JP7036170B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

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

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-78904

In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the gaming.

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

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

The present invention
Special information acquisition means for acquiring special information when predetermined acquisition conditions are met, and
An acquisition information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, and an acquisition information storage means.
A determination means for sequentially determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the predetermined determination information.
The determination result by the determination means becomes the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information, and when the predetermined transition condition is satisfied, the gaming state transition means for shifting the gaming state to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the predetermined gaming state. When,
A display device with a display screen and
A display control means for controlling the display of the display device is provided.
As the special gaming state, a first special gaming state and a second special gaming state, which is less advantageous to the player than the first special gaming state, are provided.
The display control means is
A means for performing display control by notifying game information on the display screen and executing a display effect on the display screen when the first special game state is set .
At least a part of the display effect that is executed on the display screen when the first special game state is set and changes in a predetermined mode as the game progresses is predetermined under a predetermined situation. As a means to control the display so that it can be executed as a display effect of
Have,
The predetermined display effect can be executed so as to straddle a plurality of second special gaming states including the second special gaming state and another second special gaming state succeeding the second special gaming state. It is characterized by being.

According to the present invention, the degree of attention to the game can be suitably improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the main composition of a pachinko machine in an unfolded manner. It is a perspective view which shows the main composition of a pachinko machine in an unfolded manner. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4 which shows the variable winning apparatus and its periphery. (A) A front perspective view of the variable winning device, and (b) a schematic view showing a passage structure related to the variable winning device. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of a pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the contents of various counters used for a winning / failing lottery. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hit / fail table for the lower working opening. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hit / fail table for the right actuating opening. (A) It is a schematic diagram which shows the distribution table for a lower actuating opening, and (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the distribution table for a right actuating opening. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing executed by the MPU of a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process which is executed in MPU of a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the game time control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control process for a lower actuating opening. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation start processing for a lower actuating opening. It is a flowchart which shows the control process for a right actuating opening. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation start processing for a right actuating opening. It is a flowchart which shows the game state transition process. It is a flowchart which shows the opening and closing process of a big prize opening. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st opening / closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd opening / closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd opening / closing process. (A) is a schematic diagram showing the types of open / close execution modes, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the operation mode of the variable winning device in the open / close execution mode. (A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of getting a ball out, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a change in the ball possession. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of the variation display time for a lower actuating opening. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of the variation display time for a right actuating opening. It is a schematic diagram which shows the difference of the fluctuation display time for each state. It is a flowchart which shows the process for mode switching. It is a schematic diagram which showed the possibility of transition to a special setting mode. (A) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of display effect when a big hit result is obtained, and (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of display effect when a special hit result is obtained. It is a timing chart showing the flow of the display effect when the special setting mode is set. It is a schematic diagram which shows the kind of opening and closing execution mode in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge | discharge | first monitoring process executed by MPU of a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd monitoring process of discharge status. It is a timing chart showing the flow of monitoring. It is a schematic diagram which shows the difference between individual monitoring and collective monitoring. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification which concerns on the symbol display.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “pachinko machine”), which is a kind 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 perspective views showing the main configurations of the pachinko machine 10 in an expanded manner. In FIG. 2, for convenience, the configuration in the gaming area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted.

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 portion 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting plate materials on all four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. By attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. In the pachinko machine 10, the outer frame 11 is not an indispensable configuration, and the outer frame 11 may be provided in the island equipment of the amusement park.

The gaming machine main portion 12 is supported by an outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. Specifically, the upper support metal fitting 17 is fixed to the connecting portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further below to the connecting portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. A side support metal fitting 18 is provided. The support mechanism is composed of the upper support metal fittings 17 and the lower support metal fittings 18, and the support mechanism causes the game machine main portion 12 to rotate on the left side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the outer frame 11. The pachinko machine 10 can be rotated forward with the right side as the rotation tip side (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine main portion 12 has 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. It is equipped with a unit 15. The inner frame 13 of the main portion 12 of the gaming machine is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can rotate forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side in front view.

The front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side in front view. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can be rotated backward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side when viewed from the front. See Figure 3).

(Front door frame 14)
Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 having an outer shape substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. There is. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame body 20 so that almost the entire area of the game area PE described later can be visually recognized from the front, and the window portion 21 is the same by the glass unit 22. It is blocked from the back side of the front door frame 14.

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

It is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 by using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame body 20. Further, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and crime prevention, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and to face each of these glass panels back and forth with a predetermined gap in between. 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 portion 21). For example, an annular illumination unit 26 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the peripheral edge of the window unit 21. The annular illumination unit 26 is lit or blinked according to a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. Further, an error display lamp unit 27 that lights up at the time of a predetermined error is provided at the center of the annular illumination unit 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and a prize that lights up during the payout of the prize ball is provided on the left and right sides thereof. A ball lamp portion 28 is provided. Further, a speaker unit 29 for outputting a sound effect or the like according to the game state is provided at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 28.

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

A game ball launching handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to project toward the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 41, the game ball is launched from the game ball launch mechanism described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is formed of 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 protrudes rearward and is opened upward is formed in the upper corner portion thereof, and the entrance portion of the upper plate passage on the front door side is formed by partitioning the receiving portion to the left and right by a partition wall. A section is formed between the portion and the entrance portion of the lower plate passage on the front door side. The game ball that has entered the front door side upper plate passage is guided to the upper plate 33, and the game ball that has entered the front door side lower plate passage is guided to the lower plate 34.

On the rotation base end side on the back surface of the front door frame 14, protrusion shafts are provided at the upper end portion and the lower end portion thereof. These protrusion shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of hook fittings 49 extending rearward are arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the rotation tip side on the back surface of the front door frame 14. These hook fittings 49 form 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. 2 and 3. The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 50 having a substantially rectangular outer shape like the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the resin base 50 is set to be slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. Further, 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 attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The curtain plate is arranged below the resin base 50 (specifically, the lower end thereof), and the resin base 50 is placed on the curtain plate when the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11. ..

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

An insertion hole for inserting a hook fitting 49 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 is provided on the rotation tip side of the front surface of the resin base 50. 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 hook fitting 49 is locked to the locking device 55 (specifically, the hook receiving member for the front door) through the insertion hole, so that the front door frame 14 cannot be unlocked with respect to the inner frame 13. Further, the locking device 55 has an inner frame hook member 57 extending rearward of the inner frame 13. The inner frame hook member 57 is hooked on the hook receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11 to lock the gaming machine main portion 12 in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 11.

A cylinder lock 58 for unlocking the locking device 55 is installed in the lower right corner of the resin base 50. The cylinder lock 58 is integrated in the locking device 55, and when the key inserted in the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 is turned to the right, the front door frame 14 is unlocked with respect to the inner frame 13 and inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58. The locking device 55 is configured so that the inner frame 13 is unlocked with respect to the outer frame 11 when the key is turned counterclockwise.

A substantially elliptical window hole 54 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 50, and the window hole 54 is closed from the rear by a game board 60 mounted on the resin base 50. The game board 60 has a wooden plywood and a sheet material covering the 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. A game area PE on which the game ball flows down is formed on the exposed portion, that is, on the front surface of the game board 60. The game board 60 is not limited to wood, and may be made of synthetic resin.

Hereinafter, the game board 60 (particularly various configurations 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)
The game board 60 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the thickness direction (front-back direction) of the game board 60. A general winning opening 61, an operating ball entry portion 62, 63, a variable winning device 65, a variable display unit 67, and the like are arranged at each opening. When a ball enters a ball entry section such as a general winning slot 61, an actuating entry section 62, 63, or a variable winning device 65, it is detected by a detection sensor, and a predetermined number of prize balls are detected based on the detection result. Benefits such as payouts are given to the player.

An out port 68 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 60, and a game ball that has not entered various entry portions is discharged from the game area PE through the out port 68. Here, the entry ball means that the game ball passes through the predetermined opening portion, and the game ball has passed through the opening portion as well as the mode in which the game ball is discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening portion. A mode in which the game area PE is not discharged later is also included. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish from the entry of the game ball into the out opening 68, the entry into the general winning opening 61, the actuated entry sections 62, 63, and the variable winning device 65 is referred to as winning. Express.

Further, in the game board 60, a large number of nails 69 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game ball, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill are arranged. Depending on the various configurations of the nail 69, the windmill, and the like, the flow path of the game ball is differentiated, and the above-mentioned general winning opening 61 and the like are adjusted so that a prize is generated with an appropriate probability.

The variable display unit 67 is arranged in the center of the game board 60, and the actuating ball entry portions 62, 63 and the like are arranged around the variable display unit 67. The actuated ball entry portions 62 and 63 are arranged below and to the right of the variable display unit 67. Hereinafter, for convenience, the actuated ball entry portion arranged on the lower side of the variable display unit 67 is referred to as "lower actuated ball enter portion 62", and the actuated ball enter portion arranged on the right side of the variable display unit 67 is referred to as "right-side actuated entry portion 62". It is referred to as "ball portion 63".

Regarding the lower actuated ball entry portion 62, the game ball that has entered the lower actuated ball entry portion 62 (lower actuating port 62a) is guided to the back side of the game board 60 and is discharged from the game area PE as it is. On the other hand, in the right-side actuated ball entry unit 63, the game ball that has entered the right-side actuated ball-in unit 63 (right actuating port 63a) continues to flow down the game area PE. Specifically, the variable winning device 65 is arranged below (downstream side) the right-side actuated ball entry portion 63, and the right-side actuated ball entry section 63 can be moved without entering the right-side actuated ball entry section 63. Not only the game ball that has passed through, but also the game ball that has passed through the right-side actuating ball entry unit 63 will flow down toward the variable winning device 65.

The variable winning device (special winning device or special winning means) 65 is formed with a large winning opening 402, and is provided with an opening / closing mechanism as an opening / closing means for opening / closing the large winning opening 402. The opening / closing mechanism includes a shutter 403 as an opening / closing member for the large winning opening 402. The shutter 403 can be switched between an open state (auxiliary state or accepting state) in which the game ball can be entered or easily, and a closed state (non-assisted or non-accepting state) in which the entry of the game ball is impossible or difficult. It has become. Further, the shutter 403 is connected to the variable winning drive unit 404 (more specifically, the solenoid 426), and the shutter 403 is maintained in the closed state in the normal state, and the opening / closing execution mode (special gaming state or opening / closing) in the above internal lottery. It is possible to switch to the open state when the transition result to the execution state) is obtained.

The open / close execution mode is a mode that shifts to a big hit or a special hit. As the opening mode of the variable winning device 65 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, a predetermined period (30 sec or 1.8 sec in the present embodiment) has elapsed, a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) has been opened, or a predetermined number (of the present embodiment) has been opened. In the embodiment, the winning of 10) is set as one round, and the shutter 403 is repeatedly opened up to a plurality of rounds (4 to 6,16 rounds in the present embodiment).

Next, the variable display unit 67 will be described. The variable display unit 67 is provided with a symbol display device 75 that variably displays (variates) the symbol by using the winning of the actuated ball entry units 62 and 63 as a trigger.

The symbol display device 75 is configured as a liquid crystal display device provided with 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 on the left, middle, and right, and these symbols are scrolled in the vertical direction so as to be variablely displayed. Then, in the case of a big hit or a special hit, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset effective line, and the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode. The symbol display device 75 does not necessarily have to be a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix or a 7-segment type display device.

Further, in the variable display unit 67, a center frame 76 is arranged so as to surround the symbol display device 75. The center frame 76 is fixed to the game board 60 from the front surface side thereof, and in such a fixed state, the center frame 76 and the glass unit 22 stand up from the front surface of the game board 60. The gap between the ball and the ball is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. As a result, it is prevented 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 on the right side of the variable display unit 67 (specifically, the center frame 76). It is roughly divided into the above right route that detours from the left side and the left route that detours from the left side.

The above-mentioned variable winning device 65 and the right-side actuating ball entry unit 63 are arranged on the right route, and the game balls flowing down the left route are awarded to the variable winning device 65 and the right-side actuating ball entry section 63. Is avoided. On the other hand, the lower actuating ball entry portion 62 is arranged on the left route, and the game ball flowing down the right route is prevented from winning the lower actuating ball entry section 62. The player can advance the game advantageously by selecting the launch destination of the game ball (the flow path of the game ball) from the right route / the left route according to the game situation.

The actuated ball entry portions 62 and 63 are arranged at positions closer to the variable display unit 67. Since a big hit can occur triggered by winning a prize in the actuated ball entry portions 62, 63, the player pays attention to whether or not the actuated ball entry portions 62, 63 are won, and whether or not a big hit occurs. It is considered that attention should be paid to the symbol display device 75 for grasping. The fact that the actuated ball entry portions 62 and 63 are provided near the variable display unit 67 is a device for concentrating the points that the player wants to pay attention to around the variable display unit 67.

A main display unit 81 is arranged below the variable winning device 65. The main display unit 81 is arranged along the outer edge of the lower side of the gaming area PE, and projects from the front surface of the gaming board 60 to the front of the pachinko machine 10. The front surface of the main display unit 81 faces the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23) that makes the gaming area PE visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and further with the rear glass panel 23. The distance between them is narrower than one game ball. This prevents the game ball from falling in front of the front surface 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.

A main display unit D on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided on a portion of the main display unit 81 facing the glass unit 22. The main display unit D includes a display unit DL for the lower operating port that displays the lottery result based on the winning of the lower operating ball entry unit 62 (lower operating port 62a), and the right operating ball entry unit 63 (right operating port 63a). ) Is provided with a display unit DR for the right operating port that displays the result of the lottery performed based on the winning.

In the display unit DL for the lower operating port, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the lower operating ball entry unit 62, and as a result of the stop of the variation display, based on the winning of the lower operating ball entry unit 62. The result of the internal lottery held will be clearly shown. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the lower operating ball entry unit 62 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the open / close execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the display unit DR for the right operating port. After the predetermined pattern is displayed as the stop result, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode.

In the display unit DR for the right operating port, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the right operating ball entry unit 63, and as a result of the stop of the variation display, the line is based on the winning of the right operating ball entry unit 63. The result of the internal lottery will be clearly shown. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the right-handed ball entry unit 63 is a winning result corresponding to a big hit or a special hit, the variable display is stopped on the display unit DR for the right-handed opening, and the stop result is After the predetermined pattern is displayed, the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode according to the result.

Here, based on the winning of any of the operating ball entry units 62 and 63, the variation display is started on the corresponding operation port display units DL and DR, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the above variation display is stopped. Until it is done, it corresponds to one game. However, one game round is not limited to the above content, and for example, even if a single display area is provided and any of the actuated ball entry portions 62 and 63 is awarded, 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 the game rounds are performed until the variable display is stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed. It will be once.

The main display unit D of the main display unit 81 is provided with a first hold number display unit LS and a second hold number display unit RS. The first holding number display unit LS corresponds to the lower operating port 62a, and the number of times the game ball wins the lower operating port 62a is held up to four times, and the number of holdings is increased by lighting the first holding number display unit LS. It is designed to be displayed. The second hold number display unit RS corresponds to the right operating port 63a, and the number of times the game ball has won a prize in the right operating port 63a is held up to four times, and the number of holds is increased by lighting the second hold number display unit. It is designed to be displayed.

Each of these display units DL, DR, LS, and RS can be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and the front of these various display units DL, DR, LS, and RS can be seen. Visibility is guaranteed by avoiding the movement of the game ball.

Explaining the configuration of the inner frame 13 again with reference to FIG. 2, the game ball toward the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 below the mounting area of the game board 60 in the resin base 50. A game ball launching mechanism 110 for firing the plastic is provided. The game ball launch mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball arranged 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 balls and a base plate 114 on which various configurations 111 to 113 thereof are mounted are provided as a main configuration, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 50 to be attached to the resin base 50. On the other hand, it is integrated.

The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in a state of being inclined obliquely so as to be inclined up toward the game board 60 side. A ball stopper for holding the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 to the above-mentioned launch standby position is arranged at a position closer to the downstream end (that is, the lower end) of the launch rail 112. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream from the ball stopper.

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

In the guide rail 100, the game area PE is partitioned so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. Further, the guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged so as to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the guide passage 103 is divided by both rails 101 and 102. It is formed. The guidance passage 103 has an entrance portion opened to the tip end side (obliquely downward) of the launch rail 112 and an exit portion located above the gaming area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the launch rail 112 → the guidance rail 100 (entrance portion → exit portion). By adjusting the operation amount of the game ball launching handle 41, the game ball can be hit to the area on the left side of the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE or the area on the right side of the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE. It is possible.

In the game board 60, a reverse return prevention member 106 for preventing the game ball that has reached the game area PE from returning to the same guidance passage 103 is attached to the front side of the exit portion, specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the subsequent game ball from being hindered by the game ball that has reached the game area PE in advance.

The guide rail 100 (see FIG. 4) and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the inlet portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 diagonally face each other with the lower end edge of the game board 60 interposed therebetween. That is, both of the rails 100 and 112 are arranged so that the inlet portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are displaced to the left and right in the vicinity of the lower end edge of the game board 60. As a result, both rails 100 and 112 are brought closer to the lower end edge of the game board 60, and a gap is formed at a predetermined interval between the inlet portion of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

A foul ball passage 46 is arranged below the gap thus formed. The foul ball passage 46 is integrally molded with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns in the guidance passage 103 as a foul ball, the foul ball enters the foul ball passage 46 through the gap. Will be. The foul ball passage 46 leads to the lower plate passage on the front door side, and the game ball that has entered the foul ball passage 46 is discharged to the lower plate 34 shown in FIG. As a result, the interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be launched next is suppressed.

In the resin base 50, a through hole that penetrates the resin base 50 in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the launch rail 112 (specifically, the side that supports the front door frame 14), and a passage forming member is formed in this through hole. 121 is arranged. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 50 and has an upper plate passage on the main body side and a lower plate passage on the main body side. The upstream side of the main body side upper plate passage and the main body side lower plate passage leads to a game ball distribution unit described later. Further, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit 45 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side upper plate passage. Below the lower plate passage on the main body side, the upper plate passage on the front door side is arranged.

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 rotatably supported in the front-rear direction by a support shaft provided at the lower end thereof, and an urging member that urges the front position to close the upper plate passage on the main body side and the lower plate passage on the main body side. It is provided. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the inner frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises as shown in the figure and closes the main body side upper plate passage and the main body side lower plate passage. As a result, when the front door frame 14 is opened while the game balls are stored in the upper plate passage on the main body side or the lower plate passage on the main body side, the inconvenience that the stored balls are spilled can be prevented. On the other hand, in the state where the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the urging force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper plate passage and the front door side upper plate passage communicate with each other, and the main body side lower plate passage and the front door side lower plate passage communicate with each other.

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

Bearing fittings 132 are vertically arranged side by side on the rotation base end side on the back surface of the resin base 50. Bearing portions are formed on the bearing fitting 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions.

A plurality of locking metal fittings 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 these locking metal fittings 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 arranged in the center of the game board 60 so as to cover the variable display unit 67 from behind (not shown). A notification / effect control device unit 142 is mounted behind the display control device so as to overlap the display control device. The notification / effect control device unit 142 is configured to include a notification / effect control device 143 and a mounting base 144, and the notification / effect control device 143 is mounted on the mounting base 144.

The notification / effect control device 143 includes a notification / effect control board that controls voice and lamp display and control of the display control device according to instructions from the main control device described later, and the notification / effect control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a substrate box 145 made of the same.

On the back surface of the game board 60, as shown in FIG. 3, a set plate 150 is provided below the variable display unit 67. The collecting plate 150 is provided with a game ball collection mechanism for collecting game balls that have won prizes in various winning openings, a detection mechanism for detecting the entry of game balls into various winning openings, and the like.

Explaining the game ball collection mechanism, the collecting plate 150 is provided with collection passages individually corresponding to various ball entry portions such as the general winning opening 61. These collection passages descend from the ball entry portion along the back surface of the game board 60, and define a fall path for the game ball. The collection passages meet near the lower end of the game board 60, and all the game balls that have passed through the ball entry portion such as the general winning opening 61 gather at the lower part of the game board 60 through the collection passage. It becomes. The exit portion of each collection passage is open downward, and a discharge passage described later is provided on the front side thereof (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. The out port 68 is also connected to the discharge passage, and the game ball that has not won any prize is also led out to the discharge passage through the out port 68.

Explaining the detection mechanism, the collecting plate 150 is provided with detection sensors individually corresponding to various entry portions such as the general winning opening 61. These various detection sensors are arranged in the middle of each collection passage connected to the ball entry portion such as the general winning opening 61, and the game ball is in a state where the drop path of the game ball is defined in the collection passage. Detect passage. More specifically, each detection sensor detects entry into a ball entry port such as a general winning opening 61 by passing a game ball through a detection area provided in the middle of each collection passage. Specifically, a magnetic sensor that grasps a change in the magnetic field that occurs when the game ball passes through the detection area is adopted.

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

The main control device unit 160 is mounted on the game board 60 so as to cover the collecting plate 150 from the rear side, and is mounted on the game board 60 by a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin and a main control device 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 configured to be housed in a substrate box 163 made of the same.

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

Any configuration can be applied to the sealing part as long as the box base and the box cover cannot be opened, but by inserting a locking claw into the long hole that constitutes the sealing part, the box base and the box cover can be connected. It is designed to be combined so that it cannot be opened. The sealing process by the sealing part prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed, and once opened. It is possible to perform the sealing process again later. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into at least one elongated hole among the plurality of sealing portions. When the board box 163 is opened, such as when a defect occurs in the housed main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the connecting portion between the sealing portion into which the locking claw is inserted and another sealing portion is connected. Disconnect. As a result, the box base of the board box 163 and the box cover are separated, and the internal main control board can be taken out. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claw is inserted into the elongated hole of the other sealing portion. If the history of opening the board box 163 is left in the board box 163, it can be easily found that the illegal opening has been performed by looking at the board box 163.

A plurality of bonding pieces are provided on one short side of the substrate box 163 so as to project laterally. These bonded pieces have a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of bonded pieces formed on the mounting base 161, and the bonding piece and the bonded piece perform a sealing process between the substrate box 163 and the mounting base 161. Will be.

(Back pack unit 15)
Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device collective 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 portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 protruding rearward of the pachinko machine 10 to form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. And have. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 67.

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

The base portion 211 is provided with a payout mechanism portion 202 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism unit 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is arranged at the top of the back pack 201 and is open upward, and game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. To. A tank rail that gently inclines toward the downstream side is connected below the tank 221 and a case rail that extends in the vertical direction 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 the game ball distribution section provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through the payout passage provided on the downstream side of the payout device 222.

The game ball distribution unit has a function of distributing the game balls discharged from the payout device 222 to any of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, or the discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is on the main body side described above. It is formed so as to lead to the upper plate 33 via the upper plate passage and the upper plate passage on the front door side, and the outer opening leads to the lower plate 34 via the lower plate passage on the main body side and the lower plate passage on the front door side. ..

As shown in FIG. 3, a discharge passage board and a control device collective unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion back and forth. The discharge passage board 203 is formed with a discharge passage opened rearward on the surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and the open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island equipment of the game hall, etc., and the game ball derived from the above-mentioned collection passage or the like to the discharge passage passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. It is discharged.

The control device collective unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base, and the payout control device 181 and the power supply / firing control device 191 are mounted on the mounting base. The payout control device 181 and the power supply / launch control device 191 are arranged so as to be stacked in the front-rear direction so that the payout control device 181 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

In the payout control device 181 the payout control board for controlling the payout device 222 is housed in the board box, and the state return switch provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box. For example, when the state return switch is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 222, the ball jam can be cleared.

In the power supply / launch control device 191, a power supply / launch control board is housed in a board box, and a predetermined power supply required by various control devices or the like is generated and output by the board, and a game ball is launched by a player. The launch of the game ball is controlled by the operation of the handle 41. Further, the power supply / emission control device 191 is provided with a RAM erasing switch. This pachinko machine 10 has a storage and retention function for various data so that it can maintain the state at the time of power failure even in the unlikely event of a power failure and can return to the state at the time of power failure when recovering from the power failure. It has become. Therefore, if the power is turned off in the normal procedure, for example, when the game hall is closed, the state before the power is cut off is stored and retained, but if the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch, the RAM data is initialized. It has become.

(Variable winning device 65)
In the present embodiment, the variable winning device 65 that is opened and closed when the open / close execution mode is set and a configuration related thereto are characteristic. Therefore, the variable winning device 65 and the configuration related thereto will be supplementarily described below based on FIGS. 5 and 6. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4 showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the variable winning device 65, FIG. 6A is a perspective view seen from the front side of the variable winning device 65, and FIG. 6B is the variable winning device 65. It is a schematic diagram which shows the passage structure. As will be described later, the main function of the variable winning device 65 is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion, and in FIG. 6A, the upper portion thereof is broken by breaking the variable winning device 65 at an intermediate position. Is omitted.

As described above, a right route is secured in the portion on the right side of the central opening 85 in the game board 60, and the position in the middle of the right route in the game board 60 (specifically, to the right of the lower actuating ball entry portion 62). An opening for the variable winning device 65 is formed at the position. This opening penetrates in the thickness direction of the gaming board 60, and the variable winning device 65 is fitted into the opening from the front of the gaming machine. In the state where the variable winning device 65 is arranged in this way, the opening is covered with the base unit 400 which constitutes the main part of the variable winning device 65 and is provided with a function as a mounting portion for the game board 60. ing.

As shown in FIG. 5, the base unit 400 includes a housing 401 formed along the edge of the opening. The housing 401 has a substantially annular facing plate portion 401a facing the front surface of the gaming board 60, and a bulging portion 401b that bulges forward from the facing plate portion 401a to the front of the gaming machine. The variable winning device 65 is integrated with the game board 60 by being screwed to the game board 60 in a state where the facing plate portion 401a is in contact with the front surface of the game board 60.

A ball passage 410 forming a part of the right route is formed in the bulging portion 401b of the housing 401. Most of the game balls that have entered the right-side actuated ball entry unit 63 and the game balls that have passed through the right-side actuated ball-entry unit 63 are guided to the large winning opening 402 through this ball passage 410.

The ball passage 410 has an upstream side passage 411 located directly below the right-side actuating ball entry portion 63 and a downstream side passage 412 located below the upstream side passage 411, and has a crank shape that is folded up and down at an intermediate position thereof. There is. The upstream side passage 411 is inclined downward to the opposite side (right side) of the variable display unit 67, and is connected to the downstream side passage 412 via a vertical passage provided at the end on the downstream side thereof. The game ball that has reached the variable winning device 65 will flow into the downstream passage 412 after the variation in the flow speed is suppressed through the upstream passage 411. That is, the upstream passage 411 is provided with a function as a steady means for reducing the variation in the flow speed of the game ball and stabilizing the inflow speed to the downstream passage 412.

The downstream passage 412 is inclined downward toward the side opposite to the upstream passage 411, that is, toward the variable display unit 67 side (left side). The downstream passage 412 is composed of a bottom portion 414, a rear wall portion 417, a front wall portion 418, and a ceiling portion 419, and the above-mentioned large winning opening 402 is formed in the middle portion of the bottom portion 414. The large winning opening 402 has a horizontally long shape extending to the left and right along the downstream passage 412, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in which the left-right direction is the longitudinal direction and the front-back direction is the lateral direction.

The shutter 403 is arranged so as to cover the large winning opening 402. The shutter 403 constitutes the bottom portion 414 of the downstream side passage 412 together with the upstream side bottom surface portion 415 located on the upstream side of the shutter 403 and the downstream side bottom surface portion 416 located on the downstream side of the shutter 403. Note that FIG. 6 shows a state in which the shutter 403 is closed.

The shutter 403 has a long plate shape extending in the same direction as the passage direction of the downstream side passage 412, and the inclination angle of the upper surface thereof is the same as the inclination angle of the upstream side bottom surface portion 415 and the downstream side bottom surface portion 416. There is. The upstream end of the shutter 403 is located slightly below the upstream bottom surface 415, and the downstream end is slightly above the downstream bottom surface 416. As a result, the flow when the game ball flows down along the bottom 414 is secured.

With respect to the variable winning device 65 shown in the present embodiment, by opening and closing the shutter 403, it is switched between an open state in which the inflow of the game ball into the large winning opening 402 is permitted and a closed state in which the inflow is not possible. In the following description, the state in which the variable winning device 65 is allowed to win, that is, the open state of the shutter 403 is referred to as an "allowable state" as a common expression for the variable winning device 65 and the shutter 403, and the variable winning is given. The state in which the winning of the device 65 is not allowed, that is, the closed state of the shutter 403 is referred to as a "blocking state" as a common expression for the variable winning device 65 and the shutter 403.

The variable winning drive unit 404 is attached to the back side of the base unit 400 (housing 401). The variable winning drive unit 404 has a solenoid 426 as a drive source and a link mechanism 427 as a drive force transmission means for transmitting the drive force from the solenoid 426 to the shutter 403. The solenoid 426 is electrically connected to the main control device 162, and operates based on the drive signal from the main control device 162 to switch between the allowable state and the blocked state.

Further, the base unit 400 (housing 401) is provided with a lock device 428 that prevents the shutter 403 from operating when at least the shutter 403 is closed. The lock device 428 is also connected to the main control device 162, and when the open / close execution mode is entered, the lock device 428 is allowed to be switched to the unlocked state. The presence of this locking device 428 makes it difficult to perform fraudulent activities such as prying open the shutter 403 with a fraudulent tool.

The shutter 403 in the present embodiment particularly constitutes a part of the bottom 414 of the downstream passage 412. That is, in the blocked state, the shutter 403 functions as a guide unit (rolling surface) for guiding the game ball.

The housing 401 is provided with a detection sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the large winning opening 402. More specifically, an inflow passage through which the game ball entering the big prize opening 402 flows is formed below the large prize opening 402, and a detection sensor is arranged at an intermediate position of this inflow passage. There is. The detection sensor is electrically connected to the main control device 162, and the detection information (detection signal) is input to the main control device 162 when the game ball passes through the detection sensor (detection area). .. The main control device 162 determines whether or not a prize has been won based on this detection information.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the variable winning device 65 is not always maintained in the allowable state even when the open / close execution mode is entered as a big hit result or a special hit result. The opening period is limited. If a game ball passes through the variable winning device 65 while the variable winning device 65 is in the blocked state, the game ball may become a waste ball and the investment of the player may increase. .. In such a type of gaming machine, the player makes a wasteful investment by devising a firing operation so that the gaming ball does not reach the entry portion when the variable winning device 65 is in the blocking state. It can be suppressed. If such technical intervention is allowed, there will be a difference in the benefits and the like obtained according to the skill of the player. This can be an obstacle in improving the fairness of the game.

One of the features of this embodiment is that, in view of such circumstances, measures are taken to increase the chances of winning a prize in the large winning opening 402. Therefore, the device will be described below with reference to FIG. 6 (b). In FIG. 6B, the orbit through which the game ball passes is illustrated by using a alternate long and short dash line.

In the rear wall portion 417 and the front wall portion 418 of the downstream side passage 412, the ridge portions 417a and 418a projecting to the mating side (inside) are formed in the portions constituting the specific region SE directly above the shutter 403. Has been done. The ridges 417a and 418a extend vertically so as to be orthogonal to the passage direction of the downstream passage 412. In the following description, the ridge portion 418a arranged on the front wall portion 418 is referred to as a front ridge portion 418a, and the ridge portion 417a arranged on the rear wall portion 417 is referred to as a rear ridge portion 417a.

The gap dimension D1 between the rear wall portion 417 and the front ridge portion 418a is set to be larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball, and the gap dimension D2 between the front wall portion 418 and the rear ridge portion 417a is also set. It is set to be larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. A plurality (two in the present embodiment) of the front ridge portion 418a are arranged in the passage direction (guidance direction) of the downstream side passage 412 with a gap larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. A plurality of ridges 417a (two in the present embodiment) are arranged with a gap larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball in the passage direction (guidance direction) of the downstream passage 412. By alternately arranging the front ridges 418a and the rear ridges 417a, the flow path of the game ball is devised so as to meander back and forth with respect to the passage direction of the downstream passage 412.

Here, when the amount of protrusion of the front ridge portion 418a, the amount of protrusion of the rear side ridge portion 417a, and the diameter dimension D of the game ball are added, the width becomes larger than the passage width in the front-rear direction of the downstream side passage 412. (D3 <D). As a result, the game ball is prevented from running through the specific region SE so as to avoid a collision with the protrusions 417a and 418a.

The game ball passing through the downstream passage 412 collides with the ridges 417a and 418a. Due to such a collision, the moving speed of the game ball in the specific region SE decreases (decelerates). That is, the specific region SE of the downstream passage 412 functions as a deceleration section for forcibly decelerating the game ball. By decelerating the game ball passing through the downstream passage 412 in this way, it is possible to lengthen the period required for the game ball to pass through the specific region SE.

In the present embodiment, the degree of deceleration is defined as follows. That is, the period required for the game ball to pass through the specific region SE is specified to be longer than the interval period between rounds in the open / close execution mode (period maintained in the blocked state: 1.4 sec). Specifically, the period required for passing through the specific region SE is approximately "1.8 sec". Therefore, even if the game ball reaches the specific area SE, for example, during the interval between the previous and next rounds, the shutter 403 is switched to the allowable state again before the game ball passes through the specific area SE. Therefore, this game ball will also flow into the large winning opening 402. As a result, it is possible to suitably secure a winning opportunity for the variable winning device 65.

The period required for the game ball to pass through the downstream passage 412 (deceleration area BE) is longer than the firing cycle of the game ball. Specifically, while the firing cycle of the game ball is "0.6 sec", the period required for passing through the downstream passage 412 is approximately "1.8 sec". For the above reasons, the succeeding game ball reaches the downstream passage 412 while the preceding game ball is passing through the downstream passage 412, and both the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball are shuttered 403. It will be in the state of being listed above. By placing a plurality of game balls on the shutter 403 using the deceleration function, speeding up of the game progress and the like is realized, and the details of this point will be described later.

(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 the main control board 601 provided in the main control device 162. The MPU 602 is a ROM 603 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 602, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 603 is executed. It is an element having a built-in RAM 604, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like. It should be noted that a configuration may be configured in which a part of the functions of the MPU 602, for example, the functions of the ROM 603 and the functions of the RAM 604, are provided as another element.

The MPU 602 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. A power failure monitoring board 605 provided in the main control device 162, a payout control device 181 and various detection sensors are connected to the input side of the MPU 602. 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. Further, as a part of various detection sensors, a detection sensor 391a for the general winning opening 61, a detection sensor 391b for the lower actuating ball entry portion 62, a detection sensor 391c for the right side actuating ball entry section 63, and a variable winning device 65. The detection sensors 391d and 391e of the above are connected, and based on the detection information (detection signal) from these various detection sensors 391a to 391e, the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 determines the winning of each ball entry portion (ball entry determination). ) Etc. are executed. Further, in the MPU 602, a big hit generation lottery is executed based on winning a prize in the lower actuating ball entry portion 62 (lower actuating opening 62a) and the right side actuating ball entry section 63 (right actuating opening 63a).

A power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 181 and a notification / effect control device 143 (specifically, a notification / effect control board 651) are connected to the output side of the MPU 602. A prize ball command is output to the payout control device 181 based on, for example, a winning determination result for the winning ball corresponding to the winning. In this case, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referred to when outputting the prize ball command. Then, when the winning to the general winning opening 61 is specified, the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output, and when the winning to the large winning opening 402 is specified, 15 game balls are output. The prize ball command corresponding to the payout is output, and when the prize to the lower operating port 62a is specified, the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the three game balls is output, and the prize to the right operating port 63a is output. If specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of one game ball is output.

Various commands such as a fluctuation start command, a type command, a fluctuation end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output to the notification / effect control device 143. In this case, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referred to when outputting these various commands. Details of these various commands will be described later. It should be noted that each of the above commands is configured as information on a predetermined number of bytes, and includes various information as information on the predetermined number of bytes.

Further, on the output side of the MPU 602, a drive unit 71b for driving the electric accessory 71 attached to the right-side actuating ball entry unit 63, a variable winning drive unit 404 (solenoid 426) for driving the shutter 403 of the variable winning device 65, and a main. The hold number display unit LS, RS of the display unit 81, the operation port display unit DL, DR, and the like are connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 601. Through the driver circuits, the MPU 602 executes drive control of various drive units and the like.

That is, in the open / close execution mode, the drive control of the variable winning drive unit 404 (solenoid 426) in the variable winning device 65 is executed in the MPU 602 so that the large winning opening 402 is opened and closed. Further, at each game round, the display control of the lower operating port display unit DL and the right operating port display unit DR in the main display unit D of the main display unit 81 is executed in the MPU 602.

Further, an external terminal board 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 game result is a big hit result, the MPU 602 can output a big hit signal to the management control device on the game hall side through the big hit signal output terminal. Specifically, in the normal state, the LOW level signal is output from the jackpot signal output terminal, and when the jackpot result is obtained, the HI level signal is output. The output mode 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 the DC stable 24 volt voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply / emission control device 191. The payout control device 181 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 222 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

The power supply / launch control device 191 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game hall or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power source, 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. do.

Further, the power supply / launch control device 191 is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 (specifically, the solenoid 111) is driven when predetermined launch conditions are satisfied. More specifically, the power supply / launch control device 191 is connected to an operation level detection sensor and a touch sensor provided on the game ball launch handle 41. The operation level detection sensor is a sensor that detects the operation amount (rotation amount) of the game ball launch handle 41, and the launch intensity (rate of fire) of the game ball by the game ball launch mechanism 110 based on the information from the operation level detection sensor. ) Will be decided. The touch sensor is configured to output information when the player touches the game ball launch handle 41, and in the power supply / launch control device 191 the player touches the game ball launch handle 41 based on this information. It is configured so that it can be grasped whether or not it is. When it is determined that the player is touching the game ball launch handle 41 based on the information from the touch sensor, and the operation level detection sensor determines that the game ball launch handle 41 is being operated, the game ball is launched. Will be allowed.

The information from the touch sensor is transmitted to the main control device 162, the notification / effect control device 143, and the display control device 710 via the power supply / emission control device 191.

The notification / effect control device 143 includes a notification / effect control board 651 on which the MPU 652 is mounted, and the MPU 652 has a ROM 613 that stores various control programs and fixed value data, and a control program that is stored in the ROM 613. RAM 614, which is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like, is built in.

The notification / effect 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 also controls the display control device 710. It is a thing. Specifically, in the notification / effect control device 143, a variation display mode of the symbol in the symbol display device 75 and a stop display mode of the symbol to be finally stopped are displayed (for example, of the symbol) based on various commands input from the main control device 162. The type of combination) is determined, the presence / absence of reach occurrence, the content of the reach effect, and the like are determined, and the determined content is added to the above command and transferred to the display control device 710.

The display control device 710 has a display control board on which the MPU is mounted, and the MPU has a ROM that stores various control programs and fixed value data, and various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM. It has a built-in RAM that is a memory for temporarily storing such as, a video display processor (VDP), a character ROM that stores image data, and a video RAM that temporarily stores image data read from the character ROM. There is. The MPU executes display control of the variable display unit 67 (specifically, the symbol display device 75) based on the command input from the notification / effect control device 143.

Here, the display contents of the symbol display device 75 will be described. On the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, three symbol rows of left, middle, and right are set. On the display screen 75a, the symbols in each of these symbol rows are variably displayed so as to scroll in a predetermined direction (for example, from top to bottom) with periodicity.

Further, on the display screen 75a, one symbol is stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and a total of three symbols are stopped and displayed. If the variation display stops in the order of right symbol column → left symbol column → middle symbol column, and the variation display of all symbol columns ends with a predetermined symbol combination formed on the valid line, the jackpot result or special hit result will be displayed. A video showing the transition to the corresponding special gaming state is displayed.

In view of the fact that the variable display of each symbol row is stopped as described above, the left symbol row is the first symbol row (or the first symbol row), and the right symbol row is the second symbol row (or the second symbol row). The row) and the middle symbol row can be referred to as a third symbol row (or a third symbol row).

Incidentally, the mode of variable display of symbols in the symbol display device 75 is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary, such as the number of symbol rows, the direction of variable display of symbols in the symbol row, the number of symbols in each symbol row, and the like. Can be changed as appropriate. For example, a plurality of symbol rows may be set to be arranged vertically, and the direction of the variation display of the symbols in the symbol row may be set to be horizontal.

A hold display area is set at the bottom of the display screen 75a. In the hold display area, the number of hold display areas for the upper work opening is displayed so that the same number of unit hold display areas as the maximum number of holds when the game ball wins in the lower work opening 62a are arranged in the left-right direction. Depending on the area and the holding number display area for the lower working opening, the unit holding display area of the same number as the maximum holding number when the game ball wins in the right operating opening 63a is divided and displayed so as to be arranged in the left-right direction. It is configured.

Specifically, when the game ball wins the lower operating port 62a, the maximum number of holdings is 4, and in correspondence with this, the holding number display area for the lower operating opening is the first unit holding display area. , The second unit hold display area, the third unit hold display area, and the fourth unit hold display area are set. Further, when the game ball wins the right operating port 63a, the maximum number of holdings is 4, and in correspondence with this, the holding number display area for the right operating opening includes the 1st unit holding display area and the 2nd unit. The hold display area, the third unit hold display area, and the fourth unit hold display area are set.

For example, when the number of holdings when the game ball wins in the lower operating port 62a is one, a predetermined holding image is displayed only in the first unit holding display area, and the game ball is moved to the lower operating opening 62a. When the number of reserved images is four when a prize is won, a predetermined reserved image is displayed in all of the first unit reserved display area to the fourth unit reserved display area.

(About various counters)
Next, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 8, the configuration related to the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

The MPU 602 uses various counter information during the game to perform a lottery for shifting to a special game state, a display setting for the main display unit 81 (main display unit D), a symbol display setting for the symbol display device 75, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, a hit random number counter C1 used for a lottery for a big hit or a special hit, a hit type counter C2 used for determining a hit (specifically, a big hit) type, and a symbol. Generation of reach display when the display device 75 deviates and fluctuates The reach random number counter C3 used for lottery, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the winning random number counter C1, and the ball entry part of the main display unit 81. It is decided to use a variation type counter CS that determines the variation display time of the pattern on the display unit and the variation display time of the pattern on the symbol display device 75.

Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, and CS is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time the counter is updated, and the counter returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the lottery counter buffer 631 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 604.

The RAM 604 has a holding area Ra for the lower working port, a holding area Rb for the right working port, a first execution area AE1 for the holding area Ra for the lower working port, and a second execution area Rb for the right working port. A reserved ball storage area 632 including an area AE2 and a total reserved number storage area is provided. Then, in the reserved ball storage area 632, the values of the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are time-series in accordance with the winning history of the game ball to the lower operating port 62a or the right operating port 63a. It is designed to be stored as a random number.

More specifically, the winning random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of, for example, "0" to "599", reach the maximum value (that is, 599), and then return to 0. In particular, when the hit 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 hit random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the hit random number counter C1 (value = "0" to "599"). The winning random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower operating port 62a or the right operating port 63a. More specifically, it is stored in the lower operating port holding area Ra of the RAM 604 when the game ball wins in the lower operating port 62a, and is stored in the right operating opening holding area Rb of the RAM 604 when the game ball wins in the right operating port 63a. Stored in.

The value of the random number that wins the big hit and the value of the random number that wins the special win are stored as a hit / miss table (hit / miss information group) in the hit / miss table storage area 621 as the hit / miss information group storage means in the ROM 603. Here, the contents of the pass / fail table will be described with reference to the schematic views of FIGS. 9 and 10. As the hit / fail table, a hit / fail table for the lower operating port 62a (see FIG. 9) and a hit / miss table for the right operating port 63a (see FIG. 10) are provided, and in a lottery based on the entry of a ball into the lower working port 62a. Refers to the winning / failing table for the lower operating port 62a, and refers to the winning / failing table for the right operating port 63a in the lottery based on the entry of the ball into the right operating port 63a.

(Win / fail table for lower operating port)
In the hit / fail table for the lower operating port 62a referred to when the lottery mode is the low probability mode, as shown in FIG. 9A, the values of the random numbers corresponding to the jackpot results are "7" and ". There are three, "307" and "507". That is, among the values of the random number counter C1 from "0" to "599", "7", "307", and "507" correspond to the jackpot results, and the probability of becoming a jackpot is 3/600. .. The low probability mode compatible hit / fail table for the lower operating port 62a is not provided with a random number value corresponding to the special hit result, and the lottery result is out of order and corresponds to the result except for the random number value which is the big hit result. There is.

In the hit / fail table for the lower operating port 62a, which is referred to when the lottery mode is set to the high probability mode, the values of the random numbers corresponding to the jackpot results are "7" and "", as shown in FIG. 9B. There are six, "107", "207", "307", "407", and "507". That is, among the values of the random number counter C1 from "0" to "599", "7", "107", "207", "307", "407", and "507" correspond to the jackpot results. The probability of winning a jackpot is 6/600. The high-probability mode compatible hit / fail table for the lower operating port 62a is not provided with a random number value corresponding to the special hit result, and the lottery result is out of order and corresponds to the result except for the random number value which is the big hit result. There is.

(Win / fail table for right operating port)
In the hit / fail table for the right operating port 63a, which is referred to when the lottery mode is the low probability mode, the values of the random numbers corresponding to the jackpot results are "7" and "", as shown in FIG. 10A. There are three, "307" and "507". That is, among the values of the hit random number counter C1 of "0 to 599", "7", "307", and "507" correspond to the big hit result, and the probability of becoming a big hit is 3/600. It is the same as the hit / miss table for the lower working port 62a. However, in the hit / fail table for the right operating port 63a, "1", "5" ... "591", "595" correspond to the special hit result, and the probability of becoming the special hit result is 150/600. It has become. It should be noted that the lottery results are configured to be out of order except for the random number value that is the big hit result and the random number value that is the special hit result.

In the hit / fail table for the right operating port 63a, which is referred to when the lottery mode is set to the high probability mode, the values of the random numbers corresponding to the jackpot results are "7" and "", as shown in FIG. 10 (b). There are six, "107", "207", "307", "407", and "507". That is, among the values of the random number counter C1 from "0" to "599", "7", "107", "207", "307", "407", and "507" correspond to the jackpot results. The probability of a big hit is 6/600, which is the same as the hit / miss table for the lower operating port 62a. However, in the hit / fail table for the right operating port 63a, "1", "3", "5" ... "591", "593", "595" correspond to the special hit result, and the special hit. The resulting probability is 300/600. It should be noted that the lottery results are configured to be out of order except for the random number value that is the big hit result and the random number value that is the special hit result.

As described above, regardless of whether the lower operating port 62a or the right operating port 63a is awarded, the probability of a big hit result is the same. However, when the lower operating port 62a and the right operating port 63a are compared, the possibility of a special hit result is set higher for the right operating port 63a. That is, the right operating port 63a is given preferential treatment over the lower operating port 62a when compared with the probability that some balls can be expected.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 8 again, the hit type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of "0" to "99", reach the maximum value (that is, "99"), and then return to 0. There is. The hit type counter C2 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower operating port 62a or the right operating port 63a. More specifically, it is stored in the lower operating port holding area Ra of the RAM 604 when the game ball wins in the lower operating port 62a, and is stored in the right operating opening holding area Rb of the RAM 604 when the game ball wins in the right operating port 63a. Stored in.

The distribution destination of the game result for the hit type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in the distribution table storage area 622 as the distribution information group storage means in the ROM 603. In the present embodiment, the type of the jackpot result is determined with reference to the hit type counter C2 and the distribution table. As the jackpot results, 16R probability variation jackpot results, 6R probability variation jackpot results, 5R probability variation jackpot results, 4R probability variation jackpot results, and 4R normal jackpot results are provided.

(Distribution table for lower operating port)
As shown in FIG. 11A, in the distribution table for the lower working port, a total of 30 of the values of the hit type counters C2 of "0" to "99", "0" to "29", are 16R probability variable jackpots. Corresponding to the result, a total of 30 pieces of "30" to "59" correspond to the 4R probability variation jackpot result A, and a total of 40 pieces of "60" to "99" correspond to the 4R normal jackpot result A. ing.

Here, in the present embodiment, a first winning mode and a second winning mode are provided as opening / closing modes of the variable winning device 65 for the opening / closing execution mode (special game state) that shifts when a big hit result is obtained. The first winning mode is configured to move to the next round when either a predetermined opening period (30 sec) has elapsed or a predetermined number (10) of balls have been entered. On the other hand, in the second winning mode, the variable winning device 65 is configured to switch to the allowable state / blocking state a plurality of times in each round, and is opened (16 times) or predetermined times a predetermined number of times in each round. It is configured to move to the next round when any of the number (10) of incoming balls is established. In the present embodiment, in the opening / closing execution mode corresponding to the special hit result, a third winning mode different from the first winning mode and the second winning mode is set as the opening / closing mode of the variable winning device 65. , This third winning mode will be described later.

When the 16R probability variation jackpot result is obtained, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode corresponding to the first winning mode. In the open / close execution mode, the number of rounds executed is "16", which is a chance to acquire a large number of game balls. After the opening / closing execution mode ends, the lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the symbol variation display mode becomes the time reduction mode, and these high probability modes and the time reduction mode are continued until the next big hit result is obtained.

When the 4R probability variation jackpot result A is obtained, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode corresponding to the second winning mode. In the open / close execution mode, the number of rounds executed is "4". After the opening / closing execution mode ends, the lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the symbol variation display mode becomes the time reduction mode, and these high probability modes and the time reduction mode are continued until the next big hit result is obtained.

When the 4R normal jackpot result A is obtained, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode corresponding to the second winning mode. In the open / close execution mode, the number of rounds executed is "4". After the opening / closing execution mode ends, the lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the symbol variation display mode becomes the non-time reduction mode, and these low probability modes and the non-time reduction mode are continued until the next probabilistic jackpot result is obtained. ..

As shown in FIG. 11B, in the distribution table for the right operating port, a total of 30 of the values of the hit type counters C2 of "0" to "99", "0" to "29", are 16R probability variable jackpots. Corresponding to the result, a total of 10 pieces of "30" to "39" correspond to the 6R probability variation jackpot result B, and a total of 10 pieces of "40" to "49" correspond to the 5R probability variation jackpot result B. A total of 10 pieces of "50" to "59" correspond to the 4R probability variation jackpot result B, and a total of 40 pieces of "60" to "99" correspond to the 4R normal jackpot result B.

When the 16R probability variation jackpot result is obtained, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode corresponding to the first winning mode. In the open / close execution mode, the number of rounds executed is "16", which is a chance to acquire a large number of game balls. After the opening / closing execution mode ends, the lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the symbol variation display mode becomes the time reduction mode, and these high probability modes and the time reduction mode are continued until the next big hit result is obtained.

When the 6R probability variation jackpot result B is obtained, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode corresponding to the second winning mode. In the open / close execution mode, the number of rounds executed is "6". After the opening / closing execution mode ends, the lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the symbol variation display mode becomes the time reduction mode. These high-probability modes and time-saving modes will continue until the next big hit result.

When the 5R probability variation jackpot result B is obtained, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode corresponding to the second winning mode. In the open / close execution mode, the number of rounds executed is "5". After the opening / closing execution mode ends, the lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the symbol variation display mode becomes the time reduction mode. These high-probability modes and time-saving modes will continue until the next big hit result.

When the 4R probability variation jackpot result B is obtained, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode corresponding to the second winning mode. In the open / close execution mode, the number of rounds executed is "4". After the opening / closing execution mode ends, the lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the symbol variation display mode becomes the time reduction mode. These high-probability modes and time-saving modes will continue until the next big hit result.

When the 4R normal jackpot result is B, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode corresponding to the second winning mode. In the open / close execution mode, the number of rounds executed is "4". After the opening / closing execution mode ends, the lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the symbol variation display mode becomes the non-time reduction mode. These low-probability modes and non-time reduction modes will be continued until the next probabilistic jackpot result is obtained.

Returning to the description of FIG. 8 again, the reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of, for example, 0 to 238, reach the maximum value (that is, 238), and then return to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower operating port 62a or the right operating port 63a. More specifically, it is stored in the lower operating port holding area Ra of the RAM 604 when the game ball wins in the lower operating port 62a, and is stored in the right operating opening holding area Rb of the RAM 604 when the game ball wins in the right operating port 63a. Stored in. Then, it is decided whether or not to generate the reach display (reach state) based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 603.

Here, the reach display is provided with a symbol display device 75 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of a symbol (picture), and the game result varies depending on the game times when the game result corresponds to the open / close execution mode. In a gaming machine in which the stop display result after display can be a special display result, after the variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) on the symbol display device 75 is started, before the stop display result is derived and displayed. It refers to a display state for making the player think that it is a variable display state in which the special display result is likely to occur.

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

More specifically, as a pre-stage for ending the variable display of the symbol, a combination of symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode is established on the preset effective line in the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying a combination of possible reach symbols, and in a situation where the reach line is formed, a variable display of the symbols is performed by the final stop symbol sequence.

Explaining the display contents on the display screen 75a in more detail, in the state where the variable display of the symbol is first terminated in the right symbol column and then the variable display of the symbol is terminated in the left symbol column, one of the effective lines is hit and the symbol is displayed. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbols with numbers that make up the combination, and in the situation where the reach line is formed, the change display of the symbols is performed in the middle symbol row to reach. It becomes a display. Then, when a big hit occurs, the main symbols forming the reach line and the main symbols with the numbers constituting the combination of the hit symbols are stopped and displayed on the reach line, and the fluctuation display of the symbols in the middle symbol row is displayed. Is terminated.

Further, in the reach display, in the state where the combination of the reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variable 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 to reach the reach. It includes 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 75a after reducing or hiding the combination of reach symbols. Further, when the reach display is performed or before the reach display, it is determined whether or not to perform the advance notice display using a predetermined image such as a predetermined character by using the reach random number counter C3 or another counter. You may.

The variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS includes the variation display time of the pattern in the display unit DL for the lower operating port and the display unit DR for the right operating port of the main display unit 81 (main display unit D) and the variation display time of the symbol in the symbol display device 75. And are used in determining in MPU 602. The variation type counter CS is updated once every time the normal processing described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal processing. Then, the buffer value of the variation type counter CS is acquired when the variation pattern is determined at the start of the variation display in the display unit DL for the lower operating port and the display unit DR for the right operating port (at the start of the variation of the symbol by the symbol display device 75). To.

(About various processes executed by MPU 602 of the main controller 162)
Next, the timer interrupt processing and the normal processing executed in order to advance the game in each game time by the MPU 602 in the main control device 162 will be described. In the MPU 602, in addition to the timer interrupt processing and the normal processing, the main processing activated when the power is turned on and the NMI interrupt processing activated by inputting a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal) are executed. , The description of these processes will be omitted.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is started periodically (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec) by MPU602.

In step S101, reading processing of various detection sensors, for example (the detection sensors 391a to 391e), is executed. That is, the state of various detection sensors connected to the main control device 162 is read, the state of the detection sensor (detection information from the detection sensor) is determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is saved. For example, when it is determined that a ball has entered the lower operating port 62a, a winning detection flag for the lower operating ball entry portion is stored in various flag storage areas of the RAM 604, and the ball enters the right operating port 63a. If it is determined that the above has occurred, the winning detection flag for the right-hand side operating ball entry section is stored in the various flag storage areas.

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

In the following step S103, the hit random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the hit random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are each incremented by 1, and when the counter values reach the maximum value, they are cleared to 0, respectively. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

In the following step S104, the winning process for the activated ball entry section accompanying the winning of the actuated ball entry sections 62, 63 (actuated openings 62a, 63a) is executed, and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

In the winning process for the activated ball entry section, first, whether or not the game ball has won a prize (starting winning) in the lower actuating entry section 62 (lower actuation opening 62a) is operated downward in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. Judgment is made based on whether or not the winning detection flag for the ball entry portion is stored. When it is determined that the winning detection flag is stored, that is, when the game ball receives a detection signal indicating that a winning has occurred in the lower operating entry portion 62 (lower operating port 62a), the payout control is performed. A prize ball command for paying out three game balls is set in the device 181. Then, an external signal setting process is performed so that information indicating that the game ball has won a prize is output to the hall computer HC on the game hall side to the lower operation entry unit 62 (lower operation port 62a). As a result, the hall computer HC grasps that a prize has been generated for the lower actuating ball entry portion 62 (lower actuating opening 62a).

After that, the value stored in the hold number storage area of the hold area for the lower actuating entry unit is read, and the lower start hold storage number stored in the hold area is set. Subsequently, information acquisition processing for storing each value of the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is performed, and the main winning process is completed.

On the other hand, when the winning detection flag for the right-side actuating ball entry section is not stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604, that is, the right-side actuating ball entry section 63 is used instead of the lower actuating entry section 62 (lower actuation port 62a). If a prize has been won, a prize ball command for paying out one game ball is set in the payout control device 181. The set prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control device 181 in the external output process of the normal process described later.

Subsequently, an external signal setting process is performed so that information indicating that the game ball has won a prize is output to the hall computer HC on the game hall side to the right side operating ball entry unit 63 (right operating port 63a). As a result, the hall computer HC grasps that a prize has been awarded to the right-handed ball entry unit 63 (right-handed opening 63a).

After that, the value stored in the hold number storage area of the hold area for the right-handed ball entry section is read, the right start hold storage number stored in the hold area is set, and then the information acquisition process is performed. The final winning process is completed.

On the other hand, if the game ball does not win in any of the lower actuating ball entry unit 62 and the right side actuating ball entry section 63, the main winning process is terminated as it is.

In the information acquisition process, first, it is determined whether or not the set start hold storage number is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). If the start hold storage number is the upper limit value, this information acquisition process is terminated as it is, and if it is less than the upper limit value, the start hold storage number of the corresponding hold area for the result display unit is incremented by 1 and the total number is increased. Number of Holds The value stored in the storage area (hereinafter referred to as the number of common holds) is incremented by 1.

After that, the updated values of the hit random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variable type counter CS are stored in the first storage area of the free storage area area of the corresponding hold area for the result display unit, that is, 1. Store in the storage area corresponding to the incremented hold storage number.

That is, when the start hold storage number for the lower actuating ball entry portion is set, the updated hit random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variable type counter CS are set to the lower values. It is stored in the first storage area of the free storage area of the hold area for the side actuated ball entry unit, that is, the hold area corresponding to the start hold storage number for the lower actuated ball entry unit incremented by 1.

Further, when the start hold storage number for the right-side actuating ball entry section is set, the updated values of the hit random number counter C1, the hit-type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are set for the right-hand actuating ball entry section. It is stored in the first storage area of the free storage area of the hold area, that is, the hold area corresponding to the start hold storage number for the right-hand side actuated ball entry unit incremented by 1.

Subsequently, the notification / effect control device 143 and the display control device 710, which are the control devices on the sub side (secondary side), recognize that a prize has been generated for the lower actuating ball entry unit 62 or the right side actuating ball entry section 63. Confirmation process of hold information and setting process of hold command are executed. After that, if the winning detection flag is stored, the flag is cleared and the information acquisition process is terminated. The hold command set in the hold command setting process is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in the external output process of the normal process described later.

(Normal processing)
Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is started when the power is turned on is executed, and in the normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processes of steps S201 to S207 are executed as periodic processes having a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processes of steps S208 and S209 are executed in the remaining time.

In the normal processing, in step S201, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt processing or the previous normal processing is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence or absence of the prize ball command is determined, and if the prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 181. In addition, if a command for effect such as a command corresponding to the effect for game rounds such as a change start command, a type command, and a change end command, or a command corresponding to an effect for open / close execution mode is set, it is notified. -Send to the effect control device 143. Further, the output is set for the external terminal board 213 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 fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to 0. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

In the following step S203, a game time control process for advancing the game of each game time is executed. In this game time control process, a hit / fail judgment such as a big hit and a distribution judgment of a big hit type are performed, a change display of a symbol is set by the symbol display device 75, and a display for an operation port in the main display unit 81 (main display unit D). Controls the display of DL, DR, etc.

After that, in step S204, a game state transition process for shifting the game state is executed. The details will be described later, but by this game state transition process, the game state shifts to the open / close execution mode, the high probability mode, and the like.

In the following step S205, the game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, a predetermined launch condition is provided on condition that a launch permission signal output from the power supply / launch control device 191 is input based on the launch operation being performed on the game ball launch handle 41. The solenoid 111 of the game ball launching mechanism 110 is excited once during the firing period (0.6 sec in the present embodiment). As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area. That is, when an irregular striking such as a so-called stop striking is not performed, the firing of the game ball is repeated at a predetermined cycle on condition that the firing operation is performed.

In the following step S206, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is set in the RAM 604. The power failure flag is a flag that is set when the occurrence of a power failure is confirmed on 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 erased in the next main process.

If the power failure flag is not set, it means that the last process of the plurality of processes to be repeatedly executed has been completed. Therefore, whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached in step S207, that is, the previous normal process. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is reached. That is, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated in step S208, and the variation type counter CS is updated in step S209.

Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S205 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the hit random number counter C1) can be updated at random, and similarly. The variable 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 is set, it means that the power is cut off, so the power failure processing after step S210 is executed. That is, in step S210, the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, then the RAM determination value is calculated and saved in step S211 and the access to RAM 604 is prohibited in step S212, and then the power supply is completely shut off for processing. Continues an infinite loop until it can no longer be executed.

(Game times control process)
Here, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 to 18, the game rotation control process in step S203 will be supplementarily described. As shown in FIG. 14, in the game rotation control process shown in the present embodiment, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode flag (open / close execution state information) is stored (stored) in the open / close execution mode flag storage area (open / close execution state information storage means) in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. do. The open / close execution mode flag is stored when the game state is shifted to the open / close execution mode in the game state transition process described later, and is deleted when the open / close execution mode is terminated in the game state transition process.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S301, the game round control process is terminated as it is. If a negative determination is made in step S301, the game times control process for the game times related to the winning of the lower actuating ball entry portion 62 (lower actuating port 62a) in step S302 (game times control corresponding to the lower actuating port). Processing, control processing for the lower operating port) is executed, and in step S303, the game times control processing for the game times (game times control corresponding to the right operating port) related to winning a prize in the right operating ball entry unit 63 (right operating port 63a). After executing the process, the control process for the right operating port), the game round control process is terminated. The basic flow of these two control processes is the same. Hereinafter, the control process for the lower operating port will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, and then, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, for the right operating port, focusing on the differences from the control process for the lower operating port. The control process will be described.

(Control processing for lower operating port)
As shown in FIG. 15, in the lower operating port control process, first, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the game rotation related to the lower operating port 62a is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the display unit DL for the lower operating port of the main display unit 81 is in the variable display to the definite display, that is, whether or not the game for one game is being executed. In this determination, the variation display flag (variation display information) for the lower operating port is stored (stored) in the variation display flag storage area (variation display information storage means) in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. It is performed by determining whether or not it is. The variable display flag for the lower operating port is stored when the variable display is started on the lower operating port display unit DL, and is erased when the pattern is stopped and displayed and the confirmation display ends.

If the game is not in progress, a negative determination is made in step S401, and the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, it is determined whether or not the game is being rotated according to the right operating port 63a. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the display unit DR for the right operating port of the main display unit 81 is in the variable display to the definite display, that is, whether or not the game for one game is being executed. In this determination, the variation display flag (variation display information) for the right operating port is stored (stored) in the variation display flag storage area (variation display information storage means) in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. It is performed by determining whether or not it is. The variable display flag for the right operating port is stored when the variable display is started on the right operating port display unit DR, and the pattern etc. corresponding to the lottery result (game result) is stopped and displayed, and the confirmation display ends. Will be erased if you do.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S402, the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, it is determined whether or not the game times related to the right operating port 63a correspond to the jackpot result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S403, the control process for the lower working port is terminated as it is. If a negative determination is made in step S403 or step S402, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the total number of hold storage areas of the hold ball storage area 632 is referred to, and the hold storage number CRN for the lower actuating port, which is the number of hold information stored on hold (specifically, the hold information related to the lower actuator 62a). It is determined whether or not the number) is "0". When the reserved storage number CRN for the lower operating port is "0", the game times control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the reserved storage number CRN for the lower working port is not "0", the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, data setting processing is performed.

In the data setting process of the lower operating port 62a, first, the reserved storage number CRN for the lower operating port is decremented by 1. After that, the data stored in the first area of the lower working port holding area Ra is moved to the first execution area AE1, and the process of shifting the data stored in the storage area of the lower working opening holding area Ra is executed. ..

This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower area side, and the data in the first area is cleared and the second area → the first area, The data in each area is shifted such as from the third area to the second area and from the fourth area to the third area. Then, one LED that is lit is turned off at the hold number display unit for the lower working port. In this turning-off process, contrary to the above-mentioned lighting process, the LEDs of the hold number display unit for the lower working port are turned off in order from the right side.

After performing the data setting process described in detail above, in step S406, the variation display for the lower actuation port for starting the variation display of the pattern on the display unit DL for the lower actuation port and the variation display of the symbol on the symbol display device 75. After executing the start process (variation start process for the lower operating port), the game round control process is terminated. Here, with reference to FIG. 16, the fluctuation start processing for the lower working port of step S406 will be described.

(Variation start processing for lower operating port)
In the change start process for the lower working port, first, the pass / fail determination process is executed in step S501. In the hit / fail determination process, the hit / fail determination information among the information stored in the first execution area AE1, that is, the numerical information acquired from the hit random number counter C1, is the above-mentioned jackpot numerical value with reference to the hit / miss table for the lower operating port. Determine if it matches the information. If the determination result in step S501 is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S502 and the process proceeds to step S503.

In step S503, the type determination process is executed. In the type determination process, among the information stored in the first execution area AE1, the information for type determination, that is, the numerical information acquired from the hit type counter C2 is grasped. Further, with reference to the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of the ROM 603, the information for type determination grasped above corresponds to the 16R probability variation jackpot result, and the information group corresponding to the 4R probability variation jackpot result. 4R Specify which of the information groups corresponding to the normal jackpot result is included.

In step S504, the stop result setting process for the jackpot result is executed. Specifically, the stop result table for the jackpot result in which the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit D (display unit DL for the lower operating port) of the main display unit 81 in the game round is stored in advance in the ROM 603. The identified information is stored in the RAM 604. A plurality of patterns to be stopped and displayed on the main display unit D are set in the stop result table for the jackpot result, and in step S504, information indicating the symbols corresponding to the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 604. Further, in step S504, various flag storage areas of the RAM 604 provide information for specifying in the MPU 602 whether the game result this time is either the 16R probability variation jackpot result, the 4R probability variation jackpot result A, or the 4R normal jackpot result A. Store in 634. Specifically, if it is a 16R probability variation jackpot result, a 16R probability variation flag is stored, if it is a 4R probability variation jackpot result A, a 4R probability variation A flag is stored, and if it is a 4R normal jackpot result A, 4R. Normally stores the A flag.

After executing the setting process of step S504, the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, it is determined whether or not the game round related to the right operating port 63a is being executed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S505, the process proceeds to step S506. In step S506, the forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. When the game times (pattern variation display) related to the right operating port 63a are executed, the game times (picture variation display) related to the right operating port 63a are forcibly performed on the way based on this forced end flag. It will be terminated. More specifically, when the game times related to the lower operating port 62a correspond to the jackpot result, and the game times related to the right operating port 63a can be executed beyond the timing when the confirmation display is performed in the game times. In this case, the game times related to the right operating port 63a are shortened, and the game times related to the right operating port 63a are terminated at the same time as the game times related to the lower operating port 62a are completed. In such a case, the pattern stopped and displayed in the game round related to the right operating port 63a corresponds to the disengagement result.

Returning to the description of step S502, if the determination result in step S501 is a wrong result, a negative determination is made in the step S502, and the process proceeds to step S507. In step S507, the stop result setting process for the off result is executed.

Specifically, the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit D (display unit DL for the lower operating port) of the main display unit 81 in the game times related to the start of this fluctuation is stored in the ROM 603 in advance. It is specified from the stop result table for the result, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604.

After executing the processes of steps S506 and S507, or when a negative determination is made in step S505, the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, the variable display time (display continuation period) setting process is executed. Details of this setting process will be described later.

After executing the variation display time setting process in step S508, the variation start command and the type command are set in step S509. The fluctuation start command includes information on the fluctuation display time. Here, as described above, the variation display time acquired by referring to the variation display time table for non-reach generation is different from the variation display time acquired by referring to the variation display time table for reach generation, so that it varies. Even if the start command does not include information on whether or not reach has occurred, the notification / effect control device 143, which is a control device on the sub side, can specify whether or not reach has occurred from the information on the variable display time. .. In this respect, it can be said that the fluctuation start command contains information indicating whether or not reach has occurred. The fluctuation start command may include information that directly indicates whether or not reach has occurred.

After executing the setting process of step S509, the process proceeds to step S510 to start the variable display of the lower operating port display unit DL in the main display unit 81, and then end the variable starting process for the lower operating port. In the process of step S510, the variable display flag for the lower working port is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. As a result, in the subsequent processing, it becomes possible to specify that the game times (for example, variable display) related to the lower operating port 62a are being executed.

Returning to the description of FIG. 15, if an affirmative determination is made in step S401, that is, if it is determined that the game is being rotated according to the lower operating port 62a, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to stop and display the pattern corresponding to the special hit result in the game round related to the right operating port 63a. If a negative determination is made in step S407, the process proceeds to step S408. In step S408, it is determined whether or not the game round is related to the right operating port 63a and is the start timing of the game round corresponding to the jackpot result. If a negative determination is made in step S407 and step S408, the process proceeds to step S409.

In step S409, it is determined whether or not the timing has elapsed the fluctuation display time set in step S508. If a negative determination is made in step S409, the variation display process is executed in step S410, and then the lower operation port control process is terminated. In the variable display process of step S410, the pattern is variablely displayed by performing a process of turning on / off various LEDs constituting the lower operating port display unit DL.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S409, the process proceeds to step S412. In step S412, the variable end process is executed. In the variable end processing, the display control of the main display unit 81 is performed so that the pattern is stopped and displayed on the display unit DL for the lower operating port so as to be in a predetermined mode. That is, for example, a definite display of a pattern corresponding to a lottery result (game result) is executed. The variable display flag for the lower operating port stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604 is erased when the confirmation display is completed.

After setting the variable end command in the following step S413, the game round control process is terminated. The variation end command set in step S413 is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The notification / effect control device 143 executes a process for terminating the effect in the game round based on the reception of the variable end command. Further, the variation end command is transmitted to the display control device 710 via the notification / effect control device 143, and the display control device 710 responds to the game result of the game by receiving the variation end command. The combination of the symbols is confirmed and displayed (final stop display) on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. It should be noted that the notification / effect control device 143 and the display control device 710 may independently end the effect for the game round without transmitting the variable end command.

If an affirmative determination is made in either step S407 or step S408, the stop pattern rewriting process is executed in step S410, each process of step S412 and step S413 is executed, and then the lower operation port. Ends the control process. In the process of rewriting the stop result, first, it is determined whether or not the game times this time correspond to the special hit result. When the special hit result is not supported, the rewriting of the stop pattern (the pattern corresponding to the disengagement result) determined by the fluctuation start processing for the lower working port is avoided. On the other hand, if the game result of this time corresponds to the special hit result, the stop pattern (the pattern corresponding to the special hit result) determined by the fluctuation start processing for the lower operating port is deviated and corresponds to the result. Rewrite to the pattern to be done.

Next, the control process for the right working port will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

(Control processing for right operating port)
As shown in FIG. 17, in the control process for the right operating port, first, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the game rotation related to the right operating port 63a is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the display unit DR for the right operating port of the main display unit 81 is in the variable display to the definite display, that is, whether or not the game for one game is being executed. In this determination, the variation display flag (variation display information) for the right operating port is stored (stored) in the variation display flag storage area (variation display information storage means) in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. It is performed by determining whether or not it is. The variable display flag for the right operating port is stored when the variable display is started on the right operating port display unit DR, and is erased when the pattern is stopped and displayed and the confirmation display ends.

If the game is not in progress, a negative determination is made in step S601 and the process proceeds to step S602. In step S602, it is determined whether or not the game is being rotated according to the lower operating port 62a. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the display unit DL for the lower operating port of the main display unit 81 is in the variable display to the definite display, that is, whether or not the game for one game is being executed.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S602, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether or not the game times related to the lower operating port 62a correspond to the jackpot result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S603, the control process for the right operating port is terminated as it is. If a negative determination is made in step S603, or if a negative determination is made in step S602, the process proceeds to step S604. In step S604, the total reserved number storage area of the reserved ball storage area 632 is referred to, and the reserved stored number CRN for the right operating port, which is the number of reserved information stored on hold (specifically, the reserved information related to the right operating port 63a). It is determined whether or not the number) is "0". When the reserved storage number CRN for the right operating port is "0", the game times control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the reserved storage number CRN for the right operating port is not "0", the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, data setting processing is performed.

In the data setting process of the right operating port 63a, first, the reserved storage number CRN for the right operating port is decremented by 1. After that, the data stored in the first area of the right working port holding area Rb is moved to the second execution area AE2, and the process of shifting the data stored in the storage area of the right working port holding area Rb is executed. ..

This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower area side, and the data in the first area is cleared and the second area → the first area, The data in each area is shifted such as from the third area to the second area and from the fourth area to the third area. Then, one LED that is lit is turned off at the hold number display unit for the right operating port. In this extinguishing process, contrary to the above-mentioned lighting process, the LEDs of the hold lamp portion for the right actuating port are extinguished in order from the right side.

After performing the data setting process described in detail above, in step S606, the right operating port for starting the variable display of the symbol on the main display unit 81 (main display unit D) and the variable display of the symbol on the symbol display device 75. After executing the fluctuation start processing for the right operating port (variation start processing for the right operating port), the game round control processing is terminated.

Here, with reference to FIG. 18, the variation start processing for the right working port in step S606 will be described.

(Variation start processing for right operating port)
In the variation start processing for the right operating port, first, the hit / fail determination processing is executed in step S701. In the hit / fail determination process, the hit / fail determination information, that is, the numerical information related to the hit random number counter C1, among the various information stored in the second execution area AE2, is the above-mentioned jackpot numerical value with reference to the hit / miss table for the right operating port. Determine if it matches the information. If the determination result in step S701 is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S702 and the process proceeds to step S703.

In step S703, the type determination process is executed. In the type determination process, among the various information stored in the second execution area AE2, the information for type determination, that is, the numerical information acquired from the hit type counter C2 and the distribution stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of the ROM 603. With reference to the table, the information for type determination grasped above corresponds to the 16R probability variation jackpot result, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result B, the information group corresponding to the 5R probability variation jackpot result B, and the 4R probability variation. It is specified which of the information group corresponding to the jackpot result B and the information group corresponding to the 4R normal jackpot result B is included.

In step S704, the stop result setting process for the jackpot result is executed. Specifically, the stop result table for the jackpot result in which the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit D (display unit DR for the right operating port) of the main display unit 81 in the game round is stored in advance in the ROM 603. The identified information is stored in the RAM 604. A plurality of patterns to be stopped and displayed on the main display unit D are set in the stop result table for the jackpot result, and in step S704, information indicating the symbols corresponding to the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 604. Further, in step S704, the MPU 602 determines whether the game result this time is either the 16R probability variation jackpot result, the 6R probability variation jackpot result B, the 5R probability variation jackpot result B, the 4R probability variation jackpot result B, or the 4R normal jackpot result B. Information for identification is stored in various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. Specifically, the 16R probability variation flag is stored when it is a 16R probability variation jackpot result, the 6R probability variation B flag is stored when it is a 6R probability variation jackpot result B, and 5R when it is a 5R probability variation jackpot result B. The probability variation B flag is stored, the 4R probability variation B flag is stored when the 4R probability variation jackpot result B is obtained, and the 4R normal B flag is stored when the 4R normal jackpot result B is obtained.

After executing the setting process of step S704, the process proceeds to step S705. In step S705, it is determined whether or not the game round related to the lower operating port 62a is being executed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S705, the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, the forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. When the game times (pattern variation display) related to the lower operating port 62a are executed, the game times (picture variation display) related to the lower operating port 62a are forcibly performed on the way based on this forced end flag. It will be terminated. More specifically, when the game times related to the right operating port 63a correspond to the jackpot result, and beyond the timing when the confirmation display is performed in the game times, the game times related to the lower operating port 62a (corresponding to the disengagement result). ) Can be executed, the game times related to the lower operating port 62a are shortened, and the game times related to the lower operating port 62a are terminated at the same time as the game times related to the right operating port 63a are completed. In such a case, the pattern stopped and displayed in the game round related to the lower operating port 62a corresponds to the disengagement result.

Returning to the description of step S702, if the determination result in step S701 is a special hit result, a negative determination is made in step S702 and an affirmative determination is made in step S707, and the process proceeds to step S708.

In step S708, the stop result setting process for the special hit result is executed. Specifically, the stop result for the special hit result in which the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit D (display unit DR for the right operating port) of the main display unit 81 in the game round is stored in advance in the ROM 603. It is specified from the table, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604. A plurality of patterns to be stopped and displayed on the main display unit D are set in the stop result table for the special hit result, and in step S703, information indicating the pattern corresponding to the special hit result is stored in the RAM 604. If the game result this time is a special hit result, the special hit flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604.

After executing the process of step S707, the process of steps S704 and S705 described above is executed.

If the determination result in step S701 is an error result, a negative determination is made in step S702 and step S707, and the process proceeds to step S709. In step S709, the stop result setting process for the off result is executed. Specifically, the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit D (display unit DR for the right operating port) of the main display unit 81 in the game round related to the start of this fluctuation is stored in the ROM 603 in advance. It is specified from the stop result table for the result, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604.

After executing the process of step S706 or step S709, or when a negative determination is made in step S705, the process proceeds to step S710. In step S710, the variable display time (display continuation period) setting process is executed. The details of the variable display time setting process will be described later.

After executing the variation display time setting process in step S710, the variation start command and the type command are set in step S711. The fluctuation start command includes information on the fluctuation display time. Here, as described above, the variation display time acquired by referring to the variation display time table for non-reach generation is different from the variation display time acquired by referring to the variation display time table for reach generation, so that it varies. Even if the start command does not include information on whether or not reach has occurred, the notification / effect control device 143, which is a control device on the sub side, can specify whether or not reach has occurred from the information on the variable display time. .. In this respect, it can be said that the fluctuation start command contains information indicating whether or not reach has occurred. The fluctuation start command may include information that directly indicates whether or not reach has occurred.

After executing the setting process of step S711, the process proceeds to step S712 to start the variable display of the lower operating port display unit DL in the main display unit 81, and then end the variable starting process for the lower operating port. In the process of step S712, the variable display flag for the right operating port is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. As a result, in the subsequent processing, it becomes possible to specify that the game times (for example, variable display) related to the right operating port 63a are being executed.

Returning to the description of FIG. 17, if an affirmative determination is made in step S601, that is, if it is determined that the game is being rotated according to the right operating port 63a, the process proceeds to step S608. In step S608, it is determined whether or not it is the game round related to the lower operating port 62a and it is the start timing of the game round corresponding to the jackpot result. If a negative determination is made in step S608, the process proceeds to step S609.

In step S609, it is determined whether or not the timing has elapsed the variable display time. If a negative determination is made in step S609, the variation display process is executed in step S610, and then the control process for the right operating port is terminated. In the variable display process of step S610, the pattern is variablely displayed by performing a process of turning on / off various LEDs constituting the display unit DR for the right operating port.

If positive stability is achieved in step S609, the process proceeds to step S612. In step S612, the variable end process is executed. In the variable end processing, the display control of the main display unit 81 is performed so that the pattern is stopped and displayed on the display unit DR for the right operating port so as to be in a predetermined mode.

After setting the variable end command in the following step S613, the game round control process is terminated. The variation end command set in step S613 is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The notification / effect control device 143 executes a process for terminating the effect in the game round based on the reception of the variable end command. Further, the variation end command is transmitted to the display control device 710 via the notification / effect control device 143, and the display control device 710 responds to the game result of the game by receiving the variation end command. The combination of the symbols is confirmed and displayed (final stop display) on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. It should be noted that the notification / effect control device 143 and the display control device 710 may independently end the effect for the game round without transmitting the variable end command.

Returning to the description of step S608, if an affirmative determination is made in step S608, the process proceeds to step S611. That is, if it is the start timing of the game round corresponding to the jackpot result in the game round related to the lower operating port 62a, the process proceeds to step S611. In step S611, the stop result is rewritten.

In the process of rewriting the stop result, first, it is determined whether or not the game times this time correspond to the special hit result. When the special hit result is not supported, the rewriting of the stop pattern (the pattern corresponding to the missed result) determined by the fluctuation start processing for the right operating port is avoided. On the other hand, if the game result of this time corresponds to the special hit result, the stop pattern (the pattern corresponding to the special hit result) determined by the fluctuation start processing for the right operating port is deviated and corresponds to the result. Rewrite to the pattern to be done. After executing the process of step S611, each process of step S612 and step S613 is executed, and then the control process for the right operating port is terminated.

(Game state transition process)
Next, the game state transition process in step S204 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 19 to 23. In this embodiment, a normal game state in which the game progresses based on the entry of the ball into the actuating openings 62a and 63a and a special game state (open / close execution mode) in which the variable winning device 65 is opened are provided. There is. Regarding the normal game state, the first normal game state in which the lottery mode is the low probability mode and the variable display time setting mode is the non-time reduction mode, and the lottery mode is the high probability mode and the variable display time setting mode is the time reduction mode. It is composed of the second normal gaming state, and the switching between the first normal gaming state and the second normal gaming state is performed via the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result.

In the game state transition process, first, in step S801, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode is in progress. If it is not in the open / close execution mode, the process proceeds to step S802, and it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the game round (detailed, confirmed display) is completed. If it is not the timing when the game round is completed, the main game state transition process is terminated as it is.

If the game times have ended, more specifically, if the preset stop display period (confirmed display time) has elapsed since the variable display ended, the process proceeds to step S803, and this game It is determined whether or not the game result (result of the above-mentioned winning / failing lottery) corresponds to the transition to the open / close execution mode. Specifically, any one of the 16R probability variation flag, the 6R probability variation B flag, the 5R probability variation B flag, the 4R probability variation A flag, the 4R probability variation B flag, the 4R normal A flag, the 4R normal B flag, and the special hit flag is stored in the RAM 604. It is determined whether or not it has been done. If none of the above flags are stored, the game state transition process is terminated as it is.

If any of the above flags is stored, the opening / closing execution mode start processing is executed in step S804. In the start processing, first, the opening waiting time (starting waiting period) for making the variable winning device 65 stand by without starting the opening of the large winning opening 402 of the variable winning device 65 for the opening of the open / close execution mode is set. Set. Specifically, the waiting time information for opening stored in advance in the ROM 603 is set in the waiting time counter area provided in various counter areas 633 of the RAM 604. The details will be described later, but the waiting time (opening period) for the opening in the present embodiment differs depending on the type of hit.

In the following step S805, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode of this time corresponds to the jackpot result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S805, the process proceeds to step S806 to determine whether or not the result corresponds to the 16R probability variation jackpot result. If an affirmative judgment is made in step S806, the first winning mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604 in step S807, and the number of rounds provided in the various counter areas 633 of the RAM 604 in the following step S808. Set "16" to the counter RC.

Returning to the description of step S806, if a negative determination is made in step S806, that is, if the jackpot result is other than the 16R probability variation jackpot result, the process proceeds to step S809. In step S809, the second winning mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. After that, in step S810, the round number counter is set according to the type of jackpot. Specifically, if the 6R probability variation jackpot result B is set, the round number counter RC is set to "6", and if the 5R probability variation jackpot result B is set, the round number counter RC is set to "5" and 4R. If the probability variation jackpot result A, B or 4R normal jackpot result A, B is set, "4" is set in the round number counter RC. After that, in step S810, "16" is set in the open number counter OC provided in various counter areas 633 of the RAM 604. The open number counter OC is subtracted each time the allowable state is reached in each round, and when the open number counter OC becomes "0", the process proceeds to the next round. That is, the open number counter OC defines the upper limit of the number of open times for each round.

Returning to the description of step S805, when a negative determination is made in step S805, that is, in the case of the open / close execution mode in which the transition is made based on the special hit result, the third is in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604 in step S812. Set the winning mode flag. The third winning mode flag is referred to when it is specified in the subsequent processing that the opening / closing execution mode of this time is triggered by the special hit result. After executing the process of step S812, "1" is set in the round number counter RC in step S813.

After executing the processes of step S808, step S811, and step S813, the process proceeds to step S814. In step S814, the opening command setting process is performed. This set opening command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 and the display control device 710 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The notification / effect control device 143 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the open / close execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the content of the determined effect is executed. The content of this effect includes a display mode in the symbol display device 75, and the determined display mode is output from the notification / effect control device 143 to the display control device 710 as a display content command. In the display control device 710, 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, the display corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode this time, for example, the display content corresponding to the jackpot The display control of the symbol display device 75 is executed so that the moving image of the character or the like and the background image can be switched.

After executing the opening command setting process in step S814, the external signal setting process is executed in step S815 to end the game state transition process. In the external signal setting process of step S815, it is determined whether or not any of the above-mentioned various jackpot correspondence flags and special hit flags is stored in the RAM 604, and if any of the flags is stored, the game hall. A signal indicating that a big hit or a special hit has occurred is output to the management control device (hall computer HC) on the side. By receiving this external signal, it is grasped that the management control device has shifted to the open / close execution mode.

Returning to the description of step S801, if the open / close execution mode is in progress, an affirmative determination is made in the step S801, and the process proceeds to step S816. In step S816, it is determined whether or not the waiting time for the opening has elapsed. If the waiting time for the opening has not elapsed, the game state transition process is terminated as it is. If the waiting time for the opening has elapsed, the large winning opening opening / closing process is executed in step S817.

After executing the large winning opening opening / closing process in step S817, the process proceeds to step S818. In step S818, it is determined whether or not the round number counter RC is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S818, the game state transition process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S818, the process proceeds to step S819. In step S819, it is determined whether or not the waiting time for the ending has elapsed. If the waiting time for the ending has not elapsed, the game state transition process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when the value of the round number counter RC is "0" and the waiting time for the ending has elapsed, after executing the transition process at the end of the open / close execution mode in step S820, this game End the state transition process.

In the transition process at the end of the open / close execution mode, one of the 16R probability variation flag, the 6R probability variation A flag, the 6R probability variation B flag, the 5R probability variation B flag, the 4R probability variation A flag, and the 4R probability variation B flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. Is stored. When any of these various flags is stored, if the high probability mode flag and the time reduction mode flag are stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604, they are maintained, and if they are not stored, the high probability is high. Stores the mode flag and the time reduction mode flag. Further, when the 4R normal A flag or the 4R normal B flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604, the high probability mode flag and the time reduction mode flag are stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. If so, erase them and keep them if they are not stored. After that, various flags related to the open / close execution mode (16R probability variation flag, 6R probability variation A flag, 6R probability variation B flag, 5R probability variation B flag, 4R probability variation A flag, 4R probability variation B flag, 4R normal A flag, 4R normal B flag, first 1 Clear the winning mode flag, the second winning mode flag, and the third winning mode flag). Regarding the open / close execution mode corresponding to the special hit result, the game state before the start of the open / close execution mode is restored, and the lottery mode and the like are not changed.

Here, the large winning opening opening / closing process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 20 to 23.

(Opening and closing of the winning opening)
As shown in FIG. 20, in the large winning opening opening / closing process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the first winning mode flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. If an affirmative determination is made in step S901, the process proceeds to step S902 to execute the first opening / closing process. The first opening / closing process is a process executed when the opening / closing execution mode corresponds to the 16R probability variation jackpot result.

(First opening / closing process)
As shown in FIG. 21, in the first opening / closing process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) is open. Specifically, the determination is made based on the driving state of the variable winning drive unit 404 of the variable winning device 65. If the large winning opening 402 is not open, it is determined in step S1002 whether or not the value of the round number counter RC is “0”. If an affirmative judgment is made in step S1002, the opening / closing process of the winning opening of the main prize is terminated as it is.

If a negative determination is made in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, it is determined whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is “0”. The open timer counter TC is a counter that is referred to when grasping the open period, interval period (inter-round interval period), etc. of the large winning opening 402, and is the counter each time the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 12) is executed. The value is subtracted by "1". If a negative determination is made in step S1003, the opening / closing process of the winning opening of the main prize is terminated.

If the value of the round number counter RC is not "0" and the value of the open timer counter TC is "0", the process proceeds to step S1004 to execute the opening process of the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402). .. Specifically, the variable winning drive unit 404 is set to the driving state in order to open the large winning opening 402.

After that, the processes of steps S1005 to S1006 are executed as the closing condition setting process (opening setting process) corresponding to the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402). Specifically, in step S1005, "15000" (corresponding to 30 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC, and in subsequent step S1006, "10" is set in the winning counter PC.

After executing the process of step S1006, an open command indicating that the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) has been opened is set in step S1007, and the main winning opening opening / closing process is completed. This set release command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (see FIG. 13). The notification / effect control device 143 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the release based on the received release command, and controls various devices so that the content of the determined effect is executed.

Returning to the description of step S1001, if it is determined in step S1001 that the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) is being opened, the process proceeds to step S1008, and whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is "0". Is determined. If the value of the open timer counter TC is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1009, and whether or not a game ball has won a prize in the large winning opening 402 is detected by the upstream detection sensor 391d arranged in the variable winning device 65. Judgment is based on the signal.

If a prize has been won, the output process of the prize command is executed in step S1010. The winning command is output to the notification / effect control device 143, and the notification / effect control device 143 changes the display on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 based on the winning command.

After executing the command output process in step S1010, the process proceeds to step S1011. In step S1011, the value of the winning counter PC is decremented by 1, and in the following step S1012, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter PC is "0". finish.

When an affirmative judgment is made in step S1012, that is, when the value of the winning counter PC is "0", or when a positive judgment is made in step S1008 (that is, it is determined that the value of the open timer counter TC is "0". If), it means that the conditions for closing the large winning opening have been met. In this case, in step S1013, the variable winning drive unit 404 is put into a non-driving state in order to close the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402).

In the following step S1014, the round number counter RC is updated. Specifically, when the value of the round number counter RC is not "0", the round number counter RC is decremented by 1, and when the value of the round number counter RC is "0", the round number counter RC is performed. Keep the value of "0".

After that, in step S1015, it is determined whether or not the value of the updated round number counter RC is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S1015, the process proceeds to step S1016, and "1000" (corresponding to 2.0 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC.

After executing the process of step S1016, the closing command is set in step S1017, and the process of opening and closing the winning opening of the main prize is completed. This set closing command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The notification / effect control device 143 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the closed command based on the received closing command, and controls various devices so that the content of the determined effect is executed.

Returning to the description of step S1015, if it is determined in step S1015 that the value of the round number counter RC is "0", the process proceeds to step S1018. In step S1018, the ending process is executed. In the start process, an ending waiting time for waiting without starting the next game round for the ending of the open / close execution mode is set. Specifically, the waiting time information for the ending stored in advance in the ROM 603 is set in the waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 633 of the RAM 604.

Then, in step S1019, after setting the ending command, the opening / closing process of the winning opening is completed. This set ending command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13).

Returning to the description of FIG. 20, if a negative determination is made in step S901, the process proceeds to step S903. In step S903, it is determined whether or not the second winning mode flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. If an affirmative determination is made in step S903, the second opening / closing process is executed in step S904. The second opening / closing process is a process executed when the opening / closing execution mode corresponds to the 6R probability variation jackpot result, the 5R probability variation jackpot result, the 4R probability variation jackpot result, and the 4R normal jackpot result. Hereinafter, the second opening / closing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Second opening / closing process)
In the second opening / closing process, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) is open. Specifically, the determination is made based on the driving state of the variable winning drive unit 404 of the variable winning device 65. If the large winning opening 402 is not open, it is determined in step S1102 whether or not the value of the round number counter RC is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1102, the opening / closing process of the winning opening of the main prize is terminated as it is.

If a negative determination is made in step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1103. In step S1103, it is determined whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is “0”. The open timer counter TC is a counter that is referred to when grasping the open period, interval period (inter-round interval period, intra-round interval period), etc. of the large winning opening 402, and the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 12) is executed. The value is subtracted by "1" each time. If a negative determination is made in step S1104, the main prize opening opening / closing process is terminated.

If the value of the round number counter RC is not "0" and the value of the open timer counter TC is "0", the process proceeds to step S1104 to execute the opening process of the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402). .. Specifically, the variable winning drive unit 404 is set to the driving state in order to open the large winning opening 402.

After that, the processes of steps S1105 to S1108 are executed as the closing condition setting process (opening setting process) corresponding to the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402). Specifically, in step S1105, "900" (corresponding to 1.8 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC. After that, in step S1106, it is determined whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is "0". If a negative determination is made in step S1106, the second opening / closing process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1106, the process proceeds to step S1107. In step S1107, "10" is set in the winning counter PC, and in subsequent step S1108, "16" is set in the open number counter OC.

After that, in step S1109, an opening command indicating that the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) has been opened is set, and the opening / closing process of the main winning opening is completed. This set release command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (see FIG. 13). The notification / effect control device 143 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the release based on the received release command, and controls various devices so that the content of the determined effect is executed.

Returning to the description of step S1101, if it is determined in step S1101 that the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) is being opened, the process proceeds to step S1110, and whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is "0". Is determined. When the value of the open timer counter TC is "0", the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) is closed in step S1111. Specifically, the variable winning drive unit 404 is set to a non-driving state in order to close the large winning opening 402.

After executing the process of step S1111, the process proceeds to step S1112. In step S1112, the open number counter OC update process is executed. Specifically, the open number counter OC is subtracted by 1. In the following step S1113, it is determined whether or not the open number counter OC is "0". If the open number counter OC is not "0", "700" (corresponding to 1.4 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC in step S1114, and the second open / close process is terminated.

Returning to the description of step S1110, if the value of the open timer counter TC is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1115. In step S1115, whether or not the game ball has won a prize in the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) is determined based on the detection signal from the upstream side detection sensor 391d arranged in the variable winning device 65. If no prize has been awarded to the variable winning device 65, the second opening / closing process is terminated as it is. If a prize has been awarded to the variable winning device 65, an affirmative determination is made in step S1115, and the process proceeds to step S1116. In step S1116, the output processing of the winning command is executed. The winning command is output to the notification / effect control device 143, and the notification / effect control device 143 changes the display on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 based on the winning command.

After executing the command output processing in step S1116, the process proceeds to step S1117. In step S1117, the value of the winning counter PC is subtracted by 1, and in the following step S1118, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter PC is "0". do.

When an affirmative judgment is made in step S1118, that is, when the value of the winning counter PC is "0", or when a positive judgment is made in step S1113, that is, when the open number counter OC is "0". The process proceeds to step S1120. In step S1120, the round number counter RC is updated. Specifically, when the value of the round number counter RC is not "0", the round number counter RC is subtracted by 1, and when the value of the round number counter RC is "0", the round number counter RC is used. Keep the value at "0".

After executing the process of step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1121. In step S1121, it is determined whether or not the round number counter RC is “0”. If it is determined that the round number counter RC is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1122. In step S1122, "700" (corresponding to 1.4 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC. After executing the process of step S1122, the closing command is set in step S1123, and the opening / closing process of the main winning opening is completed. This set closing command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The notification / effect control device 143 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the closed command based on the received closing command, and controls various devices so that the content of the determined effect is executed.

Returning to the description of step S1121, if it is determined in step S1121 that the value of the round number counter RC is "0", the process proceeds to step S1125. In step S1125, the ending process is executed. In the start process, an ending waiting time for waiting without starting the next game round for the ending of the open / close execution mode is set. Specifically, the waiting time information for the ending stored in advance in the ROM 603 is set in the waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 633 of the RAM 604.

After that, in step S1126, after setting the ending command, the opening / closing process of the main winning opening is completed. This set ending command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13).

Returning to the description of FIG. 20, if a negative determination is made in step S903, the process proceeds to step S905. In step S905, it is determined whether or not the third winning mode flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. If an affirmative determination is made in step S905, the third opening / closing process is executed in step S906. The third open / close process is a process executed when the open / close execution mode corresponds to the special hit result. Hereinafter, the third opening / closing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Third opening and closing process)
In the third opening / closing process, first, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) is open. Specifically, the determination is made based on the driving state of the variable winning drive unit 404 of the variable winning device 65. If the large winning opening 402 is not open, the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) is opened in step S1202. Specifically, the variable winning drive unit 404 is set to the driving state in order to open the large winning opening 402.

After that, the processes of steps S1203 to S1204 are executed as the closing condition setting process (opening setting process) corresponding to the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402). Specifically, in step S1203, "900" (corresponding to 1.8 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC, and in subsequent step S1204, "10" is set in the winning counter PC.

Returning to the description of step S1201, if it is determined in step S1201 that the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402) is being opened, the process proceeds to step S1205, and whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is "0". Is determined. If the value of the open timer counter TC is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1206, and whether or not a game ball has won a prize in the large winning opening 402 is detected by the upstream detection sensor 391d arranged in the variable winning device 65. Judgment is based on the signal.

If a prize has been won, the output process of the prize command is executed in step S1207. The winning command is output to the notification / effect control device 143, and the notification / effect control device 143 changes the display on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 based on the winning command.

After executing the command output process in step S1207, the process proceeds to step S1208. In step S1208, the value of the winning counter PC is decremented by 1, and in the following step S1209, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter PC is "0". finish.

When an affirmative judgment is made in step S1209, that is, when the value of the winning counter PC is "0", or when a positive judgment is made in step S1205 (that is, it is determined that the value of the open timer counter TC is "0". If), it means that the conditions for closing the large winning opening have been met. In this case, in step S1210, the variable winning drive unit 404 is put into a non-driving state in order to close the variable winning device 65 (large winning opening 402).

In the following step S1211, the ending process is executed. In the start process, an ending waiting time for waiting without starting the next game round for the ending of the open / close execution mode is set. Specifically, the waiting time information for the ending stored in advance in the ROM 603 is set in the waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 633 of the RAM 604.

Then, in step S1212, after setting the ending command, the opening / closing process of the winning opening is completed. This set ending command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13).

Next, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 24A, the transition is triggered by the special gaming state (opening / closing execution mode) in which the ball enters the lower operating port 62a and the ball entering the right operating port 63a. A supplementary explanation will be given regarding the difference from the special game state (open / close execution mode).

In the second normal game state corresponding to the high probability mode and the time reduction mode, the variation display time based on the ball entering the right operating port 63a is shortened, and the game can be rapidly advanced by entering the right operating port 63a. can. As described above, in the lottery based on the entry into the right operating port 63a, the difference is provided so as to be more advantageous to the player than the lottery based on the entry into the lower operating opening 62a. Further, when comparing the probability that the game ball launched to the left route enters the lower operating port 62a and the probability that the game ball launched to the right route enters the right operating port 63a, the latter is compared with the former. In addition, most of the game balls launched to the right route enter the right operating port 63a. Therefore, by firing the game ball aiming at the right route, it is possible to suitably suppress the decrease in the number of balls held. As described above, aiming at the right operating port 63a in the second normal gaming state is preferable not only for speeding up the progress of the game but also for advancing the game advantageously.

Here, the jackpot result based on the entry of the ball into the lower operating port 62a is provided with a 16R probability variation jackpot result, a 4R probability variation jackpot result A, and a 4R normal jackpot result A. In the open / close execution mode corresponding to these jackpot results, the opening period and the ending period are longer than in the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result based on the entry of the ball into the right operating port 63a (this implementation). In the form, 5 sec). Since the jackpot result (open / close execution mode) triggers the transition to the second normal gaming state, by setting the opening period and ending period relatively long, while enjoying the afterglow about the jackpot result. Is secured. On the other hand, in the second normal game state in which the game is speeded up, even if the player shifts to the open / close execution mode triggered by entering the right operating port 63a, the opening period and the ending period in the open / close execution mode are compared. (0.2 sec in this embodiment). By shortening the opening period and ending period and shortening the required period of the opening / closing execution mode, the extension of the game is suppressed.

In addition, compared to the open / close execution mode corresponding to the big hit result, the number of balls to be thrown is small in the open / close execution mode corresponding to the special hit result. If the opening period and the ending period are excessively long in such a relatively unfavorable opening / closing execution mode, it is expected to be a factor that discourages the player from playing. Therefore, in the open / close execution mode corresponding to the special hit result, the occurrence of such inconvenience is suppressed by shortening the ending period and the opening period (0.2 sec in the present embodiment).

Next, with reference to FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b), the difference between the first winning mode, the second winning mode, and the third winning mode will be supplementarily described.

In the first winning mode, the variable winning device 65 is maintained in an allowable state for a maximum of 30 seconds per round, whereas in the second winning mode, a plurality of variable winning devices 65 are used during the round. The period of switching to the permissible state / blocking state once (up to 16 times in the present embodiment) and maintaining the permissible state at one time is 1.8 sec. That is, when the first winning mode and the second winning mode are compared, the period in which the variable winning device 65 is continuously in the allowable state is set longer in the first winning mode.

In the second winning mode, the variable winning device 65 is configured to switch to the allowable state / the blocking state a plurality of times during one round. However, for the period in which the game is blocked (interround interval period: 1.4 sec), the period required for the game ball to pass through the specific region SE (see FIG. 6) (1.8 sec in the present embodiment). ) Is shorter than. Therefore, during the round, the game ball that has reached the specific area SE while in the blocked state does not pass through the specific area SE as it is, and stays in the specific area SE until the next switching to the allowable state. Will be. Therefore, repeated switching between the allowable state and the blocked state during the round does not cause the generation of waste balls (so-called spilled balls).

For the above reasons, the number of game balls paid out per round is the same in the first winning mode and the second winning mode, and there is no clear difference in the rate of increase in the number of balls held between the two. .. Therefore, it seems that the first winning mode is given preferential treatment, and in reality, there is no substantial difference between the first winning mode and the second winning mode. The number of continuous rounds is "16" in the first winning mode, while it is "4" to "6" in the second winning mode, and the difference is about three times. Such a difference in continuous rounds ensures a difference in advantage between jackpot results.

Here, about the difference between the open / close execution mode corresponding to the big hit result (special game state corresponding to the first winning mode or the second winning mode) and the opening / closing execution mode corresponding to the special winning result (special gaming state corresponding to the third winning mode). A supplementary explanation will be given.

Comparing the round end conditions for both open / close execution modes, the end conditions related to the number of winnings are the same (10) in any open / closed execution mode, but the conditions related to time are special hits. The special game state corresponding to the result is set to be shorter.

Specifically, in the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result, the opening period of the variable winning device 65 is 30 sec (first winning mode) or 28.8 sec (second winning mode). Considering that the firing cycle of the game ball is 0.6 sec as described above, the number of game balls that can be fired during opening is about 50. Most of the game balls flowing down the right route pass through the specific region SE in the variable winning device 65. Therefore, in the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result, it is easy for 10 prizes to be generated during the opening period, and in many cases, the round ends based on the end condition related to the number of prizes.

On the other hand, in the open / close execution mode corresponding to the special hit result, the number of times that the variable winning device 65 is in the allowable state is once, and the opening period of the variable winning device 65 is one opening in the second winning mode. Similarly, it is 1.8 sec. Considering that the firing cycle of the game ball is 0.6 sec as described above, the number of game balls that can be fired during opening (during 1.8 sec) is 3, and the specific area SE is reached within the period. The number of game balls to be played is about two. As described above, when the launch of the game ball to the right route continues, about two game balls are passing through the specific area SE. Therefore, in the third winning mode, the number of balls entered into the variable winning device 65 is about four. For the above reasons, in the open / close execution mode corresponding to the special hit result, the expected number of balls that exceed the maximum number of winnings is low, and most of them end based on the lapse of the opening period.

The pachinko machine 10 shown in the present embodiment is configured to generate two states in which the number of balls held is different, and the game progresses in a gaming state advantageous to the player by combining these two increasing modes. Is suppressed from becoming monotonous. Here, with reference to FIG. 25, the flow of the game related to the increase in the number of balls held by the pachinko machine 10 will be supplementarily described. FIG. 25 (a) is a schematic diagram showing a mode of paying out game balls, and FIG. 25 (b) is a schematic diagram showing a state of increasing the number of balls held.

Both of the above-mentioned two states having different increasing modes depend on the special gaming state (opening / closing execution mode). As described above, the special game state is provided with a jackpot result corresponding (corresponding to the first winning mode or the second winning mode) and a special winning result corresponding (corresponding to the third winning mode). In the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result, substantially 10 balls can be entered during the round game. Since 15 game balls are paid out by one prize, about 150 game balls are paid out in one round game. Then, since this round game is repeated 16 times after an interval period of 1.4 sec, it is a chance to acquire a large number of game balls at one time.

On the other hand, in the special game state corresponding to the special hit result, by firing the game ball toward the variable winning device 65 (right route), about 60 game balls are paid out at one time. The details will be described later, but after the variable winning device 65 is blocked in the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result, the variable winning device 65 becomes the allowable state again in the next special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result. By then, it is necessary to go through the ending (for example, 0.2 sec) → the fluctuation display (for example, 0.5 sec) related to the right operating port 63a → the definite display (for example, 0.5 sec) → the opening (for example, 0.2 sec), and at least. A period equal to or longer than the interval period between rounds in the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result elapses. During the second normal game state, the ball is allowed to enter the right operating port 63a, and although it is set with a high possibility of a special hit result (probability of about 1/2), for the above-mentioned various reasons. Even if the special hit result occurs continuously, the increase speed of the ball held as a whole is lower than the special game state corresponding to the big hit result.

For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 25 (b), even if the transition to the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result occurs between the special gaming states corresponding to the jackpot result, the increase speed is the special for the jackpot result correspondence. It will be lower than during the game state. In other words, between the special gaming states corresponding to the big hit result, the number of balls held increases by repeating the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result. In view of these circumstances, when the game shifts to the second normal game state, the game is advantageous by going through as many special game states corresponding to the special hit result as possible before shifting to the next big hit result. You can proceed.

Incidentally, it is also possible to launch a game ball to the right route in the first normal game state. As described above, most of the game balls launched on the right route enter the right operating port 63a. However, the probability of entering the right operating port 63a is not 100%, and the number of prize balls is limited to one. Further, a special variable time (10 hours) is set as the variable display time for the game times related to the right operating port 63a. Therefore, if the right route is selected, the decrease in the number of balls held will be reduced compared to the case where the left route is selected, and investment can be suppressed, but the number of balls held will continue to decrease.

Here, the opening mode of the variable winning device 65 in the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result (detailed in the third winning mode) is the opening of the variable winning device 65 in the special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result (detailed in the second winning mode). Very similar to the aspect. The opening period of the former is 1.8 sec, and the opening period of the latter is 1.8 sec. Therefore, by combining a plurality of special gaming states corresponding to the special hit result, it is possible to give the player the impression that the special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result is executed. As a result, it is possible to make it appear as if big hits occur frequently with a probability of exceeding the set value (1/100) in the high probability mode, and it is possible to improve the satisfaction of the player.

One of the features of the present embodiment is that the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result, which frequently occurs, is devised to give an impression as if it is a special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result. Specifically, one of the features is that under certain circumstances, the variable display time and the fixed display time of the game times related to the right operating port 63a are brought closer to the above-mentioned in-round interval period in the open / close execution mode. It is supposed to be. Hereinafter, the variation display time setting process (steps S508 and S710) executed by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the variation display time setting process for the lower operating port 62a, FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the variation display time setting process for the right operating port 63a, and FIG. 28 shows the relationship between the gaming state and the variation display time. It is a schematic diagram.

(Variable display time setting process)
As shown in FIG. 26, in the process of setting the variation display time for the lower operating port 62a, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not the game is in the first normal gaming state corresponding to the low probability mode and the non-time reduction mode. .. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1301, the process proceeds to step S1302. In step S1302, it is determined whether or not the lottery result this time is a big hit result. If a negative determination is made in step S1302, the process proceeds to step S1303. In step S1303, the setting process for the loss result is executed. In the setting process for the deviation result, 3 to 20 sec is set as the variable display time (see FIG. 28 (a)). Specifically, it is 16 to 20 sec when the current game times correspond to the reach display, and 3 to 15 seconds when the current game times do not correspond to the reach display. If the reach display is not supported, the variable display time becomes shorter as the number of subsequent pending information stored at the time of executing the above setting process increases. This facilitates the progress of the game.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1302, that is, if the game round this time is a big hit result, the process proceeds to step S1304. In step S1304, the jackpot result setting process is executed. In the jackpot result setting process, 16 to 20 sec is set as the variable display time regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 (see FIG. 28 (a)). In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of reach displays are provided, and an outline of which reach display is to be used is associated with the variable display time.

Returning to the description of step S1301, if a negative determination is made in step S1301, that is, in the second normal gaming state, the process proceeds to step S1305. In step S1305, it is determined whether or not the lottery result this time is a big hit result. If a negative determination is made in step S1305, the process proceeds to step S1306. In step S1306, the setting process for the disengagement result is executed. In the deviation result setting process, 16 sec is set as the variable display time regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 (see FIG. 28 (b)).

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1305, that is, if the current game round is a big hit result, the process proceeds to step S1307. In step S1307, the jackpot result setting process is executed. In the jackpot result setting process, 16 sec is set as the variable display time regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 (see FIG. 28 (b)). That is, in the case of the second normal game state, the variable display time is unified to 16 sec regardless of the lottery result.

Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the setting process of the variation display time for the right operating port 63a will be described.

In this setting process, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the player is in the first normal gaming state corresponding to the low probability mode and the non-time reduction mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1401, the process proceeds to step S1402. In step S1402, it is determined whether or not the lottery result this time is a big hit result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1402, the process proceeds to step S1403. In step S1403, the jackpot result setting process is executed. In the jackpot setting process, 30 sec is set as the variable display time (see FIG. 28 (a)).

If a negative determination is made in step S1402, that is, if the current game round corresponds to a special hit result or a miss result, the process proceeds to step S1404. In step S1404, setting processing for the deviation result and the special hit result is performed. Specifically, 36000 sec is set as the variable display time (see FIG. 28 (a)). That is, in the first normal gaming state, even if the ball enters the right operating port 63a, 10 hours will elapse before the result is notified.

Returning to the description of step S1401, if a negative determination is made in step S1401, that is, in the case of the second normal gaming state corresponding to the high probability mode and the time reduction mode, the process proceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, it is determined whether or not the lottery result this time is a big hit result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1405, the process proceeds to step S1406. In step S1406, the jackpot result setting process is executed. In the jackpot result setting process, 5 sec is set as the variable display time regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 (see FIG. 28 (b)).

If a negative determination is made in step S1405, that is, if the lottery result this time is a missed result or a special winning result, the process proceeds to step S1407. In step S1407, it is determined whether or not the variable display time setting mode is the special setting mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special setting mode flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. When a deviation result or a special hit result is obtained in the second normal game state, the setting mode of the variable display time changes depending on whether or not the special setting mode is used. The details will be described later, but in the present embodiment, the normal setting mode and the special setting mode are provided as the setting mode of the variable display time in the second normal gaming state, and the special jackpot result during the second normal gaming state. When it becomes compatible, the variable display time table is switched from the one corresponding to the normal setting mode to the one corresponding to the special setting mode based on the fact that a specific condition is satisfied.

If it is not in the special setting mode, a negative determination is made in step S1407, the first setting process is executed in step S1408, and then the variable display time setting process ends. On the other hand, when the special setting mode is in effect, an affirmative determination is made in step S1407, the second setting process is executed in step S1409, and then the variable display time setting process ends.

The variable display time set in the processes of steps S1408 and S1409 is classified into three categories: short (0.5 sec), middle (5 sec), and long (7 sec). Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 28 (c), the setting mode of the variation display time for each mode will be supplementarily described.

In the case of not the special setting mode, that is, in the normal setting mode, as shown in FIG. 28 (c1), if the number of subsequent pending information is "0", the game related to the loss result or the special hit result. The variable display time of each time is long. On the other hand, if the number of subsequent pending information is "1" or more, short or middle is set as the variable display time of the game times related to the missed result or the special hit result. The ratio is 80% for shorts and 20% for middles.

In the special setting mode, as shown in FIG. 28 (c2), if the number of subsequent pending information is "0", the variation display time of the game times related to the loss result or the special hit result is long. It becomes. On the other hand, if the number of subsequent pending information is "1" or more, the variable display time is all short. That is, when the special setting mode is set, the time saving function is enhanced as compared with the normal setting mode.

Here, a process of switching between the special setting mode and the normal setting mode (mode switching process) will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. The mode switching process is incorporated in the normal process which is a periodic process, and is executed immediately after the start timing of the game round, specifically, the variable start process. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a mode switching process, and FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating a switching condition to a special setting mode.

(Process for mode switching)
In the mode switching process, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not the special setting mode is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special setting mode flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. If a negative determination is made in step S1501, the process proceeds to step S1502. In step S1502, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the second normal gaming state. If a negative determination is made in step S1502, the mode switching process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1502, the process proceeds to the switching process for the special setting mode in steps S1503 to S1510.

In the switching process for the special setting mode, first, in step S1503, it is determined whether or not the current game round corresponds to the special hit result. If a negative determination is made in step S1503, that is, if the current game round is a missed result or a big hit result, the mode switching process is terminated without switching to the special setting mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1503, the process proceeds to step S1504.

In step S1504, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation display time in this game round corresponds to the middle (5 sec). If a negative determination is made in step S1504, the mode switching process is terminated without switching to the special setting mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1504, the process proceeds to step S1505.

In step S1505, it is determined whether or not three or more subsequent hold information is secured, and specifically, whether or not the number of hold information stored in the right actuating port hold area Rb is three or more. If a negative determination is made in step S1505, the mode switching process is terminated as it is. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of storage for the right operating port 63a is four, and even if the upper limit is not reached, if three or more reserved information are stored, it is affirmed in step S1505. The determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S1506.

In step S1506, it is determined whether or not the subsequent reserved information group contains two or more reserved information corresponding to the special hit result, specifically, special information having the special hit result and the variable display time being short. If a negative determination is made in step S1506, the mode switching process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1506, the process proceeds to step S1507.

In step S1507, it is determined whether or not the pending information stored at the present time includes the pending information corresponding to the jackpot result. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the first execution area AE1, the holding area Ra for the lower working port, and the holding area Rb for the right working port contains the holding information corresponding to the jackpot result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1507, the mode switching process is terminated as it is. If a negative determination is made in step S1503, the process proceeds to step S1508.

In step S1508, the special setting mode flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. In the following step S1505, "11" is set in the special setting mode counter of various counter areas 633 of the RAM 604. The counter for the special setting mode is decremented by 1 each time the game is passed, and is reset to the initial value "0" when a big hit result is obtained.

After executing the process of step S1508, the special setting mode start command is set in step S1509, and then the process for switching this mode is terminated. The special setting mode start command is output to the notification / effect control device 143 in the external output process (see FIG. 13) in step S201 in the normal process. In the MPU 652 of the notification / effect control device 143, it is specified that the special setting mode is started based on this special setting mode start command.

It should be noted that the variable display time setting table is substantially switched to the one corresponding to the special setting mode at the end of the opening / closing execution mode after the game round, which triggered the transition to the special setting mode.

In the present embodiment, (1) a game round in which the special hit result is supported and the variable display time is in the middle is started, (2) the subsequent hold information is 3 or more, and (3) the subsequent hold. Four conditions: the information contains at least two items that correspond to the special hit result and the variable display time is short, and (4) the other pending information does not include the item that corresponds to the big hit result. When all of the above conditions are satisfied, the condition for switching to the special setting mode is satisfied.

Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 30, whether or not the transition to the special setting mode is possible will be illustrated. Regarding FIGS. 30A to 30E, the holding information stored in the holding area Rb for the right operating port, specifically, the holding information corresponding to the special hit result and the variable display time is middle, is stored in the second execution area AE2. It shows the timing of the shift.

In the example shown in FIG. 30A, the number of holding information stored in the holding area Rb for the right operating port is two, and therefore, the transition to the special setting mode triggered by the game round occurs. do not do. Even if the two hold information stored in the hold area Rb for the right operating port correspond to the special hit result and the variable display time is short, the total number of hold information is less than the standard number of three. Therefore, the transition to the special setting mode is avoided. The details will be described later, but in the present embodiment, a plurality of special hit results are combined to generate the same behavior (pseudo jackpot) as the jackpot result, but this is a game caused by the lack of reserved information. It is premised that it is possible to avoid a decrease in the progress speed of. Therefore, by avoiding the transition to the special setting mode when the number of reserved information is less than the standard number, it is possible to prevent the feeling of discomfort with the pseudo jackpot from becoming stronger due to the lack of reserved information.

As shown in FIGS. 30 (b) and 30 (c), the number of hold information stored in the hold area Rb for the right operating port has reached the reference number, and the hold information corresponds to the special hit result and fluctuates. If the display time is short, the game shifts to the special setting mode.

In the example shown in FIG. 30 (d), the hold information corresponding to the disengagement result is stored so as to be sandwiched between the hold information corresponding to the special hit result. In the normal setting mode, either short or middle is set as the variable display time of the hold information corresponding to this deviation result, but in the special setting mode, the variable display time is fixed to short. Become. Incidentally, in the example shown in FIG. 30 (c), the hold information stored at the end corresponds to the off result, but the hold information is newly stored by the time the hold information reaches the second execution area AE2. In that case, the variable display time becomes short, and if the hold information is not stored, the variable display time becomes long.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30 (c), even if the special information corresponding to the disengagement result is included, the configuration is such that the mode can be shifted to the special setting mode. , Not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 30 (b), the continuous special hit result is added to the transition condition to the special setting mode, and in the example shown in FIG. 30 (c), the transition to the special setting mode is avoided. It is also possible to have a configuration that is to be used.

As shown in FIGS. 30 (d) and 30 (e), the number of hold information stored in the hold area Rb for the right operating port has reached the reference number, and the hold information corresponds to the special hit result and fluctuates. Even if the display time is short, if the stored pending information contains special information corresponding to the jackpot result, the transition to the special setting mode is avoided regardless of the order. Will be done.

As described above, when the special hit results are compared independently, the opening / closing mode of the variable winning device 65 is clearly different from the jackpot results, and there is also a large difference in the number of prize balls that can be obtained. However, during the second normal game state, the probability of a big hit result is 100/600 in each game, while the probability of a special hit result is 300/600. In other words, the winning frequency is higher for the special hit result than for the big hit result. Here, in the present embodiment, by combining the results of special hits that occur frequently, a device that gives the player the impression that a big hit is occurring (as if a so-called consecutive villa is occurring) is devised. It has been done. Specifically, in the above special setting mode, the variable display time is shortened in the game times corresponding to the special hit result and the game times corresponding to the missed result, and the movement of the variable winning device 65 in the second winning mode is as if. It is possible to make it look as if it were similar to. Hereinafter, the relationship between the movement of the variable winning device 65 and the variable display time and the like will be supplementarily described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 28.

As shown in FIG. 24 (b), in the special gaming state corresponding to the second winning mode, which shifts to the case where the 6R probability variation jackpot result B, the 5R probability variation jackpot result B, the 4R probability variation jackpot result B, and the 4R normal jackpot result B are obtained. Is configured such that the variable winning device 65 repeatedly opens and closes a plurality of times during one round. Specifically, the permissible state (opening period: 1.8 sec) → blocking state (interval interval period during the round: 1.4 sec) is repeated. The interval period between rounds is also 1.4 sec. In general, in the second winning mode, opening for 1.8 sec and closing for 1.4 sec are repeated.

Here, in the special gaming state corresponding to the third winning mode, which shifts to the case where the special winning result is obtained, the variable winning device 65 becomes the allowable state once, but the period is 1.8 sec. Yes, it coincides with the period when the variable winning device 65 is in the allowable state in the second winning mode.

In addition, when the special hit result occurs continuously, after the variable winning device 65 is switched to the blocking state in the previous special game state, the ending → the variable display of the next game time → the confirmation display of the next game time → The variable winning device 65 becomes the permissible state again via the opening in the next special gaming state. Here, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 28, the ending period of the special gaming state corresponding to the third winning mode is 0.2 sec, and the game corresponding to the special hit result in the second normal gaming state (during the special setting mode). The variable display time of the times is 0.5 sec, the definite display time of the game times corresponding to the special hit result in the second normal game state is 0.5 sec, and the opening period of the special game state corresponding to the third winning mode is. It is 0.2 sec. When these are added up, the shortest interval period from the previous allowable state to the next allowable state is 1.4 sec, which is the same as each interval period in the second winning mode. That is, when the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result is promptly continuous, the behavior of the variable winning device 65 is at first glance the same as that of the special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result.

Almost all (about 95%) of the game balls launched on the right route enter the right operating port 63a, and the firing cycle of the game balls is 0.6 sec. That is, one hold information is acquired every 0.6 sec. In particular, since the right operating port 63a is located on the upstream side of the variable winning device 65 on the right route, the variable winning device 65 does not interfere with the entry of the ball into the right operating port 63a. Therefore, about two prizes can be expected during the shortest interval period of 1.4 sec described above. For this reason, in the second normal gaming state (during the special setting mode), the function of mimicking the special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result is suitably exhibited by the continuous special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result.

The right operating port 63a is configured such that the game ball winning the right operating port 63a heads toward the variable winning device 65. Therefore, the presence of the right operating port 63a does not prevent the ball from entering the variable winning device 65. That is, it is possible to preferably suppress the fact that the payout of prize balls is reduced and the special gaming state corresponding to the third prize mode is repeatedly exposed. As described above, the positional relationship between the through-type right-handed ball entry portion 63 and the variable winning device 65 (see FIG. 4) has the technical significance that the above-mentioned mimicry function can be suitably exerted.

If there is a deviation result between the first special hit result and the later special hit result, the variable display time and the confirmed display time of the game times corresponding to the deviation result are added to the interval period. Therefore, the interval period may be extended. In view of such circumstances, in order to strengthen the mimicry function, it is preferable to further increase the probability of a special hit result in the second normal gaming state.

As described in detail above, by devising a way to bring the behavior of the variable winning device 65 when the special hit result is repeated in the special setting mode to that of the case where the big hit result is obtained, it is as if a big hit is achieved by combining a plurality of special hit results. It was configured to mimic as if it were the result. In the present embodiment, in addition to this, the display effect executed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 during the special game state is also devised so as to enhance the above-mentioned mimicry function, that is, special. One of the features is that the display effect is made closer to that of the special game state corresponding to the big hit result when the setting mode is set. Hereinafter, the device will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32. FIG. 31 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the display effect when a big hit result is obtained, and FIG. 31 (b) is a display when the variable display time is a middle special hit result in a situation other than the special setting mode. FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the effect, and FIG. 32 is a timing chart showing the flow of the game in the case of the special setting mode.

In the game times corresponding to the jackpot result, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), after the variation display of the symbol is started on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result (for example, "777"). ") Is stopped and displayed. After the confirmation display time of the symbol combination has elapsed, the game shifts to the special game state (open / close execution mode) corresponding to the jackpot result. At the opening of the special gaming state, a message indicating the transition to the special gaming state (for example, "Congratulations") is displayed on the display screen 75a.

During the round game, a girl character image (more specifically, a moving image) is displayed in the center of the display screen 75a. The character image is configured to generate actions such as waving with the passage of time, and the monotonic display effect is suppressed. In the upper corner of the display screen 75a, the number of prize balls acquired during this special game state is displayed. As a result, the player is appealing to the ball. Further, in the lower corner of the display screen 75a, the symbol combination that triggered the transition to the special gaming state, that is, the symbol combination that has been confirmed and displayed in the corresponding game times is reduced and displayed. The reduced pattern combination changes periodically according to the movement of the variable winning device 65. Specifically, the entire symbol combination is displayed as if it is rotated in the horizontal direction while maintaining the symbol combination.

As the background image of the display screen 75a, a spring background image, a summer background image, an autumn background image, and a winter background image are provided, and these background images are sequentially switched as the round progresses. .. For example, the spring background image is displayed in the first round, the fifth round, the ninth round, and the thirteenth round, and the summer background image is displayed in the second round, the sixth round, the tenth round, and the fourteenth round. The background image is displayed in the 3rd, 7th, 11th, and 15th rounds, and the winter background image is displayed in the 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th rounds. Images are switched.

When the round game ends and the ending is started, a message (for example, "See You") indicating that the open / close execution mode ends is displayed on the display screen 75a. After the ending period has elapsed, the variable display of the symbol corresponding to the next game round is started.

Next, a case where the variable display time is a middle special hit result and the special hit result does not correspond to the transition to the special setting mode will be described. In the game times corresponding to the special hit result, as shown in FIG. 31 (b), after the variation display of the symbol is started on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, the symbol combination corresponding to the special hit result (for example, "7V7") is stopped and displayed. After the confirmation display time of the symbol assembly has elapsed, the game shifts to the special game state (open / close execution mode) corresponding to the special hit result.

In this special gaming state, a pattern different from the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result, specifically, a character image imitating a boy is displayed in the center of the display screen 75a. At the bottom of the display screen 75a, the symbol combination that triggered the transition to the special gaming state is reduced and displayed, which is the same as the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result, but the reduced display symbol combination is variable. Not displayed. In addition, the display of the number of prize balls acquired in the special game state is avoided, and an image different from the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result is displayed as the background image.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the opening period and the ending period are extremely short due to the above-mentioned circumstances such as speeding up the progress of the game in the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result. Therefore, an image dedicated to the opening and an image dedicated to the ending are not prepared, and the character image is displayed even during the opening period and the ending period. That is, the character image also serves as an opening image and an ending image.

Here, in the special setting mode, the display in the game times and the display in the special game state are similar to the display corresponding to the jackpot result. Specifically, the special display is executed by diverting at least a part of the display in the special game state when the big hit result is obtained. Hereinafter, the flow of the special display will be described with reference to FIG. 32.

At the timing of ta1, the variation display of the symbol on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 is started. This game round corresponds to the special hit result that triggers the transition to the special setting mode. In the example of FIG. 32, the following three pending information are secured, and the case where all the three pending information correspond to the special hit result is illustrated.

At the timing of ta2 where the fluctuation display time (specifically, 5 sec) of the symbol has elapsed from the timing of ta1, the symbol combination (for example, "7V7") corresponding to the special hit result is stopped and displayed. At the timing of ta3 after the fixed display time (specifically, 0.5 sec) of the symbol combination has elapsed, the game shifts to the special game state (open / close execution mode) corresponding to the jackpot result. At the opening of the special gaming state, a message indicating the transition to the special gaming state (for example, "Congratulations") is displayed on the display screen 75a.

At the timing of ta4 when the opening period has elapsed since the transition to the special gaming state, the variable winning device 65 switches from the blocking state to the permissible state, and the ball is allowed to enter the large winning opening 402. Further, at this timing, the same display as during the round game of the special game state corresponding to the big hit result is performed. Specifically, a girl character image (more specifically, a moving image) is displayed in the center of the display screen 75a. The character image is configured to generate actions such as waving with the passage of time, and the monotonic display effect is suppressed. In the upper corner of the display screen 75a, the number of prize balls acquired during this special setting mode is displayed. As a result, the player is appealing to the ball. Further, in the lower corner of the display screen 75a, the symbol combination that triggered the transition to the special gaming state, that is, the symbol combination that has been confirmed and displayed in the corresponding game times is reduced and displayed. The background image of the display screen 75a has a configuration in which various background images similar to the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result are switched in order according to the progress of the game.

At the timing of ta5 when a predetermined opening period (specifically, 1.8 sec) has elapsed from the timing of ta4, the variable winning device 65 switches from the allowable state to the blocking state. After the ball cannot enter the variable winning device 65, at the timing of ta6 when the ending period has elapsed, the special gaming state is restored to the second normal gaming state. As a result, the game round corresponding to the subsequent pending information is started.

Here, during the special setting mode, that is, the special display, the character image, the acquired number, the background image, and the like displayed on the display screen 75a are maintained until the end condition of the special setting mode described above is satisfied. That is, even when the special gaming state is changed to the normal gaming state, the display (special display) started in the previous special gaming state is continued. Specifically, the symbol combination reduced and displayed in the lower corner of the display screen 75a starts horizontal rotation in the same manner as the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result, and is stopped and displayed again at the timing of ta7 after the variable display time has elapsed. Will be done. In the example of FIG. 32, since the special hit result is also supported for this game round, the symbol combination (for example, “7V7”) corresponding to the special hit result is stopped and displayed again. In the special display, the symbol combination rotation → stop reduced and displayed in the lower corner of the display screen 75a corresponds to the variable display and the definite display of the symbols for one game.

At the timing of ta8 when the confirmed display time has elapsed since the symbol combination corresponding to the special hit result is stopped and displayed, the game shifts to the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result. At the timing of ta9 when the opening period has elapsed since the transition to the special gaming state, the variable winning device 65 switches from the blocking state to the permissible state. As a result, it is possible to enter the ball into the large winning opening 402. At the timing of ta10 when a predetermined opening period (specifically, 1.8 sec) has elapsed from the timing of ta9, the variable winning device 65 switches to the blocking state. At the timing of ta11 when the ending period has elapsed since the variable winning device 65 was blocked, the variable display of the symbol is started in the same manner as the timing of ta6. Specifically, the symbol combination reduced and displayed in the lower corner of the display screen 75a starts horizontal rotation in the same manner as the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result, and is stopped again at the timing of ta12 when the variable display time has elapsed. Will be done. In the example of FIG. 32, since the special hit result is also supported for this game round, the symbol combination (for example, “7V7”) corresponding to the special hit result is stopped and displayed again.

At the timing of ta13 after the confirmed display time has elapsed, the state shifts from the second normal gaming state to the special gaming state. At the timing of ta14, when the opening period has elapsed since the transition to the special gaming state, the variable winning device 65 switches from the blocking state to the permissible state. As a result, it is possible to enter the ball into the large winning opening 402. At the timing of ta15 when a predetermined opening period (specifically, 1.8 sec) has elapsed from the timing of ta9, the variable winning device 65 switches to the blocking state. At the timing of ta16, which has passed the ending period since the variable winning device 65 was blocked, the variable display of the symbol is started. Specifically, the symbol combination reduced and displayed in the lower corner of the display screen 75a starts horizontal rotation in the same manner as the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result, and is stopped and displayed again at the timing of ta17 after the variable display time has elapsed. Will be done. In the example of FIG. 32, since the special hit result is also supported for this game round, the symbol combination (for example, “7V7”) corresponding to the special hit result is stopped and displayed again.

At the timing of ta18 when the confirmed display time has elapsed, the state shifts from the second normal gaming state to the special gaming state. At the timing of ta18, when the opening period has elapsed since the transition to the special gaming state, the variable winning device 65 switches from the blocking state to the permissible state. As a result, it is possible to enter the ball into the large winning opening 402. At this timing, the background image of the display screen 75a is switched from the spring background image to the summer background image. This makes it possible to make it appear as if an event similar to the round progress in the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result has occurred.

Here, regarding the special game state (second winning mode) corresponding to the big hit result, the number of balls entered into the big winning opening 402 is a predetermined number (10) and the number of openings is a predetermined number (16 times). If either is true, the round ends. In the situation where the game ball is fired to the right route, most of the above two conditions will end when the former is satisfied. Specifically, in the situation where the game ball is launched to the right route, 3 to 4 balls are entered every time the variable winning device 65 becomes the allowable state, so in most cases during the third round. The end condition is satisfied.

On the other hand, when the game ball is continuously fired to the right route and the special game state (third prize mode) corresponding to the special hit result is reached, the game state is approximately once. Three to four balls are entered. That is, if the special gaming state is executed three times, it is assumed that the total number of balls entered reaches the predetermined number (10). In consideration of such circumstances, in the special display, the switching of the background image suggesting the progress of the round is performed with the transition to the special gaming state corresponding to the fourth special hit result. In this way, the mimicry effect is suitably enhanced by switching the background image with the three special hits as one set.

In the special game state (first prize mode and second prize mode) corresponding to the jackpot result, which has a relatively high advantage, it is possible to improve the attention to the game by performing the display effect according to the special game state. .. On the other hand, in the special game state (third winning mode) corresponding to the special hit result, which has a relatively low advantage, it is assumed that the effect of improving the attention level will be weakened even if the display effect is performed in the special game state of 1. To. This is because there is a big difference in the benefits that can be obtained, and the player's expectations are mainly suitable for shifting to a special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result.

In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, when a plurality of special gaming states corresponding to the special hit result having a low advantage can occur, the above-mentioned is performed by performing a predetermined display effect by summarizing the special gaming states. It is possible to appropriately dispel the impression of the game and to improve the degree of attention to the game.

Compared to the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result, in the special game state corresponding to the special hit result, the number of game balls that can be acquired in one special game state is small. However, by gathering a plurality of special game states corresponding to the special hit result, a corresponding ball can be expected. Therefore, if a predetermined display effect is performed so as to straddle a special game state corresponding to a plurality of special hit results, and the variable winning device 65 is configured to appear as if it is continuously switched to the allowable state, a plurality of cases are used. It is possible to appeal the ball launching in the entire special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result, and the above effect can be suitably exhibited.

In the above-mentioned predetermined display effect, a part (most) of the effect displayed in the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result is diverted, as if the special game state this time corresponds to the jackpot result. Can be shown to. Even if the jackpot probability is high in the second normal game state, the actual jackpot probability is 1/100, and the jackpot does not occur so frequently. On the other hand, if the set of special hit results can be made to appear as a big hit result, it can be impressed as if the big hits occur frequently beyond the big hit probability in the high probability mode. In other words, it can be seen as if the consecutive villas continue beyond the expected value. This is advantageous in promoting an increase in the motivation to play by making the flow of the game appear to be greatly inclined to the player. Even if the set of special hit results looks like a big hit result, the benefits actually obtained do not increase, so that the game hall does not suffer an unexpected disadvantage.

Even in the high probability mode, unfortunately, the game may proceed without a big hit result. Despite the fact that expectations for a big hit result are increasing, it is not preferable that the game progresses without a big hit result because it is a factor that lowers the player's motivation to play. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, even if the special game state corresponding to the big hit result is not actually set, it seems that the big hit result is obtained by the special game state corresponding to the special hit result. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the motivation to play due to the above reasons.

When comparing the case where the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result (third winning mode) continues and the special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result (first winning mode or second winning mode), the output per unit time The difference in balls (increased rate of balls held) is not large. For this reason, it is difficult to distinguish whether the special game state of this time is caused by a big hit or a plurality of special hits from the exit ball, and the above mimicry effect can be suitably exerted. ..

If the conditions for performing the special display are not met, a display effect that is clearly different from the special display is executed in the special game state (third winning mode) corresponding to the special hit result of 1. In this way, by separately providing a display effect when the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result is performed independently, the difference from the special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result is made inconspicuous. Regarding the special display, the similarities with the display effect in the special game state corresponding to the big hit result are more than the similarities with the individual display effect in the special game state corresponding to the special hit result, and the special game corresponding to the big hit result. The difference from the display effect in the state is less than the similarity with the individual display effect in the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result.

When the special display is performed over a plurality of special game states (third winning mode), the game times are intervened between the first special game state and the later special game state. Here, there is a concern that the sense of unity will be reduced if the special display is interrupted during the game. In this respect, as shown in the present embodiment, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by the configuration in which the special display is continued in the intervening game times. For example, when switching the variable winning device 65 to the permissible state / blocking state in the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result, it is common to provide an interval in which the variable winning device 65 is in the blocking state. In the configuration shown in the above form, it is possible to mimic the game times as if they were the above intervals.

In order to exert the mimicry function, an extension of the interval (for example, the variable display period) in the case of the special gaming state → the game times → the special gaming state may be a factor of lowering the mimicry function. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, when the special gaming state (third winning mode) continues, the variable display time is shortened in order to promptly shift to the subsequent special gaming state. The occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

When setting the variable display time in the game times that trigger the transition to the special game state (third prize mode) in which the advantage is set relatively low, the special game state (third prize) before that is set. The variable display time is determined according to the transition status to (mode). Specifically, when the special game state occurs three times, the mode shifts to the special setting mode, and under this special setting mode, a short is selected as the variation display time of the game times related to the special hit result. In the above-mentioned second normal game state, the special hit result occurs frequently, but in such a situation, the variable display time is shortened, so that the interval between the special game states (third winning mode) is shortened. Can be done. This is preferable in order to create a cohesiveness in a plurality of special gaming states (third winning mode) and to make it appear as if a cohesive privilege has been obtained. In addition, after creating a unity by a plurality of special game states, for example, even when the special game state (third winning mode) is repeated, it is possible to make a gap by intentionally lengthening the variable display time, and the game progresses. Can change the rhythm of. As a result, it is possible to suppress the monotonicization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

<Second embodiment>
The variable winning device 65 shown in the first embodiment can be switched between a blocking state and a permissible state, and a large number of prize balls can be obtained by generating a ball in the variable winning device 65. can. This is preferable in realizing the diversification of games. However, with this type of variable winning device 65, inconveniences such as missing the privilege originally obtained by the player may occur if ball clogging or the like occurs. This is not preferable because it causes a factor that lowers the reliability of the gaming machine.

In the present embodiment, when the game shifts to the special gaming state, the variable winning device 65 is monitored for the ejection status of the gaming ball, and the gaming machine is configured to perform abnormality notification according to the monitoring result. The reliability of the machine is improved. Here, when the variable winning device 65 switches from the permissible state to the blocking state, there is a possibility that the game ball is caught between the shutter 403 and the large winning opening 402, and the ball entry and ejection are delayed. If the grace period (margin) until the abnormality is determined is set long in consideration of such an event, the reliability can be improved as described above, but the responsiveness of the abnormality notification is lowered. Further, if the ball passage in the variable winning device 65 becomes long due to the increase in size of the variable winning device 65 or the like, it becomes necessary to lengthen the grace period. On the other hand, if the grace period is set short, there is a high possibility that the abnormality notification will be executed when it is not necessary to perform the abnormality notification. It is feared that the frequent occurrence of abnormality notifications may be a factor that gives the player an impression of being bothered. As described above, there is a limit to shortening the grace period due to the structure of the variable winning device 65 and the improvement of reliability.

The monitoring of the emission status in the present embodiment is roughly divided into the first monitoring in the case of the special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result and the second monitoring in the case of the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result. Hereinafter, the premise configuration of the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment will be supplementarily described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 33, and then the first monitoring and the second monitoring will be supplementarily described.

The variable winning device 65 has an upstream side detection sensor 391d arranged near the entrance of the inflow passage of the variable winning device 65 and a downstream side detection sensor 391e arranged near the exit. When a ball enters the variable prize device 65, the prize ball is paid out when the upstream detection sensor 391d confirms the ball, and the responsiveness of the payout is improved. Has been done.

As shown in FIG. 7, the upstream side detection sensor 391d and the downstream side detection sensor 391e are connected to the main control device 162, and in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162, the detection information (detection signal) from the detection sensors 391d and 391e. ) Is used to monitor the emission status. Specifically, a ball number counter is provided in various counter areas 633 in the RAM 604 of the main control device 162, and the value of the ball number counter is "1" when the game ball is detected by the upstream side detection sensor 391d. It is added and "1" is subtracted when the game ball is detected by the downstream side detection sensor 391e. In the MPU 602, the discharge state of the game ball, for example, the presence or absence of the remaining ball is monitored in the inflow passage by referring to the value of the ball number counter.

Specifically, the inflow passage is formed so that the required period required for the game ball that has passed through the upstream side detection sensor 391d to pass through the downstream side detection sensor 391e is constant (about 1 sec). That is, the game ball that has passed through the upstream side detection sensor 391d is configured to pass through the downstream side detection sensor 391e after 1 sec. If a game ball is caught between the shutter 403 and the front wall portion 418 (see FIG. 6) when the variable winning device 65 is switched to the blocking state, the large winning opening 402 of the game ball is reached. There is a possibility that the inflow of the shutter 403 may be delayed by about 0.8 sec at the maximum from the operation timing of the shutter 403. In consideration of these conditions, for example, during a round game, it is configured to determine whether or not to notify an abnormality at the timing when a grace period of 2 sec has elapsed after the end condition of the round is satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 33, in the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result, the interval period (2 sec) between rounds is the same as the grace period (2 sec). Therefore, even if the discharge is delayed due to the ball being caught, the abnormality notification is avoided if the discharge is completed by the start of the next round.

The opening period and ending period in the special gaming state are set to be 5 sec each, which is longer than the above grace period. Even when the transition to the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result occurs continuously, the determination of whether or not the abnormality notification in the previous special gaming state is possible is completed before the start of the next special gaming state. Therefore, even if the discharge is not performed well in the previous special game state, the chance of abnormality notification is not impaired by starting the monitoring in the later special game state.

Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 34, the discharge status first monitoring process executed as a part of the normal process which is the periodic process in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 will be described. The discharge status first monitoring process is a process executed when the special gaming state (first winning mode or second winning mode) corresponding to the jackpot result is in effect.

(Discharge status first monitoring process)
In the discharge status first monitoring process, first, it is determined in step S1601 whether or not the abnormality notification is being performed. If the abnormality is being notified, the first monitoring process of the discharge status is terminated as it is, and if the abnormality is not being notified, the process proceeds to step S1602.

In step S1602, it is determined whether or not the first monitoring is being executed (the emission status is being monitored). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the first monitoring flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. If a negative determination is made in step S1602, the process proceeds to step S1603. In step S1603, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the first round (first round) after shifting to the round game. If a negative judgment is made in step S1603, the discharge status first monitoring process is terminated as it is, and if a positive judgment is made in step S1603, the monitoring start process is executed in step S1604 and then the main discharge status first monitoring is performed. End the process. In the monitoring start process, the first monitoring flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. After that, the first monitoring will be started until the monitoring end condition is satisfied.

Returning to the description of step S1602, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1602, that is, if the first monitoring is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1605. In step S1605, it is determined whether or not the timing is such that a predetermined grace period (2 sec) has elapsed since the end of the final round. If a negative determination is made in step S1605, the process proceeds to step S1606. In step S1606, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of any round. If it is determined in step S1606 that it is not the start timing of the round, the discharge status first monitoring process is terminated as it is.

In the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result, the interval period between rounds and the above grace period match, and in the first monitoring, in each round except the final round, the emission status is confirmed at the start of the next round. , Judgment of availability of abnormality notification, etc. If an affirmative judgment is made in step S1606, that is, if the above grace period has elapsed from the end of the previous round (switching to the blocking state of the variable winning device 65) and it is the timing to start the next round, step. Proceed to S1607.

In step S1607, it is determined whether or not the number of balls counter provided in the various counter areas 633 of the RAM 604 is "0", that is, whether or not there are remaining balls. If the number of balls counter is "0", that is, if the number of balls entered and the number of ejected balls related to the variable winning device 65 match, the process proceeds to step S1608. In step S1608, it is confirmed whether or not the abnormality notification standby flag is stored from the various flag storage areas of the RAM 604, and if the abnormality notification standby flag is stored, this is deleted and the first monitoring process of the discharge status is performed. finish. If the abnormality notification standby flag is not stored, the first monitoring process of the discharge status is terminated as it is.

If a negative determination is made in step S1607, that is, if the number of balls entered and the number of ejected balls related to the variable winning device 65 do not match (when there is a possibility that remaining balls exist), the process proceeds to step S1609. .. In step S1609, it is determined whether or not the abnormality notification standby flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. If a negative determination is made in step S1609, the abnormality notification standby flag is set in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604, and the first discharge status monitoring process is terminated.

The abnormality notification standby flag is a flag stored when the number of balls entered and the number of ejected balls do not match in the previous round, and if the mismatch is not resolved in the next round, step S1611 is performed. After executing the abnormality notification process, the first emission status monitoring process is terminated. In the abnormality notification process, a setting process for outputting information indicating the occurrence of an abnormality is performed to the hall computer of the game hall, and an abnormality notification start command is set in the notification / effect control device 143. These information and commands are output to the hall computer of the game hall and the notification / effect control device 143 in the external output processing (FIG. 13) of the normal processing. The MPU 652 of the notification / effect control device 143 performs the abnormality notification process based on the reception of the abnormality notification start command. By performing the abnormality notification processing, the abnormality notification is executed on the display screen 75a of the speaker unit 29 or the symbol display device 75. This abnormality notification is canceled by operating the reset switch of the main control device 162.

Returning to the description of step S1605, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1605, that is, if a predetermined grace period (2 sec) has elapsed from the end of the final round, the process proceeds to step S1612. In step S1612, it is determined whether or not the number of balls counter is "0", that is, whether or not the number of balls entered and the number of ejected balls related to the variable winning device 65 match. When a negative determination is made in step S1612 (when there is a possibility that a remaining sphere exists), the abnormality notification process is executed in step S1613. As a result, the abnormality notification is executed on the display screen 75a of the speaker unit 29 and the symbol display device 75. This abnormality notification is canceled by operating the reset switch of the main control device 162.

After executing the abnormality notification process in step S1613, or when an affirmative determination is made in step S1612, the process proceeds to step S1614. In step S1614, it is determined whether or not the abnormality notification standby flag is stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 604. If the error notification standby flag is stored, it is deleted. After executing the monitoring end process in the following step S1615, the present emission status first monitoring process is terminated. Specifically, the first monitoring flag stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604 is erased, and the ball count counter is reset to the initial value "0".

In this way, in the discharge status first monitoring process, even if a residual ball is generated during the previous round, the abnormality is not immediately notified, but the judgment result of the next round is referred to and entered by then. When the discrepancy between the number of balls and the number of ejected balls is not resolved (when the ejected remaining balls are not completed), the abnormality notification is performed. This suppresses the frequent occurrence of abnormal notifications due to accidental factors.

By the way, in the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result, there is sufficient grace until the next special gaming state is reached again. For example, in the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result, the ending period is 5 sec, which is sufficiently longer than the above grace period. Therefore, the first monitoring started in the previous special gaming state will end before the next special gaming state is started.

Next, the second emission status monitoring process executed when a special hit result is obtained will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 35. The discharge status second monitoring process is a process executed when the special game state (third winning mode) corresponding to the special hit result is set.

(Discharge status second monitoring process)
In the second discharge status monitoring process, first, it is determined in step S1701 whether or not the abnormality is being notified. If the abnormality is being notified, the second monitoring process for the discharge status is terminated as it is, and if the abnormality is not being notified, the process proceeds to step S1702. In step S1702, it is determined whether or not the second monitoring is in progress, that is, the emission status is being monitored. If a negative determination is made in step S1702, the process proceeds to step S1703.

In step S1703, it is determined whether or not it is the round start timing (round game start timing). In the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result, the number of rounds executed is "1", unlike the special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result. Therefore, in the process of step S1703, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to switch the variable winning device 65 to the allowable state. If a negative determination is made in step S1703, the second emission status monitoring process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1703, the monitoring period setting process is executed in step S1704. Specifically, 3.6 sec, which is the sum of the open period (1.8 sec) and the grace period (2 sec), is set as the monitoring period in the monitoring period counter provided in the various counter areas 633 of the RAM 604. This monitoring period counter is subtracted each time the normal process is started, and whether or not the abnormality notification can be executed is determined when the monitoring period counter becomes "0".

After executing the setting process of step S1704, the process proceeds to step S1705. After executing the monitoring start process in step S1705, the second emission status monitoring process is terminated. In the monitoring start process, the second monitoring flag is set in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604. As a result, after that, the second monitoring is continued until the monitoring period elapses (until the monitoring period counter reaches "0").

Returning to the description of step S1702, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1702, that is, if the second monitoring flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 634 of the RAM 604, the process proceeds to step S1706. In step S1706, based on the detection information from the upstream side detection sensor 391d, whether or not the game ball has passed through the detection area of the upstream side detection sensor 391d, that is, whether or not the ball has entered the variable winning device 65. Is determined. If an affirmative judgment is made in step S1706, the number of balls counter is added by "1" in step S1707.

After executing the process of step S1707, or when a negative determination is made in step S1706, the process proceeds to step S1708. In step S1708, based on the detection information from the downstream side detection sensor 391e, whether or not the game ball has passed through the detection area of the downstream side detection sensor 391e, that is, whether or not the game ball is ejected from the variable winning device 65. To judge. If an affirmative judgment is made in step S1708, the ball count counter is subtracted by "1" in step S1709.

After executing the process of step S1709, or when a negative determination is made in step S1708, the process proceeds to step S1710. In step S1710, it is determined whether or not it is the timing when it is confirmed that the special hit result is continuously generated. That is, it is determined whether or not the confirmation display indicating that the special hit result has been obtained is started again before the monitoring period set in step S1704 elapses.

Here, a supplementary description will be given regarding the period from the allowable state to the blocked state and the allowable state again when the special hits are continuous. As shown in FIG. 33, the ending period is 0.2 sec in the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result. If the special hit result continues under the special setting mode, the variable display time becomes short (0.5 sec). Further, the fixed display time in this case is 0.5 sec, and the opening executed after the final display is completed is 0.2 sec. In general, the shortest period can be 1.4 sec, which is less than the grace period (2.0 sec).

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1710, the process proceeds to step S1711, and after executing the monitoring period extension process in step S1711, the second emission status monitoring process is terminated. In the monitoring period extension process, the monitoring period counter is added. Specifically, for the period from the end of the game round corresponding to the next special hit result to the allowable state of the variable winning device 65 (specifically, the fixed display time 0.5 sec + opening period 0.2 sec, total 0. 7 sec) is added. As a result, it is possible to prevent the abnormality notification from being executed immediately before shifting to the special gaming state corresponding to the next special hit result.

Returning to the description of step S1710, if a negative determination is made in step S1710, the process proceeds to step S1712. In step S1712, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to start the round related to the subsequent special hit result, that is, whether or not it is the timing when the variable winning device 65 switches to the allowable state. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1712, the monitoring period is reset in step S1713. Specifically, 3.6 sec, which is the sum of the open period (1.8 sec) and the grace period (2 sec), is set again in the monitoring period counter as the monitoring period.

In the second monitoring shown in the present embodiment, the grace period is compared with the period until the variable winning device 65 is switched to the allowable state again in the next special gaming state, and the latter is shorter than the former. Will be monitored through a plurality of special gaming states by extending the monitoring period.

If a negative determination is made in step S1712, the process proceeds to step S1714. In step S1714, the monitoring period counter is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the monitoring period has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S1714, that is, if the monitoring period has not yet elapsed, a negative determination is made in step S1714, and the second emission status monitoring process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1714, the process proceeds to step S1715.

In step S1715, it is determined whether or not the value of the ball count counter is "0", that is, whether or not there are remaining balls. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1715, that is, if there are no remaining spheres, the monitoring end process is executed in step S1716, and then the second emission status monitoring process is terminated. In the monitoring end process, various flags for monitoring are cleared and various counters are reset to the initial value "0".

If a negative determination is made in step S1715, that is, if a remaining sphere is generated, the abnormality notification process is executed in step S1717. As a result, the abnormality notification is executed on the display screen 75a of the speaker unit 29 and the symbol display device 75. This abnormality notification is canceled by operating the reset switch of the main control device 162, as in the case of the abnormality notification in the discharge status first monitoring process.

Here, a specific flow of the first monitoring and the second monitoring will be described with reference to FIG. 36. FIG. 36 (a) is a timing chart illustrating the flow of the game during the first monitoring, and FIG. 36 (b) is a timing chart illustrating the flow of the game during the second monitoring.

(Flow of the first monitoring)
As shown in FIG. 36 (a), when the game shifts to the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result at the timing of tb1, the first round is started at the timing of tb2 after the opening, and the first monitoring is started accordingly. Will be done. When the variable winning device 65 is in the allowable state, the game balls flowing down the right route flow into the large winning opening 402 one after another. When the game ball flowing into the large winning opening 402 passes through the upstream side detection sensor 391d, the game ball is paid out and the value of the ball number counter is increased by "1". The game ball that has passed through the upstream side detection sensor 391d passes through the downstream side detection sensor 391e after about 1 sec. When the game ball passes through the downstream side detection sensor 391e, the ball number counter is subtracted by "1".

When the round end condition is satisfied at the timing of tb3, the variable winning device 65 switches from the allowable state to the blocked state. The game ball entered at the timing of tb3 passes through the downstream side detection sensor 391e at the timing of tb4 during the interval period between rounds, and is discharged from the variable winning device 65. That is, unless a special event such as a ball jam occurs, the ejection of the game ball is completed during the interval period.

The second round is started at the timing of tb5 after a predetermined interval period has elapsed from the timing of tb3. With the start of the second round, the variable winning device 65 is switched to the allowable state again, and the game ball flowing down the right route flows into the large winning opening 402. If the game ball is caught between the shutter 403 and the front wall portion 418 at the timing of tb6 when the round end condition is satisfied and the variable winning device 65 switches to the blocking state, the flow of the game ball is hindered. When the game ball is pushed back upward by the shutter 403, the monitoring result is not affected. On the other hand, when the game ball is pushed by a subsequent game ball and flows into the large winning opening 402, the ball may enter during the period outside the grace period.

In the example shown in FIG. 36 (a), the discharge of the game ball is not completed even at the timing of tb7 where the discharge of the game ball should be completed in the second round, and the ball enters the large winning opening 402 later than that. It has occurred. That is, there is an unexpected delay in the movement of the game ball. Therefore, at the timing of tb8 when the second round starts, the value of the ball count counter is "1" and does not return to "0".

When such an event occurs, the abnormality notification standby flag is set instead of immediately executing the abnormality notification, and the discrepancy between the number of balls entered and the number of ejected balls is not resolved at the next judgment timing. In this case, the error notification is ready to be executed. Even if an unexpected event (behavior such as severe ball biting) occurs as described above, the event is resolved by switching the variable winning device 65 to the allowable state at the start of the next round. To. That is, even if the value of the ball count counter does not return to "0", if the ball is not clogged inside the variable winning device 65 but is caused by the ball biting at the entrance portion. It will be resolved in the next round. Therefore, by continuing the monitoring with the value of the ball count counter in the previous round taken over in the next round, it is possible to prevent the abnormality notification from becoming excessively severe.

In the example of FIG. 36 (a), the value of the ball count counter returns to "0" at the timing of tb10 after the timing of tb9 where the round end condition is satisfied. Therefore, when determining whether or not the abnormality notification is possible at the timing of tb11 when the next round is started, the abnormality notification standby flag is cleared and the abnormality notification is avoided. With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the abnormality and contribute to the improvement of the reliability of the gaming machine.

(Flow of second monitoring)
Next, with reference to FIG. 36 (b), the second monitoring executed when the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result is reached will be described. In addition, the left side portion (tc1 to ct6) of FIG. 36 (b) exemplifies the case where the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result occurs in a single shot, and the right side portion (tc7 to ct16) of FIG. 36 (b) exemplifies the case. The case where the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result occurs continuously is illustrated.

After shifting to the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result at the timing of ct1, the variable winning device 65 is switched to the permissible state at the timing of ct2, and the permissible state is maintained for a predetermined period (1.8 sec). To. As already explained, in the special game state corresponding to the special hit result, the round end condition related to the period is basically satisfied, and the number of balls that can be entered is a practical upper limit (4). About one) is provided. In other words, the number of balls entered reaches the above-mentioned predetermined number (10) and the round is almost never completed.

At the timing of ct2, the second monitoring is started in accordance with the switching of the variable winning device 65 to the allowable state. When the variable winning device 65 is switched to the permissible state, a ball is entered into the large winning opening 402, and the value of the ball number counter is changed.

At the timing of ct3 when a predetermined period has elapsed from the timing of ct2, the variable winning device 65 switches from the allowable state to the blocking state. As a result, entry into the large winning opening 402 is restricted. Although the special game state ends at the timing of ct4, the game ball entered at the timing of ct3 is discharged from the variable winning device 65 at the timing of ct5. That is, the ejection of the game ball may be completed later than the end of the special game state. In consideration of such a delay, the execution period of the second monitoring is set, and the second monitoring ends at the timing of ct6 when the monitoring period has elapsed from the timing of ct2.

At this time, if the value of the ball count counter has returned to the initial value "0", it is considered that there are no remaining balls in the variable winning device 65, and the abnormality notification is avoided. On the other hand, if the value of the ball count counter deviates from the initial value "0", it is considered that the remaining balls exist in the variable winning device 65, and the abnormality notification is executed.

In this way, if the variable winning device 65 is not newly switched to the allowable state before the monitoring period ends, the monitoring result is confirmed for the special gaming state that triggered the start of the second monitoring. On the other hand, if the variable winning device 65 is newly switched to the allowable state before the monitoring period ends, the second monitoring is not performed for each special gaming state, but the plurality of special gaming states are straddled. Then the second monitoring is performed. Hereinafter, a specific example thereof will be described.

After shifting to the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result at the timing of ct7, the variable winning device 65 switches to the permissible state at the timing of ct8, and the permissible state is continued for a predetermined period (1.8 sec). .. Further, at the timing of tk7, the second monitoring is started when the variable winning device 65 is switched to the allowable state. When the variable winning device 65 is switched to the permissible state, a ball is entered into the large winning opening 402, and the value of the ball number counter is changed.

At the timing of ct9 when a predetermined period has elapsed from the timing of ct7, the variable winning device 65 switches from the allowable state to the blocking state. As a result, entry into the large winning opening 402 is restricted. Although the special game state ends at the timing of ct10, the game ball entered at the timing of ct9 is discharged from the variable winning device 65 at the timing of ct13.

When the second normal game state is restored at the timing of ct10, the next game round is started. Since this next game round corresponds to the special hit result and is in the special setting mode, both the variable display time and the confirmed display time are the shortest 0.5 sec. That is, at the timing of ct11, which is 1 sec after the timing of ct10, the game shifts to the special gaming state again.

The variable winning device 65 switches from the blocking state to the permissible state at the timing of ct12 when the opening period elapses from the timing of ct11 which has shifted to the special gaming state, and the ball is allowed to enter the large winning opening 402. Here, the monitoring period of the second monitoring started in the previous special gaming state continues until the timing of ct13 after the timing of ct12. Specifically, the second monitoring is configured to continue until 2 sec elapses after the variable winning device 65 returns to the blocking state. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 36B, the following special gaming state is obtained. Therefore, the shortest period (1.4 sec) until the variable winning device 65 becomes the allowable state again is shorter. In such a case, the second monitoring is executed so as to straddle the two front and rear special gaming states. That is, the second monitoring is integrated in each special gaming state.

Originally, it is judged whether or not the abnormality notification is possible by referring to the ball number counter at both the timing of tc13 and the timing of tc16 after the second special game state is completed, but the judgment at the timing of tc13 is omitted. Therefore, it will be summarized in the determination at the timing of tc16. As a result, the number of balls counter is changed by the incoming ball in the next special game state, and it is suppressed that the abnormality notification is made or the abnormality notification occurs frequently even though it is actually normal.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the special gaming states corresponding to the special hit results are continuous, the second monitoring is executed so as to straddle the special gaming states before and after them, and the abnormality in the previous special gaming state is executed. The notification judgment may be avoided. Hereinafter, the case where the integration of the second monitoring does not occur and the case where the integration of the second monitoring occurs will be supplementarily described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 37.

As shown in FIGS. 37 (a) and 37 (b), the second monitoring started in the special gaming state corresponding to the previous special hit result does not end at the timing when the special gaming state ends, but after that. Is continued until the monitoring period (grace period) elapses, and when the monitoring period elapses, it is determined whether or not the number of balls entered and the number of ejected balls match by referring to the ball number counter. If the game is in the normal game state at this point, whether or not to continue the second monitoring depends on the game situation.

As shown in FIG. 37 (a), when the game times being executed are being displayed in a variable manner, the second monitoring is not continued regardless of the game result. That is, the above determination is performed when the monitoring period set in the previous special gaming state has elapsed, and the second monitoring is terminated. After that, when the game shifts to the special gaming state again, the second monitoring will be newly started.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 37 (b), when the timing at which the monitoring period elapses is during the definite display related to the special hit result, the second monitoring is extended to the next special gaming state. Will be continued. That is, the second monitoring continues so as to straddle a plurality of special gaming states before and after. In this case, if the above determination is normally executed after the previous special gaming state is completed, the determination is avoided and the determination is carried over to the timing after the next special gaming state is completed.

As shown in FIG. 37 (c), when the monitoring period of the second monitoring started in the special gaming state corresponding to the previous special hit result elapses during the next special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result, that is, the above. When the timing of the determination overlaps with the next special gaming state, the second monitoring is executed so as to straddle both special gaming states instead of performing the second monitoring for each of the plurality of front and rear special gaming states. That is, the determination is postponed, and the number of balls entered and the number of ejected balls are compared over the entire plurality of special gaming states.

According to the second embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

In the special gaming state, the inflow / outflow status of the game ball into the variable winning device 65 is monitored, and when the variable winning device 65 causes ball clogging or the like, it is possible to specify this. When the abnormality notification is performed based on the monitoring result, it is preferable to determine the timing for determining whether or not the abnormality notification is possible in consideration of the movement of the game ball passing through the variable winning device 65. Specifically, in order to improve the reliability of the gaming machine, it is preferable to give a certain amount of grace before deciding whether or not to handle the abnormality.

Here, when the period until the next special gaming state is started is longer than the predetermined period, the monitoring function can be suitably enhanced by performing monitoring → determination for each special gaming state. On the other hand, if the period until the next special gaming state is started is shorter than the predetermined period, the following events may occur. That is, if the next special gaming state is started at a timing before the lapse of a predetermined period, the number of inflows and the number of outflows may not match because the ball may enter the variable winning device 65. There is. Therefore, if the determination is made at the original timing, there is a possibility that the abnormality notification is erroneously executed. In this regard, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, when the next special gaming state is started, the monitoring is extended so as to lead to the next special gaming state, and through those plurality of special gaming states. Monitoring will be performed, and the determination of whether or not the abnormality notification is possible will be postponed. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed, and the reliability of the gaming machine can be suitably improved.

Further, even on the premise that monitoring is performed for each special gaming state, it is possible to avoid restrictions on the interval between the special gaming states in order to secure the monitoring function. This is preferable in order to suitably improve the degree of freedom in the progress of the game.

The above-mentioned problems related to the monitoring function occur when the transition to the special gaming state occurs continuously in a short period of time. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the effect is suitably exhibited by a configuration in which monitoring is performed across the special gaming state when passing through the second normal gaming state in which the transition to the special gaming state is likely to occur. be able to.

Although the number of game balls that can be obtained is small in the special game state (third winning mode) corresponding to the special hit result, the number of balls held can be greatly increased by the frequent occurrence of the special game state. In other words, there is a special game state (1st prize mode or 2nd prize mode) corresponding to the big hit result that has a relatively low probability of occurrence but a large benefit that can be obtained, and a special hit that has a relatively high probability of occurrence but a small benefit that can be obtained independently. By using this in combination with the special game state (third winning mode) corresponding to the result, diversification of the game can be suitably realized. However, if an attempt is made to shorten the generation cycle of the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result, the above-mentioned inconvenience is likely to occur. Therefore, by applying the monitoring function shown in the present embodiment to this type of gaming machine, it is possible to suitably achieve both diversification of gaming and improvement of reliability of the gaming machine.

The behavior of the variable winning device 65 in the special gaming state (third winning mode) → game times → special gaming state (third winning mode) is changed to the behavior of the variable winning device 65 in the special gaming state (second winning mode). By bringing them closer, it is possible to mimic the special gaming state (second winning mode) that is advantageous to the player when the special gaming state (third winning mode) is continuous. However, when the special gaming state (third winning mode) is to occur frequently, the interval between the special gaming states (third winning mode) becomes extremely short, and the game ball is ejected from the variable winning device 65. It is assumed that a sufficient period cannot be secured. On the other hand, if the interval (variable display time, fixed display time, etc.) is set long in order to secure the period required for emission, the above mimicry becomes difficult to realize. If the function for executing the second monitoring is applied to such a configuration, it is possible to relax the restrictions related to the interval while improving the reliability of the game, and it is possible to deal with the special hit result. It is possible to suitably realize a mimicry function that makes a set of gaming states (third winning mode) appear as if it is a special gaming state (second winning mode) corresponding to a jackpot result.

<Other embodiments>
The content is not limited to the description of each of the above-described embodiments, and may be carried out as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above embodiments, or may be partially or wholly combined and applied to each of the above embodiments. Further, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or a part of the various configurations shown in each of the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effect to be exerted) of each configuration to be combined is guaranteed. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration consisting of a combination of embodiments, or may be partially or wholly applied in combination.

(1) In each of the above embodiments, the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result is classified into one round, and the special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result is classified into 4 to 16 rounds, but the present invention is limited to this. is not it. In order to mimic the special game state corresponding to the big hit result by continuing the special game state corresponding to the special hit result, the superiority of the special game state corresponding to the big hit result (expected value of the prize ball is large) at least when compared alone. Etc.) is sufficient, and the number of rounds in the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result may be arbitrarily set. However, considering that the storage upper limit of the number of holdings is "4" and that the special game state corresponding to the special hit result x 3 corresponds to one round of the special game state corresponding to the big hit result, the special setting mode The number of pseudo rounds that can be determined at the time of transition to is "1". In consideration of such circumstances, the minimum number of rounds in the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result may be set to "1".

(2) In each of the above embodiments, three special gaming states corresponding to the special hit result are combined to realize a movement equivalent to one round in the special gaming state corresponding to the big hit result, but a plurality of special hit result correspondence is supported. It is not necessary to set the minimum number to "3" in order to exert the above-mentioned mimicry function by using the special gaming state of. For example, it can be set to "2" or "4". However, considering that the upper limit of storage of reserved information is "4", the number of reserved information corresponding to the special hit result required for mimicry is "5" or more, which exceeds it, so that one round can be successfully performed. It can be difficult to realize the mimicry of. Therefore, it is preferable that the number of combinations is smaller than the maximum number of stored information.

(3) In each of the above embodiments, the continuation condition of the pseudo round is the same in any round (continuously ending up to 4 rounds), but the present invention is not limited to this. In the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result, the minimum number of rounds is "4" and the maximum number of rounds is "16". Therefore, after the pseudo round has progressed to the fourth round, it is possible to have a configuration in which the next round is continued when a predetermined continuation condition is satisfied, that is, a configuration in which the special setting mode and the special display are continued. ..

For example, if there are "3" or more of the reserved information stored at the end of the pseudo 4th round corresponding to the special hit result, the configuration shifts to the pseudo 5th round, that is, the special setting mode. And, if the special display is continued and the hold information corresponding to the special hit result cannot be secured at the end of the pseudo 4th round, the special setting mode and the special display can be terminated. Is.

It should be noted that a difference may be provided so that the continuation condition for each pseudo round becomes stricter as the pseudo round progresses.

(4) As shown in each of the above embodiments, in the configuration that makes it appear as if it is a special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result when the special hit result continues, the variation display time in the normal gaming state and There is concern that the mimicry effect may be reduced due to the large variation in temporal factors such as the definite display time. For example, if a plurality of missed results are included between the special hit results, the transition to the special gaming state, that is, the switch to the allowable state of the variable winning device 65 is delayed. Therefore, the interval during the pseudo jackpot is extended. When such an event occurs, it is feared that the mimicry function will not be exerted well. Therefore, the occurrence of such inconvenience may be suppressed by taking the following measures.

(4-1) It is also possible to set the variable display time and the definite display time to be even shorter than the case where the special hit result is obtained when the result is out of order during the special setting mode. Further, if the deviation results are continuous during the special setting mode, it is preferable to configure the configuration so that the degree of shortening of the variable display time and the final display time becomes large. As a result, when the pseudo round is continued under the special setting mode, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity caused by the deviation result being mixed between the special hit results.

(4-2) In the special game state (second prize mode) corresponding to the big hit result, the interval between rounds and the interval in the round are fixed, but the interval between rounds may be different depending on the type of big hit. It is advisable to configure the intervals within the round to be different. By diversifying the intervals between rounds and the intervals within rounds in the first place, when continuing a pseudo round under the special setting mode, the difference in intervals due to the mixture of out-of-round results among the special hit results is made less noticeable. Can be done.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the game result is notified to the player by stopping and displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the game result on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. The configuration in which the symbol combination is divided into the jackpot result and the special hit result is preferable in terms of clearly indicating the game result (point of strengthening the discriminating power), but it is assumed that it hinders the enhancement of the above-mentioned mimicry effect. If such circumstances are taken into consideration, the following measures should be taken.

(5-1) During the second normal game state, the notification mode of the game result is changed as follows. That is, a character image is displayed on the display screen 75a, and the game result is notified by the movement of the character image. Specifically, a state in which character A and character B are facing each other is displayed on the display screen 75a, and as a result of this confrontation, there are three cases: character A wins, both draw, and character B wins. Is provided. In the case of a big hit result or a special hit result, the image in which character A and character B are drawn is displayed, in the case of a big hit result, the image in which character B wins is displayed, and in the case of a missed result, the character is displayed. It is preferable to display the image in which A wins. This makes it difficult to identify the special hit result from the content of the notification on the display screen 75a, and makes it possible to suitably exert the above-mentioned mimicry effect.

(5-2) As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 38 (a), in the first normal gaming state, the first display area ME1 located in the center and the corners are located as the variable display area of the symbol on the display screen 75a. A second display area ME2 is provided. The symbol displayed in the second display area ME2 is a reduced / simplified version of the symbol displayed in the first display area ME1. In the second normal game state, the character image is displayed in the first display area ME1 instead of the symbol group, and the display of the symbol is maintained in the second display area ME2. Here, a decorative LF is arranged in front of the second display area ME2, and a part of the symbol combination (middle symbol and right symbol) is hidden behind the decorative LF. That is, when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, the decorative LF hinders the visibility of the middle symbol and the right symbol. However, the middle symbol and the right symbol can also be visually recognized by looking into the second display area ME2 so as to dodge the decorative LF.

Here, in the second normal gaming state (particularly, special setting mode, special display), the character image in the first display area ME1 has the same display mode depending on whether it is a big hit result or a special hit (for example). Transformation completion pose). On the other hand, the symbol combination in the second display area ME2 is "777" in the case of the big hit result, whereas it is "7V7" in the case of the special hit result, and the middle symbols are different. However, since the middle pattern is covered with the decorative LF, it is difficult to specify whether the hit is a special hit or a big hit unless the second display area ME is looked into. This makes it difficult to identify the special hit result from the content of the notification on the display screen 75a, and makes it possible to suitably exert the above-mentioned mimicry effect.

(6) In each of the above embodiments, the background image of the display screen 75a is switched when the number of occurrences of the special hit result is a multiple of 4, but the switching condition of the background image is arbitrary. For example, when the number of balls entered into the variable winning device 65 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10), the background image is switched when the variable winning device 65 is switched to the allowable state in the next special gaming state. It is also possible to.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, after shifting to the special setting mode, the variation display time of the gaming machine related to the special hit result becomes short until the number of times the special hit result is obtained reaches a predetermined number (12 times). However, it is not limited to this. For example, in order to differentiate the interval period between rounds from the interval period within a round, the variable display time may be lengthened to a extent corresponding to the interval period between rounds in a game that is a multiple of 4.

(7) In each of the above embodiments, a special game state corresponding to the special hit result is obtained by using a part of the image (for example, a character image or a background image) displayed on the display screen 75a in the special game state corresponding to the big hit result. The configuration is such that the display effect is performed when it is repeated, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to make the image used in the special gaming state corresponding to the jackpot result the same as the image used in the special setting mode (special display) in which the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result is repeated.

(8) In each of the above embodiments, a plurality of special game states corresponding to the special hit result are integrated to mimic a special game state corresponding to the big hit result, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if it is confirmed that the special game state corresponding to the special hit result occurs three times after the special game state corresponding to the big hit result is completed, the special game state corresponding to the big hit result → the special game state corresponding to the special hit result is supported. It is also possible to continue the display effect until the special game state and mimic it as if the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result continues (extended). Thereby, for example, the 4R probability variation jackpot result can be made to appear as if it is a 5R probability variation jackpot result, or the 5R probability variation jackpot result can be made to appear as if it is a 6R probability variation jackpot result.

(9) In each of the above embodiments, the special setting mode (special display) is started on condition that three hold information corresponding to the special hit result is secured in the stored hold information. It was configured. This is changed so that the special setting mode (special display) is started on condition that three consecutive hold information corresponding to the special hit result is secured in the stored hold information. It is also possible.

(10) In each of the above embodiments, the large winning opening 402 is opened and closed by the shutter 403 that can be slid back and forth, but the present invention is not limited to this. It suffices if it is possible to switch between the allowable state and the blocked state, and the specific configuration of the shutter is arbitrary. However, in the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result, the allowable state is extremely short, and in most cases, the ball is switched to the blocking state without waiting for the number of balls to enter a predetermined number. In view of such time constraints, the shutter 403 has a configuration having a support function that allows variation in the arrival timing of the game balls and causes a certain number of balls to be input. It is preferable to do so. This is because, even if the opening and closing modes of the variable winning device 65 are similar at first glance, if there is a large difference in the winning balls that can be obtained, it becomes a factor that reveals that it is a pseudo jackpot.

(11) In the second embodiment described above, when the second monitoring is executed so as to straddle a plurality of special gaming states, the determination of the presence or absence of a remaining ball for each special gaming state is avoided. The configuration is such that the presence or absence of a remaining sphere is determined when the second monitoring is completed, but this may be changed as follows. That is, it is also possible to reserve the abnormality notification until the final confirmation is completed even if the judgment result is that the remaining ball exists while the judgment about the special game state is made. be.

(12) In the second embodiment described above, when it is determined that a remaining ball is generated in the variable winning device 65, an abnormality notification is performed, but instead of or in addition to this, a game is played. It is also possible to suspend the progress. In this case, it is preferable that the game progress is restarted by performing a predetermined release operation.

(13) In the second embodiment described above, the configuration is such that whether or not to continue the second monitoring is determined based on the game situation at the end of the second monitoring, but the present invention is limited to this. is not it. If it has been confirmed in advance that the special game states corresponding to the special hit results are continuous, it is also possible to set the monitoring period, etc. so that the second monitoring is performed so as to straddle those multiple special game states. It is possible.

(14) In the second embodiment described above, when the game shifts to the special gaming state corresponding to the special hit result during the monitoring period, the monitoring period is extended, but the present invention is limited to this. is not it. If the subsequent pending information includes information corresponding to the special hit result at the time of setting the monitoring period, the fluctuation display time of the game times is specified in advance, and the monitoring period is set based on that period. It is also possible to determine whether the period corresponds only to the special gaming state or the period considering the subsequent special gaming state.

(15) In each of the above embodiments, the lottery based on the entry into the lower actuating opening 62a does not result in a special hit result, but this has been changed and the lottery based on the entry into the lower actuation port 62a has been changed. However, it may be configured as a special hit result. When such a change is made, the special hit related to the right operating port 63a and the special hit related to the lower operating port 62a may coexist in the second normal gaming state. Therefore, for example, when the hold information related to the lower operating port 62a exists, the transition to the special setting mode is restricted, or the transition condition to the special setting mode is set to any of the operating ports 62a, 63a. It is advisable that the pending information related to the above includes the pending information corresponding to the three special hit results. However, when the game times related to the lower operating port 62a and the game times related to the right operating port 63a proceed at the same time, one of them is canceled in a situation where both of them result in a special hit as described above, which is substantially the same. The number of special hit results will be reduced. Therefore, when the latter is dealt with, it is preferable to take into consideration such duplication and confirm whether the pending information corresponding to the three special hit results is secured.

(16) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, for example, a pachinko machine in which the electric accessory is opened a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of the special device, or a game in a specific area of the special device. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine in which a right is generated when a ball enters and becomes a big hit, a pachinko machine equipped with other accessories, an arrange ball machine, a game machine such as a sparrow ball, and the like.

In addition, a non-bullet type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction is provided, the reels are started to rotate by inserting medals and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. Or, after the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, if a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line that can be seen from the display window, a privilege such as paying out a medal is given to the player. The present invention can also be applied to slot machines.

Further, a pachinko machine and a slot machine equipped with a take-in device, in which a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are taken in by the take-in device and then the start lever is operated to start the rotation of the reel. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which and is fused.

<About the invention group extracted from each of the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the characteristic configurations extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing the effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for the sake of easy understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above-described embodiment are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the parentheses or the like.

<Characteristic A group>
The following feature A group is described in that "a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed and a gaming ball launching means for launching a gaming ball into the gaming area based on a launching operation by a player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out and other benefits are given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", there is an invention that "in the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game." It was made with the problem to be solved.

Features A1. Special information acquisition means (a function to execute information acquisition processing in MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) when a predetermined acquisition condition (entry into the operation port 62a) is satisfied, and
Acquired information storage means (reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604) capable of storing a plurality (for example, four) of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, and
The lottery process is executed by the determination means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) that sequentially determines whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the predetermined determination information (for example, winning information). Function) and
A gaming state in which the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state based on the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information by the determination means. Transition means (a function of executing a game state transition process in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) and
When the special information stored in the acquired information storage means includes a plurality of (for example, three) items corresponding to the transition to the special game state, a predetermined game process (for example, a transition process to the special setting mode) is performed. A gaming machine characterized in that it is equipped with a means for executing (start processing of special display).

According to the feature A1, when a plurality of special information corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state is included, a predetermined gaming process is executed. For example, when there is a plurality of special information corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state, special effects and the like can be performed, which can contribute to further improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is described as "information by the special information acquisition means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) when a predetermined acquisition condition (entry into the operating port 62a) is satisfied. It is stored in the acquisition information storage means (function for executing the acquisition process), the acquisition information storage means (reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604) capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, and the acquisition information storage means. A determination means (a function of executing a lottery process in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for sequentially determining whether or not the special information corresponds to predetermined determination information (for example, winning information), and a determination result by the determination means. Is a gaming state transition means (main control device) that shifts the gaming state to a special gaming state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state based on the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information. When the MPU 602 of 162 (function to execute the process for transition to the gaming state) and the special information stored in the acquired information storage means include a plurality of special information corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state. , A gaming machine characterized in that it is provided with a display effect means for performing a predetermined display effect so as to straddle those special gaming states. "

Feature A2. Special information acquisition means (a function to execute information acquisition processing in MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) when a predetermined acquisition condition (entry into the operation port 62a) is satisfied, and
An acquisition information storage means (reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604) capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, and
The lottery process is executed by the determination means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) that sequentially determines whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the predetermined determination information (for example, winning information). Function) and
A gaming state in which the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state based on the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information by the determination means. It is equipped with a transition means (a function of executing a game state transition process in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162).
As the special game state, the first special game state (open / close execution mode corresponding to the big hit result) and the second special game state (open / close execution corresponding to the special hit result) having a lower advantage for the player than the first special game state. Mode) and
A display effect means (for example, a symbol display device 75) for executing a display effect when the special gaming state is set is provided.
When the display effect means includes a plurality of special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponding to the transition to the second special gaming state, the display effect means is set to the plurality of second special gaming states. A gaming machine characterized by having a means for performing a predetermined display effect so as to straddle.

In the first special gaming state, which has a relatively high degree of advantage, it is possible to improve the degree of attention to the game by performing the display effect according to the first special gaming state. On the other hand, in the second special gaming state where the advantage is relatively low, it is assumed that the effect of improving the attention level is weakened even if the display effect is performed in the second special gaming state of 1. In this respect, as shown in this feature, when a plurality of second special gaming states having low advantages can occur, the second special gaming states are put together to perform a predetermined display effect, as described above. It is possible to appropriately dispel the impression and to improve the degree of attention to the game.

Feature A3. A variable ball entry unit (variable winning device 65) that can be switched between an acceptance state (for example, an allowable state) in which a game ball can enter and a non-acceptance state (for example, a blocking state) in which entry is not possible.
When the special gaming state is reached, the variable ball entry unit is switched between the non-acceptance state and the acceptance state (a function of executing opening / closing processing by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162).
A payout means (for example, a payout device 222) for paying out a game ball to a player based on the ball entering the variable ball entry unit is provided.
In the second special gaming state, the period in which the variable ball-entry portion is in the receiving state is shorter than in the first special gaming state, so that the advantage of the player in the second special gaming state becomes the first special. The gaming machine according to feature A2, which is configured to be lower than the gaming state.

As shown in feature A3, even if the number of game balls that can be acquired in one second special game state is smaller than that in the first special game state, a plurality of second special game states can be gathered to produce a corresponding result. You can expect a ball. Therefore, if a predetermined display effect is performed so as to straddle a plurality of second special gaming states and the configuration is such that switching to the receiving state of the variable ball entry portion is continued, a plurality of second special games are provided. It is possible to appeal the ball ejection in the entire gaming state, and the effect shown in the feature A2 can be suitably exhibited.

Feature A4. The feature A2 or the display effect means is configured to display at least a part of the display effect executed when the first special gaming state is set as the predetermined display effect. Feature The gaming machine described in A3.

According to the feature A4, it is possible to make it appear as if it is in the first special gaming state by a predetermined display effect executed so as to straddle the plurality of second special gaming states. By making it appear as if it is a special gaming state that can actually occur and is a first special gaming state with a high advantage, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the satisfaction of the player.

Feature A5. Any of the features A2 to A4, wherein the predetermined display effect is configured to be recognized by the player as being the same as the display effect executed in the first special gaming state. The gaming machine described in one.

As shown in the feature A5, it is possible to make it appear as if the first special gaming state having a high advantage is obtained by the set of the second special gaming states having a low advantage. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress that the continuation of the second special gaming state becomes a factor that causes dissatisfaction with the fact that the first special gaming state does not occur.

Feature A6. The feature A2 is characterized in that the display effect means has a means for performing a display effect different from the predetermined display effect in the second special gaming state that is not the target of the predetermined display effect. The gaming machine according to any one of the features A5.

When it is not possible to perform a predetermined display effect over a plurality of second special game states, a display effect different from the predetermined display effect is performed for the second special game state of 1, so that a single second special game state can be performed. A clear distinction is made between the special gaming state and the set of the second special gaming states. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to give the impression that the predetermined display effect is merely an effect for the second special gaming state.

Feature A7. Special information acquisition means (a function to execute information acquisition processing in MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) when a predetermined acquisition condition (entry into the operation port 62a) is satisfied, and
An acquisition information storage means (reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604) capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, and
The lottery process is executed by the determination means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) that sequentially determines whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the predetermined determination information (for example, winning information). Function) and
A gaming state in which the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state based on the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information by the determination means. It is equipped with a transition means (a function of executing a game state transition process in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162).
As the special game state, the first special game state (open / close execution mode corresponding to the big hit result) and the second special game state (open / close execution corresponding to the special hit result) having a lower advantage for the player than the first special game state. Mode) and
A display effect means (for example, a symbol display device 75) for executing a display effect when the special gaming state is set is provided.
The display effect means
The first effect means for performing the first display effect when the first special gaming state is reached, and
When the special information stored in the acquired information storage means includes a plurality of pieces corresponding to the transition to the second special gaming state, the second display effect is performed so as to straddle the second special gaming state. The second production means to perform
It has a third effect means for performing a third display effect so as to be individual for each of the second special game states in the second special game state that is out of the target of the second display effect. A gaming machine characterized by that.

According to the feature A7, in the first special gaming state where the advantage is relatively high, the attention to the game can be improved by performing the first display effect according to the first special gaming state. On the other hand, in the second special gaming state where the advantage is relatively low, it is assumed that the effect of improving the attention level is weakened even if the display effect is performed in the second special gaming state of 1. In this respect, as shown in this feature, when a plurality of second special gaming states having low advantages can occur, the second display effect is performed by summarizing the second special gaming states as described above. It is possible to appropriately dispel the impression and to improve the degree of attention to the game. Here, when the second special gaming state is generated independently and is excluded from the target of the second display effect, the third display effect is executed in the second special game state. In this way, by performing the display effect separately for the set and the single unit, when the second display effect is executed, the game gives the impression that it corresponds to a mere set of the second special gaming states. It is possible to make it difficult to give to a person and to preferably exert the above-mentioned effect of improving the degree of attention.

Feature A8. A pattern display means (for example, a main display unit 81) having a display unit (for example, a display unit DR for an operating port) and variably displaying a design on the display unit,
A stop result corresponding to the result of the determination by starting the variable display of the pattern in the pattern display means prior to the determination made by the determination means or based on the determination made by the determination means. Is displayed and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game, and the pattern of each game is variablely displayed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. It is equipped with a game time control means (for example, a function of executing a game time control process by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for controlling the pattern display means.
When the second display effect is performed so as to straddle the preceding second special gaming state and the succeeding second special gaming state, the second effect means serves as an opportunity to shift to the subsequent second special gaming state. The gaming machine according to feature A7, which is characterized in that it is configured to be the target of the second display effect even in the gaming times.

When the second display effect is performed over a plurality of second special gaming states, the game times are intervened between the first second special gaming state and the subsequent second special gaming state. Here, there is a concern that the sense of unity will be reduced if the second display effect is interrupted during the game. In this respect, as shown in this feature, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by the configuration in which the second display effect is continued in the intervening game times. For example, when the variable ball entry section is opened and closed in a special game state, it is common to provide an interval in which the variable ball entry section is closed. It is possible to mimic it as if it were an interval.

The technical idea shown in this feature may be applied to the features A1 to A6. In this case, the configuration shown in this feature is described as "a picture display means having a display unit and variably displaying a picture on the display unit, and the determination means prior to the determination being made by the determination means or by the determination means. Based on the determination, the pattern display means starts the variable display of the pattern, displays the stop result corresponding to the result of the determination, and ends the variable display of the pattern once in the game. The display effect means is provided with a game turn control means for controlling the picture display means so that the picture of each game turn is variably displayed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. In the case where the predetermined display effect is performed so as to straddle the preceding second special gaming state and the succeeding second special gaming state, the game times that trigger the transition to the subsequent second special gaming state are also described above. The gaming machine according to any one of the features A1 to A6, which is characterized in that the predetermined display effect is continued. "

Feature A9. As the variable display period in which the variable display is executed in the game times that triggers the transition to the second special gaming state, the first variable display period and the second variable display period shorter than the first variable display period are It is provided,
The game according to feature A8, which comprises means for setting the second variable display period as the variable display period, at least in the game times that trigger the transition to the subsequent second special game state. Machine.

In order to exert the mimicry function shown in the above feature A8 or the like, the extension of the interval (for example, the variable display period) in the case of the second special gaming state → the game times → the second special gaming state reduces the mimicry function. It can be a factor to cause. Therefore, as shown in this feature, when the second special gaming state continues, the variable display period is set to the second variable display period in order to promptly shift to the subsequent second special gaming state. The occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A10. A variable ball entry unit (variable winning device 65) that can be switched between an acceptance state (for example, an allowable state) in which a game ball can enter and a non-acceptance state (for example, a blocking state) in which entry is not possible.
It is provided with a switching means (a function of executing opening / closing processing by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for switching the variable ball entry unit between the non-acceptance state and the acceptance state when the special gaming state is reached.
In the first special gaming state, the variable ball entry portion is configured to switch to the acceptance state a plurality of times.
The second variable display period is characterized in that it is set to be shorter than the required period until the variable ball entry portion is switched from the acceptance state to the next acceptance state in the first special gaming state. Features The gaming machine according to A9.

According to the feature A10, the variable display period is shorter than the interval between rounds for the game times that trigger the transition to the subsequent second special game state. As a result, the effect shown in the feature A8 can be suitably exerted.

It should be noted that the "second variable display period" shown in this feature is set to be shorter than the required period until the variable ball entry portion is switched from the acceptance state to the next acceptance state in the first special gaming state. "The first variable display period is set to be longer than the required period until the variable ball entry portion is switched from the acceptance state to the next acceptance state in the first special gaming state." The second variable display period is set to be shorter than the required period. "

Feature A11. Even if the special information stored in the acquired information storage means includes a plurality of special information corresponding to the transition to the second special gaming state, the first special gaming state is between the special information. When there is something corresponding to the transition to, the second special gaming state is configured to be the target of the third display effect instead of the second display effect. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature A7 to the feature A10.

As shown in the feature A11, when the second special gaming state → the first special gaming state → the second special gaming state is established, the third display effect is individually performed in the second special gaming state, and the second display is performed. By adopting a configuration in which no effect is performed, the effects shown in the above-mentioned features can be suitably exhibited.

The technical idea shown in this feature may be applied to the features A1 to A6. In this case, the configuration shown in this feature is described as "even if the special information stored in the acquired information storage means includes a plurality of special information corresponding to the transition to the second special gaming state, those special information. When there is something corresponding to the transition to the first special gaming state between the information, a display effect different from the predetermined display effect is executed for each of the second special gaming states. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature A1 to the feature A6. ”.

Feature A12. When a plurality of special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponding to the transition to the second special gaming state are continuously stored in the second effect means, those second special games are stored. The gaming machine according to any one of feature A7 to feature A11, which is configured to perform a second display effect so as to straddle a state.

As shown in the feature A12, if the second display effect is performed when the second special gaming state is continuous, it is possible to prevent the interval from being extended from the second special gaming state to the second special gaming state. be able to. This is a preferable configuration for making it appear as if the plurality of second special gaming states are integrated as shown in the above feature group.

The technical idea shown in this feature may be applied to the features A1 to A6.

<Characteristic B group>
The following feature B group is described in that "a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed and a gaming ball launching means for launching a gaming ball into the gaming area based on a launching operation by a player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out and other benefits are given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", there is an invention that "in the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game." It was made with the problem to be solved.

Feature B1. Special information acquisition means (a function to execute information acquisition processing in MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) when a predetermined acquisition condition (entry into the operation port 62a) is satisfied, and
An acquisition information storage means (reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604) capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, and
The lottery process is executed by the determination means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) that sequentially determines whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the predetermined determination information (for example, winning information). Function) and
A pattern display means (for example, a main display unit 81) having a display unit (for example, a display unit DR for an operating port) and variably displaying a design on the display unit,
A stop result corresponding to the result of the determination by starting the variable display of the pattern in the pattern display means prior to the determination made by the determination means or based on the determination made by the determination means. Is displayed and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game, and the pattern of each game is variablely displayed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. A game time control means for controlling the pattern display means (for example, a function of executing the game time control process by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) and
The game state is shifted to a special game state (for example, open / close execution mode) which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state based on the stop display of the pattern corresponding to the transition to the special game state by the game turn control means. It is equipped with a game state transition means (a function of executing a process for transition to the game state by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162).
As the special game state, the first special game state (open / close execution mode corresponding to the big hit result) and the second special game state (open / close execution corresponding to the special hit result) having a lower advantage for the player than the first special game state. Mode) and
The game times control means has a variable display period setting means for setting a variable display period of a pattern on the display unit.
The variable display period setting means is based on the result of transition to the second special gaming state in the game rounds prior to the game round when the gaming round triggers the transition to the second special gaming state. A gaming machine characterized by being configured to set the variable display period.

When setting a variable display period in the game times that trigger the transition to the second special gaming state, which is set to have a relatively low advantage, it depends on the transition status to the second special gaming state before that. The variable display period is set. For example, when the second special gaming state occurs frequently, it is possible to create a cohesiveness by shortening the variable display period and make it appear as if a cohesive privilege has been obtained. In addition, after creating a unity by a plurality of second special gaming states, for example, even if the second special gaming state continues, it is possible to set a gap by intentionally lengthening the variable display period, and the rhythm of the game progress. Can be changed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the monotonicization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

Feature B2. Special information acquisition means (a function to execute information acquisition processing in MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) when a predetermined acquisition condition (entry into the operation port 62a) is satisfied, and
An acquisition information storage means (reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604) capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, and
The lottery process is executed by the determination means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) that sequentially determines whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the predetermined determination information (for example, winning information). Function) and
A pattern display means (for example, a main display unit 81) having a display unit (for example, a display unit DR for an operating port) and variably displaying a design on the display unit,
A stop result corresponding to the result of the determination by starting the variable display of the pattern in the pattern display means prior to the determination made by the determination means or based on the determination made by the determination means. Is displayed and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game, and the pattern of each game is variablely displayed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. A game time control means for controlling the pattern display means (for example, a function of executing the game time control process by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) and
The game state is shifted to a special game state (for example, open / close execution mode) which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state based on the stop display of the pattern corresponding to the transition to the special game state by the game turn control means. It is equipped with a game state transition means (a function of executing a process for transition to the game state by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162).
As the special game state, the first special game state (open / close execution mode corresponding to the big hit result) and the second special game state (open / close execution corresponding to the special hit result) having a lower advantage for the player than the first special game state. Mode) and
As the normal gaming state, a first normal gaming state and a second normal gaming state in which the transition to the second special gaming state is easier than the first normal gaming state are provided.
The game times control means has a variable display period setting means for setting a variable display period of a pattern on the display unit.
When the variable display period setting means becomes a game round that triggers a transition to the second special gaming state under the situation of the second normal gaming state, the game before the game round. A gaming machine characterized in that the variable display period is set based on the result of transition to the second special gaming state in the times.

When setting a variable display period in the game times that trigger the transition to the second special gaming state, which is set to have a relatively low advantage, it depends on the transition status to the second special gaming state before that. The variable display period is set. In the second normal gaming state, it becomes easy to shift to the second special gaming state. Therefore, for example, when the second special gaming state occurs frequently, it is possible to create a cohesiveness by shortening the variable display period and make it appear as if a cohesive privilege has been obtained. In addition, after creating a unity by a plurality of second special gaming states, for example, even if the second special gaming state continues, it is possible to set a gap by intentionally lengthening the variable display period, and the rhythm of the game progress. Can be changed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the monotonicization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

Feature B3. As the variable display period set in the game times related to the transition to the second special gaming state, a first variable display period and a second variable display period shorter than the first variable display period are provided.
The variable display period setting means is a case where the mode of transition to the second special gaming state in a plurality of gaming times prior to the current gaming round is a predetermined mode, and the gaming round is the second. The description in feature B1 or feature B2, wherein the second variable display period is set as the variable display period of the game times when the transition to the special gaming state is supported. Pachinko machine.

When the mode of transition to the second special gaming state before the game round started this time is the predetermined mode, and when the subsequent game round corresponds to the transition to the second special gaming state. The variable display period is the second variable display period, which is relatively short. As a result, the second special gaming state frequently occurs in a short period of time. With such a configuration, it is possible to make it appear that a plurality of second special game states are occurring in a single block, and it is possible to enhance the sharpness of the game progress.

Feature B4. As the variable display period set in the game times related to the transition to the second special gaming state, a first variable display period and a second variable display period shorter than the first variable display period are provided.
The variable display period setting means is
When the transition mode to the second special gaming state is not a predetermined mode in a plurality of game rounds prior to the current game round, and the game round corresponds to the transition to the second special gaming state. If so, the means for setting the first variable display period as the variable display period of the game times, and
When the mode of transition to the second special gaming state in a plurality of gaming times prior to the current gaming round is a predetermined mode, and the gaming round corresponds to the transition to the second special gaming state. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature B1 to the feature B3, which has a means for setting the second variable display period as the variable display period of the game times. ..

When the mode of transition to the second special gaming state before the game round started this time is the predetermined mode, and when the subsequent game round corresponds to the transition to the second special gaming state. The variable display period is the second variable display period, which is relatively short. As a result, the second special gaming state frequently occurs in a short period of time. With such a configuration, it is possible to make it appear that a plurality of second special game states are occurring in a single block, and it is possible to enhance the sharpness of the game progress.

In addition, when a plurality of second special gaming states are made to appear as one block, a relatively long second variable display period should be set for the game times that trigger the transition to the first second special gaming state. Therefore, the difference between single and collective can be preferably emphasized.

Feature B5. The variable display period setting means is the second special gaming state after the variable display period has changed to a predetermined number of times after the gaming times that are the second variable display period. 2. The gaming machine according to feature B3 or feature B4, characterized in that it has a means for setting the first variable display period as the variable display period of the game times that triggers the transition to the special gaming state.

When the number of times that the second special game state is reached after the game times that have become the second variable display period reaches a predetermined number of times, the variable display period in the subsequent game times becomes the first variable display period. After creating a unity by a plurality of second special game states, for example, even if the second special game state continues, it is possible to set a gap by intentionally lengthening the variable display period to change the rhythm of the game progress. Can be made to. As a result, it is possible to suppress the monotonicization of the game and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

Feature B6. A variable ball entry unit (variable winning device 65) that can be switched between an acceptance state (for example, an allowable state) in which a game ball can enter and a non-acceptance state (for example, a blocking state) in which entry is not possible.
When the first special gaming state and the second special gaming state are reached, the opening / closing process is executed by the switching means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for switching the variable input portion between the non-accepted state and the accepted state. Function to do)
In the first special gaming state, the variable ball entry portion is configured to switch to the acceptance state a plurality of times.
In the second special gaming state, the number of times the variable ball entry unit is switched to the acceptance state is configured to be less than the number of times the variable ball entry unit is switched to the reception state in the first special game state. And
The second variable display period is characterized in that it is set to be shorter than the required period until the variable ball entry portion is switched from the acceptance state to the next acceptance state in the first special gaming state. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature B3 to the feature B5.

When differentiated so that the number of times of opening in the second special gaming state is smaller than that in the first special gaming state, it is as if a plurality of second special gaming states are gathered as if it were the first special gaming state. It is possible to make it look as if it were. In this way, if it is possible to mimic a plurality of second special gaming states into the first special gaming state, a small privilege will be given many times when the second special gaming state, which has a relatively low advantage, occurs frequently. It can be made to appear that a big privilege is given instead of being given, and it can contribute to the improvement of the player's satisfaction. Here, in the case of the second special gaming state → game times → second special gaming state, if the variable display period becomes long, the difference from the first special gaming state becomes conspicuous, and the above mimicry effect cannot be exerted well. Is concerned. In this respect, if the second variable display period set in between as shown in this feature is shorter than the interval in the first special gaming state, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature B7. Described in feature B6, wherein a plurality of periods from the switching of the receiving state to the non-accepting state to the switching to the receiving state of the variable ball-entry portion in the first special gaming state are provided. Pachinko machine.

When embodying the technical idea shown in the feature B6, for example, a game round (off-game) that does not correspond to a transition to a special game state between the previous second special game state and the next second special game state. The possibility that (times) intervenes cannot be denied. If the variable display period is set on the premise that the second special gaming state and the next second special gaming state are continuous, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suppressed. , It is assumed that it will be difficult to increase the chances of demonstrating the mimicry function. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if a plurality of intervals are provided in the first special gaming state, which is a mimicry target, the interval between the second special gaming states is uniquely determined by intervening the off-game times. Even if it becomes difficult, it can be suppressed that it becomes a factor that makes the player feel uncomfortable. This is preferable in increasing the chances of exerting the mimicry function.

Feature B8. In the first special gaming state, the variable display period setting means sets the variable display period of the game times that triggers the transition to the second special gaming state to be the second variable display period. When the maximum number of switching times for switching the variable ball entry unit from the acceptance state to the acceptance state again via the non-acceptance state is reached, the gaming times corresponding to the transition to the second special gaming state are performed thereafter. The gaming machine according to feature B6 or feature B7, characterized in that the first variable display period is set as the variable display period in the game times.

In mimicking a plurality of second special gaming states into a first special gaming state, behavior that exceeds the first special gaming state is a factor that reduces the mimicry function. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the number of times the second variable display period is set is the maximum number of switching times (for example, 16 rounds) in which the variable input portion is switched from the accepted state to the non-accepted state to the accepted state in the first special gaming state. If it reaches 15 times), it is possible to avoid the behavior exceeding the first special game state by setting the first variable display period and leaving a gap in the subsequent game times. This is preferable in order to enhance the mimicry function.

It is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the features B1 to B8.

<Characteristic C group>
The following feature C group is described in that "a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed and a gaming ball launching means for launching a gaming ball into the gaming area based on a launching operation by a player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out and other benefits are given to the player. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In this type of gaming machine, a variable ball-entry unit that can be switched between an accepting state in which a game ball can enter and a non-accepting state in which the ball cannot enter. Regarding the background technology that the game is diversified by switching the variable ball-entry section to the accepting state according to the game situation, etc., "The above-mentioned variable ball-entry section is tentatively. When a ball is jammed or the like, inconveniences such as missing the privilege originally obtained by the player may occur. This is not preferable because it causes a factor of lowering the reliability of the gaming machine. In recent years. Although measures such as monitoring the discharge status of the variable ball entry section have been taken in consideration of such circumstances, there is still room for improvement in the configuration in order to improve the reliability of the gaming machine. It was made with the problem that the invention "" is to be solved.

Features C1. Special information acquisition means (a function to execute information acquisition processing in MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) when a predetermined acquisition condition (entry into the operation port 62a) is satisfied, and
The acquisition information storage means (reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604) capable of storing the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, and
The lottery process is executed by the determination means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) that sequentially determines whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the predetermined determination information (for example, winning information). Function) and
A gaming state in which the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state based on the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information by the determination means. Transition means (a function of executing a game state transition process in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) and
A variable ball entry unit (variable winning device 65) that can be switched between an acceptance state (for example, an allowable state) in which a game ball can enter and a non-acceptance state (for example, a blocking state) in which entry is not possible.
Switching means for switching the variable ball entry unit between the acceptance state and the non-acceptance state (a function of executing opening / closing processing by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) in the special gaming state.
A monitoring means for monitoring the entry and exit of a game ball in the variable entry section (a function of executing monitoring processing by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) and
When it is determined by the monitoring means that the number of inflows to the variable ball entry section and the number of outflows from the variable ball entry section do not match, an abnormality process (for example, abnormality notification) is executed. It is equipped with means (a function of executing a process for anomaly notification in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162).
The monitoring means is
When the period from the end of the previous special gaming state to the start of the subsequent special gaming state is longer than a predetermined period, the first monitoring means (first monitoring process) for monitoring each of the special gaming states. Function to execute) and
When the period from the end of the previous special gaming state to the start of the subsequent special gaming state is shorter than the predetermined period, the second monitoring means (second monitoring process) for monitoring the special gaming state is performed. A gaming machine characterized by having a function to execute).

According to the feature C1, the inflow / outflow status to the variable entry portion is monitored in the special gaming state. When performing the abnormality handling based on the monitoring result, it is preferable to determine the timing for determining whether or not the above-mentioned abnormality handling is possible in consideration of the movement of the game ball in the variable ball entry portion. Specifically, in order to improve the reliability of the gaming machine, it is preferable to give a certain amount of grace before deciding whether or not to handle the abnormality.

Here, when the period until the next special gaming state is started is longer than the predetermined period, the monitoring function can be suitably enhanced by performing monitoring → determination for each special gaming state. On the other hand, if the period until the next special gaming state is started is shorter than the predetermined period, the following events may occur. That is, if the next special gaming state is started at a timing before the lapse of a predetermined period, the number of inflows and the number of outflows may not match because the ball may enter the variable entry section. There is. Therefore, if the determination is made at the original timing, there is a possibility that the abnormal processing is erroneously executed. In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, when the next special gaming state is started, the monitoring is extended so as to lead to the next special gaming state, and the monitoring is performed through those plurality of special gaming states. This will be done, and the decision on whether or not to handle the abnormality will be postponed. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed, and the reliability of the gaming machine can be suitably improved.

Further, even on the premise that monitoring is performed for each special gaming state, it is possible to avoid restrictions on the interval between the special gaming states in order to secure the monitoring function. This is preferable in order to suitably improve the degree of freedom in the progress of the game.

In addition, the configuration related to the "monitoring means" shown in this feature is "when the period from the end of the previous special gaming state to the start of the later special gaming state is longer than the predetermined period. , The determination is made when the first determination means for performing the determination for each of the special gaming states and the period from the end of the previous special gaming state to the start of the subsequent special gaming state are shorter than the predetermined period. It is also possible to have a second determination means for collectively performing the above in the special gaming state. "

Feature C2. Special information acquisition means (a function to execute information acquisition processing in MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) when a predetermined acquisition condition (entry into the operation port 62a) is satisfied, and
The acquisition information storage means (reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604) capable of storing the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, and
The lottery process is executed by the determination means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) that sequentially determines whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the predetermined determination information (for example, winning information). Function) and
A gaming state in which the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state based on the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information by the determination means. Transition means (a function of executing a game state transition process in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) and
A variable ball entry unit (variable winning device 65) that can be switched between an acceptance state (for example, an allowable state) in which a game ball can enter and a non-acceptance state (for example, a blocking state) in which entry is not possible.
Switching means for switching the variable ball entry unit between the acceptance state and the non-acceptance state (a function of executing opening / closing processing by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) in the special gaming state.
The entry / exit of the game ball in the variable entry section is monitored, and when a predetermined period has elapsed after the variable entry section is switched to the non-accepting state by the switching means, the variable entry section is entered. A monitoring means (a function of executing monitoring processing by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for determining whether or not the number of inflows of game balls and the number of outflows of game balls from the variable entry unit match.
When it is determined by the monitoring means that the number of inflows and the number of outflows do not match, the abnormality processing executing means (for example, the abnormality notification) that executes the abnormality processing (for example, the abnormality notification) is notified by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162. With the function to execute the processing for
The monitoring means is
When the period from the end of the previous special gaming state to the start of the subsequent special gaming state is longer than the predetermined period, the first monitoring means (first monitoring) that performs the monitoring for each of the special gaming states. Function to execute processing) and
When the period from the end of the previous special gaming state to the start of the subsequent special gaming state is shorter than the predetermined period, the second monitoring means (second monitoring process) for monitoring through the special gaming states. A gaming machine characterized by having a function) and.

According to the feature C2, the inflow / outflow status to the variable entry portion is monitored in the special gaming state. When performing the abnormality handling based on the monitoring result, it is preferable to determine the timing for determining whether or not the above-mentioned abnormality handling is possible in consideration of the movement of the game ball in the variable ball entry portion. Specifically, in order to improve the reliability of the gaming machine, it is preferable to give a certain amount of grace before deciding whether or not to handle the abnormality.

Here, when the period until the next special gaming state is started is longer than the predetermined period, the monitoring function can be suitably enhanced by performing monitoring → determination for each special gaming state. On the other hand, if the period until the next special gaming state is started is shorter than the predetermined period, the following events may occur. That is, if the next special gaming state is started at a timing before the lapse of a predetermined period, the number of inflows and the number of outflows may not match because the ball may enter the variable entry section. There is. Therefore, if the determination is made at the original timing, there is a possibility that the abnormal processing is erroneously executed. In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, when the next special gaming state is started, the monitoring is extended so as to lead to the next special gaming state, and the monitoring is performed through those plurality of special gaming states. This will be done, and the decision on whether or not to handle the abnormality will be postponed. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed, and the reliability of the gaming machine can be suitably improved.

Further, even on the premise that monitoring is performed for each special gaming state, it is possible to avoid restrictions on the interval between the special gaming states in order to secure the monitoring function. This is preferable in order to suitably improve the degree of freedom in the progress of the game.

In addition, the configuration related to the "monitoring means" shown in this feature is "when the period from the end of the previous special gaming state to the start of the later special gaming state is longer than the predetermined period. , The determination is made when the first determination means for performing the determination for each of the special gaming states and the period from the end of the previous special gaming state to the start of the subsequent special gaming state are shorter than the predetermined period. It is also possible to have a second determination means for collectively performing the above in the special gaming state. "

Feature C3. The normal gaming state has a first normal gaming state and a second normal gaming state in which a determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information is more likely to be obtained than the first normal gaming state.
In the second monitoring means, the period from the end of the previous special gaming state to the start of the subsequent special gaming state is longer than the predetermined period under the situation of the second normal gaming state. The gaming machine according to feature C1 or feature C2, characterized in that the monitoring is performed through these special gaming states when the time is short.

The problem related to the monitoring function shown in the feature C1 or the like occurs when the transition to the special gaming state occurs continuously in a short period of time. Therefore, as shown in this feature, it is possible to appropriately exert the effect by configuring the monitoring across the special gaming state when passing through the second normal gaming state in which the transition to the special gaming state is likely to occur. can.

Feature C4. As the special game state, there are a first special game state (open / close execution mode corresponding to a big hit result) and a second special game state (open / close execution mode corresponding to a special hit result) having a higher transition probability than the first special game state. It is provided,
The required period in the case of the second special gaming state is shorter than the required period in the case of the first special gaming state and can be shorter than the predetermined period.
When the second special gaming state continuously shifts to the second special gaming state, the second monitoring means monitors through the second special gaming state, and the determination of the number of inflows and the number of outflows is at least a series of second. The gaming machine according to any one of feature C1 to feature C3, which is configured to be delayed until the end of the special gaming state.

The problem related to the monitoring function shown in the feature C1 or the like occurs when the transition to the special gaming state occurs continuously in a short period of time. Therefore, as shown in this feature, when the game continuously shifts to the second special game state, the number of inflows / outflows is not determined in each second special game state, and a series of second special games is performed. By making the configuration delayed until the state ends, the monitoring function shown in the feature C1 can be suitably exhibited.

Feature C5. A payout means (for example, a payout device 222) for paying out a game ball to a player based on the ball entering the variable ball entry unit is provided.
The gaming machine according to feature C4, characterized in that, in the second special gaming state, the number of gaming balls that can be acquired is smaller than that in the first special gaming state.

Although the number of game balls that can be acquired in the second special game state is small, the number of balls held can be increased by the frequent occurrence of the second special game state. In other words, by using the first special game state, which has a relatively low probability of occurrence but has a large privilege, and the second special game state, which has a relatively high probability of occurrence but has a small privilege that can be obtained independently, a variety of games can be played. Can be suitably realized. However, if an attempt is made to shorten the generation cycle of the second special gaming state, the inconvenience shown in the feature C1 is likely to occur. Therefore, by applying the technical idea shown in the feature C1 or the like to this type of gaming machine, it is possible to suitably achieve both diversification of gaming and improvement of reliability of the gaming machine.

Feature C6. A pattern display means (for example, a main display unit 81) having a display unit (for example, a display unit DR for an operating port) and variably displaying a design on the display unit,
A stop result corresponding to the result of the determination by starting the variable display of the pattern in the pattern display means prior to the determination made by the determination means or based on the determination made by the determination means. Is displayed and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game, and the pattern of each game is variablely displayed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. It is equipped with a game time control means (for example, a function of executing a game time control process by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for controlling the pattern display means.
The game state transition means shifts the game state based on the stop display of the pattern corresponding to the shift to the special game state by the game turn control means.
The game times control means has a variable display period setting means for setting a variable display period of a pattern on the display unit.
As the variable display period set in the game times related to the transition to the second special gaming state, a first variable display period and a second variable display period shorter than the first variable display period are provided.
When the variable display period setting means becomes a game round that triggers the transition to the second special gaming state, the transition result of the transition to the second special gaming state in the game rounds prior to the game round. The gaming machine according to any one of the features C1 to C5, characterized in that the second variable display period is set as the variable display period in the case of.

When setting a variable display period in the game times that trigger the transition to the second special gaming state, which is set to have a relatively low advantage, it depends on the transition status to the second special gaming state before that. The variable display period is set. For example, when the second special gaming state occurs frequently, it is possible to create a cohesiveness by shortening the variable display period and make it appear as if a cohesive privilege has been obtained. When an attempt is made to generate such a flow, the interval between the second special gaming states (variable display period in the gaming times) becomes short, and the problem shown in feature C1 occurs. Therefore, by applying the technical idea shown in the feature C1 or the like to the configuration shown in the present feature, a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

Feature C7. The predetermined period is equal to or shorter than the period from the acceptance state to the non-acceptance state and the acceptance state again in the first special gaming state. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature C1 to the feature C6.

According to the feature C7, the behavior of the variable ball entry portion in the case of the second special gaming state → the game times → the second special game state can be made closer to the behavior of the variable ball entry section in the first special game state. In such a configuration, when the second special gaming state is continuous, it is possible to mimic the first special gaming state which is advantageous to the player. However, if the second special game state is to occur frequently, it is assumed that the interval between the special game states becomes extremely short, and a sufficient period for ejecting the game ball from the variable entry portion cannot be secured. Will be done. On the other hand, if the interval (variable display period, etc.) is set long in order to secure the period required for emission, the above mimicry becomes difficult to realize. If the technical idea shown in the feature C1 or the like is applied to such a configuration, it becomes possible to relax the restrictions related to the interval while improving the reliability of the game, and a plurality of second specials can be applied. It is possible to suitably realize a mimicry function that makes a set of gaming states appear as if it were the first special gaming state.

It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the above-mentioned feature A group to feature B group to the feature C1 to the feature C7.

<Feature D>
The following feature D group is described in that "a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed and a gaming ball launching means for launching a gaming ball into the gaming area based on a launching operation by a player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out and other benefits are given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", there is an invention that "in the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game." It was made with the problem to be solved.

Feature D1. A lottery means (a function of executing the lottery process by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for performing a lottery as to whether or not to generate a special game state (for example, open / close execution mode), and
A pattern display means (design display device 75) having a display screen (display screen 75a) and capable of variablely displaying a pattern on the display screen, and
Display control means (for example, notification / effect control device 143 and display control device 710) that variablely display the pattern on the display screen and stop and display the pattern according to the lottery result of the lottery means.
When the lottery result by the lottery means is the winning result corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state, the transition means for shifting the gaming state to the special gaming state after the pattern is stopped and displayed by the display control means ( It is equipped with a function to execute the game state transition process in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162).
The display control means returns to the special gaming state by stopping and displaying a pattern set in response to the transition to the special gaming state in the first display area (first display area ME1) of the display screen. In the first notification means for notifying the transition and the second display area (second display area ME2) of the display screen, the pattern set corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state is stopped and displayed. As a result, it has a second notification means for notifying the transition to the special gaming state, and it is possible to perform notification by the first notification means and notification by the second notification means in parallel. ,
The special game state includes a first special game state (open / close execution mode corresponding to a special hit result) and a second special game state (open / close execution mode corresponding to a big hit result) which is more advantageous to the player than the first special game state. Is provided,
The first notification means has means for stopping and displaying a pattern corresponding to the transition to the first special gaming state and the transition to the second special gaming state.
The second notifying means includes a means for stopping and displaying the first symbol corresponding to the transition to the first special gaming state, and a means for stopping and displaying the second symbol corresponding to the transition to the second special gaming state. Have,
A decorative part (decorative LF) located in front of the display screen is provided.
A gaming machine characterized in that at least a part of the second display area is provided behind the decorative portion.

According to the feature D1, it is possible to identify whether it is the first special gaming state or the second special gaming state by checking the pattern that is stopped and displayed in the second display area. However, since at least a part of the second display area is hidden behind the decorative portion, it is difficult to identify the second display area only when viewed from the front. With such a configuration, it is difficult to immediately determine which special gaming state it is, while leaving room for confirmation as to whether it is the first special gaming state or the second special gaming state. The diversification of games can be suitably realized.

Feature D2. The gaming machine according to feature D1, wherein the first display area is provided in the center of the display screen, and the second display area is provided in a corner of the display screen.

In a configuration in which a part of the display area is covered with decoration as shown in the feature D1, it is assumed that if it becomes excessively conspicuous, it tends to give the impression that it is troublesome to the player. Therefore, by providing a second display area at a corner of the display screen and arranging the decoration so as to overlap the corner, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature D3. The display control means is configured to stop and display the pattern combination corresponding to the lottery result in the second display area.
A part of the first symbol combination corresponding to the transition to the first special gaming state and the second symbol combination corresponding to the transition to the second special gaming state are configured to be common. ,
The feature D1 or the decorative portion is configured such that a portion that is not common between the first pattern combination and the second pattern combination is displayed in the second display area. Feature The gaming machine described in D2.

A common part and a non-common part are provided in the first pattern combination corresponding to the transition to the first special gaming state and the second pattern combination corresponding to the transition to the second special gaming state, and the non-common part is the decoration part. Covered by. In this way, it is preferable to make the portion covered by the decorative portion as small as possible in order to achieve the coexistence of the decorative portion and the pattern display means.

It is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in the above-mentioned feature A group to feature C group to the feature D1 to the feature D3.

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

Pachinko gaming machine: An operating means operated by a player (game ball launching handle 41), a gaming ball launching means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operating means (game ball launching mechanism 110), and the firing thereof. It is provided with a ball passage (guide passage 103 of the guide rail 100, etc.) that guides the game ball to a predetermined game area (game area PE), and each game part (nails, etc.) arranged in the game area, and each of these game parts. A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion (general winning opening 61, etc.).

Revolving gaming machine such as a slot machine: Equipped with a variable display means that displays a variable display of a symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols and then displays the final stop display of the symbol sequence, and the symbol variation starts due to the operation of the starting operation means. This is a special game that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means or after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

Ball-using belt-type gaming machine: Equipped with a variable display means that displays a variable display of a symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols and then displays the final stop display of the symbol sequence. A special gaming state (bonus) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means or the predetermined time elapses and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. A throwing device that is provided with a ball tray to generate a game, etc., and is provided with a throwing device that takes in a game ball from the ball tray and a payout device that pays out the game ball to the ball tray. A gaming machine configured so that the operation of the starting operation means becomes effective when the gaming ball is thrown in.

10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 41 ... Game ball launch handle, 60 ... Game board, 63 ... Right-hand side operation entry part as a ball entry part, 65 ... Variable winning device as a variable entry part, 75 ... Picture display Symbol display device as means, 75a ... Display screen as display unit, 81 ... Main display unit, 110 ... Game ball launch mechanism as game ball launching means, 162 ... Main control device, 191 ... Power supply / launch control device, 402 ... Large winning opening, 403 ... Shutter, 404 ... Variable ball entry drive unit constituting switching means, 391d ... Upstream detection sensor, 391e ... Downstream detection sensor, 602 ... MPU, 604 ... RAM, 632 ... Hold ball storage area , PE ... Game area.

Claims (1)

Special information acquisition means for acquiring special information when predetermined acquisition conditions are met, and
An acquisition information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, and an acquisition information storage means.
A determination means for sequentially determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the predetermined determination information.
The determination result by the determination means becomes the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information, and when the predetermined transition condition is satisfied, the gaming state transition means for shifting the gaming state to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the predetermined gaming state. When,
A display device with a display screen and
A display control means for controlling the display of the display device is provided.
As the special gaming state, a first special gaming state and a second special gaming state, which is less advantageous to the player than the first special gaming state, are provided.
The display control means is
A means for performing display control by notifying game information on the display screen and executing a display effect on the display screen when the first special game state is set .
At least a part of the display effect that is executed on the display screen when the first special game state is set and changes in a predetermined mode as the game progresses is predetermined under a predetermined situation. As a means to control the display so that it can be executed as a display effect of
Have,
The predetermined display effect can be executed so as to straddle a plurality of second special gaming states including the second special gaming state and another second special gaming state succeeding the second special gaming state. A gaming machine characterized by being .

Images