottery. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of the game in opening and closing execution mode. It is a schematic diagram showing movement of a game ball at the time of a continuous lottery being performed. It is a schematic diagram showing movement of a game ball at the time of a continuous lottery being performed. (A) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the inflow rate into the standby passage and the number of receiving portions of the distribution member in the second embodiment, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a stop portion in the third embodiment. is there. It is the schematic which shows the stop part in 4th Embodiment.

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

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

  The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting plate members to four sides, and has a rectangular frame shape. By attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. In the pachinko machine 10, the outer frame 11 is not an indispensable configuration, but may be a configuration in which the outer frame 11 is provided on an island facility in a game arcade.

  The gaming machine main part 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in a state capable of opening and closing. More specifically, an upper support bracket 17 is fixed to a connection portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and a lower portion is further connected to a connection portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. A side support bracket 18 is provided. The upper support bracket 17 and the lower support bracket 18 constitute a support mechanism. The main mechanism 12 rotates the left side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the outer frame 11 from the front of the pachinko machine 10 by the support mechanism. The right side of the pachinko machine 10 is rotatable with the right end as the rotation tip side (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine main unit 12 includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack arranged behind the inner frame 13. And a unit 15. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main unit 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. More specifically, the inner frame 13 is rotatable forward with the left side being a rotation base end side and the right side being a rotation end side in a front view.

  A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13. The front door frame 14 is rotatable forward with the left side being a rotation base end side and the right side being a rotation tip side in a front view. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable rearward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side in front view ( (See FIG. 3).

(Front door frame 14)
Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 mainly includes a synthetic resin frame 20 whose outer shape is almost the same as the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. I have. A substantially elliptical window 21 is formed at the center of the frame 20 so that substantially the entire area of a game area PE described later can be visually recognized from the front. The window 21 is formed by a glass unit 22. The front door frame 14 is closed from the rear side.

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

  It is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and security, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels, and to face each of the glass panels back and forth with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to adopt a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of the glass panel.

  As shown in FIG. 1, light-emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window 21). For example, along the periphery of the window 21, there is provided an annular illuminated portion 26 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED. In the annular illumination part 26, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the game state at the time of a big hit, a predetermined reach, or the like. An error display lamp 27 is provided at the center of the ring-shaped illumination unit 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and lights up when a predetermined error occurs. A ball lamp section 28 is provided. In addition, a speaker unit 29 that outputs a sound effect or the like according to a game state is provided at a position close to the right and left prize ball lamp units 28.

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

  A game ball firing handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to protrude toward the near side. By operating the game ball firing handle 41, a game ball is fired from a game ball firing mechanism described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the rear surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is formed of a synthetic resin, and has a front door-side upper plate passage leading to the upper plate 33 and a front door-side lower plate passage leading to the lower plate 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion that projects rearward and is opened upward is formed at an upper corner portion thereof, and the receiving portion is divided into right and left by a partition wall, so that an entrance of the front plate side upper plate passage is formed. A portion and an inlet portion of the lower door passage on the front door side are defined. The game balls entering the front door side upper plate passage are guided to the upper plate 33, and the game balls entering the front door side lower plate passage are guided to the lower plate.

  On the rotation base end side on the back surface of the front door frame 14, a projection shaft is provided at an upper end and a lower end thereof. These projection shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of hooks 49 extending rearward are vertically arranged on the rear end of the front door frame 14. These hooks 49 constitute a locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

(Inner frame 13)
Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 50 whose outer shape is substantially rectangular like the outer frame 11. The height of the resin base 50 is set slightly smaller than the height of the outer frame 11. The resin base 50 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 50. A curtain plate is mounted on the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The curtain plate is disposed below the resin base 50 (specifically, the lower end portion), and the resin base 50 rests on the curtain plate when the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11. .

  Supporting brackets 51 and 52 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the rotation base end side on the front surface of the resin base 50. Shaft holes are formed in the support fittings 51 and 52, and the front door frame 14 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13 by inserting the projection shaft of the front door frame 14 into the shaft holes. ing.

  Insertion holes for inserting hooks 49 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 are provided on the rotation front end side of the front surface of the resin base 50, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 10 has a configuration in which a locking device 55 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden behind the inner frame 13. Therefore, the front door frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened by locking the hook metal 49 to the locking device 55 (specifically, the front door hook receiving member) through the insertion hole. Further, the locking device 55 has an inner frame hook member 57 extending rearward of the inner frame 13. When the hook members 57 for the inner frame are hooked on the hook receiving members 19 of the outer frame 11, the gaming machine main unit 12 is locked in a state where the outer frame 11 is closed.

  At the lower right corner of the resin base 50, a cylinder lock 58 for unlocking the locking device 55 is installed. The cylinder lock 58 is integrated with the locking device 55. When the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 58 is turned clockwise, the lock of the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13 is released, and the cylinder lock 58 is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 58. The locking device 55 is configured so that when the key is turned to the left, the locking of the inner frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is released.

  A substantially elliptical window hole 54 is formed at the center of the resin base 50, and the game panel 60 mounted on the resin base 50 closes the window hole 54 from behind. The game board 60 has a wooden plywood and a sheet material covering a front plate surface of the plywood, and the front surface thereof is exposed to the front side of the resin base 50 through the window hole 54. On the exposed portion, that is, on the front surface of the game board 60, a game area PE in which game balls flow down is formed. In addition, the game board 60 is not limited to wooden, but may be made of synthetic resin.

  Hereinafter, the game board 60 (particularly, various components arranged in the game area PE) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board 60.

(Game board 60)
A plurality of large and small openings are formed in the game board 60 so as to penetrate in its own thickness direction (front-back direction). In each opening, a general winning opening 61, working entrance portions 62 and 63, variable entrance devices 64 and 65, a through gate 66, a variable display unit 67, and the like are provided, respectively. When a ball enters a ball entry portion such as the general winning opening 61, the actuation ball entry portions 62, 63, and the variable ball entry devices 64, 65, it is detected by a detection sensor, and a predetermined number of balls are detected based on the detection result. Benefits such as payout of prize balls are provided to the player.

  An out port 68 is provided at the bottom of the game board 60, and game balls that have not entered the various ball entry sections are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 68. Here, the entering ball means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening portion, and not only the mode in which the game ball is discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening portion, but also passes through the opening portion. A mode that is not discharged from the game area PE later is also included. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball from entering the out port 68, the general winning port 61, the activated ball section 62, 63, the variable ball apparatus 64, 65, the through gate 66. Is also referred to as winning.

  In addition, a large number of game nails 69 are planted on the game board 60 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game ball, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill are provided. . The flow path (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a flow path) of the game ball is differentiated by various configurations of the game nail 69, the windmill, and the like, and adjustment is performed so that the above-described prize to the general prize port 61 or the like is generated with an appropriate probability. Have been.

  The variable display unit 67 is disposed at the center of the game board 60, and the operation input ball portions 62, 63 and the like are disposed around the variable display unit 67. The operation input ball portions 62 and 63 are vertically arranged below the variable display unit 67. Hereinafter, for convenience, the actuation ball section disposed immediately below the variable display unit 67 is referred to as an “upper actuation ball section 62”, and the actuation ball section disposed below the upper actuation ball section 62 is referred to as “lower actuation ball section”. This is referred to as a “ball entry section 63”.

  The lower actuation ball entry section (lottery opportunity entry ball section) 63 is particularly provided with an electric accessory 71 as an opening / closing type ball entry assisting device (ball entry assisting means) or an opening / closing member (opening / closing means). The electric accessory 71 has a movable piece and a solenoid-type driving section for driving the movable piece. By operating the movable piece, an entrance (lower working port 63a) of the lower working ball section 63 is formed. ) Can be switched between an open state (supported state or auxiliary state) in which the ball can enter, and a closed state (non-supported state or non-assisted state) in which the ball is more difficult than the open state.

  The through gate 66 is arranged at a position on the side of the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE. When the lottery is triggered by the lottery triggered by the passing of the game ball through the through gate 66, the electric accessory 71 is opened for a preset time.

  As the support mode of the electric accessory 71 of the lower operation input ball portion 63, the lower operation port 63a is a unit when compared in a situation where the launch of the game ball is continued in the same manner with respect to the game area PE. The low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or low-frequency guide state) and the high-frequency support mode (high-frequency support state or high-frequency guide state), so that the frequency of the open state per hour becomes relatively high or low. Is set. During the high frequency support mode, the game can be advanced while suppressing investment (reducing the decrease in the number of balls held).

  The above-described variable ball-in device 64 is disposed at a position opposite to the operation ball-in portions 62 and 63 (above the variable display unit 67) with the variable display unit 67 interposed therebetween, and is below the variable display unit 67. The variable ball-in device 65 is disposed at a position (beside the operation ball-in portions 62 and 63). In the following description, the upper variable ball-entering device 64 is referred to as “upper variable ball-entering device 64”, and the lower variable ball-entering device 65 is referred to as “lower variable ball-entering device 65”. In FIG. 4, the lower variable ball input device 65 is shown in a simplified manner using dot hatching.

  The upper variable ball entry device (special ball entry device or special ball entry device) 64 is formed with an upper special winning opening 64a, and is provided with an opening / closing mechanism as opening / closing means for opening and closing the upper special winning opening 64a. The opening and closing mechanism has an opening and closing body 64b as an opening and closing member for the upper special winning opening 64a. The opening / closing body 64b can be switched between an open state (assisting state or receiving state) in which game balls are allowed to enter and a closed state (non-assisting state or non-accepting state) in which entering the ball is more difficult than in the open state. It has become. Further, the opening / closing body 64b is connected to a variable ball driving unit (more specifically, a solenoid), so that the opening / closing body 64b is normally kept in a closed state in normal times, and is switched to an opening / closing execution mode (opening / closing execution state) in internal lottery. When the transition is won, it can be switched to the open state.

  The lower variable ball-entering device (special ball-entering device or special ball-entering device) 65 is provided with a lower special winning opening 65a, and an opening / closing mechanism is provided as opening / closing means for opening and closing the lower special winning opening 65a. Have been. The opening / closing mechanism has an opening / closing body 65b as an opening / closing member for the lower special winning opening 65a. The opening / closing body 65b can be switched between an open state (assisting state or receiving state) in which game balls are allowed to enter and a closed state (non-assisting state or non-accepting state) in which entering the ball is more difficult than in the open state. It has become. Further, the opening / closing body 65b is connected to a variable ball driving unit (more specifically, a solenoid), and normally the opening / closing body 65b is maintained in a closed state, and the internal lottery is switched to an opening / closing execution mode (opening / closing execution state). When the transition is won, it can be switched to the open state.

  Here, the open / close execution mode is a mode to which a shift is made when a big hit is won. As an opening mode of the variable ball-entering devices 64 and 65 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, a predetermined period (30 seconds in the present embodiment) or a predetermined number (10 in the present embodiment) of winning is one round. It is set so that the opening of the shutter is repeated up to a plurality of rounds (16 rounds or 8 rounds in the present embodiment).

  In the present embodiment, the flow path of the game ball flowing down the gaming area PE is divided into a right route (see a dashed line) that bypasses the variable display unit 67 from the right side and a left route (see a two-dot chain line) that bypasses the left side. They are roughly divided. Here, a supplementary description will be given of the arrangement of each of the actuation ball entry units 62 and 63 and the variable ball entry devices 64 and 65. When the game ball is fired toward the left route, the game ball that has passed the side of the variable display unit 67 enters the area below the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE, that is, both operation input balls It is guided to the parts 62 and 63. On the other hand, when a game ball is fired toward the right route, the game ball reaches the variable ball-in devices 64 and 65. At this time, when the game ball that has passed through the variable ball input devices 64 and 65 flows down to the lower operation ball portion 63 and does not enter the lower operation port 63a of the lower operation ball portion 63, , Is discharged out of the game area PE through the out port 68.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the upper operation ball input unit 62 is located at a position where the game ball fired toward the right route is unreachable, and the variable ball input devices 64 and 65 are set to the left route. The game ball fired toward is located at a position where it cannot be reached. Therefore, it is necessary to fire the game ball so as to pass through the left route when aiming for a prize to the upper operation entering ball portion 62, and to use the right route when aiming for a prize to the variable ball entry devices 64 and 65. It is necessary to fire a game ball so that it passes.

  Next, the variable display unit 67 will be described. The variable display unit 67 is provided with a symbol display device 75 for variably displaying (variable display) symbols in response to a prize to the activated ball input portions 62 and 63 as a trigger.

  The symbol display device 75 is configured as a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display, and the display content on the display screen 75a is controlled by a display control device described later. On the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, for example, symbols are displayed side by side in the upper, middle, and lower positions, and these symbols are scrolled in the left-right direction and displayed in a fluctuating manner. Then, when the jackpot is won, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the preset pay line, and the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode (special game state or jackpot). The symbol display device 75 is not necessarily a liquid crystal display device, but may be a dot matrix or 7-segment type display device.

  In addition, a center frame 76 is arranged on the variable display unit 67 so as to surround the symbol display device 75. The center frame 76 is fixed to the game board 60 from the front side thereof. In such a fixed state, the center frame 76 stands up from the front face of the game board 60, so that the center frame 76 and the glass unit 22 are fixed. Is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Thereby, it is avoided that the game ball flowing down the game area PE collides with the symbol display device 75, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is set to the variable display unit 67 (specifically, the center frame 76) on the right side. The route is roughly divided into the right route detouring from the left and the left route detouring from the left.

  A stage on which the game ball can roll left and right is formed on the upper surface of the frame constituting the lower part of the center frame 76. The game balls flowing from the inflow port formed in the left frame portion of the center frame 76 are discharged onto the stage portion through the warp passage formed in the center frame 76 as well. The stage section is configured such that the game ball that has reached the stage section relatively easily flows into the upper working port 62a, and the player's attention to the movement of the game ball on the stage section is improved. Has contributed to.

  A first holding lamp 77 and a second holding lamp 78 are provided on the front surface of the frame constituting the lower part of the center frame 76. The first holding lamp portion 77 on the left side corresponds to the upper operation input ball portion 62, and the number of times the game ball has passed the upper operation port 62a is held up to four times, and the first holding lamp portion 77 is turned on to hold the game ball. The number is displayed. The second holding lamp portion 78 on the right side corresponds to the lower operation ball input portion 63, and the number of times that the game ball has passed the lower operation port 63a is held up to four times, and the second holding lamp portion 78 is turned on. The number of the hold is displayed.

  When aiming at the above-mentioned upper working ball section 62, it is necessary to pass through the left route, and a game ball flowing down the right route is prevented from winning in the upper working ball section 62. In addition, as will be described in detail later, sorting lottery and the like in the special game state are preferentially provided in the lower working ball section 63 than in the upper working ball section 62. When the electric accessory 71 of the lower operation entry ball portion 63 is in the high-frequency support mode or in the open / close execution mode, the game is advantageously advanced by firing the game ball to the right route. In the low frequency support mode, the game can be advantageously advanced by firing the game ball to the left route. That is, the player can advantageously proceed with the game by selecting the flow path of the game ball from the right route / left route according to the game situation.

  The operation ball entry portions 62 and 63 are arranged at positions closer to the variable display unit 67. Since a jackpot can be triggered by a prize to the activated ball portions 62 and 63, the player pays attention to whether or not to win the activated ball portions 62 and 63 and determines whether or not a jackpot is generated. It is considered that attention is paid to the symbol display device 75 for grasping. The provision of the actuation entering ball portions 62 and 63 near the variable display unit 67 is a device for concentrating a portion that the player wants to pay attention to around the variable display unit 67.

  A main display unit 81 is provided on a portion of the game board 60 outside the game area PE. The main display unit 81 is arranged along the outer edge on the lower side of the game area PE, and protrudes forward from the pachinko machine 10 from the front surface of the game board 60. The front surface of the main display unit 81 is opposed to the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23) that allows the game area PE to be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and is further connected to the rear glass panel 23. The distance between them is smaller than one game ball. This prevents the game ball from falling in front of the front of the main display unit 81. The main display unit 81 is electrically connected to a main control device described later, and the display content of the main display unit is controlled by the main control device.

  In a portion of the main display unit 81 facing the glass unit 22, a main display portion D on which a predetermined picture or the like is displayed is provided. The main display unit D includes a lower operation ball entry display unit that displays a lottery result based on winning in the upper operation ball unit 62 (upper operation port 62a), and a lower operation ball unit 63 (lower operation ball). And a lower-operation-input-ball display unit for displaying a result of a lottery performed based on a winning in the mouth 63a).

  In the display unit for the upper working ball unit, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the upper working ball unit 62 as a trigger, and based on the winning of the upper working ball unit 62 as a stop result of the variable display. The result of the performed internal lottery is specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the upper activated ball input section 62 is a winning result (big hit result) corresponding to the shift to the open / close execution mode, the display is changed on the upper activated ball input section display section. Is stopped, and after a predetermined pattern is displayed as a stop result, the mode is shifted to the open / close execution mode.

  In the display for the lower working ball entry portion, the display of the change of the picture is performed with the winning of the lower working ball entry portion 63 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the change display, the winning of the lower working ball entry portion 63 is achieved. The result of the internal lottery performed on the basis of is specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the lower working ball entry section 63 is a winning result (big hit result) corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the display for the lower working ball section is displayed. After the variable display is stopped and a predetermined pattern is displayed as a stop result, the mode is switched to the open / close execution mode according to the result.

  Here, based on the winning in one of the active ball sections 62 and 63, the variable display is started on the corresponding active ball section display section, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the variable display is stopped. Until that time is equivalent to one game time. However, one game time is not limited to the above-mentioned contents. For example, a single display area is provided, and no matter which of the operation entering ball portions 62 and 63 wins, the single display area is provided. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in one display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and a predetermined stop result is displayed until the variable display is stopped. One time.

  The main display unit D of the main display unit 81 is provided with a through gate display unit for displaying a lottery result based on a winning in the through gate 66. In the through-gate display unit, the pattern change display is performed with the winning of the through gate 66 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variable display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning in the through gate 66 is clearly indicated. Is done. If the result of the internal lottery (support lottery) based on the winning in the through gate 66 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the electric open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display unit. Then, after the fluctuation display is stopped, the state shifts to the electric open state. In the electric-combination open state, the electric combination 71 provided on the lower operation entry ball portion 63 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of game balls passing through the through gate 66 is retained up to a maximum of four times, but the retained number is displayed on the main display portion D of the main display unit 81. A display unit for displaying the number of reservations is provided.

  These display units are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and the visibility is improved by preventing the game balls from moving in front of the various display units. Secured.

  The configuration of the inner frame 13 will be described again with reference to FIG. 2. In the resin base 50, below the mounting area of the game board 60, the game ball is moved toward the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball firing handle 41. Is provided. The game ball launching mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball disposed at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines a launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying a ball and a base plate 114 on which the various components 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components. The base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 50 so that the resin base 50 Integrated.

  The firing rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to be inclined upward toward the gaming board 60 side. At a position near the downstream end (that is, the lower end) of the firing rail 112, a ball stopper for keeping the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 at the above-described firing standby position is provided. The solenoid 111 is disposed at a position further downstream than the ball stopper.

  The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply / emission control device described later. When the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion and contraction direction based on the output of the electric signal from the power supply / launch control device, the game ball placed at the firing standby position is placed on the game board 60 side, It is struck toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 60.

  The guide rail 100 defines the game area PE so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. In addition, the guide rail 100 includes an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 which are arranged to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a single guide path 103 is defined by the two rails 101 and 102. Is formed. The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion opened on the tip side (obliquely downward) of the firing rail 112 and an exit portion located above the game area PE. The game ball fired based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the firing rail 112 → the guide rail 100 (entrance portion → exit portion). By adjusting the operation amount of the game ball firing handle 41, it is possible to separate the game balls into an area on the left side of the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE and an area on the right side of the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE. It is possible.

  In addition, on the front side of the exit portion of the game board 60, more specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101, a reverse return preventing member 106 for preventing a game ball reaching the game area PE from returning to the guide path 103 is attached. This prevents the game ball that has reached the game area PE from hindering the launch of the subsequent game ball.

  The guide rail 100 (see FIG. 4) and the launch rail 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip end of the launch rail 112 face diagonally across the lower edge of the game board 60. In other words, the two rails 100 and 112 are arranged such that the entrance of the guide rail 100 and the tip of the firing rail 112 are shifted to the left and right near the lower edge of the game board 60. As a result, a predetermined gap is formed between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the firing rail 112 while bringing the two rails 100 and 112 closer to the lower edge of the game board 60.

  A foul ball passage 46 is provided below the gap formed in this manner. The foul ball passage 46 is formed integrally with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If the game balls fired from the game ball firing mechanism 110 do not reach the game area PE and return in the guide passage 103 as foul balls, the foul balls enter the foul ball passage 46 through the gap. Becomes The foul ball passage 46 communicates with the front door side lower plate passage, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball passage 46 are discharged to the lower plate 34 shown in FIG. As a result, interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be fired next is suppressed.

  A through-hole is formed in the resin base 50 on the left side of the firing rail 112 (specifically, on the side that supports the front door frame 14), and the through-hole penetrates the resin base 50 in the front-rear direction. 121 are provided. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 50, and has a main body side upper plate passage and a main body side lower plate passage. The upstream sides of the main body-side upper dish passage and the main body-side lower dish passage communicate with a game ball distribution unit described later. Further, a receiving portion of a passage forming unit 45 attached to the front door frame 14 enters below the passage forming member 121, and a front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side upper plate passage. A front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side lower plate passage.

  Below the passage forming member 121 in the resin base 50, an opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper plate passage and the main body side lower plate passage is attached. The opening / closing member 124 is supported rotatably in the front-rear direction by a support shaft provided at the lower end thereof, and further includes an urging member that urges the main body-side upper plate passage and the main body-side lower plate passage to a forward position to close the passage. Is provided. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the inner frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises up as shown in the figure, and closes the main body side upper plate passage and the main body side lower plate passage. Thereby, when the front door frame 14 is opened in a state where game balls are stored in the main body upper dish passage or the main body lower dish passage, the inconvenience such that the stored balls fall down can be prevented. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open by a receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14 against the urging force. In this state, the main body side upper plate passage and the front door side upper plate passage communicate with each other, and further, the main body side lower plate passage and the front door side lower plate passage communicate with each other.

  Next, the rear configuration of the inner frame 13 (the resin base 50 and the game board 60) will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the back side of the resin base 50, bearing brackets 132 are vertically arranged on the rotation base end side. Bearing parts are formed on the bearing bracket 132 so as to be vertically separated from each other, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing parts.

  A plurality of latches 135 are provided on the back surface of the resin base 50, and the game board 60 is attached to the resin base 50 by the latches 135 as described above. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 60 will be described.

  A display control device is attached to the variable display unit 67 disposed at the center of the game board 60 so as to cover the variable display unit 67 from behind (not shown). In addition, a notification / effect control device unit 142 is mounted behind the display control device so as to overlap the display control device. The notification / production control unit 142 includes a notification / production control device 143 and a mounting stand 144, and the notification / production control device 143 is mounted on the mounting base 144.

  The notification / production control device 143 includes a notification / production control substrate that controls sound and lamp display and control of the display control device in accordance with an instruction from a main control device described later, and the notification / production control substrate is made of a transparent resin material. It is housed in a substrate box 145 made of the same.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a collecting plate 150 is provided below the variable display unit 67 on the back surface of the game board 60. The collecting plate 150 is provided with a game ball collection mechanism that collects game balls that have won various winning ports, a detection mechanism that detects the entry of game balls into various winning ports, and the like.

  Describing the gaming ball collection mechanism, the collection plate 150 is provided with a collection passage corresponding to each of various ball entry portions such as the general winning opening 61 and the like. These collection passages extend down from the entry portion along the back surface of the game board 60, and define a fall path of the game ball. Each collection passage merges near the lower end of the game board 60, and any game balls that have passed through the ball entry portion such as the general winning opening 61 collect at the lower portion of the game board 60 via the collection passage. Becomes The outlet portion of each collection passage is opened downward, and a discharge passage described below is provided on the front side (specifically, below the game board 60). The game balls gathered below the game board 60 by the collection passage are led out to the discharge passage. Note that the out port 68 also communicates with the discharge passage, and game balls that have not won any of the winning ports are led out to the discharge passage via the out port 68.

  Describing the detection mechanism, the collecting plate 150 is provided with detection sensors individually corresponding to various ball entry portions such as the general winning opening 61 and the like. These various detection sensors are arranged in the middle of each collecting passage connected to the ball entry portion such as the above-mentioned general winning opening 61 and the like, and the falling path of the game ball is defined in the collecting passage. Detect passage. More specifically, each detection sensor detects a ball entering a ball entrance such as a general winning opening 61 by passing a game ball through a detection area provided at a position halfway through each collection passage. Specifically, a magnetic sensor is used to detect a change in a magnetic field generated when a game ball passes through the detection area.

  These various detection sensors are electrically connected to a main control device unit 160 (specifically, a main control device) provided on the back side of the game board 60, and detection signals from these detection sensors are transmitted to the main control device. Output. Hereinafter, the main control unit 160 and its accompanying configuration will be described.

  The main control unit 160 is mounted on the game board 60 so as to cover the collecting board 150 from the rear side. The main control unit 160 is made of a synthetic resin mounting base 161 and a main control unit 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. It is configured. The main control device 162 includes a main control board having a function of controlling the main control of the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is housed in a substrate box 163 made of the same.

  The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are non-openably connected by a sealing portion as sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of sealing portions are provided on the long side of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform a sealing process.

  Any configuration can be applied to the sealing portion as long as the box base and the box cover are joined so that the box base cannot be opened.However, the box base and the box cover can be connected to each other by inserting a locking claw into the long hole that forms the sealing portion. It is designed to be unopened. The sealing process by the sealing section prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and even if an unauthorized opening is performed, such a situation can be detected quickly and easily. It is possible to perform the sealing process again even afterwards. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into at least one of the plurality of sealing portions. When the board box 163 is opened, for example, when a failure occurs in the accommodated main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the connecting part between the sealing part in which the locking claw is inserted and another sealing part is connected. Disconnect. Thereby, the box base and the box cover of the board box 163 are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claws are inserted into the long holes of the other sealing portions. If a history indicating that the board box 163 has been opened is left in the board box 163, it can be easily found by looking at the board box 163 that unauthorized opening has been performed.

  A plurality of connecting pieces are provided on one short side of the substrate box 163 so as to protrude to the side. These connecting pieces correspond one-to-one with a plurality of connected pieces formed on the mounting base 161, and a sealing process is performed between the substrate box 163 and the mounting base 161 by the connecting pieces and the connected pieces. Will be

(Back pack unit 15)
Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inner frame 13 is covered by the back pack unit 15 from behind. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201.

  The back pack 201 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 3, a base 211 to which the dispensing mechanism 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover 212 projecting rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. And The protective cover 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 67.

  The external terminal board 213 is provided in the upper right part of the base part 211. Various output terminals are provided on the external terminal plate 213, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals. The base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower locking pins at the right end when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the locking pins are inserted into bearings 132 (specifically, bearings) provided on the inner frame 13. By doing so, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13. In addition, a fastener for fastening to a fastening hole provided in the inner frame 13 is provided at a rotating tip portion of the base portion 211, and the fastening tool is fitted into the fastening hole by fitting the fastener into the fastening hole. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13.

  The dispensing mechanism 202 is provided on the base 211 so as to bypass the protective cover 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 disposed at the top of the back pack 201 and opening upward, and game balls supplied from island facilities in the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 221. You. A tank rail gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected below the tank 221, and a case rail extending vertically is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail. A payout device 222 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail. The game balls paid out from the payout device 222 are supplied to a game ball distribution unit provided in the base unit 211 of the backpack 201 through a payout passage provided on the downstream side of the payout device 222.

  The game ball distributing section has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 222 to any of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, and a discharge passage described below, and the inner opening is provided on the main body side described above. The upper plate 33 is connected to the upper plate 33 via the upper plate passage and the front door side upper plate passage, and the outer opening is formed to communicate with the lower plate 34 via the main unit lower plate passage and the front door lower plate passage. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, a discharge passage board and a control device assembling unit 204 are attached to a lower end of the base 211 so as to sandwich the lower end back and forth. The discharge passage panel 203 is provided with a discharge passage that is opened rearward on a surface facing the control device aggregation unit 204, and the opening of the discharge passage is closed by the control device aggregation unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game balls to the island facilities and the like of the game hall, and the game balls led out to the discharge passage from the above-described collection passage and the like pass through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Is discharged.

  The control device assembling unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base, on which the dispensing control device 181 and the power supply / emission control device 191 are mounted. The payout control device 181 and the power supply / launch control device 191 are arranged in front and back such that the payout control device 181 is located behind the pachinko machine 10.

  In the dispensing control device 181, a dispensing control board for controlling the dispensing device 222 is accommodated in a substrate box, and a state reset switch provided on the dispensing control substrate protrudes outside the substrate box. For example, if a state return switch is pressed at the time of a payout error such as a clogged ball in the payout device 222, the clogged ball is eliminated.

  The power supply / launch control device 191 contains a power supply / launch control board in a board box. The board generates and outputs a predetermined power required by various control devices and the like, and furthermore, a game ball launch by a player. The control of launching the game ball in accordance with the operation of the handle 41 is performed. The power / emission control device 191 is provided with a RAM erase switch. The pachinko machine 10 has a function of storing and holding various data, so that even if a power failure occurs, the state at the time of the power failure is maintained, and when returning from the power failure, it can be returned to the state at the time of the power failure. Has become. Therefore, for example, when the power is turned off in a normal procedure as in the case of closing the game hall, the state before the power is turned off is stored and held. It has become.

(Lower variable ball entry device 65)
In the present embodiment, the lower variable ball-entering device 65 and the configuration related to the lower variable ball-entering device 65 that allow the ball to enter by setting the opening / closing execution mode are characteristic. The lower variable ball-entering device 65 constitutes an upstream portion of the lower variable ball-entering device 65 and includes a ball-entering unit 250 for determining whether or not a ball can enter the lower special winning opening 65a, and a lower variable ball-entering device 65. A lottery unit 300 that performs a lottery (more specifically, a round continuation lottery described later) relating to the progress of a game by using a game ball that forms a downstream portion and enters the lower big winning opening 65a is combined. Hereinafter, the configuration relating to the lower variable ball input device 65 (particularly, the lottery unit 300) will be supplementarily described with reference to FIGS. 5A is a front view showing the lower variable ball-entering device 65, FIG. 5B is a side view of the lottery unit 300, FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of the lottery unit 300, and FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the lottery unit 300, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the lottery unit 300 disassembled for each main configuration, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the lottery unit 300. In addition, for convenience of explanation, in each of the drawings other than FIG. 5B, illustration of a cover body that constitutes the front surface of the lower variable ball input device 65 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lower winning prize opening 65 a of the ball entry unit 250 is configured to have a horizontally elongated shape extending left and right in the width direction of the game board 60, and the width of the game ball flowing down the right route. Variations in the inflow location in the direction are allowed. As shown in FIG. 5A, the game ball that has flowed into the lower big winning opening 65a is guided to the lottery unit 300 via the inflow passage 251 formed in the ball entry unit 250.

  At an intermediate position of the inflow passage 251, an upstream detection sensor 255 for detecting a game ball flowing into the lower big winning opening 65a is provided. The upstream detection sensor 255 is connected to the main controller 162, and when a ball enters the lower special winning opening 65a, the upstream detection sensor 255 sends detection information indicating that fact to the main controller 162. Is output. The main controller 162 monitors the presence or absence of a ball in the lower special winning opening 65a based on the input detection information, and pays out a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) when the ball is confirmed. I do. Further, as described above, as the closing conditions of the lower variable ball-entering device 65 in the opening / closing execution mode, two conditions of the number of balls (10) and the opening period (30 sec) are set. Regarding the former of these closing conditions, it is configured to determine whether or not the former is satisfied based on the number of incoming balls confirmed based on the detection information from the upstream side detection sensor 255. By arranging the upstream side detection sensor 255 close to the lower big winning opening 65a, the responsiveness of switching to the closed state according to the establishment of the closing condition is improved, and the number of entered balls exceeds the number of entered balls (so-called over winning). The occurrence of is suppressed.

  The inflow passage 251 extends in the vertical direction, and is configured so that the width thereof is equal to the lower special winning opening 65a. That is, a lateral width that allows a plurality of game balls to pass at the same height position in the passage direction at the same time is secured. For this reason, the game ball that has entered the lower special winning opening 65a moves to the lottery unit 300 in a state where the position variation in the width direction of the lower special winning opening 65a is allowed.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the lottery unit 300 includes a housing 301 having a substantially box-like shape and a housing section having various components such as a flow path of a game ball and a driving mechanism, and a housing 301 (more specifically, a front portion 311). From the front of the gaming machine. A distribution device 302 for distributing game balls to a discharge passage portion 317 and a special ball entry portion 353 that is more advantageous to the player than the discharge passage portion 317 is provided at an intermediate position of a flow path provided in the lottery unit 300. Have been. The game ball that has reached the discharge passage portion 317 or the special ball-in portion 353 via the sorting device 302 is discharged from the lower variable ball-in device 65 and passes through the collection passage provided on the back side of the game board 60. It will be returned to the island facilities in the game hall.

  The housing 301 and the cover body 303 are formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the inside of the lower variable ball-entering device 65 (a later-described stopping portion 321 and a sorting member 352, etc.) is formed through the housing 301 and the cover body 303. It is visible. Therefore, visual confirmation of the destination of the game ball flowing into the lower variable ball input device 65 is allowed.

  Downstream detection sensors for detecting game balls are provided in the special ball entry portion 353 and the discharge passage portion 317, respectively. The main controller 162 grasps the distribution destination of the game balls based on the detection information from these downstream detection sensors. Although details will be described later, when a ball enters the special ball entry section 353, a benefit advantageous to the player is given, and the game is performed in comparison with the case where the game ball is distributed only to the discharge passage section 317. Progress is advantageous to the player.

  At the upper part of the housing 301 (specifically, the front part 311), there is provided a flow path forming part 320 that forms a guide path for the game balls passing through the inflow path 251 to the distribution device 302 together with the cover body 303. The flow path forming part 320 is formed by recessing a part of the front surface part 311 backward, and a gap between the flow path forming part 320 and the cover body 303 is a passing area DE of the game ball. Similarly to the inflow passage 251, the width of the passage area DE is equal to the width of the lower special winning opening 65a. The passage area DE is roughly divided into an upstream area and a downstream area, and each area is provided with a different function. Specifically, a stop portion 321 that can temporarily stop the game ball is provided in the downstream region, and a function of guiding the game ball to the stop portion 321 is provided in the upstream region.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the stop portion 321 includes a back wall portion 322 formed along the front surface portion 311 of the housing 301, left and right side wall portions 323 standing up from the back wall portion 322 in front of the gaming machine, and And a plurality of partitions 324 provided between the side walls 323. The side walls 323 and the partitions 324 have the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the lower special winning opening 65a (intersecting with the falling direction of the game ball). The plurality of standby passages 331 are sectioned so as to be arranged in the same direction. That is, in the stopping portion 321, the flow path of the game ball is branched into a plurality (five in the present embodiment).

  A plurality of projections 312 projecting forward from the front surface 311 are formed in the passage area DE (upstream area), and the falling direction of the game ball passing through the passage area DE changes when the ball hits the projection 312. It is configured as follows. The projections 312 are arranged in the order of the standby passage 331 located at the center of the standby passages 331 arranged in the left and right directions, the two standby passages located on both sides thereof, and the standby passages located on both left and right ends. A function of distributing the game balls so that the rate increases.

  The standby passage 331 extends in the vertical direction, and a shutter 341 that regulates outflow of game balls from the standby passage 331 is provided at an exit portion 333 thereof. The shutter 341 has a flat plate shape with the plate surface facing up and down, and is formed so that the lateral width is equal to the lateral width of the plurality of standby passages 331. The left and right ends of the shutter 341 extend to the side of the stationary portion 321, and these extended portions are inserted into guide grooves 313 (see FIG. 5A) formed on the left and right side walls of the housing 301. Have been. Thus, the shutter 341 is held by the housing 301 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

  A solenoid is mounted on the housing 301 as a drive unit for the shutter 341. The solenoid is connected to the main controller 162, and is configured to switch between an excited state and a non-excited state based on a drive signal from the main controller 162. When a drive signal is input to the solenoid and the solenoid is excited, the shutter 341 retreats from a protruding position that protrudes into the standby passage 331 to a retracted position where the protrusion is suppressed, and the game ball from the standby passage 331 is released. The state is switched from the regulation state in which the outflow is regulated to the allowable state in which the outflow is permitted. When the input of the drive signal is released and the non-excited state occurs, the shutter 341 returns from the retracted position to the protruding position by the urging force of the attached urging member (spring), and returns to the restricted state from the allowable state. It will be.

  In a situation where the shutter 341 is in the restricted state, the game ball that has flowed into the standby passage 331 is placed on the upper surface 342 of the shutter 341 and the downward movement to the distribution device 302 is restricted. The passage length of the standby passage 331 is defined so that a predetermined number (three in this embodiment) of game balls can be made to stand by (stop) in the standby passage 331. The game balls accumulate until a predetermined number (hereinafter, referred to as a standby upper limit number) is reached. Note that the passage width of the standby passage 331 is suppressed to be slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and it is impossible for a plurality of game balls to pass through the same place at the same time.

  Here, the holding structure of the shutter 341 will be supplementarily described. As described above, the left and right ends of the shutter 341 are held by the guide grooves 313. Of the plurality of standby passages 331, the one nearer to the guide groove 313 has a higher inflow rate of game balls than the one farther away. Therefore, the load (ball pressure) applied to the shutter 341 from the waiting game ball tends to increase at a position near the guide groove 313. In this way, by bringing the position where the load becomes large closer to the guide groove 313, it is possible to prevent the shutter 341 from being deformed such as bending.

  However, when the game ball is waiting in the standby passage 331 far from the guide groove 313, the influence of the ball pressure increases as the distance from the holding position increases. That is, even when the number of waiting game balls is not so large, the influence cannot be ignored depending on the relationship between the standby position and the holding position. Here, in the stop portion 321 shown in the present embodiment, a slit 326 is formed so as to straddle the back wall portion 322, the side wall portion 323, and the partition portion 324, and the shutter 341 protrudes and retracts through the slit 326. I have. That is, the operation area of the shutter 341 is secured by the slit 326.

  If the ball pressure increases at a position far from the guide groove 313 due to the accumulation of game balls in the central standby passage 331, the partitioning portion 324 of the stopping portion 321 abuts from below. The bending deformation of the shutter 341 is regulated. That is, a function of supporting the holding of the shutter 341 is provided to the stopping portion 321. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the shutter 341 and to suppress the occurrence of operation failure of the shutter 341 and the like.

  Below the shutter 341, the distribution device 302 is disposed. When the shutter 341 is in the allowable state, the game balls waiting in the standby passage 331 move down from the standby passage 331 by their own weight and move to the distribution device 302. Here, the distribution device 302 will be described.

  The sorting device 302 includes a variable sorting member 352 for sorting the game balls supplied to the sorting device 302 to the special ball entry portion 353 and the discharge passage portion 317, and a holder 351 for holding the sorting member 352. It has. The distribution member 352 has a substantially disk shape (column shape) as a whole, and is provided so as to correspond to each standby passage 331 on a one-to-one basis. More specifically, the distribution members 352 are provided so as to be coaxial with each other in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the standby passages 331.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a through-hole 373 that penetrates in the thickness direction is formed in a central portion of the distribution member 352, and a shaft 361 that forms the holder 351 is inserted into the through-hole 373. . By fixing both ends of the shaft 361 to the main body of the holder 351, the distribution member 352 is held rotatably about the shaft 361.

  The housing 301 includes a motor 315 (see FIG. 5B) as a drive unit for rotating the distribution member 352, and a transmission gear 316 that transmits power from the motor 315 to the distribution member 352. The motor 315 is connected to the main controller 162, and rotates steadily based on a drive signal from the main controller 162. A driven gear 374 that engages with the transmission gear 316 is formed on the side surface part 371 of the distribution member 352, and the power generated by the motor 315 is transmitted from the transmission gear 316 to the driven gear 374, so that the shaft 361 is formed. The sorting member 352 rotates around the center. In the present embodiment, the configuration is such that the motor 315 rotates in a constant direction at a constant speed (steady rotation) from when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on to when it is turned off. As a result, the distribution member 352 is also repeatedly rotated in a constant direction at a constant constant speed. The rotation direction of the distribution member 352 is defined so that the outer peripheral portion 372 of the distribution member 352 crosses the position adjacent to the stop portion 321 from the front side of the gaming machine to the back side.

  A plurality of receiving portions 376 are formed on the outer peripheral portion 372 of the distribution member 352 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 5B). The receiving portion 376 is recessed toward the center of rotation and allows game balls to enter. Here, the receiving section 376 is a first receiving section 377 as a “first guide section” for guiding the game ball to the special ball section 353, and a “second guide section” for guiding the game ball to the discharge passage section 317. And a second receiving unit 378 as the second unit.

  As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, the second receiving portion 378 has a bottom, and its depth is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The game ball that has flowed into the second receiving portion 378 is displaced rearward with the rotation of the distribution member 352, and is guided to the discharge passage portion 317.

  On the other hand, the first receiving portion 377 is formed so as to connect the outer peripheral portion 372 and the through-hole 373, and a game ball flowing into the first receiving portion 377 passes through the through-hole through the first receiving portion 377. 373. Here, the above-described shaft body 361 has an arc shape (gutter shape) whose cross section is opened upward. In a state where the first receiving portion 377 has reached a position communicating with the standby passage 331 with the rotation of the distribution member 352, the first receiving portion 377 communicates with the open portion of the shaft body 361. Thus, the game ball that has flowed into the first receiving portion 377 is guided to the shaft 361 through the open portion.

  The inner peripheral surface of the shaft body 361 is inclined downward on both left and right sides with the center as a boundary, and the game ball that has reached the shaft body 361 moves to the main body of the holder 351 along the slope. On both left and right sides of the holder 351, a tubular communication passage 354 that connects the special ball entry portion 353 and the shaft 361 is formed. The game ball that has passed through the first receiving portion 377 → the shaft body 361 → the communication passage 354 is guided to the special ball input portion 353.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a difference is set for the distribution probability to the special ball entry unit 353 for each distribution member 352. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, from left to right, a first distribution member 352A corresponding to the first standby passage 331A, a second distribution member 352B corresponding to the second standby passage 331B, and The distribution member 352 is configured by a third distribution member 352C corresponding to the third standby passage 331C, a fourth distribution member 352D corresponding to the fourth standby passage 331D, and a fifth distribution member 352E corresponding to the fifth standby passage 331E. The first distribution member 352A to the fifth distribution member 352E have similar appearances because the number and the outer diameter of the receiving portions 376 are unified. However, since the inside divisions of the first receiving unit 377 and the second receiving unit 378 having different guide destinations are different from each other, a difference occurs in the distribution mode of the game balls.

  Specifically, the first receiving portion 377 and the second receiving portion 378 are divided into a third sorting member 352C located at the center, and a second sorting member 352B and a fourth sorting member 352D located on both sides thereof. And a first distribution member 352A and a fifth distribution member 352E located at both left and right ends. Here, differences between the first sorting member 352A to the fifth sorting member 352E will be described with reference to FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a first distribution member 352A and a fifth distribution member 352E, FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing a second distribution member 352B and a fourth distribution member 352D, and FIG. (C) is a schematic diagram showing a third distribution member 352C.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, as for the first sorting member 352A and the fifth sorting member 352E, the number of the first receiving portions 377A and 377E is “1” and the number of the second receiving portions 378A and 378E is “1”. It is "5". That is, for the first sorting member 352A and the fifth sorting member 352E, the sorting probability to the special ball entry portion 353 is 1/6 and the sorting probability to the discharge passage portion 317 is 5/6. . Since the number of the receiving portions 376A and 376E exceeds the upper limit of the number of waiting in the waiting passages 331A and 331E, even if the number of waiting game balls reaches the upper limit, the number of the receiving balls 376A and 376E does not necessarily go to the special entering portion 353. Is not guaranteed.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, as for the second distribution member 352B and the fourth distribution member 352D, the number of the first receiving portions 377B and 377D is “2” and the number of the second receiving portions 378B and 378D is “2”. It is "4". That is, for the second distribution member 352B and the fourth distribution member 352D, the distribution probability to the special ball entry portion 353 is 1/3 and the distribution probability to the discharge passage portion 317 is 2/3. . Note that the first receiving portions 377B and 377D are arranged symmetrically about the center axis CL, and the number of the second receiving portions 378B and 378D located therebetween is the same. Therefore, when the number of game balls waiting in the waiting passages 331B and 331D has reached the upper limit, distribution of one game ball to the special ball entry unit 353 is secured.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, as for the third distribution member 352C, the number of the first receiving portions 377C is “3” and the number of the second receiving portions 378C is “3”. That is, for the third sorting member 352C, the sorting probability to the special ball entry portion 353 is 且 つ and the sorting probability to the discharge passage portion 317 is ２. In addition, the 1st receiving part 377C and the 2nd receiving part 378C are arrange | positioned so that it may turn. Therefore, when the number of game balls waiting in the waiting passages 331B and 331D reaches the upper limit and when the number of game balls waiting is "2", one game ball is specially inserted. The distribution to the ball portion 353 is secured.

  As described above, the probability that the game ball is distributed to the special ball entry portion 353 is determined by the first distribution member 352A (the first standby passage 331A) and the fifth distribution member 352E (the fifth standby passage 331E) <the second distribution. The members 352B (second standby passage 331B) and the fourth distribution member 352D (fourth standby passage 331D) are configured to be higher in the order of <third distribution member 352C (third standby passage 331C). However, as described above, the inflow probability of the game ball that has entered the lower big winning opening 65a is determined by the third standby passage 331C <the second standby passage 331B and the fourth standby passage 331D <the first standby passage 331A and the third standby passage 331D. The five waiting passages 331E are configured to be higher in this order, so that excessive bias in the degree of expectation of a ball entering the special ball entry section 353 is suppressed.

  The portions of the housing 301 and the cover body 303 facing the standby passages 331A to 331E and the sorting members 352A to 352E are given differences in transparency by performing graining or the like. Specifically, portions corresponding to the first distribution member 352A (first standby passage 331A) and the fifth distribution member 352E (fifth standby passage 331E) <second distribution member 352B (second standby passage 331B) And the portion corresponding to the fourth distribution member 352D (the fourth standby passage 331D) <The transparency corresponding to the portion corresponding to the third distribution member 352C (the third standby passage 331C) increases in the order, and the difference in the visibility is increased. Has been granted. In this manner, by increasing the visibility as the player has a higher degree of advantage, it is possible to guide the player's line of sight to a point of interest.

  Here, in the configuration in which the inflow destination of the game ball that has entered the lower big winning opening 65a is biased, the time from when the shutter 341 switches from the restricted state to the allowable state until all the waiting game balls are discharged. Can be uselessly long. That is, there is a concern that the effect of shortening the period required for the sorting lottery (lottery period) may be reduced by using a plurality of sorting members 352A to 352E together. Therefore, one of the features of the present embodiment is that a contrivance is made to avoid occurrence of such inconvenience. Hereinafter, a configuration according to the device will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 10. FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration related to an operation of the distribution member 352, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between the distribution member 352 and a rotation cycle.

  As already described, the distribution member 352 rotates by the power of the motor 315 being transmitted to the distribution member 352 via the transmission gear 316 (see FIG. 10A). The transmission gears 316 are provided so as to correspond to the individual distribution members 352, and a difference is set in the gear ratio for each distribution member 352. Thus, the rotation speed of each distribution member 352 is different.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, the first waiting passage 331A and the first waiting passage 331E corresponding to the first waiting passage 331A and the fifth waiting passage 331E having a relatively high inflow rate of the game ball entering the lower special winning opening 65a. The gear ratio of the distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E is set such that the rotation speed is higher than that of the other distribution members 352B to 352D. In addition, the rotation speed of the second distribution member 352B and the fourth distribution member 352D corresponding to the second standby passage 331B and the fourth standby passage 331D having the second highest inflow rates after the first standby passage 331A and the fifth standby passage 331E. Is set to be lower than the rotation speeds of the first distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E and higher than the rotation speed of the third distribution member 352C. That is, the rotation cycle is longer in the order of the first distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E <the second distribution member 352B and the fourth distribution member 352D <the third distribution member 352C. In this way, by setting the rotation speed to be higher as the inflow rate is higher, it is possible to suppress the sorting lottery from being delayed.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation speed and the phase (rotational position) of the first distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E match, and the first distribution member 352A is viewed from the front of the gaming machine. And the fifth distribution member 352E is configured to rotate synchronously. Further, the rotation speed and the phase (rotational position) of the second distribution member 352B and the fourth distribution member 352D are the same, and the second distribution member 352B and the fourth distribution member 352D are viewed from the front of the gaming machine. Are rotated synchronously. However, it is not necessary to synchronize the distributing members forming a pair, and it is also possible to impart a shift in the phase or a difference in the rotational speed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, an outline of the movement of the game ball in the lower variable ball input device 65 (specifically, the lottery unit 300) will be described. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are schematic diagrams showing the movement of the lottery unit 300.

  When the lower variable ball input device 65 switches from the closed state to the open state, the game balls flowing down the game area PE flow into the lower special winning opening 65a, and the flowed game balls enter the standby passage 331 of the stopping portion 321. To reach.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, when the shutter 341 is in the regulation state, the flow of the game ball reaching the standby passage 331 to the distribution device 302 is regulated. In such a situation where the flow-down is restricted, the game ball that has flowed into the standby passage 331 waits in the standby passage 331 (temporarily stops).

  As shown in FIG. 11A → FIG. 11B, when the shutter 341 retreats and the restricted state is released, the game balls waiting in the waiting passage 331 descend toward the distribution device 302. In FIG. 11B, the receiving portion 376 of the sorting member 352 exists at a position outside the standby passage 331 (exit portion 333), and the dropped game ball rests on the outer peripheral portion 372 of the sorting member 352. Stop in a state where In this state, the row of the game ball group is maintained without changing the arrangement order.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (b) → FIG. 11 (c), when the distribution member 352 continues to rotate, the leading game ball flows into the receiving portion 376. In FIG. 11C, the second receiving portion 378 crosses a position directly below the standby passage 331. As described above, the second receiving portion 378 has a bottom and is formed so that its depth is equal to the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, only one game ball flows into the second receiving portion 378, and the flowing game ball regulates the flow of the subsequent game ball into the second receiving portion 378.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (c) → FIG. 12 (d), as the distribution member 352 continues to rotate, game balls flow into the second receiving portion 378 again, and the number of stocked game balls decreases. As shown in FIG. 12 (d) → FIG. 12 (e), when the first receiving section 377 reaches a position that is an extension of the standby passage 331, the last game ball that has been waiting enters the first receiving section 377. Flows into At this point, since the first receiving portion 377 is oriented in the up-down direction, the game ball that has flowed into the first receiving portion 377 falls toward the rotation center CL of the sorting member 352.

  As shown in FIG. 12 (e) → FIG. 12 (f), the game ball dropped along the first receiving portion 377 reaches the shaft 361 through the first receiving portion 377. The game ball that has reached the shaft 361 is guided to the special ball entry section 353 through the communication passage 354. On the other hand, the game ball transported rearward by the second receiving section 378 is separated from the second receiving section 378 by its own weight, and flows into the discharge passage section 317.

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

  The MPU 602 is mounted on a main control board 601 provided in the main control device 162. The MPU 602 includes a ROM 603 storing various control programs executed by the MPU 602 and fixed value data, and a RAM 604 serving as a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 603. , An interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and various counter circuits as a random number generator. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which some of the functions of the MPU 602, such as the function of the ROM 603 and the function of the RAM 604, are provided as separate elements.

  The MPU 602 is provided with an input port and an output port. On the input side of the MPU 602, a power failure monitoring board 605 provided in the main controller 162, a payout controller 181 and various detection sensors are connected. A power supply / emission control device 191 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 605, and power is supplied to the MPU 602 via the power failure monitoring board 605. In addition, as a part of various detection sensors, a detection sensor 151a for the general winning opening 61, a detection sensor 151b for the upper operation input ball portion 62, a detection sensor 151c for the lower operation input ball portion 63, and a sensor for the through gate 66. The detection sensor 151d, the detection sensor 151e for the upper variable ball-entering device 64, and the detection sensors 255, 305 to 306 for the lower variable ball-entering device 65 are connected, and these various detection sensors 151a to 151e, 255, 305 to 305 are connected. Based on the detection information (detection signal) from 306, the MPU 602 of main controller 162 performs a winning determination (ball entry determination) for each ball entry unit. The MPU 602 executes a jackpot generation lottery based on winning in the upper working ball entry section 62 (upper working port 62 a) and the lower working ball entry section 63 (lower working port 63 a), as well as winning in the through gate 66. A support generation lottery is executed based on the selection.

  To the output side of the MPU 602, a power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 181, and a notification / effect control device 143 are connected. For example, a prize ball command is output to the payout control device 181 based on the result of the prize determination for the prize-corresponding winning ball portion. In this case, when outputting the prize ball command, the command information storage area 603a of the ROM 603 is referred to. Then, when the winning in the general winning opening 61 is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output, and when the winning in the large winning openings 64a and 65a is specified, 15 spheres are specified. A prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the game ball is output, and when the winning in the upper operating port 62a is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the three game balls is output, and the lower operational port 63a is output. When a winning is specified, a winning ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls is output.

  Various commands such as a change start command, a type command, a change end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output to the notification and effect control device 143. In this case, when outputting these various commands, the command information storage area 603a of the ROM 603 is referred to. Details of these various commands will be described later. Each of the commands is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and includes various types of information as the information of the predetermined number of bytes.

  On the output side of the MPU 602, a driving unit 71b for driving the electric accessory 71 attached to the lower operation ball input unit 63, and a variable ball driving for driving the opening / closing bodies 64b and 65b of the variable ball input devices 64 and 65. The parts 64c and 65c, the motor 315 and the solenoid 345 of the lower variable ball-entering device 65, the number-of-reserved-number display of the main display D of the main display unit 81, the display for various ball-entering parts, and the like are connected. The main control board 601 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 602 executes drive control of various drive units and the like through the driver circuits.

  In other words, in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 602 controls the driving of the variable ball entry drive units 64c and 65c in the variable ball entry devices 64 and 65 so that the special winning ports 64a and 65a are opened and closed. In addition, in a case where the open state winning of the electric accessory 71 of the lower actuation entering ball portion 63 (support winning), the drive control of the driving portion 71b is executed in the MPU 602 so that the electric accessory 71 is opened and closed. Is done. In addition, at the time of each game, the MPU 602 executes the display control of the lower working ball display unit or the lower working ball display unit of the main display unit D of the main display unit 81.

  Further, an external terminal plate 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU 602. The external terminal board 213 is provided with a jackpot signal output terminal or the like as an output terminal for outputting a signal at the time of state transition. When the gaming result is a jackpot result, the MPU 602 can output a jackpot signal to the management control device on the gaming hall side through the jackpot signal output terminal. Specifically, a LOW level signal is output from the jackpot signal output terminal in a normal state, and an HI level signal is output when a jackpot result is obtained. The output form of this signal may be reversed.

  The power failure monitoring board 605 relays between the main control board 601 and the power supply / emission control device 191 and monitors a 24 V DC stable voltage which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply / emission control device 191. The payout control device 181 controls the payout of the prize ball and the loaned ball by the payout device 222 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

  The power supply / emission control device 191 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game arcade or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the operating power required for each of the main control board 601 and the payout control device 181 is generated, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. I do.

  The power supply / launch control device 191 is responsible for controlling the launch of the game ball launching mechanism 110, and the game ball launching mechanism 110 (specifically, the solenoid 111) is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met. More specifically, an operation level detection sensor and a touch sensor provided on the game ball launching handle 41 are connected to the power supply / launch control device 191. The operation level detection sensor is a sensor for detecting an operation amount (rotation amount) of the game ball firing handle 41, and based on information from the operation level detection sensor, a firing intensity (a firing speed) of the game ball by the game ball firing mechanism 110. ) Will be determined. The touch sensor is configured to output information when the player is touching the game ball firing handle 41, and the power / fire control device 191 allows the player to touch the game ball firing handle 41 based on this information. It is configured so that it can be grasped whether or not it has been performed. The game ball is fired when it is determined that the player is touching the game ball firing handle 41 based on the information from the touch sensor, and when the operation level detection sensor determines that the game ball firing handle 41 is operated. Will be allowed.

  The notification / production control device 143 includes a notification / production control board on which an MPU is mounted. The MPU has a ROM storing various control programs and fixed value data, and a control program stored in the ROM. A RAM as a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like at the time of execution is built in.

  The MPU of the notification / production control device 143 drives and controls the lamp units 26 to 28 and the speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 162, and controls the display control device 620. To control. More specifically, the notification / effect control device 143 displays a symbol in a symbol display device 75 in a variable display mode and a symbol stop display mode (for example, a symbol stop display) to be finally stopped based on various commands input from the main control device 162. In addition to determining the type of combination), the presence or absence of the reach, the content of the reach effect, and the like are determined, and the determined content is added to the command and transferred to the display control device 620.

  The display control device 620 has a display control board on which an MPU is mounted. The MPU has a ROM in which various control programs and fixed value data are stored, and various data in executing the control programs stored in the ROM. RAM, a video display processor (VDP), a character ROM storing image data, a video RAM temporarily storing image data read from the character ROM, and the like. I have. The MPU executes display control of the symbol display device 75 based on a command input from the notification / effect control device 143.

  Here, the configuration relating to the variable display of the symbol of each game and the contents of the variable display will be described.

  The display control device 620 is provided with a character ROM. The character ROM stores in advance nine types of main symbol data with numbers “1” to “9” and sub-design data without numbers. On the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, three symbol columns of an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row are set. Each symbol row is configured by arranging a main symbol and a sub symbol in a predetermined order. Then, on the display screen 75a, the symbols in each of the symbol columns are displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll in a predetermined direction (specifically, from right to left) with periodicity.

  In the upper symbol row, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in descending numerical order, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In the lower symbol row, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. That is, the upper symbol row and the lower symbol row are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol column, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and between the main symbol “9” and the main symbol “1”. A main symbol of “4” is additionally arranged, and one sub symbol is arranged between each of the main symbols. That is, only the middle symbol row is composed of 20 symbols with 10 main symbols arranged.

  The display screen 75a is configured to stop and display three symbols for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of nine 3 × 3 symbols are stopped and displayed. In addition, five effective lines, that is, a left line, a middle line, a right line, a right-down line, and a right-up line are set on the display screen 75a. Then, the variable display is stopped in the order of upper symbol row → lower symbol row → middle symbol row, and a predetermined symbol combination (for example, a symbol combination with the same numeral) is formed on any of the activated lines. When the variable display of all the symbol columns is completed, the big hit movie is displayed as the occurrence of the normal big hit result or the positive change big hit result.

  In consideration of the fact that the variable display of each symbol row is stopped as described above, the upper symbol row is the first symbol row (or the first symbol row), and the lower symbol row is the second symbol row (or the second symbol row). Row) and the middle symbol row can be referred to as a third symbol row (or third symbol row).

  Among the above main symbols, the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) correspond to “specific symbols”, and when the probability change jackpot result occurs, for example, the same specific symbol Is stopped and displayed. The main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to “non-specific symbols”, and when a jackpot result usually occurs, for example, the same combination of non-specific symbols is stopped and displayed. Is done.

  If the result of the probability change is a jackpot, the high probability mode is set to be a relatively large jackpot result in the subsequent lottery, and this high probability mode is normally continued until the large jackpot result is obtained. On the other hand, when a normal jackpot result is obtained, a low probability mode is relatively unlikely to be a jackpot result (a jackpot result is more difficult to be obtained than in a high probability mode).

  In addition, the mode of the variable display of the symbol in the symbol display device 75 is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary. The number of symbol columns, the direction of the variable display of the symbol in the symbol column, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be changed as appropriate. For example, a plurality of symbol rows may be set so as to be arranged side by side, and the direction of symbol change display in the symbol row may be set to the vertical direction.

(About various counters)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  The MPU 602 uses a variety of counter information in the game to perform a jackpot occurrence lottery, set the display of the main display unit D (set the light emission mode), set the symbol display of the symbol display device 75, and the like. , A jackpot random number counter C1 used for a jackpot occurrence lottery, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining a jackpot type such as a probability change jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, and a case where the symbol display device 75 executes a deviation change. , A random number initial value counter CINI used for setting an initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a variable display in the display section for the activated ball section of the main display unit 81 and the symbol display device 75. A variation type counter CS for determining time is used. In addition, an electric accessory opening counter C4 used for a lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 71 of the lower actuation ball input section 63 is to be in the electric opening state is used.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer 604a set in a predetermined area of the RAM 604. In the reserved ball storage area 604b of the RAM 604, a reserved area RE for an operating port and an execution area AE are provided. The reservation area RE includes a first area Ra1, a second area Ra2, a third area Ra3, a fourth area Ra4, a fifth area Ra5, a sixth area Ra6, a seventh area Ra7, and an eighth area Ra8. In accordance with the winning histories of the mouths 62a and 63a, the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 stored in the lottery counter buffer 604a is set as the hold information and any of the areas Ra1 To Ra8. The suspension information corresponds to special information.

  In the first area Ra1 to the eighth area Ra8, when winning in the operating ports 62a and 63a occurs continuously plural times, the first area Ra1 → the second area Ra2 → the third area Ra3 → the fourth area Ra4. Numerical information is stored in chronological order in the order of the fifth area Ra5 → the sixth area Ra6 → the seventh area Ra7 → the eighth area Ra8. By providing the eight areas Ra1 to Ra8 in this manner, up to four (that is, a total of eight) game ball entry histories to the operating ports 62a and 63a are held and stored. . Further, the reserved ball storage area 604b is provided with a total reserved number storage area FE, and the total reserved number storage area FE stores the retained information acquired and stored based on the ball entry into the operating ports 62a and 63a. Information for specifying the number of storages is stored.

  The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first area Ra1 of the holding area RE when starting the variable display on the display section for the operation ball entry section of the main display section D, At the start of one game round, a win / fail determination is performed based on various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

  More specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by one in the range of 0 to 599, for example, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 599). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 604b of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working ball unit 62 or the lower working ball unit 63.

  The value of the random number for winning the jackpot is stored as a success / failure table (a success / failure information group) in a success / failure table storage area 603b as a success / failure information group storage means in the ROM 603. Here, the contents of the success / failure table will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, as the hit / fail table, a hit / fail table for the low-probability mode in FIG. 15 (a) (a hit / fail information group for low-probability mode) and a hit / fail table for the high-probability mode in FIG. Probability information group for probability). That is, in the pachinko machine 10, a low-probability mode (low-probability state) and a high-probability mode (high-probability state) are set as lottery modes in the winning / rejecting lottery means.

  In the gaming state in which the winning / rejecting table for the low probability mode is referred to at the time of the above-mentioned lottery, as shown in FIG. 15A, the value of the random number for winning the jackpot (ie, winning information) is “7”, "307" and "507". That is, among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 of “0 to 599”, “7”, “307”, and “507” correspond to the jackpot result, and the actual jackpot probability by one lottery is 1/200. Has become. On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the high-probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, as shown in FIG. 15B, the value of the random number (ie, winning information) for winning the big hit is “5”. , "7", "36" ... "572", "598". That is, among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 of “0 to 599”, “5”, “7”, “36”... “572” and “598” correspond to the jackpot result, and are determined by one lottery. The substantial jackpot probability is 1/20. If the winning probability is higher in the high-probability mode than in the low-probability mode, the number and value of the random numbers to be won are arbitrary. In addition, in each lottery mode, a value other than the value of the random number which is a jackpot win is missed.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by one in order within the range of 0 to 49, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (ie, 49). Here, in the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot results are set. The plurality of jackpot results differ in two conditions: (1) the mode of opening / closing control of the variable ball-entering devices 64 and 65 in the opening / closing execution mode, and (2) the lottery mode of the winning / rejecting lottery means after the opening / closing execution mode ends. Have been. Thereby, roughly four big hits are set.

  The opening / closing control of the variable ball-entering devices 64 and 65 in the opening / closing execution mode includes a round continuation lottery corresponding mode when performing a round continuation lottery during the opening / closing execution mode and a round continuation lottery when not performing the round continuation lottery. The corresponding mode is set. In the round continuous lottery mode, both the upper variable ball-entering device 64 and the lower variable ball-entering device 65 are to be opened and closed, whereas in the round continuous lottery-incompatible mode, only the upper variable ball-entering device 64 is to be opened and closed. Become. In addition, if the jackpot result described above is a probability variable jackpot result, the lottery mode after the end of the opening and closing execution mode is a high probability mode, and if it is a normal jackpot result, the lottery mode after the end of the opening and closing execution mode is a low probability mode. Become.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and the retained ball is stored in the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins in the upper working ball part 62 (upper working port 62a) or the lower working ball part 63 (lower working port 63a). Stored in area 604b. More specifically, at the timing when a game ball wins in the upper working ball entry section 62 (upper working port 62a), it is stored in the lower working ball section reserve area of the RAM 604, and the lower working ball section 63 (lower working port) At the timing when the game ball wins in 63a), the game ball is stored in the reserve area for the right-hand actuation ball section of the RAM 604.

(Distribution of game results)
The distribution destination of the game result with respect to the jackpot type counter C2 (that is, the lottery result by the success / failure lottery and the distribution lottery) is stored in the distribution table storage area 603c as the distribution information group storage means in the ROM 603 in the distribution table (the distribution information). Group). Here, the contents of the distribution table will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the distribution table includes a distribution table (first distribution information group) for the upper operation ball entry portion in FIG. 16A and a lower operation entry ball in FIG. 16B. A distribution table (second distribution information group) for a copy is set.

  As shown in FIG. 16 (a), in the distribution table for the upper operation entry ball section, as a distribution destination of the game result, a normal jackpot result A (continuous lottery-incompatible game result) and a normal jackpot result B (continuous lottery) The corresponding game result), the probability change jackpot result A (continuous lottery non-response game result), and the probability change jackpot result B (continuous lottery corresponding game result) are set, and in the distribution table for the lower operation input ball section, FIG. As shown in (b), a normal jackpot result B (continuous lottery-response game result) and a probability variable jackpot result B (continuous lottery-response game result) are set.

  The normal jackpot result A is a jackpot result in which the round continuous lottery non-correspondence mode is executed as the opening / closing execution mode, and after the end of the opening / closing execution mode, the success / failure lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. Yes, the high frequency support mode is continued until the number of games executed during the mode reaches 100. As for the normal jackpot result A, since the round continuous lottery is not supported, the number of rounds in the open / close execution mode is “8”.

  The normal jackpot result B is a jackpot result in which the round continuous lottery support mode is executed as the opening / closing execution mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the success / failure lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. This high-frequency support mode is continued until the number of games executed during the mode reaches 100. Since the normal jackpot result B corresponds to the round continuation lottery, the number of rounds in the open / close execution mode is “8” or “16”. Specifically, when the winning is achieved in the round continuous lottery, that is, when the ball enters the special ball entry section 353, the number of rounds is “16”, and the round continuous lottery is not won. In this case, that is, when the ball does not enter the special ball entry unit 353, the number of rounds is “8”.

  The probability change jackpot result A is a jackpot result in which the round continuous lottery non-correspondence mode is executed as the opening / closing execution mode, and after the end of the opening / closing execution mode, the success / failure lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. Yes, this high-frequency support mode is continued until the next jackpot results. The probability change jackpot result A does not support the round continuation lottery, so the number of rounds in the open / close execution mode is “8”.

  The probability change jackpot result B is a jackpot result in which the round continuous lottery correspondence mode is executed as the opening / closing execution mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the success / failure lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. This high frequency support mode is continued until the next jackpot result is obtained. Since the probability change jackpot result B corresponds to the round continuous lottery, the number of rounds in the open / close execution mode is “8” or “16”. Specifically, when the winning is achieved in the round continuous lottery, that is, when the ball enters the special ball entry section 353, the number of rounds is “16”, and the round continuous lottery is not won. In this case, that is, when the ball does not enter the special ball entry unit 353, the number of rounds is “8”.

  As shown in FIG. 16 (a), in the distribution table for the upper working entry ball section, among the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of “0 to 49”, “0 to 9” corresponds to the normal jackpot result A. "10-19" corresponds to the normal jackpot result B, "20-34" corresponds to the variable jackpot result A, and "35-49" corresponds to the variable jackpot result B. . On the other hand, in the distribution table for the lower working entry ball section, as shown in FIG. 16B, among the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of “0 to 49”, “0 to 19” are normally It corresponds to the jackpot result B, and “19 to 49” corresponds to the probability change jackpot result B. In other words, when a big hit is obtained based on the ball entry into the upper operation ball entry section 62, the round continuous lottery is performed and not performed, whereas the lower operation ball entry section is divided. The round continuation lottery is always performed when a jackpot result is obtained based on the entry of the ball into 63. Thereby, the superiority of the lower operation ball entry portion 63 with respect to the upper operation ball entry portion 62 is secured.

  Referring to FIG. 14 again, the reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by one in the range of, for example, 0 to 238, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and the retained ball is stored in the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working ball portion 62 (upper working port 62a) or the lower working ball portion 63 (lower working port 63a). Stored in area 604b. More specifically, at the timing when a game ball wins in the upper working ball entry section 62 (upper working port 62a), it is stored in the lower working ball section reserve area of the RAM 604, and the lower working ball section 63 (lower working port) At the timing when the game ball wins in 63a), the game ball is stored in the reserve area for the right-hand actuation ball section of the RAM 604. Then, it is determined whether or not to generate reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 603.

  However, in the game time that shifts to the opening / closing execution mode (the game time that is won in the win / fail lottery), the MPU 602 determines the occurrence of the reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each game state, but may be individually set according to the game state. For example, a configuration in which the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is set to be greater when the support mode is the high-frequency support mode than when the support mode is the low-frequency support mode.

  Here, the reach display (reach state) includes a symbol display device 75 capable of performing a variable display (or a variable display) of a symbol (picture), and the game result is a game result corresponding to the open / close execution mode. In the game time, in the gaming machine in which the stop display result after the fluctuation display can be a special display result, the stop display result is derived and displayed after the fluctuation display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) on the symbol display device 75 is started. In the previous stage, it refers to a display state for causing the player to think that the display state is a variable display state that easily causes the special display result.

  In other words, a combination of symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode is established by stopping and displaying symbols in some of the symbol columns among the plurality of symbol columns displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. This is a display state in which a combination of reach symbols that are likely to be displayed is displayed, and in that state, symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol columns.

  More specifically, a combination of symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode is established on a preset effective line in the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 as a stage before terminating the variable display of the symbols. The reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the combination of the reach symbols that is possible, and the variation display of the symbol is performed by the final stop symbol row in a state where the reach line is formed.

  The display content on the display screen 75a will be described in further detail. First, the variable display of symbols in the upper symbol row is terminated, and the variable display of symbols in the lower symbol row is terminated, and any of the activated lines is hit. The reach symbol is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbol with the number that constitutes the combination, and the reach is displayed by changing the symbol in the middle symbol row in the situation where the reach line is formed. Display. When a big hit occurs, the main symbols forming the combination of the hit symbols together with the main symbols forming the reach line are stopped and displayed on the reach line so that the symbols in the middle symbol row are changed and displayed. Is terminated.

  In the reach display, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, a variation display of the symbols is performed in the remaining symbol rows, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the background screen thereof. Examples include those that perform an effect and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen after reducing or hiding the combination of the reach symbols. Further, when the reach display is performed or before the reach display, the determination as to whether or not to perform a preview display using a predetermined image such as a predetermined character is performed using a reach random number counter C3 or another counter. You may.

  The fluctuation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by one in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS is a variation display time in the upper operation ball entry display portion and the lower operation ball entry display portion of the main display unit 81 (main display portion D), and a symbol variation display in the symbol display device 75. The time is used by the MPU 602 to determine the time. The fluctuation type counter CS is updated once each time a normal process described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. The buffer value of the variation type counter CS is determined when the variation display is started at the start of the variation display on the display unit for the upper operation entry ball unit and the display unit for the lower operation entry ball unit, and when the symbol display device 75 starts changing the symbol. Is obtained.

  The electric accessory opening counter C4 is configured to be incremented by one, for example, in the range of 0 to 250 and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The electric accessory opening counter C4 is updated periodically, and is stored in the electric utility holding area 604c of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 66. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to control the electric accessory 71 of the lower operation entering ball portion 63 to the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4. For example, if C4 = 0-190, the electric accessory 71 is controlled to be in the open state, and if C4 = 191-250, the electric accessory 71 is not controlled to be in the open state.

  As described above, in the MPU 602, at least the buffer value of the variation type counter CS is used to determine the variation display time in the upper-operation entry-ball display unit and the lower-operation entry-ball display unit. For the determination, the variable display time table storage area 603d of the ROM 603 is used. In addition, the MPU 602 uses the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE to display the upper working ball entry display portion and the lower working ball entry display portion DR. The stop result is determined, and the stop result table storage area 603e of the ROM 603 is used for the determination.

(Regarding various processes executed by the MPU 602 of the main control board 601)
Next, each control process executed by the MPU 602 of the main control board 601 will be described. The processes of the MPU 602 are roughly classified into a main process started upon power-on, a normal process executed after the main process is completed, and a timer interrupt process started periodically by interrupting the normal process. For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt processing will be described first, and then the normal processing will be described.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. This processing is started periodically (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec) by the MPU 602.

  In step S101, a reading process of various detection sensors, for example, the detection sensors 151a to 151e, 255, 305 to 306 is executed. That is, while reading the states of the various detection sensors connected to the main controller 162, the state of the detection sensors (detection information from the detection sensors) is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored. For example, when it is determined that a ball has entered the upper working port 62a, a prize detection flag for the lower working entering ball portion is stored in the various flag storage area of the RAM 604, and the ball enters the lower working port 63a. If it is determined that a prize has occurred, a prize detection flag for the lower working ball unit is stored in the various flag storage area. If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 66, a winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area of the RAM 604.

  Then, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in a corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

  In the following step S103, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3 and the electric accessory opening counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory opening counter C4 are each incremented by one, and are cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 604.

  In a succeeding step S104, a prize-for-through process is executed in accordance with a prize for the through gate 66. In the prize winning process for through, it is determined whether or not a prize detection flag for through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 604e of the RAM 604. If the flag is stored, the flag is stored in the power holding area. Under the condition that the number of stored bonus items is less than 4, the value of the electric accessory release counter C4 updated in the step S103 is stored in the electrical winning holding area. If the winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area, the winning detection flag is erased and the winning processing for the through gate ends.

  After executing the prize processing for the through gate in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105, in which the prize for the activated ball portion accompanying the prize to the activated ball portions 62, 63 (the operational ports 62a, 63a) is obtained. The processing is executed, and the timer interrupt processing ends.

  In the winning processing for the activated ball section, first, it is determined in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 604 whether or not the game ball has won (started winning) the upper activated ball section 62 (upper aperture 62a). The determination is made based on whether or not the winning detection flag for the copy is stored. If it is determined that the winning detection flag is stored, that is, if the game ball receives a detection signal indicating that a winning has occurred in the upper operation input ball portion 62 (upper operation port 62a), the payout control device In 181, a prize ball command for paying out three game balls is set. Then, an external signal setting process is performed so that information indicating that the game ball has won the upper operation ball input section 62 (upper operation port 62a) is output to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the fact that a prize has occurred in the upper working ball entry section 62 (upper working port 62a) is recognized by the hall computer HC.

  After that, the value stored in the reserved number storage area of the reserved area for the upper working entry ball section is read out, and the upper starting reserved stored number reserved and stored in the reserved area is set. Subsequently, an information acquisition process for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is performed, and the main prize process ends.

  On the other hand, when the winning detection flag for the lower working ball entry part is not stored in the various flag storage area 604 e of the RAM 604, that is, the lower working ball entry part 63 is not the upper working ball entry part 62 (the upper working opening 62 a). When a winning has occurred, a prize ball command for causing the payout control device 181 to pay out four game balls is set. The set prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control device 181 in an external output process of a normal process described later.

  Subsequently, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal indicating that the game ball has won to the lower operation ball input section 63 (the lower operation port 63a) to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the fact that a prize has occurred in the lower working ball entry section 63 (the lower working port 63a) is recognized by the hall computer HC.

  Thereafter, the value stored in the reserved number storage area of the reserved area for the lower working ball entry section is read out, and the lower starting reserved storage number that is reserved and stored in the reserved area is set. Then, the final prize processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the game ball has not won any of the upper operation entering ball portion 62 and the lower operation entering ball portion 63, the main prize process is terminated as it is.

  In the information acquisition process, first, it is determined whether or not the set number of storages for starting suspension is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). If the number of storages for starting hold is the upper limit, the information acquisition processing is terminated as it is, and if the number of storages for start holding is less than the upper limit, the number of storages for start holding of the corresponding holding area for the result display section is incremented by one, and The value stored in the reserved number storage area (hereinafter referred to as the common reserved number) is incremented by one.

  Thereafter, the updated values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS are stored in the first storage area of the free storage area area of the corresponding result display section holding area, that is, 1 It is stored in the storage area corresponding to the incremented number of pending storage.

  In other words, when the number of start suspension storages for the upper operation entry ball section is set, each value of the updated jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS is set to the upper operation number. It is stored in the first storage area of the free storage areas of the ball entry section holding area, that is, the reservation area corresponding to the number of start-up reservation storages for the upper operation entry ball section incremented by one.

  In addition, when the starting hold storage number for the lower operation ball entry unit is set, the updated values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are transferred to the lower operation ball entry unit. Is stored in the first storage area of the free storage areas of the holding area for the lower working ball unit, which corresponds to the number of start-holding storages for the lower working entry ball unit, which is incremented by one.

  Subsequently, the notification / effect control device 143 and the display control device 620, which are the control devices on the sub-side (sub-side), are made to recognize that the winning in the upper working ball input portion 62 or the lower working ball input portion 63 has occurred. Of the hold information and the process of setting the hold command. Thereafter, if the winning detection flag is stored, the flag is deleted, and the present information acquisition process ends. The hold command set in the hold command setting process is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 143 in the external output process of the normal process described later.

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

  In the normal processing, in step S201, the output data such as the command set in the timer interrupt processing or the previous normal processing is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, it determines the presence or absence of a prize ball command, and if the prize ball command is set, transmits it to the payout control device 181. In addition, if a command for an effect such as a command corresponding to a game effect such as a change start command, a type command, and a change end command, or a command corresponding to an effect for an opening / closing execution mode is set, the notification is provided.・ Send to effect control device 143. Further, output setting for the external terminal board 213 is performed according to the information set in the external output buffer of the RAM 604.

  Next, in step S202, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by one, and the counter value is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

  In the following step S203, a game time control process for advancing the game of each game time is executed. In this game round control process, the winning / non-winning determination of the jackpot and the like and the sorting determination of the jackpot type are performed, and the symbol display is set by the symbol display device 75, and the operation ball entry section in the main display unit 81 (main display section D) is performed. It performs display control of the display unit and the like.

  After that, in step S204, a game state shift process for shifting the game state is executed. Although the details will be described later, the game state shifts to the open / close execution mode, the high probability mode, the high frequency support mode, and the like by the game state shift processing.

  In step S205, a power support process for controlling the driving of the power accessory 71 provided in the lower operation ball input unit 63 is executed. In the electric role support processing, the electronic part opening lottery for determining whether or not to bring the electric part 71 into an open state using the numerical information acquired from the electric part opening counter C4 stored in the electric part holding area of the RAM 604. (Support lottery) is performed, and the opening and closing process of the electric accessory 71 is executed when the electrification is released. Further, the display control of the through gate display unit in the main display unit 81 (main display unit D) is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electrical open lottery.

  As described above, the low frequency support mode and the high frequency support mode are set as the modes of support by the electric accessory 71, and a transition to any one of the support modes is performed in the game state transition process. In this case, when the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 604, the high frequency support mode is set, and when the flag is not set, the low frequency support mode is set.

  In the power support process, it is determined whether the high frequency support mode is set by determining whether the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 604. In addition, in the case of the high frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 71 is opened when the electrification is in the open state is set more than in the case of the low frequency support mode, and one time Set a longer open time. Further, in the case of the high frequency support mode, when the electric utility release state is won and the open state of the electric accessory 71 occurs plural times, the next open state is started after one open state ends. Is set so that the closing time until is shorter than one opening time.

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

  In a succeeding step S206, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, a predetermined launch permission signal output from the power supply / launch control device 191 based on the fact that the launch operation is being performed on the game ball launch handle 41 is a predetermined condition. The solenoid 111 of the game ball firing mechanism 110 is excited once during the firing period (0.6 sec in the present embodiment). Thereby, the game ball is launched toward the game area. That is, when an irregular hit such as a so-called hitting is not performed, the game ball is repeatedly fired at a predetermined cycle on condition that the firing operation is performed.

  In a succeeding step S207, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is set in the RAM 604. The power failure flag is set when a power failure is confirmed in the power failure monitoring board 605 and a power failure signal is input from the power failure monitoring board 605 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 602, and is deleted in the next main processing.

  If the power failure flag is not set, it means that the last processing of the plurality of processings to be repeatedly executed has been completed. Therefore, in step S208, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal processing has been reached, that is, It is determined whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the process. Then, the update of the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly executed within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing. That is, in step S209, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated, and in step S210, the variation type counter CS is updated.

  Here, since the execution time of each processing of steps S201 to S206 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal processing is not constant and fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be updated at random. The fluctuation type counter CS can also be updated at random.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that the power failure flag has been set, it means that the power supply has been interrupted, and the power interruption process from step S211 is executed. That is, in step S211, the occurrence of the timer interrupt process is prohibited, then the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S211. After the access to the RAM 604 is prohibited in step S213, the power supply is completely cut off. Continues an infinite loop until can no longer be executed.

(Game round control process)
Here, the game number control processing of step S203 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In the game round control process, first, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, it is determined in step S301 whether or not the vehicle is in the open / close execution mode. If the opening / closing execution mode is in progress, the game round is executed without executing any of the processing after step S302, that is, the game round start processing of steps S303 to S305 and the game round progress processing of steps S306 to S309. The control processing ends.

  If it is not in the open / close execution mode, in step S302, it is determined whether or not the display section for the operation ball entry section of the main display section D is performing variable display. If the display section for the activated ball input section is not performing the variable display, the process proceeds to the game round start processing in steps S303 to S305. In the game round start process, first, in step S303, it is determined whether or not the total number of starting reserved balls (common reserved number CRN) is “0”. The case where the common reserved number CRN is “0” means that the reserved information is not stored in the reserved ball storage area 604b. Therefore, the present game time control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the common reserved number CRN is not “0”, in step S304, based on the data stored in the lower working ball-holding area or the right working ball-holding area, a variable display is performed. Execute data setting processing for setting.

  In the data setting process, it is first determined which of the holding areas stored in the holding area for the upper working entry ball section and the holding area for the lower working entry ball section is the oldest one. Then, the following processing is executed for the holding area storing the oldest holding information described above. In the following description, a case where the upper working ball entry area is reserved is described first, and then a case where the lower working ball retaining area is targeted is described.

  First, the number of starting reserve balls and the common reserve number CRN of the upper working ball storage area are decremented by 1, and the data stored in the first area of the lower working ball storage area is moved to the execution area AE. I do.

  Thereafter, a process of shifting the data (that is, the hold information) stored in each area of the upper-side working ball-holding area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting data stored in the first area to the fourth area to the lower area side, and clears the data of the first area, and also shifts the second area to the first area, The data in each area is shifted such as a third area → a second area, a fourth area → a third area, and so on.

  Subsequently, a shift command is set, which is information for causing the notification / production control device 143 and the display control device 620 to recognize that the data in the holding area has been shifted. Thereafter, the data setting process ends. The shift command set in this manner is transmitted to the display control device 620 via the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 18).

  On the other hand, also in the case where the lower working ball entry area holding area is targeted, similarly, first, the number of start holding balls and the common holding number CRN of the lower working ball input section holding area are decremented by one, and The data stored in the first area of the working ball entry area holding area is moved to the execution area AE.

  After that, a process of shifting the data (that is, the hold information) stored in each area of the lower working ball entry area holding area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting data stored in the first area to the fourth area to the lower area side, and clears the data of the first area, and also shifts the second area to the first area, The data in each area is shifted such as a third area → a second area, a fourth area → a third area, and so on.

  Subsequently, a shift command is set, which is information for causing the notification / production control device 143 and the display control device 620 to recognize that the data in the holding area has been shifted. Thereafter, the data setting process ends. The shift command set in this manner is transmitted to the display control device 620 via the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 18).

  After performing the data setting process described in detail above, in step S305, the variable display on the main display unit 81 (specifically, the display unit for the operating ball section of the main display unit D) and the variable display on the symbol display device 75 are started. After executing the fluctuation start processing for causing the game to be executed, the game repetition control processing ends.

<Change start processing>
Next, the change start process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the fluctuation start processing, first, in step S401, a win / fail determination processing for determining whether or not the hold information referred to in the current fluctuation start processing corresponds to the jackpot win is executed. In the success / failure determination process, it is first determined whether or not the success / failure lottery mode is the high probability mode. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the high probability mode flag is stored in the various flag storage area 604e of the RAM 604. The high-probability mode flag is stored in the various flag storage area 604e when the jackpot result that triggered the opening / closing execution mode at the end of the opening / closing execution mode is the probability-change jackpot result, and is deleted when the next jackpot occurs. This is a flag.

  If it is determined that the mode is the high-probability mode, the table for the high-probability mode is referred to among the tables stored in the success / failure table storage area 603b, and the information stored in the execution area AE is used for determining the success or failure. It is determined whether or not the information, that is, the numerical information on the jackpot random number counter C1 matches the jackpot numerical information for high probability. When it is determined that the mode is the low-probability mode, the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE is referred to by referring to the low-probability mode success / failure table among the tables stored in the success / failure table storage area 603b. It is determined whether or not the numerical information according to the above matches the jackpot numerical information for low probability.

  In a succeeding step S402, it is determined whether or not the result of the success / failure determination processing in the step S401 is a result corresponding to the jackpot winning. If the result corresponds to the jackpot, the type determination process is executed in step S403.

  In the type determination processing, the information for type determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information obtained from the information updated by the jackpot type counter C2 is grasped, and the current numerical information is stored in the upper operation ball entry unit. It is determined whether it is based on the ball entry into the ball 62 or on the ball entry into the lower working ball entry section 63.

  If the numerical information on the jackpot type counter C2 is numerical information based on the ball entry into the upper operation entry ball unit 62, the upper operation entry ball of the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 603c. By referring to the distribution table for the part, it is specified which of the jackpot results corresponds to the numerical information on the jackpot type counter C2 grasped above. Specifically, it specifies which jackpot result corresponds to the normal jackpot result A, the normal jackpot result B, the probability variable jackpot result A, and the probability variable jackpot result B.

  If the numerical information on the jackpot type counter C2 is numerical information based on the ball entering the lower operation entering ball section 63, the lower operation of the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 603c. With reference to the entry table distribution table, it is specified which of the jackpot results corresponds to the grasped numerical information of the jackpot type counter C2. Specifically, it specifies which jackpot result corresponds to the normal jackpot result B or the probability change jackpot result B.

  In a succeeding step S404, it is determined whether or not the type of the current jackpot winning is a probable change jackpot result based on the information specified in the type determining process in the step S403. If it is a probability variable jackpot result, a stop result setting process for a probability variable jackpot is executed in step S405, and if not, a stop result setting process for a normal jackpot is executed in step S406. If it is determined in step S402 that the jackpot has not been won, in step S407, a stop result setting process for a miss is executed.

  In each of the stop result setting processes in steps S405 to S407, the information on the form of the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit D is referred to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 603e of the ROM 603. And the specified information is stored in the RAM 604. In steps S405 and S406, the MPU 602 stores, in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604, information for specifying whether the result of the current round of the game is a probability-change jackpot result or a normal jackpot result. More specifically, in step S405, a probable variable jackpot flag is stored, and in step S406, a normal jackpot flag is stored.

  After executing any one of the processes in steps S405 to S407, a variable display time setting process is executed in step S408. In the setting process of the variable display time, first, it is determined whether or not the winning lottery is won. Specifically, it is determined whether any of the variable jackpot flag and the normal jackpot flag is stored in the various flag storage area 604e of the RAM 604.

  If the result of the winning / rejecting lottery is a departure result, it is determined whether or not a reach display is generated on the symbol display device 75 in the current game round. Specifically, when the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE is a value corresponding to the occurrence of reach, it is determined that reach display has occurred. When specifying the presence or absence of the reach using the value of the reach random number counter C3, the reach determination table stored in the reach determination table storage area of the ROM 603 is referred to.

  Thereafter, referring to the reach generation variable display time table stored in the variable display time table storage area 603d of the ROM 603, the variable display time information corresponding to the value of the current fluctuation type counter CS or the like is acquired. The variable display time information is set in a variable display time counter area (variable display time measuring means) provided in various counter areas 604d of the RAM 604. Thereafter, the setting process ends.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, when the result of the winning or losing lottery is a jackpot winning result or when the result of the winning or losing lottery is out of order and the lottery for the reach generation is won, the reach display can be executed. Has become.

  Here, the reach display is provided with a normal reach display and a super reach display in which the variable display modes are different from each other. In the reach display variable display time table, the variable display time information corresponding to each of the normal reach display and the super reach display is set, and by referring to the table, the variable display time information corresponding to each reach display is obtained. Is obtained. For determining the type of the reach display, a table is provided in which the type of the reach display corresponds to the value of the variation type counter CS, and by referring to the table, the value of the current variation type counter CS is determined. The corresponding reach display is determined.

  Furthermore, the reach display variable display time table corresponds to the type of jackpot. Specifically, for example, the variable display time is set so that a combination of specific symbols or a combination of non-specific symbols can be stopped and displayed in the case of a probability variable jackpot result, and a combination of non-specific symbols is usually set in the case of a jackpot result. The variable display time is set so that stop display is possible.

  When it is determined that the reach display is not performed, the fluctuation display time corresponding to the value of the current fluctuation type counter CS is referred to by referring to the fluctuation display time table for non-reach occurrence stored in the fluctuation display time table storage area 603d. And sets the variable display time information in the variable display time counter area. Thereafter, the setting process ends.

  The variable display time information when no reach occurs is set so that the variable display time becomes shorter as the number of start-reserved balls N increases. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration that does not depend on the number of start-reserved balls N may be employed. The smaller the number of start-reserved balls N, the shorter the variable display time is set. Is also good. In addition, in the situation where the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the reach time is set so that a shorter variable display time is selected compared to the case where the number of hold information is the same as in the case where the support mode is the low frequency support mode. Although the variable display time table for generation is set, the present invention is not limited to this. The variable display time to be selected may be the same, or the above relationship may be reversed. Further, the above-described configuration may be applied to the variable display time when a reach occurs, and the variable display time that is easy to be selected and the variable display time that is difficult to be selected are different between the jackpot winning and the off-reach. It may be configured. Further, the variable display time table for the probability change jackpot, the variable display time table for the normal jackpot, the variable display time table for the off-reach, and the variable display time table for the complete departure may be individually set.

  As described above, the variable display time of each game time is determined using the presence / absence of reach, the type of reach display, the number of hold information, the value of the variable type counter, and the like as parameters. However, the variable display time of each game time is a parameter of the content of the other hold information, specifically, the information for the jackpot determination, the information for the type determination, and the information for the reach determination included in the other hold information as parameters. Is determined without having to do so.

  Returning to the description of the variation start process (FIG. 20), after performing the variation display time setting process in step S408, the variation command and the type command are set in step S409. The fluctuation command includes information on whether or not a reach has occurred and information on the fluctuation display time. The type command includes information on the game result. That is, the type command includes, as the game result information, information on the probability change jackpot result, information on the normal jackpot result, information on the off result, and the like.

  The change command and the type command set in step S409 are transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 and the display control device 620 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 16). The notification / production control device 143 determines the light emission pattern of the lamp unit 26 and the output pattern of the sound from the speaker unit 29 in the game, based on the received fluctuation command and type command, and determines the determined effect. Are controlled to control the lamp unit 26 and the speaker unit 29. In addition, the notification / production control device 143 determines the variation display pattern on the symbol display device 75 in the game time based on the received variation command and the type command, and executes the determined variation display pattern. The information for specifying the variation display pattern is added to the variation command and the type command while maintaining the information form, and transmitted to the display control device 620. After that, in step S410, the variation display of the pattern is started on the display section for the actuated ball entry portion of the main display portion D, and then the variation start process ends.

  Returning to the description of the game turn control process (FIG. 19), when the display section for the actuation ball entry portion of the main display portion D is performing the variable display, the game turn progression process of steps S306 to S309 is executed. In the game time progress processing, first, in step S306, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation display time of the current game time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable display time information stored in the variable display time counter area of the RAM 604 has become “0”. The value of the variable display time information is set in the above-described variable display time setting processing. The value of the set variable display time information is decremented (subtracted) by one each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) is started.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed, a variable display process is executed in step S307. In the variable display processing, the display mode of the operation entry ball display section of the main display section D is changed. Thereafter, the game round control process ends.

  If the fluctuation display time has elapsed, a fluctuation end process is executed in step S308. In the fluctuation ending process, the information stored in the RAM 604 in any one of the above-described steps S305 to S307 is specified, and a pattern corresponding to the information is stopped and displayed on the operation-input-ball display portion of the main display portion D. The display unit for the activated ball entry unit is controlled so as to be operated.

  In a succeeding step S309, a fluctuation end command is set. Thereafter, the game round control process ends. The change end command set in step S309 is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal processing (FIG. 18). The notification / production control device 143 transmits the received change end command to the display control device 620 while maintaining the information form. Upon receiving the change end command, the display control device 620 causes the final stop symbol combination in the game round to be definitely displayed (final stop display).

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

  As shown in FIG. 21, in the game state transition processing, first, it is determined in step S501 whether or not the open / close execution mode is in effect. If the opening / closing execution mode is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S502, and it is determined whether or not the timing at which the variation display of the pattern on the upper-operation-input-ball display unit or the lower-operation-input-ball display unit of one game has ended is completed. I do. If it is not the timing when the variable display has ended, the present game state transition processing ends as it is.

  If the variable display has ended, more specifically, if a preset stop display period (fixed display period) has elapsed since the variable display ended, the process proceeds to step S503, and the current game is executed. It is determined whether or not the game result of the round (the result of the winning / rejecting lottery) corresponds to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the normal jackpot result A corresponding flag, the normal jackpot result B corresponding flag, the probable variable jackpot result A corresponding flag, and the probable variable jackpot result B corresponding flag is stored in the RAM 604. If none of the above flags is stored, the game state transition processing ends.

  If any one of the above flags is stored, open / close execution mode start processing is executed in step S504. By the start processing, the operation restriction of the variable ball input devices 64 and 65 by the lock device is released, and the opening and closing operation of the variable ball input devices 64 and 65 is allowed until the opening and closing execution mode ends.

  In step S505, it is determined whether or not the big hit result corresponding flag stored corresponds to the round continuation lottery. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the normal jackpot result B corresponding flag and the probable change jackpot result B corresponding flag is stored in the various flag storage area 604e of the RAM 604. If an affirmative determination is made in step S505, a continuous lottery flag is set in the various flag storage area 604e in step S506. After executing the processing in step S506, or when making a negative determination in step S505, "8" is set to the open number counter OC provided in the various counter areas of the RAM 604.

  After executing the processing in step S507, the process advances to step S508 to set an opening command. The set opening command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 143 and the display control device 620 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 18). The notification / production control device 143 determines the contents of the production corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices such that the determined contents of the production are executed. The content of the effect includes the display mode on the symbol display device 75, and the determined display mode is output from the notification / effect control device 143 to the display control device 620 as a display content command. In the display control device 620, based on the opening command received from the main control device 162 and the display content command received from the notification / effect control device 143, a display corresponding to the current opening / closing execution mode, for example, a display content corresponding to a jackpot. The display control of the symbol display device 75 is executed so that the moving image display of the character or the like, the background image, and the like are switched. After executing the processing in step S508, the external signal setting processing is executed in step S509, and the game state transition processing ends.

  Returning to the description of step S501, if it is determined in step S501 that the open / close execution mode is being performed, the process proceeds to step S510. In step S510, it is determined whether the opening standby time has elapsed. If the waiting time for the opening has not elapsed, the present game state transition processing ends. If the opening standby time has elapsed, a special winning opening opening / closing process is executed in step S510. Here, the special winning opening opening and closing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Grand Winner opening and closing process)
In the special winning opening opening / closing process, first, it is determined in step S601 whether any of the upper special winning opening 64a and the lower special winning opening 65a is being opened. Specifically, such a determination is made based on the driving states of the variable ball entry drive units 64c and 65c in the variable ball entry devices 64 and 65. If the special winning openings 64a and 65a are not open, it is determined in step S602 whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S602, the main winning opening opening / closing process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S602, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether the value of the open timer counter TC is “0”. The open timer counter TC is a counter that is referred to when the open period or interval period of the special winning openings 64a and 65a is grasped, and its value is incremented by "1" every time a timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) is executed. Is subtracted. If a negative determination is made in step S703, the main winning opening / closing process ends.

  If the value of the open number counter OC is not “0” and the value of the open timer counter TC is “0”, the process proceeds to step S604. In step S604, it is determined whether or not the release number counter OC is “1”, that is, whether or not it is the start timing of the eighth round. If a negative determination is made in step S604, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, if the continuous lottery flag is stored in the various flag storage area 604e, this is deleted.

  After executing the process of step S605, or when a negative determination is made in step S604, the process proceeds to step S606. In step S606, it is determined whether or not a continuous lottery flag is stored in the various flag storage area 604e. If a negative determination is made in step S606, the upper variable winning device 64 is opened in step S607. Specifically, the upper variable ball driving unit 64c is driven to open the upper special winning opening 64a.

  On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S606, that is, if it is determined that the continuous lottery flag is stored, the process proceeds to step S608. In step S608, it is determined whether or not the open number counter OC is “2”. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the seventh round as a specific round related to the continuous lottery. If an affirmative determination is made in step S608, the process proceeds to step S609. In step S609, opening processing of the lower big winning opening 65a in the lower variable ball input device 65 is performed. Specifically, the lower variable ball driving unit 65c is driven to open the lower big winning opening 65a.

  If a negative determination is made in step S608, that is, if it is determined that the continuous lottery flag is stored but it is not a specific round, the process of step S607 is executed. That is, even if it is a jackpot result corresponding to the round continuous lottery, the open target is the upper variable ball-entering device 64 in rounds other than the specific round.

  After executing the processing of step S607 or step S609, the process proceeds to step S610, in which "15000" (corresponding to 30 seconds) is set in the open timer counter TC, and in step S611, "10" is set in the winning counter PC. .

  After executing the processing in step S611, an open command is set in step S612 indicating that the variable pitching devices 64 and 65 have been opened, and the main winning opening / closing processing ends. The set release command is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal processing (FIG. 18). The notification / effect control device 143 determines the contents of the effect corresponding to the opening based on the received opening command, and controls various devices such that the determined contents of the effect are executed.

  Returning to the description of step S601, if it is determined in step S601 that one of the lower special winning opening 65a and the upper special winning opening 64a is being opened, the process proceeds to step S613, and the value of the opening timer counter TC is increased. It is determined whether it is "0". If the value of the opening timer counter TC is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S614, and it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has won one of the lower special winning opening 65a and the upper special winning opening 64a that is to be opened. The determination is made based on the detection signals from the detection sensors 151e and 255 corresponding to the variable ball input devices 64 and 65. If no prize has been generated, the main winning opening opening / closing process ends.

  On the other hand, if a prize has been generated, a process of outputting a prize command is executed in step S615. The winning command is output to the notification and effect control device 143, and the effect in the opening / closing execution mode executed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 is changed by the winning command, for example.

  After executing the command output processing in step S615, the process proceeds to step S616. In step S616, the value of the winning counter PC is decremented by one. In step S617, it is determined whether the value of the winning counter PC is "0". If not, the main winning opening opening / closing process is performed as it is. finish.

  If a positive determination is made in step S617, that is, if the value of the winning counter PC is "0", or if a positive determination is made in step S613 (that is, it is determined that the value of the open timer counter TC is "0") ) Means that the special winning opening closing condition is satisfied. In this case, in step S618, the upper variable ball entry drive unit 64c and the lower variable ball entry drive unit 65c are closed in order to close the one of the lower large winning port 65a and the upper large winning port 64a that is to be opened. The corresponding one (the one in the driving state) is set to the non-driving state.

  In a succeeding step S619, an updating process of the open number counter OC is executed. Specifically, when the value of the open number counter OC is not “0”, the open number counter OC is decremented by one, and when the value of the open number counter OC is “0”, the open number counter OC is set. Is maintained at “0”.

  After executing the processing in step S619, the process proceeds to step S620. In step S620, it is determined whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is “0”. When a negative determination is made in step S620, the process proceeds to step S621. In step S621, it is determined whether or not the continuous lottery flag is stored in the various flag storage area 604e of the RAM 604. If a negative determination is made in step S621, the flow advances to step S622 to set "1000" (corresponding to 2 seconds) to the release timer counter TC.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S621 that the continuous lottery flag is stored, the process proceeds to step S623. In step S623, it is determined whether or not the number-of-opens counter OC is “1”. That is, it is determined whether or not a situation is set in which an interval period for shifting from the seventh round as the specific round to the eighth round is set. If an affirmative determination is made in step S623, the flow advances to step S624 to set "5000" (corresponding to 10 seconds) to the release timer counter TC.

  In the present embodiment, when the round continuation lottery is executed, the lower variable ball-entering device 65 is opened during the seventh round, and the game ball flows into the lower variable ball-entering device 65. Becomes Instead of immediately discharging these inflowing game balls, the discharge is delayed until the end of the seventh round. Then, using the interval period between the seventh round and the eighth round, a round continuation lottery is executed using those game balls. Although the details will be described later, this interval period is extended so as to be longer than usual (2 sec → 10 sec), but this is the period required for discharging game balls (the period required for continuous lottery). It has been added.

  If a negative determination is made in step S623, that is, if the continuous lottery flag is stored, but it is not a situation to set the interval period when shifting from the seventh round to the eighth round as a specific round, the process proceeds to step S623. In S622, "1000" (corresponding to 2 seconds) is set in the release timer counter TC.

  After executing the processing of step S622 or step S624, a closing command is set in step S729, and the main winning opening opening / closing processing ends. The set closing command is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal processing (FIG. 18). The notification / production control device 143 determines the contents of the production corresponding to the closing command based on the received closing command, and controls various devices such that the determined contents of the production are executed.

  Returning to the description of step S620, when it is determined in step S620 that the value of the open number counter OC is “0”, the process proceeds to step S626. In step S626, an ending start process is executed. In the start process, an ending standby time for waiting without starting the next game round for the ending in the opening / closing execution mode is set. More specifically, ending standby time information stored in the ROM 603 is set in a standby time counter area provided in the various counter areas 604d of the RAM 604.

  Then, in step S731, after setting the ending command, the main winning opening / closing process ends. The set ending command is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal processing (FIG. 18).

  Returning to the description of the game state transition process (FIG. 21), after executing the special winning opening opening / closing process in step S511, the continuous lottery process is executed in step S512. After executing the processing in step S512, it is determined in step S513 whether or not the value of the opening number counter OC is "0", and in step S514, it is determined whether or not the ending standby time has elapsed. When the value of the open number counter OC is not “0” or when the waiting time for ending has not elapsed, the present game state transition processing is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, if the value of the open number counter OC is “0” and the waiting time for ending has elapsed, in step S515, after performing the transition processing at the end of the open / close execution mode, the game The state transition processing ends.

  Here, the continuous lottery process of step S512 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Continuous lottery process)
In the continuous lottery process, first, at step S701, it is determined whether or not the above-described continuous lottery flag is stored in the various flag storage area 604e of the RAM 604. If a negative determination is made in step S701, the continuous lottery process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S701, the process proceeds to step S702. In step S702, it is determined whether or not the shutter 341 attached to the lower variable ball input device 65 is being opened, specifically, whether or not the permissible state is set to allow the outflow of the game ball from the standby passage 331. Is determined.

  If a negative determination is made in step S702, the process proceeds to step S703. In step S703, it is determined whether or not the open number counter OC is “1”. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the process has shifted to the interval period between the seventh round and the eighth round. If a negative determination is made in step S703, the continuous lottery process ends.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S703, it is determined whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is "4000" in a state where the opening / closing body 65b of the lower variable ball input device 65 is in the closed state. Is determined. That is, it is determined whether or not the timing is 2 seconds after the end of the seventh round. If a negative determination is made in step S704, the continuation lottery process ends.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S704, the process proceeds to step S705. In step S705, a process of opening the shutter 341 is performed. Specifically, by outputting a drive signal to the solenoid 345, the shutter 341 is switched from the regulated state to the permitted state. Thereby, the movement of the game balls waiting in the standby passage 331 of the stopping portion 321 toward the distribution member 352 is permitted.

  After the process of step S705 is executed, a lottery start command is set in step S706, and the process for continuous lottery ends. The lottery start command set in step S706 is output to the notification / effect control device 143 and the display control device 620 in step S201 of the normal processing (FIG. 18). Thereby, the notification that the continuous lottery has started is executed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 and the speaker unit 29.

  In the lower variable ball-entering device 65 shown in the present embodiment, since the lower special winning opening 65a and the stopping portion 321 are separated from each other, the game ball flowing into the lower special winning opening 65a reaches the stopping portion 321. It takes some time to do this. As described above, since the shutter 341 is switched to the allowable state with a delay after the opening / closing body 65b is switched to the closed state, the game ball that has flowed into the lower big winning opening 65a at the timing when the allowable state is reached is set. It is devised so that it has reached the stop part 321.

  Returning to the description of step S702, when an affirmative determination is made in step S702, the process proceeds to step S707. In step S707, it is determined based on the detection information from the first downstream detection sensor 305 whether or not a ball has entered the special ball entry unit 353. If an affirmative determination is made in step S707, a ball entry detection command is set in step S708. This ball entry detection command is output to the notification / effect control device 143 and the display control device 620 in step S201 of the normal processing (FIG. 18). As a result, the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 and the speaker unit 29 notify that the round continuous lottery has been won. In a succeeding step S709, "9" is set to the open number counter OC. As a result, the number of continuous rounds in the open / close execution mode is extended from “8” to “16”.

  After executing the processing of step S709, or when a negative determination is made in step S707, the process proceeds to step S710. In step S710, it is determined whether or not the release timer counter TC is "0". That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to shift to the eighth round after the elapse of the interval period corresponding to the round lottery. If a negative determination is made in step S710, the continuous lottery process ends.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S710, a continuous lottery end command is set in step S711. This continuous lottery end command is output to the notification / production control device 143 and the display control device 620 in step S201 of the normal processing (FIG. 18). Thereby, the notification that the round continuation lottery is completed is executed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 and the speaker unit 29.

  In a succeeding step S712, a process of closing the shutter 341 is executed. Specifically, the output of the drive signal to the solenoid 345 is stopped, and the shutter 341 is switched from the allowable state to the restricted state. As a result, the movement of the game ball from the stopping portion 321 to the distribution device 302 becomes impossible. At the same time, the validity period of the round continuation lottery using the distribution device 302 ends.

  In the MPU 602 of the main control device 162, the number of game balls discharged through the special ball input section 353 is grasped based on detection information from the first downstream side detection sensor 305, and the number of game balls discharged through the discharge passage section 317 is determined. The number of gaming balls is known based on the detection information from the second downstream detection sensor 306. By comparing the number of discharged game balls thus grasped with the number of inflows grasped based on the detection information from the upstream side detection sensor 255, the number of game balls discharged into the lower variable ball input device 65 is reduced. It is possible to monitor whether or not remains.

  Here, the flow of the game when the round continuation lottery is executed will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  At the timing t1 at which the sixth round in which the upper variable ball-entering device 64 is to be opened ends, the opening / closing body 64b of the upper variable ball-entering device 64 switches from the open state to the closed state. At a timing t2 when a predetermined interval period (2 seconds) has elapsed since the switching to the closed state, the opening / closing body 65b of the lower variable ball-entering device 65 switches from the closed state to the open state, and enters the lower big winning opening 65a. Balls are acceptable. This interval period is set so as to be slightly shorter than a period required for the game ball flowing down the right route to reach the lower variable ball-entering device 65 from the upper variable ball-entering device 64. The occurrence of useless balls in the case where game balls are continuously fired toward is suppressed.

  When the seventh round starts at the timing of t2, a ball enters the lower special winning opening 65a. During the period in which the lower special winning opening 65a is open, the shutter 341 is in the restricted state, so that the game balls flowing into the lower special winning opening 65a are distributed downstream of the shutter 341. Movement to the apparatus 302 is avoided, and the apparatus enters a standby state in the standby passage 331 located immediately above the distribution apparatus 302.

  At the timing of t3 when the number of entering balls reaches the upper limit number of entering balls “10”, the opening / closing body 65b is switched from the open state to the closed state, so that further entering balls are avoided. Thus, the stocking of the lottery game balls in the seventh round ends. Thereafter, at a timing t4 after the game ball reaches the stop portion 321 (standby passage 331), the shutter 341 switches from the restricted state to the permitted state. As a result, the game balls waiting in the waiting passage 331 move toward the distribution device 302. Note that the period in which the opening / closing body 65b is in the open state can also be said to be the storage period (stock period) of game balls.

  At the timing of t5 after the end of the round continuation lottery by the sorting device 302, the shutter 341 returns to the restricted state, and the upper big winning opening 64a of the upper variable pitching device 64 is opened. Here, in order to perform the transition timing to the next round smoothly and promptly, it is preferable to shorten the period required for the round continuous lottery as much as possible. In the present embodiment, the game progress in the opening / closing execution mode corresponding to the continuous lottery is prevented from being uselessly delayed by the device related to the shortening of the period. Hereinafter, a configuration related to the shortening of the period will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are schematic views showing the movement of a game ball in the lower variable ball input device 65.

  As shown in FIG. 25 (a) → FIG. 25 (b), the game ball that has flowed into the lower variable ball-entering device 65 (lower big winning opening 65a) stops via the passage area DE of the flow path forming part 320. The unit 321 is reached. As already described, in the flow path forming portion 320 in the present embodiment, the game balls are likely to flow in the order of the third standby passage 331C <the second standby passage 331B <the first standby passage 331A. As shown in FIG. 25 (c), when a certain amount of game balls are accumulated, the number of game balls waiting in the first to third waiting paths 331A to 331C tends to be biased. However, in any of the standby passages 331A to 331C, the upper limit number of standby is smaller than the upper limit number of balls entering the special winning opening 65a. For this reason, for example, after the number of game balls waiting in the first standby passage 331A reaches the standby upper limit number, the subsequent game balls hit the waiting game balls and bounce off, so that the second standby passage 331B and the The third waiting passage 331C is easily moved, and excessive bias in the number of waiting is suppressed. By smoothing the waiting number in this way, it is possible to suppress the extension of the period required for discharging the game balls.

  As shown in FIG. 25 (c) → FIG. 25 (d), when the shutter 341 switches from the restricted state to the permitted state, the game balls waiting in the standby passages 331A to 331C are in contact with the shutter 341. Descend first. As a result, the game balls waiting in the first standby passage 331A are placed on the first distribution member 352A, and the game balls waiting in the second standby passage 331B are placed on the second distribution member 352B. The game balls waiting in the third standby passage 331C are placed on the third sorting member 352C.

  Here, with respect to each of the distribution members 352A to 352C in the present embodiment, the rotation speed increases in the order of the third distribution member 352C <the second distribution member 352B <the first distribution member 352A (rotation cycle). Is shorter). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 25 (d) → FIG. 26 (e), the digestion speed of the game ball also increases in the order of the third distribution member 352C <the second distribution member 352B <the first distribution member 352A. Differences occur.

  For example, in FIG. 25 (d) → FIG. 25 (e), the number of game balls waiting in the first standby passage 331A decreases from “3” to “2”, and the number of game balls waiting in the second standby passage 331B increases. While the number of game balls present decreases from "2" to "1", the number of game balls waiting in the third standby passage 331C is maintained from "2" to "2".

  As shown in FIG. 26 (e) → FIG. 26 (f), as the distribution members 352A to 352C rotate, the number of game balls waiting in the first standby passage 331A increases from “2” to “1”. ”, The number of game balls waiting in the second standby passage 331B is maintained from“ 1 ”→“ 1 ”, and the number of game balls waiting in the third standby passage 331C is“ 2 ”→ It has decreased to “1”.

  In this way, by increasing the digestion speed as the number of game balls that can be guided is relatively large, it is possible to shorten the period of waiting for the completion of digestion of the game balls. Further, the third standby passage 331C (third distribution member 352C) forms the most advantageous flow path for the player, and the third distribution member 352C is suppressed by rotating the third distribution member 352C. The movement of the 352C can be easily visually confirmed, and a preferable configuration for improving the attention of the player is realized.

  If a game ball flows into the first receiving unit 377, not only one game ball but also a plurality of game balls (the same number as the storage upper limit number: three in the present embodiment) is the same as the first game ball. They can collectively flow into the receiving section 377. For this reason, the instantaneous digestion speed of the game ball increases in the order of the first distribution member 352A <the second distribution member 352B <the third distribution member 352C. In the first place, the special entry section 353 has a configuration in which the round continuation is determined when at least one game ball arrives, and there is no need to wait for arrival of a plurality of game balls. Therefore, setting the discharge efficiency of the game balls by the first receiving unit 377 higher than the discharge efficiency of the game balls by the second receiving unit 378 has technical significance.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 26 (f) → FIG. 26 (g), as the rotation of the distribution members 352A to 352C progresses, the game balls finally waiting in all the standby passages 331A to 331C are discharged. Is completed, but the time lag until the discharge is completed between the standby passages 331A to 331C at this time is reduced.

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

  In a situation where the shutter 341 (corresponding to “regulating means”) attached to the lower variable ball input device 65 is in a regulated state, the game ball that has reached the stopping portion 321 (corresponding to “reserving means”) is temporarily At the stop part 321. Thereafter, when the shutter 341 switches from the restricted state to the permitted state, the waiting game balls are guided to the shutter 341, and the sorting device 302 uses a plurality of game balls to enter the special ball entry section 353 (“first predetermined ball”). (Corresponding to “part”) / discharge passage part 317 (corresponding to “second predetermined part”) (sorting lottery). According to such a novel lottery method, it is possible to appropriately improve the degree of interest in the game in the above-described sorting lottery and in the process (storage condition) leading to it.

  In particular, as the amount of the waiting game balls (the number of stocks) increases, the probability of distribution to the discharge passage 317, which is relatively disadvantageous to the player, decreases. That is, by allowing as many game balls as possible when the shutter 341 is in the restricted state, the player's advantage in the subsequent sorting lottery increases. According to such a configuration, the degree of attention to the game in the process of the sorting lottery can be dramatically increased.

  A plurality of standby passages 331 are arranged side by side in the stopping portion 321 so as to be arranged side by side, and game balls are supplied to the distribution device 302 from the plurality of standby passages 331. Even if the same number of game balls are supplied, the number of supply sources reduces the period required for supplying the game balls as compared with the case where the game balls are supplied only from one standby passage. It becomes possible. This can contribute to speeding up of the sorting lottery using the sorting device 302.

  In a configuration in which a plurality of standby passages 331 are used in combination, the above-described period shortening effect is less likely to be exerted due to a large deviation in the number of standby game balls. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, if the standby upper limit number in each standby passage 331 is configured to be uniform, occurrence of such inconvenience can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

  When the number of game balls waiting in one standby passage 331 reaches the standby upper limit number, subsequent game balls are guided to a standby passage 331 different from the standby passage 331. By providing such a rescue function, it is possible to prevent the player from giving an impression that the existence of the upper limit number acts excessively disadvantageously. This is a preferable configuration for realizing the above-described smoothing of the standby number.

  In particular, when the number of game balls standing by in the first standby passage 331A reaches the standby upper limit, the second standby passage 331B or the like in which the subsequent game balls are more advantageous to the player than the first standby passage 331A. Turn to. In this way, by providing a space in which the generation of the surplus sphere advantageously acts for the player, it is possible to preferably suppress the existence of the waiting upper limit number from being a factor for reducing the willingness to play.

  In the first place, when the frequency of occurrence of a ball entering the lower winning award 65a as the "ball entry means" is extremely low, there is a concern that the collective lottery function as described above will not be sufficiently exhibited. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the occurrence of such an inconvenience can be suitably reduced by utilizing the case where the ball entry frequency is high in combination with the variable entry ball section in which the ball entry frequency is switched between high and low. Can be avoided. In other words, when the variable ball entry unit is in the receiving state, a large number of balls can be expected, and it is possible to suppress the standby number in the stop unit 321 from being excessively reduced. In this way, by switching the shutter 341 to the allowable state after a certain number of game balls are secured, a large number of game balls can be easily guided to the distribution device 302 collectively.

  The shutter 341 shown in the present embodiment extends in the same direction as the direction in which the plurality of standby passages 331 are juxtaposed, and is defined so that the direction of displacement thereof intersects the direction in which the juxtapositions are arranged. By displacing the shutter 341 to the protruding position / retracting position, the supply of the game balls from the plurality of standby passages 331 to the distribution device 302 is switched to the restricted state / permissible state collectively, so that each standby path 331 is provided. Variations in the timing of supply of game balls can be reduced, and responsiveness at the start of sorting lottery can be improved appropriately.

  In a configuration in which outflow of game balls from the plurality of standby passages 331 is restricted by the large shutter 341, a load (weight of the game balls, etc.) is applied to the shutters due to an uneven number of game balls waiting. There is also a bias in the position where it is applied. Deformation such as bending of the shutter 341 due to such a load may cause the operation of the shutter 341 to be unstable. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, if a slit 326 is formed in the partition 324 partitioning the standby passage 331 and the shutter 341 is inserted through the slit 326, the shutter 341 can be supported by the partition 324. It is possible to suitably suppress the above-described deformation and the like. Therefore, a simple configuration can contribute to improvement in the operation stability of the shutter 341.

  In the sorting device 302 shown in the present embodiment, the game balls are divided into the plurality of standby passages 331 and stand by, and the number of game balls waiting in one standby passage 331 approaches the upper limit number of standby. There is a high possibility that the game ball will be distributed to the special ball entry unit 353 due to two factors. With such a configuration, the player plays a game with the expectation that a certain number of game balls will be on standby in a specific standby passage 331 and that the game balls will be widely on standby in a plurality of standby passages 331. It will be. Thereby, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the player's attention to the game without setting the standby upper limit number in vain.

  The distribution member 352 has a first receiving part 377 and a second receiving part 378. When a game ball is in the second receiving unit 378, the subsequent game ball is prevented from entering the second receiving unit 378 by the game ball. In other words, the preceding game ball narrows down the destination of the subsequent game ball. As a result, the distribution probability to the discharge passage portion 317 decreases and the distribution probability to the special ball entry portion 353 increases. As described above, by using the difference in the depth of the receiving portions 377 and 378 to set the difference in the number of entered balls, it is possible to simplify the configuration relating to the restricted entry of the ball.

  After the shutter 341 enters the permissible state, the permissible state is maintained at least until all the game balls waiting in the standby passage 331 are discharged. Since the shutter 341 is not forcibly switched to the restricted state in a situation where the game ball is waiting, the shutter 341 is protected by avoiding the shutter 341 from being forcibly interrupted by the game ball group. Occurrence of a malfunction or the like relating to the shutter 341 can be suitably suppressed.

  The rotation cycle of the distribution member 352 constituting the distribution device 302 is different here. For this reason, the timing at which the game balls flow into the receiving section 376 can be shifted for each distribution member 352. This is advantageous not only in making it easier to visually follow the inflow destination of the game ball, but also in realizing diversification of the lottery mode by causing a difference in the lottery timing.

  When the sorting lottery is performed in parallel by collectively sending the game balls waiting in the plurality of standby passages 331 to the sorting device 302, the total period related to the drawing is prolonged, and the progress of the game is rapid. Can be a hindrance. Here, as shown in the present embodiment, by shortening the rotation cycle of the distribution member 352 corresponding to the standby passage 331 having a high inflow rate of game balls, it is possible to preferably suppress the elongation during the total period. it can. Thus, even if the inflow destination of the game ball is biased, it is possible to prevent the game progress from being excessively slowed due to the bias.

<Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the distribution member 352 corresponding to the standby passage 331 having a higher inflow rate has a higher rotation speed (shorter rotation cycle), so that the round continuation lottery (the distribution lottery) in the open / close execution mode is set. ) To suppress the extension of the required period. This embodiment is also similar to the first embodiment in that a device for shortening the time required for the continuous round lottery is devised, but a specific configuration for exhibiting the effect is provided. Are different from the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a configuration for realizing the shortened required period will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27A is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the number of receiving portions 376 of the distribution member 352 and the inflow rates into the respective standby passages 331 associated with the distribution members 352. The description of the various configurations common to the first embodiment is cited.

  In the present embodiment, the first distribution member 352A to the fifth distribution member 352E are defined to have the same rotation cycle. If the rotation cycle is simply the same, the period required to discharge all the waiting game balls is the third distribution member 352C of the inflow rate <the second distribution member 352B, the fourth distribution member 352D <the The first distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E become longer in this order. In this case, the period required for the sorting lottery may be extended.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, the number of receiving portions 376 is different between the distribution members 352A to 352E. More specifically, the order increases in the order of the third distribution member 352C <the second distribution member 352B, the fourth distribution member 352D <the first distribution member 352A, and the fifth distribution member 352E. For this reason, even if the rotation cycle is the same, the number of game balls discharged by rotation (discharge efficiency) is not the third distribution member 352C <the second distribution member 352B, the fourth distribution member 352D <the fourth distribution member. The first distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E increase in this order.

  As described above, by increasing the number of the receiving portions 376 in the sorting member 352 corresponding to the standby passage 331 having a higher inflow rate, it is possible to suppress an increase in the lottery period. In the present embodiment, in particular, since there is no need to provide a difference in the rotation speed, the configuration relating to the rotation of the distribution member (the above link mechanism) can be simplified, and the lottery unit (lower variable ball entry device) Can be reduced.

<Third embodiment>
In the first and second embodiments, when the number of game balls waiting in the standby passage 331 reaches the upper limit of standby, a part of the game ball located at the highest position in the standby passage 331 becomes It is configured to protrude from the entrance portion 332 of the standby passage 331, and to be moved to another standby passage 331 when a subsequent game ball hits the projected portion. One of the features of the present embodiment is that a contrivance is made to enhance the guidance function. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 27B, a configuration according to the device will be described. FIG. 27 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the stop 321X and its peripheral configuration in the third embodiment.

  A portion of the upper surface 342X of the shutter 341X serving as the "restrictor" that blocks the exit portion 333AX of the first standby passage 331AX is inclined downward toward the opposite side (left side wall portion 323) of the second standby passage 331B. An inclined portion 343X is formed. Of the game balls guided to the first standby passage 331AX, those that are in contact with the shutter 341X are guided along the inclined portion 343X to the left side wall portion 323X, and are shifted toward the far side from the second standby passage 331B. Will wait. In this way, the game balls that are waiting are prevented from having a variation in the standby position by the inclined portion 343X and the side wall portion 323X.

  Here, when the second game ball flows into the first standby passage 331A, the game ball is guided to the partition 324 side by the first game ball in standby, and is located at a position in contact with the partition 324. And wait. When the third game ball flows into the first standby passage 331A, the third game ball is guided to the side wall portion 323X by the waiting second game ball, and is in contact with the side wall portion 323X. Will wait. That is, the game balls that have flowed into the first standby passage 331A stand by in a row so as to meander in the direction in which the sorting members 352 are juxtaposed.

  Also in the present embodiment, the standby upper limit number is “3”, and the third game ball stands by while projecting from the entrance portion 332 of the first standby passage 331A. The third game ball stands by along the side wall 323. Therefore, when the subsequent game ball moves toward the first standby path 331A, the subsequent game ball is easily guided to the second standby path 331B side by the third game ball, and the three The state in which the eye rests on the game ball is suppressed.

  In addition, it is also possible to form an overhang portion or the like in a portion above the entrance portion 332 in the side wall portion 323X. According to such a configuration, it is possible to more suitably suppress the fourth game ball from being placed on the third game ball.

  Incidentally, such a guide function depends on the arrangement of passages and the upper limit number of waiting game balls. Therefore, it is preferable to define the direction of the inclined portion 343X according to these prerequisite configurations. For example, with respect to the first waiting passage 331A shown in the present embodiment, the upper limit number (the waiting upper limit number) of the game balls waiting in the first waiting passage 331A is set to three, but the waiting upper limit number is set to four. In this case, the inclination direction of the inclined portion 343X may be changed so as to be opposite (to be inclined downward toward the second standby passage 331B). Thereby, the function of guiding the succeeding game ball by the preceding game ball can be secured. When the upper limit number of standby is set to five, the inclination direction of the inclined portion 343X may be set to the same direction as that of the present embodiment. That is, in the positional relationship between the first standby passage 331A and the second standby passage 331B, when the standby upper limit number is an even number, the inclined portion 343X is inclined down to the second standby passage 331B side (that is, the standby upper limit number is A configuration in which the number of standby game balls is lowered and inclined to the same side as the guide destination of the game balls that have exceeded the upper limit, and a configuration in which the inclined portion 343X is lowered and inclined toward the side wall portion 323 when the standby upper limit number is an odd number (that is, a game ball in which the standby upper limit number is exceeded). (A configuration of inclining down to the opposite side of the guide destination).

  Also in the fifth standby passage 331E, the game ball mounted on the shutter 341 is guided to the opposite side (the right side wall portion 323 side) from the fourth standby passage 331D by the inclined portion 343X formed in the shutter 341. I have. Thus, after the number of game balls flowing into the fifth standby passage 331E reaches the standby upper limit number, subsequent game balls are easily guided to the fourth standby passage 331D.

  In this way, by suppressing the accumulation of the game balls exceeding the upper limit number, it is possible to suppress the period related to the sorting lottery from being lengthened. In particular, the excess balls are encouraged to flow into the second standby passage 331B and the fourth standby passage 331D, which are more advantageous to the player than the first standby passage 331A and the fifth standby passage 331E. Can be prevented from acting disadvantageously for the person. As a result, it is possible to prevent the realization of the smooth progress of the game from being a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play the game.

  In addition, avoiding the accumulation of the game balls prevents the player from pushing the pachinko machine 10 to allow the surplus balls to flow into the adjacent waiting passages 331B and 331D, thereby realizing protection of the pachinko machine 10. This is also a preferable configuration.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the third embodiment, when the number of game balls waiting in one standby passage 331X reaches the standby upper limit number, the subsequent game balls are transferred to another standby passage 331X located adjacent thereto. By guiding, an excessive bias of the inflow destination of the game ball is suppressed. This is an advantageous configuration for shortening the required period required for the round continuous lottery. However, in such a configuration, when the number of game balls waiting in the two adjacent waiting passages 331X both reaches the above-mentioned waiting upper limit number, the subsequent gaming balls are placed in the two waiting passages 331X. There is no denying the possibility that the guide from the flow path forming part 320 to the stop part 321X will not be performed well by being caught by two game balls located upstream. Even if such an event rarely occurs, if the interval period is set in consideration of the event, there is a concern that the effect of shortening the required period is reduced. One of the features of the present embodiment is that a device is devised to avoid the occurrence of such an event from a structural aspect. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 28, a device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the stop 321Y in an enlarged manner.

  As for the first standby passage 331AY and the second standby passage 331BY constituting the stopping portion 321Y, a difference in height is given to the entrance portion 332Y. Specifically, in the first standby passage 331AY having a relatively high inflow rate, the passage upper limit is increased by one in comparison with the second standby passage 331BY, so that the passage length is longer. That is, the upper end of the partition 324aY that partitions the first standby passage 331AY and the second standby passage 331BY is higher than the upper end of the partition 324bY that partitions the second standby passage 331BY and the third standby passage 331CY. It is located on the upper side.

  Therefore, even if the number of game balls waiting in both the first standby passage 331AY and the second standby passage 331BY has reached the standby upper limit, the subsequent game balls will be in the first standby passage 331AY and the second standby passage 331BY. It is possible to avoid standing by straddling the game ball waiting at the highest position of 331AY and the game ball waiting at the highest position of the second waiting path 331BY.

  In this way, it is possible to prevent the game balls from remaining in the flow path forming section 320 without moving from the flow path forming section 320 to the stopping section 321Y. As a result, circumstances to be considered when setting the interval period can be reduced, which can contribute to shortening of the interval period.

  Note that, in the present embodiment, the configuration is such that a difference is allowed for the storage upper limit number. However, the standby upper limit number may be made uniform by devising the vertical position of the shutter and the vertical position of the distribution member, for example. For example, the shutter is stepped down in the guide direction (downflow direction) of the game ball exceeding the standby upper limit number, specifically, a portion corresponding to the first standby passage → a portion corresponding to the second standby passage → the second. In order of the portion corresponding to the third waiting passage, the portion corresponding to the fifth waiting passage → the portion corresponding to the fourth waiting passage → the portion corresponding to the third waiting passage so as to be lower. It is also possible to form steps.

<Other embodiments>
Note that the present invention is not limited to the content described in each of the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above embodiments, or some or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above embodiments. Further, all or some of the various configurations described in the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effect to be exhibited) of each component to be combined is ensured. The following configurations may be individually applied to a new configuration formed by a combination of the embodiments, or some or all of them may be applied in combination.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the standby passages 331 as the “reservoir” are arranged side by side, but the arrangement of these standby passages 331 is arbitrary. For example, it is also possible to arrange the waiting passages 331 side by side. However, in order to facilitate visual confirmation of the stored number from the front of the gaming machine, it is preferable to arrange the waiting passages 331 side by side as shown in the above embodiment.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, the upper limit number of game balls that can be parked in each standby passage 331 is configured to be uniform. However, the upper limit number can be set individually for each standby passage 331. For example, when comparing the standby passage 331 (for example, the first standby passage 331A) into which game balls easily flow and the standby passage 331 (for example, the third standby passage 331C) into which game balls hardly flow, the former is better than the latter. If the difference is set such that the upper limit number is reduced, it is possible to suppress an increase in the lottery period.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the lower special winning opening 65a is configured to be horizontally long, and the diversity of the inflow point from the lower special winning opening 65a to the flow path forming part 320 (passing area DE) is ensured. Alternatively, a guide passage that guides the game balls flowing into the lower special winning opening 65a to the flow path forming unit 320 in one place may be interposed. In this case, by arranging the detecting means constituting the detecting means in the guide passage, it contributes to simplification of the configuration relating to the detection of the game ball and improvement of responsiveness when switching to the closed state upon entering the ball. be able to.

  Note that the opening / closing body 65b in the lower variable ball-entering device 65 is not necessarily required to be of a rotating type, but may be of a sliding type.

  (4) In the above embodiment, when the specific round (seventh round) is reached, the shutter 341 changes from the closed state to the closed state when the opening / closing body 65b is switched to the closed state with the end of the specific round. The configuration in which the state is switched to the open state, that is, the configuration in which the continuous lottery is performed using the interval period after the storage period for storing the game balls has been described, is not limited thereto. For example, this does not deny a configuration in which the shutter is switched to the open state before the opening / closing member 65b is switched to the closed state, that is, a configuration in which the storage period and the lottery period partially overlap.

  In addition, the above-described continuous lottery is configured to be completed during the interval period, but may be configured to be performed over the next round, or may be configured to be performed after being carried over to the next round or later. In other words, the lottery may be configured to span a plurality of rounds, or the round in which the lottery game balls are stocked (acquired) and the round in which the lottery is performed using the stocked game balls may be divided. Is also possible.

  Hereinafter, a specific configuration when the above technical idea is embodied will be exemplified. Whether the round continuation number in the opening / closing execution mode is 8 rounds R or 16 rounds is determined based on the ball entering the lower variable ball entering device 65. In this lottery, the lower variable ball-entering device 65 is opened in a predetermined round (for example, the fourth round) before the branch occurs. When a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed from the opening, the shutter 341 is opened. While the upper variable ball-entering device 64 is open (for example, the fifth to seventh rounds), the lower variable ball-entering device 65 executes continuous lottery and discharge of game balls. Then, the result of the continuous lottery is notified in the eighth round where the branch occurs. As such a configuration, during the opening / closing execution mode, a game in which a game ball is acquired based on a ball entering the upper variable ball-entering device 64, and a continuous lottery based on the ball entering the lower variable ball-entering device 65 and the game is stored. If the game balls can be discharged in parallel (simultaneous progress), the period required for the lottery and the preparation thereof can be suitably secured. This is a preferable configuration for facilitating the progress of the game.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the first distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E are disposed on the left and right of the third distribution member 352C, and the first distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E are disposed. The configuration is such that the rotation speed of 352E is common. Regarding the first distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E, the number and arrangement of the receiving portions 376 are common, and they are synchronously rotated so that the phase difference becomes 0 (the distribution mode of the game ball is changed). Common). For this reason, if the ball does not enter the special ball entry portion 353 (corresponding to the “first predetermined portion”) via one of the two sorting members 352A, 352E, the special ball entry portion 353 via the other. There is no entry to the ball.

  Here, if the first distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E are configured to have a phase difference, a ball enters the special ball entry portion 353 via one of the two distribution members 352A and 352E. Even if it is not performed, there is a possibility that a ball may enter the special ball entry unit 353 via the other. By setting such a phase difference, further diversification of the distribution mode in the lower variable ball input device 65 can be realized.

  In setting the phase difference, it is preferable to provide a difference in at least one of the rotation speed and the initial position. For example, the phase difference can be generated by making the rotation speed of one of the two distributing members 352A and 352E slightly faster or slower than the other, and the phase difference becomes larger as the time becomes shorter. Or become smaller. This can contribute to further diversification of the distribution mode.

  Incidentally, the second distributing member 352B and the fourth distributing member 352D disposed on the left and right of the third distributing member 352C also have the same arrangement of the receiving portions 376 and have a phase difference of 0. And rotate synchronously. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a phase difference occurs between the second distribution member 352B and the fourth distribution member 352D.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the first distribution member 352A and the fifth distribution member 352E are made common, the second distribution member 352B and the fourth distribution member 352D are made common, and then the first distribution member 352B and the fourth distribution member 352D are made common. Although the distribution members 352A to 352E are arranged symmetrically about the third distribution member 352C, the invention is not limited to this. Differences may be provided to all of the first to fifth sorting members 352A to 352E. For example, a difference may be given to at least one of the number of the receiving units 376, the division of the first receiving unit 377 and the second receiving unit 378, and the positional relationship between the first receiving unit 377 and the second receiving unit 378.

  (7) In the above embodiment, among the first standby passage 331A to the fifth standby passage 331E, the probability of inflow of the game ball into the first standby passage 331A and the fifth standby passage 331E provided at both ends is different. Although set to be higher than the standby passages 331B to 331D, the probability of inflow into the standby passages 331A to 331E may be arbitrarily changed.

  However, the guide groove 313 (corresponding to a “holding portion”) is formed at both ends of the shutter 341, and when focusing on the point that the shutter 341 is slidably held by the guide groove 313, the holding By receiving a relatively large load at a position close to the position, deformation such as bending of the shutter 341 can be suitably suppressed. In consideration of such circumstances, when changing the inflow probability, it is preferable that the shutter 341 be held near a standby passage having a relatively high inflow probability.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the distribution member 352 (corresponding to the “movable body”) is of a rotary type, but is not limited to this. If it is possible to at least switch between a state in which game balls are distributed to the special ball entry section 353 as the "first predetermined section" and a state in which game balls are distributed to the discharge passage section 317 as the "second predetermined section", distribution is possible. The operation mode of the member 352 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the distribution member 352 can be of a sliding type.

  (9) In the above embodiment, the upper limit number of the game balls that can be stopped in the standby passages 331A to 331E is smaller than the number of the receiving portions 376A to 376E formed in the distribution members 352A to 352E. It is not limited. The upper limit number of the game balls that can be stopped in the standby passages 331A to 331E may be larger than the number of the receiving portions 376A to 376E formed in the distribution members 352A to 352E, or may be the same.

  (10) In the above embodiment, the upper variable ball-entering device 64 and the lower variable ball-inserting unit serve as a “variable ball-entering unit” that can enter the ball when the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode (corresponding to the “special game state”). Although the device 65 is configured to be used in combination, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper variable ball input device 64 can be omitted.

  In this case, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the flow path in the lower variable ball input device 65 is switched between a round in which the continuous lottery is performed and a round in which the continuous lottery is not performed. Specifically, a discharge port at which the game balls can be discharged from the lower variable ball-in device 65 at a position upstream of the stopping portion 321, and a game ball flowing into the lower variable ball-in device 65, A flow path switching means for switching the flow path so as to guide any one of the stopping sections 321 is provided, and in a round corresponding to the continuous lottery, the game balls are guided to the stopping section 321 (corresponding to the "reserving section") and continued. In a round in which lottery is not supported, it is preferable that the game ball is not guided to the stop portion 321.

  However, it is not always necessary to arrange the flow path switching means upstream of the stop 321, and it is also possible to arrange the flow path switch downstream of the stop 321 (for example, downstream of the distribution member 352). is there. That is, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which game balls discharged in each round pass through the distribution member 352. In such a configuration, a game ball heading for the special ball entry portion 353 may be guided to the discharge passage portion 317 by the flow path switching means, and ball entry to the special ball entry portion 353 may be avoided. As a result, it is possible to avoid occurrence of an erroneous recognition that the right by entering the special entering section 353 is not given. When game balls are ejected via the distribution member 352 in a round that does not correspond to the continuous lottery, this may be a factor that hinders speeding up of game progress. In consideration of such circumstances, for example, in a round other than the round corresponding to the continuous lottery, the rotation speed of the distribution member 352 may be controlled to be higher than that in the round corresponding to the continuous lottery. With the configuration in which the discharge efficiency is increased in this manner, the occurrence of the above-described inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  (11) In the above embodiment, the round continuous lottery in the lower variable ball-entering device 65 is configured to be performed when a predetermined round is reached, but the round in which the continuous lottery is performed is arbitrary. It is also possible to have a plurality of rounds (for example, every round) to be subjected to the continuous lottery.

  (12) In the above embodiment, after the shutter 341 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the shutter 341 is maintained in the open state until the continuous lottery ends, but the operation mode of the shutter 341 is not limited to this. It is not something to be done. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which switching between the open state and the closed state is repeated in the process from the start to the end of the continuous lottery.

  (13) In the above embodiment, by using the motor 315 as the “drive unit” and the transmission gear 316 as the “drive force transmission mechanism”, all the distribution members 352A to 352E can be controlled by one motor 315. It is configured to operate (rotate). The difference between the rotation ratios of the transmission gears 316 constituting the link mechanism causes a difference in the rotation period of the distribution members 352A to 352E. However, the difference can be changed as follows. That is, a motor may be provided for each of the distribution members 352A to 352E, and the motors may be individually driven and controlled to provide a difference in the rotation cycle. As described above, when the drive units are individually provided, the rotation speeds of the distribution members 352A to 352E are not made constant, but individual speed changes can be generated.

  (14) In the above-described embodiment, the period required for the sorting lottery is smoothed by setting the shorter the number of game balls that can reach the rotation cycle of the sorting members 352A to 352E and the longer the smaller the number, the longer the number of game balls. Thus, the configuration is made to suppress the extension during the lottery, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotation periods of the distribution members 352A to 352E may be unified. Further, it is not denied that the number of the game balls that can reach the rotation cycle is set to be longer as the number of the game balls is larger, and set as the number of the game balls is shorter as the number is smaller.

  In embodying the technical concept shown in the present modification, for example, it is possible to set the number of the receiving parts 376 to be larger as the number of reachable game balls is larger and to be smaller as the number is smaller.

  (15) In the first waiting passage 331A shown in the above-described embodiment, the waiting position of the preceding game ball is meandered so as to be offset left and right from the center of the passage, and projects from the entrance portion 332A when the upper limit is reached. The configuration is such that the game ball is shifted to the side opposite to the adjacent second standby passage 331B, and when the subsequent game ball hits, it is configured to rebound to the entrance portion 332B side of the second standby passage 331B. The configuration for moving the surplus game balls in the first standby passage 331A to another standby passage (for example, the second standby passage 331B or the like) is not limited to the above. For example, a movable piece that can swing left and right is provided near the entrance portion 332A of the first standby passage 331A, and excess game balls are guided by this movable piece to another standby passage (for example, the second standby passage 331B). It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which:

  (16) In the above embodiment, the case where the slit 326 (corresponding to the “insertion part”) is provided in the partition part 324 as the partition part that partitions and forms the standby passages 331A to 331E, and at least the shutter 341 is in the regulated state. Has a configuration in which the shutter 341 is kept inserted through the slit 326, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the protrusions corresponding to the outlet portions 333A to 333E of the standby passages 331A to 331E are individually provided at the distal end portion of the shutter 341, the slit 326 can be omitted. However, in a configuration in which the shutter 341 is inserted through the slit 326, the bending deformation of the shutter 341 can be restricted by the partition 324. In view of the fact that a game ball is placed on the shutter 341, as described above, providing the partitioning section 324 with a support function can suppress deformation of the shutter 341 and improve operation stability and the like of the shutter 341. There is a technical significance.

  (17) In the above-described embodiment, the exit portions 333 of the plurality of standby passages 331 are closed by one shutter 341. However, shutters corresponding to the exit portions 333 of each standby passage 331 may be individually provided.

  (18) In the above embodiment, the round game in the opening / closing execution mode is continued based on the ball entry into the special ball entry section 353 as the “first predetermined section”, but is not limited to this. is not. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the lottery mode shifts to the high-probability mode based on the entry into the special ball entry unit 353, or a configuration in which the support mode shifts to the high-frequency support mode.

  (19) In the above embodiment, the required discharge period defined by the rotation speed of the distribution member 352, the maximum number of stored in the standby passage 331, and the like, that is, the period required for discharging the game balls from the lower variable ball input device 65. , The interval period (lottery period) is set, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the interval period (lottery period) ends when the number of remaining balls in the lower variable ball input device 65 becomes 0 (that is, when the number of inflows and the number of outflows match) (for example, a configuration to shift to the next round) ) Is also possible.

  (20) When performing the transfer lottery to the high-accuracy gaming state (high-probability mode and high-frequency support mode) using the lower variable ball-entering device 65, the transfer lottery is executed in the interval period between rounds. Instead of the configuration, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the transition lottery is performed using the ending period before the transition from the open / close execution mode to the normal game state.

  (21) In the above embodiment, the discharge passage portion 317 and the special ball-in portion 353 are provided as distribution destinations of the game balls flowing into the lower variable ball-in device 65. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the distribution destination of the game balls may be a plurality of general winning ports (for example, having different numbers of prize balls) in which a difference is set to the advantage. In addition, in the case of such a configuration, the configuration may be such that all the game balls that have reached the general winning opening of the guide destination enter the general winning opening. It is good also as composition provided with a branch which avoids entering a ball.

  As described above, when the lower variable ball-entering device 65 is configured not to be associated with the round continuous lottery or the shift lottery to the high-accuracy game state, etc., the relationship with the arrangement of the upper variable ball-entering device 64 is set. And the restrictions on the arrangement of the variable ball input device 65 are relaxed. Therefore, the variable ball-entering device 65 is located at a position other than the downstream (lower right portion of the game board 60) of the upper variable ball-entering device 64, for example, downstream of the operating ports 62a and 63a. It may be configured to be provided between the out port 68 and the like.

  In the configuration in which the game balls flowing into the variable ball input device 65 are distributed to a plurality of general winning ports, the opening and closing timing of the shutter 341 does not necessarily have to be defined by the gaming machine. For example, an operation unit operated by the player (For example, an operation button or the like) may be provided, the shutter 341 may be opened and closed based on the operation of the operation unit, and the timing of storing / discharging the game balls may be left to the player (selected).

  In addition, there is no need to arrange a so-called "winning" corresponding ball entry section to which a bonus such as payout of game balls, continuation of rounds, transition to a high-precision game state is given to a player as a distribution destination of game balls. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a game effect is performed according to the distribution destination. For example, in a gaming machine of a type equipped with a so-called latent probability change in which it is difficult to specify from the overview whether the mode is the high probability mode internally, a suggestion effect of the probability probability change is performed according to the distribution destination. A configuration is also possible. At this time, by adopting a configuration in which the reliability of the suggested effect is changed according to the distribution destination, it is possible to urge the player to pay attention to the distribution destination of the game ball.

  (22) In the lower variable ball-entering device 65 described in the above embodiment, the projections 312 are fixed, but these projections 312 may be movable. For example, the protrusion 312 may be configured to slide in a predetermined direction (up / down direction, left / right direction, etc.), or the protrusion 312 may be configured to protrude and retract from the flow path.

  (23) The motor 315 may be configured to change (rotation direction and rotation speed) when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  (24) In the above embodiment, when the ball does not enter the special ball entry section 353 in the seventh round, the opening operation of the variable ball entry device 64 ends in the eighth round. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as the drive control mode (winning mode) of the variable ball-entering device 64, a high-frequency winning mode and a low-frequency winning less likely to generate a ball than the high-frequency winning mode (for example, substantially avoiding the ball) are provided. A mode is provided to switch the drive control mode in the ninth to sixteenth rounds from the high-frequency winning mode to the low-frequency winning mode when no ball enters the special ball-in section 353. Is also possible. With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately suppress the elongation of the interval period between the seventh round and the eighth round by considering the discharge of the game ball from the lower variable ball input device 65. In this case, for example, the opening / closing mode in the ninth round or later may be switched based on a flag related to the lottery result in the seventh round.

  (25) In the above embodiment, the housing 301 and the cover body 303 that constitute the outer shell of the lottery unit 300 are formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the inside of the lottery unit 300 (for example, the stop part 321 and the distribution member 352). Is visible from the front of the gaming machine, but is not limited to this. It is sufficient if the visibility of at least the stopping portion 321 and the distribution member 352 is ensured, and the housing 301 and the cover body 303 can be partially transparent.

  In the above embodiment, the first standby passage 331A (the first distribution member 352A) → the second standby passage 331B (the second distribution member 352B) → the third standby by changing the transparency by graining. Although the differentiation is made such that the visibility increases in the order of the passage 331C (the third distribution member 352C), a specific configuration for providing such a difference in visibility is arbitrary.

  In the case where illumination such as a backlight is used, the difference in visibility may be caused by a difference in light amount or luminous intensity. Further, a difference in visibility may be generated depending on the arrangement. For example, if attention is paid to the point that the position closer to the player is more likely to enter the field of view, the third standby passage 331C (the third distribution member 352C) → the second standby passage 331B moves from the side closer to the player to the side farther from the player. (Second sorting member 352B) → It is also possible to provide a difference in visibility by arranging in order of the first standby passage 331A (first sorting member 352A).

  A variable means for switching between a high visibility state with high visibility and a low visibility state with lower visibility using illumination or a shutter may be provided. In the following specific examples, the configuration relating to the change in visibility is illustrated for a case where the configuration is applied to the first standby passage 331A (the first distribution member 352A) and the second standby passage 331B (the second distribution member 352B). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be applied to the second standby passage 331B (second distribution member 352B) and the third standby passage 331C (third distribution member 352C), or may be applied to the first standby passage 331A (first distribution member 352A) and the third standby passage 331C. The present invention may be applied to the third standby passage 331C (third distribution member 352C), or to the first standby passage 331A (first distribution member 352A) to the fifth standby passage 331E (fifth distribution member 352E). You may.

  In a situation where a game ball does not enter the first standby passage 331A, which is relatively disadvantageous for the player, the first standby passage 331A (first distribution member 352A) is in a highly visible state and the second standby passage 331B (second The distributing member 352B) is placed in the low visibility state, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the number of game balls waiting in the first standby passage 331A reaches the upper limit number, or when the game is played in the second standby passage 331B). The second standby passage 331B (second distribution member 352B) is switched to a high visibility state and the first standby passage 331A (first distribution member 352A) is switched to a low visibility state when a ball flows in). It is also possible. In the first place, the second standby passage 331B (the second distribution member 352B) is set to be more advantageous to the player than the first standby passage 331A (the first distribution member 352A). Although it is a place to which attention should be paid, when the ball does not enter the second standby passage 331B (the second sorting member 352B), the impression of the player may be deteriorated. Therefore, in a case where the game balls can pass through the second standby passage 331B (the second distribution member 352B), the visibility of the second standby passage 331B (the second distribution member 352B) is improved. If this is the case, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  In view of the fact that the player's attention is directed to the lower variable ball-entering device 65 in the opening / closing execution mode (particularly in the round in which the lottery is performed), the player is visually recognized in a situation where such attention is likely to be directed. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that causes a difference in gender. That is, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which regulation is made so that a difference in visibility does not occur in a normal game state or the like.

  (26) The opening / closing timing of the shutter 341 provided in the lower variable ball input device 65 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the shutter 341 may be switched to the open state at the timing when the lower special winning opening 65a is closed, or the shutter 341 may be set to the open state at the timing before or after the lower special winning opening 65a closes. The configuration may be switched. Further, the period for maintaining the shutter 341 in the closed state to promote the accumulation of the game balls (the period until the shutter 341 is switched to the open state) may be arbitrarily changed.

  Here, it is not necessary to uniquely define the operation timing of the shutter 341, and a plurality of types of the operation timing may be provided. For example, it is also possible to individually set the operation timing of the shutter 341 according to the lottery result (type of hitting result) based on the ball entry into the operation ports 62a and 63a. Since the greater the number of stored game balls, the more advantageous the player is, the difference between the operation timing of the shutter 341 and the period of time in which the shutter 341 is maintained in the closed state can cause a difference between advantages and disadvantages. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing monotonous game play.

  (27) In the above embodiment, the game balls easily flow in the order of the third standby passage 331C <the second standby passage 331B <the first standby passage 331A, and the third distribution member 352C <the second distribution. The member 352B was set so that the rotation speed was increased in the order of the first sorting member 352A. That is, by increasing the discharge efficiency (digestion efficiency or ball feeding efficiency) as the flow path through which the game balls are more easily supplied, the length of time required for the lottery is suppressed, and the game progress is accelerated.

  Here, the discharge efficiency of the game balls depends on factors such as the number of receiving portions 376 formed in the sorting member 352, the size of the receiving portions 376, the rotation speed (rotation cycle) of the sorting member 352, and the like. However, these factors may be arbitrarily changed as long as the technical idea that the flow path to which the game ball is easily supplied has a higher discharge efficiency can be secured.

  (28) Another type of pachinko machine different from the above-described embodiment, such as a pachinko machine in which an electric accessory opens a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific region of a special device, or a game ball in a specific region of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that becomes a jackpot when a right enters and a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball and the like.

  In addition, a game machine that is not a ball-and-ball type, for example, includes a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are provided in a circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reels by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. Therefore, the present invention also applies to a slot machine that gives a player a privilege such as payout of medals when a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on an effective line visible from the display window after the reel stops. Can be applied.

  Furthermore, the game machine main body supported to be openable and closable on the outer frame includes a storage unit and a capture device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are captured by the capture device. Accordingly, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, in which the rotation of a reel is started.

<About the inventions extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in each of the above embodiments is appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses or the like.

<Characteristic A group>
The following feature group A is described as follows: Some gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines include a gaming board having a game area in which a game ball flows down. The game ball is played based on an operation of a player. When the game ball fired toward the area and the shot game ball enters the ball entry area provided in the game area, a benefit such as payout of the game ball is given to the player based on the game ball. In gaming machines, where the awarding of benefits depends on the movement of the ball, by disposing game parts such as nails and windmills in the game area, the flow path of the game ball is dispersed, and the movement of the game ball is varied. There is a technology that raises the degree of attention to the movement of the same game ball, and hence the degree of attention to the game (for example, see Patent Document 1). In order to improve the attention to the game There is still room for improvement in the construction. In which the invention has been made with the problems to be solved that ".

Feature A1. Ball entry means (lower variable ball entry device 65) into which game balls flowing down the game area (game area PE) can enter;
Distributing means (distributing device 302) for distributing the game balls flowing into the ball entering means to a first predetermined portion (special ball input portion 353) and a second predetermined portion (discharge passage portion 317) different from the first predetermined portion. A distributing member 352),
A privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the player when the game ball reaches the first predetermined portion (a privilege granting function in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162);
Storage means (stop part 321) provided between the entrance portion of the ball entry means and the distribution means and capable of storing a plurality of game balls flowing from the ball entry means;
Regulating means (shutter 341) which can be switched to an allowable state for allowing outflow of the game balls from the storage means and a restricted state for restricting the outflow,
A gaming machine characterized in that a gaming ball flowing out of the storage means is guided to the distribution means when the control means switches from the restricted state to the permitted state.

  According to the feature A1, the game ball that has reached the storage means temporarily waits in the storage means in a state where the restriction means is in the restricted state. Thereafter, when the restricting means switches from the restricting state to the allowable state, the plurality of game balls are guided to the distributing means, and the distributing means uses the plurality of game balls to switch to the first predetermined portion / second predetermined portion. Distribution (hereinafter, also referred to as distribution lottery) will be executed. According to such a novel lottery method, it is possible to appropriately improve the degree of interest in the game in the above-described sorting lottery and in the process (storage condition) leading to it.

  Note that "game balls can be stored" indicates that the flow of the game balls is temporarily stopped. That is, it is not always necessary to stop the game ball, but includes allowing the game ball to swing. Incidentally, it is also possible to replace "can store game balls" with "can wait game balls" or "can store game balls".

Feature A2. Ball entry means (lower variable ball entry device 65) into which game balls flowing down the game area (game area PE) can enter;
Distributing means (distributing device 302) for distributing the game balls flowing into the ball entering means to a first predetermined portion (special ball input portion 353) and a second predetermined portion (discharge passage portion 317) different from the first predetermined portion. A distributing member 352),
A privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the player when the game ball reaches the first predetermined portion (a privilege granting function in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162);
Storage means (stop part 321) provided between the entrance portion of the ball entry means and the distribution means and capable of storing a plurality of game balls flowing from the ball entry means;
Regulating means (shutter 341) which can be switched to an allowable state for allowing outflow of the game balls from the storage means and a restricted state for restricting the outflow,
The game balls flowing out of the storage means are guided to the distribution means, and the game balls are easily distributed to the first predetermined portion according to the number of the game balls stored in the storage means. A gaming machine characterized by that:

  According to the feature A2, the game ball that has reached the storage means temporarily waits in the storage means in a state where the restriction means is in the restricted state. Thereafter, when the restricting means switches from the restricting state to the allowable state, the plurality of game balls are guided to the distributing means, and the distributing means uses the plurality of game balls to switch to the first predetermined portion / second predetermined portion. Distribution (hereinafter, also referred to as distribution lottery) will be executed. According to such a novel lottery method, it is possible to appropriately improve the degree of interest in the game in the above-described sorting lottery and in the process (storage condition) leading to it.

  In particular, as the amount of the stored game balls increases, the probability of distribution to the second predetermined portion, which is relatively disadvantageous to the player, decreases. In other words, by allowing as many game balls as possible when the control means is in the control state, the degree of advantage of the player in the subsequent sorting lottery is increased. According to such a configuration, the degree of attention to the game in the process of the sorting lottery can be dramatically increased.

  Note that "game balls can be stored" indicates that the flow of the game balls is temporarily stopped. That is, it is not always necessary to stop the game ball, but includes allowing the game ball to swing. Incidentally, it is also possible to replace "can store game balls" with "can wait game balls" or "can store game balls".

Feature A3. The storage means has a plurality of storage portions (standby passages 331) provided so as to be arranged side by side,
The feature A1 or the feature A2, wherein each of the game balls stored in the plurality of storage units is supplied to the distribution unit when the control unit switches from the control state to the allowable state. Gaming machine.

  According to the feature A3, game balls are supplied from the plurality of storage units. Even if the same number of game balls are supplied, the number of supply sources reduces the period required for supply of game balls as compared with the case where game balls are supplied only from one storage unit. It becomes possible. This can contribute to speeding up of the sorting lottery by the sorting means.

  Feature A4. The gaming machine according to Feature A3, wherein the plurality of storage units are configured such that the maximum number of game balls that can be stored in each storage unit is the same.

  In a configuration having a plurality of storage sections, the effect shown in the feature A3 is less likely to be exerted due to a large bias in the storage number. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the upper limit number of each storage unit is made uniform, the effect shown in feature A3 can be suitably exerted.

  Feature A5. The plurality of storage units are configured such that when the number of game balls stored in the predetermined storage unit reaches the upper limit number, subsequent game balls are guided to another storage unit. The gaming machine according to feature A3 or feature A4, characterized in that:

  According to the feature A5, when the number of stored balls reaches the upper limit, the subsequent game balls are guided to a storage unit different from the storage unit. By providing such a rescue function, it is possible to prevent the player from giving an impression that the existence of the upper limit number acts excessively disadvantageously.

  In addition, when the game ball is guided to another storage unit when the upper limit is reached, it is possible to suppress the bias of the storage target from becoming excessively large. As a result, the effects shown in the feature A3 and the like can be more suitably exerted.

Feature A6. The ball entry means is switchable between a receiving state (for example, an open state) that allows a ball to enter and a non-accepting state (for example, a closed state) where it is more difficult to enter the ball than the receiving state,
The game according to any one of features A3 to A5, wherein when the ball entry means switches from the receiving state to the non-accepting state, the regulating means switches from the regulating state to the allowable state. Machine.

  In the first place, if the frequency of occurrence of ball entry into the ball entry unit is extremely low, there is a concern that the collective lottery function as described above will not be sufficiently exhibited. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the occurrence of such an inconvenience can be suitably avoided by utilizing the case where the ball entry frequency is high in combination with a variable type ball entry means in which the ball entry frequency switches between high and low. . In other words, when the variable ball-entering means is in the receiving state, a large number of balls can be expected, and it is possible to prevent the number of stored balls in the storing means (storage section) from being excessively reduced. In this way, by switching the restricting means to the permissible state after a certain number of game balls are secured, it becomes easier for a large number of game balls to be collectively guided to the distribution means.

Feature A7. When the game state becomes a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than usual, switching control means (the main control device 162 for switching the ball entry means between the accepting state and the non-accepting state). MPU 602 has a function to execute a special winning opening opening / closing process)
The switching control means, when the number of balls entering the ball entry means reaches a plurality of predetermined numbers (for example, 10) in a state where the ball entry means is in the receiving state, The gaming machine according to Feature A6, further comprising a unit that switches the ball entry unit from the receiving state to the non-accepting state.

  As shown in the present feature, the number of balls entered into the ball entry means becomes a predetermined number which is a plurality of numbers, the ball entry means is switched from the receiving state to the non-accepting state, and thus the storage number described above. Can be secured.

Feature A8. A shutter (shutter (shutter) displaceable between a protruding position protruding into a flow path connecting the storage means and the distribution means, and a retracted position in which protruding into the flow path is suppressed from the protruding position; 341), wherein the shutter is arranged at the projecting position to be in the restricted state, and the shutter is arranged at the retracted position to be in the allowable state,
The plurality of storage units are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction (for example, a left-right direction),
The gaming machine according to any one of features A3 to A7, wherein a displacement direction of the shutter is defined to be a direction (for example, a front-back direction) crossing the predetermined direction.

  According to the feature A8, by displacing the shutter from the protruding position to the retreat position, the supply of the game balls from the plurality of storage units to the distribution means is permitted. In this way, if the configuration is such that the supply or non-supply of the game balls from the plurality of storage units is switched collectively, the variation in the supply timing of the game balls for each storage unit is reduced, and the responsiveness at the start of the sorting lottery is preferable. Can be improved.

Feature A9. The shutter is formed so as to straddle the plurality of storage units, and in a state where it is arranged at the protruding position, a game ball is placed on the shutter,
The gaming machine according to Feature A8, wherein a slit (slit 326) through which the shutter is inserted is formed in a partition section (partition section 324) that partitions the plurality of storage sections.

  As shown in the feature A9, in the configuration in which the outflow of the game balls from the plurality of storage units is restricted by the large shutter, the position where the load (the weight of the game balls, etc.) is applied to the shutter due to the bias in the number of storages. Is also biased. Deformation such as bending of the shutter due to such a load can be a factor that makes the operation of the shutter unstable.

  Therefore, if the shutter is inserted through the slit formed in the partition as shown in the present feature, the shutter can be supported by the partition, and the above-described deformation and the like can be suitably suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to improvement of the operation stability of the shutter with a simple configuration.

  Feature A10. The distributing means, as the number of game balls stored in one of the plurality of storage units approaches the upper limit number of game balls that can be stored in the storage unit, the second by the distribution means (1) The gaming machine according to any one of the features A3 to A9, wherein the gaming machine is configured to increase the probability of distribution to the predetermined portion.

  According to the feature A10, the game balls can be distributed to the first predetermined portion due to two factors, that is, the game balls are separately stored in the plurality of storage portions, and the number of storages in one storage portion approaches the upper limit. The nature becomes high. By adopting such a configuration, the player can play a game with the expectation that a certain number of game balls will be waiting in a specific storage unit and that the game balls will be widely available in a plurality of storage units. Become. Thereby, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the player's attention to the game without setting the upper limit number unnecessarily.

Feature A11. A plurality of receiving portions (receiving portions 376) capable of receiving game balls are formed in the distribution means,
A part of the plurality of receiving units is configured to send the game ball that has entered the receiving unit to the second predetermined unit, and when the receiving unit contains a game ball, The gaming machine according to feature A10, wherein the gaming ball is configured to prevent a subsequent gaming ball from flowing into the receiving unit.

  According to the feature A11, the distribution unit includes a receiving unit (first receiving unit 377) corresponding to the first predetermined unit and a receiving unit (second receiving unit 378) corresponding to the second predetermined unit. When a game ball is in the receiving section corresponding to the second predetermined section, the subsequent game ball is prevented from entering the receiving section by the game ball. In other words, the preceding game ball narrows down the destination of the subsequent game ball. As a result, the probability of distribution to the second predetermined portion decreases and the probability of distribution to the first predetermined portion increases. Thereby, the technical idea shown in the feature A10 can be suitably embodied.

  Feature A12. The restricting means is configured to be maintained in the allowable state after the allowable state is reached, at least until all the game balls stored in the storing means are discharged from the storing means. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A11.

  According to the feature A12, when the regulating unit switches from the restricted state to the permitted state, the regulating unit is maintained in the permitted state at least until there is no game ball stored in the storing unit. By avoiding forcible interruption of the regulating means to the stored game ball group, the load on the regulating means can be reduced, and the occurrence of malfunctions and the like related to the regulating means can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A13. The storage unit includes a first storage unit (for example, a first standby passage 331A) and a second storage unit (for example, a second standby passage 331B) that are provided side by side,
Each of the game balls stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit is supplied to the distribution unit by the control unit switching from the control state to the allowable state,
In the situation where the number of game balls stored in the first storage unit has reached the upper limit number of game balls that can be stored in the first storage unit, game balls moving toward the first storage unit The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A12, wherein the gaming machine is configured to be guided to the second storage unit side.

  According to the feature A13, when the storage target is biased and the first storage unit is full, the subsequent game balls are guided to the second storage unit side. This not only suppresses the occurrence of wasted spheres, but also suppresses the excessive bias of the storage destinations and performs smoothing, so that the benefits of using a plurality of storage units in parallel can be suitably enjoyed.

  Feature A14. A game ball moving toward the first storage unit under a situation where the number of game balls stored in the first storage unit has reached the upper limit number is a game ball stored in the first storage unit. The gaming machine according to feature A13, wherein the game machine is configured to be guided to the second storage section by hitting a ball.

  According to the feature A14, when a subsequent game ball hits a game ball waiting in the first storage unit, the game ball is guided to the second storage unit. As described above, by performing the above-described smoothing using the preceding game ball, the configuration for changing the storage destination can be simplified.

  Feature A15. The first storage section has a passage-like shape, and the passage width is defined so that a plurality of game balls cannot pass through the same place at the same time, and the number of game balls stored in the first storage section is equal to the storage upper limit. The gaming machine according to feature A14, wherein a part of the last stored gaming ball is formed so as to protrude from an entrance portion of the first storage portion when the number of the game balls reaches the first storage portion.

  According to the feature A15, by protruding a part of the last stored game ball from the entrance portion, the game ball can function as a guide unit for guiding a subsequent game ball. Thereby, the technical idea shown in the feature A14 can be suitably embodied.

  In addition, the projecting amount of the game ball stored last may be configured to be half or less of the game ball. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a waiting game ball from jumping out of the storage unit due to a collision with a subsequent game ball.

Feature A16. The regulating means constitutes a bottom of the first storage section,
In a portion constituting the bottom portion by the restricting means, an inclined portion (inclined portion) inclined downward toward the first storage portion in a direction in which the first storage portion and the second storage portion are arranged side by side. 343) is formed,
The gaming machine according to Feature A15, wherein the passage length of the first storage section is formed such that the upper limit number in the first storage section is an odd number.

  According to the feature A16, the game ball that first flows into the first storage unit is on standby at a position deviated farther from the second storage unit, and the next game ball is deviated toward the side closer to the second storage unit. To wait. By limiting the standby position of the game ball in this way, the last game ball when reaching the above-mentioned upper limit number, which is an odd number, waits at a position deviated farther from the second storage unit. Accordingly, when a subsequent game ball hits the game ball, the subsequent game ball is easily guided to the second storage unit. Therefore, the guide function of the game ball at the time of reaching the upper limit can be enjoyed without excessively complicating the structure.

  In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is described as "the regulating means constitutes the bottom of the first storage portion, and the portion constituting the bottom portion in the regulation means includes the first storage portion and the first storage portion. An inclined portion (inclined portion 343) is formed on the side of the second storage portion that is inclined downward in the direction parallel to the second storage portion, and the path length of the first storage portion is equal to that of the first storage portion. The gaming machine according to feature A15, wherein the upper limit number is formed to be an even number.

Feature A17. The distribution means,
A first movable body (for example, a first distribution member 352A) to which game balls are supplied through the first storage unit (for example, the first standby passage 331A);
A second movable body (for example, a second distribution member 352B) to which game balls are supplied through the second storage unit (for example, the second standby passage 331B);
The first movable body and the second movable body are configured to periodically switch between a state of guiding a game ball to the first predetermined portion and a state of guiding a game ball to the second predetermined portion,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A13 to A16, wherein a switching cycle of the first movable body is different from a switching cycle of the second movable body.

  According to the feature A17, the switching cycle of the first movable body is different from the switching cycle of the second movable body. Therefore, when the number of storages in the first storage unit reaches the upper limit and the game ball is guided to the second storage unit, not only the sorting lottery by the plurality of movable bodies is executed, but also the lottery timing. Can make a difference. Therefore, it can contribute to further diversification of the lottery mode.

Feature A18. The distribution means,
A first movable body (for example, a first distribution member 352A) to which game balls are supplied through the first storage unit (for example, the first standby passage 331A);
A second movable body (for example, a second distribution member 352B) to which game balls are supplied through the second storage unit (for example, the second standby passage 331B);
The first movable body and the second movable body are configured to periodically switch between a state of guiding a game ball to the first predetermined portion and a state of guiding a game ball to the second predetermined portion,
The probability that the game ball supplied to the first storage unit is guided to the first predetermined unit is different from the probability that the game ball supplied to the second storage unit is guided to the first predetermined unit. The gaming machine according to any one of features A13 to A17.

  According to the feature A18, the distribution probability by the first movable body is different from the distribution probability by the second movable body. For this reason, when the number of reserves in the first storage unit reaches the upper limit and the game ball is guided to the second storage unit, not only the sorting lottery by a plurality of movable bodies is executed, but also the lottery. Such a difference in the degree of advantage can be caused. Therefore, it can contribute to further diversification of the lottery mode.

Feature A19. A flow path forming part (flow path forming part 320) provided between the entrance part of the ball entry means and the storage means and forming a flow path of the game ball flowing into the entrance part;
The flow path forming unit is configured such that the probability of inflow to the first storage unit is higher than the probability of inflow to the second storage unit,
Gaming balls supplied to the second movable body through the second storage section are more easily guided to the first predetermined section than gaming balls supplied to the first movable body through the first storage section. The gaming machine according to any one of features A13 to A18.

  According to the feature A19, since the game balls are stored in the relatively disadvantageous first storage portion, the game balls are easily guided to the relatively advantageous second storage portion. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of the game balls in the first storage unit from being a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play. By combining such a configuration with the configuration shown in the feature A1 or the like, it is urged to play a game so that as many game balls as possible enter the ball entry means. In addition, it is possible to suppress that it becomes a factor of extension during the lottery period, and to ensure smooth progress of the game.

Feature A20. A shutter (shutter (shutter) displaceable between a protruding position protruding into a flow path connecting the storage means and the distribution means, and a retracted position in which protruding into the flow path is suppressed from the protruding position; 341), wherein the shutter is arranged at the projecting position to be in the restricted state, and the shutter is arranged at the retracted position to be in the allowable state,
The shutter is formed so as to straddle the first storage portion and the second storage portion, and has a configuration in which a game ball is placed on the shutter when the shutter is disposed at the protruding position,
The first storage unit and the second storage unit are arranged such that the first storage unit is closer to the holding position (guide groove 313) of the shutter than the second storage unit. The gaming machine according to feature A19.

  As shown in the feature A19, in the configuration in which the inflow probabilities of the game balls have a difference, a portion where the shutter has a high load (a portion where the ball pressure is relatively large) and a portion where the shutter is a low load (the portion where the ball pressure is relatively high). Where the pressure decreases). When the shutter causes deformation such as bending due to such a load, the switching function is not sufficiently performed, and there is a concern that the reliability of the operation is reduced. Therefore, by disposing the first storage section (a configuration that causes a high load), in which the storage number is relatively large, close to the holding position of the shutter, it is possible to appropriately suppress the deformation of the shutter under load. it can. By protecting the regulating means in this way, it is possible to preferably wipe off a decrease in the operational reliability caused by the uneven distribution of the stored number.

Feature A21. A shutter (shutter (shutter) displaceable between a protruding position protruding into a flow path connecting the storage means and the distribution means, and a retracted position in which protruding into the flow path is suppressed from the protruding position; 341), wherein the shutter is arranged at the projecting position to be in the restricted state, and the shutter is arranged at the retracted position to be in the allowable state,
The shutter is formed so as to straddle the first storage portion and the second storage portion, and has a configuration in which a game ball is placed on the shutter when the shutter is disposed at the protruding position,
A holding portion (guide groove 313) for holding the shutter movably on both sides of the shutter;
The game according to Feature A19, wherein the first storage section and the second storage section are arranged such that the first storage section is closer to the holding position than the second storage section. Machine.

  As shown in the feature A19, in the configuration in which the inflow probabilities of the game balls have a difference, a portion where the shutter has a high load (a portion where the ball pressure is relatively large) and a portion where the shutter is a low load (the portion where the ball pressure is relatively high). Where the pressure decreases). When the shutter causes deformation such as bending due to such a load, the switching function is not sufficiently performed, and there is a concern that the reliability of the operation is reduced. Therefore, by disposing the first storage portion (a configuration that causes a high load), in which the storage number is relatively large, close to the holding portion of the shutter, it is possible to appropriately suppress the deformation of the shutter under load. it can. By protecting the regulating means in this way, it is possible to preferably wipe off a decrease in the operational reliability caused by the uneven distribution of the stored number.

Feature A22. The storage unit includes a first storage unit (for example, a first standby passage 331A) and a second storage unit (for example, a second standby passage 331B) that are provided side by side,
Each of the game balls stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit is supplied to the distribution unit by the control unit switching from the control state to the allowable state,
The distribution means,
A first movable body (for example, a first distribution member 352A) to which game balls are supplied through the first storage unit;
A second movable body (for example, a second sorting member 352B) to which a game ball is supplied through the second storage unit,
The first movable body and the second movable body are configured such that a mode of distribution of game balls by the first movable body is different from a mode of distribution of game balls by the second movable body. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A21, characterized in that:

  According to the feature A22, the distribution mode of the game balls by the first movable body is different from the distribution mode of the game balls by the second movable body. For this reason, when the game ball is guided to the distribution means through the first storage unit and the second storage unit, the distribution lottery is not simply performed by a plurality of movable bodies, but is also determined according to the circumstances. There will be a difference in the minute aspect. Therefore, in combination with the provision of a plurality of storage locations for game balls, monotonicity of the sorting lottery can be suitably suppressed, and the behavior of the game balls can be improved.

Feature A23. The storage unit includes a first storage unit (for example, a first standby passage 331A) and a second storage unit (for example, a second standby passage 331B) that are provided side by side,
Each of the game balls stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit is supplied to the distribution unit by the control unit switching from the control state to the allowable state,
The distribution means,
A first movable body (for example, a first distribution member 352A) to which game balls are supplied through the first storage unit;
A second movable body (for example, a second sorting member 352B) to which a game ball is supplied through the second storage unit,
The first movable body and the second movable body are configured to periodically switch between a state of guiding a game ball to the first predetermined portion and a state of guiding a game ball to the second predetermined portion,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A21, wherein a switching cycle of the first movable body is different from a switching cycle of the second movable body.

  According to the feature A23, the switching cycle of the first movable body is different from the switching cycle of the second movable body. For this reason, when the game ball is guided to the distribution means through the first storage unit and the second storage unit, the distribution lottery is not simply performed by the plurality of movable bodies, but is also performed according to the timing. There will be differences in minute results. Therefore, in combination with the provision of a plurality of storage locations for game balls, monotonicity of the sorting lottery can be suitably suppressed, and the behavior of the game balls can be improved.

Feature A24. A flow path forming part (flow path forming part 320) provided between the entrance part of the ball entry means and the storage means and forming a flow path of the game ball flowing into the entrance part;
The flow path forming unit is configured such that the probability of inflow to the first storage unit is higher than the probability of inflow to the second storage unit,
The gaming machine according to Feature A22 or Feature A23, wherein an operation cycle of the first movable body is shorter than an operation cycle of the second movable body.

  In the case of performing the sorting lottery in parallel by sending the game balls stored in a plurality of storage units collectively to the sorting means, the total period of the lottery may be prolonged, and the progress of the game can be accelerated. It can be a hindrance. Here, as shown in this feature, in a configuration in which game balls are more likely to flow into the first storage unit than the second storage unit, the progress of the sorting lottery depends on the first storage unit to the first movable body. Would. Therefore, by making the operation cycle (speed) of the first movable body shorter than the operation cycle (speed) of the second movable body, it is possible to preferably suppress the extension during the total period. Thus, even if the inflow destination of the game ball is biased between the first storage unit and the second storage unit, it is possible to prevent the game progress from being excessively slowed due to the configuration.

  In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is described as “the storage means has a first storage unit (for example, a first standby passage 331A) and a second storage unit (for example, a second standby passage 331B) that are provided side by side. When the regulating means switches from the regulated state to the permissible state, each game ball stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit is supplied to the distribution unit, and the distribution is performed. The means has a first movable body to which a game ball is supplied through the first storage unit, and a second movable body to which a game ball is supplied through the second storage unit, wherein the first movable body and the second movable body are provided. (2) The movable body is configured to operate in a predetermined operation cycle to switch between a state in which game balls are distributed to the first predetermined section and a state in which game balls are distributed to the second predetermined section. Inlet portion of the ball means and the storage means And a flow path forming section (flow path forming section 320) for forming a flow path of the game ball flowing into the entrance portion, wherein the flow path forming section has a probability of flowing into the first storage section. Is configured to be higher than the probability of flowing into the second storage unit, and the operation cycle of the first movable body is shorter than the operation cycle of the second movable body. The gaming machine according to any one of the features A1 to A23. "

Feature A25. The first movable body and the second movable body are formed with a plurality of receiving portions (receiving portions 376) capable of receiving a game ball, and a predetermined receiving portion among the plurality of receiving portions is the predetermined receiving portion. It is configured to transport the game ball that has entered the receiving portion to the second predetermined portion,
When a game ball is in the predetermined receiving portion, the game ball is configured to prevent the subsequent game ball from flowing into the predetermined receiving portion,
The gaming machine according to Feature A24, wherein the first movable body is configured to have a larger number of the predetermined receiving portions than the second movable body.

  According to the feature A25, a receiving unit corresponding to the first predetermined unit and a receiving unit (predetermined receiving unit) corresponding to the second predetermined unit coexist in the distribution unit. When a game ball is in the predetermined receiving portion, the game ball prevents a subsequent game ball from entering the predetermined receiving portion. In other words, the preceding game ball narrows down the destination of the subsequent game ball. As a result, the probability of distribution to the second predetermined portion decreases and the probability of distribution to the first predetermined portion increases. Here, as shown in the feature A24, the configuration is such that the operation cycle of the first movable body is short, and the distribution probability to the first predetermined portion via the first movable body is intentionally reduced, whereby the second It is possible to prevent the interest in the storage unit from fading, and to allow the first storage unit and the second storage unit to coexist suitably.

  Feature A26. The first storage section and the first movable body are formed such that the upper limit number of game balls stored in the first storage section is smaller than the number of the receiving sections in the first movable body. The gaming machine according to feature A25, wherein

  If the player pays close attention to the number of game balls stored in the first storage unit, the player's interest in whether or not storage in the second storage unit is relatively advantageous for the player is diminished. In this case, there is a concern that the significance of using the two storage units together will be reduced. Therefore, the number of storages in the first storage unit becomes excessively dominant in the sorting lottery by daringly setting the storage upper limit number of the first storage unit to be smaller than the number of the reception units for the first storage unit into which the game balls easily flow. Can be suppressed, and attention can be urged to collectively sort lottery by coexistence with the second storage unit. In addition, making the storage upper limit number smaller than the number of receiving units is a preferable configuration in order to prevent the necessary period required for sorting lottery from being lengthened.

<Characteristic B group>
The following feature group B is described as follows: Some gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines include a gaming board having a game area in which a game ball flows down. The game ball is played based on a player's operation. When the game ball fired toward the area and the shot game ball enters the ball entry area provided in the game area, a benefit such as payout of the game ball is given to the player based on the game ball. In gaming machines, where the awarding of benefits depends on the movement of the ball, by disposing game parts such as nails and windmills in the game area, the flow path of the game ball is dispersed, and the movement of the game ball is varied. There is a technology that raises the degree of attention to the movement of the same game ball, and hence the degree of attention to the game (for example, see Patent Document 1). In order to improve the attention to the game There is still room for improvement in the construction. In which the invention has been made with the problems to be solved that ".

Feature B1. Ball entry means (lower variable ball entry device 65) into which game balls flowing down the game area (game area PE) can enter;
Distributing means (distributing means) for distributing a game ball having entered the entering means to the first predetermined part (special entering part 353) and a second predetermined part (discharge passage part 317) different from the first predetermined part. Device 302);
A privilege granting means (privilege granting function in MPU 602 of main control device 162) for granting a privilege to a player when a game ball entering the ball entry means reaches the first predetermined portion;
With
The distributing means is configured such that a movable body (distributing member 352) having a plurality of receiving portions (receiving portions 376) capable of receiving game balls is displaced at a predetermined cycle,
The receiving section includes a first receiving section (first receiving section 377) for guiding a game ball reaching the movable body to the first predetermined section and a game ball reaching the second predetermined section. A second receiving unit (a second receiving unit 378) for guiding to a predetermined unit;
The distributing means is provided with a plurality of movable bodies (first distributing member 352A to fifth distributing member 352E) different in at least one of the number of the first receiving portions and the number of the second receiving portions. And
A game machine wherein a game ball having entered the ball entry means is guided to any of the plurality of movable bodies.

  According to the feature B1, the game ball that has entered the ball entry means is distributed to the first predetermined part and the second predetermined part via the distribution means (movable body). At least one of the number of the first receiving portion and the number of the second receiving portion of the plurality of movable bodies constituting the allocating means is different, and a difference occurs in the mode of distribution of the game balls. As described above, by using a plurality of movable bodies having different distribution modes in combination, and having a configuration in which game balls that have entered the ball entry means are distributed to these movable bodies, it is possible to appropriately suppress monotonization of the game. it can.

Feature B2. A first movable body (for example, a first distribution member 352A) and a second movable body (for example, a second distribution member 352B) as the plurality of movable bodies;
Guide means (a flow path forming part 320 and a stopping part 321) for guiding a game ball having entered the ball entering means to one of the first movable body and the second movable body,
The gaming machine according to Feature B1, wherein the guide unit is configured to change a guide destination of a subsequent game ball in accordance with a guide state of a preceding game ball.

  As shown in the feature B2, if the guide destination of the subsequent game ball can be changed according to the guide state of the preceding game ball, the distribution mode of the game ball to the first movable body and the second movable body Can be changed according to the ball entry situation. As a result, the effect of suppressing the monotonization shown in the feature B1 can be more suitably suppressed.

Feature B3. The second movable body is configured to have a higher distribution ratio to the first predetermined unit than the first movable body,
The guide means is configured such that when the number of game balls guided to the first movable body reaches a predetermined number, the probability that a subsequent game ball is guided to the second movable body is increased. The gaming machine according to Feature B2, wherein

  According to the feature B3, when the number of game balls guided to the first movable body set to be relatively disadvantageous for the player has reached a predetermined number, the subsequent game balls are set to the second number. The probability of being guided to the movable body increases. Thereby, even if the guide destination of the game ball is biased to the first movable body side, the game ball is easily guided to the second movable body side as long as the ball enters the ball entry means. As a result, it is possible to encourage the player who expects to reach the first predetermined portion → give a privilege to play a game by allowing at least as many game balls to enter the game. It can contribute to further improvement.

Feature B4. The guide means includes a first guide portion (for example, a first standby passage 331A) for guiding a game ball to the first movable body, and a second guide portion (for example, a second standby passage) for guiding the game ball to the second movable body. 331B) and
Delay means (such as a shutter 341) for delaying at least one of the supply of game balls from the first guide portion to the first movable body and the supply of game balls from the second guide portion to the second movable body. The gaming machine according to Feature B2 or Feature B3, comprising:

  According to the feature B6, when a plurality of game balls are guided to the first guide unit / second guide unit, the movement of the preceding game ball is temporarily delayed to wait for the next game ball to arrive. Can be. Thereby, the shift of the supply timing from each guide section to each movable body can be reduced, and the lottery using a plurality of movable bodies can be performed in parallel. Thereby, it is possible to urge the player's attention to the lottery.

  Feature B5. The gaming machine according to Feature B4, wherein a cycle at which the first movable body is displaced is different from a cycle at which the second movable body is displaced.

  In the configuration in which the sorting lottery is performed in parallel using a plurality of movable bodies as shown in the feature B4, when the lottery timing completely matches, the movement of each game ball targeted for the lottery is visually followed. It becomes difficult. Therefore, if a difference is given to the cycle in which each movable body is displaced, a slight difference can be caused in the actual distribution timing. In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the movement of each game ball can be easily grasped, the effect shown in the feature B4 can be more suitably exerted.

  In addition, regarding the configuration shown in this feature, “the first movable body and the second movable body are provided rotatably, and the arrangement interval of the receiving portions in the first movable body and the second movable body The game according to Feature B4, wherein the arrangement interval of the receiving portions matches, and a means for rotating the first movable body and the second movable body so as to generate a phase difference is provided. Machine. " In addition, "the required time required for the game ball reaching the first movable body to enter one of the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion provided on the first movable body, and the second movable It is characterized in that the required time required for a game ball reaching the body to enter one of the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion provided in the second movable body can be different. Gaming machine described in Feature B3 or Feature B4. "

  Incidentally, by applying the technical idea shown in the present feature to the feature B1 and the like, it is possible to realize diversification of the manner of distributing the game balls to the first predetermined portion / second predetermined portion.

Feature B6. The cycle at which the first movable body is displaced is set to be shorter than the cycle at which the second movable body is displaced,
The feature B4 or the feature, wherein the guide means is configured such that a game ball that has entered the ball entry means is more easily moved toward the first guide section than the second guide section. The gaming machine according to B5.

  In the case of performing the above-mentioned parallel sorting lottery, it is possible to suppress the extension of the period related to the sorting lottery and to enhance the sharpness of the game progress. However, when there is a bias in the passage of the game balls that have entered the ball entry means, there is a concern that the above-described period may be long depending on the path with a large traffic volume. Therefore, as shown in this feature, in a route with a large traffic amount (from the first guide portion to the first movable body), the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably reduced by shortening the displacement cycle of the first movable body. This can contribute to speeding up the sorting lottery.

Feature B7. The first movable body and the second movable body are rotators that can rotate in a predetermined direction about an axis extending in a horizontal direction,
The receiving portion provided on the first movable body and the receiving portion provided on the second movable body are arranged side by side in the rotation direction of the first movable body and the second movable body,
An entrance portion of the first receiving portion is formed in an outer peripheral portion of the first movable body and an outer peripheral portion of the second movable body, and a game ball supplied to the first movable body and the second movable body is provided. Any one of the features B2 to B6, characterized by being placed on the outer peripheral portion of the first movable body or the outer peripheral portion of the second movable body until entering the entrance portion. The gaming machine described in one.

  According to the feature B7, the waiting period of the game ball that has reached the distributing means depends on the displacement cycle (rotation cycle) of the movable body, and it is possible to suppress the standby state beyond the displacement cycle. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the sorting lottery from being unnecessarily long.

  Note that, as described above, the configuration in which a plurality of receiving units are arranged in each movable body is preferable in shortening the period related to the sorting lottery.

Feature B8. It is provided between the distributing means and the guiding means, and is switchable between an allowable state in which supply of game balls to the distributing means is permitted and a regulated state in which supply of game balls to the distributing means is regulated. Regulating means (such as a shutter 341);
Switching control means (switching function of the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for switching the restricting means between the allowable state and the restricted state,
The switching control unit sets a period from when the restricting unit is set in the allowable state to when the restricting unit returns to the restricted state based on a rotation speed of one of the first movable body and the second movable body having a long rotation cycle. The gaming machine according to Feature B7, wherein

  According to the feature B8, when a plurality of game balls are guided to the guide means (for example, the first guide unit or the second guide unit), the movement of the preceding game ball is temporarily delayed, so that the succeeding game ball is delayed. You can wait for the arrival. Thereby, the shift of the supply timing from each guide section to each movable body can be reduced, and the lottery using a plurality of movable bodies can be performed in parallel. Thereby, it is possible to urge the player's attention to the lottery.

  Here, if the game ball is left in the guide means (for example, the first guide section or the second guide section) when the control means is returned from the allowable state to the control state, such a return operation is performed successfully. I can't deny the possibility of getting lost. Further, there is still a possibility that the game balls, which should have been supplied to the sorting means, are not properly supplied to the sorting means and miss the chance of the sorting lottery. In this regard, as shown in this feature, a configuration in which the period until the restricting means is returned from the allowable state to the restricted state is set in consideration of the rotation speed of one of the first movable body and the second movable body having a long rotation cycle. Then, the occurrence of the various inconveniences can be suitably suppressed.

  In combination with the feature B4 or the like, the "delay means" shown in the feature B4 or the like and the "restriction means" shown in the present feature can be the same.

Feature B9. The guide means includes a first guide portion (for example, a first standby passage 331A) for guiding a game ball to the first movable body, and a second guide portion (for example, a second standby passage) for guiding the game ball to the second movable body. 331B) and
The restricting means has a shutter (shutter 341) configured to straddle the first guide portion and the second guide portion, and the shutter is provided with a game ball from the first guide portion and the second guide portion. The gaming machine according to Feature B8, wherein the restricted state is switched from the regulated state to the allowed state by displacing the regulated outflow from the regulated position to the allowed position.

  In the configuration in which the outflow of the game balls from the plurality of guides is regulated by the large shutter as shown in the feature B9, the supply timing of the game balls from each guide to each movable body can be made uniform. Thereby, the function of performing the above-described sorting lottery in parallel can be exhibited with a simple configuration.

Feature B10. The guide means includes a first guide portion (for example, a first standby passage 331A) for guiding a game ball to the first movable body, and a second guide portion (for example, a second standby passage) for guiding the game ball to the second movable body. 331B) and
The gaming machine according to any one of features B2 to B9, wherein the first guide portion and the second guide portion are capable of storing a plurality of game balls.

  According to the feature B10, a plurality of game balls can be made to stand by in each guide portion, and the sorting lottery can be continuously performed until the game balls in the stand-up run out. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the lottery period and contribute to an increase in the degree of interest in the game.

<Characteristic C group>
The following feature group C is described as follows: Some gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines include a gaming board having a game area in which a gaming ball flows down. The gaming ball is played based on a player's operation. When the game ball fired toward the area and the shot game ball enters the ball entry area provided in the game area, a benefit such as payout of the game ball is given to the player based on the game ball. In gaming machines, where the awarding of benefits depends on the movement of the ball, by disposing game parts such as nails and windmills in the game area, the flow path of the game ball is dispersed, and the movement of the game ball is varied. In some cases, the degree of attention to the movement of the same game ball and thus the degree of attention to the game is increased (for example, see Patent Document 1). In order to properly achieve diversification, its structure In is still that there is room for improvement. Invention that "has been made with the problem to be solved.

Feature C1. A ball entry portion (lower variable ball entry device 65) into which game balls flowing down the game region (game region PE) can enter;
A game ball that has a distributing means (distributing member 352), and which enters the ball entry portion by the operation of the distributing device is different from the first predetermined portion (special ball input portion 353) and the first predetermined portion. A distributing device (distributing device 302) for distributing to the second predetermined portion (discharge passage portion 317);
A game machine provided with guide means (a flow path forming unit 320 and a stopping unit 321) for guiding the game ball entering the ball entry unit to the sorting device,
As the distributing means, there are a first distributing means (for example, a first distributing member 352A) and a second distributing means (for example, a second distributing member 352B),
The guide means includes a first guide portion (for example, a first standby passage 331A) for guiding the game ball entering the ball entry portion to the first sorting device, and a game ball entering the ball entry portion. A second guide portion (for example, a second standby passage 331B) for guiding to the two distribution means,
The game ball that has entered the ball entry portion is configured to flow more easily into the first guide portion than the second guide portion,
During the period required for the game balls flowing into the first guide portion to be distributed to the first predetermined portion and the second predetermined portion by the first distribution means, the game balls flowing to the second guide portion are A gaming machine, characterized in that it is configured to be shorter than a required time until it is distributed to the first predetermined section and the second predetermined section by a second distribution section.

  According to the feature C1, the game ball that has entered the entering ball portion is distributed to the first predetermined portion and the second predetermined portion by the distribution device. Here, if the first route via the first guide section → the first distribution means and the second route via the second guide section → the second distribution means are used together, the distribution mode of the game balls can be improved. It is possible to shorten the period required for sorting while realizing diversification. However, from the viewpoint of diversification of sorting, if the bias of the number of game balls inflow is set to be the second guide portion <the first guide portion, the waiting time on a route with a large number of inflows is long. As a result, the period required for sorting is easily extended.

  In this regard, as shown in this feature, the first route through which the game balls pass relatively easily is more likely to cause the game balls that have flowed into the guide portion than the second route through which the game balls do not pass relatively easily. By shortening the period required for distribution to the second predetermined portion, it is possible to suppress an increase in the period required for distribution of the game balls in the distribution device. This is a preferable configuration for facilitating the progress of the game.

  By the way, when the technical idea shown in this feature group is combined with the technical idea shown in the other feature group described above, the “distribution means” shown in this feature is set as “movable body”, and “ The "distribution device" can be used as "distribution means".

  Feature C2. It is characterized in that at least a part of a period during which the game balls are distributed by the first distribution unit and a period during which the game balls are distributed by the second distribution unit can overlap. The gaming machine according to Feature C1.

  Applying the technical idea described in the feature C1 to a configuration in which game balls are distributed in each route in parallel as shown in the feature C2 can contribute to further smooth progress of the game.

Feature C3. The first distribution unit and the second distribution unit are configured to operate periodically.
The gaming machine according to Feature C1 or Feature C2, wherein the operation cycle of the first distribution means is configured to be shorter than the operation cycle of the second distribution means.

  The difference in the required period shown in the feature C1 can be suitably created by using the difference in the operation cycle of each distribution means as shown in the feature C3. Further, according to the configuration in which the operation periods are different, the relationship (for example, relative position and phase) between the first distribution unit and the second distribution unit changes variously. This is a preferable configuration for diversifying the distribution timing of the game balls in each route and suppressing the game from becoming monotonous.

  Note that the configuration shown in this feature is described as “the first distribution unit and the second distribution unit are configured to operate periodically, and the operation speed of the first distribution unit is the second distribution unit. The gaming machine described in the feature C1 or the feature C2, wherein the gaming machine is configured to be faster than the operating speed of the minute means. "

Feature C4. An accepting portion (accepting portion 376) capable of accepting a game ball is formed in the first distributing device and the second distributing device,
Any one of the features C1 to C3, wherein the number of receiving sections formed in the first distribution section is larger than the number of reception sections formed in the second distribution section. The gaming machine described in one.

  If the difference in the number of receiving units is used as shown in the feature C3, the difference in the required period shown in the feature C1 can be suitably created. In such a configuration, it is not necessary to increase the operation speed of the distribution means in a dark state, which can contribute to stabilization of the operation of the distribution device.

Feature C5. A first state provided between the guide means and the distribution device, wherein the outflow of game balls from the guide means is regulated to allow storage of game balls in the guide means, and the regulation is released. A switching unit (such as a shutter 341) capable of switching to the second state;
When the switching unit switches from the first state to the second state, the game balls stored in the first guide unit are supplied to the first distribution unit and stored in the second guide unit. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C4, wherein a game ball is supplied to the second distribution unit.

  According to the feature C5, by assigning the game balls stored in the plurality of guide units all at once, it is possible to appropriately improve the degree of attention to the distribution of the game balls. In addition, in the configuration in which the supply (distribution) is started at the same time, the above effect can be enjoyed, but on the other hand, the route required to accumulate the game balls pulls a foot, and thus the period required for distribution when viewed from the entire distribution device. Can be difficult to shorten. This is not preferable because it becomes a factor that hinders the smooth progress of the game. By applying the technical idea described in the feature C1 or the like to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately suppress the extension of the period required for the distribution and achieve a configuration that is practically preferable.

Feature C6. Ball entry means capable of switching between an allowance state in which game balls are allowed to enter and a regulation state in which game balls are entered,
When a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, a game state transition unit that transitions the game state to a special game state in which the ball entry unit switches to the allowed state and the restricted state a plurality of times,
The ball entry section is provided with a function as the ball entry means,
When the first switching condition is satisfied in a state where the ball entry section is in the allowable state, the ball entry section includes switching control means for switching the ball entry section to the regulation state,
It is configured to switch the switching unit from the first state to the second state when a second switching condition is satisfied in a state where the ball entry unit is in the allowable state. The gaming machine according to Feature C5.

  According to the feature C6, game balls are sorted by the sorting device during the special game state. Here, when the first switching condition is satisfied in a situation where the ball entry portion is in the allowed state, the ball entering the ball entry portion is restricted, and when the second switching condition is satisfied, the switching means is switched to the second ball. In the two states, the supply of the game balls from the guide means to the sorting device is started. If the technical concept shown in the feature C1 is applied to this type of gaming machine, the interval time and the special gaming state in the case where the state is changed from the allowable state to the restricted state to the restricted state can be completed by increasing the discharging efficiency of the gaming ball. Restrictions on the ending period can be reduced. That is, it is possible to suppress the extension during the discharging period of the game ball, and to contribute to smoothing the progress of the game in the special game state.

  In addition, for example, `` when the entering ball portion is in the allowable state and a game ball enters the entering ball portion, it is determined that all the game balls entering the entering ball portion have been discharged from the entering ball portion. A practically preferable configuration can be realized by applying the technical idea described in the feature C5 to a configuration in which the ball entry unit is switched from the regulation unit to the allowable state or the special game state is ended as a condition.

<Feature D group>
The following feature group D is described as follows: Some gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines include a gaming board having a game area in which a game ball flows down. The game ball is played based on a player's operation. When the game ball fired toward the area and the shot game ball enters the ball entry area provided in the game area, a benefit such as payout of the game ball is given to the player based on the game ball. In gaming machines, where the awarding of benefits depends on the movement of the ball, by disposing game parts such as nails and windmills in the game area, the flow path of the game ball is dispersed, and the movement of the game ball is varied. There is a technology that raises the degree of attention to the movement of the same game ball, and hence the degree of attention to the game (for example, see Patent Document 1). In order to improve the attention to the game There is still room for improvement in the construction. In which the invention has been made with the problems to be solved that ".

<Feature D group>
The following feature group D is described as follows: Some gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines include a gaming board having a game area in which a game ball flows down. The game ball is played based on a player's operation. When the game ball fired toward the area and the shot game ball enters the ball entry area provided in the game area, a benefit such as payout of the game ball is given to the player based on the game ball. In gaming machines, where the awarding of benefits depends on the movement of the ball, by disposing game parts such as nails and windmills in the game area, the flow path of the game ball is dispersed, and the movement of the game ball is varied. There is a technology that raises the degree of attention to the movement of the same game ball, and hence the degree of attention to the game (for example, see Patent Document 1). In order to improve the attention to the game There is still room for improvement in the construction. In which the invention has been made with the problems to be solved that ".

Feature D1. Ball entry means (lower variable ball entry device 65) into which game balls flowing down the game area (game area PE) can enter;
A distribution device (distribution member 352) for distributing the game balls entering the ball entry means to a first predetermined portion (special ball input portion 353) and a second predetermined portion (discharge passage portion 317) different from the first predetermined portion. )When,
A privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the player when the game ball reaches the first predetermined portion (a privilege granting function in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162);
Storage means (stop portion 321) provided between an entrance portion of the ball entry means and the sorting device, and capable of storing a plurality of game balls entering the ball entry means;
Switching means (shutter 341) capable of switching between an allowance state in which the outflow of the game ball from the storage means is allowed and a regulation state in which the outflow is restricted,
The storage unit has a first storage unit and a second storage unit juxtaposed in a game machine front view, and the switching unit switches from the regulated state to the permissible state. Each game ball stored in the second storage unit is configured to be supplied to the distribution device,
The distribution device includes a first distribution unit (for example, a first distribution member 352A) to which a game ball is supplied through the first storage unit (for example, the first standby passage 331A), and a second storage unit (for example, a first distribution member 352A). The game ball supplied to the second distribution unit through the second storage unit includes a second distribution unit (for example, a second distribution member 352B) to which the game ball is supplied through the second standby passage 331B). , Is configured to be more easily guided to the first predetermined portion than the game balls supplied to the first distribution means through the first storage portion,
The first storage unit and the second storage unit guide a subsequent game ball to the second storage unit when the number of game balls stored in the first storage unit reaches an upper limit number. It is configured to be
A means for giving a difference to the visibility of the first storage section and the second storage section so that the second storage section is easier to view than the first storage section when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A gaming machine characterized by being.

  According to the feature D1, the game ball that has flowed into the ball entry unit is stored in the first storage unit or the second storage unit, and is supplied to the sorting device when the switching unit is in an allowable state. Here, when a game ball supplied to the first distribution unit through the first storage unit is compared with a game ball supplied to the second distribution unit through the second storage unit, the latter is the first predetermined one. The probability of being guided to the department increases. However, the game balls flowing into the ball entry means are easily guided to the first storage unit, and when the number of storages in the first storage unit reaches the upper limit number, the game balls heading to the first storage unit are set in the second storage unit. Therefore, the expectation for storage in the second storage unit is increased.

  In this feature, a difference is provided between the first storage unit and the second storage unit (game balls stored in the storage units) while making the two storage units visible. Specifically, by making the visibility of the second storage unit higher than that of the first storage unit, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand a portion to which attention should be paid. By directing the player's attention to the second storage section due to such a difference in visibility, even if the distribution mode of the game balls is complicated and the monotonousness of the game is suppressed, the point of interest due to this is reduced. It is possible to suppress the difficulty of understanding. Therefore, the effect of increasing the degree of attention to the game can be suitably exhibited.

  It should be noted that the configuration shown in this feature is defined as “ball entry means (lower variable ball entry device 65) into which game balls flowing down the game area (game area PE) can enter, and game balls entering the ball entry means. A distribution device (distribution member 352) for distributing to a first predetermined portion (special ball entry portion 353) and a second predetermined portion (discharge passage portion 317) different from the first predetermined portion, and a game to the first predetermined portion A privilege granting means (privilege granting function in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for granting a privilege to the player when the ball arrives, and between the entrance of the ball entry means and the sorting device; Storing means (stop portion 321) capable of storing a plurality of game balls entering the entry ball means, and switching capable of switching to an allowable state in which outflow of game balls from the storing means is permitted and a regulated state in which the outflow is restricted. (Shutter 341), and the storage means A first storage unit and a second storage unit arranged side by side when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, wherein the switching unit switches from the restricted state to the allowable state, whereby the first storage unit and the second storage unit Each of the game balls stored in the game device is supplied to the distribution device, and the distribution device is configured to supply the game balls through the first storage unit (for example, the first standby passage 331A). A first distributing unit (for example, a first distributing member 352A), and a second distributing unit (for example, a second distributing member 352B) to which game balls are supplied through the second storage unit (for example, the second standby passage 331B). And the game balls supplied to the second distribution means through the second storage section are more to the first predetermined section than the game balls supplied to the first distribution means through the first storage section. The first member is configured to be easily guided. The retaining section and the second storage section are configured such that when the number of game balls stored in the first storage section reaches the upper limit number, the subsequent game balls are guided to the second storage section side. And the second storage unit is configured to be more easily viewed than the first storage unit when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. " Is also possible.

  By the way, when the technical idea shown in this feature group is combined with the technical idea shown in the other feature group described above, the "distribution means" shown in this feature is referred to as "distribution means", and shown in this feature. The “distribution device” can be used as “distribution means”.

Feature D2. The first storage section and the second storage section are arranged in a predetermined direction intersecting with the flowing direction of the game ball, and are formed such that an entrance portion faces upward,
A gap dimension between a pair of wall sections provided so as to face each other in the predetermined direction and dividing the first storage section is configured to be larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball and smaller than twice the diameter dimension. Has been
When the number of game balls stored in the first storage unit reaches the upper limit, the first storage unit is configured such that a topmost game ball projecting from an entrance portion of the first storage unit is a pair of the game balls. The gaming machine according to Feature D1, characterized in that the gaming machine is formed so as to be located closer to a wall portion of the wall portion far from the second storage portion.

  As shown in the feature D1, after the number of game balls stored in the first storage unit reaches the upper limit number, the storage mode of the first storage unit is configured such that subsequent game balls are easily guided to the second storage unit. And the storage mode of the second storage unit, it is possible to increase the expectation for subsequent development even when the game ball is guided to the relatively disadvantageous first storage unit. it can. However, in such a configuration, if game balls exceeding the upper limit number are stored in the first storage unit, the following inconvenience may occur. That is, by increasing the degree of attention by the configuration shown in the feature D1, there may be a disadvantage that the guidance to the second storage unit is not performed well. In particular, when the configuration for guiding the game balls heading to the first storage unit to the second storage unit becomes complicated, malfunctions and the like are likely to occur, and there is a concern that the above-described inconvenience becomes significant.

  In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, the first storage section and the second storage section are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction (for example, the left-right direction) intersecting with the downflow direction of the game ball. When the game balls are stacked, the last (uppermost) game ball that has reached the upper limit projects from the entrance portion of the first storage portion and is located near the wall opposite to the second storage portion. It will be. For this reason, the succeeding game ball hits the preceding game ball and is easily guided to the second storage unit side. According to the configuration in which the movement of the game ball is controlled by such a simple structure, occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature D3. The switching unit forms a bottom of the first storage unit and the second storage unit,
In the portion constituting the bottom of the first storage section by the switching means, a state in which the game ball that has reached the first storage section is in a standby state at a position biased to one side of the pair of wall portions. The gaming machine according to Feature D2, further comprising: means for guiding the game machine.

  According to the feature D3, when the game balls stacked on the switching means are set at the top, the game balls can be made to stand by in a meandering manner in the predetermined direction. Thereby, the vertical width (vertical width) of the storage means in the flow-down direction can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the game balls are stacked straight in the flow-down direction (for example, the height direction). In the configuration shown in the feature D1 or the like, by increasing the storage number in the storage means to some extent, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the player's attention. However, if the vertical width of the storage means becomes too large, it is assumed that the restriction on the arrangement becomes strong. Therefore, if the first storage unit is configured to make the game balls meander and wait, the restriction on the vertical width of the storage means can be relaxed and the arrangement flexibility can be improved.

  The feature D2 is to guide the subsequent game balls to the second storage unit when the first storage unit is full by meandering the game balls waiting in the first storage unit by the configuration shown in this feature. Can be suitably exerted. In realizing such a technical idea, for example, a projection or an inclined portion which comes into contact with a game ball is provided in a portion constituting a bottom portion in the switching means, and the game ball is formed by the projection or the inclined portion. It is good to guide to the position deviated to one wall part side.

Feature D4. The distribution device is visible from the front of the gaming machine,
Features D1 to D3 characterized by comprising means for giving a difference in visibility so that the second distribution means is easier to visually recognize than the first distribution means when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. The gaming machine according to any one of D3.

  In the configuration shown in the feature D1, game balls that have reached the distribution device (distribution means) are distributed by the distribution device. That is, whether or not the game balls are distributed to the relatively advantageous first predetermined portion depends on the movement of the distribution means. Therefore, ensuring the visibility of not only the storage means but also the distribution means has a technical significance that the degree of attention to the behavior of the game ball can be appropriately improved. Here, a difference in the degree of advantage is set so that the second distribution means is more advantageous to the player than the first distribution means (so as to be more likely to benefit from the privilege means). Therefore, by making the visibility of the second storage unit and the second distribution unit higher than the visibility of the first storage unit and the second distribution unit, the second predetermined unit which is relatively disadvantageous to the player can be provided. It is possible to preferably prevent the eyes from diverging from a place where attention should be urged, for example, due to a noticeable distribution.

  Feature D5. The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D4, further including a visibility changing unit that changes visibility of the first storage unit and the second storage unit.

  According to the configuration shown in the feature D1 or the like, a preferable configuration for clarifying a notable portion can be realized. However, depending on the situation, it is not possible to completely deny the possibility that the player's attention is likely to be a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play. For example, when attention is urged to the second storage unit, a game ball may flow into the second storage unit, but if a ball does not enter the second storage unit, it is determined that the game ball has been played. It can be a factor that reduces the willingness of players to play. Therefore, as shown in the present feature, if the difference in visibility is not always caused to be the same but the difference in visibility can be adjusted according to the situation, the occurrence of the above-described inconvenience can be suppressed appropriately.

  Hereinafter, a basic configuration of a gaming machine to which the above features can be applied will be described.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means (game ball launch handle 41) operated by the player, game ball launch means (game ball launch mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired ball A ball passage (guiding passage 103) that guides a game ball to a predetermined game area, and game components (game nails 69 and the like) arranged in the game region are provided. A gaming machine that gives a bonus to a player when a game ball passes through a winning opening 61 or the like.

  Spinning-type gaming machines such as slot machines: equipped with variable display means for variably displaying a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols and then finally displaying the symbol row, and starting to change the symbol due to the operation of the starting operation means The variation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stopping operation means or after a predetermined time has elapsed, and a special game advantageous to the player on condition that the final stopped symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol is required. A gaming machine that generates a state (such as a bonus game).

  Ball-based belt-type gaming machine: equipped with variable display means for displaying a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displaying the symbol row as a final stop. The fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for the game or after a lapse of a predetermined time, and a special game state (bonus) which is advantageous to the player on condition that the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol is required. And a payout device for paying out game balls to the ball tray, and a payout device for providing a ball tray and taking in game balls from the ball tray. A game machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means is enabled by throwing in a game ball.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 60 ... Game board, 62, 63 ... Activated ball entry unit as a starting ball entry unit, 64 ... Upper variable ball entry device, 65 ... Lower variable ball entry device as ball entry means , 300: ball entry unit, 302: distributing device constituting distributing means, 312 ... projection, 313 ... guide groove as holding part, 315 ... motor as driving part, 316 ... transmission constituting driving force transmitting means Gears 317, a discharge passage section as a second predetermined section, 320, a flow path forming section, 321, a stop section constituting a storage section, 324, a partition section 324, 326 as a partition section, a slit 331 as an insertion section, ... Standby passage 332 Entry section 332 Exit section 341 Shutter 345 Solenoid as drive section 352 Distributing member constituting distributing means (movable body) 353 3-1 First predetermined section Another ball entrance portion, 376 ... receiving portion, 377 ... first receiving portion, 378 ... second receiving section, DE ... guiding region, PE ... game area.

Claims (2)

A ball entry section into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter,
A distributing device having a distributing means, for distributing the game balls entered into the entering ball portion by the operation of the distributing means to a first predetermined part and a second predetermined part different from the first predetermined part;
A game machine comprising: a guide means for guiding a game ball entering the ball entry section to the distribution device,
The apparatus has a first distribution unit and a second distribution unit as the distribution unit,
The guide means includes a first guide unit that guides the game ball that has entered the entering ball unit to the first sorting unit, and a first guide unit that guides the game ball that has entered the entering ball unit to the second sorting unit. And two guides,
The game ball that has entered the ball entry portion is configured to flow more easily into the first guide portion than the second guide portion,
During the period required for the game balls flowing into the first guide portion to be distributed to the first predetermined portion and the second predetermined portion by the first distribution means, the game balls flowing to the second guide portion are It is configured to be shorter than a required time until it is distributed to the first predetermined portion and the second predetermined portion by the second distribution means,
Said first distributing means and second distributing means has a configuration which operates periodically, operation period of the first sorting hand stage is shorter than the operation period of the second sorting hand stage A gaming machine characterized by being configured as described above. The gaming machine according to claim 1, which is a pachinko machine.

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