JP7196956B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines have a game board on which a game area is formed and game ball shooting means for shooting game balls to the game area based on a shooting operation by a player. When the game balls fired from the game ball launching means enter the ball entry section provided in the game area, a privilege such as a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP-A-2002-78904

In the gaming machine of the type described above, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to increase the degree of attention paid to the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of favorably increasing attention to games.

Means for solving the above problems will be described below.

The present invention
a game board on which a game area is formed;
A starting ball entry means provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball;
information acquiring means for acquiring special information based on the ball entering the starting ball entering means;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Lottery means for performing a lottery lottery based on the special information stored in the obtained information storage means;
a means for switching the game state according to the result of the lottery by the lottery means,
Predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball;
granting means for granting a predetermined number of game values when a ball enters the predetermined ball-entering means;
a pattern display means having a display screen and capable of variably displaying a pattern on the display screen;
and a display control means for performing display control of the pattern display means,
The display control means is
display mode switching means for switching the display mode of the pattern display means in accordance with the game state;
When the display mode is a special mode, it is possible to execute a specific notification on the display screen when the predetermined number of game values are awarded based on the ball entering the predetermined ball entry means. a specific notification means ,
When the ball entering the predetermined ball entering means continues, and when the specific announcement is made in the prescribed area corresponding to the later entering ball, the specific announcement in the prescribed area corresponding to the earlier entering ball is performed . Means capable of changing the display area of the specific notification corresponding to the previous ball entry so that the
characterized by comprising

It is possible to preferably improve the degree of attention to the game.

1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a pachinko machine in an expanded state; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a pachinko machine in an expanded state; FIG. It is a front view showing the configuration of the game board unit. It is a front view which shows a game area formation body. It is the schematic which shows the flow-down aspect of a game ball. It is a front view which shows a back block. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4; (a) A partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 8, and (b) a partial cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 9(a). 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a pachinko machine; FIG. It is an explanatory view for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. It is an explanatory view for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. It is an explanatory view for explaining the contents of various counters used for winning or losing lottery. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing performed by MPU of a main control unit. 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing executed by the MPU of the main controller; It is a flowchart which shows game state transition processing. It is a flow chart which shows big winning a prize mouth opening and closing processing. It is a flowchart which shows the position control process performed by MPU of an alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus. It is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game state and the position of the symbol display device. (a) A flowchart showing a display mode switching process executed by the MPU of the notification/production control device, (b) a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game state and the display mode. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of display in each display mode; FIG. It is a flow chart showing a winning notification process for the upper general winning opening, which is executed by the MPU of the notification/production control device. (a) A schematic diagram showing the flow of winning notification during single winning, (b) A schematic diagram showing the flow of winning notification during continuous winning. It is a timing chart showing the flow of winning notification. It is a flow chart showing a winning notification process corresponding to the lower general winning opening, which is executed by the MPU of the notification/production control device. (a) A schematic diagram showing the flow of winning notification during single winning, (b) A schematic diagram showing the flow of winning notification during continuous winning. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a display screen showing an outline of winning notification in the second embodiment; FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing the flow of winning notification when winning consecutively. It is a schematic diagram showing a game board unit in the fourth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the game board unit.

<First embodiment>
A first embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as a "pachinko machine"), which is a type of game machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 2, the configuration inside the game area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for the sake of convenience.

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

The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting plate materials on four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility. Note that the pachinko machine 10 does not have to have the outer frame 11, and the pachinko machine 10 may be provided with the outer frame 11 on the island facilities of the game hall.

The gaming machine main section 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. Specifically, an upper supporting metal fitting 17 is fixed to a connecting portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a lower support bracket 17 is fixed to a connecting portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion of the outer frame 11. A side support fitting 18 is provided. A support mechanism is constituted by these upper support metal fittings 17 and lower support metal fittings 18, and the main part 12 of the game machine rotates to the outer frame 11 with respect to the pachinko machine 10 as viewed from the front. , and can be rotated forward of the pachinko machine 10 with the right side as the leading end of the rotation (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

As shown in FIG. 2, the main part 12 of the game machine includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack arranged behind the inner frame 13. a unit 15; In addition, the inner frame 13 of the game machine main portion 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11 . More specifically, the inner frame 13 can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side in a front view.

A 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 a front view. In addition, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable backward with the left side as the rotation base end and the right side as the rotation tip side in front view ( See Figure 3).

(Front door frame 14)
Next, the front door frame 14 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a frame body 20 made of synthetic resin whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers substantially 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 20 so that substantially the entire game area PE, which will be described later, can be visually recognized from the front. It is closed from the rear side of the front door frame 14.例文帳に追加

The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23 . A partition portion is formed in the glass holder to partition the holding area of the glass panel 23 in the front and rear direction, and the two glass panels 23 face each other in the front and rear direction with the partition portion interposed therebetween. In other words, by securing a predetermined gap between both glass panels 23, interference between the glass panels 23 is avoided, and the glass panels 23 doubly cover the game area PE from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.例文帳に追加state.

It should be noted that it is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20 . Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and security, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and to face each glass panel in the front and rear with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to employ a transparent synthetic resin panel member in place 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, along the periphery of the window portion 21, an annular decorative portion 26 containing light emitting means such as an LED is provided. The annular illumination portion 26 lights up or flashes according to changes in the game state such as when a big win is made or when a predetermined reach is reached. Further, an error display lamp part 27 is provided at the top of the pachinko machine 10 at the center of the annular illumination part 26 and lights up when a predetermined error occurs. A ball ramp portion 28 is provided. In addition, speaker units 29 are provided at positions close to the left and right winning ball lamp units 28 for outputting sound effects and the like according to the game state.

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

An operation button 35 to be operated by a player is arranged in a portion of the upper bulging portion 31 which is closer to the front side than the upper plate 33 . When the operation button 35 is operated, an effect corresponding to the operation (for example, a special effect linked to the character object) or the like is performed.

A game ball shooting handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower swelling portion 32 so as to protrude forward. By operating the game ball shooting handle 41, a game ball is shot from a game ball shooting mechanism which will be described later.

A passage forming unit 45 is attached to the rear surface of the front door frame 14 as shown in FIG. The passage forming unit 45 is molded of synthetic resin and has a front door side upper tray passage leading to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage leading to the lower tray 34 . In the passage forming unit 45, a receptacle projecting rearward and open upward is formed at an upper corner of the passage forming unit 45, and the receptacle is divided into left and right by a partition wall to form the entrance of the front door side upper tray passage. A section and an entrance section of the front door side lower tray passage are partitioned. A game ball entering the front door side upper tray passage is guided to the upper tray 33, and a game ball entering the front door side lower tray passage is guided to the lower tray 34.例文帳に追加

Projection shafts are provided at the upper end and the lower end of the rear surface of the front door frame 14 on the rotation base end side. These projecting 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 in parallel in the vertical direction on the front end side of the rotation on the back surface of the front door frame 14 . These hooks 49 constitute a locking mechanism for the inner frame 13 .

(Inner frame 13)
Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 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 slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11 . The resin base 50 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11 , and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 50 . A curtain plate is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The curtain board is arranged below the resin base 50 (specifically, its lower end), and when the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the resin base 50 is placed on the curtain board. .

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

Insertion holes for inserting hook fittings 49 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 are provided on the front surface of the resin base 50 on the front end side of the rotation. In the pachinko machine 10, as shown in FIG. 3, a locking device 55 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden behind the inner frame 13. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the front door frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 so that the front door frame 14 cannot be opened by engaging the hook fitting 49 with the locking device 55 (specifically, the front door hook receiving member) through the insertion hole. The locking device 55 also has an inner frame hook member 57 extending rearward of the inner frame 13 . By hooking these inner frame hook members 57 on the hook receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11 , the main part 12 of the game machine is locked with respect to the outer frame 11 in a closed state.

A cylinder lock 58 for unlocking the locking device 55 is installed at the lower right corner of the resin base 50 . The cylinder lock 58 is integrated with the locking device 55. When the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 is turned clockwise, the front door frame 14 is unlocked from the inner frame 13, and the key is inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58. The locking device 55 is configured to unlock the inner frame 13 from the outer frame 11 when the key is turned to the left.

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 behind by a game board unit 60 attached to the resin base 50 .

(Game board unit 60)
The game board unit 60 includes a game area formation body 60a in which a game area PE is formed on the front side, in which game balls flow down. , a decorative member capable of emitting light, etc.) are mounted on the base body 90 and integrated with the back block 60b. The game area forming body 60a is made of a transparent synthetic resin material (specifically, FRP), and the front portion of the back block 60b is visible through the game area forming body 60a.

As already explained, the game area PE is covered with the glass unit 22 (specifically, the glass panel 23 on the rear side). The glass unit 22 is arranged so that the gap between the rear side glass panel 23 and the front surface of the game area forming body 60a is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game ball flowing down the game area PE are arranged so as not to line up in front and back at the same location. This suppresses ball clogging in the game area PE. The game area forming body 60a may be made of a transparent synthetic resin material, for example, acrylic.

Hereinafter, the game board unit 60 (particularly various configurations arranged in the game area PE of the game area formation body 60a) will be described based on FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board unit 60. FIG. In FIG. 4, part of the configuration that can be visually recognized through the game area forming body 60a is also indicated by dashed lines, chain lines, etc., so that the appearance of the game board unit 60 is similar to that of the actual game board unit 60. As shown in FIG.

The game area forming body 60a is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its thickness direction (front-rear direction). These openings are provided with a general prize winning port 61, operation ball entry portions (lottery trigger ball entry portions) 62 and 63, a variable prize winning device 64, a through gate 65, and the like. When a game ball enters the ball entry portion such as the general winning port 61, the operating ball entry portions 62, 63, and the variable prize winning device 64, the game ball is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) provided corresponding to each ball entry portion. is detected, and based on the detection result, a privilege such as a predetermined number of prize balls (distribution of game balls) is given to the player. In addition, an out port 67 is provided at the lowest part of the game area PE, and game balls that do not enter various ball-entering portions are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 67 . The game balls discharged from the game area PE pass through a recovery passage provided on the back side of the game area forming body 60a and a discharge passage provided below the resin base 50 (below the game area forming body 60a). Then, it is returned to the island facility of the game hall. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the entry of a game ball into the out hole 67, the entry of a game ball into the general winning hole 61, the operating ball entering sections 62 and 63, and the variable winning device 64 is referred to as "winning". ” is also expressed.

On the front side of the game area forming body 60a, a large number of game nails 68 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game balls, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill 69 are arranged. is set. These game pegs 68, windmills 69 and other structures divide the game ball downflow paths, and are adjusted so that the above-described general prize winning openings 61 and the like will win prizes with an appropriate probability.

The windmill 69 shown in the present embodiment has a built-in luminous body, and the windmill 69 emits light of a predetermined color by the light from the luminous body. Specifically, the game balls that have reached the pinwheel 69 are distributed to the left and right as the pinwheel 69 rotates. The windmill 69 is provided with a converter that converts the rotational energy of the windmill 69 into electrical energy and supplies it to the light emitter, and the windmill 69 emits light using the weight and kinetic energy of the game ball.

When the windmill 69 rotates in a predetermined direction and when it rotates in the opposite direction, the game balls are distributed to different destinations by the windmill 69, and the degree of advantage differs depending on the destination. The luminous color of the luminous body when rotated in a predetermined direction is different from the luminous color of the luminous body when rotated in the opposite direction. In this way, the pinwheel 69 emits light in conjunction with the motion of the game ball, and furthermore, by changing the light emission mode (light emission color) according to the allocation destination, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of attention to the motion of the game ball. .

The variable display unit 91 that constitutes the back block 60b faces the game area forming body 60a behind the central portion of the game area forming body 60a. One of the operating ball entry portions 62 and 63 is arranged at a position in front of the variable display unit 91, that is, in the center of the game area PE, and a position below the upper operating ball entry portion 62, More specifically, the other is arranged at a position where overlapping with the variable display unit 91 is avoided in the front-rear direction. In the following description, of these two working ball sections 62 and 63, the upper working ball section 62 will be referred to as the "upper working ball section 62," and the lower working ball section 63 will be referred to as the "lower working ball section." 63”.

The lower operating ball entry portion 63 is provided with an electric accessory 66 as an opening/closing type ball entry assisting device (ball entry assisting means) or an opening/closing member (opening/closing means). The electric accessory 66 has a pair of left and right movable pieces and a solenoid-type drive unit for driving the movable pieces. It is possible to switch between an open state (assisted state) in which a ball can be entered into 63 and a closed state (non-assisted state) in which the same ball cannot be entered.

The through gate 65 is arranged at a position upstream of the lower operating ball entry portion 63 in the game area PE. When winning the lottery triggered by the passage of the game ball through the through gate 65, the electric accessary 66 is switched from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time, and the lower operation ball entering portion 63 is entered. Ball is allowed.

As the support mode by the electric accessory 66, the low frequency support mode and the low frequency support mode make it easier for the ball to enter the lower operation ball portion 63 (easy to open or during the open state is long) and a high frequency support mode are provided. When the high-frequency support mode is set, compared with the case of the low-frequency support mode, it is possible to proceed with the game while suppressing the decrease in the number of balls in hand, which is advantageous for the player.

In addition, when a ball is entered into the upper operating ball entering portion 62, three game balls are paid out, and when a ball is entered into the lower operating ball entering portion 63, four games are played. Although balls are put out, the number of game balls to be put out is not limited to the above. However, in order to increase the advantage of the lower working ball entry portion 63 with respect to the upper working ball entry portion 62, the number of payouts related to the lower working ball entry portion 63 is set larger than the number of payouts related to the upper working ball entering portion 62. preferably.

The variable winning device (special ball entry device or special ball entry means) 64 is formed with a large winning opening leading to the back side of the game area forming body 60a, and an opening/closing member (opening/closing means) for opening and closing the large winning opening. ) is provided. The opening/closing door can be switched between an open state (assisted state) in which entry of a game ball is possible or facilitated, and a closed state (non-assisted state) in which entry of a game ball is impossible or difficult. In addition, the opening and closing door is connected to a variable prize winning driving unit (more specifically, a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game area forming body 60a. In the case of winning the transition to the opening and closing execution mode (opening and closing execution state) (jackpot: when winning the transition to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state) so that it can be switched to the open state. It's becoming

Here, the open/close execution mode is a mode to be shifted to when a jackpot is won. As for the manner in which the variable winning device 64 is opened in the opening/closing execution mode, for example, the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or the winning of a predetermined number of prizes (for example, 10) is regarded as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, 16 rounds) is set as the upper limit. It is set so that the open/close door is repeatedly opened.

Here, a supplementary description of the variable display unit 91 will be given. The variable display unit 91 has a symbol display device 92 that variably displays (variably displays) symbols triggered by the winning of the operative ball entry portions 62 and 63 . The pattern display device 92 is configured as a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display, and its display contents are controlled by a display control device which will be described later. On the display screen 92a of the pattern display device 92, for example, patterns are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right, and these patterns are variably displayed by being scrolled vertically. When a jackpot is won, the symbols are stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination (predetermined pattern combination) on a preset effective line, and the opening/closing execution mode (special game state or jackpot) is displayed. ). The pattern display device 92 does not necessarily have to be a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix display device or a 7-segment type display device.

At the right end of the game area forming body 60a, a game area partitioning member 76 that partitions and forms the game area PE together with a guide rail 100, which will be described later, is arranged. A stopper member with which a game ball flying along the guide rail 100 collides is arranged in the game area partitioning member 76 . The stopper member is a buffer member arranged near the tip of the guide rail 100, and the game ball that collides with the stopper member is weakened and then flows down the game area PE. In other words, the stopper member is provided with a force reducing function for weakening the force of the game ball that collides with it.

A rail cover that covers the guide rail 100 (outer rail 102) from the side is provided at the left end of the game area forming body 60a, and the guide rail 100 is protected by this rail cover. A main display unit 77 is embedded in the rail cover, and a part of the main display unit 77 is arranged to face the glass unit 22 . A main display portion D on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided in the facing portion. The main display unit 77 is electrically connected to a main control device, which will be described later, and the content displayed on the main display section D is controlled by the main control device.

In the main display part D, there is an upper working entrance display part that displays the lottery result based on the winning in the upper working entrance part 62 (upper working opening), and a lower working opening ball part 63 (lower working opening). and a display portion for the lower opening for displaying the result of the lottery performed based on the winning of the prize.

In the display unit for the upper operation opening, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the upper operation ball entrance portion 62 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variable display, the display is performed based on the winning of the upper operation ball entrance portion 62. The results of the internal lottery will be clearly indicated. When the result of the internal lottery based on the prize winning to the upper operation ball entrance portion 62 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode, the fluctuation display is stopped in the display portion for the upper operation opening, and the stop result After a predetermined pattern is displayed as , the mode shifts to the opening/closing execution mode.

In the display unit for the lower operation opening, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning to the lower operation ball entering portion 63 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variable display, it is based on the winning to the lower operation ball entering portion 63. The results of the internal lottery that took place are specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on the prize winning to the lower operation entrance part 63 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the opening and closing execution mode, the display part for the lower operation opening stops the fluctuation display and stops. As a result, after the predetermined pattern is displayed, the opening/closing execution mode is entered.

Here, based on winning a prize in one of the operation entrance parts 62, 63, the corresponding operation opening display part starts a variable display, displays a predetermined stop result, and until the variable display is stopped ( Specifically, the period until the final display of the game result is completed) corresponds to one game cycle. However, one game round is not limited to the above contents. 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 cycle is continued until the variable display is stopped while a predetermined stop result is displayed. It is also possible to set it to once.

In addition, the main display portion D of the main display unit 77 is provided with a through-gate display portion for displaying the lottery result based on the winning of the through-gate 65, in addition to the above-described operation port display portion. In the through-gate display unit, the winning of the through-gate 65 triggers the variable display of the pattern, and as a result of stopping the variable display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through-gate 65 is clearly indicated. be done. When the result of the internal lottery based on the prize winning to the through gate 65 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric duty open state, the predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display unit and the variable display is not performed. After being stopped, it shifts to the power release state. In the electric operation open state, the electric accessory 66 provided side by side with the lower operation entry ball portion 63 is opened in a predetermined manner.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the number of times the game ball passes through the through gate 65 is retained up to four times, and the main display portion D of the main display unit 77 displays the retained number. A pending number display is provided.

The main display portion D described in detail above is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and the game balls are prevented from moving in front of these various display portions. Therefore, its visibility is guaranteed.

Regarding the game area forming body 60a in this embodiment, three or more game nails 68 are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction (so that the gap between the game nails 68 is smaller than the diameter (radius) dimension of the game ball). One of the characteristics is that a plurality of rows of game nails are formed. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, a supplementary description will be given of the arrangement of the game nail row in the game area forming body 60a and the configuration related thereto. FIG. 5 is a front view of the game area forming body 60a.

In the game area PE, by dividing a part of the game area PE using a plurality of game nail rows, the game ball flows down toward the upper operation ball entrance part 62 above the upper operation ball entrance part 62. An upper area UE that can be used is formed, and a game ball flows down toward the lower operating ball entering part 63 and the variable winning device 64 above the lower operating ball entering part 63 and the variable winning device 64 It is formed with a certain lower region LE. In other words, a plurality of zones with different game modes are arranged vertically in the game area PE. The upper area UE and the lower area LE will be described below.

The upper region UE is provided with a slope 71 that guides the game ball to the upper operating ball entry portion 62 . The slope 71 has a plurality of projecting portions projecting from the front surface of the game area forming body 60a, and the game ball reaching the slope 71 can roll on the upper surfaces of the projecting portions in the width direction of the game board unit 60. It's becoming The slope 71 has a multistage structure in which the protrusions are arranged vertically so that an interval larger than the diameter of the game ball is secured, and the game ball rolling along the protrusion is pushed from the upper protrusion. It is configured such that it gradually approaches the upper operating entrance ball portion 62 by moving to the lower projecting portion.

The amount of projection of the projecting portion that constitutes the lowest step is set so that the gap formed between the projecting portion and the glass panel 23 is larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the distance between the projecting portion and the glass panel 23 is set. A game ball can pass through. In the portion directly above the upper operating ball entering portion 62, a groove portion that slopes downward is formed on the front side, and the game ball entering the groove portion is guided to the upper operating ball entering portion 62. .

On the other hand, the amount of protrusion of the other protrusions is set so that the gap formed between the glass panel 23 and the diameter of the game ball (specifically, the radius) is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, the game ball is prevented from falling off. In addition, these other projecting portions are formed so that the upper surface is slightly inclined downward to the rear, and the forward movement of the game ball rolling on the projecting portion is suppressed.

The ball entry probability that a game ball that has reached the slope 71 detailed above enters the upper operating ball entering portion 62 via the slope is It is higher than the ball entry probability to ball.

Above the upper area UE (above the slope 71), a gate 70 forming an entrance portion of the upper area UE (specifically, the slope 71) is arranged. The gate 70 has a pair of left and right movable pieces and a drive section for moving the movable pieces toward and away from each other. It is configured to switch between an allowable state and a blocking state that prevents the passage of the game ball between the two movable pieces. The drive section is connected to a main controller, and the movable piece operates based on a drive signal from the main controller to periodically switch between the allowable state and the blocked state.

The game ball that reaches the gate 70 under the condition that the gate 70 is in the allowable state,
The game ball reaches the slope 71 more easily than the game ball reaching the gate 70 under the condition that the gate 70 is blocked. When a ball is expected to enter the upper operating ball entering portion 62, the game can be advantageously advanced by shooting the game ball aiming at the gate 70 (specifically, the timing of the allowable state).

Upper game nail rows 81 to 82 are arranged around the upper area UE so as to surround the upper area UE. More specifically, a pair of right and left first class upper game nail rows 81 made up of a group of game nails arranged so as to slope down sideways from the gate 70, and the first class upper game nail rows 81 On the other hand, a pair of left and right second type upper game nail rows 82 consisting of a group of game nails arranged so as to face each other across the upper region UE and slope downward from the side toward the upper operating ball entry part 62. An upper area UE is partitioned. Due to these upper gaming nail rows 81 and 82, the route toward the upper working ball entry portion 62 is divided into a first route passing through the center of the upper region UE and a second route moving along the outer periphery of the upper region UE. are separated. In particular, in the second path, the movement speed of the game ball rolling along the slope of the game nail row 81-82 is prevented from becoming excessively high by moving the game ball so as to fold back from the side to the center. suppressed.

The inclination angle of the first class upper game nail row 81 and the inclination angle of the second class upper game nail row 82 are equal, and the total length of the first class upper game nail row 81 and the total length of the second class upper game nail row 82 are equal. The rows of game nails are arranged so as to be substantially symmetrical in the vertical and horizontal directions. As a result, the upper region UE is configured to have a substantially rhombic outer shape. In particular, by setting the inclination angle of the upper game nail rows 81 and 82 to be smaller than 45° and making the upper region UE horizontally long, it is possible to lengthen the moving distance of the game ball on the second path. there is

A plurality of recessed portions 85 through which game balls can pass are formed in the first type upper game nail row 81, and these recessed portions 85 function as entrance portions to the upper region UE. Here, the slope 71 is provided with an open portion 72 that is opened to the side (right and left), and a part of the game ball that has flowed into the upper region UE through the recess 85 flows through the open portion 72 into the slope 71. It has a configuration that can reach On the other hand, among the game balls that have flowed into the upper region UE through the recessed portion 85, the game balls that have not reached the slope 71 flow down the upper region UE as they are, thereby forming a second type upper game nail row. 82 will be reached.

A plurality of recessed portions 86 through which game balls can pass are also formed in the second type upper game nail row 82 . As for the game balls that have entered these recessed portions 86, the guidance to the upper operating ball entering portion 62 is completed, and they head toward the lower region LE.

Here, the first type upper game peg row 81 and the second type upper game peg row 82 are vertically arranged in a plurality of rows, and a game ball can pass between the rows. . In other words, the game nail rows 81 and 82 surrounding the upper region UE are configured in multiple layers. A game ball that flows down along the second path moves between rows through the recesses 85 and 86 .

Lower game nail rows 83 to 84 are arranged around the lower area LE so as to surround the lower area LE. Specifically, a pair of left and right first type lower game nail rows 83 made up of a group of game nails arranged so as to be inclined downward from the upper operating ball entrance portion 62 toward the side, and the first type lower game nail row 83 A second pair of left and right game nails consisting of a game nail group arranged so as to face the side game nail row 83 across the lower region LE and be inclined downward from the side toward the lower operation ball entry part 63. A lower region LE is defined by the seed lower game nail row 84 . With these lower game nail rows 83 and 84, the path toward the lower operating ball entry portion 63 is divided into a third path passing through the center of the lower area LE and a fourth path moving along the outer periphery of the lower area LE. route. In particular, in the fourth path, by moving the game ball so as to turn back from the side to the center, it is possible to prevent the movement speed of the game ball rolling along the slope of the game nail row 83-84 from becoming excessively high. suppressed.

The inclination angle of the first class lower game nail row 83 and the inclination angle of the second class lower game nail row 84 are the same, and the total length of the first class lower game nail row 83 and the second class lower game nail row 84 are equal. , and the rows of game nails are arranged so as to be substantially symmetrical in the vertical and horizontal directions. As a result, the lower region LE is also configured to have a substantially rhombic outer shape like the upper region UE. In particular, by setting the inclination angle of the lower game nail rows 83, 84 to be smaller than 45° and making the lower area LE horizontally long, it is possible to lengthen the moving distance of the game ball on the second path. It's becoming

The lower area LE is provided with the general winning opening 61U (the upper general winning opening 61U). The upper general winning hole 61U is arranged at a position shifted to the left and right from directly below the upper operating ball entering part 62, and part of the game balls that pass through the side of the upper operating ball entering part 62 enter these upper general winning holes It has a configuration that can enter 61. As already explained, the general prize winning port 61 is a ball entry portion that triggers the payout of game balls. There is room. In other words, the lower area LE is surrounded by the game nail rows 83 and 84, and in order to cause the ball to enter the upper operating ball entry portion 62, the enclosing net by the game nail rows 83 and 84 is broken through. There is a need. In this respect, by facilitating the flow of the game ball that unfortunately did not enter the upper operating ball entering portion 62 into the lower area LE, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the player's attention to the movement of the game ball. .

In addition, a plurality of recessed portions 87 through which game balls can pass are formed in the first type lower game nail row 83, and these recessed portions 87 function as entrance portions to the lower region LE. In addition, a gap through which the game ball can pass is formed between the first type lower game nail row 83 and the upper operation ball entry portion 62, and this gap serves as an entrance portion to the lower area LE. It is functioning. In other words, a plurality of inflow paths are provided in the lower area LE as well as in the upper area UE.

Here, the first type lower game nail row 83 is a single row, while the second type lower game nail row 84 is a plurality of rows. By reducing the number of rows of the first type lower game nail rows, the inflow of game balls into the lower region LE is promoted.

A recessed portion 88 through which a game ball can pass is formed in the second type lower game nail row 84 . A general prize winning port 61 (lower general prize winning port 61L) is provided at a position below the second type lower game nail row 84 and horizontally aligned with the lower operating ball entry portion 63 . Some of the game balls that have flowed into the recessed portion 88 of the second type lower game nail row 84 enter the lower general winning opening 61L, and a predetermined number (this embodiment , "7" game balls are paid out.

Next, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 6, the flow-down mode of the game ball in the game area PE will be described. The shooting destination of the game ball advantageous to the player changes according to the game state. FIG. 6(a) illustrates the flow of game balls in the normal game state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode, and FIG. 6(b) shows the normal game state or special game corresponding to the high-frequency support mode. It is illustrated about the flow-down mode of the game ball in the case of the state. In addition, in FIG. 6(a), dot hatching is given to each area so that the division of the game area PE can be easily seen.

(How game balls flow down)
In the normal game state in which the support mode by the electric accessory 66 corresponds to the low-frequency support mode, the upper operating ball entering portion 62 has a higher ball entering probability than the lower operating ball entering portion 63, so the upper operating ball entering portion 62 has a higher ball entering probability. Aiming at portion 62 is preferred. A ball entering the upper working ball entering portion 62 is roughly divided into those that pass through the first route and those that pass through the second route. As already explained, when comparing the first path and the second path, the ball is more likely to enter the upper operating ball entry portion 62 in the former than in the latter. By aiming at the top (gate 70) of the upper area UE, the game ball is more likely to be guided to the first path.

As illustrated in FIG. 6(a), some of the game balls shot at the gate 70 pass through the gate 70 and flow into the upper area UE. The gaming ball that has flowed into the upper area UE is guided to the upper operating ball entering section 62 by moving along the slope 71 . On the other hand, game balls that have not flowed into the upper area UE are guided laterally from the central side of the game area PE along the first type upper game nail row 81 .

At this time, some of the game balls flow into the upper area UE through the recessed portion 85 formed in the first type upper game nail row 81 . Game pegs 68 are also scattered inside the upper region UE, and the game ball that has flowed in through the recessed portion 85 may be guided to a position in the middle of the slope 71 by these game pegs 68 .

The game ball guided laterally along the first type upper game peg row 81 is reversed when it reaches the second type upper game peg row 82 and moves toward the upper operation ball entry part 62. Become. Of the game balls that have flowed into the upper region UE, the game balls that have not reached the slope 71 or the game balls that have left the slope 71 are also handled by the second type upper game nail row 82 serving as a tray, so that the upper operation ball entry part It will move towards 62.

Of the game balls that have reached the upper working ball entering part 62, those that do not enter the upper working ball entering part 62 pass through the side of the upper working ball entering part 62 and flow into the lower area LE. and those leading to the lower game nail row 83 of the first kind.

The game balls that have passed the side of the upper operating ball entry part 62 are divided into those that flow into the upper general winning opening 61U and those that flow down the lower area LE as they are without flowing into the upper general winning opening 61U. As already explained, in the normal game state, the electric accessory 66 is kept substantially closed and the variable winning device 64 is kept closed. Therefore, it is unlikely that a game ball that does not enter the upper general winning hole 61U will enter the electric accessory 66 or the variable winning device 64.例文帳に追加

Although the details will be described later, a distribution member 73 for distributing game balls to the left and right is located below the upper operating ball entry portion 62 and between the left and right upper general winning openings 61U in the lower region LE. are arranged. The lower general prize winning port 61L is located at the guide destination of the game ball by the distribution member 73, and a part of the game ball guided by the distribution member 73 enters the lower general prize winning port 61L. It has a configuration that can enter the ball.

Although the upper working ball entry part 62 is arranged between the second type upper game nail row 82 and the first kind lower game nail row 83, the game ball that has flowed down the second path is not necessarily the upper working ball entry part It is not always possible to enter 62. There is a possibility that some game balls pass through the upper operating ball entering portion 62 and move to the fourth route (first type lower game nail row 83).

If the game ball accelerates excessively when moving on the second path, it is assumed that the movement of the game ball will be difficult to see because the game ball moves to the fourth path vigorously. . In the present embodiment, measures are taken to suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience. Here, the relationship between the second type upper game nail row 82 and the first type lower game nail row 83 will be additionally explained.

As already explained, the second type upper game nail row 82 and the first type lower game nail row 83 have the same inclination angle, and at first glance, they appear to be positioned on the same imaginary straight line. Although visible, the first type lower game nail row 83 is actually arranged so as to be slightly offset upward from the extension of the second type upper game nail row 82 . The amount of offset of the first type lower game nail row 83 is set to be less than the radial dimension of the game ball.

The game ball that has moved along the second type upper game nail row 82 changes its behavior when it moves to the first type lower game nail row 83, and slightly decelerates. As a result, even if an inclined surface is formed by the upper type 2 game nail row 82 and the lower type 1 game nail row 83, it is possible to prevent the above inconvenience from occurring.

It should be noted that placing the upper working ball entry portion 62 in the connecting portion of the second type upper game nail row 82 and the first kind lower game nail row 83 requires that the game ball decelerates around the upper working ball entry portion 62. It is technically significant that it is possible to avoid becoming unnatural to do so and to suppress the occurrence of a sense of discomfort.

As described above, the game ball that enters the recessed portion 86 formed in the second type upper gaming nail row 82 before reaching the upper working ball entering portion 62 is guided to the upper working ball entering portion 62 (first 2 route), it goes to the first type lower game nail row 83. At this time, the arrival position in the longitudinal direction of the first type lower game nail row 83 changes depending on which floor of the second type upper game nail row 82 has passed. More specifically, the position of the nail that reaches the first type lower game nail row 83 through the row of game nails constituting the lower layer is shifted downstream.

As already explained, the type 1 lower game nail row 83 is formed with a recessed portion 87 forming an entrance portion to the lower region LE. An opportunity to enter the winning hole 61U is obtained. When passing through the lower layer, the ball is guided to the downstream side of the recessed portion 87, and the probability of entering the recessed portion 87 decreases. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the monotony of the game.

A second class lower game nail row 84 is positioned on the extension of the first class lower game nail row 83, and is located between the first class lower game nail row 83 and the second class lower game nail row 84. is formed with a gap through which a game ball can pass. Of the game balls moving along the first type lower game nail row 83 , those which are avoided from entering the recessed portion 87 are transferred to the second type lower game nail row 84 . As a result, the moving direction of the game ball changes toward the center and moves toward the lower operating ball entry portion 63 along the second type lower game nail row 84 .

A part of the game ball heading for the lower operation ball entry part 63 enters the recessed part 88 formed in the second type lower game nail row 84, passes through the recessed part 88, and is the lower general winning opening. Head to 61L. When a ball enters the lower general winning hole 61L, a predetermined number ("7" in this embodiment) of game balls are paid out.

Of the game balls that flow down the fourth path, the game balls that have passed through the recessed portion 88 are directed to the lower operating ball entry portion 63 . Game balls that do not enter the lower operating ball entering portion 63 go to the variable winning device 64 arranged directly below the lower operating ball entering portion 63 . A game ball that has not entered either the lower operating ball entering portion 63 or the variable winning device 64 is discharged from the game area PE through the out port 67 .

A game ball moving in the order of the upper area UE→lower area LE traverses the game area PE when passing through the first route→third route, and travels through the second route→fourth route. It can move so as to traverse left and right from the 1st path to the 3rd path (game area PE). In this way, by making the manner in which the game ball flows down greatly different, it is possible to prevent the movement of the game ball from becoming monotonous.

In particular, when passing through the second path→fourth path, it is possible to lengthen the period until the game ball is ejected from the game area PE while suppressing the movement speed of the game ball from becoming excessively slow. . This is a preferable configuration for improving the player's attention to the movement of the game ball.

In the normal game state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode, the period required for the fired game ball to be discharged from the game area PE, more specifically, until it reaches the lower operation ball entry part 63 or the variable winning device 64 Even if the period required for the process becomes longer to some extent, the player will not be disadvantaged. On the other hand, in the normal game state and the special game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode, it is preferable to shorten the required period in consideration of the smooth progress of the game.

Under such circumstances, as shown in FIG. 6(b), most of the game balls do not pass through the upper region UE by shooting the game balls from the right side of the upper region UE. , the lower operating ball entering portion 63 and the variable winning device 64.

Specifically, when the game ball is shot toward the above-described return member (when the so-called right hit is performed), the game ball jumps over the upper region UE and collides with the return member. The game ball whose momentum is weakened by colliding with the return member flows down on the right side of the upper area UE. Since the through gate 65 is arranged on this route (right route), some of the game balls flowing down the route enter the through gate 65 . The game ball bypassing the upper region UE is guided to the second type lower game peg row 84, and directed toward the lower operating ball entering part 63 and the variable winning device 64 along the second type lower game peg row 84. to move. As a result, the required period of time is significantly shortened. As a result, the game can be smoothly progressed even in a special game situation.

Some of the game balls moving along the second type lower game peg row 84 enter the lower general winning opening 61L through the recessed portion 88 of the second type lower game peg row 84 . In other words, when the game ball is launched toward the right route, the entry into the upper operating ball entry portion 62 and the upper general winning opening 61U is substantially avoided, but the entry into the lower general winning opening 61L There is still room for a ball, and a privilege based on the ball entering the lower general prize winning opening 61L may be granted. Rather, as the number of game balls reaching the recessed portion 88 increases, the number of balls entering the lower general winning opening 61L increases.

As described above, the display effect in the variable display unit 91 is also changed in accordance with the change of the area mainly used in the game area PE according to the game situation. The configuration of the rear block 60b to which the variable display unit 91 belongs will be supplementarily described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view of a rear block 60b provided behind the game area forming body 60a.

(Rear block 60b)
The back block 60b has a substantially box-shaped base body 90 opened to the side of the game area forming body 60a. The game board unit 60 is constructed by being fixed. A second background sheet 99 is arranged on the bottom of the base body 90, and the appearance is improved in a range that can be seen through the game area forming body 60a. In this embodiment, the depth of the background is emphasized by disposing the first background sheet 79 on the back surface of the game area forming body 60a and disposing the second background sheet 99 on the bottom of the base body 90. FIG.

The variable display unit 91 integrates a pattern display device 92 which is a liquid crystal display device, a display control device for controlling the display of the pattern display device 92, and a holder 93 for holding the pattern display device 92 and the display control device. and housed within the base body 90 .

Incidentally, a first holding lamp portion 94 and a second holding lamp portion 95 are provided on the front surface of the holder 93 . The first holding lamp portion 94 on the left side corresponds to the upper operating ball entering portion 62, and the number of times a game ball enters the upper operating ball entering portion 62 is held up to four times, and the first holding lamp portion 94 lights up. The number of holds is displayed by . The second holding lamp portion 95 on the right side corresponds to the lower operating ball entering portion 63, and the number of times a game ball enters the lower operating ball entering portion 63 is held up to 4 times. The lighting of 95 indicates the pending number.

An elevating device 96 for elevating the variable display unit 91 is provided on the base body 90 . The lifting device 96 includes a rail 97 that defines the movement direction of the variable display unit 91 so as to be parallel to the back surface of the game area forming body 60a (specifically, the vertical direction), and a motor as a drive source that moves the variable display unit 91 up and down. 98 and a lock device for restricting movement of the variable display unit 91 . The motor 98 is connected to a notification/effect control device fixed to the back side of the base body 90, and the variable display unit 91 is moved up and down by a drive signal from the notification/effect control device. Although details will be described later, by changing the height position of the variable display unit 91 according to the game situation, the position of the variable display unit 91 (upper display position / lower display position) according to the main ball destination of the game ball display position) is switched.

As shown in FIG. 8 (partially enlarged view of FIG. 4), regarding the variable display unit 91 shown in the present embodiment, the operation area is a part of the ball entry section (upper general winning opening) provided in the game area PE. 61U and the upper actuating entrance ball portion 62). Therefore, the configuration (recovery passage) related to recovery of game balls can become a factor that strengthens the restrictions related to the positional relationship between the game area forming body 60 a and the variable display unit 91 . When the variable display unit 91 is arranged behind the game area forming body 60a, the variable display unit 91 is placed as far as possible on the game area forming body in order to improve the impact of the display performance and the visibility of the pattern display device 92. It is preferably located close to 60a.

One of the features of the present embodiment is that the configuration relating to the collection of game balls from the game area PE is devised in consideration of such circumstances. The device will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 9(a) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 8, and FIG. 9(b) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 9(a). 8 and 9 illustrate the configuration of the upper general winning opening 61U.

(recovery structure)
When the variable display unit 91 is arranged at the upper display position as shown in FIG. 8, the variable display unit 91 is positioned behind the upper general winning opening 61U. As indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8, the overlap between the two is maintained even when the variable display unit 91 moves to the lower display position. Although the details will be described later, in the variable display unit 91, when a prize is won in the upper general prize opening 61U under the condition that it is arranged in the upper display position, a prize corresponding display indicating that the prize has occurred is displayed. It is configured to do Overlapping the variable display unit 91 and the upper general winning hole 61U in the front and back has a technical significance of conveying to the player in an easy-to-understand manner the relationship between the winning corresponding display and the ball entry point.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), the upper general winning opening 61U is formed with a guide passage 251 that guides the game ball that has won the upper general winning opening 61U to the back side of the game area forming body 60a. The guide passage 251 extends in the thickness direction of the game area forming body 60a, and a groove portion 261 is formed in the rear portion of the game area forming body 60a so as to continue to the exit portion of the guide passage 251. As shown in FIG. The groove portion 261 is formed by recessing the back surface of the game area forming body 60a toward the front of the game machine. That is, the groove portion 261 is formed by partially thinning the thickness of the game area forming body 60a. The groove portion 261 extends downward, and connects the lower operating ball entry portion 63 positioned below the upper general winning opening 61U and the upper general winning opening 61U.

A cover member 305 that covers the open portion of the groove portion 261 is attached to the back surface of the game area forming body 60a. The cover member 305 has a groove-shaped main body portion 306 and a flange portion 307 extending from the main body portion 306. The flange portion 307 is fixed to the game area forming body 60a so that the cover member 305 is attached to the game area forming body 60a. are integrated.

The groove portion 261 and the cover member 305 constitute a collection passage 301 through which game balls pass. By forming a groove in the game area forming body 60a and constructing the collection passage 301 using the thickness of the game area forming body 60a, it is possible to suppress the projection of the collection passage 301 toward the variable display unit 91 side. It's becoming As a result, restrictions on the front and rear positions of the game area forming body 60a and the variable display unit 91 are relaxed.

The depth dimension of the groove portion 261 is larger than the depth dimension of the groove-shaped portion of the main body portion 306 . In this way, if the game area forming body 60a is used as the main body that constitutes the passage area in the collection passage 301, and the cover member 305 is used as a means for preventing the game ball from falling out of the groove 261, the ball can be displayed on the variable display unit 91 side. Overhanging of the collection passage 301 can be suitably suppressed.

Here, in the first place, the meat portion (plate-shaped portion) of the game area forming body 60a is an object to which various game parts such as the game nail 68 are attached. There is a concern that the extremely thinned meat portion may be a factor in lowering the mounting strength of the game parts in the game area forming body 60a. In this respect, if the main body portion 306 of the cover member 305 forms part of the recovery passage 301 (the area through which the game balls pass), it is possible to prevent the thickness of the game area forming body 60a from becoming extremely thin.

In addition, a plurality of fixed portions of the cover member 305 are provided so as to surround the groove portion 261 . By adopting such a fixing mode, the play area forming body 60a can be reinforced by the cover member. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing a decrease in strength due to the formation of the groove portion 261 and suppressing the occurrence of distortion or the like in the game area forming body 60a.

In particular, by forming the cover member 305 into a gutter shape instead of a simple plate shape, the strength of the cover member 305 itself can be ensured, and the above reinforcing function of the cover member 305 can be preferably exhibited. has a technical meaning.

Overlap with the operation area of the variable display unit 91 is avoided for the lower operating ball entry portion 63 arranged below the upper general winning opening 61U. As shown in FIG. 9(a), a guide passage 252 that guides the game ball that has entered the lower operating ball entry portion 63 backward passes below the variable display unit 91. A recovery passage 301 is connected. In other words, the game ball that has entered the upper general prize winning opening 61U flows into the guide passage 252 via the guide passage 251→collection passage 301, and is returned to the island facility of the game hall through the guide passage 252. .

Here, when the game ball that leaves the game area PE and moves on the back side of the game area formation body 60a is made visible through the game area formation body 60a, the front side of the game area formation body 60a (the game area PE ) is assumed to make it difficult to distinguish between the game balls that are flowing down and the game balls that are being discharged. This is not preferable because it causes confusion for the player. In the present embodiment, the recovery passage 301 is devised to prevent such inconvenience from occurring. The device will be described below with reference to FIG. 8 again.

(Management of collection passage 301)
A colored opaque seal 78 is provided as a decorative member for decorating the upper general prize winning opening 61U at a position directly below the upper general prize winning opening 61U. The seal 78 is attached to the front surface of the game area forming body 60a, and the recovery passage 301 is provided so as to pass behind the seal 78. As shown in FIG.

When forming the recovery passage 301 by the groove portion 261 of the game area forming body 60a, it is difficult to attach the seal 78. As shown in FIG. Therefore, while the first background sheet 79 constituting the main background is attached to the back surface of the game area forming body 60a, the sticker 78 as a partial decoration is attached to the front surface of the game area forming body 60a. This avoids difficulty in pasting.

Compared with the first background sheet 79 arranged on the back surface of the game area formation body 60a, the seal 78 arranged in the game area PE has a higher possibility of coming into contact with the game ball. Such an increase in the chances of contact with the game ball wears the seal 78, making it difficult to secure the function as a decorative member. Therefore, by limiting the arrangement location of the seal 78 to a position directly under the upper general winning opening 61U, that is, a position where the game ball is relatively difficult to pass, the chance of contact with the game ball is reduced, and the above-mentioned durability problem are overcoming

A portion of the collection passage 301 between the seal 78 and the lower operation entrance ball portion 63 passes behind the distribution member 73 . The distribution member 73 has a flat plate-shaped mounting base 74 facing the front surface of the game area forming body 60a, and an upright portion 75 formed along the upper edge of the mounting base 74 and rising from the mounting base 74, The mounting base 74 is integrated with the game area forming body 60a by being fixed to the game area forming body 60a with fasteners such as screws.

The standing portion 75 has a left inclined portion that descends to the left and a right inclined portion that descends to the right, and the game balls reaching the standing portion 75 are distributed to the left and right along these inclined portions. As a result, the area in front of the mounting base 74 is a non-passing area through which the game balls do not substantially pass.

The distribution member 73 is made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and through the distribution member 73, the rear can be visually recognized. Under these circumstances, game balls passing through the collection passage 301 can be visually recognized when passing behind the mounting base 74 . However, the area in front of the mounting base 74 is a non-passage area for game balls as described above. Since the passage of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is restricted in front of the mounting base 74, it is possible to prevent the game ball passing through the collection passage 301 from being misidentified as passing through the game area PE.

When the variable display unit 91 (symbol display device 92) is arranged at the lower display position, a display corresponding to the lower display position is performed on the display screen 92a. At this time, since the display screen 92a is located behind the center of the distribution member 73, it is possible to prevent the game ball from passing through the center front of the display screen 92a. When attempting to enhance the impact of the display performance by increasing the size of the pattern display device 92, if for some reason the central portion of the display screen becomes difficult to see and the display appears to be divided, the above-described enhancement of the impact is required. There is concern that the effect of planning will diminish. In this regard, as shown in the present feature, at least in the central portion of the display screen 92a, by devising so that the game ball does not pass in front of the central portion, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suppressed.

The distributing member 73 is arranged at the destination of the variable display unit 91, and the area in which the game balls are prevented from flowing down is superimposed in front of the display screen 92a, thereby improving the visibility of the display effects. It is technically significant that According to the configuration for improving the visibility of the display screen 92a by using the game part (distribution member 73) used for other purposes, the occupied area is reduced compared to the case of using a dedicated ball avoidance. It is preferable in terms of suppressing expansion and coexistence with other game components.

(Inner frame 13)
The configuration of the inner frame 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 again. Below the mounting area of the game board unit 60 in the resin base 50, there is provided a game ball shooting mechanism 110 for shooting game balls toward the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball shooting handle 41 described above. The game ball shooting mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 for shooting a game ball placed at a predetermined shooting standby position, a shooting rail 112 for defining the shooting direction of the game ball shot by the solenoid 111, and a game ball at the shooting standby position. A ball feeding device 113 that supplies balls and a base plate 114 on which these various components 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components. integrated with respect to.

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

Solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply and launch control device, which will be described later. By reciprocating the output shaft of the solenoid 111 in the expansion and contraction direction based on the output of an electrical signal from the power supply/shooting control device, the game ball placed at the shooting standby position moves to the game board unit 60 side, specifically the game It is driven out toward the guide rail 100 attached to the board unit 60 .

The guide rail 100 divides the game area PE so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. In addition, the guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 which are arranged to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. formed. The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion opened to the tip side (diagonally downward) of the launch rail 112 and an exit portion located above the game area PE. A game ball shot based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the shooting rail 112→the guide rail 100 (entrance part→exit part). By adjusting the amount of operation of the game ball shooting handle 41, it is possible to separate the hitting of the game ball into the area on the left side of the variable display unit 91 in the game area PE and the area on the right side of the variable display unit 91 in the same game area PE. It is possible.

In the game board unit 60, on the front side of the exit portion, more specifically near the tip of the inner rail 101, a return prevention member 106 is attached to prevent the game ball that has reached the game area PE from returning into the guide passage 103. This prevents the game ball that has reached the game area PE first from hindering the launch of the following game ball.

The guide rail 100 (see FIG. 4) and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other obliquely across the lower edge of the game board unit 60. . In other words, both rails 100 and 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are laterally shifted near the lower edge of the game board unit 60 . As a result, both rails 100 and 112 are brought closer to the lower edge of the game board unit 60, while a gap of a predetermined distance is formed between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.例文帳に追加

A foul ball passage 46 is arranged below the gap thus formed. The foul ball passage 46 is formed integrally with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14 . If the game balls shot from the game ball shooting mechanism 110 do not reach the game area PE and return inside the guide passage 103 as foul balls, the foul balls enter the foul ball passage 46 through the clearance. becomes. The foul ball passage 46 communicates with the front door side lower tray passage, and the game ball entering the foul ball passage 46 is discharged to the lower tray 34 shown in FIG. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be launched next.

A through hole is formed in the resin base 50 on the left side of the firing rail 112 (specifically, on the side supporting the front door frame 14) to pass through the resin base 50 in the front-rear direction. 121 are provided. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 50 and has a main body side upper plate passage and a main body side lower plate passage. The upstream side of the main body side upper tray passage and the main body side lower tray passage communicates with a game ball distribution section which will be described later. Further, below the passage forming member 121, the socket portion of the passage forming unit 45 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted, and below the main body side upper tray passage, the front door side upper tray passage is arranged, A front door side upper tray passage is arranged below the main body side lower tray passage.

Below the passage forming member 121 in the resin base 50, an opening/closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper tray passage and the main body side lower tray passage is attached. The opening/closing member 124 is supported by a support shaft provided at its lower end so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction. 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 to close the main body side upper tray passage and the main body side lower tray passage. As a result, when the front door frame 14 is opened while the game balls are stored in the main body side upper tray passage or the main body side lower tray passage, the inconvenience of the stored balls falling can be prevented. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the open/close member 124 is pushed open by the receptacle provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14 against the urging force. In this state, the main body side upper tray passage and the front door side upper tray passage communicate with each other, and the main body side lower tray passage and the front door side lower tray passage communicate with each other.

Next, the rear structure of the inner frame 13 (the resin base 50 and the game board unit 60) will be described with reference to FIG.
Bearing metal fittings 132 are vertically arranged side by side on the rotation base end side of the back surface of the resin base 50 . Bearing portions are formed in the bearing fitting 132 so as to be spaced apart vertically, 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 unit 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 unit 60 will be described.

A display control device is attached to the variable display unit 91 arranged in the center of the game board unit 60 so as to cover the variable display unit 91 from behind (not shown). Then, behind the display control device, an effect control device unit 142 is mounted so as to overlap the display control device. The effect control device unit 142 is configured to include a notification/effect control device 610 and a mounting base 144 , and the notification/effect control device 610 is mounted on the mounting base 144 .

The notification/effect control device 610 is equipped with a effect control board that controls the sound, lamp display, and display control device according to instructions from the main control device, which will be described later. It is configured to be housed in a box 145 .

As shown in FIG. 3, a collective board 150 is provided below the variable display unit 91 on the back of the game board unit 60 . The gathering board 150 is provided with a game ball collection mechanism for collecting game balls that have entered various winning holes, a detection mechanism for detecting entry of game balls into various winning holes, and the like.

To explain the game ball recovery mechanism, the assembly plate 150 is provided with recovery passages individually corresponding to various ball entry portions such as the general prize winning port 61 . These recovery passages descend along the back surface of the game board unit 60 from the ball-entering portions, and define the falling path of the game balls. Each recovery path joins near the lower end of the game board unit 60, and all game balls that have passed through the ball entry part such as the general prize winning port 61 gather at the bottom of the game board unit 60 via the recovery path. It will be done. The exit portion of each collection passage is open downward, and a discharge passage, which will be described later, is provided on the tip side thereof (more specifically, below the game board unit 60). The game balls gathered under the game board unit 60 by the collection passage are led out to the discharge passage. Incidentally, the out port 67 is similarly connected to the discharge passage, and game balls that have not won in any of the prize winning ports are led out to the discharge passage through the out port 67.例文帳に追加

Describing the detection mechanism, the collective plate 150 is provided with detection sensors corresponding to various ball entry portions such as the general prize winning port 61 and the like. These various detection sensors are arranged in the middle of each collection passage connected to the ball entry portion such as the general prize winning port 61, and the game ball is dropped in a state where the falling path of the game ball is defined in the collection passage. Detect passage. More specifically, each detection sensor detects a game ball entering a ball entrance such as the general prize winning opening 61 by passing a game ball through a detection area provided in the middle of each collection passage. Specifically, a magnetic sensor is used to detect changes in the magnetic field that occur when a game ball passes through the detection area.

These various detection sensors are electrically connected to a main control device unit 160 (more specifically, the main control device) provided on the back side of the game board unit 60, and detection signals from these detection sensors are sent to the same main control device. It is configured to be output to. The main controller unit 160 and its accompanying configuration will be described below.

The main control device unit 160 is mounted on the game board unit 60 so as to cover the assembly plate 150 from the rear side, and includes a synthetic resin mounting base 161 and a main control device 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. It is composed by The main control device 162 is provided with a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that governs the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power supply, and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a board box 163 made of the like.

The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and box cover are unopenably connected by a sealing portion as sealing means, whereby the board 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 portion as long as it is configured to connect the box base and the box cover in an unopenable manner. It is designed to be inseparably joined. The sealing process by the sealing unit prevents unauthorized opening after sealing, and even if unauthorized opening should occur, such a situation can be detected early and easily. It is possible to perform the sealing process again later. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking pawl into at least one long hole of the plurality of sealing portions. When the circuit board box 163 is to be opened, such as when a problem occurs with the main control circuit board housed therein, or when the main control circuit board is inspected, the connecting portion between the sealing portion into which the locking claw is inserted and another sealing portion is removed. disconnect. As a result, the box base and box cover of the board box 163 are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking pawl is inserted into the long hole of the other sealing portion. If the history of the opening of the circuit board box 163 is left in the circuit board box 163, it can be easily found that the circuit board box 163 has been illegally opened.

A plurality of coupling pieces are provided on one of the short sides of the board box 163 so as to protrude laterally. These connecting pieces correspond one-to-one with a plurality of connecting pieces formed on the mounting table 161, and sealing processing is performed between the board box 163 and the mounting table 161 by the connecting pieces and the connecting pieces. will be

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

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

The back pack 201 is molded from 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 which protrudes to the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. and The protective cover part 212 has a shape in which left and right sides and an upper surface are closed and only a lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 91 .

An external terminal plate 213 is provided on the upper right portion of the base portion 211 . Various output terminals are provided on the external terminal plate 213, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals. Also, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower locking pins at the right end portion as seen from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the locking pins are inserted into the bearing fittings 132 (specifically, the bearing portion) provided on the inner frame 13. The rear pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13. Further, a fastener for fastening to a hole to be fastened provided in the inner frame 13 is provided at the tip of the rotation of the base portion 211, and the fastener is fitted into the hole to be fastened. A back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 .

A payout mechanism part 202 is arranged on the base part 211 so as to bypass the protective cover part 212 . The payout mechanism unit 202 is provided with a tank 221 arranged on the top of the back pack 201 and opened upward, and the tank 221 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall. be. A tank rail gently sloping downstream is connected to the lower portion of the tank 221, and a vertically extending case rail is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail. A dispensing 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 a payout passage provided downstream of the payout device 222 .

The game ball distribution unit has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 222 to either the upper tray 33, the lower tray 34, or a discharge passage to be described later, and the inner opening is on the main body side described above. It is formed so that it communicates with the upper tray 33 via the upper tray passage and the front door side upper tray passage, and the outer opening communicates with the lower tray 34 via the main body side lower tray passage and the front door side lower tray passage. .

As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge passage board and control device aggregate unit 204 is attached to the lower end of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end in the front and rear direction. The discharge passage board 203 has a rearwardly open discharge passage formed on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204 , and the opening of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204 . The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game balls to the island facilities of the game hall, etc., and the game balls drawn out from the collection passage or the like to the discharge passage pass through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Ejected.

The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base, on which a payout control device 181 and a power supply/launch control device 191 are mounted. The payout control device 181 and the power supply/launch control device 191 are arranged one on top of the other in such a manner that the payout control device 181 is behind the pachinko machine 10 .

In the payout control device 181, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 222 is accommodated in the board box, and a state return switch provided on the payout control board protrudes outside the board box. For example, when a dispensing error such as a ball clogging occurs in the dispenser 222, pressing the state recovery switch will clear the ball clogging.

The power supply/emission control device 191 has a power supply/emission control board housed in a board box. The launching of the game ball accompanying the operation of the handle 41 is controlled. Also, the power/fire control device 191 is provided with a RAM erase switch. The pachinko machine 10 has a memory holding function of various data, so that even in the event of a power failure, the state at the time of the power failure is retained, and upon recovery from the power failure, the state at the time of the power failure can be restored. It's becoming Therefore, if the power is cut off in the normal procedure, for example, when the game hall is closed, the state before the cutoff is stored, but if the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch, the RAM data will be initialized. It has become.

(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.

A main control board 601 provided in the main controller 162 is equipped with an MPU 602 . The MPU 602 is a ROM 603 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 602, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 603. It is an element containing a RAM 604, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like.

The MPU 602 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the MPU602, power failure monitoring board 605 provided in the main control device 162, payout control device 181 and various detection sensors 151-156 and the like are connected. The power supply/emission control device 191 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 605 , and power is supplied to the MPU 602 via the power failure monitoring board 605 . In addition, as a part of the various detection sensors 151 to 156, the general winning openings 61U, 61L, the operating ball entering parts 62, 63, the variable winning device 64, the through gate 65, etc. The MPU 602 of the main control unit 162 makes a winning judgment (ball entry judgment) for each ball entry section. Further, the MPU 602 executes a jackpot generating lottery based on the winning to the operative ball entering sections 62 and 63 and executes a support generating lottery based on the winning to the through gate 65 .

A power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 181 and a notification/production control device 610 are connected to the output side of the MPU602. A prize ball command is output to the payout control device 181, for example, based on the winning determination result to the winning corresponding winning ball portion. In this case, the command information storage area of the ROM 603 is referred to when outputting the prize ball command. Then, when the winning to the upper general winning opening 61U is specified, a winning ball command (a winning ball command for the upper general winning opening) corresponding to the payout of three game balls is output, and is sent to the lower general winning opening 61L. is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 7 game balls (a prize ball command for the lower general winning port) is output; A prize ball command (variable prize winning device prize ball command) corresponding to the payout of one game ball is output, and when a prize to the upper operating ball entering portion 62 is specified, three game balls are paid out. A prize ball command (a prize ball command for the upper operation ball entry portion) is output, and when a prize to the lower operation ball entry portion 63 is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls ( A prize ball command for the active ball entry portion) is output.

Various commands such as a variation start command (variation command), a type command, a variation end command, an opening command and an ending command are output to the notification/production control device 610 . In this case, when outputting these various commands, the command information storage area of the ROM 603 is referred to. Details of these various commands will be described later. Each of the above commands is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various types of information are included as the information of the predetermined number of bytes.

Also, on the output side of the MPU 602, there are a variable ball entry driving section that opens and closes the door of the variable winning device 64, an electric accessory drive section that opens and closes the electric accessory 66 of the operating ball entry section 63, and a main display unit 77. is connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 601, and the MPU 602 controls these various configurations through the driver circuits.

Specifically, in the opening/closing execution mode, the variable winning device 64 is opened and closed, and the MPU 602 executes drive control of the variable ball entry drive section. In addition, when the electric accessory 66 of the operating ball entrance portion 63 is elected in the open state, the MPU 602 executes drive control of the electric accessory driving portion so that the electric accessory 66 is opened and closed. Further, the MPU 602 performs display control of the entering ball display section and the pending number display section of the main display unit 77 .

The blackout monitoring board 605 relays between the main control board 601 and the power supply/launch controller 191, and also monitors the maximum voltage output from the power supply/launch controller 191, which is a stable DC voltage of 24 volts. 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 arcade or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the main control board 601, the payout control device 181, etc., generate the necessary operating power for each, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. do. Further, the power/shooting control device 191 is responsible for the shooting control of the game ball shooting mechanism 110, and the game ball shooting mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined shooting conditions are met.

An MPU 612 is mounted on a notification/production control board 611 provided in the notification/production control device 610 . The MPU 612 includes a ROM 613 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 612, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 613. A RAM 614, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, etc. are incorporated.

The MPU 612 is provided with an input port and an output port. The output side of the MPU 612 is connected to the light emitting units 26 to 28, the speaker unit 29, the lifting device 96 of the variable display unit 91, the display control device 620, and the like.

The MPU 612 controls the variable display unit 91 based on commands input from the main controller 162 . Specifically, in the notification / effect control device 610, based on various commands input from the main control device 162, the fluctuation display time of the pattern in the pattern display device 92 (whether or not the ready-to-win effect is generated) is grasped, and the final The type of combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed is determined, and the details of the content of ready-to-win performance are determined. Also, based on various commands input from the main controller 162, the position of the variable display unit 91 (upper display position/lower display position) is switched.

The display control device 620 has a display control board on which an MPU is mounted. The MPU has a program ROM storing various control programs and fixed value data, and various control programs stored in the program ROM. Built-in work RAM for temporarily storing data, video display processor (VDP), character ROM for storing image data, video RAM for temporarily storing image data read from the character ROM, etc. It is

The VDP is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver incorporated in the pattern display device 92 . Since the VDP is made into an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip", and its substance should be called a microcomputer chip containing firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP adjusts the timing of each of the MPU, the video RAM, etc., and intervenes in the reading and writing of data.

The character ROM plays a role as an image data library for storing character data such as patterns displayed on the pattern display device 92 . This character ROM holds bitmap format image data of various display patterns, a color palette table to be referred to when determining the expression color of each dot of the bitmap image, and the like. These image data, tables, etc. are stored in the character ROM.

The video RAM is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the pattern display device 92. By rewriting the content of the video RAM, the display content of the pattern display device 92 is changed.

The MPU of the display control device 620 executes display control of the pattern display device 92 based on the command input from the notification/effect control device 610 . Specifically, the variable display is performed for each game cycle in accordance with the content of the variable display finally determined by the notification/production control device 610 and the type of combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed.

Here, the display contents of the pattern display device 92 (display screen 92a) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams showing a display screen 92a of the pattern display device 92. FIG.

(About display content)
As shown in FIG. 11, on the display screen 92a of the pattern display device 92, left, middle and right three pattern rows Z1, Z2 and Z3 are set. A left fluctuation display area SEL, a middle fluctuation display area SEC, and a right fluctuation display area SER are provided. Each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 is composed of nine kinds of symbols "1" to "9" arranged in descending numerical order. The symbols are variably displayed so as to scroll in the direction, and the symbol combinations corresponding to the lottery results (game results) based on the ball entering the active ball entering sections 62 and 63 are stopped and displayed on the activated line SL. For example, the variable display is stopped in the order of left symbol row Z1→right symbol row Z3→middle symbol row Z2, and all symbol row Z1 is formed in a state in which a combination of symbols with the same number is formed on any of the effective lines. When the variable display of ~Z3 is completed, a big win moving image indicating that the result of the normal big win or the result of the probability variable big win, which will be described later, is displayed.

The pattern display device 92 may arbitrarily display the patterns in any manner, and is not limited to the above. can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the patterns that are variably displayed by the pattern display device 92 are not limited to the above-described patterns. good too.

To further explain the aspect of the variable display of symbols in the symbol display device 92, in the pachinko machine 10, the ready-to-win display is performed as a stage before the stop display of the combination of symbols corresponding to the announcement of the jackpot result as described above. is set to The ready-to-win display (ready-to-win effect or ready-to-win state) is provided with a pattern display device 92 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of patterns (patterns), and in a game cycle in which the variable winning device 64 is in the opening and closing execution mode. In a gaming machine in which the stop display result after the variable display is the special display result, the stage before the stop display result is derived and displayed after the start of the variable display (or variable display) of the pattern (pattern) on the pattern display device 92 , means a display state for making the player think that it is a variable display state that tends to result in the special display result.

In other words, by stopping and displaying the symbols of some of the plurality of symbol rows displayed on the display screen 92a of the symbol display device 92, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening/closing execution mode is established. It is a display state in which combinations of possible ready-to-win patterns are displayed, and in that state, patterns are displayed in the remaining pattern rows in a variable manner.

More specifically, as a step prior to terminating the variable display of symbols, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening/closing execution mode is displayed on a preset effective line SL in the display screen 92a of the symbol display device 92. To form a ready-to-win line by stop-displaying a combination of ready-to-win patterns that can be established, and to perform variable display of patterns by a final stop pattern row under the condition that the ready-to-win line is formed.

A supplementary explanation of the ready-to-win display will be made with reference to FIG. A ready-to-win line is formed by stop-displaying a pattern with a number attached thereto, and a ready-to-win display is performed by performing variable display of patterns in the middle pattern row Z2 in a situation where the ready-to-win line is formed. Then, when the opening/closing execution mode is generated, the same pattern as the pattern forming the reach line is stop-displayed on the reach line, and the variable display of the pattern in the middle pattern row Z2 is terminated.

In addition, in the ready-to-win display, while the combination of ready-to-win symbols is displayed as described above, the patterns are displayed in the remaining pattern rows in a variable manner, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the background screen. Rendering is performed, and a ready-to-win effect is performed by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen 92a after the combination of the ready-to-win symbols is reduced or hidden.

When the normal game state shifts to the special game state (opening/closing execution mode), the display contents on the symbol display device 92 also change accordingly. In this embodiment, a normal display mode corresponding to the normal game state and a special display mode corresponding to the special game state are provided as display modes in the symbol display device 92. Along with this, the display mode is switched from the normal display mode to the special display mode. As shown in FIG. 12, during the special display mode, the center of the display screen 92a is set as the moving image display area corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode. Further, in the upper corner of the display screen 92a, information specifying the round currently in progress and information indicating the privilege (total number of prize balls) obtained during the open/close execution mode are displayed.

(About various counters)
Next, an electrical configuration for performing various lotteries by the MPU 602 of the main controller 162 will be described with reference to FIG.

During the game, the MPU 602 uses various counter information to set the jackpot generation lottery, the jackpot type lottery, the setting of the display unit for the operation ball entry unit, the outline setting of the pattern display of the pattern display device 92, and the like. includes a jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery of jackpot occurrence, a jackpot type counter C2 used when judging jackpot types such as 16R probability variable jackpot results and 16R normal jackpot results, and a winning result on the pattern display device 92. A reach random number counter C3 used for a reach lottery etc. when performing a corresponding variable display, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a display unit for the operating ball entrance section and a symbol display device 92 and a variation type counter CS that determines the variation display time in . Furthermore, the electric accessory release counter C4 used for the lottery of whether or not the electric accessory 66 of the lower operation ball entry portion 63 is set to the electric role open state (support state) is used. The counters C1 to C4, CINI and CS are provided in various counter areas of the RAM 604. FIG.

Each of the counters C1 to C4, CINI and CS is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value each time it is updated and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the lottery counter buffer 631 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 604 . Information stored in the lottery counter buffer 631 (information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3) is stored in the RAM 604 is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 provided as "obtained information storage means" in .

The reserved ball storage area 632 includes a reserved area RE for an actuation opening and an execution area AE. The reserved area RE includes a reserved area Ra for upper working openings consisting of a first area Ra1 to a fourth area Ra4, and a reserved area Rb for lower working openings consisting of a first area Rb1 to a fourth area Rb4. In accordance with the winning history to the operating ball entry units 62 and 63, each numerical value information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 stored in the lottery counter buffer 631 is reserved information, Stored in one of areas Ra1 to Ra4 and Rb1 to Rb4. In addition, the said pending|holding information corresponds to "special information."

In addition, the holding ball storage area 632 is provided with a total holding number storage area FE. Information for specifying the number of stored information is stored.

The execution area AE is an area for moving each numerical information stored in the first areas Ra1 and Rb1 of the reserve area RE when starting the variable display of the display section for the active ball entry section. At the start of , determination of success or failure is made based on various numerical information stored in the execution area AE. In the present embodiment, when hold information is stored for both the upper working ball part 62 and the lower working ball part 63, the holding information related to the lower working ball part 63 is given priority. It is configured to move to the execution area AE. Note that the order in which the pending information is consumed is not limited to the above. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the holding information relating to the upper operating ball-entering part 62 and the holding information relating to the lower operating ball-entering part 63 are moved to the execution area AE in the order in which they are stored.

The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 599, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation ball entering section 62,63.

The values of the random numbers for winning the jackpot are stored as a success/failure table (success/failure information group) in a success/failure table storage area 603a as success/failure information group storage means in the ROM 603 . As the right/wrong table, a right/wrong table for the low-probability mode (low-probability right/wrong information group) and a right/wrong table for the high-probability mode (high-probability right/wrong information group) are set. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery mode of the lottery means.

Under the game state in which the success/failure table for the low-probability mode is referred to in the above lottery, the values of the random numbers for winning the jackpot (that is, winning information) are three values of "7", "307", and "507". is. That is, "7", "307", and "507" among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 ranging from "0" to "599" correspond to the jackpot result, and the jackpot probability is 1/200.

On the other hand, under the gaming state in which the success/failure table for the high-probability mode is referred to in the lottery, the values of the random numbers for winning the jackpot (that is, the winning information) are "7", "107", ..., "407". ” and “507”. That is, among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 from "0" to "599", "7", "107" . (1/100 for details).

As long as the probability of winning is higher in the high-probability mode than in the low-probability mode, the number and value of random numbers for winning are arbitrary.

The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 29, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 29). Here, in the present embodiment, the distribution destination of the game result using the jackpot type counter C2 (that is, the lottery result by the winning lottery and the distribution lottery) is stored in the distribution table as the distribution information group storage means in the ROM 603. It is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in the area. Here, the contents of the distribution table will be explained. As the distribution table, a distribution table (first distribution information group) for the upper working ball entrance section and a distribution table (second distribution information group) for the lower working ball entrance section are set. there is

In the distribution table for the upper operation ball entry part, the game result is distributed to 16R probability variable jackpot result (high probability special game result), 16R normal jackpot result (low probability special game result), 8R probability variable jackpot result (high-probability special game result) and 8R normal jackpot result (low-probability special game result) are set. Specifically, in the distribution table for the upper operation entrance ball section, among the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of "0 to 29", "0 to 8" corresponds to the 16R probability variable jackpot result, and "9 ~14" corresponds to the 16R normal jackpot result, "15 to 23" corresponds to the 8R probability variable jackpot result, and "24 to 29" corresponds to the 8R normal jackpot result.

In the distribution table for the lower operation ball entry portion, the 16R variable jackpot result (high probability special game result) and the 16R normal jackpot result (high probability special game result) are set as the game result distribution destinations. there is Specifically, in the distribution table for the upper operation entry ball portion, among the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of "0 to 29", "0 to 17" corresponds to the 16R probability variable jackpot result, and "18 ~29” corresponds to the 16R normal jackpot result.

The 16R probability variable jackpot result and the 8R probability variable jackpot result are jackpot results in which the lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends. This high-frequency support mode continues after the shift until the next big win results.

The 16R normal jackpot result and the 8R normal jackpot result are jackpot results in which the lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends. However, this high-frequency support mode ends when the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) after the end of the opening/closing execution mode, and shifts to the low-frequency support mode.

The reach random number counter C3 is, for example, incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 238, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). 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 enters the operating ball entering sections 62 and 63. More specifically, it is stored in the reservation area RE of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball has entered the operating ball entry units 62 and 63 . Then, whether or not to generate reach is determined based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 603 . However, in the game round to shift to the opening/closing execution mode, the MPU 602 determines whether to generate reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3.

The fluctuation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 198, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS is used in the MPU 602 to determine the variation display time on the display section for the active ball section and the symbol variation display time on the symbol display device 92 . The fluctuation type counter CS is updated once each time a normal process, which will be described later, is executed, and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal process. Then, the buffer value of the variation type counter CS is obtained when determining the variation pattern when the symbol display device 92 starts varying the symbols.

When determining the variable display time in the pattern display device 92 and the main display unit 77 (display unit for the active ball section), the buffer values of the reach random number counter C3 and the variable type counter CS, and the variable display time table storage area of the ROM 603 The stored variable display time table is referenced. Also, in the MPU 602, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE are used to determine the stop result (picture) on the display section for the active ball entry section. The stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area of the ROM 603 is used for the determination.

The electric accessary product release counter C4 is, for example, configured to be incremented by one within the range of 0 to 249 and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 249). The electric accessory release counter C4 is periodically updated, and stored in the electric role holding area 633 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 65. - 特許庁Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 66 attached to the lower operation ball entrance portion 63 to the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory opening counter C4. For example, if C4=0 to 199, the electric accessory 66 is controlled to open state, and if C4=200 to 249, the electric accessory 66 is not controlled to open state.

(Regarding various processes executed by the main controller 162)
Next, the timer interrupt processing and normal processing which are executed in advancing the game in each game round by the MPU 602 in the main control device 162 will be described. In addition to the timer interrupt processing and normal processing, the MPU 602 executes main processing that is started when the power is turned on and NMI interrupt processing that is started by inputting a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). , the description of these various processes is omitted.

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

In step S101, reading processing of various winning detection sensors is executed. That is, various winning detection sensors connected to the main controller 162 (detection sensor 151 for the upper general winning opening 61U, detection sensor 152 for the lower general winning opening 61L, detection sensor 153 for the upper operating ball entry section 62 , the detection sensor 154 for the lower operation entering ball portion 63, the detection sensor 155 for the variable winning device 64, the detection sensor 156 for the through gate) are read, the state of the winning detection sensors is determined, and the detection information ( win detection information) in the buffer area.

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 subsequent step S103, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and cleared to 0 when those counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the respective counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM604.

In the subsequent step S104, a prize-winning process for through accompanying the prize-winning to the through gate 65 is executed. In the winning process for through, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 65 based on the winning detection information stored in the buffer area. When it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 65, whether or not the number of stored role items (electricity pending number SN) stored in the electrical work pending area 633 is less than the upper limit number (4) judge. When the number of accessory pending storage is less than 4, 1 is added to the number SN of electrical role pending, and the value of the electric role product open counter C4 is stored in the electrical role pending area. Further, a process for lighting the reserved number display portion DH of the main display unit 77 corresponding to the reserved storage number is executed. When it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the through gate 65, or when the number of the stored role item reserved storage reaches the upper limit number, the prize winning processing for through is ended as it is.

After executing the prize winning process for the through gate, the process proceeds to step S105, where the prize winning process for the operating gate associated with the winning of the operating ball entrance sections 62 and 63 is executed in step S105, and this timer interrupt process ends. . Here, the prize winning process for the operating port will be described.

(Winning process for working opening)
In the winning process for the operation opening, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the upper operation ball entering portion 62 (winning a prize). When it is determined that the game ball has entered the upper operating ball entering portion 62, a prize ball command for causing the payout control device 181 to pay out three game balls is set, and the upper operating ball entering portion 62 is played. External signal setting processing is performed to output a signal to the hall computer HC on the game hall side of information indicating that the ball has entered. As a result, the hall computer HC recognizes that the ball has entered the upper working ball entering portion 62 . After that, an information acquisition process for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is performed, and the prize winning process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball has not won the upper operating ball entering portion 62, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered (winning) the lower operating ball entering portion 63. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the lower operating ball entering portion 63, a prize ball command for paying out four game balls is set in the payout control device 181, and the lower operating ball entering portion 63 is set. An external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the hall computer HC on the game hall side of information indicating that a game ball has entered the game hall. As a result, the hall computer HC recognizes that the ball has entered the lower working ball entering portion 63 . After that, an information acquisition process for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is performed, and the winning process ends.

When there is no entry in either the upper operating ball entering portion 62 or the lower operating ball entering portion 63, the main prize winning process is terminated as it is. In addition, the prize ball command set in the main winning process is transmitted to the payout control device 181 in the external output process of the normal process to be described later.

(Normal processing)
Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is activated when the power is turned on is executed, and the main process of the game is executed in the normal process. As an outline, the processing of steps S201 to S206 is executed as regular processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S208 and S209 is executed during the remaining time.

In the normal process, first, an external signal output process is executed in step S201. In the external signal output process of step S201, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is transmitted to each sub-side control device. Specifically, the presence or absence of the prize ball command is determined, and if the prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the notification/production control device 610 and the payout control device 181 . In addition, when various commands such as command for effect such as command for variation, type command, command for end of variation, hold command and command for shift to be described later are set, it is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 610 do.

Next, in step S202, the change type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and the counter value is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604 .

In the following step S203, game round control processing for controlling the game in each game round is executed. In this game round control processing, big hit determination, outline setting of the symbol variation display mode by the symbol display device 92, display control of the main display unit 77, and the like are performed.

After executing the game round control process of step S203, the process proceeds to step S204, and the game state transition process is executed. By this game state transition processing, the game state shifts to an opening/closing execution mode, a high probability mode, a high frequency support mode, and the like.

In the following step S205, an electric support process for driving and controlling the electric accessory 66 provided in the lower operation entrance portion 63 is executed. In this electric role support process, numerical information obtained from the electric role product release counter C4 stored in the electric role holding area 633 of the RAM 604 is used to determine whether or not the electric role product 66 is placed in the open state. A lottery is conducted, and when the electric role open state is won, the opening/closing process of the electric accessory 66 is executed. In addition, display control of the through-gate display section of the main display unit 77 is performed so as to indicate the lottery result of the electric power opening lottery.

As already explained, as modes of support by the electric accessory 66, a low-frequency support mode and a high-frequency support mode are set, and transition to either support mode is performed in the game state transition process. After this process, if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 604, the high frequency support mode is set, and if the flag is not set, the low frequency support mode is set.

In the electric service support process, it is determined whether or not the high-frequency support mode is set by determining whether or not a high-frequency support flag is set in various flag storage areas of the RAM 604 . Then, in the case of the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 66 is in the open state is set larger than in the case of the low-frequency support mode, and the electric accessory 66 is set to be in the open state more times when the electric role open state is won. Set a longer open time. Further, in the case of the high-frequency support mode, when the open state of the electric accessory 66 is won and the open state of the electric accessory 66 occurs multiple times, the next open state is started after the end of one open state. Set so that the closing time up to is shorter than the opening time of one time.

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

After that, in step S206, game ball launch control processing is executed. In the game ball shooting control process, the solenoid 111 of the game ball shooting mechanism 110 is excited once in a predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on the condition that a shooting permission signal is input from the power/shooting control device 191. do. As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE.

After executing the game ball shooting control process in step S206, it is determined whether or not a power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 604 in step S207. The power failure flag is stored by outputting a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring board 605 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 602 of the main control board 601 when the power failure is confirmed by the power failure monitoring board 605, and the power is restarted. A flag that is cleared when

If the power failure flag is not stored, it means that the last process of the plurality of processes to be repeatedly executed has been completed. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has passed since the start of processing. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the fluctuation type counter CS are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process.

Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S206 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and 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 jackpot random number counter C1) can be randomly updated. The variation type counter CS can also be randomly updated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that the power failure flag is stored, it means that the power has been cut off, so the power failure processing from step S211 onwards is executed. That is, in step S211, the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, then in step S212, the RAM judgment value is calculated and stored, and in step S213, access to the RAM 604 is prohibited, and then the power supply is completely cut off. continues in an infinite loop until it can no longer run.

(Game round control processing)
Here, a supplementary description will be given of the game round control process in step S203. In the game round control process, first, it is determined whether or not the open/close execution mode is in progress. If it is in the open/close execution mode, the game round control processing is terminated as it is. If it is not in the opening/closing execution mode, it is determined whether or not the game is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the display section for the active ball entry section of the main display unit 77 is performing variable display or fixed display. When the display section for the active ball entry section is neither during the variable display nor during the fixed display, the process proceeds to the game turn start processing. In the game round start processing, first, it is determined whether or not the total number of start-reserved balls (common reserved number CRN) is "0". When the common pending number CRN is “0”, it means that pending information is not stored in the pending ball storage area 632 . Therefore, this game round control process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when the common reserved number CRN is not "0", the data setting process for setting the data stored in the reserved area RE of the reserved ball storage area 632 for variable display is executed, and further the main display unit After executing the variation start processing for starting the variation display in 77 and the variation display in the symbol display device 92, this game round control processing is terminated.

In the data setting process, first, among the number N of starting pending balls N stored in the pending number storage area FE, the one targeted for the current setting process and the common pending number CRN are decremented by one. Subsequently, the data stored in the first areas Ra1 and Rb1 of the reserve area RE are moved to the execution area AE. After that, a process of shifting the data (that is, pending information) stored in each of the areas Ra1 to Ra4 and Rb1 to Rb4 of the pending area RE is executed. By performing this data shift process, the data stored in the first areas Ra1, Rb1 to the fourth areas Ra4, Rb4 are sequentially shifted to the lower area side.

After the data is shifted, a shift time command, which is information for making the notification/production control device 610 recognize that the data in the reserved area has been shifted, is set. After that, the data setting process is terminated. The shift command is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 610 at step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 15). The notification/production control device 610 receives the command during shift, and executes processing for changing the display of the reservation lamp portions 94 and 95 in accordance with the decrease in the number of reservations.

(Variation start processing)
In the fluctuation start process, firstly, the success/failure determination process is executed. In the success/failure determination process, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the high-probability mode or the low-probability mode. In the case of the high-probability mode, the success/failure table for the high-probability mode among the tables stored in the success/failure table storage area is referred to, and among the information stored in the execution area AE, information for success/failure determination, that is, the jackpot. It is determined whether or not the numerical information about the random number counter C1 matches the high-probability jackpot numerical information. Further, in the case of the low probability mode, the success/failure table for the low probability mode among the tables stored in the success/failure table storage area is referred to, and the numerical information relating to the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE. matches the jackpot numerical information for low probability.

When a big hit result is obtained in the success/failure determination process, a big hit type determination process is executed. In this type determination process, the information acquired from the information for type determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information updated by the jackpot type counter C2 is grasped. In addition, referring to the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area of the ROM 603, the information for the type determination grasped above is information corresponding to the 16R probability variation jackpot result, information corresponding to the 8R probability variation jackpot result, 16R normal Which of the information corresponding to the jackpot result and the information corresponding to the 8R normal jackpot result is included is specified. Specifically, when the hold information corresponds to a ball entering the upper working ball entering portion 62, the distribution table for the upper working ball entering portion 62 is referred to, and the holding information corresponds to the lower working ball entering portion. If the ball is compatible with entering the ball into 63, the sorting table for the lower operating ball entering section 63 is referred to and the type is determined.

Subsequently, a stop result setting process for a big hit is executed based on the information specified in the type determination process. Also, when it is determined that the jackpot is not won (when the result is a loss), a stop result setting process for loss is executed. In each stop result setting process, the information of the form of the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 77 is stored in the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area of the ROM 603. , and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604 . Also, information for specifying the determination result of this time is stored in various flag storage areas of the RAM 604 . Specifically, if the 16R probability variable jackpot result is stored, the 16R probability variable jackpot flag is stored, if the 8R probability variable jackpot result is stored, the 8R probability variable jackpot flag is stored, and if the 16R normal jackpot result is the 16R normal A jackpot flag is stored, and in the case of an 8R normal jackpot result, an 8R normal jackpot flag is stored.

After that, the variable display time setting process is executed. The variable display time of each game round is determined based on various types of information such as the number of stored pending information, the presence or absence of reach occurrence, and the result of success/failure determination. After executing the variable display time setting process, the command for variation and the type command are set. The variable command includes information on presence/absence of reach occurrence and information on variable display time. Also, the type command includes information on the game result. That is, the type command includes, as game result information, information on 16R probability variable jackpot results, information on 8R probability variable jackpot results, information on 16R normal jackpot results, information on 8R normal jackpot results, and information on outlier results.

The variation command and type command set in the above process are transmitted to the notification/production control device 610 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 15). The notification/effect control device 610 determines the emission pattern of the annular illumination portion 26 and the output pattern of the sound from the speaker portion 29 in the game cycle based on the received variation command and type command, and outputs the determined effect. , the ring-shaped illumination section 26 and the speaker section 29 are controlled so that the contents of the above are executed. In addition, the notification/production control device 610 transmits the variation command and the type command to the display control device 620 while maintaining the information form thereof. The display control device 620 grasps the variation display pattern of the symbol display device 92 in the game round based on the received variation command and type command, and controls the symbol display device so that the variation display pattern thus grasped is executed. 92 is displayed and controlled. After that, after the variable display of the pattern is started in the display portions DL and DU for the active ball portion of the main display unit 77, the variable start processing is finished.

Returning to the description of the game turn control process, when the display section for the active ball entry section of the main display unit 77 is in the process of changing display, the game turn progress process is executed. In the game round progress processing, first, it is determined whether or not the variation display time of the current game round has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable display counter stored in the variable display time counter area of the RAM 604 has become "0". The value of the variable display counter is set in the variable display time setting process described above. Also, the set value of the fluctuation display counter is decremented (subtracted) by one each time the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 14) is started.

If the variable display time has not elapsed, the variable display process is executed. In the variable display process, the display mode in the active ball entry display section of the main display unit 77 is changed. After that, the game round control process is terminated.

If the variable display time has passed, the variable end process is executed. In the fluctuation ending process, the information stored in the RAM 604 in the stop result setting process is specified, and the main display unit 77 is operated so that the pattern corresponding to the information is stopped and displayed on the main display unit 77. control the display for Subsequently, a variation end command is set, and this game round control process is ended. The set fluctuation end command is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 610 at step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 15). The notification/production control device 610 transmits the received fluctuation end command to the display control device 620 while maintaining its information form. Upon receiving the variation end command, the display control device 620 causes the display screen 92a of the symbol display device 92 to display (final stop display) the final stop symbol combination in the game round.

(Game state transition processing)
Next, the game state transition processing of step S204 will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG.

In the game state transition process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the opening/closing execution mode is being executed. If it is not in the opening/closing execution mode, the process proceeds to step S302, and it is determined whether or not it is the timing at which the fluctuation display of the pattern in the display section for the upper operation entrance section or the display section for the lower operation entrance section of the first game cycle has ended. do. If it is not the timing at which the variable display ends, the game state transition processing is ended as it is.

If the variable display has ended, more specifically, if a preset stop display period (fixed display period) has passed since the variable display ended, the process proceeds to step S303, and the current game is played. It is determined whether or not the game result of the round (result of the win/loss lottery) corresponds to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether any one of the 16R probability variable jackpot result corresponding flag, the 8R probability variable jackpot result corresponding flag, the 16R normal jackpot result corresponding flag, and the 8R normal jackpot result corresponding flag is stored in the RAM 604 . If none of the above flags is stored, the game state transition processing is terminated.

If any of the above flags is stored, the opening/closing execution mode start process is executed in step S304. By the start processing, the operation regulation of the variable winning device 64 by the locking device is released, and the opening/closing operation of the variable winning device 64 is allowed until the opening/closing execution mode ends. In the subsequent step S305, "16" or "8" is set to the open number counter OC provided in various counter areas of the RAM 604 according to the type of the jackpot.

After executing the process of step S305, an opening command is set in step S306. This set opening command is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 610 and the display control device 620 in step S201 in the normal processing (FIG. 15). The notification/performance control device 610 determines the contents of the performance corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the determined contents of the performance are executed. After executing the process of step S306, the external signal setting process is executed in step S307, and the game state transition process is terminated.

In the external signal setting process of step S307, it is determined whether or not any one of various jackpot corresponding flags is stored in the RAM604. (Hall computer HC) prepares to output a signal indicating that a big win has occurred, and the signal is sent to the management control device in step S201 of the normal processing (FIG. 15). Based on this signal, the management control device can grasp that the pachinko machine 10 has shifted to the opening/closing execution mode.

Returning to the description of step S301, if it is determined in step S301 that the opening/closing execution mode is in progress, the process proceeds to step S308. In step S308, it is determined whether or not the standby time for opening has elapsed. If the waiting time for the opening has not elapsed, the game state transition processing is terminated as it is. When the waiting time for opening has passed, the big winning opening opening/closing process is executed in step S309. Here, the processing for opening and closing the big winning opening will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Opening and closing processing of the grand prize opening)
In the large winning opening opening/closing process, first, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the variable winning device 64 (large winning opening) is open. Specifically, this determination is made based on the driving state of the variable winning drive unit in the variable winning device 64 . If the variable winning device 64 is not open, it is determined in step S402 whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is "0". If an affirmative determination is made in step S402, the main winning opening opening/closing process is terminated.

If a negative determination is made in step S402, the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, 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 ascertaining the open period or interval period of the variable winning device 64, and its value is decremented by "1" each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 14) is executed. be. If a negative determination is made in step S403, the main winning opening opening/closing process is terminated.

When the value of the opening number counter OC is not "0" and the value of the opening timer counter TC is "0", the process proceeds to step S404, and the opening processing of the variable winning device 64 is executed. Concretely, the variable winning driving unit is brought into a driving state so as to open the variable winning device 64 . After that, as the closing condition setting processing (opening setting processing) of the variable winning device 64, first, in step S405, the opening timer counter TC is set to "15000" (equivalent to 30 sec), and in the following step S406, the winning counter is set. Set "10" in the PC.

Thereafter, an opening command is set in step S407, and the main winning opening opening/closing process is terminated. This set opening command is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 610 at step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 15). The notification/effect control device 610 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the opening based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the effect is executed.

Returning to the description of step S401, when it is determined that the variable winning device 64 (large winning opening) is open at step S401, the process proceeds to step S409, and whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is "0". judge. If the value of the open timer counter TC is not "0", the process proceeds to step S409, and whether or not the variable winning device 64 has won a prize is determined based on the detection signal from the detection sensor 155 corresponding to the variable winning device 64. judge. If no prize has been won, the main prize winning opening opening/closing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if a prize has been won, the process of outputting a prize command is executed in step S410. The winning command is output to the notification/effect control device 610, and the effect during the opening/closing execution mode executed on the display screen 92a of the pattern display device 92 changes according to the winning command.

After executing the command output process in step S410, the process proceeds to step S411. In step S411, the value of the winning counter PC is decremented by 1, and in the subsequent step S412, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter PC is "0". finish.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S412, that is, if the value of the winning counter PC is "0", or if an affirmative determination is made in step S408 (that is, if the value of the open timer counter TC is determined to be "0") ), it means that the conditions for closing the big winning slot have been met. In this case, in step S413, the variable winning driving unit is brought into a non-driving state so as to close the variable winning device 64. FIG.

In the subsequent step S414, update processing of the open number counter OC is executed. Specifically, when the value of the open number counter OC is not "0", the open number counter OC is decremented by 1, and when the value of the open number counter OC is "0", the open number counter OC is Keep the value of '0'. After that, in step S415, it is determined whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is "0". If the value of the open number counter OC is not "0", the process proceeds to step S416. At step S416, the open timer counter TC is set to "150" (corresponding to 0.3 sec).

After executing the process of step S416, a closing command is set in step S417, and the main winning opening opening/closing process is terminated. This set closing command is transmitted to the notification/production control device 610 at step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 15). The notification/effect control device 610 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the closing command based on the received closing command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the effect is executed.

Returning to the description of step S415, if it is determined in step S415 that the value of the open number counter OC is "0", the process proceeds to step S418. In step S418, an ending start process is executed. In the start process, an ending waiting time is set for waiting without starting the next game round for the ending of the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, waiting time information for the ending stored in advance in the ROM 603 is set in waiting time counter areas provided in various counter areas of the RAM 604 .

After that, in step S419, after setting the ending command, the main winning opening opening/closing process is terminated. This set ending command is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 610 at step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 15).

As for the ending command in the present embodiment, as with the opening command, the first type ending command corresponding to the probability variable jackpot result and the second type ending corresponding to the normal jackpot result depending on the situation at the time of shifting to the opening and closing execution mode A command is provided, and a background image or the like to be shifted after the open/close execution mode is set according to these various commands.

Returning to the description of the game state transition process (FIG. 16), after executing the big winning opening opening/closing process in step S309, it is determined in step S310 whether or not the value of the opening number counter OC is "0". In step S311, it is determined whether or not the standby time for the ending has elapsed. If the value of the open number counter OC is not "0" or if the waiting time for the ending has not passed, the game state transition processing is terminated.

On the other hand, when the value of the open number counter OC is "0" and the waiting time for the ending has passed, in step S312, after executing the transition processing at the end of the opening/closing execution mode, the game is executed. Terminate state transition processing.

As already described, in this embodiment, when the 16R probability variable jackpot result or the 8R probability variable jackpot result is obtained, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the game state corresponding to the high probability mode and the high frequency support mode is shifted to. In the case of a 16R normal jackpot result or an 8R normal jackpot result, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the game state shifts to a game state corresponding to the low-probability mode and high-frequency support mode (the number of times is limited).

As described above, the variable display unit 91 (symbol display device 92) shown in this embodiment is movable. It is configured to switch to a lower display position closer to the side operation entering ball portion 63 (variable winning device 64). Here, position control processing for the variable display unit 91 executed as part of regular processing by the MPU 612 of the notification/production control device 610 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18 .

(position control processing)
In the position control process, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the variable display unit 91 is waiting at the upper display position. If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S502.

In step S502, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, based on whether or not an opening command has been received from main controller 162, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the opening/closing execution mode. If a negative determination is made in step S502, the position control process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503.

In step S503, processing is performed to move the variable display unit 91 from the upper display position to the lower display position. Specifically, the movement restriction of the variable display unit 91 by the locking device attached to the lifting device 96 is released. Thereafter, a driving signal corresponding to the descent is output to the lifting device 96 (motor 98) to move the variable display unit 91 from the upper display position to the lower display position.

Returning to the description of step S501, if a negative determination is made in step S501, that is, if the variable display unit 91 is not waiting at the upper display position, the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the high-frequency support mode ends without a big hit result during the high-frequency support mode. As already explained, when the result is a normal jackpot, the game shifts to the high-frequency support mode with a limited number of times. In step S504, based on a command from the main controller 162, it is determined whether or not to shift to the low-frequency support mode without a jackpot result during the high-frequency support mode. If a negative determination is made in step S504, the position control process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.

In step S505, processing is performed to move the variable display unit 91 from the lower display position to the upper display position. Specifically, the variable display unit 91 is moved from the lower display position to the upper display position by outputting a drive signal corresponding to elevation to the lifting device 96 (motor 98). After the movement to the upper display position is completed, the lock device is switched to the locked state to restrict the movement of the variable display unit 91 .

In this way, the variable display unit 91 is arranged at the lower display position with the shift to the opening/closing execution mode as a trigger, and is arranged at the upper display position with the shift to the normal game state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode as a trigger. It's becoming

In the normal game state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode, since the game progresses based on the ball entering the upper operating ball entering portion 62, the game ball is aimed at the upper operating ball entering portion 62 and is shot. Under such circumstances, the variable display unit 91 (symbol display device 92) is on standby at the upper display position. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 19( a ), in the state of being arranged at the upper display position, the upper operating ball entry portion 62 and the upper general winning opening 61 U are positioned in front of the pattern display device 92 . In other words, the upper working ball entry portion 62 and the upper general winning opening 61U are overlapped with the symbol display device 92 from the front. By arranging the pattern display device 92 close to the upper operation ball entry part 62 where the player's attention is likely to be directed, it is possible to suppress overlooking the display performance displayed on the pattern display device 92. .

In the open/close execution mode, winning to the variable winning device 64 is facilitated, and game balls are shot toward the variable winning device 64 for the purpose of winning to the variable winning device 64→increasing the number of balls held. . Under such circumstances, the variable display unit 91 (symbol display device 92) is on standby at the lower display position. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 19(b), when the symbol display device 92 is arranged at the lower display position, the symbol display device 92 is closer to the variable winning device 64 than the upper operating ball winning portion 62. becomes smaller. By arranging the pattern display device 92 close to the variable winning device 64 where the player's attention is likely to be directed, it is possible to prevent the player from overlooking the display effects displayed on the pattern display device 92.例文帳に追加

In the normal game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode, the ball can be easily entered into the lower operating ball entering portion 63, and the game can be advantageously advanced based on the entering ball into the lower operating ball entering portion 63. Therefore, the game ball is shot aiming at the lower operating ball entry portion 63 . Under such circumstances, the variable display unit 91 (symbol display device 92) is on standby at the lower display position. As shown in FIG. 19(b), in the state of being arranged at the lower display position, the lower operating ball entry portion 63 is positioned in front of the pattern display device 92. As shown in FIG. In other words, the lower operating ball entry portion 63 overlaps the pattern display device 92 from the front. By arranging the pattern display device 92 close to the lower operation ball entry portion 63 where the player's attention is likely to be directed, it is possible to suppress overlooking of the display effects displayed on the pattern display device 92. there is

Here, as shown in FIG. 19A, a second background sheet 99 provided on the back block 60b is provided with a message (specifically, "BONUS" characters) corresponding to the open/close execution mode. This message is hidden behind the variable display unit 91 when the variable display unit 91 is arranged at the upper display position, and is not visible from the front of the gaming machine. As shown in FIG. 19(a)→FIG. 19(b), when the variable display unit 91 moves from the upper display position to the lower display position with the transition to the opening/closing execution mode, the message and the variable display unit 91 are displayed. overlap is avoided, and the message can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine. In this way, by adopting a configuration in which a message indicating the opening/closing execution mode appears as a result of moving the variable display unit 91 to a position corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode, the transition to the opening/closing execution mode is clearly indicated. there is

The pattern display device 92 is set with a plurality of display modes (first display mode to third display mode) in which patterns and other display modes are different, and the display mode is set according to the position of the pattern display device 92, that is, the game state. It is configured to switch. Now, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20(a), the display mode switching process for the symbol display device 92, which is executed as part of the regular processing by the MPU 612 of the notification/effect control device 610, will be described.

(Display mode switching process)
In the display mode switching process, first, in step S601, it is determined whether or not it is time to shift to the normal game state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode. Specifically, it is determined based on a command from the main controller 162 whether or not the high-frequency support mode has ended without a big win during the high-frequency support mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S601, the process proceeds to step S602.

In step S602, switching processing to the first display mode is executed. In the switching process to the first display mode, a first display mode switching command is transmitted to the display control device 620, and the BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 and the light emission mode of the lamp unit 26 are changed to the first display mode. Perform processing to switch to the corresponding one. Upon receiving the first display mode switching command, the display control device 620 switches the display mode of the pattern display device 92 to the first display mode. Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 21(a), the display contents in the first display mode will be supplementarily explained.

In the first display mode, three symbol rows are displayed on the display screen 92a of the symbol display device 92, and the symbol rows are scroll-displayed based on the balls entering the active ball-entering sections 62 and 63. FIG. When a ball is entered into the operating ball entry sections 62 and 63, a lottery for a big win or the like is executed, and the symbol combination corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed.

A display area ME for displaying an image for notifying a prize is provided between each symbol row (between the variable display areas). The display area ME is positioned above the upper general prize winning opening 61U on the display screen 92a, and a character image CP in the shape of a chick is displayed at the bottom of the display area ME (lower end of the display screen 92a). It is Specifically, the character image CP is displayed with its head protruding from the upper general prize winning opening 61U. A decoration 61aU imitating a bush is provided on the front portion of the upper general prize winning opening 61U, and a picture pattern of the character image CP peeking out from the grass is formed. That is, one pattern is composed of the decoration 61aU of the upper general prize winning opening 61U and the character image CP of the display screen 92a. Details will be described later, but when a prize is won in the upper general prize-winning port 61U, the character image CP corresponding to the upper general prize-winning port 61U moves, and the player is notified that a prize has been won in the upper general prize-winning port 61U. will be notified to

Returning to the description of FIG. 20A, if a negative determination is made in step S601, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, when an opening command is received from main controller 162, an affirmative determination is made in step S603. If an affirmative determination is made in step S603, the process proceeds to step S604.

In step S604, switching processing to the second display mode is executed. In the switching process to the second display mode, a second display mode switching command is transmitted to the display control device 620, and the BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 and the light emission mode of the lamp unit 26 are changed to the second display mode. Perform processing to switch to the corresponding one. Upon receiving the second display mode switching command, the display control device 620 switches the display mode of the pattern display device 92 to the first display mode. Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 21(b), the display contents in the second display mode will be supplementarily explained.

In the second display mode, the round in progress is displayed in the upper left corner of the display screen 92a of the pattern display device 92, and the total number of prize balls won during the opening/closing execution mode is displayed in the upper right corner. A pattern (not shown) imitating a treasure chest is displayed at the lower center of the display screen 92a, and when a prize is won in the variable prize winning device 64, a large amount of coins are rolled up from the treasure box. becomes.

Here, the coins that fly up from the treasure box disappear in the lower part of the display screen 92a after a predetermined period of time. The display will be updated so that a large amount of coins will roll up to a higher position. In other words, the scale of the display effect corresponding to the winning is expanded by the successive occurrence of the winning to the variable winning device 64 . In the present embodiment, "continuous winning" means that the next winning occurs before the previous winning notification is completed, and that the next winning occurs after the previous winning notification ends. It is distinguished as a "regular prize".

Display areas ME for displaying an image for notifying a prize are provided on both the left and right sides of the coin and treasure box display areas. The display area ME is positioned above the lower general prize winning opening 61L on the display screen 92a, and a character image CP in the shape of a pigeon is displayed at the bottom of the display area ME (lower end of the display screen 92a). is displayed. Here, the lower general prize winning opening 61L and the display screen 92a are separated vertically. The first background sheet 79 provided on the back surface of the game area forming body 60a straddles the display screen 92a and the lower general prize winning opening 61L when viewed from the front of the game machine. A pattern 99a imitating a bird's nest and a pattern 99b imitating a bush are provided on the straddling portion, and the pattern 99a and the bird's nest are provided on the front portion of the lower general prize-winning opening 61L. A decoration 61aL that forms a pattern that imitates is applied.

The pigeon-like character image CP is displayed such that its head protrudes upward from the first background sheet 79 (grass pattern 99b). The decoration 61aL of the lower general prize winning opening 61L, the first background sheet 79, and the character image CP of the display screen 92a constitute one pattern. Details will be described later, but when a prize is won in the lower general prize-winning port 61L, the character image CP corresponding to the lower general prize-winning port 61L moves, indicating that a prize has been won in the lower general prize-winning port 61L. is reported to the player.

Returning to the description of FIG. 20A, if a negative determination is made in step S603, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the open/close execution mode. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to shift to the normal game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode. Specifically, when an ending command is received from main controller 162, an affirmative determination is made in step S605. If an affirmative determination is made in step S605, the process proceeds to step S606.

In step S606, switching processing to the third display mode is executed. In the switching process to the third display mode, a third display mode switching command is transmitted to the display control device 620, and the BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 and the light emission mode of the lamp unit 26 are changed to the third display mode. Perform processing to switch to the corresponding one. Upon receiving the third display mode switching command, the display control device 620 switches the display mode of the pattern display device 92 to the third display mode. Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 21(a), the display contents in the third display mode will be supplementarily explained.

In the third display mode, three symbol rows are displayed on the display screen 92a of the symbol display device 92, and the symbol rows are scroll-displayed based on the ball entering the active ball entering portions 62 and 63. FIG. When a ball is entered into the operating ball entry sections 62 and 63, a lottery for a big win or the like is executed, and the symbol combination corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed. The variable display mode of the symbols is the same as in the first display mode.

In addition, display areas ME for displaying images for notifying the winning of prizes are provided on the left and right ends of the display screen 92a. The display area ME is positioned above the lower general prize winning opening 61L on the display screen 92a, and a character image CP in the shape of a pigeon is displayed at the bottom of the display area ME (lower end of the display screen 92a). is displayed. Since the display mode of this character image CP is the same as that of the second display mode, the description is incorporated.

As described in detail above, the display mode is the first display mode in the normal game state corresponding to the low frequency support mode, the display mode is the second display mode in the open/close execution mode (special game state), and the high frequency support mode. In the corresponding normal game state, the display mode becomes the third display mode (see FIG. 20(b)). During the first display mode, game balls are shot aiming at the upper working ball entry portion 62, and the main ball entry destinations are the upper working ball entry portion 62 and the upper general winning opening 61U (Fig. 6(a) reference). During the second display mode, game balls are shot aiming at the variable winning device 64, so that the main destinations are the variable winning device 64 and the lower general winning opening 61L (see FIG. 6(b)). During the third display mode, game balls are shot aiming at the lower operating ball entry portion 63, so that the main ball entry destinations are the lower operating ball entry portion 63 and the lower general winning opening 61L (FIG. 6). (b)).

Depending on the game state, not only the position of the variable display unit 91 (symbol display device 92) is changed, but also the display mode of the symbol display device 92 is changed, and furthermore the main destination of the game ball is also changed. In addition, the ball-entering portion (for example, the upper general winning opening 61U/the lower general winning opening 61L) to which the winning notification is executed also changes according to the game state, the position of the variable display unit 91, and the display mode. . Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 22, the winning notification processing for the upper general winning opening, which is executed as part of the regular processing by the MPU 612 of the notification/production control device 610, will be described.

(Processing for award notification corresponding to upper general award opening)
In the winning notification process for the upper general winning hole, first, in step S701, it is determined whether or not the first display mode is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S701, the main winning notification process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S701, the process proceeds to step S702. In step S702, based on whether or not a winning command indicating winning to the upper general winning opening 61U from the main controller 162 is received, it is determined whether or not winning to the upper general winning opening 61U has occurred.

If a negative determination is made in step S702, the main winning notification process is terminated. When an affirmative determination is made in step S702, the process proceeds to step S703, and it is determined whether or not the winning notification relating to the upper general winning opening 61U is being executed. If a negative determination is made in step S703, normal winning notification execution processing is performed in step S704, and then this winning notification processing is terminated.

In the normal winning notification execution process, the speaker section 29 is driven to output a sound effect indicating the occurrence of a winning, and the light emitting section attached to the upper general winning opening 61U is lit. It also outputs a normal winning notification command to the display control device 620 . In the display control device 620, image display processing for normal winning notification is performed based on the reception of the normal winning notification command. Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 23(a), the flow of normal winning notification will be described.

In the normal winning notification, when the game ball B1 enters the upper general winning opening 61U (when a winning occurs), the character image CP waiting just above the upper general winning opening 61U is moved to a predetermined position above. . As a result, the chick (character image CP) can be made to appear to have jumped up from the grass (the decoration 61aU of the upper general prize winning opening 61U).

At the timing when the character image CP reaches the predetermined position, the number image NP is displayed at a specific position above the predetermined position. In the present embodiment, three game balls (prize balls) are paid out when a prize is awarded to the upper general prize winning opening 61U. The number image NP is composed of numbers (characters) of "+3get" as information specifying this privilege.

The character image CP and the number image NP descend in the display area ME as time elapses. The character image CP continues to be displayed even after returning to the standby position, while the number image NP is hidden when it reaches the lower end of the display screen 92a. As a result, the player waits for notification of the next winning.

Note that the descent speed of the character image CP and the number image NP is accelerated so as to become faster with the passage of time. In other words, the difference is set so that the descent speed is slow in the upper portion of the display area ME and the descent speed is high in the lower portion.

Returning to the description of FIG. 22 again, if the determination in step S703 is affirmative, that is, if the next prize is won while the prize is being announced, the process proceeds to step S705. In step S705, continuous winning notification execution processing is performed. In the present embodiment, similarly to the variable winning device 64, when the next winning to the upper general winning opening 61U occurs before the previous winning notification relating to the upper general winning opening 61U ends. is defined as "continuous winning", and the case where the next winning occurs after the previous winning is announced is distinguished as "normal winning".

In the continuous winning notification execution process, the speaker unit 29 is driven to output a sound effect indicating the occurrence of winning, and the light emitting unit associated with the upper general winning opening 61U is lit. In addition, it outputs a consecutive winning notification command to the display control device 620 . In the display control device 620, image display processing for continuous winning notification is performed based on the reception of the continuous winning notification command. Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 23(b), the flow of continuous winning notification will be described.

In the notification of continuous winning, when the game ball B1 enters the upper general winning opening 61U (when winning occurs), the character image CP waiting just above the upper general winning opening 61U is moved to a predetermined position above. . As a result, the chick (character image CP) can be made to appear to have jumped up from the grass (the decoration 61aU of the upper general prize winning opening 61U).

At the timing when the character image CP reaches the predetermined position, the number image NP1 is displayed at a specific position above the predetermined position. In the present embodiment, three game balls (prize balls) are paid out when a prize is awarded to the upper general prize winning opening 61U. The number image NP1 is composed of numbers (characters) of "+3get" as information that clearly indicates this privilege.

The character image CP and the number image NP1 descend in the display area ME as time elapses. When the next game ball B2 enters the upper general winning opening 61U while the winning notification is continuing (when a winning occurs), the falling character image CP moves beyond the predetermined position and appears in the display area ME. Move to upper limit position. That is, the chick (character image CP) jumps up in two steps. On the other hand, a number image NP2 is additionally displayed at a specific position (above the number image NP1), and the number images NP1 and NP2 are arranged vertically. The character image CP and the number images NP1 and NP2 descend in the display area ME as time elapses. The character image CP continues to be displayed even after returning to the standby position, while the number images NP1 and NP2 are hidden when they reach the lower end of the display screen 92a. As a result, the player waits for notification of the next winning. Note that the numeric images NP1 and NP2 are the same image.

Next, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 24, supplementary explanation will be given on the flow of winning notification. The first half of FIG. 24 shows normal winning notification, and the latter half of FIG. 24 shows continuous winning notification.

First, the flow of normal winning notification will be described. When a prize is won in the upper general prize winning opening 61U at the timing of ta1, the character image CP displayed at the standby position starts moving from the standby position toward the predetermined position. At the timing of ta2, the character image CP reaches a predetermined position and cannot move upward any more. As the character image CP reaches the predetermined position, the number image NP is displayed at a specific position above the predetermined position.

The character image CP moved to the predetermined position and the number image NP displayed at the specific position descend in the display area ME as time elapses. The descending speed of the character image CP is slower than the ascending speed when moving to the predetermined position. This is a device that achieves both the function of making the winning notification stand out by a rapid change in appearance and the function of reducing the chances of the winning notification being overlooked by increasing the notification period.

The descending speed of the character image CP is faster than the descending speed of the number image NP, and the descending (display) of the number image NP continues for a while after the character image CP returns to the standby position at the timing of ta3. (See ta4 timing). This is a device to lengthen the execution period of the current winning notification as much as possible while preparing for the occurrence of the next winning.

Next, the flow of notification of consecutive winnings will be described. When a prize is won in the upper general prize winning opening 61U at the timing of ta5, the character image CP displayed at the standby position starts moving from the standby position to the predetermined position. At the timing of ta6, the character image CP reaches a predetermined position and cannot move upward any more. As the character image CP reaches the predetermined position, the number image NP1 is displayed at a specific position above the predetermined position.

The character image CP moved to the predetermined position and the number image NP1 displayed at the specific position descend in the display area ME as time elapses. Here, the period required for the character image CP to move from the standby position to the predetermined position, that is, the time lag until the number image NP1 is displayed, is determined by the detection sensor 151 for the upper general winning opening 61U. It is shorter than the minimum interval period (minimum interval period) in the case of continuous detection.

Therefore, even if the subsequent game ball immediately enters the upper general winning opening 61U, the timing will not be the timing before the character image CP and the number image NP1 start to descend. That is, the character image CP and the number image NP1 displayed on the basis of the previous winning are descending at the timing of ta7 when the next winning occurs in the minimum interval period.

When the next winning occurs at timing ta7, the character image CP rises again toward the upper limit position in the display area ME. During this time, the numeric image NP1 continues to descend. When the character image CP reaches the upper limit position at the timing of ta8, the number image NP2 is displayed at the predetermined position. At this timing, the numeric image NP1 is already separated from the predetermined position, so the overlapping of the numeric image NP1 and the numeric image NP2 is avoided. By raising the character image CP again by winning the next prize and gaining time, it is possible to make the number image NP1 completely leave the predetermined position.

After that, the character image CP and the number images NP1 and NP2 descend the display area ME. Since the descent speeds of the numeric images NP1 and NP2 change in the same manner, the numeric image NP2 never overtakes the numeric image NP1.

At the following timing ta9, the character image CP returns to the standby position, and at the subsequent timing ta10, the number image NP1 reaches the lower limit position and is not displayed. Then, at the timing of ta11, the number image NP2 also reaches the lower limit position and is not displayed, and the winning notification corresponding to consecutive winning ends. Even in the case where winning notifications are performed consecutively, by avoiding overlapping of the number images NP1 and NP2, it is possible to easily distinguish between two winnings.

Next, when the variable display unit 91 (symbol display device 92) is arranged at the lower display position and the second display mode and the third display mode are set as the display modes, the MPU 612 of the notification/effect control device 610 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

(Processing for award notification corresponding to the lower general award opening)
In the winning notification processing for the lower general winning opening, first, in step S801, it is determined whether or not the second display mode is being performed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S801, the process proceeds to step S802. In step S802, based on whether or not a winning command indicating winning to the lower general winning opening 61L from the main control device 162 is received, it is determined whether or not winning to the lower general winning opening 61L has occurred. do.

If a negative determination is made in step S802, the main winning notification process is terminated. When an affirmative determination is made in step S802, the process proceeds to step S803, and it is determined whether or not the award notification relating to the lower general winning opening 61L is being executed. When a negative determination is made in step S803, normal winning notification execution processing is performed in step S804. When an affirmative determination is made in step S803, continuous winning notification execution processing is performed in step S805. After executing the processes of steps S804 and S805, the process for updating the count-up display is executed in step S806, and the main winning notification process ends.

In the present embodiment, similarly to the upper general winning opening 61U, the next winning relating to the lower general winning opening 61L does not occur until the previous winning notification relating to the lower general winning opening 61L ends. A case of occurrence is defined as "continuous winning", and a case of occurrence of the next winning after the previous winning is notified is distinguished as "normal winning".

As already explained, during the opening/closing execution mode, the total number of prize balls acquired during the opening/closing execution mode is displayed in the upper right corner of the display screen 92a. Most of the prize balls are triggered by winning the variable prize winning device 64, but the prize balls based on the prize winning to the lower general prize winning opening 61L are also added to the above total number.

Returning to the description of step S801, if a negative determination is made in step S801, the process proceeds to step S807. In step S807, it is determined whether or not the third display mode is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S807, the main winning notification process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S807, the process proceeds to step S808.

In step S808, based on whether or not a winning command indicating winning to the lower general winning opening 61L from the main control device 162 is received, it is determined whether or not winning to the lower general winning opening 61L has occurred. do.

If a negative determination is made in step S808, the main winning notification process is terminated. When an affirmative determination is made in step S808, the process proceeds to step S809, and it is determined whether or not the winning notification relating to the lower general winning opening 61L is being executed. If a negative determination is made in step S809, normal winning notification execution processing is performed in step S810, and then this winning notification processing is terminated. When an affirmative determination is made in step S809, the process for continuous winning notification is performed in step S811, and then this winning notification process is terminated.

Here, with reference to FIG. 26, the flow of winning notification based on winning to the lower general winning opening 61L will be described. FIG. 26(a) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of normal winning notification, and FIG. 26(b) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of continuous winning notification.

As shown in FIG. 26(a), in the normal winning notification, when the game ball B1 enters the lower general winning opening 61L (when winning occurs), it stands by immediately above the lower general winning opening 61L. The character image CP is moved to the center side of the display screen 92a. As a result, the pigeon (character image CP) can be made to appear to have jumped obliquely upward from the grass (decoration 79b of the first background sheet 79).

At the timing when the character image CP reaches a predetermined position, a number image NP is displayed at a specific position above the lower general prize winning opening 61L. In the present embodiment, seven game balls (prize balls) are paid out when a prize is awarded to the lower general prize winning opening 61L. The number image NP is composed of numbers (characters) of "+7get" as information that clearly indicates this privilege.

The character image CP and the number image NP descend in the display area ME (see FIG. 21(b)) as time elapses. When the character image CP reaches the lower end of the display screen 92a, it is temporarily hidden, and immediately after that, it is redisplayed (returned) to the standby position. On the other hand, the numeric image NP is hidden when it reaches the lower end of the display area ME. As a result, the player waits for notification of the next winning.

It should be noted that the moving speeds (falling speeds) of the character image CP and the number image NP are accelerated as time passes. In other words, the difference is set so that the descent speed is slow in the upper portion of the display area ME and the descent speed is high in the lower portion.

Next, with reference to FIG. 26(b), the flow of winning notification (continuous winning notification) when consecutive winning occurs will be described.

In the continuous winning notification, when the game ball B1 enters the lower general winning opening 61L (when a winning occurs), the character image CP waiting just above the lower general winning opening 61L is moved upward to a predetermined position. move. As a result, the pigeon (character image CP) can appear to have jumped up from the grass (decoration 79a of the first background sheet 79).

At the timing when the character image CP reaches the predetermined position, the number image NP1 is displayed at the specific position above the lower general prize winning opening 61L. In the present embodiment, seven game balls (prize balls) are paid out when a prize is awarded to the lower general prize winning opening 61L. The number image NP1 is composed of numbers (characters) of "+3get" as information that clearly indicates this privilege.

The character image CP and the number image NP1 descend in the display area ME (see FIG. 21(b)) as time elapses. When the next game ball B2 enters the lower general prize winning opening 61L (when a prize occurs) while the winning notification is continuing in this way, the character image CP during the descent exceeds the predetermined position and is displayed in the display area ME. to the central limit position of the display screen 92a. That is, the flight distance of the pigeon (character image CP) is increased. On the other hand, a number image NP2 is additionally displayed at a specific position (above the number image NP1), and the number images NP1 and NP2 are arranged vertically. The character image CP and the number images NP1 and NP2 descend in the display area ME as time elapses. After the character image CP reaches the lower limit position, it returns to the non-display→standby position and continues to be displayed. On the other hand, the numeric images NP1 and NP2 are hidden when they reach the lower end of the display area ME. As a result, the player waits for notification of the next winning. Note that the numeric images NP1 and NP2 are the same image.

According to the first embodiment described above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

In a game machine of the type in which a game ball flows down a game area PE in which a large number of game nails 68 are planted, one of the enjoyments of the game is to follow the movement of the game ball with the eye. In this type of gaming machine, if the residence time of the game ball in the game area PE is shortened, it becomes difficult to follow the movement of the game ball with the eye, and there is concern that the enjoyment described above will decrease. In view of such circumstances, it is also possible to slow the downflow speed of the game ball and lengthen the staying time in the game area PE, for example. However, it is assumed that such slow movement of the game ball is a factor in reducing the appearance of the movement of the game ball. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the game nail rows 81 to 84 are used to control the movement of the game ball approaching the ball entering portion (for example, the upper operating ball entering portion 62) and the movement of the game ball moving away from the entering portion. It is possible to earn a staying time in the game area PE while suppressing a decrease in speed. As a result, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of attention to the movement of the game ball.

For example, the second type upper game nail row 82 and the first type lower game nail row 83 are arranged radially around the upper working ball entry portion 62, and are centered around the upper working ball entry portion 62 as a whole. It is an intersecting cross arrangement. When the game ball that has flowed down along the second type upper game nail row 82 (the game ball that did not enter the upper operation ball entry part 62) moves to the first type lower game nail row 83, the second kind upper game There are cases where the downward flow direction along the row of nails 82 is maintained and where the downward flow direction is reversed. By significantly changing the movement of the game ball around the upper operating ball entry portion 62 where the player's attention is likely to be directed, the degree of attention to the behavior of the game ball can be preferably improved.

When a game ball that has passed through the upper operating ball entry portion 62 moves in the order of the second type upper game nail row 82 → the first type lower game nail row 83, if the game ball accelerates excessively, the first type It becomes difficult to catch the movement of the game ball along the lower game nail row 83. - 特許庁In the part where the second class upper game nail row 82 and the first class lower game nail row 83 are folded back, such a problem is less likely to occur, but the second class upper game nail row 82 and the first class lower game nail row If the side game nail rows 83 are positioned on the same straight line, there is a concern that the above-mentioned inconveniences are likely to occur. In this respect, as shown in the present embodiment, if the first class lower game nail row 83 is arranged so as to be offset upward from the extension of the second class upper game nail row 82 to the downstream side, The game ball can be decelerated when moving to the first type lower game nail row 83. - 特許庁This makes it easier to visually confirm the movement of the game ball moving across the upper operating ball entering portion 62. - 特許庁

The upward offset amount of the first type lower game nail row 83 is smaller than the diameter dimension (specifically, the radius dimension) of the game ball. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing the movement of game balls from being greatly disturbed around the upper operating ball entering portion 62 and reducing the occurrence of collisions between game balls.

By aligning the inclination angles of the game peg rows 81 to 84, it is possible to prevent the falling velocity of the game balls flowing down along the game peg rows 81 to 84 from being excessively biased. By suppressing the deviation of the flow speed, it is possible to suppress the difference between easy/difficulty in following the movement of the game ball with the eye. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing the restriction of the places to which attention is substantially limited and prompting the player to pay attention to the movement of the game ball.

In a game machine of the type in which the pattern display device 92 positioned behind the transparent game area forming body 60a can be visually recognized, the pattern display device 92 is placed close to the game board so that the player can see the pattern. The distance to the display device 92 can be reduced. This arrangement is preferable for improving the visibility of displayed patterns. When a game ball that has entered the upper general prize winning opening 61U moves in the order of the guide passage 251→recovery passage 301 and is returned to the island facility of the game hall, the presence of the passage indicates the presence of the game area forming body 60a and the pattern display device. 92 can be a hindrance. In this respect, as shown in the present embodiment, the back surface of the game area forming body 60a is partially recessed to form the groove 261, and the groove 261 is used as the passage area of the game balls in the collection passage 301. Therefore, restrictions on the layout of the pattern display device 92 can be relaxed. As a result, the separation between the pattern display device 92 and the game area forming body 60a can be reduced, contributing to the improvement of visibility on the drawing side and the like.

As described above, if the collection passage 301 is constructed using the groove portion 261 formed in the game area forming body 60a, the projection of the collection passage 301 to the back side of the game area forming body 60a is suppressed, and the pattern display device 92 is displayed. Arrangement restrictions can be relaxed. Here, various game parts such as a game nail 68 and a pinwheel 69 are arranged in the game area PE. If the thickness of the game area forming body 60a becomes extremely thin, the hanging allowance for fixing these game parts to the game area forming body 60a may be insufficient. There is a concern that this will become a factor that strengthens restrictions on the arrangement of game parts. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, if the recovery passage 301 is configured by the groove portion 261 and the cover member 305 (main body portion 306), the above effects can be exhibited while ensuring the thickness of the game area forming body 60a to some extent. can be made

In order to cover the groove portion 261 of the game area forming body 60a with the cover member 305 formed with the groove-shaped body portion 306, it is also possible to place a part of the cover member 305 so as to be inserted into the groove portion 261. be. However, in such a configuration, the lateral width of the groove portion 261 is expanded in consideration of the cover member 305, and the portion of the game area forming body 60a that is thin increases. An increase in the thin portion of the game area forming body 60a has a corresponding demerit. Therefore, if the groove width of the cover member 305 (the groove-shaped portion of the main body portion 306) is set to be equal to or greater than the groove width of the groove portion 261 as shown in the present embodiment, the function of the recovery passage 301 can be ensured and the thickness of the wall can be reduced. It is possible to minimize the portion where the thickness is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suitably avoid the inconvenience caused by the combined use of the groove-shaped cover member 305 .

When the recovery passage 301 is configured by the groove portion 261 formed in the game area forming body 60a, the thin portion of the game area forming body 60a extends linearly. For this reason, compared with the case where the groove 261 is not provided, the strength of the game area forming body 60a is lowered, and there is concern that deformation such as distortion is likely to occur. Here, by fixing the cover member 305 to the game area forming body 60a at a plurality of locations around the groove portion 261, the game area forming body 60a can be reinforced by the cover member 305. FIG. As a result, the insufficient strength of the game board can be suitably compensated for.

The variable display unit 91 shown in the above embodiment is configured such that the display position is switched between the upper display position and the lower display position according to the game situation or the like. This is preferable in terms of suppressing the monotony of the game and improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, the pattern display device 92 (display screen 92a) of the variable display unit 91 is arranged in the lower display position, and the main moving image display is performed in the central portion thereof. This central portion overlaps with the game area PE (lower area LE). Since the lower area LE is an area where the game ball flows down, the game ball may interfere with viewing the display screen 92a. In this regard, in the present embodiment, when the pattern display device 92 moves to the lower display position, the regulated area by the distribution member 73 as the "regulator" is shifted to the center of the pattern display device 92 (display screen 92a). part overlaps. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game balls flowing forward from obstructing the visual recognition of the moving image display in the central portion. Therefore, the effect of improving the degree of attention described above can be exhibited favorably.

In the above-described central portion, winning notification for notifying the variable winning device 64 of winning is executed. Restricting this part so that the game ball does not pass in front of it is preferable in terms of suppressing overlooking of the winning notification.

The distributing member 73 as a "regulator" functions as a distributing passage for distributing game balls to the left and right above the variable winning device 64. FIG. By using the distribution member 73 as a means for diversifying the movement of the game ball toward the variable prize winning device 64, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of attention to the game.

In the symbol display device 92 shown in the above embodiment, when a ball enters the upper general winning hole 61U arranged so as to overlap the symbol display device 92 (display screen 92a) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. During this period, a winning notification is executed to indicate that a winning has occurred in a portion around the upper general winning opening 61U on the display screen 92a. In this way, if the winning notification is executed in the vicinity of the winning ball section, even if the information to be notified is simplified, it will not be possible to win the upper general winning opening 61U. It is possible to make it easier to convey to the player what is being shown. It should be noted that the simplification of the information to be notified is intended to prevent the area for notifying the winning of a prize (display area ME) from becoming large on the display screen 92a and to coexist with the variable display area of the symbols. be advantageous.

In addition, since the winning notification is performed around the upper general winning opening 61U, even if the winning notification is performed in a situation where the player is gazing at the upper general winning opening 61U, the notification cannot be overlooked. can reduce the chances of

The upper general winning opening 61U is formed so that the entrance faces upward, and the image for notifying the winning is displayed at a location facing the entrance of the upper general winning opening 61U. Therefore, even if the image is displayed while the player is gazing at the upper general prize winning opening 61U, it is possible to preferably reduce the chances of the image being overlooked.

A predetermined pattern (for example, a chick hidden in the grass) is displayed along with a decoration 61aU formed in the front portion of the upper general prize winning opening 61U in a portion around the upper general prize winning opening 61U on the display screen 92a when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A character image CP (a character image imitating a chick) forming a pattern is displayed, and the character image CP is variably displayed when a prize is won in the upper general prize winning opening 61U. In this way, if the decoration 61aU and the character image CP are integrated to form a predetermined pattern, there is no relationship ( It can be suggested that there is a corresponding relationship). In addition, it is technically significant that the character image CP for notifying the winning of a prize is kept on standby on the display screen 92a in advance in order to give the player an opportunity to grasp the above-mentioned relevance.

Since the predetermined pattern is formed by the decoration 61aU and the character image CP, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the image compared to the case where the predetermined pattern is formed by the image alone. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing the expansion of the display area (occupied area) of the image for notifying the winning of the prize on the symbol display device 92 (display screen 92a).

When the winning to the upper general winning opening 61U occurs under the condition that the symbol display device 92 is arranged at the upper display position corresponding to the upper general winning opening 61U, the symbol display device 92 indicates that effect. Winning notification shown is executed. On the other hand, when the symbol display device 92 is placed at the lower display position corresponding to the lower general prize winning port 61L and the winning to the lower general prize winning port 61L occurs, the symbol Winning notification to that effect is performed on the display device 92 . In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the winning notification is performed according to the position of the symbol display device 92 and the ball entry destination of the game ball, it is easy to understand and concisely which ball entry part the winning has occurred. You can tell the player. When the main destination of the ball is changed depending on the game situation, by applying the above configuration, it is possible to suppress excessive complication or diversification of the winning notification information provided to the player. It can be suppressed from becoming a factor that confuses people. In this way, switching the winning notification depending on the situation has a technical significance of suppressing the monotony of the game and suitably suppressing the player's desire to play.

If the pattern display device 92 is configured to move in the direction (vertical direction) in which the upper general prize winning port 61U and the lower general prize winning port 61L are arranged side by side (vertical direction), the increase in the moving distance is suppressed, and the winning notification in the pattern display device 92 It is possible to preferably improve the responsiveness when switching the mode of.

As the symbol display device 92 moves from the upper display position to the lower display position, the distance between the upper general prize winning opening 61U and the symbol display device 92 increases, and the distance between the lower general winning prize opening 61L and the symbol display device 92 increases. Decrease. Further, when the symbol display device 92 moves from the lower display position to the upper display position, the distance between the upper general prize winning opening 61U and the symbol display device 92 decreases, and the distance between the lower general winning prize opening 61L and the symbol display device 92 decreases. configured for increasing distance. According to such a configuration, the relationship between the upper general winning opening 61U and the upper display position, and the relationship between the lower general winning opening 61L and the lower display position can be suggested to the player.

As described above, in the configuration in which the ball-entering part to be notified of the winning is switched according to the position of the symbol display device 92, while the symbol display device 92 is moving, the upper general winning opening 61U and the lower general winning opening 61L are selected. The possibility of winning prizes cannot be denied. If the symbol display device 92 were to display the winning notification while it was moving, it would be a cause of confusion for the player. Therefore, if a configuration is adopted in which the winning notification is avoided while the player is moving, the effect of increasing the degree of attention to the game by the winning notification function can be preferably exhibited.

A character image CP for notifying a prize is set on standby in advance on the display screen 92a, and the character image CP is variably displayed according to the occurrence of a prize. It is possible to give the player an opportunity to grasp the relationship between the image (winning information) and the entering club. In this way, making it easy to understand what the information means is preferable in terms of improving the appearance by simplifying the mode of winning notification and giving design.

It should be noted that the character image CP is preferably configured to start displaying before the movement of the pattern display device 92 is completed. In this way, if the standby display of the character image CP is started while the pattern display device 92 is moving, when winning occurs immediately after the movement, the corresponding winning can be reported immediately. Thereby, the responsiveness of winning notification can be preferably improved. The area where the character image CP related to the upper general winning opening 61U and the area where the character image CP related to the lower general winning opening 61L are displayed on the display screen 92a of the symbol display device 92 is shifted in a direction intersecting with the moving direction of In this way, by shifting the execution area of each winning notification in the direction intersecting with the moving direction of the pattern display device 92, when the character image CP is put on standby in advance, the display area corresponding to one of the general winning openings is displayed. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of the phenomenon that the character image CP corresponding to the other general prize winning opening is displayed at the same time. As a result, even if the character image CP is prepared to be displayed during movement, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused.

For example, when a prize has been won in the upper general prize winning opening 61U, an image (for example, a number image NP) indicating that effect is displayed on the display screen 92a. Thereby, it is possible to inform the player of the fact that the prize has been won, and reduce the chance of missing the prize. In the configuration for announcing winnings in this manner, when winnings occur consecutively, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the notification of the previous winning and the notification of the subsequent winning, which is a factor of misleading the player. It is feared that

In this regard, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the number image NP1 displayed based on the previous ball entry moves from the specific position to the lower limit position over time. In other words, even if it is specifically displayed when a prize is won, it does not stay on the spot and does not disappear immediately, but is continuously notified while moving to the lower limit position. Here, when a subsequent winning occurs, the number image NP2 corresponding to the new winning will be displayed at the specific position. This avoids duplication of the numeric images NP1 and NP2. As with the numeric image NP1, the numeric image NP2 also moves from the specific position toward the lower limit position. By coexisting the number images NP1 and NP2 in this way, it is possible to preferably avoid confusion of winning notification information. In addition, since the display period of the numeric image NP can be lengthened to some extent, the chances of overlooking the numeric image NP itself can be reduced.

When a prize is won in the upper general prize winning opening 61U, the images (the number image NP1 and the number image NP2) displayed based thereon are common. In such a configuration, avoiding overlapping of the numeric images NP1 and NP2 as described above has technical significance in that it is possible to prevent the meaning of the displayed images from becoming difficult to understand.

The movement speed when moving the numeric image NP from the specific position to the lower limit position is configured to gradually increase as the lower limit position is approached. Since the moving speed is relatively slow at the moment when it is displayed (specific position), it becomes easier to visually confirm the numeric image NP. This is preferable for suppressing oversight of the numeric image NP. After that, the movement speed of the numeric image NP increases as it approaches the lower limit position. As a result, when the number image NP is additionally displayed based on the subsequent winning, the preceding number image NP1 and the subsequent number image NP2 can be preferably prevented from overlapping each other.

When both the numeric image NP1 and the numeric image NP2 are displayed, the longer the display continues, that is, the closer to the lower limit position, the greater the separation between the numeric image NP1 and the numeric image NP2. Considering that the player's attention tends to be directed toward the vicinity of the entrance of the upper general prize-winning opening 61U, the distance between the number images NP1 and NP2 is maximized on the side closer to the entrance. When the image NP2 comes into sight of the player, it is possible to prevent the confusion of the two images NP1 and NP2.

As described above, when the numeric image NP1 and the numeric image NP2 are displayed together, it is assumed that the overlapping of the two images NP1 and NP2 makes it difficult to recognize that two prizes have been won. In particular, if the numeric image NP1 and the numeric image NP2 are shared in order to simplify the display, there is a concern that it will be difficult to distinguish between the images NP1 and NP2. Therefore, by regulating the overtaking of the numeric image NP1 by the following numeric image NP2, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be preferably suppressed.

In a configuration in which a lottery is executed based on a ball entering the operating ball entering portion 62 and the result is displayed by a combination of symbols on the display screen 92a, the player's attention is likely to be directed to the display of the relevant symbols. Therefore, by arranging the display area ME of the number image NP and the variable display area of the pattern side by side, it is possible to increase the chances of seeing the number image NP when trying to see the variable display of the pattern. In particular, by aligning the scroll display direction of the pattern with the moving direction of the number image NP, the display area ME of the number image NP and the display area of the pattern can be favorably coexisted on the display screen 92a.

<Second Embodiment> Parallel display In the above-described first embodiment, an image (for example, a numerical image NP) for notifying the winning of a prize to the general winning opening 61 (for example, the upper general winning opening 61U) is displayed over time. By moving the image, the newly displayed image for notifying a prize and the image for notifying a prize previously displayed are prevented from overlapping with each other. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that overlapping of winning notification images is avoided when winning notifications are performed in duplicate. ) is different from the first embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 27, the configuration related to the winning notification in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing the symbol display device 92 and the upper general winning opening 61U.

On the display screen 92a of the symbol display device 92, a plurality of display areas SP1 to SP5 for displaying images (specifically, the character image CP and the number image NP) for notifying the winning are set so as to surround the upper general winning opening 61U. It is When a prize is won in the upper general prize-winning opening 61U, one of the display areas SP1 to SP5, more specifically, the one on which the prize-notifying image is not displayed at that timing is selected, and the selected one is selected. An image for notifying a winning prize is displayed in the display area SP. Specifically, the character image CP displayed directly above (standby position) the upper general prize winning opening 61U is moved to the selected display area SP, and the display of the number image NP is started in the display area SP. After the display of the number image NP is started, the character image CP displayed in the display area SP is erased, and the character image CP is returned to the standby position.

The display density of the displayed numeric image NP decreases (becomes lighter) with the lapse of time, and disappears when a predetermined display period elapses. When the number image NP is hidden, the display area SP returns to the selection candidate.

Here, with reference to FIG. 28, a description will be given of the flow of winning notification when winning to the upper general winning opening 61U continues. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram exemplifying the flow of winning notification when successive winnings to the upper general winning opening 61U occur.

Triggered by the occurrence of the third winning related to the upper general winning opening 61U during the execution of the winning notification based on the first winning and the second winning, the winning notification based on the winning Select the area to display the image of . At this point, the first display area SP1 and the second display area SP2 are displaying the winning notification image, so one display area SP is displayed from among the remaining third display area SP3 to fifth display area SP5. selected. In the example shown in FIG. 28(a), the third display area SP3 is selected, and the character image CP and the number image NP are displayed in this third display area SP3. The numeric image NP whose display is started in the third display area SP3 continues to be displayed until a predetermined display period elapses even after the character image CP is hidden. When starting to display the image for notifying the winning, by moving the character image CP from the standby position to the display position, it is suggested that the image is triggered by winning the upper general winning opening 61U. doing. By displaying the number image NP in place of the character image CP after attracting the player's attention using the character image CP, the amount of information displayed in the display area SP is suppressed from becoming excessive, and the number image NP is displayed. This prevents the confirmation of benefits from becoming difficult.

When the fourth prize to the upper general prize winning opening 61U occurs while the images for notifying the prize are being displayed in the first display region SP1 to the third display region SP3, the prize is triggered. The display target of the winning notification image based on the winning is selected. At this point, the images for notifying the winning of prizes are being displayed in the first to third display areas SP1 to SP3, so the remaining fourth to fifth display areas SP4 to SP5 are candidates for selection. In the example shown in FIG. 28(b), the fourth display area SP4 is selected, and the character image CP and the number image NP are displayed in this fourth display area SP4. The numeric image NP whose display is started in the fourth display area SP4 continues to be displayed until a predetermined display period elapses even after the character image CP is hidden.

In this embodiment, the predetermined display period is slightly longer than the shortest period in which four consecutive wins occur, and a maximum of three wins can occur during the predetermined display period. It's becoming By setting the display area SP to be larger than the maximum number of overlaps of the winning notification, it is possible to prevent the winning notification from being performed well.

As shown in FIG. 28(b)→FIG. 28(c), when a predetermined display period elapses after the first winning, the winning notification image displayed in the first display area SP1 disappears. The first display area SP1 returns to the next selection candidate. Here, when the fifth prize-winning related to the upper general prize-winning opening 61U occurs, the first display area SP1 and the fifth display area SP5 become selection candidates. In the example shown in FIG. 28(c), the fifth display area SP5 is selected, and the character image CP and the number image NP are displayed in this fifth display area SP5. The numeric image NP whose display is started in the fifth display area SP5 continues to be displayed until a predetermined display period elapses even after the character image CP is hidden.

As shown in FIG. 28(c)→FIG. 28(d), the winning notification images displayed in the third display area SP3 to the fifth display area SP5 gradually fade with the passage of time. The display ends in the order of the image displayed in the display area SP3→the image displayed in the fourth display area SP4→the image displayed in the fifth display area SP5.

When the winning notification image is displayed to notify the player of the occurrence of the winning, the display period of the winning notification image is lengthened so that the image can be easily noticed by the player. However, if the display period becomes longer, the chances of the next ball entering during that period increase. Here, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, when the next ball hit occurs under the condition that the image for notifying the winning of the first display area SP1 is displayed based on the previous ball hit, , an image for notifying a winning prize is displayed in the display areas (second display area SP2 to fifth display area SP5) other than the first display area SP1. As a result, even if the display period is extended, the player can be suitably notified of the occurrence of consecutive wins. In other words, by shifting the display position, it is possible to extend the display period of the image for notifying the winning of prizes, thereby preventing the image from being overlooked.

In particular, even if the display period of the image for notifying the winning is longer than the minimum interval period in the case where consecutive winnings to the upper general winning opening 61U occur, the images for notifying the winning may not be mixed up with each other. You can prevent things that are difficult to understand.

The number of display areas SP is set to be greater than the number obtained by dividing the display period of the winning notification image by the minimum interval period when consecutive winnings to the general winning opening 61U occur. According to this configuration, even if all the display areas SP are filled with images for notifying the winning of prizes in succession to the upper general prize winning opening 61U, at least one display is performed before the next winning occurs. The area SP becomes empty. Therefore, the number of display areas SP is never short. As a result, it is possible to preferably avoid an excessive increase in the number of display areas SP in order to deal with an event that has a small chance of occurring.

As described above, the upper general winning opening 61U is arranged so as to overlap the display screen 92a when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and the display area SP is provided around the upper general winning opening 61U when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. It is By arranging the display area SP around the upper general winning opening 61U in this way, it becomes easy to visually confirm both the upper general winning opening 61U and the winning notification image. Even if the player is watching the winning notification image, it is possible to keep an eye on whether or not a ball enters the upper general winning opening 61U. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the function of displaying the image for notifying the winning of a prize from acting so as to reduce the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball directed toward the upper general winning opening 61U.

<Third embodiment> Serial display As shown in the above second embodiment, if a plurality of display areas SP are set in which the images for notifying the winning of prizes can be individually displayed, the notification of the winning of the prizes is performed redundantly. Even if it is necessary, it is possible to suppress the confusion of these notifications. However, if a function of displaying an image for notifying a winning prize is added to the symbol display device 92 (display screen 92a) on which variable display of symbols is executed, the display area for the image for notifying winning a prize increases. This can be a factor that puts pressure on the variable display area. In view of such circumstances, one of the features of the present embodiment is that it is devised to appropriately realize the coexistence of the display area of the image for notifying the winning and the variable display area of the symbols. . The configuration relating to the winning notification in the present embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Although the following description exemplifies the notification of prizes related to the upper general prize-winning opening 61U, the same technical concept may be applied to other ball-entering portions such as the lower general prize-winning opening 61L.

In the first embodiment, the display position of the winning notification image (for example, the number image NP) displayed based on the winning of the upper general winning opening 61U is shifted with the passage of time. The display position of the winning notification image in this embodiment is fixed at the same position from the start of display until the end of display, as in the second embodiment. Further, when the winning to the upper general winning opening 61U occurs consecutively, the display position of the image for notifying the winning is the same every time, and the image for notifying the winning is repeatedly displayed at the predetermined display position. It has become.

The period (predetermined display period) during which the winning notification image is displayed is shorter than the shortest interval period when the game balls win consecutively. Specifically, while the minimum interval period is 0.6 sec, the predetermined display period is 0.5 sec. When the ball enters the upper general winning hole 61U continuously with the interval period being the shortest, the image for notifying the winning is displayed for 0.5 sec based on the first ball entering, and then 0.1 sec. After a blank, an image for notification of winning based on the next ball entry is displayed for 0.5 sec.

Here, the interval at which consecutive winnings occur depends on the moving speed of the game ball passing through the detection sensor (detection area). And, this moving speed depends on the shape of the path along which the game ball that has won the upper general winning opening 61U moves. Although not shown, the ball passage in this embodiment has a bent portion that bends from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction. there is By decelerating the game ball at the bent portion before passing the detection sensor, the interval period is extended. This prevents the predetermined display period from becoming extremely short.

It is preferable to unify the winning notification images displayed based on the winning to the upper general winning opening 61U in order to facilitate the player's understanding of the winning notification images. However, when a similar image is repeatedly displayed due to successive winnings, it becomes difficult to distinguish whether it corresponds to one winning or a plurality of winnings (successive winnings). Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, after the display of the previous winning notification image is completed, even if consecutive winnings occur, the non-display period is ensured. , the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suppressed.

In addition, if the interval from when the previous winning notification image is hidden to when the next winning notification image is hidden is shortened, there is a concern that it will be difficult to identify (distinguish) the winning notifications. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display mode is changed so that the displayed image for notifying the winning of a prize becomes lighter (darkened) with the passage of time. As a result, the decrease in distinguishability due to the shortened interval between the previous winning announcement and the subsequent winning announcement is mitigated.

In the present embodiment, the configuration is such that the darkness of the displayed prize-notifying image is changed. is optional. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the size changes with the passage of time, or a configuration in which the color changes with the passage of time.

<Fourth Embodiment> Passage Between Double Liquid Crystals In the first embodiment, the distribution member 73, which is a "game part" disposed in the lower area LE, is made of a transparent synthetic resin material. In this embodiment, although the appearance is similar to that of the distribution member 73, the game component is a display device (for example, an organic EL) 73X, and the display content of the display device 73X is changed according to the game situation. The configuration differs from the first embodiment in that it is configured to be switched. The configuration relating to this difference will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing the display device 73X and the symbol display device 92 in the game board unit 60X.

In the normal game state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode, that is, in the state where the variable display unit 91 is arranged at the upper display position, as shown in FIG. A display device 73X is positioned in front. A pattern simulating the sky is drawn as a background on the second background sheet 99, but part of the pattern is covered by the display device 73X from the front of the gaming machine. As a result, a blank occurs in the background of the second background sheet 99 .

In the normal game state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode, an image simulating the background of the second background sheet 99 is displayed on the display device 73X so as to fill in the blanks. In other words, the display device 73X is configured to display an image that complements the design of the second background sheet 99 . The blank is made inconspicuous by supplementing the portion overlapping the display device 73X in the background (for example, cloud) with the display device 73X.

On the other hand, in the normal game state and opening/closing execution mode (special game state) corresponding to the high frequency support mode, that is, in the state where the variable display unit 91 is arranged at the lower display position, as shown in FIG. 2, the display device 73X is positioned in front of the pattern display device 92 of the variable display unit 91. FIG. The symbol display device 92 displays an image corresponding to the normal game state and an image corresponding to the special game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode, but part of these images is covered from the front of the gaming machine by the display device 73X. ing. As a result, the image displayed by the pattern display device 92 is blank.

In the normal game state and the special game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode, an image similar to the image displayed on the pattern display device 92 is displayed on the display device 73X so as to fill in the blanks. Specifically, of the image displayed on the pattern display device 92, the same image as the portion covered by the display device 73X is displayed. That is, the display device 73X is configured to display an image that complements the image of the pattern display device 92. FIG. By supplementing the portion of the pattern display device 92 overlapping the display device 73X with the display device 73X, the blank is made inconspicuous.

The display device 73X arranged on the front side (for example, the game region PE) of the game region forming body 60aX is smaller than the pattern display device 92. As shown in FIG. In this way, by reducing the size of the display device 73X arranged in the game area PE, pressure on the game area PE can be suppressed. In such a configuration, the main display function depends on the pattern display device 92 . Therefore, by configuring the display device 73X on the front side to have the display complementing function, it is possible to preferably prevent the presence of the display device 73X from becoming an obstacle to the pattern display device 92. FIG.

A recovery passage 301 provided on the back side of the game area forming body 60a passes between the display device 73X and the pattern display device 92. As shown in FIG. By arranging the collection passage 301 so as to pass behind the display device 73X arranged on the near side, the collection passage 301 and the game balls passing through the collection passage 301 can be hidden by the display device 73X. This contributes to improving the appearance of the game board unit 60X.

When a pattern is displayed by the pattern display device 92 and the display device 73X which are offset in the front and rear directions, it is assumed that the larger the distance between the two display devices 73X and 92, the more noticeable the gap at the joint of the pattern. be. In other words, depending on the position of the player's line of sight, the fact that the pattern is complemented by the display device 73X is conspicuous. In view of such circumstances, it is preferable to minimize the distance between the two display devices 73X and 92 as much as possible.

Here, if the collection passage 301 is arranged on the back side of the game area forming body 60aX, there is a concern that the presence of this collection passage 301 may become a factor that increases the separation. In this respect, as shown in the first embodiment, if the back surface of the game area forming body 60aX is recessed to form the groove 261 for the collection passage 301, the collection passage from the back surface of the game area forming body 60aX can be formed. 301 can be relaxed to reduce the distance between the two display devices 73X and 92. FIG. Thereby, the gap can be made inconspicuous.

<Other embodiments>
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in each of the above-described embodiments, and may be carried out, for example, as follows. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above-described embodiments, or may be applied to each of the above-described embodiments by combining a part or all of them. Moreover, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or part of the various configurations shown in the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects exhibited) of each configuration to be combined is ensured. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration made up of a combination of the embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied.

(1) In each of the above-described embodiments, when the symbol display device 92 is arranged at the upper display position (corresponding to the "first position"), the symbol display device 92 (display screen 92a) and the upper operating ball entering portion 62 and the "first ball entry part" such as the upper general winning opening 61U overlap in the front and rear. Similarly, when the symbol display device 92 is arranged at the lower display position (corresponding to the "second position"), the symbol display device 92 (display screen 92a) and the lower operating ball entry portion 63, the lower It is also possible to have a structure in which the side general winning port 61L and the "second ball entering portion" such as the variable winning device 64 are overlapped in the front and rear (see the schematic diagram of FIG. 30(a)). That is, when displaying the winning correspondence on the display screen 92a of the symbol display device 92, the technical idea of ensuring the overlap between the ball-entering portion and the symbol display device 92, which is the trigger for the display, is applied to the upper display position and the lower display position. It is also possible to apply to both positions.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the upper general winning opening 61U (corresponding to the "first ball entry section") and the lower general winning opening 61L (corresponding to the "second ball entry section") are arranged side by side (up and down direction), the pattern display device 92 can be moved to a position corresponding to the upper general winning opening 61U and a position corresponding to the lower general winning opening 61L. , the specific movement mode of the pattern display device 92 is arbitrary.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, when the symbol display device 92 is placed at the upper display position, the symbol display device 92 is placed in front of and behind the upper general winning opening 61U (corresponding to the "first ball entry section"). , and when the symbol display device 92 is placed at the lower display position, the design display device 92 is positioned directly above the lower general winning opening 61L (corresponding to the "second ball entry section"). not to be It is sufficient if the relationship between the winning correspondence information displayed on the symbol display device 92 and the ball-entering portion that triggers the winning correspondence information is known.

For example, if the sense of distance between the symbol display device 92 and the ball-entering portion is emphasized, the distance between the symbol display device 92 and the upper general winning opening 61U in the upper display position in the front view of the gaming machine is the symbol display device 92 and the distance between the lower general winning opening 61L and the distance between the symbol display device 92 and the lower general winning opening 61L at the lower display position is longer than the distance between the symbol display device 92 and the upper general winning opening 61U. It should be configured to be small.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 30(b) and (c), when the general winning opening 61 is composed of a left general winning opening 61L and a right general winning opening 61R arranged side by side, the symbol display device 92Y can be moved in the direction in which the left general winning opening 61L and the right general winning opening 61R are arranged side by side. It is also possible to arrange it at a position (corresponding to the “second position”) that overlaps with the prize winning opening 61R. In this case, when the symbol display device 92Y is located at the first position, the symbol display device 92Y executes the winning notification related to the left general winning hole 61L, and when the symbol display device 92Y is located at the second position. In this state, the symbol display device 92 may be configured to execute the winning notification related to the right general winning hole 61R.

Incidentally, it is not always necessary to overlap the left and right general winning openings 61L, 61R and the symbol display device 92, for example, at the first position, the symbol display device 92 is directly above the left general winning opening 61L (where it is vertically aligned). In the second position, the symbol display device 92 may be positioned directly above the right general winning opening 61R (where it is aligned vertically).

(4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the cover member 305 covers the groove 261 formed in the game area forming body 60a from behind, and the groove 261 and the main body 306 (groove-shaped portion) of the cover 205 cover the collection passage 301. Although the passage area of the game ball in is configured, it is not limited to this. The cover member 305 is sufficient as long as it can prevent game balls from falling out of the grooves 261, and the grooves 261 of the game area forming body 60a may constitute the passing area of the recovery passage 301 for the game balls.

(5) In each of the embodiments described above, the seal 78 attached to the upper general prize winning opening 61U is arranged in front of the recovery passage 301 formed by the groove 261 and the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to provide the upper general prize winning opening 61U with a decoration portion extending downward, and arrange the recovery passage 301 behind the decoration portion.

(6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the portion in front of the groove 261 (thin portion) is used as the decoration arrangement area. It is also possible to set it as an arrangement area for arranging game parts that affect the behavior of the game ball. However, since the thickness of the game area forming body 60a is thin in the portion where the groove portion 261 is formed, it is difficult to dispose game parts such as the game nail 68 that require a certain degree of fixing strength. , may limit thinning. Therefore, it is technically significant to exclude the area in front of the groove 261 as an arrangement area for decoration from an arrangement area for parts that require fixing strength.

(7) In each of the above-described embodiments, when the symbol display device 92 is arranged at the lower display position, the display screen 92a (especially the central portion) is shaken so that the non-passing area of the game ball is positioned in front of the display screen 92a. Although the dividing member 73 (corresponding to the "roof") is arranged, it is not limited to this. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 30(d), the roof (distribution member 400Z) is positioned so that the non-passage area of the game ball is positioned in front of the display screen 92a when arranged at the upper display position. Arrangement is also possible. Also, the roof portion for the upper display position and the roof portion for the lower display position may be used together.

(8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the upper region UE is partitioned by the first type upper game nail row 81 and the second type upper game nail row 82 so that the outer shape of the upper region UE is substantially rhombic. It is sufficient that the upper region UE is surrounded by the first type upper game nail row 81 and the second type upper game nail row 82 . For example, by arranging the first-class upper game nail row 81 in a curved shape that protrudes upward, and arranging the second-class upper game nail row 82 in a curved shape that protrudes downward. , the outer shape of the upper region UE may be substantially circular (elliptical).

In addition, the lower area LE is partitioned by the first class lower game nail row 83 and the second class lower game nail row 84 so that the outer shape of the lower region LE is approximately a rhombus. By arranging the row of second type lower gaming nails 84 so as to form a curved shape that is convex downward, the outer shape of the lower region LE is substantially circular ( It is also possible to partition so that it becomes an oval).

(9) In each of the above embodiments, the upper working ball entry part is provided at the inclined end of the second class upper game nail row 82 (between the second class upper game nail row 82 and the first class lower game nail row 83). 62 is provided, but other ball entry parts such as the upper general winning opening 61U may be provided at this position. In addition, although the lower operation ball entry portion 63 is arranged at the inclined end of the second type lower game nail row 84, it is also possible to arrange another ball entry portion such as the variable winning device 64 at this position. be.

(10) In the game nail rows 81-84 shown in the above embodiments, the interval between the game nails 68 forming the game nail rows 81-84 is set smaller than the radius of the game ball. As long as the game ball cannot pass through at least the rows of game nails 68 and the game balls can be prevented from staying on the game nails 68, the above-mentioned intervals may be changed arbitrarily. .

(11) In the above-described embodiments, the game nail rows 81-84 are arranged symmetrically, but these game nail rows 81-84 can be arranged asymmetrically. For example, one of the left and right nail rows forming each of the game nail rows 81 to 84 may be omitted.

(12) In each of the above embodiments, the first class upper game nail row 81 and the first class lower game nail row 83 are arranged in parallel, and the second class upper game nail row 82 and the second class lower game nail row are arranged in parallel. 84 are arranged parallel to each other, but the angles of the rows of game nails 81 to 84 are arbitrary.

Further, the first class lower game nail row 83 is arranged to be shifted upward from the extension of the second class upper game nail row 82 , but the first class lower game nail row is arranged on the extension of the second class upper game nail row 82 . A game nail row 83 can also be arranged.

(13) In each of the above-described embodiments, the upper area UE is the arrangement area of the slope 71 and the lower area LE is the arrangement area of the upper general winning opening 61U. The game parts to be provided are arbitrary. For example, it is possible to arrange an upper general winning opening in the upper area UE, or arrange a slope in the lower area LE.

(14) In each of the above embodiments, the variable display unit 91 (symbol display device 92) is arranged at the upper display position in the normal game state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode, and the normal game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode or opening and closing execution In the mode (special game state), the variable display unit 91 is arranged at the lower display position. It is optional whether For example, a through gate 65 is arranged in the upper area UE, and the shooting destination of the game ball is adjusted so that the game ball passes in the order of the upper area UE→lower area LE even in the high-frequency support mode. If necessary, there is a possibility that the game ball will win the upper working ball entry portion 62 or the upper general winning opening 61U. In such a configuration, the variable display unit 91 may be arranged at the upper display position in the normal game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode.

(15) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, such as a pachinko machine in which an electric accessory opens a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or a game in a specific area of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a game machine such as a pachinko machine that generates a right when a ball enters the machine to give a jackpot, a pachinko machine equipped with other accessories, an arrangement ball machine, and a mammoth ball.

In addition, a non-ball game machine, for example, equipped with a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of patterns are attached in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the reels is started by inserting medals and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. The present invention is also applicable to a slot machine that provides a player with a privilege such as payout of medals when a specific pattern or a combination of specific patterns is established on an effective line that can be visually recognized from a display window after the reels are stopped. can be applied.

Furthermore, the gaming machine main body which is openably and closably supported by the outer frame is provided with a storage portion and a take-in device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage portion are taken in by the take-in device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine that combines a pachinko machine and a slot machine, in which the reels start rotating.

<Invention groups extracted from the above embodiments>
Characteristic configurations extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described below, showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, configurations corresponding to the above-described embodiments are appropriately shown in parentheses, etc., but are not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses.

<Characteristic group A> Nail arrangement of game board A game ball shooting means for shooting game balls is provided, and the game balls shot from the game ball shooting means enter a ball entry section provided in the game area, and a predetermined number of game balls are produced. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). , there is still room for improvement in its configuration."

Feature A1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed is provided, and a game nail (game nail 68) provided in the game area controls the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the game area. A gaming machine configured to change,
A ball entry portion (upper operation ball entry portion 62) provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball flowing down the game area;
Three or more game nails are arranged in a row so as to be provided above the ball-entering part and inclined downward toward the ball-entering part from the side, and the game is played in the same direction as the arrangement direction. A pair of left and right first guide nail rows (second type upper game nail row 82) for guiding the ball;
Three or more game nails are arranged in a row so as to be downwardly inclined from the ball-entering portion toward the side, and are arranged in the same direction as the arrangement direction. A game machine characterized by comprising a pair of left and right second guide peg rows (first type lower game peg rows 83) for guiding game balls.

As shown in feature A1, in a game machine of the type in which a game ball flows down a game area provided with game nails, following the movement of the game ball with one's eyes is one of the enjoyments of the game. In this type of gaming machine, when the residence time of the game ball in the game area is shortened, it becomes difficult to follow the movement of the game ball with the eye. In view of such circumstances, it is possible to lengthen the residence time in the game area by, for example, slowing down the flow speed of the game ball. However, it is assumed that such slow movement of the game ball is a factor in reducing the appearance of the movement of the game ball. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the movement of the game ball approaching the ball entering portion and the movement of the game ball moving away from the ball entering portion can be increased in staying time in the game area while suppressing the decrease in the flowing speed. can. As a result, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of attention to the movement of the game ball.

When a game ball that has flowed down along the first guide nail row (a game ball that has not entered the ball entry section) moves to the second guide nail row, the flowing direction along the first guide nail row is maintained. and a case where the flow direction is reversed. By significantly changing the motion of the game ball around the ball entry portion where the player's attention tends to be directed, the degree of attention to the behavior of the game ball can be preferably improved.

It should be noted that the configuration shown in this feature is "provided with a game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and the game area (game area PE) is provided by a game nail (game nail 68) provided in the game area. A game machine configured to change the flowing direction of a game ball flowing down the game area, and is provided in the game area and allows a game ball flowing down the game area to enter. A portion 62) is provided above the ball-entering portion and has three or more game nails arranged in a row so as to slope downward from the side toward the ball-entering portion, and the arrangement direction thereof. A first guide nail row (second type upper game nail row 82) that guides the game ball in the same direction as the above, and is provided below the ball entry portion and slopes downward from the ball entry portion toward the side. A second guide nail row (first type lower game nail row 83) for guiding a game ball in the same direction as the arrangement direction is provided. It is also possible to say, "A game machine characterized by

Feature A2. The second guide nail row extends downstream of the first guide nail row located on the opposite side of the first guide nail row with respect to the ball entry portion. The gaming machine according to feature A1, which is arranged upward.

When a game ball that has passed through the ball-entering portion moves in the order of the first guide nail row and the second guide nail row, if the game ball is excessively accelerated, the movement of the game ball along the second guide nail row is prevented. hard to see with the eye. When the first guide nail row and the second guide nail row are folded back, such inconvenience is less likely to occur, but the first guide nail row and the second guide nail row are positioned on the same straight line. In some cases, it is feared that the above-mentioned inconveniences are more likely to occur. In this respect, as shown in this feature, if the second guide nail row is arranged so as to be offset upward from the extension of the first guide nail row to the downstream side, when moving to the second guide nail row A game ball can be decelerated. This makes it easier to visually confirm the movement of the game ball moving across the ball entering portion.

It should be noted that the upward offset amount of the second guide nail row is preferably smaller than the diameter dimension (radius dimension) of the game ball. This can suppress the movement of the game balls from being greatly disturbed around the entering ball portion, and can reduce the occurrence of collisions between the game balls.

Feature A3. The gaming machine according to feature A1 or feature A2, wherein the inclination angle of the first guide nail row and the inclination angle of the second guide nail row are the same or substantially the same.

By aligning the inclination angles of the first guide nail row and the second guide nail row, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of excessive bias in the falling velocity of the game ball flowing down along the guide nail rows. By suppressing the deviation of the flow speed, it is possible to suppress the difference between easy/difficulty in following the movement of the game ball with the eye. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing the restriction of the places to which attention is substantially limited and prompting the player to pay attention to the movement of the game ball.

In order to embody the technical idea shown in this feature, it is preferable, for example, that the total length of the first guide nail row and the total length of the second guide nail row are the same or substantially the same.

Feature A4. A first recessed portion (recessed portion 86) through which a game ball can pass is formed in the first guide nail row, and a game ball that has passed through the first recessed portion passes through the pair of left and right second guide nails. A game according to any one of features A1 to A3, characterized in that it is possible to reach an intermediate position of a second guide nail row located below the first recessed portion of the guide nail row. machine.

According to feature A4, a part of the game ball moving along the first guide nail row departs from the guidance path by the first guide nail row through the first recess and heads for the second guide nail row. becomes. When moving in the order of the first guide nail row → around the entrance part → second guide nail row, and when moving in the order of the first guide nail row → the first recess → the second guide nail row, that is, around the entrance part It is possible to suitably suppress the motion of the game ball from becoming monotonous due to the fact that there is a case where it does not go through.

Feature A5. Having a plurality of the first guide nail rows,
The first guide nail rows are vertically opposed to each other with a gap through which the game ball can pass,
Characteristic features A1 through A1, wherein the second guide nail row faces the end of the first guide nail row positioned above the second guide nail row with a gap through which a game ball can pass. The gaming machine according to any one of features A4.

According to the feature A5, the game ball guided by the first guide nail row differs in the reaching position to the second guide nail row depending on which guide nail row it passes through. Even if a game ball that does not enter the ball entry portion is guided to the second guide nail row, the movement of the game ball can be suitably suppressed from becoming monotonous by diversifying the guide points.

Feature A6. Above the first guide nail row, three or more game nails are arranged in a row so as to slope downward from the center side of the game area toward the upper end side of each first guide nail row. and a pair of left and right third guide nail rows (first type upper game nail row 81) for guiding game balls in the same direction as the arrangement direction,
The area surrounded by the first guide nail row and the third guide nail row is an upper flow down area (upper area UE) in which the game ball can flow down toward the ball entry portion,
A third recessed portion (recessed portion 85) through which a game ball can pass is formed in the third guide nail row, and the game ball passing through the third recessed portion flows into the upper flow area. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A5, characterized in that it is configured to:

According to feature A6, the game ball that has reached the third guide nail row is led to the ball entering portion via the third guide nail row→the first guide nail row. In combination with the third guide nail row, the game ball heading for the ball entry part is turned back to the left and right (crossing the game area) to move the game ball (staying period in the game area). shortening can be suppressed.

A third recess through which the game ball can pass is formed in the third guide nail row, and when the game ball enters the third recess, it passes through the upper flow region to the first guide nail row and the ball entry portion. Moving. In other words, the downflow path of the game ball is greatly influenced by whether or not it enters the third recessed portion in the third guide nail row. By diversifying the movement of the game ball toward the ball-entering portion in this way, it is possible to prevent the movement of the game ball from becoming excessively complicated and make it difficult to predict the destination of the game, while suitably suppressing the monotony of the game.

Feature A7. At the most upstream portion of the upper flow region, there is provided an entrance portion of a guideway (slope 71) that can guide the game ball that has reached the most upstream portion to the ball entering portion,
The game machine according to feature A6, wherein an inflow port (open portion 72) into which game balls that have entered the third recessed portion can flow is formed in the middle portion of the guideway.

Of the game balls launched toward the guideway, the game balls that fail to reach the guideway move along the third guide nail row. When a game ball enters the third recessed portion formed in the third guide nail row, there is a possibility that the game ball may reach the guideway through the third recessed portion. In other words, even if it cannot reach the guideway from the most upstream portion, it may move to the guideway in the process of moving along the third guide nail row. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to favorably improve the degree of attention to the behavior of the game ball.

Feature A8. The third guide nail row is arranged such that the upper end of the left three guide nail rows and the upper end of the right third guide nail row face each other with a gap through which a game ball can pass. cage,
A guide path (slope 71) that can guide a game ball that has entered the gap to the ball-entering portion is provided at a position below the gap and above the ball-entering portion. The gaming machine according to feature A6 or feature A7.

According to feature A8, shooting a game ball aiming at the gap of the third guide nail row increases the possibility of the ball entering the ball entering portion. Here, there remains a possibility that the game ball that cannot reach the gap will be guided to the ball entry portion through the third guide nail row→the first guide nail row. Then, even if it is not possible to reach the gap, it is possible to reapproach the guideway by entering the third recessed portion of the third guide nail row. As such a configuration, if a configuration that promotes the shooting of game balls toward the gap is used, the flow path passing through the upper flow area and the flow path that wraps around the upper flow area can be used together to facilitate the movement of the game ball. It is possible to suitably exhibit the effect of increasing the degree of attention.

In addition, in embodying the technical ideas shown in features A7 and A8, "the probability of a ball entering the ball entering portion through the guide path is determined through the first guide nail row and the third guide nail row. It is preferable that the probability of the ball entering the ball-entering portion is higher than that of the ball-entering portion.

Feature A9. The ball entry portion is a first ball entry portion,
a second ball-entering portion (lower operating ball-entering portion 63 or variable winning device 64) provided below the first ball-entering portion;
Three or more of the guide nails are arranged in a row so as to be downwardly inclined from a portion to be guided by the second guide nail row toward the second ball entry portion side, provided below the second guide nail row. and a pair of left and right fourth guide peg rows (second type lower game peg rows 84) for guiding game balls in the same direction as the arrangement direction. The gaming machine according to any one of features A8.

According to feature A6, game balls that have not entered the first ball-entering portion are guided to the second ball-entering portion via the second guide nail row and the fourth guide nail row. At this time, the game ball is guided to the side of the game machine by the second guide nail row, and then again to the central side by the fourth guide nail row. In this way, by moving the game ball so as to traverse the game area, when a plurality of ball-entering parts are used together, the player's attention to the movement of the game ball between these ball-entering parts is not lowered. It can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A10. The area surrounded by the second guide nail row and the fourth guide nail row is a lower flow down area (lower area LE) where the game ball flows down toward the second ball entering portion,
The gaming machine according to feature A9, characterized in that a game ball can flow into the lower flow area through a second recess (recess 87) formed in the second guide nail row. .

According to the feature A10, the movement of the game ball toward the second ball entry portion is roughly divided into those passing through the second guide nail row→fourth guide nail row and those passing through the lower flow area. . With such a configuration, it is possible to diversify the movement of the game ball and suitably suppress the monotony of the game.

Feature A11. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed is provided, and a game nail (game nail 68) provided in the game area controls the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the game area. A gaming machine configured to change,
Three or more game nails are arranged in a row so as to slope downward from the side of the game area to the central side of the game area in the left-right direction, and the game balls are guided in the same direction as the arrangement direction. A pair of left and right first guide nail rows (second type upper game nail rows 82);
Three or more of the game nails are arranged in a row so as to be downwardly inclined laterally from a portion to be guided by the first guide nail row, each provided below the first guide nail row. a pair of left and right second guide nail rows (first type lower game nail row 83) for guiding game balls in the same direction as the arrangement direction;
Three or more game nails are arranged in a row so as to be provided above the first guide nail row and inclined downward from the center side toward the upper end side of each first guide nail row, A pair of left and right third guide nail rows (first type upper game nail row 81) for guiding game balls in the same direction as the arrangement direction; 3 or more guide nails are arranged in a row so as to slope downward from the guide destination part to the center side, and a pair of left and right fourth guides guide the game ball in the same direction as the arrangement direction A game machine characterized by comprising a nail row (second type lower game nail row 84).

According to the feature A11, the area surrounded by the first and third guide nail rows and the area surrounded by the second and fourth guide nail rows are arranged vertically. In this way, by arranging the two partitioned areas in the direction in which the game ball moves by its own weight (from top to bottom), the movement of the game ball moving across the two areas can be suitably diversified. can be

Feature A12. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed is provided, and a game nail (game nail 68) provided in the game area controls the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the game area. A gaming machine configured to change,
A first ball entry portion (upper operation ball entry portion 62) provided in the game area and into which a game ball can be entered, and a second ball entry portion (lower operation entry portion) arranged below the first ball entry portion. ball portion 63 or variable winning device 64),
Three or more game nails are arranged in a row so as to slope downward from the side of the game area to the first ball entry portion, and a pair of left and right game nails guide the game ball in the same direction as the arrangement direction. a first guide nail row (second type upper game nail row 82);
Each of the three or more game nails is provided below the first guide nail row and arranged in a row so as to slope downward from the first ball entry portion to the side, in the same direction as the arrangement direction. A pair of left and right second guide nail rows (first type lower game nail row 83) for guiding game balls to
Three or more of the game nails are arranged in a line so as to be provided above the first guide nail row and inclined downward from the center side of the game area toward the upper end side of each first guide nail row. A pair of left and right third guide nail rows (first type upper game nail row 81) for guiding game balls in the same direction as the arrangement direction,
Three or more guide nails are arranged in a row so as to be downwardly inclined from a portion to be guided by the second guide nail row to the second ball entry portion. A game machine comprising a pair of left and right fourth guide peg rows (second type lower game peg rows 84) for guiding game balls in the same direction as the arrangement direction.

According to the feature A12, the area surrounded by the first and third guide nail rows and the area surrounded by the second and fourth guide nail rows are arranged vertically. In this way, by arranging the two partitioned areas in the direction in which the game ball moves by its own weight (from top to bottom), the movement of the game ball moving across the two areas can be suitably diversified. can be

Feature A13. The area surrounded by the first guide nail row and the third guide nail row is an upper flow down area (upper area UE) where the game ball can flow down,
Characteristic A11 or Characteristic A12, characterized in that the area surrounded by the second guide nail row and the fourth guide nail row is a lower flowing down area (lower area LE) in which a game ball can flow down. The gaming machine described in .

A route along the perimeter of the upper flow area and a route through the upper flow area are used together, and a route along the perimeter of the lower flow area and a route through the lower flow area are used. By using together, further diversification of the movement of the game ball can be realized.

Feature A14. A pattern display means (design display device 92) provided behind the game board and visible from the front of the game machine through at least one of the upper flowing area and the lower flowing area on the game board,
Game nails (game nails 68) are scattered in the upper flow area and the lower flow area. The gaming machine of feature A13, wherein the density of the game nails is lower than the density of the game nails in the area.

According to feature A14, in a configuration in which the pattern display means can be visually recognized through at least one of the upper flow region and the lower flow region, the existence of the game nails arranged on the game board is a factor that makes it difficult to visually recognize the pattern. It is feared that In this respect, in the upper flow-down region and the lower flow-down region, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by lowering the arrangement density of the game nails.

In order to diversify the movement of the game ball, it is preferable to increase the number of game nails to some extent. Here, when the upper flow region and the lower flow region are surrounded by the guide nail rows, most of the game balls tend to move along the guide nail rows. In other words, the number of game balls that pass through (for example, traverse) the upper flow area or the lower flow area is relatively small. Therefore, even if the number of game nails is reduced in such a region, it is possible to reduce the effect of monotonous movement of the game ball.

<Characteristics Group B> Arrangement of nails on the game board Others The following characteristics of the Group B are based on the following: "A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed and a game area based on the shooting operation by the player. A game ball shooting means for shooting game balls into the game ball shooting means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, thereby performing a predetermined number of games. With respect to the background art that "A privilege such as the payout of a ball is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1)", "In the above-described type of gaming machine, there is a need to increase the player's attention to the movement of the game ball. And there is still room for improvement in its configuration."

Feature B1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed is provided, and a game nail (game nail 68) provided in the game area controls the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the game area. A gaming machine configured to change,
An upper ball entry section (upper operating ball entry section 62) provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball flowing down the game area;
a lower ball-entering portion (lower operating ball-entering portion 63 or variable winning device 64) provided below the upper ball-entering portion in the game area and spaced apart from the upper ball-entering portion;
an upper guide nail row (first type upper game nail row 81 and second type upper game nail row 82) arranged so as to surround an upper flow area (upper area UE) above the upper ball entry portion;
Lower guide nail rows (first-class lower game nail rows 83 and first Equipped with two types of lower game nail row 84),
A gaming machine characterized in that a game ball that has not entered the upper ball-entering portion in the upper flow-down area can flow into the lower flow-down area.

According to the feature B1, the area through which the game balls heading for the upper ball entering section pass and the area through which the game balls heading for the lower ball entering section are separated by the guide nail row. Therefore, it is possible to clarify the target ball entry part according to the position of the game ball while diversifying the movement of the game ball. Merely diversifying the movement of the game ball complicates the movement of the game ball and makes it difficult to understand the target, so that the effect of improving the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball is not exhibited well. In this respect, if the area into which the game ball flows down is divided into target ball-entering parts, the occurrence of such a problem can be preferably avoided.

In addition, the upper flowing region and the lower flowing region are arranged vertically, and the game balls that do not enter the upper ball entering portion in the upper flowing region are moved to the lower flowing region. As a result, game balls that have not entered the upper ball-entering portion in the upper flowing region are given an opportunity to enter the lower ball-entering portion by flowing into the lower flowing region. In this way, if the area is clearly distinguished and the opportunity to enter the ball again is given, it is possible to favorably improve the player's attention to the behavior of the game ball.

Feature B2. A plurality of upper recessed portions (recessed portions 85, 86) through which a game ball can pass are formed in the upper guide nail row,
game balls are permitted to flow into the upper flow area through the upper recessed portion and to flow out from the upper flow area;
A plurality of lower recessed portions (recessed portions 87 and 88) through which a game ball can pass are formed in the lower guide nail row,
A gaming machine characterized in that inflow of game balls into said lower flow-down region and outflow of game balls from said lower flow-down region through said lower recessed portion is permitted.

As shown in feature B2, an upper recess is provided in the upper guide nail row surrounding the upper flow area, and a lower recess is provided in the lower guide nail row surrounding the lower flow area to allow the inflow/outflow of game balls. By setting a plurality of locations, it is possible to suitably suppress monotonous movement of the game ball from the upper flow region to the lower flow region.

Feature B3. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed is provided, and a game nail (game nail 68) provided in the game area controls the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the game area. A gaming machine configured to change,
A first ball entry portion (upper operation ball entry portion 62) provided in the game area and into which a game ball can be entered, and a second ball entry portion (lower operation entry portion) arranged below the first ball entry portion. ball portion 63 or variable winning device 64),
A first guide for guiding a game ball in the same direction as the arrangement direction, wherein three or more game nails are arranged in a row so as to slope downward from the side of the game area to the first ball entry portion. a row of nails (second type upper game nail row 82);
Provided below the first guide nail row, three or more of the game nails are arranged in a row so as to slope downward from the first ball entry portion to the side, and are arranged in the same direction as the arrangement direction. a second guide nail row (first type lower game nail row 83) for guiding the game ball;
It is provided above the first guide nail row, and three or more of the game nails are arranged in a row so as to slope downward from the center side of the game area toward the upper end side of the first guide nail row. and a third guide nail row (first type upper game nail row 81) for guiding game balls in the same direction as the arrangement direction,
Three or more guide nails are arranged in a row so as to be downwardly inclined from a portion to be guided by the second guide nail row to the second ball entry portion provided below the second guide nail row. A game machine characterized by comprising a fourth guide nail row (second type lower game nail row 84) for guiding game balls in the same direction as the arrangement direction.

According to feature B3, the game ball moves in the order of the third guide nail row→the first guide nail row→the second guide nail row→the fourth guide nail row, so that the game ball zigzags left and right while meandering while playing the game. flow down the area. With such a configuration, it is possible to ensure a certain degree of flow speed while increasing the moving distance of the game ball, and it is possible to contribute to the improvement of attention to the movement of the game ball.

When moving from the first guide nail row to the second guide nail row, an opportunity to enter the first ball entry section is given, and game balls that do not enter the first ball entry section are sent to the second ball entry section. You will be given an opportunity to enter. As a result, when the ball does not enter the first ball-entering portion, it is possible to suppress a rapid decrease in attention to the game ball moving along the path formed by the guide nail row.

Feature B4. At least one of the first guide nail row, the second guide nail row and the third guide nail row is formed with a recessed portion (recessed portions 85 to 87) through which a game ball can pass, A game ball that has passed through the recess can reach another guide nail row through the area between the guide nail row having the recess and another guide nail row located below it. The game machine according to feature B3, characterized in that

According to feature B4, the moving path of the game ball that has passed through the recess is shortened. In this way, while the flow of the game ball is roughly defined, if a shortcut or the like can occur due to the entry of the ball into the recessed portion, it can contribute to the improvement of attention to the behavior of the game ball.

It should be noted that the configuration shown in this feature is defined as "the first recessed portion through which a game ball can pass is formed in the first guide nail row, and the game ball that has passed through the first recessed portion passes through the second guide nail row. The second guide nail row is formed with a second recess through which a game ball can pass, and the game ball that has passed through the second recess is caught in the second guide nail row. The structure is such that it can reach an intermediate position in the 4-leading nail row, and the third leading nail row is formed with a third recess through which a game ball can pass, and the game passing through the third recess is formed. The game machine according to feature B3 is characterized in that the ball can reach an intermediate position in the first guide nail row.".

It is also possible to apply each technical concept shown in the characteristic group A to the characteristic group B detailed above.

<Characteristic group C> Structure for discharging game balls from transparent game board A game ball shooting means for shooting a game ball into the game area is provided, and a game ball shot from the game ball shooting means enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, thereby causing a predetermined With respect to the background art that "A privilege such as a payout of a number of game balls is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1)", "In the above-described type of gaming machine, the game balls that flow out from the game area are collected. There is still room for improvement in the configuration.” This is the problem to be solved by the invention.

Feature C1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) having a game area (game area PE) formed on its front surface;
A pattern display device (symbol display device 92) that is provided on the back side of the game board and variably displays a pattern,
The gaming machine is configured such that the game board has transparency, and the pattern displayed on the display screen (display screen 92a) of the pattern display device can be visually recognized through the game board,
A ball entry portion (upper general winning opening 61U) provided on the game board and into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter;
A guide passage (guide passage 251) for guiding the game ball that has entered the ball entry portion to the back side of the game board;
A collection passage (collection passage 301) for collecting game balls that have reached the back side of the game board through the guide passage,
A gaming machine characterized in that at least a part of the passage area of the game balls in the recovery path is constituted by a groove (groove 261) formed by recessing the back surface of the game board.

In the game machine of the type in which the pattern display device can be visually recognized through the game board, the distance from the player to the pattern display device can be reduced by arranging the pattern display device close to the game board. This arrangement is preferable for improving the visibility of displayed patterns. When a game ball that has entered the ball-entering section moves in the order of the guidance passage and then the recovery passage and is returned to the island facility of the game hall, the presence of the passage prevents the game board and the pattern display device from being brought closer to each other. can be. In this respect, as shown in this feature, a part of the back surface of the game board is recessed to form a groove, and the groove is used as a passage area for the game balls in the collection passage, thereby arranging the pattern display device. You can relax your constraints. As a result, the distance between the pattern display device and the game board can be reduced, contributing to improved visibility of patterns and the like.

Feature C2. A game board (game area forming body 60a) having a game area (game area PE) formed on its front surface;
A pattern display device (symbol display device 92) that is provided on the back side of the game board and variably displays a pattern,
The gaming machine is configured such that the game board has transparency, and the pattern displayed on the display screen (display screen 92a) of the pattern display device can be visually recognized through the game board,
A ball entry portion (upper general winning opening 61U) provided on the game board and into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter;
A guide passage (guide passage 251) for guiding the game ball that has entered the ball entry portion to the back side of the game board;
a collection passage (collection passage 301) provided in front of the pattern display device for collecting game balls that have reached the back side of the game board through the guide passage;
At least a part of the collection passage overlaps the pattern display device from the front of the gaming machine,
A gaming machine characterized in that at least a part of the passage area of the game balls in the recovery path is constituted by a groove (groove 261) formed by recessing the back surface of the game board.

In the game machine of the type in which the pattern display device can be visually recognized through the game board, the distance from the player to the pattern display device can be reduced by arranging the pattern display device close to the game board. This arrangement is preferable for improving the visibility of displayed patterns. When a game ball that has entered the ball-entering section moves in the order of the guidance passage and then the recovery passage and is returned to the island facility of the game hall, the presence of the passage prevents the game board and the pattern display device from being brought closer to each other. can be. In this respect, as shown in this feature, a part of the back surface of the game board is recessed to form a groove, and the groove is used as a passage area for the game balls in the collection passage, thereby arranging the pattern display device. You can relax your constraints. As a result, the distance between the pattern display device and the game board can be reduced, contributing to improved visibility of patterns and the like.

Feature C3. A panel member (glass panel 23) that covers the game area from the front of the game machine is provided, and the game area is configured to be visible through the panel member,
The game board has a plate-like main body facing the panel member, and the main body is provided with the groove,
Characteristic C1 or Characteristic C2, wherein the body portion is formed so that the thickness of the portion where the groove is formed is thinner than the thickness of the portion where the groove is not formed. The game machine described.

As shown in feature C3, if the thickness of the game board (main body) is reduced and grooves are formed, the technical ideas shown in features C1 and C2 can be suitably realized.

Feature C4. The game machine according to any one of features C1 to C3, further comprising a cover portion (cover member 305) that covers a rearward opening portion of the groove portion.

As shown in feature C4, by covering the open portion of the groove with the cover, it is possible to prevent game balls that have flowed into the recovery path from spilling and colliding with the pattern display device.

Feature C5. The cover portion has a groove shape that is open to the front of the game machine, and the collection passage is formed by combining the open portion of the cover portion and the open portion of the groove portion so as to face each other. The gaming machine according to feature C4, characterized in that

As shown in feature C1 and the like, if the collection passage is constructed using the groove formed in the game board, the projection of the collection passage to the back side of the game board can be suppressed, and the restrictions related to the layout of the pattern display device can be reduced. can be mitigated to Here, various game components such as game nails and windmills are arranged in the game area. If the thickness of the game board becomes extremely thin, there may be a shortage of allowances for fixing the game parts to the game board. There is a concern that this will become a factor that strengthens restrictions on the arrangement of game parts. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the recovery passage is configured by the cover and the groove, the effect shown in feature C1 and the like can be exhibited while ensuring the thickness of the game board to some extent.

Feature C6. The game machine according to feature C5, wherein the cover portion is formed such that the groove width of the open portion is the same as or larger than the groove width of the groove portion.

In order to cover the groove portion of the game board with the groove-shaped cover portion, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a part of the cover portion is inserted into the groove portion. However, in such a configuration, the width of the groove portion is expanded in consideration of the covering portion, resulting in an increase in the portion of the game board where the thickness is reduced. As shown in the feature C5, the increase in the thin portion of the game board has a corresponding demerit. Therefore, as shown in this feature, by setting the groove width of the cover portion to be equal to or greater than the groove width of the groove portion, it is possible to minimize the portion where the thickness is reduced while ensuring the function as the collection passage. Therefore, it is possible to preferably avoid the inconvenience caused by the combined use of the groove-shaped cover portion.

Feature C7. The gaming machine according to feature C5 or feature C6, wherein the depth dimension of the groove is larger than the depth dimension of the groove-shaped portion of the cover.

According to the feature C7, the recovery passage can be configured mainly by the groove portion of the groove portion and the cover portion. This is preferable in terms of reducing the projection of the recovery path toward the back side of the game board.

Feature C8. The game machine according to any one of features C5 to C7, wherein the cover is fixed to the game board at a plurality of locations around the groove.

In the case where the recovery path is formed by a groove formed in the game board, the thin portion of the game board extends linearly. For this reason, there is concern that the strength of the game board is lowered and deformation such as distortion is likely to occur as compared with the case where the groove is not provided. Here, by fixing the cover portion to the game board at a plurality of locations around the groove portion, the game board (around the groove portion) can be reinforced by the cover portion. As a result, the insufficient strength of the game board can be suitably compensated for.

Feature C9. The ball entry portion is arranged at a position overlapping the pattern display device when viewed from the front of the gaming machine,
The groove extends to a position where overlap with the pattern display device is avoided,
The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C8, wherein the recovery path is bent toward the rear of the gaming machine at a portion where overlapping with the pattern display device is avoided.

The game ball that has entered the ball-entering portion flows down along the groove portion to be guided to a position where overlapping with the pattern display device is avoided, and then the pattern display device is guided backward by going around from below or from the side. It will be done. With such a configuration, the total length of the portion of the collection passage formed by the groove can be minimized.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is defined as "the ball-entering part is the first ball-entering part, the recovery passage is the first recovery passage, is provided below the first ball-entering part, and flows down the game area. A second ball entry portion (lower operating ball entry portion 63) into which a game ball can be entered, and a second recovery passage (guide passage 252) for recovering the game ball that has entered the second ball entry portion. , wherein the second collection passage extends rearward so as to pass under the picture display device, and the first collection passage joins the second collection passage. to the gaming machine according to any one of the features C8.".

Feature C10. Characteristic features C1 to C1, characterized in that a part located in front of the part where the groove is formed in the game board is an arrangement area in which game parts other than the game nail (game nail 68) are arranged. The gaming machine according to any one of features C9.

According to the feature C10, it is possible to hide the groove forming the passage behind the game part. Thereby, the groove and the game ball passing through the groove can be made inconspicuous.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is "equipped with a game part arranged on the front side of the game board, and the game part is formed so that the back of the game part is invisible or difficult to see, The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C7, wherein at least a part of the recovery path of the recovery passage is configured to pass behind the game parts. ." is also possible.

Feature C11. The pattern display device is a first pattern display device, and the game component is a second pattern display device having a second display screen,
When at least part of the first pattern display device is positioned behind the second pattern display device and the groove portion is positioned between the first pattern display device and the second pattern display device, the second pattern display device Characteristic feature C10 according to feature C10, characterized by comprising means for causing the second pattern display device to display a portion of the pattern displayed on the first pattern display device that is covered by the second pattern display device. game machine.

According to the characteristic C11, by using two picture display devices together, it is possible to make it appear as if nothing exists between the two picture display devices. This can contribute to improving the appearance of the gaming machine.

It is also possible to apply each technical idea shown in the feature group A to the feature group B to the feature group C detailed above.

<Characteristic group D> Double liquid crystal Each characteristic group D below is based on the idea that "a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed and a game ball that is shot to the game area based on the shooting operation by the player. A predetermined number of game balls are paid out by the game balls shot from the game ball shooting means entering a ball entry section provided in the game area. is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, there is still room for improvement in its configuration." This is the problem to be solved by the invention.

Feature D1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
a first pattern display device (symbol display device 92) provided on the back side of the game board and variably displaying patterns;
a second pattern display device (display device 73X) provided on the front side of the first pattern display device and capable of variably displaying a pattern;
A first display control means for performing display control of the first pattern display device (a function of performing display control of the pattern display device 92 by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 610);
Second display control means for performing display control of the second pattern display device (function of performing display control of the display device 73X by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 610);
At least one of the first pattern display device and the second pattern display device is positioned at a first position where overlapping of the first pattern display device and the second pattern display device is avoided when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and at the first position. A moving means (elevating device 96) for moving to a second position where the pattern display device and the second pattern display device overlap,
When the first pattern display device and the second pattern display device are arranged at the second position, and the second pattern display device overlaps the first pattern display device from the front of the gaming machine, the second pattern display device and special display means for performing a display that complements the pattern displayed on the first pattern display device by means of the two-pattern display device.

According to the feature D1, by adopting a configuration in which the positional relationship between the two picture display devices changes, it is possible to favorably diversify the presentation mode when performing the display presentation. Here, in a situation where the second pattern display device overlaps a part of the first pattern display device, the pattern (hidden part) displayed on the first pattern display device is complemented by the second pattern display device. The Rukoto. As a result, it is possible to suitably suppress deterioration in the appearance of the display effect due to the change in the positional relationship.

Feature D2. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
a first pattern display device (symbol display device 92) provided on the back side of the game board and variably displaying patterns;
a second pattern display device (display device 73X) provided on the front side of the game board and capable of variably displaying patterns;
A first display control means for performing display control of the first pattern display device (a function of performing display control of the pattern display device 92 by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 610);
Second display control means for performing display control of the second pattern display device (function of performing display control of the display device 73X by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 610);
The first pattern display device is placed at a first position where overlapping of the first pattern display device and the second pattern display device is avoided in a front view of the gaming machine, and the first pattern display device and the second pattern display device are arranged. A moving means (elevating device 96) for moving to the overlapping second position,
When the first pattern display device is arranged at the second position and the second pattern display device overlaps the first pattern display device from the front of the gaming machine, the second pattern display device and special display means for performing a display that complements the pattern displayed on the first pattern display device.

According to the feature D2, by adopting a configuration in which the positional relationship between the two picture display devices changes, it is possible to favorably diversify the presentation mode when performing the display presentation. Here, in a situation where the second pattern display device overlaps a part of the first pattern display device, the pattern (hidden part) displayed on the first pattern display device is complemented by the second pattern display device. The Rukoto. As a result, it is possible to suitably suppress deterioration in the appearance of the display effect due to the change in the positional relationship.

Feature D3. wherein the special display means is configured to display, on the second pattern display device, a portion of the pattern displayed on the first pattern display device that is covered by the second pattern display device; The gaming machine according to feature D1 or feature D2.

According to feature D3, by displaying a pattern that is blocked by the second pattern display device by the second pattern display device, the pattern displayed on the first pattern display device is preferably prevented from being blank. can do.

Feature D4. The first pattern display device is arranged behind the game board, and an operation area of the first pattern display device is provided on the back side of the game board,
The second pattern display device is arranged in front of the game board,
The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D3, wherein the second picture display device is smaller than the display screen of the first picture display device.

According to feature D4, by making the second pattern display device arranged in front of the game board (for example, the game area) smaller than the first pattern display device, it is possible to suitably suppress pressure on the game area. In such a configuration, the main display function depends on the first pattern display device. Therefore, by configuring the second pattern display device to have the display complementing function, it is possible to preferably prevent the presence of the second pattern display device from becoming an obstacle to the first pattern display device.

Feature D5. A collection passage (collection passage 301) provided on the back side of the game board for collecting game balls from the game area,
The gaming machine according to feature D4, wherein the first picture display device is arranged behind the collection passage, and the second picture display device is arranged in front of the collection passage.

According to the feature D5, by arranging the collection passage so as to pass behind the second pattern display device arranged on the front side, the collection passage and the game balls passing through the collection passage are displayed on the second pattern display device. can be hidden by This contributes to improving the appearance of the game board.

Feature D6. Characteristic D5 characterized in that the recovery path is composed of a groove (groove 261) formed by recessing the back surface of the game board and a cover (cover member 305) covering the groove from the rear. The game machine described.

When patterns are displayed by the first pattern display device and the second pattern display device which are offset in the front and rear directions, it is assumed that the greater the distance between the two pattern display devices, the more noticeable the gap at the joint of the patterns. be done. In other words, depending on the position of the player's line of sight, the fact that the pattern is complemented by the second pattern display device is conspicuous. In view of such circumstances, it is preferable to minimize the distance between the two picture display devices. Here, if a recovery passage is arranged on the back side of the game board, there is a concern that the presence of this recovery passage may become a factor that increases the separation. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the back surface of the game board is recessed to form a groove for the collection passage, the overhang of the collection passage from the back surface of the game board can be alleviated and the separation of the two pattern display devices can be prevented. can be mitigated. Thereby, the gap can be made inconspicuous.

It is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in the feature groups A to C to the feature group D detailed above.

<Characteristic group E> Movable liquid crystal display device Roof is placed at the destination A game ball shooting means for shooting a game ball to the game area based on an operation is provided, and the game ball shot from the game ball shooting means enters a ball entry section provided in the game area. As a result, a privilege such as the payout of a predetermined number of game balls is provided to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve it."

Feature E1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) having a game area (game area PE) formed on its front surface;
A pattern display device (symbol display device 92) that is provided on the back side of the game board and variably displays a pattern,
The gaming machine is configured such that the game board has transparency, and the pattern displayed on the display screen (display screen 92a) of the pattern display device can be visually recognized through the game board,
Position changing means (elevating device 96) arranged at first and second positions by moving the pattern display device along the back surface of the game board,
The pattern display device is located behind the game area at least when it is located at the second position,
It has a roof portion (upright portion 75) that rises from the front surface of the game board to the front of the game machine, and the roof portion forms a regulation area that regulates the flow of game balls in the lower part (distribution member). 73),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the regulation means is arranged at a position where the regulation region overlaps the display screen of the pattern display device in the front and rear direction when the pattern display device moves to the second position.

According to the feature E1, by moving the pattern display device to the first position/second position, it is possible to change the effect position according to the game situation or the like. This is preferable in terms of suppressing the monotony of the game and improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, the pattern display device overlaps the game area at least at the second position. Since the game area is an area where the game ball flows down, the game ball can be an obstacle when viewing the pattern display device. In this regard, in this feature, the restricted area by the restricting means overlaps the pattern display device (display screen) by moving the pattern display device to the second position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game ball flowing forward from obstructing the visual recognition of the pattern display device. Therefore, the effect of improving the degree of attention described above can be exhibited favorably.

Feature E2. A ball entry unit (for example, a variable winning device 64) provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball flowing down the game area;
display means for displaying information indicating that a ball has been entered into the ball-entering portion in a predetermined area (for example, central portion) of the display screen when the pattern display device is placed at the second position; A function to execute processing for winning notification at the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 610)
The gaming machine according to feature E1, wherein the regulation means is configured such that the regulation region overlaps the predetermined region under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the second position. .

According to feature E2, when a ball is entered into the ball-entering portion under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the second position, information to that effect is displayed in a predetermined area of the display screen. The Rukoto. Since passage of the game ball is restricted by the restricting means in front of the predetermined area, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of overlooking of displayed information due to the obstruction of the game ball.

Feature E3. The regulating means is arranged above the ball-entering portion, and includes a right-side route that bypasses the regulation area from the right side of the flow-down route of the game ball that flows down toward the ball-entering portion, and a flow-down route that bypasses the regulation area from the left side. The gaming machine according to feature E2, characterized in that it is divided into a detouring left path.

According to the feature E3, the regulation means functions as a distribution means (distribution passage) for distributing the game balls above the entering ball portion. By using the restricting means as a means for diversifying the movement of the game ball toward the ball entry part, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

<Feature group F> Ball entry notification based on ball entry into the ball entry part overlapping the pattern display device Some have a board and game ball launching means for shooting game balls into the game area based on a shooting operation by a player. By entering a ball into the ball entry section, a privilege such as a payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1). , there is still room for improvement in the structure of the game in order to increase the level of attention paid to the game.”

Feature F1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pattern display device (symbol display device 92) that is provided on the back side of the game board and variably displays a pattern,
The gaming machine is configured such that the game board has transparency, and the pattern displayed on the display screen (display screen 92a) of the pattern display device can be visually recognized through the game board,
A ball entry section (for example, an upper general winning opening 61U) provided in the game area and into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter;
A privilege giving means (for example, a payout device 222 or a payout control device 181) that gives a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section,
The ball entry portion is arranged at a position overlapping the display screen of the pattern display device from the front of the gaming machine,
Ball entry information display means (notification/effect control A gaming machine characterized by comprising a function of executing processing for notifying a winning prize in an MPU 612 of a device 610 .

According to the feature F1, when a ball is entered into the ball-entering section, information corresponding to the ball-entering is displayed on the pattern display device located behind the ball-entering section. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily inform the player that a ball has been entered.

Feature F2. The ball-entering information display means is configured to display the ball-entering information in a portion around (for example, above) the ball-entering section on the display screen when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A gaming machine described in F1.

According to feature F2, ball entry information is displayed around the ball entry section. Therefore, even if the ball-entering information is displayed while the player is watching the ball-entering section, it is possible to reduce the chance that the ball-entering information is overlooked. Also, it is preferable to bring the display position of the ball-entering information closer to the ball-entering portion in order to make it easier to understand the relationship between the corresponding information and the ball-entering portion.

Feature F3. The ball-entering information display means is configured to display the ball-entering information on a portion of the display screen facing the entrance of the ball-entering portion when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A gaming machine described in F1.

According to the feature F3, the ball-entering information is displayed at a portion facing the entrance portion of the ball-entering portion. Therefore, even if the ball-entering information is displayed while the player is watching the ball-entering section, it is possible to reduce the chance that the ball-entering information is overlooked. Also, it is preferable to bring the display position of the ball-entering information closer to the ball-entering portion in order to make it easier to understand the relationship between the corresponding information and the ball-entering portion.

For example, if the entrance portion faces upward, it may be configured such that the ball-entering information is displayed at a position directly above the entrance portion.

Feature F4. The ball entry portion is provided with a decoration (decoration 61aU) that is visible from the front of the gaming machine,
The ball entry information display means forms an image that forms a predetermined pattern (for example, a pattern of a bird hidden in the grass) together with the decoration on a portion of the display screen that is around the ball entry portion when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. (e.g., a character image imitating a bird), and variable display means for variably displaying the image when a ball is entered into the ball-entering section, and the image is variably displayed. The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F3, characterized in that it is configured to display the entered ball information by doing so.

As shown in feature F4, if the decoration and the image are integrated to form a predetermined pattern, there is no relationship (correspondence) between the displayed image and the ball-entering portion. It can be suggested that there is In addition, having the images to be displayed stand by on the screen in advance has technical significance in that it is preferable in terms of giving the player an opportunity to grasp the above-mentioned relevance.

In addition, since the predetermined pattern is formed by the decoration and the image, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the image compared with the case where the predetermined pattern is formed by the image alone. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing the expansion of the image display area (occupied area) on the pattern display device (display screen).

Incidentally, "variably displaying the image" includes not only changing the color and brightness of the image, but also enlarging/reducing the image and moving the image.

Feature F5. A start ball entry section (operating ball entry sections 62, 63) provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball;
Information acquisition means (function for executing information acquisition processing in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering section;
Obtained information storage means (holding ball storage area 632 provided in MPU 602 of main controller 162) capable of storing special information obtained by the information obtaining means;
Judgment means (for example, win/fail judgment processing in the MPU 602 of the main control unit 162) for judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (for example, information related to winning) function) and
When the determination result by the determination means corresponds to the predetermined determination information, the game state transition means (to the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, opening and closing execution mode) function to execute the transition processing to the open/close execution mode by pressing the
Prior to the determination by the determination means or based on the determination by the determination means, the pattern display device starts variable display of a specific pattern to correspond to the result of the determination. Displaying the stop result and ending the variable display of the specific pattern is regarded as one game cycle, and the variable display of the specific pattern in each game cycle is performed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. A game turn control means for controlling the pattern display device so that
The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F4, wherein the ball-entering section is arranged around the starting ball-entering section.

As shown in this feature, by displaying the ball entry information on the target (picture display device) where the lottery result based on the ball entry into the starting ball entry section is displayed, it is possible to appropriately prevent the ball entry information from being overlooked. can. In particular, if the ball-entering section is arranged around the starting ball-entering section, the ball-entering information can be notified using the display screen while realizing the positional relationship between the display screen and the ball-entering section shown in feature F1 and the like. It becomes possible.

Feature F6. The display screen of the pattern display device is provided with a plurality of variable display areas in which the specific pattern is variably displayed by the game cycle control means,
The gaming machine according to feature F5, wherein the ball entry section is positioned between the variable display areas and the ball entry information is displayed between the variable display areas.

According to the feature F6, if the display area for the ball entry portion and the ball entry information (image) is provided between the variable display areas, the display area for the ball entry information and the variable display area for the specific pattern on the display screen. coexistence with can be suitably realized.

Feature F7. Characteristic feature F5 or feature F6, characterized in that it has means for hiding the image when the variable display mode of the specific pattern on the display screen becomes the ready-to-reach display mode. game machine.

In gaming machines of the type shown in feature F5 and the like, results such as wins are often notified via ready-to-win display. Therefore, when the ready-to-win display is performed, it is assumed that the player pays attention to the ready-to-win display. Under such circumstances, by not displaying the image for displaying the entering information and avoiding the overlap with the area where the ready-to-win display is performed, it is possible to favorably emphasize the part that the player should pay attention to. This is a preferable configuration for performing ball entry notification on a pattern display device for variable display of a specific pattern.

Feature F8. As the ball entry portion, a first ball entry portion (upper general prize winning opening 61U) and a second ball entry portion (lower general prize winning opening 61L) are provided,
Position changing means for moving the pattern display device to a first position corresponding to the first ball-entering portion and a second position corresponding to the second ball-entering portion,
The entering ball information display means includes:
When a ball is entered into the first ball entering section under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the first position, ball entering information indicating the ball entering into the first ball entering section is provided. means for displaying;
When a ball is entered into the second ball-entering section while the pattern display device is placed at the second position, ball-entering information indicating the ball being entered into the second ball-entering section is provided. The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F7, characterized by having display means.

According to the feature F8, the ball-entering portion that triggers the display of the ball-entering information is switched according to the movement destination of the pattern display device. According to this configuration, for example, in a situation in which the ball is expected to enter the first ball entering section, the ball entering information based on the ball entering the first ball entering section is displayed, and the ball entering the second ball entering section is mainly displayed. In a situation in which a second ball entry can be expected, it is possible to display ball entry information based on the ball entry into the second ball entry section. In this way, by switching the ball-entering part that triggers the display of ball-entering information according to the game situation, it is possible to suppress the amount of information from becoming excessively large and to display accurate information for each situation. Become. As a result, it is possible to favorably encourage the player's understanding of the displayed information.

Feature F9. As the ball entry portion, a first ball entry portion (upper general prize winning opening 61U) and a second ball entry portion (lower general prize winning opening 61L) are provided,
The first ball entry portion and the second ball entry portion are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction (for example, the vertical direction),
By moving the pattern display device in the direction in which the first ball-entering portion and the second ball-entering portion are arranged side by side, the pattern display device is moved to the first position corresponding to the first ball-entering portion and the second ball-entering portion. A position changing means arranged at a second position corresponding to the ball,
The entering ball information display means includes:
When a ball is entered into the first ball entering section under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the first position, ball entering information indicating the ball entering into the first ball entering section is provided. means for displaying;
When a ball is entered into the second ball-entering section while the pattern display device is placed at the second position, ball-entering information indicating the ball being entered into the second ball-entering section is provided. The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F8, characterized by having display means.

According to the feature F9, the ball-entering portion that triggers the display of the ball-entering information is switched according to the movement destination of the pattern display device. According to this configuration, for example, in a situation in which the ball is expected to enter the first ball entering section, the ball entering information based on the ball entering the first ball entering section is displayed, and the ball entering the second ball entering section is mainly displayed. In a situation in which a second ball entry can be expected, it is possible to display ball entry information based on the ball entry into the second ball entry section. In this way, by switching the ball-entering part that triggers the display of ball-entering information according to the game situation, it is possible to suppress the amount of information from becoming excessively large and to display accurate information for each situation. Become. As a result, it is possible to favorably encourage the player's understanding of the displayed information.

Feature F10. When a ball is entered into the second ball entry section while the pattern display device is placed at the first position, ball entry information indicating the ball entry into the second ball entry section. is avoided, and when a ball is entered into the first ball-entering section under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the second position, the entry into the first ball-entering section A gaming machine according to feature F8 or feature F9, characterized in that display of entry information indicating a ball is avoided.

In a configuration in which a plurality of ball-entering sections are provided as shown in feature F8 and the like, and ball-entering information is displayed for each ball-entering section, an increase in the amount of information may confuse the player. Therefore, in the situation where the ball entry information related to the first ball entry section should be displayed, display of the ball entry information concerning the second ball entry section should be avoided, and in the situation where the ball entry information concerning the second ball entry section should be displayed, By avoiding the display of the ball-entering information related to the first ball-entering section, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the above inconvenience.

It is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in the feature groups A to E to the feature group F described in detail above.

<Characteristic group G> Movable pattern display device Ball entry notification based on ball entry into the corresponding ball entry part A game board and game ball launching means for shooting game balls into the game area based on a shooting operation by a player are provided in the game area. By entering a ball into the ball-entering portion, a privilege such as a payout of a predetermined number of game balls is granted to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, there is still room for improvement in the structure of the game in order to increase the level of attention to the game.”

Feature G1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pattern display device (symbol display device 92) provided on the back side of the game board for variably displaying patterns;
A first ball entry section (upper general winning opening 61U) and a second ball entry section (lower general winning opening 61L) provided in the game area and into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter;
privilege granting means (for example, a payout device 222 or a payout control device 181) that gives a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section;
By moving the pattern display device, position changing means (notification A function of executing position control processing at the MPU 612 of the production control device 610),
When a ball is entered into the first ball entering portion under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the first display position, the first ball entering information indicating the fact is displayed on the pattern display device. First ball entry information display means to be displayed (function for executing processing for winning notification by MPU 612 of notification/production control device 610);
When a ball is entered into the second ball entry portion under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the second display position, the second ball entry information indicating the fact is displayed on the pattern display device. A gaming machine characterized by comprising second ball entry information display means for displaying (a function of executing processing for winning notification by the MPU 612 of the notification/production control device 610).

In the event that a ball is entered into the first ball-entering section under the condition that the pattern display device is placed at the first display position corresponding to the first ball-entering section, the pattern display device indicates that fact. The first entry information shown is displayed. On the other hand, when a ball enters the second ball-entering section under the condition that the picture display device is arranged at the second display position corresponding to the second ball-entering section, the pattern display device , the second ball entry information indicating this is displayed. In this way, by configuring the ball entry information to be displayed according to the position of the picture display device and the ball entry destination of the game ball, it is easy to understand and concise to which ball entry section the ball has been entered. You can tell the player. For example, when the main destination of ball entry changes depending on the game situation, by applying the configuration shown in this feature, the information provided to the player is suppressed from being excessively complicated or diversified, It is possible to prevent the information from becoming a factor that confuses the player. Informing the ball entry information depending on the situation in this way has technical significance in that it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous and to appropriately prevent the player from losing his motivation to play.

Feature G2. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pattern display device (symbol display device 92) that is provided on the back side of the game board and variably displays a pattern,
The gaming machine is configured such that the game board has transparency, and the pattern displayed on the display screen (display screen 92a) of the pattern display device can be visually recognized through the game board,
A first ball entry section (upper general winning opening 61U) and a second ball entry section (lower general winning opening 61L) provided in the game area and into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter;
privilege granting means (for example, a payout device 222 or a payout control device 181) that gives a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section;
By moving the pattern display device, position changing means (notification A function of executing position control processing at the MPU 612 of the production control device 610),
When a ball is entered into the first ball entering portion under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the first display position, the first ball entering information indicating the fact is displayed on the pattern display device. First ball entry information display means to be displayed (function for executing processing for winning notification by MPU 612 of notification/production control device 610);
When a ball is entered into the second ball entry portion under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the second display position, the second ball entry information indicating the fact is displayed on the pattern display device. A gaming machine characterized by comprising second ball entry information display means for displaying (a function of executing processing for winning notification by the MPU 612 of the notification/production control device 610).

In the event that a ball is entered into the first ball-entering section under the condition that the pattern display device is placed at the first display position corresponding to the first ball-entering section, the pattern display device indicates that fact. The first entry information shown is displayed. On the other hand, when a ball enters the second ball-entering section under the condition that the picture display device is arranged at the second display position corresponding to the second ball-entering section, the pattern display device , the second ball entry information indicating this is displayed. In this way, by configuring the ball entry information to be displayed according to the position of the picture display device and the ball entry destination of the game ball, it is easy to understand and concise to which ball entry section the ball has been entered. You can tell the player. For example, when the main destination of ball entry changes depending on the game situation, by applying the configuration shown in this feature, the information provided to the player is suppressed from being excessively complicated or diversified, It is possible to prevent the information from becoming a factor that confuses the player. Informing the ball entry information depending on the situation in this way has technical significance in that it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous and to appropriately prevent the player from losing his motivation to play.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is "a game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and a pattern display device that is provided on the back side of the game board and displays a pattern in a variable manner ( A pattern display device 92) is provided, and the game board has transparency so that the pattern displayed on the display screen (display screen 92a) of the pattern display device can be visually recognized through the game board. A gaming machine, which is provided in the game area and into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter: a first ball entry section (upper general winning opening 61U) and a second ball entry section (lower general winning opening) 61L), privilege granting means (e.g. payout device 222 or payout control device 181) that grants a privilege to the player based on the ball entering the ball entering section, and by moving the pattern display device, the pattern is displayed. Position changing means for arranging the display device to the first display position corresponding to the first ball-entering portion and the second display position corresponding to the second ball-entering portion. and a first input indicating when a ball is entered into the first ball entry portion while the pattern display device is placed at the first display position. First ball entry information display means for displaying ball information on the pattern display device (function for executing processing for winning notification by MPU 612 of notification/effect control device 610); Second ball entry information display means for displaying second ball entry information indicating that a ball is entered into the second ball entry portion under the condition that the player is placed in the position, on the pattern display device. (a function of executing processing for notifying the winning of a prize by the MPU 612 of the notification/production control device 610); , and switching means for switching between display of the second ball-entering information by the second ball-entering information display means.".

Feature G3. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pattern display device (symbol display device 92) that is provided on the back side of the game board and variably displays a pattern,
The gaming machine is configured such that the game board has transparency, and the pattern displayed on the display screen (display screen 92a) of the pattern display device can be visually recognized through the game board,
A first ball entry section (upper general winning opening 61U) and a second ball entry section (lower general winning opening 61L) provided in the game area and into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter;
privilege granting means (for example, a payout device 222 or a payout control device 181) that gives a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section;
By moving the pattern display device, position changing means (notification A function of executing position control processing at the MPU 612 of the production control device 610),
When a ball is entered into the first ball entering portion under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the first display position, the first ball entering information indicating the fact is displayed on the pattern display device. First ball entry information display means to be displayed (function for executing processing for winning notification by MPU 612 of notification/production control device 610);
When a ball is entered into the second ball entry portion under the condition that the pattern display device is arranged at the second display position, the second ball entry information indicating the fact is displayed on the pattern display device. Equipped with second ball entry information display means to be displayed (function for executing processing for winning notification by MPU 612 of notification / production control device 610),
When the pattern display device is arranged at the first display position, display of the second ball entry information by the second ball entry information display means is avoided, and the pattern display device is positioned at the second display position. A gaming machine characterized in that display of the first ball-entering information by the first ball-entering information display means is avoided when the first ball-entering information display means is arranged.

In the event that a ball is entered into the first ball-entering section under the condition that the pattern display device is placed at the first display position corresponding to the first ball-entering section, the pattern display device indicates that fact. The first entry information shown is displayed. On the other hand, when a ball enters the second ball-entering section under the condition that the picture display device is arranged at the second display position corresponding to the second ball-entering section, the pattern display device , the second ball entry information indicating this is displayed. In this way, by configuring the ball entry information to be displayed according to the position of the picture display device and the ball entry destination of the game ball, it is easy to understand and concise to which ball entry section the ball has been entered. You can tell the player. For example, when the main destination of ball entry changes depending on the game situation, by applying the configuration shown in this feature, the information provided to the player is suppressed from being excessively complicated or diversified, It is possible to prevent the information from becoming a factor that confuses the player. Informing the ball entry information depending on the situation in this way has technical significance in that it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous and to appropriately prevent the player from losing his motivation to play.

Feature G4. The first ball entry portion and the second ball entry portion are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction,
The gaming machine according to any one of features G1 to G3, wherein the position changing means is configured to move the pattern display device in the predetermined direction.

As shown in feature G4, if the pattern display device is configured to move in the direction in which the first ball entry section and the second ball entry section are arranged side by side, the responsiveness when switching the display mode of the ball entry information on the pattern display device can be suitably improved.

Feature G5. As the pattern display device moves from the first display position to the second display position, the distance between the first ball-entering portion and the pattern display device increases, and the second ball-entering portion and the pattern display device increase. decreases the distance to
By moving the pattern display device from the second display position to the first display position, the distance between the first ball-entering portion and the pattern display device is reduced and the first ball-entering portion and the pattern display device are reduced. The gaming machine according to any one of features G1 to G4, characterized in that the gaming machine is constructed so that the distance from the point increases.

According to the feature G5, the relationship between the first ball-entering portion and the first display position and the relationship between the second ball-entering portion and the second display position can be suggested to the player.

Feature G6. Characteristics G1 to Characteristic characterized in that when the pattern display device is arranged at the first display position, the pattern display device and the first ball-entering portion are configured to overlap each other in the front-rear direction. The gaming machine according to any one of G5.

According to the feature G6, the pattern display device is positioned behind the first ball-entering portion by arranging the pattern display device at the first display position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the relationship between the ball entry portion and the displayed ball entry information from becoming difficult to understand when displaying the ball entry information. Further, if the ball-entering portion and the pattern display device overlap each other, it is possible to reduce the chance that the player who pays attention to the ball-entering portion will miss the ball-entering information.

Feature G7. When the pattern display device is arranged at the first display position, the pattern display device and the first ball-entering portion are overlapped back and forth, and the pattern display device is arranged at the second display position. The gaming machine according to any one of features G1 to G6, wherein the pattern display device and the second ball-entering portion overlap each other in the front and rear directions when the second ball-entering portion is present.

According to feature G7, the pattern display device is positioned behind the first ball-entering portion by arranging the pattern display device at the first display position, and the pattern display device is arranged at the second display position. is positioned behind the second ball entry portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the relationship between the ball entry portion and the displayed ball entry information from becoming difficult to understand when displaying the ball entry information. Further, if the ball-entering portion and the pattern display device overlap each other, it is possible to reduce the chance that the player who pays attention to the ball-entering portion will miss the ball-entering information.

Feature G8. When a ball enters the first ball-entering portion or the second ball-entering portion while the pattern display device is moving between the first display position and the second display position The game according to any one of features G1 to G7, characterized in that display of the first ball entry information and the second ball entry information based on the ball entry is avoided. machine.

As shown in feature G1 and the like, in the configuration in which the ball-entering portion to be displayed for the ball-entering information is switched according to the position of the pattern display device, the first ball-entering portion and the second ball-entering portion are displayed while the pattern display device is moving. We cannot deny the possibility of a ball entering the club. If the pattern display device displays the winning ball information while it is moving, it may cause confusion for the player. Therefore, if a configuration is adopted in which the display of information on entering a ball is avoided while the player is moving, the effect of increasing attention to the game by the function shown in the feature G1 or the like can be preferably exhibited.

Feature G9. When the pattern display device is arranged at the first display position, a pattern corresponding to the first ball-entering section is displayed as the first ball-entering information, and a ball entering the first ball-entering section is displayed. is configured to variably display the pattern when
When the pattern display device is arranged at the second display position, the pattern corresponding to the second ball-entering section is displayed as the second ball-entering information, and the ball is entered into the second ball-entering section. The game machine according to any one of features G1 to G8, wherein the pattern is variably displayed when a is generated.

As shown in feature G9, the patterns corresponding to the first ball entry information and the second ball entry information are previously set on standby on the display screen, and the patterns are variably displayed according to the occurrence of the ball entry. , it is possible to give the player an opportunity to grasp the relationship between the pattern (ball-entering information) and the ball-entering section, compared to the configuration in which the pattern is displayed when the ball is entered. In this way, making it easy to understand what the information means is preferable in terms of improving the appearance by simplifying the display mode of the entering-ball information and giving it a design.

Feature G10. The first ball entry information display means and the second ball entry information display means have means for starting the display of the pattern before the movement of the pattern display device is completed. A gaming machine described in G9.

As shown in the feature G10, if the standby display of the pattern is started during the movement, when the ball is hit after the movement, the corresponding ball entry information can be immediately displayed. As a result, it is possible to preferably improve the responsiveness of the display of the entering ball information.

Feature G11. A region in which the first ball entry information is displayed and a region in which the second ball entry information is displayed on the pattern display device are shifted in a direction intersecting a moving direction of the pattern display device. The gaming machine according to feature G10.

As shown in feature G11, by shifting the display position of the first ball entry information and the display position of the second ball entry information in a direction intersecting with the movement direction of the pattern display device, the ball entry information (image) can be displayed in advance. , it is possible to avoid the occurrence of an event that the first ball entry information is located at the position where the second ball entry information should be displayed. As a result, even if the display of the ball entry information is prepared during movement, it is possible to avoid causing confusion for the player.

It should be noted that it is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in the feature groups A to F to the feature group G described in detail above.

<Characteristic group H> Display mode 1 when consecutive balls are entered (Movement of notification image)
Each feature group H below is defined as follows: "A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed, and a game ball shooting means for shooting a game ball to the game area based on a shooting operation by a player. When the game balls fired from the game ball launching means enter the ball entry section provided in the game area, a privilege such as the payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This has been accomplished with the problem to be solved by the invention.

Feature H1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A ball entry portion (for example, an upper general winning opening 61U or a lower general winning opening 61L) provided on the game board and into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter;
privilege granting means (for example, a payout device 222 or a payout control device 181) that gives a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section;
a display device (symbol display device 92) having a display screen (display screen 92a);
Display control means (notification/effect control device 610, display a controller 620),
The display control means is
a first display means for displaying a first image showing a ball entering the ball entering portion at a first position on the display screen;
a first moving means for moving the drawing position of the first image displayed by the first display means from the first position to the second position on the display screen in a predetermined period;
When a ball is entered into the ball entry portion while the first image is moving from the first position toward the second position, the second image showing the ball entry is displayed in the a second display means for displaying at position 1;
second moving means for moving the drawing position of the second image displayed by the second display means from the first position to the second position on the display screen so as to follow the first image; A gaming machine characterized in that

According to the feature H1, when a ball is entered into the ball entry portion, an image indicating that fact is displayed on the display screen. Thereby, it is possible to inform the player that the ball has been entered, and reduce the chance of missing the ball. In the configuration for informing the ball entry in this manner, it is difficult for the player to distinguish between the notification of the preceding ball entry and the notification of the subsequent entry when the ball entry occurs continuously. There is concern that it will be a factor that gives

In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, the first image displayed based on the preceding ball entry moves from the first position to the second position over time. In other words, even if the ball is displayed at the first position when the ball enters the ball, it does not remain in place and does not disappear immediately, but continues to be notified while moving to the second position. Here, when a subsequent ball hit occurs, the second image corresponding to the new ball hit is displayed at the first position. This makes it possible to suppress overlap between the first image and the second image. The second image also moves from the first position to the second position in the same manner as the first image. By coexisting the first image and the second image in this way, confusion of information can be preferably avoided. In addition, since the image display period can be lengthened to some extent, the chances of the image itself being overlooked can be reduced.

Note that the "first image" and the "second image" shown in this feature may be the same image or may be separate images.

By the way, the configuration shown in this feature is "a game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and a game ball that is provided on the game board and can enter the game ball flowing down the game area. a ball-entering portion (for example, the upper general prize-winning port 61U and the lower general prize-winning port 61L); device 181), a display device (symbol display device 92) having a display screen (display screen 92a), and when a ball is entered into the ball entry section, ball entry information indicating the fact is displayed on the display screen. Display control means (notification/production control device 610, display control device 620) for performing display control of the display device so that the display device is displayed. first display means for displaying an image showing the ball entry; first moving means for moving a drawing position of the image displayed by the first display means from a first position to a second position; A second display for displaying an image showing the ball entering at the first position when a ball entering the ball entering portion occurs while the player is moving from the first position to the second position. means, and second moving means for moving a drawing position of an image displayed by said second display means from said first position to said second position." is also possible.

Feature H2. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A ball entry portion (for example, an upper general winning opening 61U or a lower general winning opening 61L) provided on the game board and into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter;
privilege granting means (for example, a payout device 222 or a payout control device 181) that gives a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section;
Display means (symbol display device 92, notification/effect control device 610, display control device 620) that has a display screen and displays information regarding the awarding of the privilege on the display screen,
The display means is
a first display means for displaying, at a first position, a first image showing a ball entering the ball entering portion when the ball is entered;
a first moving means for moving the drawing position of the first image displayed by the first display means from the first position to the second position in a predetermined period;
When a ball is entered into the ball entry portion while the first image is moving from the first position toward the second position, the second image showing the ball entry is displayed in the a second display means for displaying at position 1;
and second moving means for moving the drawing position of the second image displayed by the second display means from the first position to the second position in a predetermined period. .

According to the feature H2, when a ball is entered into the ball entry portion, an image indicating that fact is displayed on the display screen. Thereby, it is possible to inform the player that the ball has been entered, and reduce the chance of missing the ball. In the configuration for informing the ball entry in this manner, it is difficult for the player to distinguish between the notification of the preceding ball entry and the notification of the subsequent entry when the ball entry occurs continuously. There is concern that it will be a factor that gives

In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, the first image displayed based on the previous ball entry moves from the first position to the second position over time. In other words, even if the ball is displayed at the first position when the ball enters the ball, it does not remain in place and does not disappear immediately, but continues to be notified while moving to the second position. Here, when a subsequent ball hit occurs, the second image corresponding to the new ball hit is displayed at the first position. As a result, overlap between the first image and the second image can be suppressed. As with the first image, the second image also moves from the first position toward the second position. By coexisting the first image and the second image in this way, confusion of information can be preferably avoided. In addition, since the image display period can be lengthened to some extent, the chances of the image itself being overlooked can be reduced.

Note that the "first image" and the "second image" shown in this feature may be the same image or may be separate images. Also, the "predetermined period" during which the "first image" is displayed and the "predetermined period" during which the "second image" is displayed may be the same or different.

Feature H3. The gaming machine according to feature H1 or feature H2, wherein the first image and the second image are the same.

For game balls that have entered the same ball entry area, the images (first image and second image) displayed based on them are made common to prevent the meaning of the displayed images from becoming difficult to understand. can.

Feature H4. The first moving means is configured such that a moving speed when moving the first image from the first position to the second position gradually increases as it approaches the second position. The gaming machine according to any one of features H1 to H3.

According to the feature H4, the moving speed is relatively slow at the moment of display (first position), so the first image can be visually confirmed easily. This is preferable for suppressing oversight of the first image. After that, the movement speed of the first image increases as it approaches the second position. Thereby, when the second image is displayed at the first position, overlapping of the first image and the second image can be suppressed.

Feature H5. A variable display area for the first image and the second image is provided around the ball-entering portion, and the second position is closer to the ball-entering portion than the first position. The gaming machine according to feature H4, characterized by:

When both the first image and the second image are displayed, the longer the duration of display, that is, the closer to the second position, the greater the distance between the first image and the second image. In view of the fact that the player's attention tends to be focused on the ball-entering section, the distance between the images is maximized on the side nearer to the ball-entering section. It is possible to prevent inconvenience such as confusion of both images when entering.

Feature H6. The first moving means and the second moving means are configured so that the second image cannot overtake the first image when both the first image and the second image are displayed. The gaming machine according to any one of features H1 to H5, characterized in that:

As shown in the feature H1 and the like, when the first image and the second image are displayed together, it is assumed that the overlapping of the two images makes it difficult to understand that two balls have been hit. In particular, when the first image and the second image are shared in order to simplify the display, etc., there is a concern that it will be difficult to distinguish between the first image and the second image. Therefore, as shown in this feature, by restricting the overtaking of the first image by the second image, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the above inconvenience.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is defined as "the first moving means and the second moving means move the first image of the second image when both the first image and the second image are displayed." The gaming machine according to any one of features H1 to H4, characterized in that it is configured such that it is impossible to catch up with.

Feature H7. A ball entry detection means (detection sensor 151) for detecting a game ball that has entered the ball entry portion is provided, and the first display means displays the first image based on the ball entry being detected by the ball entry detection means. and the second display means starts displaying the second image based on the detection of the ball entry by the ball entry detection means,
The first moving means, when the ball is continuously entered into the ball entering portion, is configured to perform , the gaming machine according to any one of features H1 to H6, wherein the first image is moved away from the first position.

When consecutive ball-entering occurs, there is a certain amount of time between the detection of the previous ball-entering and the detection of the next ball-entering. By the first image leaving the first position during this period, it is possible to avoid overlapping of the two images at the timing when the second image is displayed at the first position. As a result, it is possible to suppress the confusion of each ball-entering notification even when consecutive ball-entering occurs.

Feature H8. A start ball entry section (operating ball entry sections 62, 63) provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball;
Information acquisition means (function for executing information acquisition processing in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering section;
Obtained information storage means (holding ball storage area 632 provided in MPU 602 of main controller 162) capable of storing special information obtained by the information obtaining means;
Judgment means (for example, win/fail judgment processing in the MPU 602 of the main control unit 162) for judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (for example, information related to winning) function) and
When the determination result by the determination means corresponds to the predetermined determination information, the game state transition means (to the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, opening and closing execution mode) function to execute the transition processing to the open/close execution mode by pressing the
Prior to the judgment being made by the judging means or based on the judgment being made by the judging means, the variable display of a specific pattern is started on the display screen, and stopped corresponding to the result of the judgment. Displaying the result and ending the variable display of the specific pattern is regarded as one game cycle, and the variable display of the specific pattern is performed in each game cycle according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. a game round control means for controlling the display means to be performed,
Characteristic feature H1 to feature characterized in that the display areas of the first image and the second image by the first display means and the second display means are arranged side by side in the pattern variable display area on the display screen. The gaming machine according to any one of H7.

In a configuration in which a lottery is executed based on the ball entering the starting ball entry section and the result is displayed by a pattern on the display screen, the player's attention is likely to be directed to the variable display of the pattern. Therefore, by arranging the display areas of the first image and the second image and the variable display of the pattern side by side, it is possible to increase the chances of seeing the first image and the second image when the user tries to see the variable display of the pattern. can be done. In particular, the display of the first image and the second image is continued for a certain period of time when a ball is entered into the ball-entering portion. For this reason, even when the focus is mainly on the variable display of the pattern, it is possible to confirm the fact that a ball has been entered by slightly looking at it, and the function of informing the player that the ball has been entered can be suitably exhibited. .

Feature H9. The game cycle control means is configured to scroll display the specific pattern in a predetermined direction,
The gaming machine according to feature H8, wherein the first moving means and the second moving means are configured to move the first image and the second image in the predetermined direction.

As shown in this feature, by aligning the scroll display direction of the pattern with the moving direction of the first image and the second image, the display area of the first image and the second image and the display area of the pattern are displayed on the display screen. They can coexist preferably.

It is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in the feature groups A to G to the feature group H detailed above.

<Characteristic group I> Display mode 2 at the time of continuous ball entry (moving the waiting image)
Each feature group I below is defined as follows: "A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed, and game ball shooting means for shooting game balls to the game area based on a shooting operation by a player. When the game balls fired from the game ball launching means enter the ball entry section provided in the game area, a privilege such as the payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This has been accomplished with the problem to be solved by the invention.

Features I1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A ball entry portion (for example, an upper general winning opening 61U) provided on the game board and into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter;
privilege granting means (payout device 222 or payout control device 181) that grants a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section;
a display device (symbol display device 92) having a display screen (display screen 92a);
Display control means (notification/effect control device 610, display a controller 620),
The display control means is
means for displaying a predetermined image at a first position under the condition that no ball is entered into the ball entry section;
and a first moving means for moving a predetermined image displayed at the first position to a second position and then returning to the first position when a ball is entered into the ball entering portion. A gaming machine characterized by:

As described above, in the gaming machine of the type in which a privilege is awarded by entering a ball into the ball entering section, the game can be played advantageously by entering the ball into the ball entering section. Therefore, if the player misses the ball entering the ball-entering section, there is a possibility that the player will not notice that the privilege has been granted. This hinders efforts to increase the degree of attention paid to the game. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, when a ball is entered into the ball entering portion, the predetermined image displayed (waiting) at the first position moves to the second position, and again Return to first position. In this way, by configuring the predetermined image that is waiting in advance to move (display an action) triggered by the ball entry, it is possible to suggest or inform the player that the ball entry has occurred. This makes it difficult for the player to miss the fact that a ball has been entered, and contributes to increasing the degree of attention paid to the game.

Feature I2. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A ball entry portion (for example, an upper general winning opening 61U) provided on the game board and into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter;
privilege granting means (payout device 222 or payout control device 181) that grants a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section;
a display device (symbol display device 92) having a display screen (display screen 92a);
Display control means (notification/effect control device 610, display a controller 620),
The display control means is
means for displaying a predetermined image at a first position under the condition that no ball is entered into the ball entry section;
a first moving means for moving a predetermined image displayed at the first position to a second position and then returning it to the first position when a ball is entered into the ball-entering portion;
When a new ball is entered into the ball-entering portion while the predetermined image is moving between the first position and the second position, the predetermined image is moved from the second position to the ball-entering portion. and second moving means for returning to the first position after moving the game machine to a third position far from the first position.

As described above, in the gaming machine of the type in which a privilege is awarded by entering a ball into the ball entering section, the game can be played advantageously by entering the ball into the ball entering section. Therefore, if the player misses the ball entering the ball-entering section, there is a possibility that the player will not notice that the privilege has been granted. This hinders efforts to increase the degree of attention paid to the game. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, when a ball is entered into the ball entering portion, the predetermined image displayed (waiting) at the first position moves to the second position, and again Return to first position. In this way, by configuring the predetermined image that is waiting in advance to move (display an action) triggered by the ball entry, it is possible to suggest or inform the player that the ball entry has occurred. This makes it difficult for the player to miss the fact that a ball has been entered, and contributes to increasing the degree of attention paid to the game.

Here, when a ball enters the ball entry portion while the predetermined image is moving between the first position and the second position (when consecutive ball entries occur), the destination of the predetermined image moves to the second position. It will be changed to 3 positions. The third position is a position farther than the second position, and the action of the predetermined image can be greatly changed by moving the predetermined image beyond the second position toward the third position. As a result, it is possible to easily convey the fact that consecutive balls have been entered. As a result, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

Feature I3. The first moving means sets the period required for moving the predetermined image from the first position to the second position from the occurrence of the ball entering the ball entering section until the next ball entering is detected. The gaming machine according to feature I1 or feature I2, characterized in that the gaming machine is set to be shorter than the minimum period until.

According to feature I3, in the process in which the predetermined image moves from the first position to the second position based on the ball entering the ball entering portion, the next ball entering does not occur, and the predetermined image moves to the third position. movement does not occur. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent difficulty in distinguishing between a single hit ball and a continuous hit ball due to sudden movement to the third position or the like.

Feature I4. The first moving means is configured such that the period required for the predetermined image to move from the second position to the first position is longer than the period required for the predetermined image to move from the first position to the second position. The gaming machine according to any one of features I1 to I3, which is configured to be short.

According to the feature I4, it is assumed that the predetermined image is more likely to catch the player's eye during the movement from the second position to the first position than during the movement from the first position to the second position. be done. In such a configuration, as shown in characteristic I1 and the like, subsequent ball-entering (continuous ball-entering) is likely to occur while the predetermined image is moving from the second position to the first position. A practically preferable configuration can be realized by applying the technical ideas shown in the feature I1 and the like to such a configuration.

Feature I5. The second moving means sets the period required for moving the predetermined image from the third position to the first position from the occurrence of the ball entering the ball entering section until the next ball entering is detected. The gaming machine according to any one of features I1 to I4, characterized in that the gaming machine is set to be shorter than the minimum period up to.

The number of times that the game ball continuously enters the ball entering portion is not necessarily limited to two times. For example, 3 times, 4 times, etc. There is a possibility of hitting the ball in succession. As shown in this feature, while the action (movement to the 3rd position and movement from the 3rd position to the 2nd position) that is unique to the occurrence of consecutive balls is occurring, the next ball is By setting the duration of the action display so that it does not occur, it is possible to prevent the display related to the continuous ball-entering notification from becoming excessively complicated.

It is also possible to apply each technical idea shown in the feature group A to the feature group H to the feature group I described in detail above.

<Characteristic group J> Display mode 3 during continuous ball entry (parallel display)
Each characteristic group J below is defined as "a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed, and a game ball shooting means for shooting a game ball to the game area based on a shooting operation by a player. When the game balls fired from the game ball launching means enter the ball entry section provided in the game area, a privilege such as the payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This has been accomplished with the problem to be solved by the invention.

Feature J1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A ball entry portion (for example, an upper general winning opening 61U or a lower general winning opening 61L) provided on the game board and into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter;
privilege granting means (payout device 222 or payout control device 181) that grants a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section;
a display device (symbol display device 92) having a display screen (display screen 92a);
Display control means (notification/effect control device 610, display a controller 620),
The display control means is
a first display means for displaying a predetermined image for a predetermined period at any one of a plurality of display locations when a ball is entered into the ball entry portion;
When a ball is entered into the ball-entering portion under the condition that the predetermined image is displayed by the first display means, the predetermined image is not displayed among the plurality of display locations. and second display means for displaying a predetermined image for a predetermined period of time at the display portion of the game machine.

As described above, in the gaming machine of the type in which a privilege is awarded by entering a ball into the ball entering section, the game can be played advantageously by entering the ball into the ball entering section. Therefore, if the player misses the ball entering the ball-entering section, there is a possibility that the player will not notice that the privilege has been granted. This hinders efforts to increase the degree of attention paid to the game. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, when a ball is entered into the ball entry portion, a predetermined image indicating that fact is displayed on the display screen. As a result, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suppressed.

Here, in displaying a predetermined image to inform the player of the occurrence of a hit, the predetermined image can be easily noticed by the player by lengthening the display period of the predetermined image. However, if the display period becomes longer, the chances of the next ball entering during that period increase. Here, according to the configuration shown in this feature, when the next ball hit occurs in a situation where a predetermined image is displayed based on the previous ball hit, the next ball hit is displayed at a different display location. A predetermined image corresponding to is displayed. Thus, even if the display period is extended, it is possible to suitably notify the player of the occurrence of continuous ball-entering. In other words, by shifting the display position, the display period of the predetermined image can be extended, and the overlooking of the predetermined image can be suppressed.

Feature J2. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A ball entry portion (for example, an upper general winning opening 61U or a lower general winning opening 61L) provided on the game board and into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter;
privilege granting means (payout device 222 or payout control device 181) that grants a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section;
a display device (symbol display device 92) having a display screen (display screen 92a);
Display control means (notification/effect control device 610, display a controller 620),
The display control means is
a first display means for displaying a predetermined image at a first position for a predetermined period when a ball is entered into the ball entry portion;
When the ball is entered into the ball-entering portion under the condition that the predetermined image is displayed at the first position by the first display means, the predetermined image is displayed at the second position different from the first position. and second display means for displaying at a position for a predetermined period of time.

As described above, in the gaming machine of the type in which a privilege is awarded by entering a ball into the ball entering section, the game can be played advantageously by entering the ball into the ball entering section. Therefore, if the player misses the ball entering the ball-entering section, there is a possibility that the player will not notice that the privilege has been granted. This hinders efforts to increase the degree of attention paid to the game. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, when a ball is entered into the ball entry portion, a predetermined image indicating that fact is displayed on the display screen. As a result, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suppressed.

Here, in displaying a predetermined image to inform the player of the occurrence of a hit, the predetermined image can be easily noticed by the player by lengthening the display period of the predetermined image. However, if the display period becomes longer, the chances of the next ball entering during that period increase. Here, according to the configuration shown in this characteristic, when the next ball hit occurs under the condition that the predetermined image is displayed at the first position based on the previous ball hit, the first position and the A predetermined image is displayed at a different position (second position). Thus, even if the display period is extended, it is possible to suitably notify the player of the occurrence of continuous ball-entering. In other words, by shifting the display position, the display period of the predetermined image can be extended, and the overlooking of the predetermined image can be suppressed.

Feature J3. In the first display means and the second display means, the period during which the predetermined image is displayed is longer than the minimum period from when the ball enters the ball entering section until the next ball entering is detected. The gaming machine according to feature J1 or feature J2, which is configured to be long.

As shown in feature J3, by applying the technical idea shown in feature J1 and the like to the configuration in which the display period is set longer than the minimum period, a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

Feature J4. The number of display locations is set to be greater than the number obtained by dividing the predetermined period by the minimum period from when a ball enters the ball entering section until the next ball entering is detected. The gaming machine according to any one of features J1 to J3, characterized by:

According to the configuration shown in this feature, even if a ball is continuously entered into the ball entry section and all display locations are filled with a predetermined image, a predetermined period of time has passed since the first ball entry. , the display location where the predetermined image corresponding to the first ball entry is displayed becomes vacant, so there is no shortage of display locations. As a result, it is possible to avoid an excessive increase in the number of display locations in order to deal with an event that has a small chance of occurring.

Feature J5. The ball entry portion is arranged so as to overlap the display screen when viewed from the front of the gaming machine,
The plurality of display locations where the predetermined image is displayed are provided around the ball-entering portion when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, according to any one of features J1 to J4. game machine.

As shown in feature J5, if the display portion is arranged around the ball-entering portion, it becomes easy to visually confirm both the ball-entering portion and the predetermined image. Even if the user is watching a predetermined image, it is possible to check whether or not a ball has entered the ball entry section. It can be suppressed to act to make

It should be noted that it is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in the characteristic groups A to I to the characteristic group J detailed above.

<Feature K group> Display mode 4 when consecutive balls are entered (serial display)
Each characteristic group K below is defined as follows: "A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed, and game ball shooting means for shooting game balls to the game area based on a shooting operation by a player. When the game balls fired from the game ball launching means enter the ball entry section provided in the game area, a privilege such as the payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This has been accomplished with the problem to be solved by the invention.

Features K1. A game board (game area forming body 60a) on which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A ball entry portion (for example, an upper general winning opening 61U or a lower general winning opening 61L) provided on the game board and into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter;
privilege granting means (payout device 222 or payout control device 181) that grants a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the ball entering section;
a display device (symbol display device 92) having a display screen (display screen 92a);
Display control means for performing display control of the display device so that, when a ball is entered into the ball entry portion, ball entry information indicating the occurrence of the ball entry is displayed at a prescribed location on the display screen for a prescribed period of time. (Notification / production control device 610, display control device 620) and
The gaming machine, wherein the predetermined period is set to be shorter than a minimum interval period when the entering game ball is continuously detected by the entering ball detecting means.

As described above, in the gaming machine of the type in which a privilege is awarded by entering a ball into the ball entering section, the game can be played advantageously by entering the ball into the ball entering section. Therefore, if the player misses the ball entering the ball-entering section, there is a possibility that the player will not notice that the privilege has been granted. This hinders efforts to increase the degree of attention paid to the game. In this respect, according to the configuration shown in the present feature, when a ball is entered into the ball entering portion, the ball entering information is displayed on the display screen to that effect. As a result, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suppressed.

Here, when the ball is entered into the ball entering portion continuously, the display of the ball entering information corresponding to the preceding ball entering is completed before the next ball entering occurs. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused by overlapping displays.

Feature K2. Characteristic feature K1, characterized in that there is provided a period in which the entry information is not displayed after the entry information is displayed and before the next entry information is displayed. game machine.

It is preferable to unify the ball-entering information displayed based on the ball-entering section in order to encourage the player to understand the meaning of the ball-entering information. However, when similar ball entry information is repeatedly displayed due to consecutive ball entry, it is difficult to distinguish whether it corresponds to one entry or multiple entries (consecutive entry). become difficult. Therefore, as shown in this feature, after the display of the preceding ball entry information is completed, even if consecutive ball entries occur, the non-display period is ensured. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience.

Feature K3. The display control means has means for changing the display mode or the display position of the ball entry information with the passage of time when the ball entry information is displayed on the display screen. The gaming machine according to feature K1 or feature K2.

As shown in feature K2, when the ball-entering information is displayed continuously in response to consecutive ball-entering, the boundary between the ball-entering information corresponding to the previous ball-entering and the ball-entering information corresponding to the subsequent ball-entering becomes difficult to understand. Therefore, by adopting a configuration in which the display mode and display position of the entry information is changed with the passage of time after the start of display, it is possible to widen the gap between when the display of the next entry information is started. , making it easy to distinguish between pieces of incoming ball information.

For example, it is preferable to change the color and size of the ball entry information over time, or to gradually shift the display position at a predetermined position.

It is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in the feature groups A to J to the feature group K detailed above.

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

Pachinko machine: operation means (game ball shooting handle 41) operated by a player, game ball shooting means (game ball shooting mechanism 110) for shooting game balls based on the operation of the operation means, and A ball passage (guide rail 100) that guides a game ball to a predetermined game area, and each game part (game nail 68, windmill 69, etc.) arranged in the game area (game area PE). A game machine that provides a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passing portion (general prize winning port 61, etc.).

Spindle-type gaming machine such as slot machine: Equipped with variable display means for finally stopping and displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols after the symbol row is variably displayed, and the symbol variation starts due to the operation of the starting operation means A special game that is advantageous to the player under the condition that the fluctuation of the symbols is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stopping or after the lapse of a predetermined time, and that the final stopped symbol at the time of stopping is a specific symbol. A gaming machine designed to generate a state (bonus game, etc.).

Ball-use belt-type game machine: Equipped with a variable display means for displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols and then finally stopping the symbol row; A special game state (bonus game, etc.), and further comprising: a throwing device for performing throwing processing for taking in game balls from the ball tray provided with a ball tray; and a payout device for putting out game balls to the ball tray. A gaming machine constructed so that the operation of the starting operating means is enabled when a game ball is thrown in.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Pachinko machine as a game machine 60... Game board unit 60a... Game area formation body as a "game board" 60b... Back block 61U... Upper general prize-winning opening 61L... Lower general prize-winning opening 62... Upper operating ball entering portion 63 Lower operating ball entering portion 64 Variable winning device 68 Game nail 70 Gate 71 Slope 72 Open portion 73 Sorting member 73X Display device 74 Mounting base 75 Upright portion 78 Seal 81 First class upper game nail row 82 First class lower game nail row 83 Second class upper game nail row 84 Second class Lower game nail row 85 to 88 recessed portion 91 variable display unit 92 pattern display device 92a display screen 96 lifting device 99 second background sheet 151 to 156 detection sensor, 181... Payout control device 222... Payout device 162... Main control device 251... Guidance passage 261... Groove part 301... Collection passage 305... Cover member 306... Main body part 602... MPU 610... Notification/effect Control device 612...MPU, PE...game area, UE...upper area, LE...lower area.

Claims (1)

a game board on which a game area is formed;
A starting ball entry means provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball;
information acquiring means for acquiring special information based on the ball entering the starting ball entering means;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Lottery means for performing a lottery lottery based on the special information stored in the obtained information storage means;
a means for switching the game state according to the result of the lottery by the lottery means,
Predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball;
granting means for granting a predetermined number of game values when a ball enters the predetermined ball-entering means;
a pattern display means having a display screen and capable of variably displaying a pattern on the display screen;
and a display control means for performing display control of the pattern display means,
The display control means is
display mode switching means for switching the display mode of the pattern display means in accordance with the game state;
When the display mode is a special mode, it is possible to execute a specific notification on the display screen when the predetermined number of game values are awarded based on the ball entering the predetermined ball entry means. a specific notification means ,
When the ball entering the predetermined ball entering means continues, and when the specific announcement is made in the prescribed area corresponding to the later entering ball, the specific announcement in the prescribed area corresponding to the earlier entering ball is performed . Means capable of changing the display area of the specific notification corresponding to the previous ball entry so that the
A game machine characterized by comprising:

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