JP7196957B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a game machine having a variable ball entry device.

Conventionally, this type of gaming machine includes, for example, a pachinko machine equipped with a variable ball entry device having an opening/closing member.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-700 (page 4, FIG. 1)

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, the conventional game machine has a problem that the time required for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing member changes between the open state and the closed state cannot be shortened any more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a gaming machine capable of suitably shortening the entire period of a specific game state in which an opening/closing member changes between an open state and a closed state. intended to provide

In order to achieve these objects, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, the invention according to claim 1 is
a game board having a game area in which game balls can flow down;
a ball entry section into which a game ball can enter;
Variable ball entry means having one opening/closing operation member operating between an open state in which a game ball easily enters the ball entry portion and a closed state in which a game ball is less likely to enter the ball entry portion than in the open state. When,
In response to the establishment of a first condition that brings about a specific game state advantageous to the player, the first opening/closing operation member is opened, and based on at least one of the elapse of the first predetermined period of time and the number of hits of a predetermined number of balls, A game in which the first opening/closing member is closed, and after a second predetermined period set to a period different from the first predetermined period has passed, the game operation of returning the first opening/closing member to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times. machine and
The variable ball entry means
During the period of the specific game state, the game ball in contact with the one opening/closing member in the closed state flows down on the one opening/closing member for at least the second predetermined period, thereby performing the one opening/closing operation. When the member is returned to the open state, the game ball is configured to be discharged toward the ball entry portion,
The time it takes for the player to perform a specific operation in the specific game state to return to the closed state based on the predetermined number of balls in the first game action in the specific game state, and the specific game state. By performing an operation, it is possible to change the time taken to return to the closed state based on the predetermined number of hits in the predetermined game operation after the second time in the specific game state,
Downstream of the variable ball entry means, there is provided an opening that is always open to allow the game ball that has flowed down on the one opening/closing member in the closed state to enter, and at least Equipped with ball entry means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls to a player
It is characterized by

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to suitably shorten the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing member changes between the open state and the closed state.

1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a pachinko machine; FIG. Fig. 5(a) shows a state in which main decorative patterns are aligned, and Fig. 5(b) shows a state in which sub-decorative symbols are aligned. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline|summary of the various counters used for game control. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main controller; 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing; It is a flowchart which shows a 1st design variation process. It is a flow chart which shows fluctuation start processing. 4 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing; It is a flow chart which shows starting prize-winning processing. 4 is a flowchart showing NMI interrupt processing; It is a flow chart which shows the main processing by a payout control device. It is a flow chart which shows payout control processing. It is a flow chart which shows prize ball control processing. It is a flow chart which shows ball rental control processing. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing executed by a CPU of a sub control device; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of normal processing executed by a CPU of a sub control device; Fig. 20(a) is a perspective view of the first variable prize winning device, Fig. 20(a) shows a state where the body case is attached, and Fig. 20(b) shows a state where the plate portion is removed from the body case. Fig. 21(a) is a front view of the first variable prize winning device, Fig. 21(a) shows a state where the body case is attached, and Fig. 21(b) shows a state where the plate portion is removed from the body case. FIG. 21(a) is a sectional view taken along the line AA of the first variable winning device shown in FIG. 21(a), FIG. 22(a) shows the closed state of the first variable winning device, and FIG. 22(b) shows the first variable winning device. Indicates the open state of the device. It is a perspective view of an opening-and-closing door and a drive part. FIG. 21(a) is a sectional view taken along the line BB of the first variable prize winning device shown in FIG. It is an exploded perspective view of the first variable winning device seen from the front side of the gaming machine. It is an exploded perspective view of the first variable winning device seen from the rear side of the gaming machine. It is a flow chart which shows big winning a prize mouth opening and closing processing. It is a perspective view explaining opening and closing operation of an opening and closing door, FIG. 28 (a) shows the closed state before a big win state, and FIG. 28 (b) shows the open state of the first round of the big win state. Fig. 29 is a perspective view illustrating the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing door following Fig. 28, Fig. 29(a) shows the closed state after the first round, and Fig. 29(b) shows the open state after the second round; . It is a timing chart showing the opening and closing timing of the opening and closing door and the detection timing of the game ball. FIG. 11 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine according to Embodiment 2; Fig. 32(a) is a perspective view of the third variable winning device according to the second embodiment, Fig. 32(a) shows a state in which the body case is attached, and Fig. 32(b) shows a state in which the plate portion of the body case is removed; 10 is a flowchart showing normal electric accessory opening/closing processing according to the second embodiment; It is a timing chart showing the opening and closing timing of the opening and closing door and the detection timing of the game ball. It is a perspective view of the 1st variable winning device concerning a modification, Fig.35 (a) shows the stop state of a stop part, FIG.35(b) shows the stop release state of a stop part. It is a perspective view of the 1st variable prize winning device concerning another modification, Fig.36 (a) shows the stationary state of a stationary part, FIG.36(b) shows the stationary release state of a stationary part.

This specification also discloses an invention relating to the following game machine.
In the following embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the up, down, left, right, front and back (or back, front) directions are based on the front view of the game board. In addition, the term "entrance ball" in this specification means the entry of a game ball into a ball entrance into which a game ball can enter, and the entry of a game ball into a prize entrance from which a prize ball can be paid out. In other words, it includes both "winning" and entering a game ball into a ball entrance where no prize balls are paid out.

In addition, conventionally, as a method of trying to shorten the time required for the entire period of the specific game state, there is a case where the closed state time provided between the open state in the specific game state is shortened or eliminated. In such a method, a game ball that entered the ball entry portion during the previous open state period remains as a remaining ball at the end of the open state period, and is detected during the next open state period. something happened. Such a situation impairs the profit of the player, so it is difficult to shorten the time between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state. The problem remains that it is not possible to
Conventionally, this type of gaming machine includes, for example, a game board having a game area in which a game ball can flow down, a ball entry section into which a game ball can enter, and a game ball that easily enters the ball entry section. There is a game machine such as a pachinko machine equipped with a variable ball entry device having an opening/closing operation member that operates between an open state and a closed state in which a game ball is less likely to enter the ball entry portion than in the open state. This type of gaming machine provides a predetermined game value when the result of a lottery triggered by the entry of a ball into a starting hole is a win for a specific game state advantageous to the player. This predetermined game value is obtained by, for example, opening the opening/closing operation member for a first predetermined time period, and closing the opening/closing operation member based on the elapse of the first predetermined time period or the occurrence of a predetermined number of hit balls. After a second predetermined period of time shorter than the first predetermined period of time has passed, a game is played a plurality of times to return the opening/closing operation member to the open state, and a predetermined game value is given to the ball entering the ball entering section. do. The above-mentioned opening/closing operation member may be in an open state in which the game ball is likely to enter the ball entry portion by keeping the opening/closing operation member open for the first predetermined time, By opening and closing the opening and closing a plurality of times, there is an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the ball entry portion. (JP-A-9-700 (page 4, FIG. 1))
However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, in the conventional game machine, even if the game ball is shot during the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing member changes between the open state and the closed state, the opening/closing operation occurs when the game ball reaches the variable ball entry device. When the member is in the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the ball entering portion. Therefore, there is a problem that the time required for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state cannot be shortened any more.
The invention described in (1) below has been made in view of such circumstances, and preferably shortens the time taken for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening and closing member changes between the open state and the closed state. The purpose is to provide a game machine that can

(1) A game board having a game area in which game balls can flow down;
A ball entry portion into which a game ball can enter, an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the ball entry portion, and a closed state in which a game ball is less likely to enter the ball entry portion than in the open state. A variable ball entry device having an opening and closing operation member that
The opening/closing operation member is opened in accordance with the establishment of a first condition to bring about a specific game state advantageous to the player, and the opening/closing operation is performed based on at least one of the elapse of a first predetermined time period and the number of hits of a predetermined number of balls. A game machine in which a game is repeated a predetermined number of times after a second predetermined period of time set shorter than the first predetermined period of time has elapsed after the operating member is closed and the opening/closing member is returned to the open state,
The variable ball entry device is
During the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that has come into contact with the opening/closing member in the closed state remains open until the opening/closing member returns to the open state. A game machine, comprising: a parking portion configured to discharge a game ball that is stopped for a while and is discharged toward the ball-entering portion when the opening/closing operation member is returned to an open state.

According to the invention described in (1) above, there is provided a ball entry portion into which a game ball can enter, an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the ball entry portion, and a game ball more likely to enter the ball entry portion than in the open state. A variable ball-entering device having a closed state in which it is difficult to enter a ball and an opening/closing operation member that opens and closes, opens the opening/closing operation member in response to establishment of a first condition for a specific game state advantageous to a player, The opening/closing operation member is closed based on at least one of the elapse of the first predetermined time period and the predetermined number of hits, and after the elapse of a second predetermined time period set shorter than the first predetermined time period, the opening/closing operation member. The game of returning the switch to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times. In the variable ball entry device, during the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball in contact with the opening/closing operation member in the closed state causes the opening/closing operation member to return to the open state. The game ball is stopped until the opening and closing operation member is returned to the open state, and the stationary game ball is discharged toward the ball entering portion.

As a result, during the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that has come into contact with the opening/closing operation member in the closed state is returned to the open state until the opening/closing operation member is returned to the open state. Stopped at the stop. The parked game ball is discharged toward the ball entry portion when the opening/closing member is returned to the open state. Therefore, even a game ball that reaches the variable ball entering device at the timing when the opening/closing operation member is in the closed state, which cannot be entered into the ball entering portion in the conventional game machine, enters the ball entering portion. can be made Therefore, the time required for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state can be suitably shortened.

In addition, since the time required for the entire period of the specific game state is shortened, the player can decide whether or not to generate the specific game state more times than in conventional gaming machines even if the time is the same. Since there is a possibility of obtaining a lottery opportunity, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

Also, conventionally, as a method of trying to shorten the time required for the entire period of the specific game state, there are cases where the time provided between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state is shortened or eliminated. In such a method, a game ball that entered the ball entry portion during the previous open state period remains as a remaining ball at the end of the open state period, and is detected during the next open state period. something happened. Such a situation impairs the profit of the player, so it is difficult to shorten the time between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state. couldn't. However, by providing the variable ball entry device according to the invention described in (1) above, during the time between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state, the game ball is parked in the parking portion. , the ball does not remain as a residual ball in the entering ball portion, and the stationary ball can be used to be detected in the next open state period. As a result, the remaining balls can be appropriately processed without leaving a predetermined time between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state, and the time required for the entire period of the specific game state can be suitably shortened. be able to.

(2) In the gaming machine described in (1) above,
The ball-entering portion includes a first ball-entering area into which a game ball can enter, and a second ball-entering area that is an area into which a game ball can enter and is provided at a position different from the first ball-entering area. and
The opening/closing operation member changes the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area between an open state and a closed state by performing an opening/closing operation,
In the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between an open state and a closed state, the stopping section opens/closes a game ball that is about to enter the first ball entering area and contacts the opening/closing operation member. A gaming machine characterized in that the operating member is stationary while it is in the closed state, and is discharged toward the second ball-entering area when the opening/closing member is returned to the open state.

According to the invention described in (2) above, the ball-entering portion has the first ball-entering area and the second ball-entering area provided at a position different from the first ball-entering area. The opening/closing operation member changes the first ball-entering area and the second ball-entering area between an open state and a closed state. During the period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that touches the opening/closing member while the opening/closing member is in the closed state while trying to enter the first ball entering area. Stop at the stop. The parked game ball is discharged toward the second ball entry area when the opening/closing member is returned to the open state.

In this regard, in the conventional game machine, even if the game balls reach the variable ball entry device while the opening/closing member is in the open state, all the game balls that reach the ball entry portion enter the ball entry portion. Sometimes I couldn't. That is, when the game balls reach the variable ball entry device continuously during the period in which the opening/closing operation member is in the open state, all the game balls reaching the variable ball entry device are entered into the ball entry portion. Some of the game balls that reach the variable ball-entering device may overflow outside the variable ball-entering device.

On the other hand, by configuring as in (2) above, the game ball that reaches the variable ball entry device first enters the first ball entry area while the opening and closing operation member is in the open state. Although the ball becomes available, the game ball does not enter the second ball entering area because the game ball is not parked in the parking portion. Next, while the opening/closing operation member is in the closed state, the game ball does not enter either the first ball entering area or the second ball entering area, and can be parked in the parking portion. Next, while the opening/closing operation member is in the open state, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area, and when the game ball is parked in the parking portion, the parked game ball is moved to the second ball entry area. It becomes possible to enter the ball into the ball entry area. Next, while the opening/closing operation member is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped in the stopping portion again without entering either the first ball entering area or the second ball entering area. Next, when the opening/closing operation member is returned to the open state, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area again, and when the game ball is parked in the parking portion, the parked game The ball can enter the second ball entry area. After that, the opening/closing member performs the opening/closing operation until the predetermined number of times is reached.

In this way, except for the first time, the game ball that reaches the variable ball entry device can be entered from either the first ball entry area or the second ball entry area while the opening/closing operation member is in the open state. Therefore, even if the game ball reaches the variable ball entry device continuously during the period in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that reaches the variable ball entry device is placed in the first ball entry area. Since the ball can be entered from both the empty and the second ball entering area, the game ball reaching the variable ball entering device can be quickly entered into the ball entering section. As a result, it is possible to reduce the loss of time caused by the game balls reaching the variable ball-entering device overflowing outside the variable ball-entering device, so that the opening/closing operation member can be specified to change between the open state and the closed state. It is possible to preferably shorten the time required for the entire period of the game state.

In addition, the ball-entering area into which the game ball flowing down the game area trying to enter the ball-entering portion is to enter and the ball-entering area into which the game ball stopped in the parking portion is to enter are the same entering area. Since they are provided at different positions in the ball part, the game balls flowing down the game area collide with the game balls stopped at the stopping part, and some of the game balls cannot enter the ball entering part. Fear is reduced. As a result, the loss of time caused by the game balls colliding with each other during the period in which the opening/closing operation member changes to the open state, making it impossible to enter the ball, is reduced. can be shortened to

(3) In the gaming machine described in (2) above,
The first ball-entering area and the second ball-entering area are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction of the game area when viewed from the front of the game board,
The gaming machine, wherein the stationary portion is positioned between the first ball-entering area and the second ball-entering area.

According to the invention described in (3) above, the first ball-entering area and the second ball-entering area are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the game area when the game board is viewed from the front. The stopping part is located between the first ball-entering area and the second ball-entering area. Therefore, while the opening/closing operation member is in the closed state, the game ball in contact with the opening/closing operation member can be smoothly parked in the parking portion, and the game ball stopped in the parking portion can be smoothly moved to the second ball entry area. can be sent to As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required to end the game state that is advantageous to the player.

(4) In the gaming machine described in (2) or (3) above,
The first ball-entering area is arranged so that the height of the game area in the vertical direction is higher than the second ball-entering area when viewed from the front of the game board,
The gaming machine, wherein the stopping section has a downward guiding section that guides the game ball downward from the first ball entering area toward the second ball entering area.

According to the invention described in (4) above, the first ball-entering area is arranged such that the height in the vertical direction of the game area is higher than that of the second ball-entering area when viewed from the front of the game board, The stopping part has a downward guiding part that guides the game ball downward from the first ball entering area to the second ball entering area. Therefore, the stationary game ball is vigorously guided from the first ball-entering area toward the second ball-entering area. As a result, even if game balls are successively shot toward the first ball entry area during the period in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the stationary game balls are jammed inside the variable ball entry device. Fear is reduced.

(5) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (2) to (4) above,
The variable ball entry device forms a stationary passage that guides the game ball from the first ball entry area to the second ball entry area while changing the traveling direction of the game ball that is stationary in the stationary portion. A gaming machine comprising a passage forming part.

According to the invention described in (5) above, the game ball parked in the parking portion is moved from the first ball entering area to the second ball entering area while the direction of travel is changed by the stationary passage formed by the passage forming portion. Guided towards the area. Therefore, by changing the traveling direction of the game ball in the parking portion, the game ball is more likely to stay than when the game ball is guided from the first ball entering area to the second ball entering area without changing the traveling direction. You can set the time longer.

(6) In the gaming machine described in (5) above,
The passage forming portion includes at least a depth guide portion that guides the game ball from the front side to the back side of the board surface of the game board, and a front side that guides the game ball from the back side to the front side of the board surface of the game board. A gaming machine characterized in that it is combined with a guide section.

According to the invention described in (6) above, the passage forming portion includes at least a backward guide portion that guides the game ball from the front side to the back side of the board surface of the game board, and a guide part that guides the game ball to the board surface of the game board. Since it is formed by combining with the front guide part that guides from the back side to the front side, the dwell time of the game ball can be freely adjusted depending on how the back guide part, the back side guide part, and the front guide part are combined. can be designed.

(7) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (2) to (6) above,
The gaming machine, wherein the stopping section includes a deceleration section that reduces the speed of the game ball guided from the first ball entering area to the second ball entering area.

According to the invention described in (7) above, the speed of the game ball parked in the parking portion is reduced by the deceleration portion when being guided from the first ball-entering area to the second ball-entering area. A second predetermined time period during which the member is closed can be ensured.

(8) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (2) to (7) above,
The variable ball entry device includes a first ball entry detection unit that detects entry of a game ball into the first entry area, and a second entry detection unit that detects entry of a game ball into the second entry area. a sphere detection unit,
The gaming machine, wherein the first detection section and the second detection section are arranged immediately below the first ball-entering area and the second ball-entering area, respectively.

According to the invention described in (8) above, the first ball entry detection section for detecting the entry of a game ball into the first ball entry area is arranged immediately below the first ball entry area, A second ball detection unit for detecting the entry of a game ball into the ball area is arranged directly below the second ball entry area. Therefore, even if the stationary state is released and the ball enters the first ball entering area and the ball entering the second ball entering area occurs simultaneously and continuously, the ball jam in the ball entering section does not occur. reduction and detection time reduction can be realized.

(9) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (1) to (8) above,
The game board is provided with an image display device for displaying a special game animation in which a predetermined character image is operated during the specific game state in which the opening/closing member changes between an open state and a closed state,
The game area is an area narrower than the width of the image display device, and includes a left narrow area formed on the left side of the image display device and a right width area formed on the right side of the image display device. a narrow region;
The variable ball entry device is arranged either in the left narrow area or below the left narrow area, or in either the right narrow area or below the right narrow area. Characteristic game machine.

According to the invention described in (9) above, the game area has a left narrow area and a right narrow area narrower than the width of the image display device, and the left narrow area is on the left side of the image display device. and the right narrow area is formed on the right lateral side of the image display device. The variable ball entry device is disposed either in the left narrow area or below the left narrow area, or in the right narrow area or below the right narrow area. Therefore, as many game balls as possible that have been shot toward the variable ball-entering device can enter the ball-entering portion of the variable ball-entering device. In other words, when the variable ball entry device is arranged in the center of the game area, the game ball flowing down the game area collides with a game member such as a nail or a windmill arranged in the game area. It is often deflected and detached from the ball entry part of the variable ball entry device. On the other hand, when the variable ball entry device is arranged in the left narrow area or the right narrow area of the game area, the game ball flowing down the game area is affected by the above-mentioned game members. Since the flowing direction changes only within the width of the left narrow area and the right narrow area, it is easy to enter the ball into the ball entering portion of the variable ball entering device. This is the same when the variable ball entry device is arranged below the left narrow area or below the right narrow area. Therefore, the time required for the entire period of the specific game state in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state can be suitably shortened.

(10) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (1) to (9) above,
A gaming machine, wherein the stop portion is covered with a cover portion.

According to the invention described in (10) above, since the upper portion of the parking portion is covered with the covering portion, it is possible to prevent the game balls flowing down the game area from colliding with the game balls stopped at the parking portion. can do.

(11) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (1) to (10) above,
The stationary portion operates between a stationary state in which the game ball can be stationary and a stationary release state in which the stationary state is released and the stationary game ball is discharged toward the ball entering portion,
A game characterized in that the stop portion is operated to the stop state when the opening/closing member is operated to the closed state, and is operated to the stop release state when the opening/closing member is operated to the open state. machine.

According to the invention described in (11) above, when the opening/closing member is operated to the closed state, the parking portion is operated to the stationary state capable of holding the game ball, and the opening/closing member is operated to the open state. In this case, the stationary state is released and the stationary game ball is discharged toward the entering ball portion. Therefore, when the opening/closing operation member is operated to the open state, the stationary game ball is forcibly discharged. As a result, it is possible to quickly switch between the stationary state and the next open state.

(12) In the gaming machine described in (11) above,
The opening and closing member has the stop portion on its upper surface,
A game machine characterized in that the stopping portion enters the stopped state when the opening/closing member is operated to the closed state, and enters the stopped state when the opening/closing member is operated to the open state.

According to the invention described in (12) above, the opening/closing member has a retaining portion on its upper surface, and the retaining portion is in a stationary state when the opening/closing member is operated to the closed state, and the opening/closing member opens. When the state is operated, it becomes the stop cancellation state. Therefore, it is possible to switch between the stationary state and the stationary released state of the game ball simply by operating the opening/closing operation member. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and reduce the size of the variable ball entry device having the function of retaining the game ball by eliminating the need to provide a member for retaining the game ball.

(13) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (1) to (12) above,
The opening and closing member is an advancing and retracting member that can advance and retract back and forth,
The advance/retreat member opens the ball entry portion by retreating to the back side of the board surface of the game board, and closes the ball entry portion by moving forward to the front side of the board surface of the game board. is a thing,
A gaming machine, wherein the stopping portion is configured to stop a game ball that has passed over the advancing/retreating member that is in a closed state.

According to the invention described in (13) above, the opening/closing member is an advancing and retracting member that can advance and retract back and forth. When the advance/retreat member retreats to the back side of the board surface of the game board, the ball entry portion is opened, and when the advance/retreat member advances to the front side of the game board surface, the ball entry portion is closed. A game ball that has passed over the advancing/retreating member in the closed state is stopped at the stopping portion. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the vertical width in the variable ball entry device required for opening and closing the ball entry portion, compared to the structure in which the ball entry portion is opened and closed by the rotation of the opening and closing member. can. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the variable ball entry device having the function of stopping the game ball.

An embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machine") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIG. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing the display contents of the third symbol display device. FIG. 5A shows a state in which the main decorative symbols are arranged, and FIG. 5B shows a state in which the secondary decorative symbols are arranged. .

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and is fixed to a game island of a game hall (hall), and one side of the outer frame 11 (for example, the front An inner frame 12 supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to an outer frame 11 with the left side as viewed from the front) as an opening/closing axis, and an inner frame having one side of the inner frame 12 (for example, the left side as viewed from the front) as an opening/closing axis. 12 is provided with a front frame set 14 that can be freely opened and closed.

The outer frame 11 is made of wooden plate members and is generally rectangular in a front view, and each plate member is assembled with a detachable fastener such as a machine screw. In this embodiment, for example, the outer frame 11 has a vertical outer dimension of 809 mm (inner dimension of 771 mm) and a lateral outer dimension of 518 mm (inner dimension of 480 mm). Note that the outer frame 11 may be made of resin, light metal such as aluminum, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inner frame 12 can be roughly divided into a lower tray unit 13 attached to the bottom and a vertical opening and closing mechanism on the left side of the inner frame 12 in a range above the lower tray unit 13. It comprises a front frame set 14 that is openable and closable around an axis, and a game board 30 (see FIG. 2) that is detachably attached to a rectangular resin base (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower tray unit 13 is fixed to the inner frame 12 by fasteners such as screws. A lower tray 15, a ball extraction lever 17, a game ball shooting handle 18, and a sound output port 24 are provided on the front side of the lower tray unit 13. - 特許庁A lower tray 15 as a ball receiving tray is provided substantially at the center of the lower tray unit 13, and game balls discharged from a discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. - 特許庁The ball removing lever 17 is for removing game balls from the lower tray 15. By moving the ball removing lever 17 to the left in FIG. The game balls stored in the tray 15 can be drawn downward to the outside through the opening portion of the bottom surface of the lower tray 15.例文帳に追加The game ball shooting handle 18 is arranged so as to protrude to the front side on the right side of the lower plate 15.例文帳に追加A game ball is driven toward a game board 30 to be described later by a game ball shooting device 38 according to the operation of the game ball shooting handle 18 by the player. The game ball shooting device 38 is composed of, for example, a game ball shooting handle 18 and a shooting device 229 (see FIG. 4). The sound output port 24 is an output port for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the lower tray unit 13 or on the back surface.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 is attached to the inner frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed. It is designed so that it can be opened to the front side around the axis.

As shown in FIG. 1, an upper plate 19 as a receiving plate for game balls is integrally provided at the lower portion of the front frame set 14 (above the lower plate 15 described above). Here, the upper plate 19 is a ball receiver for temporarily storing game balls and leading them out toward the game ball launcher 38 while aligning them in a line. Further, the front frame set 14 is formed with a substantially elliptical window portion 101 so that most of the game area 30a (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30 can be visually recognized from the outside. Specifically, the window part 101 is a frame body having a hollow center in a substantially elliptical shape in which substantially central portions on the left and right sides thereof are curved relatively gently compared to the upper and lower sides thereof. A substantially elliptical glass plate 137 is attached to the hollow portion of the. This glass plate 137 has a double glass structure. It should be noted that the substantially central portion of the window portion 101 may be formed in a straight line, and the glass plate 137 may be made to conform to that shape. Further, the glass plate 137 is not limited to glass, and any material may be used as long as it is a transparent plate having a predetermined strength.

1, the front frame set 14 is provided with a frame button 20 (effect button) at the lower left portion of the upper plate 19 for receiving an operation instruction (for example, pressing instruction) from the player. As shown in FIG. 4, frame button 20 is connected to sub-controller 262 . For example, when a predetermined operation valid condition is established, the operation of the frame button 20 becomes valid, and by pressing the frame button 20, the screen display of the third pattern display device 42 changes, the output sound changes, The player can actively participate in the game by changing the lamp display.

In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around the window portion 101 (for example, corner portions) on the front side thereof. These light emitting means play a role of increasing the effect during the game by changing the light emitting mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state such as when a big win or a predetermined reach. For example, on the peripheral edge of the window 101, a ring-shaped decorative section 102 containing a light-emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically. A central illumination section 103 is also provided that incorporates a light-emitting means such as an LED. In the pachinko machine 10, the central illumination part 103 functions as a jackpot lamp, and notifies that the jackpot is in progress by lighting or flashing at the time of the jackpot. In addition, on the left and right sides of the central decorative part 103, there are provided a prize ball lamp 105 that lights up during prize ball payout and an error display lamp 106 that lights up when a predetermined error occurs. Also, a small window 107 made of transparent resin is provided so as to be adjacent to the lower end portion of the annular decorative portion 102 so that a part of the surface of the inner frame 12, the surface of the game board 30, etc. can be visually recognized. Since a predetermined portion of the small window 107 is flat, a certificate stamp or the like attached to the lower right corner of the game board 30 can be read by a machine through the flat portion of the small window 107 .

A ball rental operation unit 120 is arranged below the window 101, and the ball rental operation unit 120 is provided with a ball rental button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123. When the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated with banknotes, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, game balls are lent according to the operation. done. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain lending balls based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and lending balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 as long as the card or the like has a balance. be done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of the card or the like inserted in the card unit. The frequency display section 123 displays the balance information of the card or the like. The ball lending operation unit 120 is not required in a pachinko machine in which game balls are directly lent to the upper tray from a ball lending device or the like without going through the card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine. Therefore, a decorative sticker or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. - 特許庁As a result, the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine can share the ball rental operation unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 is made of a square plywood board, and is attached with its peripheral edge in contact with the back side of a resin base (not shown) of the inner frame 12. A game area 30a, which is a substantially central portion on the front side of the player 30, is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the resin-based substantially circular window portion 101 (glass plate 137) shown in FIG.

Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 includes a general winning port 31, a first variable winning device 32a, a second variable winning device 32b, first starting ports 33a and 33b (for example, operating chuckers), a second starting port 34 (for example, through gate), A variable display device unit 35 and the like are provided. These general winning port 31, first variable winning device 32a, second variable winning device 32b, first starting ports 33a, 33b (for example, operation chucker), second starting port 34 (for example, through gate), variable display device The units 35 and the like are arranged in respective through holes formed by router processing in the game board 30, and attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. A game ball enters the above-described general winning hole 31, variable winning device 32 and first starting holes 33a and 33b, and the ball is detected by a detection switch (winning hole switch, count switch, operation hole switch) to be described later. A predetermined number of prize balls are dispensed to the upper tray 19 (or the lower tray 15) based on the output of the detection switch. As described above, the first starting port 33a on the upper side is provided with an operating port switch (passage detection switch), and the ball entering the first starting port 33a is detected by the operating port switch. It's like In addition, an operation port switch (passage detection switch) is also provided in the second starting port 33b on the lower side, and the ball entering the second starting port 33b is detected by the operation port switch. . That is, there is no change in the fact that the game ball enters the first start hole 33a or the game ball enters the second start hole 33b, both of which are start winnings.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that do not enter the various prize-winning devices pass through the out port 36 to a ball discharge path (not shown). It is designed to be guided to the direction. The game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of game balls, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill 37 are arranged.

The variable display device unit 35 is triggered by the winning of the first starting ports 33a and 33b, and the first pattern display device 40 that variably displays the first pattern (for example, a special pattern) and the passage of the second starting port 34. Triggered by the second pattern display device 41 for variably displaying the second pattern (for example, normal pattern), and by using the winning to the first start ports 33a and 33b as a trigger, the third pattern (for example, decorative pattern) is variably displayed. A third pattern display device 42 is provided. The first pattern, the second pattern and the third pattern are identifications that allow the player to identify whether the result of the variable display of the first pattern, the second pattern and the third pattern is the special game state advantageous to the player. Information.

The first pattern display device 40 includes, for example, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) two-color light emitting type LEDs (light emitting diodes) 40a and 40b, and a hold indicating the number of holdings of variable display by the LEDs 40a and 40b. and a lamp 40c. The number of times the game ball passes through the first starting ports 33a and 33b is suspended up to four times, and the number of suspensions is displayed by the suspension lamp 40c. The suspension lamp 40c may be configured such that a suspension display or the like is performed on a part of the display screen of the third symbol display device 42, or the like. The LEDs 40a and 40b can emit red and blue light, for example. The first pattern display device 40 alternately changes the light emission colors of the LEDs 40a and 40b to generate a variable display state of the first pattern (in this embodiment, the light emission color mode of the LEDs 40a and 40b). For example, in the case of a light emission mode in which both LEDs 40a and 40b stop in a blue light emission state, it indicates that the first special game state (for example, normal jackpot state) has been won. In addition, in the case of the light emission mode in which the LED 40a stops in the blue light emission state and the LED 40b stops in the red light emission state, it indicates that the second special game state (for example, the time saving jackpot state) has been won. Also, in the case of the light emission mode in which both LEDs 40a and 40b stop in the red light emission state, it indicates that the third special game state (for example, probability variable jackpot state) has been won. In addition, in the case of the light emitting mode in which the LED 40a stops in the red light emitting state and the LED 40b stops in the blue light emitting state, it indicates a failure (that the special game state has been lost).

As the first pattern display device 40, a single LED capable of emitting light of at least three colors may be employed. When the LED stops emitting light in a first color, it indicates a probability variable jackpot, when the LED stops emitting light in a second color, it indicates a normal jackpot, and the LED emits light in a third color. Stopping in the state may indicate a time-saving jackpot, and stopping while the LED is emitting light in the fourth color may indicate a loss.

The second pattern display device 41 includes a display portion 41a for the second pattern on which, for example, "○" is drawn, a display portion 41b for which the second pattern is drawn, for example, "X", and a holding lamp 41c. Each time the game ball passes through the second starting port 34, for example, the display pattern (normal pattern) by the display parts 41a and 41b fluctuates, and when the fluctuation display stops at a predetermined pattern, the lower side One starting port 33b is configured to be in an operating state (opened) for a predetermined time. The number of times the game ball passes through the second starting port 34 is suspended up to four times, and the number of suspensions is displayed by the suspension lamp 41c. The display units 41a and 41b have LEDs (light-emitting diodes) inside thereof, and are configured to perform variable display by switching the light emission of these LEDs (or the lighting of lamps).

The third pattern display device 42 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and display contents are controlled by a display control device 45, which will be described later. On the third pattern display device 42, three decorative pattern rows L, M, and R of left, middle, and right are displayed, as shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later. Each of the decorative pattern rows L, M, and R is composed of a plurality of decorative patterns, and these decorative patterns are variably displayed on the third pattern display device 42 so as to be scrolled for each of the decorative pattern rows L, M, and R. It has become so. Also, the third pattern display device 42 can display a special game moving image in which an image of a predetermined character or the like is operated during a period in which the opening/closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state. In this embodiment, the third pattern display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) is provided with a large liquid crystal display of 9.3 inches, for example. A center frame 47 is arranged in the variable display device unit 35 so as to surround the third pattern display device 42 . Incidentally, the third pattern display device 42 described above corresponds to the image display device in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable ball winning device 32b are normally in a closed state in which the game ball cannot or hardly wins a prize, and the game ball wins when the jackpot is won. It is repeatedly actuated between the easy open state and the normal closed state. Thus, the state in which either the first variable prize winning device 32a or the second variable ball entry device 32b is repeatedly operated between the open state and the normal closed state during a big win is a special game state (for example, a big win state). ), a large number of game balls enter (win) the variable winning device 32, and a large number of game balls are paid out in response to the winning, resulting in an advantageous gaming state for the player. there is

More specifically, when the game ball wins the first start openings 33a, 33b, the two LEDs 40a, 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are variably displayed, and the display of the LEDs 40a, 40b after the variability is stopped is set in advance. A special game state occurs when a combination of light emission modes is achieved.

In this embodiment, the first variable winning device 32a is designed so that when either the normal jackpot state or the probability variable jackpot is won, the big prize opening 32A is in a predetermined open state to make it easier for the game balls to win. It is configured. Specifically, the first variable prize winning device 32a assumes that one round is the passage of a predetermined time or a predetermined number of prizes in the open state. , that is, 16 rounds) is repeatedly opened. Also, the second variable winning device 32b is configured such that when the time-saving jackpot is won, the big winning opening 32B is in a predetermined open state, and the game ball is easily won. Specifically, the second variable winning device 32b is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times (e.g., eight times, that is, eight rounds) less than the number of openings of the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 for guiding the game balls fired from the game ball launcher 38 (see FIG. 3) to the upper part of the game board 30. A game ball shot in accordance with the turning operation of the game ball shooting handle 18 is guided to a predetermined game area 30a through a ball guide passage 49 of the rail unit 50, which will be described later. The rail unit 50 is composed of a ring-shaped resin molded product (for example, molded by adding fluororesin), and has an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 which are integrally formed inside and outside. . The inner rail 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except for about 1/4 of the upper part, and the outer rail 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side) faces the inner rail 51 . In this case, the guide rail is constituted by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and the ball guide passage 49 is formed by the portion (on the left side) where the rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other with a predetermined interval therebetween. . The ball guide passage 49 is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, in a groove shape with an open front side.

A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail 51 (upper left portion in FIG. 2). As a result, the game ball once guided from the ball guide passage 49 between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 to the upper part of the game board 30 is prevented from returning to the ball guide passage 49 again. It's becoming A return rubber 54 is attached to the outer rail 52 at a position corresponding to the maximum flying portion of the game ball (upper right in FIG. 2: a portion corresponding to the tip of the outer rail 52). Therefore, a game ball shot with a force greater than or equal to a predetermined amount hits the return rubber 54 and is bounced back. On the inner surface of the outer rail 52, a sliding plate 55 as an elongated stainless steel metal belt is provided in order to smoothen the flight of the game ball, that is, to reduce the frictional resistance of the game ball. is attached.

In addition, an arc-shaped flange 56 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rail unit 50 so as to protrude outward when viewed from the front. The flange 56 constitutes a mounting surface for the game board 30 . When the rail unit 50 is attached to the game board 30, the flange 56 is brought into contact with the game board 30. In this state, screws or the like are inserted through the plurality of through-holes formed in the flange 56 to attach the rail unit 50 to the game board. Fastening of the rail unit 50 to 30 is made.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the upper, lower, left, and right ends of the rail unit 50 are formed substantially straight (flat) when viewed from the front. That is, the flanges 56 are cut off from the upper, lower, left, and right ends of the rail unit 50 so that the rail diameter can be expanded in the finite area of the pachinko machine 10, that is, the game area 30a on the game board 30 can be expanded. It's becoming

A protrusion 57 is formed at the entrance of the ball guide passage 49 between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 so as to partially close the ball guide passage 49 . The convex portion 57 is provided in a substantially vertical direction from the inner rail 51 to the lower end of the rail unit 50, and is provided on the inner frame 12 to prevent foul balls flowing backward in the ball guide passage 49 without reaching the game area 30a. It serves to lead to a ball passage (not shown). The lower right corner and the lower left corner of the game board 30 are spaces for affixing stickers (S1 and S2 in FIG. 2) such as certificate stamps (for example, manufacturing numbers are written) and plates. , notches 58 and 59 are formed in the flange 56 in order to secure this affixing space. By attaching seals such as certificate stamps (S1 and S2 in FIG. 2) to the lower right corner and lower left corner of the game board 30, the game board 30 and the certificate stamp can be made unique.

Next, the game area 30a of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the game area 30a is defined in a substantially circular shape by the inner periphery (inner and outer rails) of the rail unit 50. The game area 30a is configured to be much larger than before. In this embodiment, the distance from the top of the outer rail 52 to the bottom of the game board 30 is 445 mm (58 mm longer than the conventional product), and the distance from the extreme left position of the outer rail 52 to the extreme right position of the inner rail 51 is 445 mm. is 435 mm (50 mm longer than the conventional product). The distance from the extreme left position of the inner rail 51 to the extreme right position of the inner rail 51 is 418 mm.

In this embodiment, the game area 30a is defined by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, except for the guide rail area that is the parallel portion of the inner and outer rails 51 and 52. area. Therefore, since the play area 30a does not include the guide rail portion, the left limit position of the game area 30a is specified by the inner rail 51 instead of the outer rail 52.例文帳に追加Similarly, the right side limit position of the game area 30a is specified by the inner rail 51. As shown in FIG. Also, the lower limit position of the game area 30 a is specified by the lower end position of the game board 30 . Also, the upper limit position of the game area 30a is specified by the outer rail 52. As shown in FIG.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the width of the game area 30a (maximum width in the horizontal direction) is 418 mm, and the height of the game area 30a (maximum width in the vertical direction) is 445 mm.

Although the disclosure of detailed drawings is omitted, game balls are supplied one by one to the game ball launcher 38 from the ball outlet on the front frame set 14 side (the ball outlet leading from the most downstream part of the upper tray 19). .

Next, the configuration of the rear surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 10 has various control boards arranged vertically and horizontally on its rear surface (actually, the rear surface of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30), or stacked in the front and rear directions. Further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism section 352) for supplying game balls, a resin protective cover, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are mounted on two mounting bases to constitute two control board units, and these control board units are individually mounted on the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. ing. In this case, the main control device 261 and the sub-control device 262 shown in FIG. 4 to be described later are mounted on one of the mounting bases to form a unit, and the payout control device 311 and the launch control device 312 shown in FIG. and the power supply device 313 are mounted on the other mount to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit will be referred to as "first control board unit 201" and the latter unit will be referred to as "second control board unit 202".

The dispensing mechanism 352 and the protective cover are also integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally called a back pack, so the unit is called a "back pack unit 203" here. A detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

The first control board unit 201, the second control board unit 202, and the back pack unit 203 are configured so that they can be attached and detached on a unit-by-unit basis without using any tools. It is provided so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30 . This is also a contrivance for making it possible to easily confirm hidden structures and the like even when the units 201 to 203 and other structures are stacked one on top of the other.

In addition, on the back side of the game board 30, a prize winning detection mechanism for detecting passage of game balls such as various prize winning ports is provided. Specifically, a winning opening switch is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning opening 31 on the front side of the game board 30, and the variable winning device 32 is provided with a count switch. The count switch is a switch for counting winning balls. In addition, operating port switches are provided at positions corresponding to the first starting ports 33a and 33b, respectively, and the entry of a game ball into the first starting ports 33a and 33b is detected by the operating port switches. A gate switch is provided at a position corresponding to the second starting port 34, and the passage of the game ball to the second starting port 34 is detected by the operating port switch.

The winning slot switch and the gate switch are connected to a board connection board (not shown) through electrical wiring (not shown), and this board connection board is further connected to a main control board 261a (see FIG. 4) in the main control device 261, which will be described later. ing. In addition, the count switch is connected to a large winning opening relay terminal board (not shown), and this large winning opening relay terminal board (not shown) is also connected to the main control board 261a. On the other hand, the operation port switch is directly connected to the main control board 261a without going through the relay board.

The first variable winning device 32a is provided with a later-described large winning opening solenoid 432 for opening the large winning opening 32A, and the second variable winning device 32b, although not shown, opens the large winning opening 32B. A large winning opening solenoid is provided for this purpose. Further, the first starting port 33b on the lower side is provided with an actuation port solenoid for opening the electric accessory.

The detection results respectively detected by the winning detection mechanism are taken into a main control board 261a in the main controller 261, which will be described later, and the main control board 261a issues a payout command (game ball payout number) is transmitted to the payout control board 311a. Then, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out according to the output of the payout control board 311a. In such a case, the conventional method (the so-called evidence ball method) is to collect the game balls that have entered the various winning holes in the winning ball processing device, and then check the existence of the winning balls one by one by the winning ball processing device. ), in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the winning of game balls is electrically detected for each of the various winning holes, and the payout is immediately performed (that is, in the pachinko machine 10, the winning ball processing device is eliminated. doing). Therefore, even if there are a large number of game balls to be put out, it is possible to quickly carry out the putout. However, the conventional "evidence ball system" may be applied to the present invention.

The first control board unit 201 has a substantially L-shaped mounting base (not shown) on which a main controller 261 and a sub-controller 262 are mounted. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 261 includes a CPU 501 for main control, a ROM 502 storing game programs, a RAM 503 storing necessary data according to the progress of the game, and various devices. Main control including an input/output port 505 for communication, a random number generator (not shown) used for various lotteries, and a clock pulse generator circuit (not shown) used for time counting and synchronization. The main control board 261a is housed in a board box 263 (encapsulating means) made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. These box base and box cover are unopenably connected by a sealing unit (sealing means), whereby the board box 263 is sealed.

Any configuration can be applied to the sealing unit as the sealing means as long as it is configured to connect the box base and the box cover in an unopenable manner. In this embodiment, for example, five sealing members are connected. The box base and the box cover are unopenably connected to each other by inserting locking claws into the elongated holes of the sealing member. 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 opening/sealing process again later. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into the long hole of at least one of the five sealing members forming the sealing unit (not shown). When the board box 263 is to be opened due to, for example, a problem with the main control board 261a housed therein, the connection between the sealing member into which the engaging claw is inserted and the other sealing member is cut off. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claw is inserted into the long hole of another sealing member. If the history of the opening of the circuit board box 263 is left in the circuit board box 263, it can be easily detected that the circuit board box 263 has been illegally opened.

In addition, the sub-controller 262 includes, for example, a CPU 551 that controls voice and lamp display and controls the display control device 45 in accordance with instructions from a main control board 261a in the main controller 261, a ROM 552, a RAM 553, a bus line 554 and It has a sub-control board 262a including an input/output port 555 and the like, and this sub-control board 262a is housed in a board box (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. A power relay board (not shown) is mounted on the sub-control device 262, and power supplied from a power board (described later) is supplied to the sub-control device 262 and the display control device 45 via this power relay board (not shown). is output to

The second control board unit 202 has a horizontally long mounting base (not shown) on which a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a power supply device 313 and a card unit connection board (not shown) are mounted. ing. The payout control device 311 is equipped with a CPU that forms the center of control, and a control board including ROM, RAM, various ports, etc. The launch control device 312 is equipped with a launch control board, and the power supply device 313 is a power supply. It has a control board. A payout control board 311a of the payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls. In addition, the shooting control board of the shooting control device 312 controls the shooting device 229 (see FIG. 4) according to the operation of the game ball shooting handle 18 by the player, and the power supply board of the power supply device 313 controls various control devices. A required predetermined power supply voltage is generated and output. As the launching device 229, there are various types such as a mechanical launching part that shoots a game ball by hitting it with a launching punch that operates according to the drive of a launching motor, and an electromagnetic launching part that shoots a game ball by generating an electromagnetic field. can be adopted. The card unit connection board (not shown) is electrically connected to the ball lending operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front of the pachinko machine and the card unit (not shown), takes in the player's ball lending operation command, and pays it out. It outputs to the control device 311 . Note that the card unit connection board 314 is unnecessary in a cash machine in which game balls are directly lent to the upper tray 19 from a ball lending device or the like without going through the card unit.

The payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, the power supply device 313 and the card unit connection board (not shown) are housed in a board box (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the payout control device 311, similarly to the above-described main control device 261, the box base and the box cover constituting the substrate box (enveloping means) are unopenably connected by a sealing unit (sealing means). The box is sealed.

The payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch (not shown). For example, if a state recovery switch (not shown) is pressed when a dispensing error such as a ball clogging occurs in the dispensing motor section, the dispensing motor 358a (see FIG. 4) is slowly rotated forward to clear the ball clogging (normal state). (return to

Also, a RAM erase switch 323 is provided on the power monitor board 261b. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that even in the event of a power failure, the state at the time of the power failure is maintained, and when the power is restored from the power failure (recovery of power), the state at the time of the power failure can be restored. It's becoming Therefore, when the power is turned off in a normal procedure (for example, when the hall is closed), the state before the power is turned off is memorized and held. I am planning to put it in.

Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the back pack unit 203 is formed by integrating a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352 .

The back pack unit 203 is provided with a tank 355 which opens upward at the uppermost portion thereof, and the tank 355 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from island facilities (game island facilities) of the game hall. Below the tank 355 is connected a tank rail 356 which has, for example, two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and gently slopes downward toward the downstream side. are connected. A payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and payout of the required number of game balls is appropriately performed by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor 358a. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper tray 19 through a payout passage (not shown) or the like.

Also, the tank rail 356 is provided with a vibrator 360 for applying vibration to the tank rail 356 . For example, the vibrator 360 is fastened and attached to the tank rail 356 with, for example, two screws. Furthermore, the vibrator 360 does not come into surface contact with the tank rail 356 but comes into contact with the two screws, so that the vibration of the vibrator 360 is more effectively transmitted to the tank rail 356. ing. Therefore, if ball clogging occurs near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is driven to clear the ball clogging.

A payout relay board (not shown) for relaying a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358 is installed in the payout mechanism section 352, and a power switch board 382 for taking in main power from the outside is installed. is set up. The power switch board 382 is supplied with a main power supply of, for example, 24 V AC via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by switching operation of the power switch 382a.

The payout mechanism 352 from the tank 355 to the payout passage (not shown) is made of a conductive resin material (for example, a conductive polycarbonate resin) and partly grounded. As a result, the generation of noise due to electrification of game balls is suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 3, an inner frame open detection switch 388 for detecting that the inner frame 12 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12 . When the inner frame 12 is opened, the information is output from the inner frame open detection switch 388 to the computer for inside the hall (inside the pachinko parlor).

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 10 includes a main control device 261, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub control device 262, a display control device 45, a power supply device 313, and the like. These devices are individually described in detail below.

The main controller 261 of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer which is an arithmetic device. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the CPU 501, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 502. A RAM 503 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission/reception circuit are incorporated.

The RAM 503 is configured to retain (back up) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is powered off, and the RAM 503 temporarily stores various data and the like. It has a memory and area for

In other words, when the power supply is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 executes normal processing in FIG. Therefore, the RAM 503 only needs to store and hold the contents of the counter buffer and the reserved ball storage area when the power is turned off (including when a power failure occurs; the same shall apply hereinafter). It is possible to return to the state before disconnection. Specifically, the RAM 503 has a dedicated backup area for storing the values of each register and I/O, etc. regarding the game information during normal processing when the power is turned off (including when a power failure occurs; the same shall apply hereinafter). does not need to be set to The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power failure signal S1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, when the power is shut off due to a power failure or the like. Upon occurrence, power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing) in FIG. 13 is immediately executed.

An input/output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 containing the ROM 502 and RAM 503 through a bus line 504 comprising an address bus and a data bus. The input/output port 505 includes a RAM erasure switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub-control device 262, a first symbol display device 40, a second symbol display device 41, and other switches (not shown). etc. are connected. The main controller 261 also has a function of controlling the variable display of the first symbol on the first symbol display device 40 and the variable display of the second symbol on the second symbol display device 41 .

The payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by means of a payout motor 358a. A CPU 511, which is an arithmetic device, includes a ROM 512 storing control programs executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 used as a work memory and the like.

The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 described above, is configured so that data can be held (backed up) by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is powered off. The RAM 513 has memories and areas for temporarily storing various data.

The RAM 513 stores and retains information regarding the state at the time of power-off in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power-off when power is turned on again when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like. In other words, the storage of the RAM 513 is executed by the NMI interrupt processing (see FIG. 13) and steps S1015 and S1016 (see FIG. 15) in the second half of the payout control processing when the power is turned off. is executed in power recovery processing at power-on.

An input/output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 containing the ROM 512 and RAM 513 via a bus line 514 comprising an address bus and a data bus. The input/output port 515 is connected to the main controller 261, the firing controller 312, the dispensing motor 358a, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launching of game balls by the launching device 229, and the launching device 229 is permitted to be driven when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the launch control device 312 receives the card unit connection signal S4 from the payout control device 311 (a signal output when the card unit described above is connected to the pachinko machine 10), and the player A touch detection signal S5 output when the game ball shooting handle 18 is touched, and output when the shooting stop switch 18a provided on the game ball shooting handle 18 for stopping shooting is not operated. On the condition that all of the firing sustaining signal S6 received are input, the firing permitting signal S7 is output to the main controller 261.

That is, the firing permission state is established while the firing permission signal S7 is ON (high level), and the firing non-permission state is established while the firing permission signal S7 is OFF (low level). That is, the main controller 261, during the period in which the input launch permission signal S7 is ON (high level), the launch control signal S8 (pulse signal) for controlling the launch solenoid that shoots the game ball, and the launch rail A ball feed control signal S9 (pulse signal) for controlling a ball feed solenoid for feeding game balls is repeatedly output to the launch control device 312 at a predetermined repetition cycle. The shooting control device 312 drives and controls the shooting device 229 based on the shooting control signal S8 and the ball feeding control signal S9, and the game ball is shot with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the game ball shooting handle 18. Conversely, the main controller 261 does not output the firing control signal S8 and the ball feed control signal S9 to the firing control device 312 while the input firing permission signal S7 is OFF (low level). 229 will not launch a game ball.

The display control device 45 controls the variable display of the third pattern (decorative pattern) in the third pattern display device 42 . The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521 , a ROM (program ROM) 522 , a work RAM 523 , a video RAM 524 , a character ROM 525 , an image controller 526 , an input port 527 , an output port 529 , bus lines 530 and 531 . and The output of the sub-controller 262 is connected to the input of the input port 527 , and the CPU 521 , ROM 522 , work RAM 523 and image controller 526 are connected to the input port 527 . An output port 529 is connected to the image controller 526 via a bus line 531, and the output of the output port 529 is connected to the third pattern display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the decorative design display on the third design display device 42 based on various commands sent from the main control device 261 after being edited by the sub-control device 262 . The ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, and the work RAM 523 temporarily stores work data and flags used when executing various programs by the CPU 521. memory for

The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the third symbol display device 42. By rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524, the display contents of the third symbol display device 42 are changed. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as decorative designs displayed on the third design display device 42 . The image controller 526 adjusts the timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, and the output port 529 to intervene in the reading and writing of data. It is displayed on the pattern display device 42 .

The power supply device 313 also includes a power supply section 541 for supplying power to each section of the pachinko machine 10 . The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operating power to each of the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As an overview, the power supply unit 541 takes in an AC 24V power supply supplied from the outside, and provides a +12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, a +5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, and the like. Generate and supply these +12V power, +5V power and backup power to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 and the like. An operating power source (+12V power source, +5V power source, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 261 includes a main control board 261a and a power monitoring board 261b separate from the main control board 261a in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. . The power monitoring board 261b includes a power failure monitoring circuit 542 for monitoring power interruption due to power failure or the like, and a RAM erasing switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erasing switch 323 .

The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal S1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 at the time of power failure due to power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of AC 24 volts in the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when the time for this voltage to become less than 24 volts exceeds, for example, 20 milliseconds. , and outputs a power failure signal S1 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 . By the output of this power failure signal S1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of power failure and execute power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing in FIG. 13).

The power supply unit 541 continues to operate the power supply unit 541 for a sufficient period of time to execute the power failure processing even after 20 milliseconds have passed since the AC 5 volts monitored by the power supply unit 541 became less than 5 volts. It is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the driving voltage of the control system, at a normal value. Therefore, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit for taking in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clearing the backup data of the RAM 503 of the main controller 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout controller 311 according to the state of the switch 323 . When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs the RAM erase signal S2 to the main control board 261a. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while the RAM erasing switch 323 is pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the RAM 503 is cleared in the main controller 261, and the payout controller 311 is the main controller. 261, the data in the RAM 513 is cleared.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 5, the third pattern display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) is provided with three decorative pattern rows L, M, and R, left, middle, and right. Three decorative patterns, ie, an upper decorative pattern, a middle decorative pattern and a lower decorative pattern are variably displayed for each M and R. In the present embodiment, the third pattern is a main decorative pattern SZ with numbers "0" to "9", and a secondary decorative pattern FZ with a plurality of types of patterns (such as ●, ▲, ■, etc.). Main decorative patterns SZ are displayed in numerical ascending or descending order, and secondary decorative patterns FZ are arranged between the main decorative patterns SZ to form a series of decorative pattern rows L, M, and R. ing. The main decorative pattern SZ and the sub-decorative pattern FZ are variably displayed, for example, from top to bottom with periodicity.

In this case, in the left decorative design row L, the above series of decorative designs are displayed in descending order (that is, in order of decreasing number of the main decorative design SZ), and in the middle decorative design row M and the right decorative design row R, the same The above series of decorative designs are displayed in ascending order (that is, the order in which the numbers of the main decorative designs SZ increase). Then, the variable display is stopped in the order of the left decorative pattern row L→right decorative pattern row R→middle decorative pattern row M, and five effective lines on the third pattern display device 42, that is, the upper line L1 and the middle line L2, are stopped. , the lower line L3, the upward right line L4, or the upward left line L5.

Specifically, the third symbol display device 42 is based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting ports 33a and 33b and the determination result of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261. A predetermined identification information variable display performance (variation display performance of the third symbol) for informing the success or failure of the jackpot state or probability variable jackpot state is performed. Winning in a normal jackpot state is indicated to the player by displaying a state in which the main decorative patterns SZ (third patterns) are even-numbered patterns, for example, on the display screen of the third pattern display device 42. - 特許庁Also, the display screen of the third design display device 42 shows a state in which the main decorative designs SZ (third designs) are aligned, for example, as odd-numbered designs (the main decorative designs SZ of "1" are aligned on the line L5 shown in FIG. 5(a). Winning in the probability variable jackpot state is shown to the player by making a definite display of the state). Also, the display screen of the third design display device 42 can confirm the state in which the secondary decorative patterns FZ are arranged (the state in which the secondary decorative patterns FZ of "●" are arranged on the line L2 shown in FIG. 5(b)). , the winning of the time-saving jackpot state is shown to the player. Then, the third symbol display device 42 displays a special game animation as a big win when the main decorative symbols SZ and the sub-decorative symbols FZ are combined with the big winning symbols.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

In this embodiment, the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses the random numbers related to the actuation of the accessory and the other random numbers used for the game to draw the first symbol display device 40 (jackpot lottery: first lottery). Pattern jackpot lottery) and pattern display setting, lottery of the second pattern display device 41 (second pattern winning lottery) and pattern display setting, decorative pattern (third pattern) of the third pattern display device 42 A lottery and setting for the variable display are to be carried out.

Specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. A jackpot pattern counter C2 used for selecting a jackpot pattern on the pattern display device 40, an initial value random number counter CINI1 used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a lottery for the winning of the second pattern display device 41. A 2-symbol random number counter C4 and an initial value 2-symbol random number counter CINI2 used to set the initial value of the 2-symbol random number counter C4 are used.

In addition, in this pachinko machine 10, as other random numbers used for games, as shown in FIG. The stop pattern selection counter C3 used for selecting the stop pattern, the variation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 used for selecting the variation pattern of the decorative design of the third design display device 42, and the outlier design of the second design display device 41 A second symbol missing symbol counter C5 used for selection is used. Each counter described above is configured by a program executed by the CPU 501 .

For example, "stop pattern 0" indicates a group of completely outlier fluctuation patterns consisting of a plurality of types of completely outlier fluctuation patterns, and "stop pattern 1" is a group of outlier reach fluctuation patterns consisting of a plurality of types of outlier reach fluctuation patterns. , "Stop pattern 2" indicates a group of reach fluctuation patterns other than front and rear deviation consisting of a plurality of types of reach fluctuation patterns other than front and rear deviation, and "Stop pattern 3" is a plurality of types of normal jackpot fluctuation patterns. "Stopping pattern 4" shows a time-saving jackpot fluctuation pattern group consisting of a plurality of types of time-saving jackpot fluctuation patterns, and "Stopping pattern 5" shows a plurality of types of probability variable jackpot fluctuations. It shows a probability variable jackpot variation pattern group consisting of patterns.

All of these counters C1-C5, CINI1-CINI2, CS1-CS3 add "1" to the previous value each time they are updated (hereinafter referred to as "update"), and reset to "0" after reaching the maximum value. It is a return loop counter. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG. In addition, the RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area consisting of one execution area and four holding areas (first to fourth holding areas). , 33b, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot pattern counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are stored in time series.

Each counter described above will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. The jackpot random number counter C1 is, for example, incremented one by one within the range of "0" to "738", and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, "738"). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The initial value random number counter CINI1 is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 738), and is updated once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later, and normal processing described later. (see FIG. 8) is repeatedly updated within the remaining time. The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11), which will be described later). Stored in the ball storage area.

The hit value of the jackpot random number counter C1, that is, the number of random number values to be the jackpot, is set to two types, one for low probability and one for high probability, and the number of random number values for jackpot at low probability is two. , the value is "350,700", and the number of random number values that become a jackpot at high probability is 14, and the values are "50, 101, 160, 209, 257, 310, 361, 418, 480 , 517, 578, 635, 677, 730". In addition, the high probability time is, for example, a state in which a predetermined probability fluctuation pattern results in a jackpot, and the probability of the subsequent jackpot is increased as an added value, so-called "probability change" time, normal time (low probability time) refers to the time when such a variable state is not present.

The big hit symbol counter C2 is the last symbol after the variation display of the first symbol display device 40 (consisting of two LEDs 40a and 40b) (in this embodiment, the two LEDs 40a and 40b) when the variation is stopped. light emission state). In this embodiment, the jackpot pattern counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of, for example, "0" to "5", and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, "5"). there is The jackpot symbol counter C2 is periodically updated (once per timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) to be described later) in the same manner as the jackpot random number counter C1 described above, and the game balls enter the first start ports 33a and 33b. It is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the winning timing. For example, when the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a jackpot and the values of the jackpot symbol counter C2 are "0" and "4", both the LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 stop emitting blue light. , indicating winning to the normal jackpot state. Further, when the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a jackpot and the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 is "1" or "3", the LED 40a stops in a blue light emitting state and the LED 40b stops in a red light emitting state, thereby shortening working hours. Indicates winning to the jackpot state. When the value of the big win random number counter C1 is a big win and the value of the big win pattern counter C2 is "2", both LEDs 40a and 40b stop in a red light emitting state to indicate winning to the probability variable big win state. When the big hit random number counter C1 is out, regardless of the value of the big win symbol counter C2, both the LEDs 40a and 40b stop in the extinguished state to indicate the loss.

In addition, the stop pattern selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of, for example, "0" to "238", and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). In the present embodiment, the stop pattern selection counter C3 determines that the final stop decorative pattern after the reach of the decorative pattern on the third pattern display device 42 occurs is shifted forward or backward of the reach decorative pattern by one and stops. Similarly, a lottery is drawn for "reach other than front and rear out" in which the final stop decorative pattern after reaching reaches stops other than before and after the reach decorative patterns, and "complete loss" in which reach does not occur. For example, C3=0 to 201 corresponds to complete loss, C3=202 to 208 corresponds to front-rear out-of-reach reach, and C3=209-238 corresponds to non-rear-rear out-of-rear reach. The content of the lottery (drawing of reach) of the stop pattern selection counter C3 is whether the pachinko machine 10 is at a low probability or at a high probability, or the variation time shortening function of the first symbol display device 40 is not activated. It may be individually set according to whether it is an operation or how many balls are in operation at the start of the fluctuation of the first symbol. The stop pattern selection counter C3 is periodically updated (once per timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) to be described later), and the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 is updated at the timing when the game ball enters the first start openings 33a and 33b. stored in

Further, among the three fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3, the fluctuation type counter CS1 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of, for example, "0 to 198", and reaches "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, "198"). , and the fluctuation type counter CS2 is, for example, incremented one by one within the range of "0 to 240", and after reaching the maximum value (that is, "240"), it returns to "0". The fluctuation type counter CS3, for example, is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of "0 to 162" and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, "162"). In the following description, the fluctuation type counter CS1 is also called a "first fluctuation type counter", the fluctuation type counter CS2 is called a "second fluctuation type counter", and the fluctuation type counter CS3 is also called a "third fluctuation type counter". .

The first variation type counter CS1 determines a rough variation pattern group of decorative symbols, such as the reach type of decorative symbols (third symbol) such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and the type of complete loss. . Here, for example, it is assumed that the stop pattern selection counter C3 has a value indicating "stop pattern 1" (that is, a value indicating the front-rear off reach fluctuation pattern group), and the first fluctuation among the front-rear off reach fluctuation pattern groups Suppose that the variation pattern of the normal reach group (consisting of a plurality of different types of normal reach) is determined by the type counter CS1.

Subsequently, one variation pattern is determined by the second variation type counter CS2 from among the variation pattern group determined by the first variation type counter CS1 in this way. Here, for example, it is assumed that one type of normal reach is determined by the second variation type counter CS2 from the normal reach group. In addition, as a plurality of different types of normal reach, it is possible to realize by giving a difference such as a different elapsed time until the final stop decorative pattern (for example, the middle decorative pattern in this embodiment) stops after the occurrence of reach. is mentioned.

Subsequently, the third variation type counter CS3 determines which time to add the variation time in one variation pattern determined by the second variation type counter CS2. For example, as this addition time, when the decorative design (third design) of the middle decorative design row on the third design display device 42 stops sliding, the decorative design of the middle decorative design row slides and then Additional time, which is the time until the display is stopped, can be used. In this way, the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 can determine a more detailed decorative pattern variation mode. In other words, by combining these fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3, it is possible to easily realize diversification of fluctuation patterns.

In addition, the symbol variation mode is determined only by the first variation type counter CS1, the symbol variation mode is determined only by the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2, or the first variation type counter CS1 and the stop symbol It is also possible to determine the symbol variation mode by combining with , or to determine the symbol variation mode by combining the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2 with the stop symbol.

The fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated once each time the normal process described later is executed, and are repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal process. Then, the buffer values of the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are obtained when determining the variation pattern when the first symbol display device 40 starts to vary the first symbol. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired at the start of variation of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 40, so there is no need to store them in the holding ball storage area. , it is only necessary to sequentially update and store them in the counter buffer.

Note that the size and range of each counter described above are only examples and can be changed arbitrarily. However, it is desirable that the sizes of the jackpot random number counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are all different prime numbers, and are not synchronized in any case.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a second symbol random number counter C4 is used for the lottery of the second symbols of the second symbol display device 41. FIG. The second symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by one within a range of, for example, "0" to "250" and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The second symbol random number counter C4 is periodically updated (once per timer interrupt (see FIG. 11), which will be described later), and is obtained when the game ball passes through either the left or right second starting port 34. There are 149 random numbers to be won, and the range is "5 to 153".

In particular, when the second symbol random number counter C4 makes one round, the initial value of the second symbol random number counter CINI2 at that time is read as the initial value of the second symbol random number counter C4. The initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is a loop counter similar to the second symbol random number counter C4 (value = 0 to 250), and is updated once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11), which will be described later. , is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing (see FIG. 8), which will be described later. The second symbol random number counter C4 is periodically updated (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11), which will be described later). It is stored in the 2-symbol reserve storage area.

That is, the RAM 503 also has a second symbol reservation storage area which is an area different from the reservation ball storage area, and includes one second symbol execution area and four second symbol reservation areas (second 1st to 4th areas for design reservation) are provided, and in each of these areas, according to the winning history of the game ball to the second start port 34, the second pattern reservation storage area is provided. Each value of the two-symbol random number counter C4 is stored in chronological order.

In addition, the second symbol missing symbol counter C5 is updated once each time the second symbol control process of the normal process in FIG. When the buffer is updated and acquired and the second symbol random number counter C4 is stored in the second symbol reserved ball storage area, the second symbol lost symbol counter C5 updated and acquired by this second symbol lost symbol buffer is also the second symbol. Stored in the reserved ball storage area. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the value of the second symbol random number counter C4 is a failure, "x" is drawn based on the value of the second symbol lost symbol counter C5 in the second symbol reserved ball storage area. The displayed display portion 41b is illuminated. It should be noted that the second symbol variation display result may be performed based only on the second symbol random number counter C4 without providing the second symbol discrepancy symbol counter C5. In other words, if the second symbol random number counter C4 wins, the display portion 41a drawn with "O" is lit, and if the prize is lost, the display portion 41b with "x" is lit.

Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 7 to 17. FIG. The processing of the CPU 501 can be broadly classified into main processing that is activated when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing that is periodically activated (every 2 msec in this embodiment), and power failure to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). There is an NMI interrupt process that is activated by the input of a signal. For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be explained first, and then the main process will be explained.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 every 2 msec, for example.

In FIG. 11, first, in step S601, various prize winning switches are read. That is, it reads the states of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main controller 261, determines the states of the switches, and saves detection information (winning detection information).

After that, in step S602, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 are updated. Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value ("738" in this embodiment), it is cleared to "0", and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is incremented by one and cleared to "0" when the counter value reaches the maximum value ("250" in this embodiment) and is incremented by one. Then, the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503 (see FIG. 6).

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in subsequent step S603, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit symbol counter C2 and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot pattern counter C2 and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are each incremented by one, and their counter values are the maximum values (in this embodiment, "738", "4", "250") are cleared to "0" when incremented by one. Then, the updated values of the respective counters C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503 (see FIG. 6).

After that, as shown in FIG. 11, in step S604, a starting winning process is executed in accordance with the winning to the first starting ports 33a and 33b. The start winning process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12. In step S701, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the first start openings 33a, 33b based on the detection information of the operation opening switch. When it is determined that the game ball has won the first starting ports 33a, 33b, in the following step S702, the number N of operation pending balls of the first symbol display device 40 is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). determine whether there is On the condition that there is a winning to the first starting ports 33a and 33b and the number N of operation pending balls N<4, the process proceeds to step S703, and the number N of operation pending balls is incremented by one.

In addition, in the following step S704, a random number related to winning or losing the first symbol is acquired. Specifically, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot pattern counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 updated in step S603 are stored in the first memory area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG. area.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in subsequent step S605, a firing control process is executed. Specifically, in the firing control process, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261, as shown in FIG. A signal S9 is output to the shooting control device 312, and game ball shooting control by the shooting device 229 is performed. After executing the firing control process in this manner, the CPU 501 once terminates this timer interrupt process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing NMI interrupt processing, and this processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 when the pachinko machine 10 is powered off due to a power failure or the like. By this NMI interrupt, the state of main controller 261 at the time of power failure is stored in the backup area of RAM 503 .

That is, when the pachinko machine 10 is powered off due to a power failure or the like, the power failure signal S1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 . Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt processing of FIG. The NMI interrupt processing of FIG. 13 is stored in the ROM 502 of the main controller 261. FIG. For a predetermined time after the power failure signal S1 is output, power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the processing of the main controller 261 can be executed, and NMI interrupt processing is executed within this predetermined time.

In the NMI interrupt processing of FIG. 13, in step S801, power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area. In this embodiment, a flag is set for information on the occurrence of power failure and stored in the backup area.

Next, main processing will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261, and this main processing is activated upon power-on reset.

First, in step S101, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 executes initial setting processing upon power-on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer. Further, in step S102, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 waits for about one second, for example, to wait for the sub-side control devices (the sub-control device 262, the payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable. to run. In subsequent step S103, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 permits RAM access.

After that, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501 . That is, in step S104, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided on the power monitoring board 261b is pressed (ON). If so, the process proceeds to step S113. In the subsequent step S105, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 503 (whether or not the power-off occurrence information flag is set). In step S106, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 calculates the RAM determination value, and in the following step S107, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines that the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value saved when the power was turned off. or not, that is, the validity of the backup. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the work area address of RAM 503 . It is also possible to determine the effectiveness of the backup by checking whether the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 are correctly saved.

As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is powered on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, such as when the hall starts operating. Therefore, if the RAM erasing switch 323 is ON, the initialization process of the RAM 503 (step S113, etc.) is performed. Similarly, when power failure occurrence information is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the used RAM area is cleared and the RAM 503 is initialized (step S113, etc.). That is, in step S113, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 clears the used area of the RAM 503 to "0" and executes the initialization processing of the RAM 503. FIG.

In subsequent step S114, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 transmits a payout initialization command. Thus, the payout initialization command is output to the payout control device 311 when the main control device 261 is initialized.

Also, in step S115, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 transmits a power-on command to the sub-control board 262a. This power-on command includes a command for discriminating the model of the pachinko machine, and the sub-side such as the sub-control board 262a and the display control device 45 can discriminate the model based on the content of the command. It is possible.

Also, in step S116, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 executes initial setting of the CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit). In step S117, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 sets interrupt permission, and shifts to normal processing (see FIG. 8), which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, the power failure occurrence information is set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Execute the process (process at the time of power failure recovery). That is, in step S108, the power failure occurrence information is cleared. In step S109, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 transmits a payout return command to the payout control device 311 and instructs the payout control device 311 to start payout control. Although details will be described later, when the payout control device 311 receives a payout return command from the main control device 261, it returns and starts payout control.

In step S110, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a command to return the sub-side control device to the game state at the time of power failure. / Timer Circuit). Furthermore, in step S112, an interrupt permission is set, and then normal processing (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, is performed. For example, even if a power failure occurs in the middle of normal processing, the normal processing is executed up to the last step ("RAM access prohibition" step shown in FIG. 8) before the power is turned off. is executed from step S201, which is the first step of the normal processing.

Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. Main processing of the game is executed in this normal processing. As an overview, the processing of steps S201 to S207 is executed as regular processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S210 and S211 is executed during the remaining time.

In FIG. 8, first, in step S201, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 performs an external output process of transmitting output data such as commands updated in the previous process to each sub-side controller. Specifically, the presence or absence of winning detection information is determined, and if there is winning detection information, a prize ball payout command corresponding to the number of winning game balls is transmitted to the payout control device 311 . In addition, in conjunction with the first symbol variation display (variation display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b) of the first symbol display device 40, the third symbol display device 42 also performs the variation display of the decorative symbol (third symbol). However, when the variable display of the first pattern of the first pattern display device 40, a variation pattern designation command, a decorative pattern designation command, a complete stop command (determination command), etc. are transmitted to the sub-control device 262 in the external output process.

In this pachinko machine 10, at the start of variation of the first symbol, external output of normal processing is performed in the order of variation pattern designation command -> performance command (command for designating change of variation time, etc.) -> decoration design designation command. A predetermined number (for example, 3) of commands are sent each time processing is performed (that is, 3 commands are sent every 4 msec), and an all-stop command is sent at the timing when the fluctuation time has elapsed. In addition, after the start of the fluctuation of the first pattern, a predetermined number (for example, three) each time the external output process of the normal process is performed in the order of the fluctuation pattern designation command → production command → decorative design designation command (that is, three every 4 msec command may be sent one by one, and the all-stop command may be sent at the timing when the variable time has elapsed.

The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation pattern of the decorative design (third design) variably displayed on the third design display device 42 . The variation pattern designation command is transmitted from the main controller 261 to the sub-controller 262 and transmitted from the sub-controller 262 to the display controller 45 . The display control device 45 controls the third design display device 42 to display the variation pattern of the decorative design based on the transmitted variation pattern designation command.

The decorative design designation command is a command for designating whether the variable display performance of the decorative design (third design) on the third design display device 42 is a normal jackpot, a time-saving jackpot, a probability variable jackpot, or a loss. . The decorative design designation command is transmitted from the main controller 261 to the sub-controller 262 and transmitted from the sub-controller 262 to the display controller 45 . The display control device 45 controls the display of the third symbol display device 42 so that the display result of the variation pattern of the decorative symbols is the result corresponding to the received decorative symbol designation command.

The all-stop command is a command for instructing to stop the variation pattern of the decorative symbols (third symbols) that are variably displayed on the third symbol display device 42 . The all-stop command is transmitted from the main controller 261 to the sub-controller 262 and transmitted from the sub-controller 262 to the display controller 45 . The display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 to stop-display the variation pattern of the decorative symbols based on the transmitted all-stop command.

In addition, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sends a variation pattern designation command and an effect command (a command for designating a change in variation time, etc.) to the sub-control device 262 in the external output processing (step S201) of the normal processing. may be sent. That is, based on the value of the variation type counter CS3, it is determined which time to add the variation time (additional time by the sliding effect of the decorative symbol described above), and such addition time is appropriately sent to the sub-controller 262. A production command is used to give instructions. Therefore, after the first pattern starts to fluctuate, a predetermined number (for example, three) each time the external output process of the normal process is performed in the order of the fluctuation pattern designation command → effect command → decorative design designation command (that is, three every 4 msec One by one) command is sent out, and the all-stop command may be sent out at the timing when the variable time has passed.

Next, in step S202, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 updates the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3. Specifically, each of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (198, 240, 162 in this embodiment), each increment is "0 ” to clear. Then, the updated values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG.

In subsequent step S203 in FIG. 8, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 reads the prize ball counting signal, the payout abnormality signal, and the lower tray full signal received from the payout control device 311. FIG. After that, in step S204, the first symbol variation processing for performing the variation display of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 40 is executed. By this first symbol variation processing, big hit determination, setting of variation pattern of the first symbol, and the like are performed. However, the details of the first symbol variation process will be described later.

After that, in step S205, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, in the case of the jackpot state, controls the opening or closing of the big winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a or the big winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b. Execute the big winning opening opening/closing process. The explanation will be made by taking the big winning opening 32A as an example. In other words, the big winning hole 32A is opened for each round of the big win state, and for each round, it is checked whether the maximum opening time of the big winning hole 32A has passed or whether the specified number of game balls have entered the big winning hole 32A. judge. When any one of these conditions is established, the opening of the big winning opening 32A in the round is stopped and closed, and when there are remaining rounds, the opening of the big winning opening 32A is repeatedly executed for the number of remaining rounds. The same applies to the big winning opening 32B.

Further, in step S206, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 executes display control of the second symbol by the second symbol display device 41. FIG. Briefly, on the condition that the game ball passes through the second starting port 34, the second symbol random number counter C4 is acquired each time, and at the display portions 41a and 41b of the second symbol display device 41, A variable display of the second symbol is performed. Then, a lottery for the second symbol is carried out according to the value of the second symbol random number counter C4, and when the second symbol wins, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261, as shown in step S207, selects the first symbol on the lower side. A process for opening the first starting port 33b is performed to open the starting port 33b for a predetermined period of time. Although the explanation is omitted, the second symbol random number counter C4 is also updated by the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. ing.

In step S208, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 503 (whether or not a power-off occurrence information flag is set). If the power-off occurrence information is not set, the process proceeds to step S209, and if the power-off occurrence information is set, the process proceeds to step S212.

After that, in step S209, it is determined whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process, the initial value random number counter CINI1, the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are repeatedly updated (steps S210, S211 ). That is, in step S210, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 are updated. Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is incremented by one, and cleared to "0" when the counter value reaches the maximum value ("738" in this embodiment) and is incremented by one. Then, the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM503. Similarly, the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is incremented by 1, and the counter value is cleared to "0" when incremented by 1 after reaching the maximum value ("250" in this embodiment). do. Then, the updated value of the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM503.

Further, in step S211, the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated (similar to step S202). Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are incremented by 1, and their counter values reach the maximum value ("198", "240", "162" in this embodiment). Clear to "0" each time. Then, the updated values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM503.

Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S207 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 using the remaining time to repeatedly update the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2, the initial value random number counter CINI1 (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) and the initial The second symbol random number counter CINI2 (that is, the initial value of the second symbol random number counter C4) can be randomly updated.

In addition, in step S208, when power-off occurrence information is set and the process proceeds to step S212, the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261 sets interrupt prohibition. Subsequently, in step S213, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 transmits to the other controllers a power-off notification command indicating that the power supply has been cut off quickly. Subsequently, in step S214, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 stops outputting the control signal. Subsequently, in step S215, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 calculates the RAM determination value and saves it in the backup area. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of RAM 503 . Subsequently, in step S216, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 prohibits RAM access. After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the complete shutdown of the power supply and the inability to execute processing.

Next, the first symbol variation process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 9, in step S401, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not the jackpot is currently in progress. It should be noted that during the big win includes the middle of the special game displayed on the third symbol display device 42 at the time of the big win and the middle of the predetermined time after the end of the special game. In subsequent step S402, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not the first symbol display device 40 is in the process of displaying the first symbol. Then, if the jackpot is not in progress and the first symbol is not being changed and displayed, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 proceeds to step S403, and determines whether the number N of operation pending balls of the first symbol display device 40 is greater than "0". determine whether or not At this time, if the jackpot is in progress, or if the number N of balls with operation pending is "0", the process is terminated as it is.

Further, if it is neither during the big win nor during the variable display of the first symbol, and if the number of operation pending balls N>0, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 subtracts "1" from the number N of balls to be activated. In step S405, a process of shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth reserved areas of the reserved ball storage area to the execution area side. The data in each area is shifted in the order of reserved first area, reserved third area→reserved second area, reserved fourth area→reserved third area, and so on.

Thereafter, in step S406, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 executes fluctuation start processing. Here, the fluctuation start processing will be described in detail using the flowchart of FIG. Based on this, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit. Specifically, whether or not it is a big hit is determined based on the relationship between the value of the big hit random number counter C1 and the mode at that time (whether it is a variable probability state or a normal state). Among the numbers "0" to "738" of the jackpot random number counter C1, "350,700" is the winning value (two), and when the probability is high, 480, 517, 578, 635, 677, 730" are winning values (14).

When the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines that it is a big win, in step S502, the big win symbol corresponding to the value of the big win symbol counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area, that is, the first symbol is displayed. The two LEDs 40a and 40b of the device 40 display the blue lighting display of both the LEDs 40a and 40b indicating the normal jackpot, or the combined lighting display of the blue lighting of the LED 40 and the red lighting of the LED 40b indicating the time-saving jackpot, or the variable jackpot. or a combined lighting display of red lighting of the LED 40 and blue lighting of the LED 40b indicating a normal jackpot. In other words, the jackpot pattern corresponding to the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 is obtained based on a table (not shown) showing the correspondence relationship between the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 and the patterns.

Next, in step S503, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines a variation pattern (jackpot effect pattern) at the time of the jackpot. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, without using the stop pattern selection counter C3, the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 Confirm in order and determine the variation pattern.

That is, based on the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2, whether the decorative patterns on the third pattern display device 42 are displayed in the normal jackpot "stop pattern 3" or the decorative patterns on the third pattern display device 42 are displayed in the time-saving jackpot. It is determined whether to display "stop pattern 4" or to display the decorative design on the third design display device 42 with "stop pattern 5" of probability variable jackpot. The types of "stop pattern 3" to "stop pattern 5" thus determined are further determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. In other words, a general variation pattern group of the decorative design is determined, such as the reach type of the decorative design (third design) such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, and the like. Subsequently, one variation pattern is determined from the thus determined rough variation pattern group of decorative symbols based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. For example, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, finer decorative patterns such as setting the elapsed time until the final stop decorative pattern (middle decorative pattern in the present embodiment) stops after the occurrence of reach to a predetermined time Determine the mode of variation. In addition, the following relationships in the case of a big hit, that is, the relationship between the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the stop pattern, the relationship between the value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the variation pattern, and the value of the second variation type counter CS2 The relationship with the stop symbol time is defined in advance by a big hit table or the like.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S501 that it is not a big hit, in step S504, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects the missing symbol, that is, the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 with different colors. It is set as a stop symbol to stop display.

Next, in step S505, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines a variation pattern (loss performance pattern) at the time of failure, and sets the failure variation pattern as a variation pattern designation command. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 confirms the values of the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the execution area of the held ball storage area of the RAM 503 in that order, and determines the variation pattern. decide.

That is, based on the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3, the final stop decorative pattern after occurrence of the reach of the decorative pattern on the third pattern display device 42 shifts by one to the front and rear of the reach decorative pattern and stops. "Stop pattern 1", which is "stop pattern 1", which is "reach other than front and back off" in which the final stop decorative pattern stops other than before and after the reach decorative pattern after the same reach occurs, and "stop pattern 2" which is "reach other than front and back off", and "complete off , or "stop pattern 0". For example, if the determined stop pattern is "stop pattern 1", which is a reach out of the front and back, for example, based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1, normal reach, super reach from the change pattern group of reach out of the front and back A rough variation pattern group of decorative symbols is determined, for example, a variation pattern in which the reach type of the decorative symbol (third symbol) such as is determined is determined. It is assumed here that normal reach is determined. Subsequently, one variation pattern is further determined from the thus determined normal reach variation pattern group of rough decorative symbols based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. For example, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, finer decorative patterns such as setting the elapsed time until the final stop decorative pattern (middle decorative pattern in the present embodiment) stops after the occurrence of reach to a predetermined time Determine the mode of variation. The following relationships in the case of deviation, that is, the relationship between the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the stop pattern, the relationship between the value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the variation pattern, the value of the second variation type counter CS2 , and the stop symbol time are defined in advance by a table or the like for losing.

In the present embodiment, one of the tables for outliers described above is, for example, at a low probability, in the state of the variation time shortening function of the first symbol display device 40, at the start of variation of the first symbol. There is something that is adopted when the number of operation suspensions of the first symbol is "0", and when the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 is "0 to 201", it corresponds to no reach (completely out), " 202 to 208” correspond to front-rear out-of-order reach, and “209-238” correspond to non-front-rear out-of-order reach.

Subsequently, in step S506, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 decides to add the production time, that is, decides to add the production time of the big hit variation pattern determined in step S503 or the deviation variation pattern determined in step S505. conduct. More specifically, based on the value of the variation type counter CS3, the decorative pattern (third pattern) of the middle decorative pattern row in the third pattern display device 42 stops slipping, etc. Increase in production time (the middle decoration A variation pattern is determined, including an increase in the amount of time before a decorative symbol in the symbol row slides until it is displayed stationary.

In step S507, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 issues a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the big hit variation pattern determined in step S503 or a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the outlier variation pattern determined in step S505. set.

Subsequently, in step S508, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a decorative design designation command corresponding to the jackpot design of the first design display device 40 determined in step S502 when steps S502 and S503 have been passed. Then, when steps S504 and S505 have been passed, a decorative design designation command corresponding to the outlier design of the first design display device 40 determined in step S504 is set.

Subsequently, in step S509, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets an effect time addition designation command corresponding to the effect time addition determined in step S506, and ends this process.

Returning to the description of FIG. 9, if step S402 is YES, ie, the first symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the process proceeds to step S407, and the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not the first symbol variation time has elapsed. determine whether The variation time of the first symbol is determined based on the variation pattern determined as described above with reference to FIG. 10 and the effect time addition. is determined, and step S407 is affirmatively determined when this variation time has elapsed. If the variable time has not passed, the process proceeds to step S408, and if the variable time has passed, the process proceeds to step S409.

Then, in step S408, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 updates the variable display of the first symbol on the first symbol display device 40. FIG. In other words, the variable display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 is continued, and this processing ends.

On the other hand, in step S409, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 stops the variable display of the first symbol and sets the stop symbol of the first symbol to the display symbol. That is, in step S502 of FIG. 10, when the normal jackpot is determined, after the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are changed and displayed, both the LEDs 40a and 40b are lit up in blue to display the normal jackpot. indicates When the time-saving jackpot is determined, after the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are changed and displayed, the LED 40 is lit in blue and the LED 40b is lit in red to indicate the time-saving jackpot. When it is determined to be a variable probability big hit, after the fluctuation display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40, both LEDs 40a and 40b are lit up in red to indicate a variable probability big hit, and in step S504 of FIG. When the design is determined to be a lost symbol, after the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are displayed in a variable manner, the LED 40 is lit in red and the LED 40b is lit in blue to indicate the failure.

Subsequently, in step S410, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets an all stop command for instructing the stop of the variation pattern of the decorative design (third design) variably displayed on the third design display device 42, After that, this process is terminated.

Next, the payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the main processing of the payout control device 311, and this main processing is activated upon resetting when the power is turned on.

First, in step S901, initial setting processing is executed upon power-on. Specifically, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets a stack address and an interrupt mode. In step S902, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 permits RAM access, and in step S903, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets an external interrupt vector.

After that, in step S904, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether information on the occurrence of power failure is set in the backup area of the RAM 513 or not. In step S905, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 calculates the RAM determination value. determine gender. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the work area address of RAM 513 . It is also possible to determine the effectiveness of the backup by checking whether the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly saved.

Subsequently, in step S907, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 initializes the RAM 513 when power is restored. Specifically, when the main control device 261 is initialized, a payout initialization command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 receives the payout initialization command from the main control device 261. When the reset command is received, the RAM 513 is initialized at power recovery in step S907. In other words, the RAM area is initialized, and the game ball payout control is started.

Therefore, when the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed (ON) when the power is turned on, the main control device 261 is initialized, and a payout initialization command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311. As a result, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 initializes the RAM 513 based on the payout initialization command from the main control device 261 .

Subsequently, in step S908, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 performs initial setting of the peripheral device of the CPU 511 concerned. Specifically, the CPU peripheral device is a timer control device called CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit), which is set to a predetermined value to generate a timer interrupt every 2 milliseconds (ms).

Subsequently, in step S909, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets interrupt permission, and shifts to payout control processing described later.

On the other hand, if the power failure occurrence information is not set in step S904, or if the backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) in step S906, the payout control device 311 The CPU 511 clears the entire area of the RAM 513 to "0" (step S910) and performs initialization processing (step S911).

Next, the flow of payout control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 15, at step S1001, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 acquires a command from the main control device 261 and stores it. Here, as commands to be stored, 15 types of prize ball commands (15 types of prize ball commands for instructing the payout of 1 to 15 balls) and the start of payout control to the payout control device 311 are instructed. There are 17 types of commands including a payout return command for the purpose and a payout initialization command for instructing the payout control device 311 to initialize the payout.

In step S1002, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not the payout permission has been received. That is, it is determined whether or not a payout return command or a prize ball command is received. In addition, in step S1003, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 checks the state return switch (not shown), and executes the state return operation when determining to start the state return operation.

Thereafter, in step S1004, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 executes setting of the lower tray full state or the lower tray full state canceled state according to the change in the state of the lower tray 15. FIG. That is, the full state of the lower tray 15 is determined by the detection signal of the lower tray full switch. , execute the setting of the lower tray full state release state.

Further, in step S1005, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 executes the setting of the no-ball-in-tank state or the no-ball-in-tank cancellation state according to the change in the state of the ball in the tank. That is, the no-ball-in-tank state is determined by the detection signal of the no-ball-in-tank switch. Run the settings.

After that, in step S1006, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not there is a state to be notified.

In steps S1007 to S1009, prize ball payout processing is executed. In this case, if the prize balls are not dispensable and the total number of prize balls stored in step S1001 is not "0" (both steps S1007 and S1008 are NO), the process advances to step S1009 to perform prize ball control processing ( FIG. 16) to be described later is started. Also, if the payout of prize balls is disabled or if the total number of prize balls is 0 (YES in either step S1007 or S1008), the process proceeds to the process of paying out balls for rent.

After that, in steps S1010 to S1012, the process of paying out rental balls is executed. In this case, if the ball is not dispensable and a request for ball dispensation is received from the card unit (NO in step S1010, YES in step S1011), the process proceeds to step S1012 to perform ball rental control processing (to be described later). FIG. 17) is started. Also, if the ball cannot be dispensed or the ball dispensation request has not been received (YES in step S1010 or NO in step S1011), subsequent vibration motor control (step S1013) is executed.

In step S1013, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 executes control (vibration motor control) of the vibrator 360 (see FIG. 3). After that, in step S1014, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether a power failure has occurred. If a power failure has occurred, the process proceeds to step S1015; otherwise, the process returns to step S1001. In step S1015, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets occurrence information of power interruption, and in step S1016, creates a RAM determination value. After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the complete shutdown of the power supply and the inability to execute processing.

Here, in the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 16, in step S1101, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute payout of prize balls. In the subsequent step S1102, it is determined whether or not the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process advances to step S1103 to drive the payout motor 358a to execute retry processing and stop processing of the payout motor 358a, and then return to the payout control processing of FIG.

If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S1104, and it is determined by the detection result of the payout count switch whether or not the game balls are normally counted. If the count of game balls is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1105, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process and the stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

Further, if the count of game balls is normal, the process proceeds to step S1106, and it is determined whether or not the number of game balls counted by the payout count switch reaches the total number of prize balls and the payout is completed. If the payout has been completed, the stop processing of the payout motor 358a is executed in step S1107, and then the payout control processing of FIG. 15 is returned to.

In the ball rental control process shown in FIG. 17, in step S1201, the ball rental motor 358a is driven to execute the ball rental. In the following step S1202, it is determined whether or not the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process advances to step S1203 to drive the payout motor 358a to execute retry processing and stop processing of the payout motor 358a, and then return to the payout control processing of FIG.

Also, if the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S1204, and it is determined by the detection result of the payout count switch whether or not the game balls are normally counted. If the count of game balls is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1205, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process and the stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

Further, if the game ball count is normal, the process advances to step S1206 to determine whether or not the number of game balls counted by the payout count switch reaches a predetermined number of rental balls (25) and payout is completed. If the payout has been completed, the stop processing of the payout motor 358a is executed in step S1207, and then the payout control processing of FIG. 15 is returned to.

The above NMI interrupt processing is similarly executed in the payout control device 311, and the state of the payout control device 311 at the time of power failure due to power failure or the like is stored in the backup area of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. Similarly, power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the processing of the payout control device 311 can be executed for a predetermined time after the power failure signal S1 is output. That is, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power failure or the like, a power failure signal S1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. to start the NMI interrupt processing in FIG. The contents are as explained in FIG.

Next, main processing and normal processing of the sub-controller 262 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing executed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262, and this main processing is activated upon resetting when the power is turned on. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of normal processing executed by the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262. As shown in FIG.

First, in step S1301, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 executes initial setting processing upon power-on. Specifically, port settings (port I/O switching and initial value output), timer settings (1 millisecond interval timer, liquid crystal command strobe output timer), and interrupt settings (sub-command strobe interrupt) are performed. .

Also, in step S1302, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not the power-off process has not been completed. Specifically, whether or not the various lamps (annular illumination part 102, central illumination part 103, etc.) of the front frame set 14 of the pachinko machine 10 are all turned off and the speaker is in a mute state is checked. discriminate. If the power-off process has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S1304; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1303.

Subsequently, in step S1303, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not the RAM of the sub-control device 262 has been destroyed, and if destroyed, proceeds to step S1304, otherwise proceeds to step S1307. . In step S1304, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 performs a RAM area read/write check of the sub-controller 262. FIG. Then, in step S1305, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 determines whether the RAM of the sub-controller 262 is normal. If the RAM of the sub-controller 262 is normal, the process proceeds to step S1306, and if abnormal, the process proceeds to step S1311. In step S1306, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 writes RAM destruction check data for each area of the RAM 553, and sets RAM destruction check data for determining destruction if there is a reading error.

Then, in step S1307, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not the power is turned on after being turned off. If the power is turned on after being turned off, the process proceeds to step S1308; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1309.

In step S1308, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 clears the RAM area other than the unprocessed RAM area. Specifically, the unprocessed RAM area is an area for storing information that will cause system problems if the data is cleared, and is an area for information that should be retained except when the RAM area is destroyed. For example, sub-command reception buffer, power-on information, etc. can be cited. When the main controller 261 is powered off and the sub-controller 262 is reset (when a power-off notification command is received from the main controller 261), the RAM area other than the unprocessed RAM area is cleared.

In step S1309, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 sets interrupt permission. In step S1310, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 initializes the RAM of the sub-controller 262, and shifts to normal processing shown in FIG.

In step S1311, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 notifies the RAM abnormality and enters an infinite loop. For example, it is possible to issue a notification such as unconditionally turning on a predetermined lamp.

As shown in FIG. 19, in step S1401, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not 1 ms or more has elapsed since the start of normal processing. If 1 ms or more has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1402, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1410.

In step S1402, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 performs lamp output processing. Specifically, the lamp is output in accordance with the variation pattern presentation of the decorative pattern (third pattern) on the third pattern display device 42 .

In step S1403, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs power-on notification. Specifically, the notification for 30 seconds by the power-on command is performed.

In step S1404, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a customer waiting effect. Specifically, the title/still image is switched. That is, so-called demo screen display is performed.

In step S1405, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a pending number display update process for the first symbol variation. Specifically, since this pending number display update process is a process for performing a display corresponding to the pending lamp 40c of the first symbol display device 40 also on the third symbol display device 42, the first symbol display device 40 In the case of a pachinko machine that displays only with the hold lamp 40c, this process is unnecessary.

In step S1406, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs frame button input monitoring/effect processing. Specifically, this frame button input monitoring/effect processing is for performing model-specific effects by pressing the frame button 20 in a pachinko machine having the frame button 20 that the player can press. Therefore, this process is unnecessary for pachinko machines that do not have such a frame button 20 .

In step S1407, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs lamp editing processing. Specifically, a process of editing a lamp lighting pattern corresponding to (synchronized with) the variable pattern rendering of the decorative design on the third design display device 42 is performed.

In step S1408, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 performs sound editing/output processing. Specifically, a process of sounding a sound corresponding to (synchronized with) the variation pattern presentation of the decorative design on the third design display device 42 is performed.

In step S1409, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs liquid crystal effect execution management processing. Concretely, time management etc. are performed to synchronize lamps, sounds and liquid crystal effects (variation pattern effects of decorative patterns on the third pattern display device 42).

In step S1410, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 performs a process of updating the random number value for determining the variation pattern of decorative symbols to be performed by the third symbol display device 42 and the effect of the sound lamp. Specifically, this random number takes a value from "0" to "32767", for example, and returns to "0" when it reaches the upper limit of "37268".

In step S1411, when the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 receives a command from the main controller 261, it performs processing corresponding to each command.

Specifically, when the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 receives a variation pattern specification command from the main controller 261 , the variation pattern specification command is converted into a command and transmitted to the display control device 45 . It should be noted that the variation pattern specification command may be directly output through. Further, when the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 receives a decorative special symbol designation command from the main controller 261 , it transmits the decorative special symbol designation command and the advance notice effect command to the display control device 45 . This advance notice command includes, for example, the presence or absence of the appearance of a school of fish as a notice. Further, when the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 receives an all-stop command (determined command) from the main controller 261 , the CPU 551 transmits this all-stop command to the display control device 45 as it is.

In step S1412, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 determines whether or not the RAM of the sub-controller 262 has been destroyed. If the RAM has not been destroyed, the process returns to step S1401, and if it has been destroyed, an infinite loop is entered.

In addition, in the display control device 45, based on each command from the sub-control device 262 (variation pattern designation command, decoration special design designation command, advance notice effect command, all stop command), the decoration to be performed by the third design display device 42 Image generation control of the variation pattern of the design is performed. Specifically, the display control device 45 executes image generation processing for the decorative design variation pattern in the third design display device 42, for example, generates an image at a frame rate of 30 (30 images per second), By storing these generated images in the video RAM 524 (for example, frame buffer) and displaying them on the third design display device 42 as appropriate, the decorative design variation display on the third design display device 42 is realized. ing.

Next, the configuration of further characteristic portions of the pachinko machine 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 25. FIG.

20A and 20B are perspective views of the first variable prize winning device 32a. FIG. 20A shows a state in which the body case 400 is attached, and FIG. show. FIG. 21 is a front view of the first variable winning device 32a, FIG. 21(a) shows a state where the body case 400 is attached, and FIG. 21(b) shows a state where the plate portion 402 is removed from the body case 400 show. FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of the first variable winning device 32a shown in FIG. 21(a), FIG. 22(a) shows the closed state of the first variable winning device 32a, and FIG. ) indicates the open state of the first variable winning device 32a. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the opening/closing door 410 and the drive unit 430. FIG. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the first variable prize winning device 32a taken along line BB of FIG. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the first variable winning device 32a viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the first variable winning device 32a viewed from the rear side of the gaming machine. Note that other drawings such as FIG. 2 will be referred to as necessary.

First, the positional relationship of the first variable winning device 32a within the game area 30a will be described.

In the game area 30a, a third pattern display device 42 is disposed at a position slightly above the central portion, and a left narrow region narrower than the width of the third pattern display device 42 is provided on the left lateral side of the third pattern display device 42. 30a1 is formed, and a right narrow area 30a2 narrower than the width of the third pattern display device 42 is formed on the right lateral side of the third pattern display device 42. As shown in FIG.

The first variable winning device 32a is arranged immediately below the right narrow region 30a2, and the second variable winning device 32b is arranged in the right narrow region 30a2 above the first variable winning device 32a. That is, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b are arranged in and around the right narrow region 30a2. As a result, the number of game balls shot toward the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b is larger than in the case where the third symbol display device 42 is positioned below the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b. 2 Win a prize in the variable prize winning device 32b.

That is, when a variable winning device having a large winning opening is arranged in the lower center of the game area 30a as in the conventional example, game balls flowing down the game area 30a are distributed upstream of the variable winning device. By colliding with a game member such as a nail or a windmill provided, it often changes to a flowing direction in which it is difficult for a ball to enter the variable winning device. For example, a game ball that has collided with the above-described game member may change course and flow down in the direction in which the general winning opening is arranged. On the other hand, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b are arranged in and around the right narrow region 30a2. In particular, the first variable winning device 32a has a width that closes the vicinity of the exit of the right narrow area 30a2, making it easier to receive the game ball coming out of the right narrow area 30a2. In addition, the game board 30 has a center frame 47 near the exit of the right narrow area 30a2 so that game balls flowing down the game area 30a do not flow into the stage 48a from an inflow portion 48b provided on the right side of the center frame 47. A nail is planted along the inflow part 48b provided on the right side of the game area 30a so that the game ball flowing down the game area 30a can easily enter the first variable ball entry device 32a. . In addition, even if a game ball launched into the right narrow area 30a2 and flowing down the right narrow area 30a2 collides with a game member such as a nail on the way, the flowing direction is limited to within the width of the right narrow area 30a2. Since it does not change, it is easy to win the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b.

Further, in the conventional example, a variable prize winning device having a large prize winning port is arranged in the lower center of the game area 30a, and the general prize winning openings are arranged diagonally upward to the left and diagonally upward to the right of the game region 30a. A game ball flowing down the ball collides with a nail, a windmill, or the like, changes its traveling direction, and sometimes enters the general winning opening before reaching the large winning opening of the variable winning device. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first variable winning device 32a is arranged upstream of the general winning port 31, and the game ball is moved in a direction other than the first variable winning device 32a by a nail, a windmill, or the like. Since it is constructed so as not to change the flow direction, there is no possibility that the game ball flowing down the game area 30a enters the general prize winning port 31 before reaching the first variable prize winning device 32a. Further, since the general winning port 31 is also provided on the downstream side of the first variable winning device 32a, the possibility of winning the general winning port 31 remains even for the game balls that did not win the first variable winning device 32a. It is As a result, it is possible to draw the player's interest in the behavior of the game ball that has passed through the first variable prize winning device 32a without winning.

Next, the configuration of the first variable winning device 32a will be described. The first variable prize winning device 32a can be broadly divided into a main body case 400 that houses the big prize mouth switches 223a, 223b, etc., a rear side member 420 that is attached so as to cover the back side of the main body case 400, and a big prize mouth. 32A, and a driving unit 430 for driving the opening/closing door 410 between the open state and the closed state. It should be noted that the big winning opening switches 223a and 223b correspond to the first entering ball detecting section and the second entering ball detecting section in the present invention.

The main body case 400 includes a plate portion 402 formed of a transparent resin material located on the frontmost side of the first variable prize winning device 32a, a frame-shaped member 403 projecting from the plate portion 402 toward the back side, It is a case member provided with a cover portion 404 which protrudes toward the back side with a gap at least through which game balls can pass above the frame-shaped member 403 .

The back side of the frame-shaped member 403 is blocked by the back side member 420, so that a ball inflow portion 406 forming an opening into which game balls flowing down the game area 30a can flow in, and a game ball flowing into the ball inflow portion 406 A first ball entering area 412a and a second ball entering area 412b forming an opening into which a ball can enter, and a guide for guiding downward a game ball entering the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b. To make the game balls that do not enter the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b forming the passages and the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b flow out to the game area 30a There is provided a sphere outflow portion 407 forming an opening for the . In addition, the frame-shaped member 403 includes a first storage portion 424a in which big winning opening switches 223a and 223b for detecting game balls passing through the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b are stored. 2 storage portions 424b are formed. The above-described first ball entry area 412a and second ball entry area 412b constitute the big winning opening 32A. 20 and 21 show a state in which the big winning opening 32A is closed by the opening/closing door 410. As shown in FIG.

The back side member 420 has a back side plate portion 421 attached to the game board 30 . Between the back side plate portion 421 and the plate portion 402 of the main body case 400 described above, a space is provided through which game balls can pass. The back side plate portion 421 has a switch insertion hole h1 for inserting the big winning port switches 223a and 223b, and a ball passage hole h2 for passing game balls on the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b. In addition, a stationary ball passage hole h3 for passing a game ball stationary in the stationary portion 450, which will be described later, and a door insertion hole h4 for inserting the opening/closing door 410 are formed. In addition, the rear side plate portion 421 includes a first rear guide passage portion 423a and a second rear guide passage portion 423b connected to the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b of the main body case 400, and the like. It is provided so as to protrude toward the back side. Further, the back side plate portion 421 is provided with a passage forming portion i1 forming a stationary passage 451 through which a game ball stationary in the stationary portion 450 passes, on the front side and the rear side of the stationary ball passage hole h3. It should be noted that the stop portion 450 described above corresponds to the stop portion in the present invention, and the stop passage 451 described above corresponds to the descending guide portion in the present invention.

The stopping passage 451 guides the game ball from the first ball entering area 412a to the second ball entering area 412b while changing the traveling direction of the game ball stopped in the stopping part 450 toward the downstream side. is. The stopping passage 451 includes inward guiding portions 451a and 451c for guiding the game balls flowing into the stopping portion 450 from the front side to the far side of the board surface of the game board 30, and a game ball guided by the inward guiding portions 451a and 451c. Front-facing guide portions 451b and 451d for guiding the ball from the depth side to the front side of the board surface of the game board 30 are alternately connected. That is, the stationary passage 451 is a passage having a shape obtained by connecting two U-shaped passages. By configuring the stationary portion 450 with the stationary passage 451, the stationary time of the game ball can be set long in the limited space of the stationary portion 450. - 特許庁In addition, by changing the inclination angle of each of the passage portions 451a to 451d constituting the stationary passage 451, the inclination angle of the entire stationary passage 451, the bending angle of the passage portions 451a to 451d, etc., the stationary time of the game ball can be determined. can be determined at the time of When the dwell time of the game ball is determined, the interval time between rounds during the jackpot state can be determined according to the dwell time. Specifically, the interval time is determined to have the same length as the dwell time or a slightly longer time than that. For example, in the present embodiment, the dwell time was 5 seconds when the game ball was passed through the dwell passage 451 with the first variable ball entry device 32a placed horizontally. is determined to be 3 seconds shorter than

The open/close door 410 has a closed state in which the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b of the big winning opening 32A of the main body case 400 are closed to such an extent that at least a game ball cannot enter, and a closed state in which a game ball enters. The ball can open and close to open and close. Specifically, when the open/close door 410 retreats to the far side of the door insertion hole h4, the large winning prize opening 32A is opened, and when it advances to the front side of the door insertion hole h4, the large winning prize opening 32A is closed. becomes. With this configuration, the first variable prize winning device 32a has a smaller vertical width than a conventional variable prize winning device in which the big prize opening is opened and closed by turning the door member.

The opening/closing door 410 is a horizontally long plate-like member extending from the upper portion of the first ball entering area 412a to the upper portion of the second ball entering area 412b in a front view. It is formed so that it may become left-descent towards the side. The opening/closing door 410 is formed so that the first ball entering area 412a side is approximately the same height as the ball inlet portion 406, and the second ball entering area 412b side is formed so that the ball outlet portion 407 is approximately the same height. ing. As a result, the game balls that have flowed in from the ball inflow portion 406 easily flow into the stationary passage 451 from the opening/closing door 410 , and the game balls that have passed through the stationary passage 451 easily flow out from the ball outflow portion 407 . Further, the opening/closing door 410 is connected to the drive section 430 at the rear end side.

The drive unit 430 includes a large winning prize opening solenoid 432 that applies power for operating the opening/closing door 410, and a conversion mechanism 440 that converts the power applied by the large winning prize opening solenoid 432 into a force that moves the opening/closing door 410 back and forth. and

The large winning opening solenoid 432 has a movable piece 434 that displaces between a first position P1 shown in FIG. 22(a) and a second position P2 shown in FIG. Prepare.

On the back side of the back side member 420 described above, a guide frame 439 having a solenoid housing portion 437 that houses the rear side of the big prize opening solenoid 432 and a door housing portion 438 that houses the open/close door 410, and a guide frame 439 An end frame 470 positioned at the rear end of the first variable prize winning device 32a is attached on the rear side of the . The big winning opening solenoid 432 housed in the solenoid housing portion 437 is attached to the back side member 420 with its front end fixed by a fixing plate 436 .

The conversion mechanism 440 includes a rotating main body portion 444 that rotates around a rotating shaft 442 in a substantially horizontal direction perpendicular to the advancing/retreating direction of the movable piece 434 , and a base end side of the rotating main body portion 444 . , the locking portion 446 that is locked to the movable piece 434, and the opening/closing door 410 in a state of being locked to the locking hole formed in the rear portion of the opening/closing door 410 provided at the tip portion of the rotating main body portion 444. and an extrusion portion 448 that pushes forward and backward.

The driving portion 430 retracts the movable piece 434 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, thereby rotating the rotating body portion 444 rearward. At this time, the push-out portion 448 of the rotating main body portion 444 pushes the opening/closing door 410 rearward, so that the opening/closing door 410 retreats to the inner side and becomes an open state, making it difficult to stop the game ball. Conversely, the driving portion 430 advances the movable piece 434 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, thereby rotating the rotating body portion 444 forward. At this time, the push-out portion 448 of the rotary body portion 444 pushes the opening/closing door 410 forward, so that the opening/closing door 410 advances forward and is closed, and the game ball can be stopped.

The first variable winning device 32a described above corresponds to the variable ball entry device in the present invention, the large winning opening 32A described above corresponds to the ball entry portion in the present invention, and the opening/closing door 410 described above corresponds to the opening/closing operation in the present invention. Corresponds to the member.

Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the special winning opening opening/closing process will be described. The big winning opening opening/closing process includes the opening/closing process of the big winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a and the opening/closing process of the big winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the big winning opening opening/closing process.

The big winning opening opening/closing process corresponds to the big winning opening opening/closing process (step S205) in the normal process performed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261, as described above with reference to FIG.

In step S1501, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not the jackpot random number counter C1 is a jackpot. If the hit is a big hit, the process proceeds to step S1502.

In step S1502, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not the jackpot random number counter C2 is winning the normal jackpot state or winning the variable probability jackpot state. If it is either winning to the normal jackpot state or winning to the probability variable jackpot state, the process proceeds to step S1503, and if none of these, the process proceeds to step S1511.

In step S1503, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the driving section 430 to open the big winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a, and starts measuring the opening time by the timer function. One round is started by opening the big winning opening 32A.

It should be noted that between step S1503 and step S1504, if there is an entry ball into the first ball entry area 412a that constitutes the large winning opening 32A, the game ball is detected by the first large winning opening switch 223a, When there is a ball entering the second ball entry area 412b that constitutes the winning opening 32A, the game ball is detected by the first big winning opening switch 223b.

In step S1504, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects whether or not a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have been won in the first variable prize winning device 32a, and the maximum opening by the timer function. Detect whether time (eg, 30 seconds) has passed. When there is a predetermined number of game balls winning in the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a, or when the maximum opening time has elapsed according to the timer function, the process proceeds to step S1505, and the first variable winning device When the predetermined number of game balls have not yet been won in the big winning opening 32A of 32a, or when the maximum opening time has not elapsed as measured by the timer function, step S1504 is repeated.

In step S1505, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the driving section 430 to close the big winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a, stops the timer function, and proceeds to step S1507. . One round is completed by closing the big winning opening 32A.

In step S1506, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 keeps the large winning opening 32A closed for a predetermined time (three seconds in this embodiment) during which the large winning opening 32A is closed. It controls the drive unit 430 .

In step S1507, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not the game of 16 rounds set as the normal jackpot state or the variable probability jackpot state has ended, and when the game of 16 rounds has ended, the processing ends. If 16 rounds of games have not been completed, the process returns to step S1503, and steps S503 to S1507 are repeated.

In step S1511, when it is determined in step S1502 that it is neither the normal jackpot state nor the variable probability jackpot state, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether the jackpot random number counter C2 is elected to the short-time jackpot state. judge. If the time-saving jackpot state has been won, the process proceeds to step S1512, and if the time-saving jackpot state has not been won, it is determined that the game is out, and this processing ends.

In step S1512, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 controls the big winning opening solenoid to open the big winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, and starts measuring the opening time by the timer function. One round is started by opening the big winning opening 32B.

In addition, between step S1512 and step S1513, when there is a ball entering the big winning hole 32B, the game ball is detected by the big winning hole switch for the big winning hole B.

In step S1513, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects whether or not a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have been won in the second variable prize winning device 32b, and the maximum opening by the timer function. Detect whether time (eg, 30 seconds) has passed. When there is a predetermined number of game balls in the large winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, or when the maximum opening time has elapsed as measured by the timer function, the process proceeds to step S1514, and the second variable winning device If the predetermined number of game balls have not yet been won in the big winning hole 32B of 32b, or if the maximum opening time has not elapsed as measured by the timer function, step S1513 is repeated.

In step S1514, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the large winning opening solenoid so as to close the large winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, stops timing by the timer function, and proceeds to step S1515. move on. One round is completed by closing the big winning opening 32B.

In step S1515, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 keeps the large winning opening 32B closed for a predetermined time (three seconds in this embodiment) during which the large winning opening 32A is closed between rounds. It controls the driving section for the big winning opening 32B.

In step S1516, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not the game of 8 rounds set as the time-saving jackpot state has been completed. If 8 rounds of games have not been completed, the process returns to S1510, and steps S1512 to S1516 are repeated.

The normal jackpot state or variable probability jackpot state described above corresponds to the specific game state of the present invention, and the winning of the normal jackpot state or the variable probability jackpot state corresponds to the first condition of the present invention. Also, the winning of ten game balls described above corresponds to the predetermined number of winning balls of the present invention, and the maximum open time of 30 seconds described above corresponds to the first predetermined time of the present invention. In addition, the time of 3 seconds in which the big winning opening 32A is closed corresponds to the second predetermined time of the present invention, and the 16 rounds set as the normal jackpot state or the probability variable jackpot state are the predetermined number of times of the present invention. corresponds to The predetermined number of hits, the maximum open time, the second predetermined time, and the predetermined number of times according to the present invention are determined according to the game content and the game value, and therefore are not limited to the above-described contents.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door 410 in the first variable winning device 32a will be described.

28A and 28B are perspective views for explaining the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing door 410. FIG. 28A shows the closed state before the big win state, and FIG. 28B shows the open state of the first round of the big win state. indicate. 29A and 29B are perspective views illustrating the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing door 410 following FIG. 28, FIG. indicates an open state. 28 and 29 are diagrams of the body case 400 with the plate portion 402 removed, similarly to FIG. 20(b).

First, the first variable winning device 32a in the normal game state before the normal jackpot state or probability variable jackpot state is started will be described. In this normal game state, the large winning prize opening solenoid 432 is in a non-operating state, and the open/close door 410 remains closed to the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b of the large winning opening 32A. . In this state, a game ball flowing down the game area 30a can enter the first variable winning device 32a from the ball inlet 406, but a game ball that has flowed in from the ball inlet 406 can enter the big winning opening 32A. do not. That is, the game ball that has flowed in from the ball inflow portion 406 passes over the open/close door 410 and enters the stationary passage 451, and the game ball that has passed through the stationary passage 451 passes over the open/close door 410 and the ball flows out. The game area 30a located outside the first variable winning device 32a flows out from the unit 407 again. As a result, even in a normal game state, a flow-down path for the game ball exiting the right narrow area 30a2 is sufficiently secured.

When the normal jackpot state or the probability variable jackpot state is won by a lottery based on the balls entering the first starting ports 33a and 33b, the big winning gate solenoid 432 is activated, and the open/close door 410 is opened to the first opening of the big winning gate 32A. The ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b are opened. In the first round of the jackpot state, game balls are usually not parked in the parking portion 450, so the game balls that flow in from the ball inflow portion 406 enter only the first ball entry area 412a. A game ball entering the first ball entry area 412a is detected by the first big winning opening switch 223a arranged directly below it.

When the number of balls detected by the first big winning opening switch 223a reaches a predetermined number, or when the maximum opening time elapses, the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the closed state. During the time that the open/close door 410 is closed (three seconds in this embodiment), the game ball that has flowed in from the ball inflow portion 406 passes over the open/close door 410 and is stopped in the stopping portion 450 . That is, the game ball that has passed over the opening/closing door 410 flows into the retaining passage 451 and is retained in the retaining portion 450 until it finishes passing through the retaining passage 451 . As described above, when the number of game balls stopped in the stopping part 450 increases, a ball can be entered into the big winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a during the period when the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. The number of game balls increases. By increasing the number of game balls that can enter the big winning hole 32A during one round of the big winning state, the time required for the whole big winning state (for example, if the big winning state continues up to 16 rounds, 16 The time it takes to complete the round) can be shortened. That is, conventionally, as a technique for shortening the time required for the entire jackpot state, there are cases where the interval time between rounds is shortened or eliminated. With such a method, a game ball that entered the big winning hole during the previous round remains as a remaining ball at the end of the round, and is sometimes detected as winning during the next round. Since such a situation impairs the player's profit, it is difficult to shorten the interval time between rounds, and the time required for the entire jackpot state cannot be sufficiently shortened. However, by providing the first variable ball entry device 32a according to the present embodiment, the game ball is stopped in the stop portion 451 during the interval time, so it is possible to remain as a remaining ball in the big winning opening 32A. Instead, the stationary ball can be used to detect winning in the next round. As a result, it is possible to suitably shorten the time required for the entire jackpot state while appropriately processing the remaining balls by taking advantage of the interval time.

The game ball that has flowed into the stationary passage 451 is first guided in the order of the inward guide portion 451a, the forward guide portion 451b, the inward guide portion 451c, and the forward guide portion 451d. While the game ball that first flows into the stationary passage 451 is passing through the stationary passage 451, the open/close door 410 is kept closed. Then, after the game ball that has first flowed into the stationary passage 451 finishes passing through the stationary passage 451, the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state again. The timing at which the open/close door 410 is returned to the open state is at least the timing until the game ball that first flows into the stationary passage 451 finishes passing through the stationary passage 451 and enters the second ball entry area 412b. It is preferable in terms of design that the game balls that have flowed into the stationary passage 451 are returned to the open state immediately before they finish passing through the stationary passage 451 . It should be noted that the passing manner of the game ball entering and exiting the game board 30 in this manner is visually recognized by the player through the plate portion 402 having transparency, so that the game in the state of big win can be made more interesting. can be done.

During the period in which the open/close door 410 is open, it is detected that a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have been won in the large winning opening 32A, or the maximum opening time (for example, 30 seconds) is detected by the timer function. ), the process proceeds to the second round.

In the second round, the game ball that has passed through the stationary passage 451 can enter the second ball entry area 412b while the opening/closing door 410 is in the open state. Also, since the first ball entry area 412a is opened at the same time as the second ball entry area 412b is opened, the game ball that has flowed in from the ball inlet 406 can enter the first ball entry area 412a. In this way, from the second round onwards, when the opening/closing door 410 is opened, the game balls that have been stopped in the stopping portion 450 and the balls that have newly flowed into the first variable winning device 32a enter the big winning hole. It is possible to enter the ball at different points of 32A at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of game balls that enter the big winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a during the period in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state.

In addition, by providing a stop portion 450 in the first variable winning device 32a so that the inflowing game balls can be entered at different locations of the big winning opening 32A, each of the normal jackpot state and the probability variable jackpot state can be achieved. In the round, the time required for each round can be shortened in the case of shifting to the next round when 10 game balls entering the big winning hole 32A are counted. This point will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a timing chart showing opening/closing timing of the opening/closing door 410 and detection timing of game balls.

In this description, the time from when the game ball flowing down the game area 30a flows into the ball inflow part 406 of the first variable winning device 32a to when it is detected by the first big winning opening switch 223a is 1 second. Further, it is assumed that game balls enter the ball inflow portion 406 of the first variable prize winning device 32a at intervals of one second immediately after the start of each round when the opening/closing door 410 is opened.

In the first round, 10 balls entered are detected only by the first big winning hole switch 223a. This is because, in the first round, there are usually no game balls parked in the parking portion 450, so there are no game balls entering the second ball entry area 412b even when the big winning opening 32A is open. is. After the first big winning hole switch 223a detects the tenth ball, the big winning hole 32A is closed and the first round ends. Therefore, the time required for the first round is 1 second×10 balls=10 seconds.

After the first round ends, immediately after the large winning opening 32A is closed, the game ball starts to stop in the stopping section 450, and during the closing time (3 seconds in this embodiment) of the large winning opening 32A 3 game balls are parked at intervals of 1 second. After the closing time of the large winning opening 32A has elapsed, the large winning opening 32A is opened again, and the second round is started.

In the second round, since the game ball is parked in the parking portion 450, the game ball can enter the second ball entering area 412b at the same time as the first ball entering area 412a. However, in this embodiment, since the dwell time is longer than the interval time, the stationary ball actually enters the second ball entering area 412b after the opening of the second ball entering area 412b. Become. About two seconds after the start of the second round, three game balls parked in the parking portion 450 enter the second ball entry area 412b at intervals of one second. The first big winning opening switch 223b detects three gaming balls that have entered the second ball entry area 412b. In addition, immediately after the opening of the big winning opening 32A, seven game balls that have flowed into the ball inflow portion 406 enter the first ball entry area 412a at intervals of one second. The first big winning hole switch 223a detects seven gaming balls entered into the first ball entry area 412a. After the first big winning hole switch 223a finishes detecting the seventh game ball, the big winning hole 32A is closed again and the second round ends. Therefore, the time required for the second round is 1 second×7 balls=7 seconds. This is because the number of game balls to be detected by the first big winning opening switch 223a is reduced by three balls detected by the first big winning opening switch 223b, that is, the number of stationary balls.

After the second round ends, immediately after the large winning opening 32A is closed, the game ball starts to stop in the stopping section 450, and during the closing time (3 seconds in this embodiment) of the large winning opening 32A It is assumed that 4 game balls are parked at intervals of 1 second. After the closing time of the large winning opening 32A has elapsed, the large winning opening 32A is opened again, and the third round is started.

Since the game ball is parked in the parking portion 450 even in the third round, the game ball can enter the second ball entering region 412b at the same time as the first ball entering region 412a. About two seconds after the start of the third round, four game balls parked in the parking portion 450 continuously enter the second ball entry area 412b. The first big winning opening switch 223b detects four game balls entered into the second ball entry area 412b. In addition, immediately after the opening of the big winning opening 32A, the game balls that have flowed into the ball inflow portion 406 enter the first ball entry area 412a at intervals of 1 second. The first big winning opening switch 223a detects six gaming balls entered into the first ball entry area 412a. After the first big winning hole switch 223a finishes detecting the sixth game ball, the big winning hole 32A is closed again, and the third round ends. Therefore, the time required for the third round is 1 second x 6 balls = 6 seconds. This is because the number of game balls to be detected by the first big winning opening switch 223a becomes smaller than that in the second round, as the number of game balls stopped in the stopping portion 450 increases.

Thereafter, if there is a game ball parked in the parking portion 450 until the end of the 16th round, the round can be finished in a shorter time than the time required for the first round without parking.

On the other hand, in the variable winning device of the conventional example, when 16 rounds of normal jackpot state and probability variable jackpot state are performed, the same winning and detection mode as in the first round of the present embodiment continues up to the 16th round. That is, a game ball enters a big winning hole having only one ball entering area, and the game ball that has entered the big winning hole is detected by one big winning hole switch. Therefore, the time required for the second and subsequent rounds cannot be shortened. Therefore, the time to complete the normal jackpot state and probability variable jackpot state of 16 rounds tends to be longer than in the present embodiment.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the large winning opening 32A into which the game ball can enter, the open state in which the game ball easily enters the large winning opening 32A, and the opening state. A first variable prize winning device 32a having an opening/closing door 410 that opens and closes between a closed state in which game balls are difficult to enter into the big prize winning port 32A, and a winning state in a normal jackpot state or in a probability variable jackpot state. Accordingly, the opening/closing door 410 is opened, and when the maximum opening time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) are entered, the opening/closing door 410 is closed, and the maximum opening time is exceeded. After a short set closing time (three seconds in this embodiment) has passed, a big hit state game in which the open/close door 410 is returned to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 rounds). In the first variable prize winning device 32a, the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state when the game ball comes into contact with the opening/closing door 410 in the closed state during the period of the jackpot state in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. A stopping part 450 is provided so as to discharge the stopped game balls toward the big winning opening 32A when the open/close door 410 is returned to the open state.

As a result, during the period of the jackpot state in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that touches the opening/closing door 410 in the closed state is kept within the interval time until the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state. It is stopped at the intermediate stop section 450 . The parked game balls are discharged toward the big winning opening 32A when the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state. Therefore, it is a game ball that reaches a variable winning device such as a big winning mouth device at the timing when the opening and closing operation member such as an attacker is closed, which could not be made to enter the big winning mouth in the conventional game machine. can also enter the big winning hole 32A. Therefore, the time required for the whole period of the jackpot state in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state (for example, when the jackpot state continues up to 16 rounds, the time taken until 16 rounds are completed) is shortened. can be done.

In addition, since the time required for the whole period of the big win state is shortened, the player can make a lottery for whether or not to generate the big win state more times than in the conventional gaming machine even if the time is the same. Since there is a possibility of getting an opportunity, it is also possible to enhance the interest of the game.

Further, conventionally, as a method of trying to shorten the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state, there are cases where the interval time between rounds is shortened or eliminated. With such a method, a game ball that entered the big winning hole during the previous round remains as a remaining ball at the end of the round, and is sometimes detected as winning during the next round. Such a situation impairs the profit of the player, so it is difficult to shorten the interval time between rounds, and the time required for the entire period of the big winning state cannot be sufficiently shortened. However, by providing the first variable ball entry device 32a according to the present embodiment, the game ball is stopped in the stop portion 451 during the interval time, so that it can remain as a remaining ball in the big winning opening 32A. Instead, the stationary ball can be used to detect winning in the next round. As a result, the remaining balls can be properly processed without providing an interval time, and the time required for the entire period of the big win state can be suitably shortened.

Also, the big winning hole 32A has a first ball entry area 412a and a second ball entry area 412b provided at a position different from the first ball entry area 412a. The opening/closing door 410 changes the first ball-entering area 412a and the second ball-entering area 412b between an open state and a closed state. During the period in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, a game ball that touches the opening/closing door 410 while trying to enter the first ball entry area 412a is kept in the stationary portion 450 while the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state. Stop. The parked game ball is discharged toward the second ball entry area 412b when the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state.

In this regard, in the conventional gaming machine, even if the game ball reaches a variable winning device such as a large winning opening device during the period when the opening and closing operation member such as the attacker is in the open state, all the games that have reached There was a case where the ball could not enter the big prize hole. That is, when the game balls reach the variable winning device continuously during the period in which the opening/closing operation member is in the open state, all the game balls reaching the variable winning device enter the big winning opening. It takes time, and some of the game balls that have reached the variable winning device may spill out of the variable winning device.

On the other hand, by configuring like the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment 1, the game ball reaching the first variable winning device 32a is can enter the first ball entering area 412a, but since the game ball is not parked in the parking portion 450, the game ball does not enter the second ball entering area 412b. Next, while the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be parked in the parking portion 450 without entering either the first ball entering area 412a or the second ball entering area 412b. Next, while the open/close door 410 is open in the second round, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area 412a, and if the game ball is parked in the parking portion 450, it is parked. The game ball can enter the second ball entering area 412b. Next, while the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped in the stopping portion 450 without entering either the first ball entering area 412a or the second ball entering area 412b. When the open/close door 410 is returned to the open state in the next third round, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area 412a again. , the parked game ball can enter the second ball entering area 412b. In subsequent rounds, the door 410 opens and closes until a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) is reached.

In this way, except for the first round, game balls that reach the first variable winning device 32a can be received from either the first ball entering area 412a or the second ball entering area 412b while the opening/closing door 410 is open. It becomes possible to enter the ball. Therefore, even if the game balls reach the first variable winning device 32a continuously during the period in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game balls that reach the first variable winning device 32a Since the ball can be entered from either the first ball entry area 412a or the second ball entry area 412b, the game ball that has reached the first variable winning device 32a can be quickly entered into the big winning opening 32A. As a result, it is possible to reduce the loss of time caused by the game balls reaching the first variable winning device 32a overflowing out of the first variable winning device 32a, so that the open/close door 410 can be opened and closed. It is possible to suitably shorten the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state that changes to .

In addition, the ball entry area into which the game ball flowing down the game area trying to enter the big winning opening 32A tries to enter, and the ball entry area into which the game ball stopped at the stopping portion 450 tries to enter, Since they are provided at different positions in the same big winning hole 32A, that is, the first ball entering area 412a and the second ball entering area 412b, the game balls flowing down the game area and the game balls stopped at the stopping part 450 It is possible to reduce the possibility that some game balls cannot enter the big winning opening 32A due to collision. As a result, the loss of time caused by the game balls colliding with each other during the period in which the opening/closing door 410 changes to the open state and the balls cannot be entered is reduced, so that the opening/closing door 410 can be opened and closed. Advantageously, the time taken for the entire changing jackpot condition can be shortened.

The first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the game area when the game board 30 is viewed from the front. The stopping portion 450 is positioned between the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b. Therefore, while the opening and closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball that has come into contact with the opening and closing door 410 can be smoothly stopped in the stopping portion 450, and the game ball stopped in the stopping portion 450 can be smoothly moved to the second input. It can be directed towards sphere area 412b. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required to end the game state that is advantageous to the player.

In addition, the first ball entry area 412a is arranged so that the height of the game area in the vertical direction in a front view of the game board is higher than the second ball entry area 412b. It has a stationary passage 451 that guides the game ball downward from the ball area 412a toward the second ball entry area 412b. Therefore, the stationary game ball is vigorously guided from the first ball entering area 412a toward the second ball entering area 412b. As a result, even if game balls are shot one after another toward the first ball entering area 412a during the period in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game stopped inside the first variable prize winning device 32a The risk of balls getting stuck is reduced.

In addition, the game ball stopped at the stopping part 450 is guided from the first ball entering area 412a toward the second ball entering area 412b while changing the traveling direction by the passage forming part i1 of the stopping passage 451. Therefore, by changing the traveling direction of the game ball in the stationary portion 450, compared to the case where the game ball is guided from the first ball entering area 412a toward the second ball entering area 412b without changing the traveling direction, It is possible to set a longer dwell time of the game ball.

In addition, the passage forming portion i1 of the stop passage 451 includes a backward guide portion 451a that guides the game ball from the front side of the board surface of the game board 30 to the back side, and a game ball that guides the game ball on the back side of the board surface of the game board 30. Since it is formed by a combination of the back side guide portion 451b and the front side guide portion 451c that guides the game ball from the back side to the front side of the board surface of the game board 30, the back side guide portion 451a and the back side guide portion 451b are formed. The dwell time of the game ball can be freely designed depending on how it is combined with the forward guide portion 451c.

In addition, the first big winning opening switch 223a for detecting the entry of the game ball into the first ball entry area 412a is arranged directly below the first ball entry area 412a, and the game ball into the second ball entry area 412b. The first big winning slot switch 223b for detecting the entry of a ball is arranged directly below the second entry area 412b. Therefore, even if the stationary state is canceled and the ball enters the first ball entering area 412a and the ball entering the second ball entering area 412b simultaneously and continuously, It is possible to realize reduction of ball clogging and reduction of detection time.

In addition, the game area 30a has a left narrow area 30a1 narrower than the width of the third pattern display device 42 and a right narrow area 30a2. , and the right narrow area 30 a 2 is formed on the right side of the third pattern display device 42 . The first variable prize winning device 32a is disposed either in the left narrow area 30a1 or below the left narrow area 30a1, or in either the right narrow area 30a2 or below the right narrow area 30a2. . Therefore, as many game balls as possible which have been shot toward the first variable winning device 32a can enter the big winning hole 32A of the first variable winning device 32a. In other words, when the first variable winning device 32a is arranged in the center of the game area 30a, the game balls flowing down the game area collide with game members such as nails and windmills arranged in the game area. As a result, the direction of flow is changed, and the ball often deviates from the big winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a. On the other hand, when the first variable winning device 32a is arranged in the left narrow area 30a1 or the right narrow area 30a2 of the game area, the game balls flowing down the game area are affected by the above-mentioned game members. Even if the ball is received, the flowing direction changes only within the width of the left narrow area 30a1 or the right narrow area 30a2, so it is easy for the ball to enter the big winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a. This is the same when the first variable winning device 32a is arranged below the left narrow area 30a1 or below the right narrow area 30a2. Therefore, it is possible to suitably shorten the time required for the whole jackpot state period in which the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state.

In addition, since the upper part of the stopping part 450 is covered with the cover part 404, it is possible to prevent the game balls flowing down the game area from colliding with the game balls stopped at the stopping part 450.例文帳に追加

Further, the opening/closing door 410 is a retractable member that can move back and forth. When the advancing/retracting member retreats to the inner side of the board surface of the game board 30, the large winning opening 32A is opened, and when the advancing/retreating member advances to the front side of the game board 30, the large winning opening 32A is closed. A game ball that has passed over the advancing/retreating member in the closed state is stopped at the stopping portion 450 . Therefore, compared to the configuration in which the large winning opening 32A is opened or closed by the rotation of the open/close door 410, the vertical width in the first variable winning device 32a necessary for opening and closing is reduced. can do. As a result, the miniaturization of the first variable winning device 32a having the function of stopping the game ball can be realized.

Next, the pachinko machine 10 of Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 31 is a front view of the game board 30 of the pachinko machine 10 according to the second embodiment. 32A and 32B are perspective views of the third variable prize winning device 32c according to the second embodiment, in which FIG. Shows the state excluding FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing normal electric accessory opening/closing processing according to the second embodiment.

Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In Example 2, a third variable prize winning device 32c configured in the same manner as the first variable prize winning device 32a of Example 1 is arranged below the right narrow region 30a2 as in Example 1. However, the third variable prize winning device 32c has a third starting port 33c instead of the big prize winning port 32A. Further, in the first embodiment, the second symbol display device 41 variably displays the second symbol as a normal symbol triggered by the winning of the second starting port 34, but in the second embodiment, the second symbol is displayed. The device 41 variably displays the second pattern as a special pattern using the winning to the third starting port 33c as a trigger, and the third pattern display device 42 also triggers winning to the third starting port 33c as a decorative pattern. The third pattern of is variably displayed. In addition, in the second embodiment, a normal design display device 43 having display portions 43a and 43b for variably displaying the normal design using detection of passing through the second starting port 34b as a trigger is provided as one of the variable display device units 35. ing. Further, the display screen of the third symbol display device 42 displays a pending display portion 43c indicating the number of pending variable displays (up to 4 times) on the display portions 43a and 43b. When the result of the variation display of the normal symbols is a hit, the third start port 33c is displaced from the closed state to the open state by the third start port solenoid 433 as will be described later, and the result of the variation display of the normal symbols is In the case of disconnection, the third starting port 33c maintains the closed state. The second starting port 34a provided in the first embodiment is not provided in the game board 30 of the second embodiment. Further, in the first embodiment, the first starting ports 33a and 33b are provided below the third pattern display device 42, but in the second embodiment, the first starting port 33, which does not have an operating member such as a blade, is provided. is provided. Triggered by the winning of the first starting port 33, the first symbol as a special symbol is variably displayed on the first symbol display device 40, and the third symbol as a decorative symbol is variably displayed on the third symbol display device 42. be done.

Further, in Example 2, the fourth variable prize winning device 32d has a big prize winning port 32D and is arranged below the first starting port 33. As shown in FIG. In addition, the fourth variable winning device 32d opens and closes the door member provided in the big winning opening 32D in any of the normal jackpot state, probability variable jackpot state, and short-time jackpot state. When the result of the variable display of the above-described first and third symbols is winning to the big winning state, the door member provided in the big winning opening 32D shifts to the open state and the closed state to shift to the big winning state. . A fifth variable prize winning device 32e having a big prize winning port 32E is provided downstream of the third starting port 33c. When the result of the variable display of the above-described second and third symbols is winning to the big winning state, the door member provided in the big winning opening 32E shifts to the open state and the closed state to shift to the big winning state. . The fifth variable prize winning device 32e may adopt the same jackpot state as the fourth variable prize winning device 32d, adopt a different jackpot state, or adopt the same jackpot state but give a different game value to the player. You can Contents common to the first embodiment in other configurations are given the same reference numerals as the first embodiment, and the corresponding descriptions of the first embodiment are to be referred to.

The positional relationship of the entering ball components within the game area 30a will be described. In the game area 30a, a second starting port 34b (through gate) is provided in the right narrow area 30a2. A third variable winning device 32c having a third starting port 33c is provided below the exit of the right narrow area 30a2. A fifth variable winning device 32e is provided at the lower left of the exit of the third variable winning device 32c, and a fourth variable winning device 32d is provided at the lower left of the fifth variable winning device 32e and below the first starting port 33. It is
The arrangement position of the third variable winning device 32c is the same as that of the first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment. Further, below the first starting port 33, a fourth variable prize winning device 32d having a big prize winning port 32D is arranged.

Next, the configuration of the third variable winning device 32c will be described.

The third variable winning device 32c includes a third starting switch 461a for detecting the entry of a ball into the first ball entering area 412a forming the third starting hole 33c, and a second entering switch 461a forming the third starting hole 33c. and a third starting switch 461b for detecting the entry of a ball into the ball area 412b. Further, the point that the third variable winning device 32c has an opening/closing door 410 for opening/closing the third starting port 33c and a solenoid for applying power for operating the opening/closing door 410 is the same as the first embodiment. .

The third variable winning device 32c, when the result of the jackpot lottery that is triggered by the entry of the ball into the first start ports 33a and 33b is the winning of the time-saving jackpot, 8 in the fourth variable winning device 32d In the time-saving state performed after the end of one round game, the third starting port 33c can be opened and closed a predetermined number of times.

As this time-saving state, a state in which game balls are likely to enter the third variable winning device 32c is adopted. Specifically, when it becomes a time saving state, the fluctuation display time of the second pattern (normal pattern) performed by the second pattern display device 41 triggered by the ball entering the second starting port 34b of the right narrow region 30a2 is short and the variation display of the second symbol (normal symbol) is a hit, the third starting port 33c is open longer than in the normal state. Specifically, in the normal state, the third starting port 33c is opened once every 0.1 seconds, for example, by opening the opening/closing door 410 when the variable display of the second symbol is a win. In the time-saving state, when the variable display of the second pattern is a win, the door is opened for 3 seconds by the opening operation of the door 410 and then closed for 1 second by the closing operation of the door 410, which is repeated three times. Thus, in the normal state, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the third starting port 33c, so the game ball is shot aiming at the first starting ports 33a and 33b, but in the time saving state, the third starting. It becomes easier for the game ball to enter the opening 33c, and when the game ball enters the third starting opening 33c, the variable display of the first and third patterns is suspended, so that the first and third patterns are successively displayed. will be displayed. In the time saving state of the second embodiment, the time saving state is continued from the occurrence of the time saving jackpot until the variable display of the first pattern and the third pattern is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). We are hiring.

Therefore, in the time-saving state, the player shoots the game ball to the right narrow area 30a2 so that the game ball hit into the game area 30a moves toward the third variable winning device 32c. Also, as a result of the variable display of the second pattern and the third pattern in the time saving state, even if a big hit state occurs, the game ball hit into the game area 30a is directed to the fifth variable winning device 52e. hits right. In the normal game state or the jackpot state that does not generate the time-saving state, the player has a narrow left width so that the game ball driven into the game area 30a goes to the first start port 33 or the fourth variable winning device 32d. Hitting to the left is performed by shooting a game ball aiming at the area 30a1. If the result of the jackpot lottery triggered by the entry of the ball into the first start ports 33a and 33b is the winning of the normal jackpot state or the probability variable jackpot state, the fourth variable winning device 32d 16 round games are played.

Further, the third variable prize winning device 32c includes a stationary portion 452 constituted by a stationary passage 453 having a shorter overall length than the stationary passage 451 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the stopping passage 453 is a backward guiding portion 452e, and the game ball guided by the backward guiding portion 452e is moved downstream of the board surface of the game board 30 in parallel with the board surface. and a front guide portion 452g that guides the game ball guided by the back side guide portion 452f from the back side of the board surface of the game board 30 to the front side. . In other words, the stationary passage 453 of the first embodiment is composed of two U-shaped passages, but the stationary passage 452 is composed of one U-shaped passage. In this embodiment, when the game ball is passed through the stationary passage 453 with the third variable winning device 32c placed horizontally, the dwell time is 2 seconds. is also determined in a short time of 1 second.

Next, normal electric accessory opening/closing processing according to the second embodiment will be described.

In the ordinary electric accessory opening/closing process according to the second embodiment, when the lottery of the normal symbol that is triggered by the passage of the game ball to the second starting port 34b in the time saving state is a win, the third starting port 33c is opened and closed. The normal electric accessary product opening/closing process corresponds to the normal electric accessary product opening/closing process (step S207) in the normal process performed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, as described above with reference to FIG.

In step S1601, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not there is detection of a ball entering the second starting port 34b or whether or not the number of holds due to detection of passing through the second starting port 34b is 1 or more. . If there is detection of a ball entering the second starting port 34b or if the number of reservations is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S1602, and if less than 1, that is, 0, this process ends. If the number of reservations is 1 or more and the process proceeds to step S1602, the number of reservations is decremented by one.

In step S1602, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not the value of the second symbol jackpot random number counter C4 is winning. If winning, the process proceeds to step S1603, and if not winning, this process ends.

In step S1603, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the driving section 430 to open the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c, and starts measuring the opening time by the timer function. . For example, the open time is determined to be 3 seconds in the time saving state. The opening/closing door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c repeats the opening/closing operation three times in total by winning the lottery of the second symbol which is triggered by the detection of passage of one ball to the second starting port 34b. is configured as This step S1603 corresponds to one of them.

It should be noted that between step S1603 and step S1604, when there is a game ball entering the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c, the third starting port switch 461a, the third starting port switch 461b detects the entry of the game ball. Based on the detection of the ball entering the third starting port 33c, the variable display of the second symbol and the third symbol is started, or if the variable display of the second symbol and the third symbol is being performed, the ball is entered. minutes are reserved.

In step S1604, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects whether or not a predetermined number (for example, 3 balls) of game balls have won the third starting port 33c of the third variable prize winning device 32c. It is determined whether or not the maximum opening time (for example, 3 seconds) of the starting port 33c has elapsed. If there is a winning of a predetermined number of game balls in the third starting port 33c, or if the maximum opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1605, and the winning of a predetermined number of gaming balls in the third starting port 33c has not yet occurred. If not, or if the predetermined maximum opening time has not passed, this step S1604 is repeated until the maximum opening time passes.

In step S1605, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the driving section 430 so as to close the third starting port 33c of the third variable prize winning device 32c, stops the timer function, and steps S1606. proceed to

In step S1606, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 continues the closed state of the third starting port 33c for a predetermined time (1 second in this embodiment) when the open/close door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c is closed. The drive unit 430 is controlled as follows.

In step S1607, it is determined whether or not the opening/closing door 410 of the third variable prize winning device 32c has completed the third opening operation. If the third opening operation has been completed, this processing is terminated. If the third opening operation has not been completed, the process returns to step S1604, and the processing from step S1604 to step S1607 is repeated until the third rotation is completed.

By providing the stopping portion 452 in the third variable prize winning device 32c in this manner, and by configuring it so that the game ball that has flowed in can be entered at a different location of the third starting port 33c, the open/close door 410 is in an open state. The number of game balls entering the third starting port 33c can be increased in a predetermined time (three seconds). This point will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 is a timing chart showing opening/closing timing of the opening/closing door 410 and detection timing of game balls.

In this explanation, as in the first embodiment, the time from when the game ball flowing down the game area 30a flows into the ball inflow portion 406 of the third variable winning device 32c to when it is detected by the third start port switch 461a is 1 second. Also, as in the first embodiment, game balls enter the ball inlet portion 406 of the third variable winning device 32c at intervals of one second immediately after the opening/closing door 410 is opened.

In the first opening, the entry of three balls is detected only by the third starting switch 461a. As in the first embodiment, there is no game ball stopped in the stopping part 452 until the time-saving jackpot state occurs. This is because there is no game ball to play. Immediately after the third starting port switch 461a detects the third ball entering, the third starting port 33c is closed, and the first opening is completed. The opening time for the first opening is approximately 3 seconds.

After the first opening is completed, immediately after the third starting port 33c is closed, the stopping of the game ball to the stopping portion 452 is started, and the closing time of the third starting port 33c (this implementation In this example, it is assumed that two game balls are continuously parked in the park portion 452 during one second. After the closing time of the third starting port 33c has passed, the third starting port 33c is opened again, and the second opening is started.

In the second opening, immediately after the third starting port 33c is opened, two game balls that have flowed into the ball inlet section 406 flow into the first ball entry area 412a. The third starting port switch 461a detects two game balls entering the first ball entering area 412a. One game ball parked in the parking portion 452 enters the second ball entering area 412b approximately one second after the second opening. That is, the game ball enters the third starting port 33c in the order of the first ball entry area 412a, the second ball entry area 412b, and the first ball entry area 412a. Immediately after the third starting port switch 461a detects the second ball (that is, the third ball in total) that entered the first ball area 412a, the third starting port 33c is closed, and the second time release ends. The opening time for the second opening is approximately 2 seconds. It should be noted that, before the third starting port 33c is closed, the second game ball that has been parked in the parking portion 452 may enter the second ball entry area 412b. In such a case, in the second opening, a total of four game balls, which is more than the number of balls (three balls) in the first opening, may enter.

After the second release is completed, two game balls are continuously parked. In the third opening, as in the second opening, immediately after the start of entry into the second ball entry area 412b, two gaming balls that have flowed into the ball entry section 406 enter the first ball entry area 412a. do. The third starting port switch 461a detects two game balls entering the first ball entering area 412a. One game ball parked in the parking portion 452 enters the second ball entering area 412b approximately one second after the third opening. Immediately after the third starting port switch 461a detects the second ball (that is, the third ball in total) that entered the first ball area 412a, the third starting port 33c is closed, and the third time release ends. The opening time for the third opening is also approximately 3 seconds. After that, if there is a game ball stopped in the stopping part 452 until the time saving state of cutting the number of times ends, the result of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol triggered by the detection of the passage of the game ball to the second start port 34b Each time a win is made, the opening of the third starting port 33c can be completed a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) in an opening time shorter than that of the first opening that did not stop. Thereby, the time required for the entire time saving state can be shortened. For example, if it is a time-saving state of cutting the number of times, it is possible to shorten the time it takes to complete a predetermined number of times, such as 100 times. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a fast-paced game in a time-saving state.

On the other hand, in the conventional starting ball entry device, when the result of the variable display of normal symbols is a hit, the opening time (approximately 3 seconds) similar to the above-mentioned first opening is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times). )Continue. That is, a game ball enters a starting hole having only one ball entry area, and the game ball entering the starting hole is detected by one starting hole switch. Therefore, it is not possible to shorten the opening time for the second and subsequent openings. Therefore, the time required for the entire time-saving state tends to be longer than in the present embodiment.

The above-described third variable winning device 32c corresponds to the variable ball-entering device in the present invention, and the above-described third starting port 33c corresponds to the ball-entering portion in the present invention. Further, the time-saving state described above corresponds to the specific game state in the present invention, and the hit of the variable display result of the normal symbols described above corresponds to the first condition of the present invention. Further, the maximum opening time of 3 seconds of the above-described third starting port 33c corresponds to the first predetermined time of the present invention, and the predetermined number of times of the present invention when three balls enter the above-described third starting port 33c. Equivalent to entering the ball. In addition, the 1-second closing time of the third starting port 33 described above corresponds to the second predetermined time of the present invention, and 100 times of the above-described time-saving state of cutting the number of times corresponds to the predetermined number of times of the present invention. Moreover, the above-described retaining portion 452 corresponds to the retaining portion in the present invention. Note that the first predetermined time, the predetermined number of hits, the second predetermined time, and the predetermined number of times of the present invention are determined according to the game content and the game value, and therefore are not limited to the above-described contents.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment, the third starting hole 33c into which a game ball can enter, the open state in which a game ball can easily enter the third starting hole 33c, and the A third variable prize winning device 32c having an open/close door 410 that opens and closes in a closed state in which a game ball is less likely to enter the third starting port 33c than in an open state, and a first pattern and a third pattern from the occurrence of a time-saving jackpot. is performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 100 times), and in response to the ball entering the second starting port 34b, the open/close door 410 is opened for a first predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). Then, based on the elapse of the first predetermined time or the number of hit balls (for example, three balls), the opening and closing door 410 is closed, and the second predetermined time set shorter than the first predetermined time (in this embodiment, After one second) has passed, the time-saving game in which the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state (opening/closing operation three times in this embodiment) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). The third variable winning device 32c is a period in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, and the game ball that contacts the opening/closing door 410 in the closed state until the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state. It is provided with a stopping portion 452 which is configured such that the game ball being stopped is discharged toward the third starting port 33c when the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state.

As a result, in the time-saving state period in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that has come into contact with the opening/closing door 410 in the closed state stays in the stationary portion until the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state. Stopped at 452. The parked game ball is discharged toward the third starting port 33c when the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state. Therefore, even a game ball that reaches the variable winning device at the timing when the winning guide door is closed, which cannot be entered into the starting hole in the conventional game machine, enters the third starting hole. can be made Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the entire time-saving state in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. For example, if it is a time-saving state of cutting the number of times, it is possible to shorten the time it takes to complete a predetermined number of times, such as 100 times. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a fast-paced game in a time-saving state.

In addition, since the time required for the entire period of the time-saving state is shortened, the player may be able to obtain more opportunities for normal pattern lottery than conventional gaming machines even if the time is the same. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

In addition, as a method of trying to shorten the time required for the entire period of the time-saving state, a method of shortening or eliminating the closed state time (interval time) provided between the open states in the time-saving state can be considered. In such a method, a game ball that has entered a variable winning device having a starting port during the previous open state period remains as a remaining ball at the end of the open state period, and is used during the next open state period. Winning may be detected. Such a situation impairs the profit of the player, so it is difficult to shorten the interval time provided between the open state in the time saving state, and it is difficult to sufficiently shorten the time required for the entire period of the time saving state. Not possible. However, by providing the third variable ball entry device 32c according to the present embodiment, the game ball is stopped in the stopping portion 452 during the interval time, so it remains as a remaining ball in the third starting port 33c. Winning can be detected in the next open state period using the stationary ball. As a result, the remaining balls can be appropriately processed without providing an interval time, and the time required for the entire period of the time-saving state can be suitably shortened.

Further, the third starting port 33c has a first ball entry area 412a and a second ball entry area 412b provided at a position different from the first ball entry area 412a. The opening/closing door 410 changes the first ball-entering area 412a and the second ball-entering area 412b between an open state and a closed state. In the time-saving state period in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that touches the opening/closing door 410 to enter the first ball entry area 412a stays while the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state. Stop at section 452 . The parked game ball is ejected toward the second ball entry area 412b when the opening/closing door 410 is returned to the open state.

In this regard, in the conventional game machine, even if the game ball reaches the variable winning device such as the starting winning device during the period when the opening and closing operation member such as the blade is in the open state, all the game balls that have reached There were cases where the ball could not enter the starting port. That is, if the game balls reach the variable winning device continuously during the period in which the winning guide door is open, it takes time for all the game balls that have reached the variable winning device to enter the starting port. Some of the game balls reaching the variable winning device may overflow outside the variable winning device.

On the other hand, by configuring like the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment, the opening and closing door 410 of the third variable prize winning device 32c is opened by continuously passing game balls through the second starting port 34b. When the opening/closing operation is continuously performed, the game ball that reaches the third variable winning device 32c can enter the first ball entry area 412a while the opening/closing door 410 is in the first open state. However, since the game ball is not parked in the parking portion 452, the game ball does not enter the second ball entering area 412b. Next, while the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be parked in the parking portion 452 without entering either the first ball entering area 412a or the second ball entering area 412b. Next, while the open/close door 410 is in the second open state, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area 412a, and if the game ball is parked in the parking portion 452, it is parked. The game ball can enter the second ball entering area 412b. Next, while the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be parked in the parking portion 452 without entering either the first ball entering area 412a or the second ball entering area 412b. Next, while the door 410 is open for the third time, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area 412a again. The parked game ball can enter the second ball entering area 412b. After that, the opening/closing door 410 is opened and closed until the passage to the second starting port 34b is detected, and the variation display of the first and third symbols reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) from the occurrence of the time-saving jackpot. Operate.

In this way, except for the first opening, the game ball that reaches the third variable winning device 32c can be moved from the first ball entering area 412a to the second ball entering area 412b while the open/close door 410 is in the open state. It is possible to enter the ball from Therefore, even if the game ball reaches the third variable winning device 32c continuously in the period of the time saving state in which the opening and closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game that reaches the third variable winning device 32c Since the ball can be entered from both the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b, the game ball reaching the third variable winning device 32c is quickly entered into the third starting port 33c. be able to. As a result, it is possible to reduce the loss of time caused by the game balls reaching the third variable winning device 32c overflowing out of the third variable winning device 32c. The time taken for the entire period of the time-saving state that changes to can be shortened.

In addition, there is a ball entry area into which a game ball flowing down the game area trying to enter the third starting port 33c is to enter, and a ball entry area into which a game ball stopped at the stopping portion 452 is to enter. are provided at different positions (first ball entry area 412a and second ball entry area 412b) in the same third starting port 33c, so that the game ball that has flowed down the game area and stopped at the stopping portion 452 It is possible to reduce the possibility that some of the game balls cannot enter the third starting port 33c due to collision with the game balls that have been hit. As a result, the loss of time caused by the game balls colliding with each other during the open time of the third variable prize winning device 32c and being unable to enter the ball is reduced, so that the open/close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. You can shorten the time it takes for the entire period of the time-saving state to do.

In addition, the third starting switch 461a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the first ball entry area 412a is arranged directly below the first ball entry area 412a, and is used to detect the entry of a game ball into the second ball entry area 412b. A third starting switch 461b for detecting an incoming ball is arranged directly below the second ball entering area 412b. Therefore, even if the stationary state is canceled and the ball enters the first ball entering area 412a and the ball entering the second ball entering area 412b occurs continuously at the same time, the third starting port 33c It is possible to realize reduction of ball clogging inside and reduction of detection time.

The second starting port 34b is arranged in the right narrow area 30a2, and the third variable winning device 32c is arranged below the right narrow area 30a2. Therefore, as many game balls as possible which are shot toward the third variable winning device 32c can enter the second starting port 34b and the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c. In other words, when the third variable winning device 32c is arranged in the center of the game area, the game ball flowing down the game area 30a collides with game members such as nails and windmills arranged in the game area 30a. By doing so, the flow direction is changed, and the ball enters an entrance such as another general winning opening, and often comes off the starting opening of the variable winning device. On the other hand, when the third variable winning device 32c is arranged below the right narrow area 30a2 of the game area, the game balls flowing down the game area 30a are affected by the above game members. Since the flow direction changes only within the width of the right narrow area 30a2, it is easy for the ball to enter the third starting hole 33c of the third variable winning device 32c. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the entire time-saving state in which the opening/closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified as follows.

[1] The big winning opening 32A of Example 1 and the third starting opening 33c of Example 2 were divided into two ball-entering areas, a first ball-entering area 412a and a second ball-entering area 412b. , may be one ball entry area. A game ball entering this one ball entering area is guided and detected in two separate directions inside. The description regarding this modification is also applicable to the configuration (1) above, for example.

[2] Although the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b in Examples 1 and 2 are arranged side by side, they may be arranged vertically. In this case, the retaining portions 450 and 452 are positioned between the first ball-entering area 412a and the second ball-entering area 412b which are arranged in a vertically divided manner. The description regarding this modification is also applicable to the configurations (2) and (3) above, for example.

[3] The first ball entry area 412a in Examples 1 and 2 was arranged so that the height in the vertical direction of the game area 30a was higher than the second ball entry area 412b. The sphere region 412b may be arranged to be higher than the first sphere entry region 412a. Also, the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b may have the same height. The description regarding this modification is also applicable to, for example, the configuration (4) above.

[4] The first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment and the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment include the passage forming portion i1, but are stopped at the stopping portion 450 without the passage forming portion i1. A game ball may be guided from the first ball entry area 412a to the second ball entry area 412b while changing the traveling direction of the game ball. For example, as will be described later, it is a configuration in which stopping portions 450 and 452 are formed on the front side of the board surface of the game board 30 . The description regarding this modification is also applicable to, for example, the configuration (5) above.

[5] The shape of the stationary passages 451 and 453 is not limited to those described in the first and second embodiments, and for example, a shape that alternately enters and exits the front side and the back side of the board surface of the game board 30. Other passages may be used. The description regarding this modification is also applicable to the configuration (6) above, for example.

[6] The first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment and the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment change the traveling direction of the game balls stopped at the stopping portions 450 and 452 while changing the first ball entering area. The game ball is guided from 412a toward the second ball entering area 412b. It doesn't matter if there is. For example, it is a configuration in which the game ball is stopped only on the front side of the board surface of the game board 30 . In the case of such a configuration, it is desirable that the stopping portions 450 and 452 include a deceleration portion that reduces the speed of the game ball guided from the first ball entering area 412a to the second ball entering area 412b. For example, the deceleration part may be an uneven surface or a friction surface. The description regarding this modification can also be applied to the configuration (7) above, for example.

[7] The first big winning opening switch 223a and the first big winning opening switch 223b of the first embodiment, and the third starting opening switch 461a and the third starting opening switch 451b of the second embodiment are the first ball entry area 412a and the first big winning opening switch 223b. Although it is provided directly below the second ball entry area 412b, it may be provided in the back side of this, for example, in the first rear guide passage portion 423a or the second rear guide passage portion 423b. The description regarding this modification can also be applied to the configuration (8) above, for example.

[8] The first variable winning device 32a in the first embodiment is arranged below the right narrow region 30a2, and the second variable winning device 32b is arranged in the right narrow region 30a2. The winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b may be arranged in other areas of the game area 30a. For example, the first variable winning device 32a may be arranged in the right narrow area 30a2, or may be arranged in or below the left narrow area 30a1, or below the third symbol display device 42. It does not matter if it is arranged at a closer position. The same applies to the third variable winning device 32c and the fourth variable winning device 32d of the second embodiment. The description regarding this modification is also applicable to the configuration of (9) above, for example.

[9] The upper portions of the retaining portions 450 and 452 of Embodiments 1 and 2 are covered with the covering portion 404, but the upper portion of the retaining portion 450 may not be covered with the covering portion 404. . The description regarding this modification is also applicable to the configuration (10) above, for example.

[10] After the closing time of the open/close door 410 in Examples 1 and 2 has elapsed, the game ball that has passed through the stopping portions 450 and 452 is configured to enter the second ball entry area 412b. The game ball may be forcibly ejected from the stopping portion 450 after the opening/closing door 410 is closed for a period of time so that the game ball enters the second ball entering area 412b. Hereinafter, the stationary portion 450 configured to forcibly discharge the game ball from the stationary portion 450 is particularly referred to as a stationary portion 450A. The description regarding this modification is also applicable to the configuration (11) above, for example.

An example of a configuration for forcibly ejecting stationary game balls will be described with reference to FIG. 35A and 35B are perspective views of the first variable winning device 32a according to the modified example, FIG. 35A shows the stop state of the stop portion 450A, and FIG. 35B shows the stop release state of the stop portion 450A. . In FIG. 35(b), the stationary portion 450A in the stationary state is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and the stationary portion 450A in the stationary canceled state is indicated by a broken line and a solid line.

The stationary part 450A operates in a stationary state in which the game ball can be stationary, and a stationary release state in which the stationary state is released and the stationary game ball is discharged toward the second ball entry area 412b. The stop portion 450A is operated to the stop state when the open/close door 410 is operated to the closed state, and is operated to the stop canceled state when the open/close door 410 is operated to the open state. Therefore, when the open/close door 410 is operated to the open state, the stationary game balls are forcibly discharged. As a result, it is possible to quickly switch between the stationary state and the next open state.

Specifically, the retaining portion 450A is configured to be separable from the back side member 420 . In addition, the stopping portion 450A is configured to move back and forth in accordance with the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door 410. As shown in FIG. The forward/backward motion of the stopping portion 450A is realized by, for example, a configuration performed in conjunction with the opening/closing motion of the opening/closing door 410 by the big winning opening solenoid 432 . Specifically, a member such as the rotating main body portion 444 shown in FIG. In addition to the big winning opening solenoid 432, a solenoid for advancing and retreating the passage forming portion i1 may be provided. When the opening/closing door 410 is in the closed state and the game ball is stopped in the stopping portion 450A, the opening/closing door 410 is opened and the stopping portion 450A is in the stopped state. A game ball falls on the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403 (the surface positioned between the first ball-entering area 412a and the second ball-entering area 412b of the upper surface of the frame-shaped member 403). Such action is realized by forming an insertion hole (not shown) for inserting the stop portion 450A in the back wall portion i2 of the passage forming portion i1 of the back side member 420. FIG. That is, when the opening/closing door 410 retreats and the stopping portion 450A is switched to the stopping state, the game ball stopped at the stopping portion 450A is pushed out to the inner wall portion i2 and falls onto the upper surface 403a of the frame member 403. is configured to The game ball dropped onto the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403 is guided to the second ball entry area 412b by utilizing the inclination of the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403. Accordingly, the same effects as those of the first variable winning device 32a according to the first embodiment can be obtained. This configuration can also be applied to the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment.

[11] Although the opening/closing door 410 and the stopping portion 450 are separately provided in the first variable winning device 32a, the opening/closing door 410 and the stopping portion 450 may be configured as one member. Hereinafter, the opening/closing door 410 integrally formed with the retaining portion 450 will be particularly referred to as an opening/closing door 411 . Also, a portion of the opening/closing door 411 corresponding to the retaining portion 450 is particularly referred to as a retaining portion 454 . An example in which the opening/closing door 410 and the retaining portion 450 are configured as one member will be described with reference to FIG. 36 . 36A and 36B are perspective views of the first variable prize winning device 32a according to another modification, FIG. 36A shows the stop state of the stop portion 454, and FIG. indicate. In FIG. 36(b), the opening/closing door 411 having the stopping portion 454 in the stopped state is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and the opening/closing door 411 having the stopping portion 452 in the stopped state is indicated by a broken line and a solid line. The description regarding this modification is also applicable to the configuration (12) above, for example.

Specifically, the opening/closing door 411 functions as a stopping portion 454 except for the upper portion of the first ball-entering area 412a and the upper portion of the second ball-entering area 412b. When the opening/closing door 411 is moved forward and closed, the stopping portion 454 is in the stopping state. When the opening/closing door 411 is retracted and operated to open, the stop portion 454 is in the stop release state. Also in this modification, an insertion hole (not shown) for inserting the stop portion 454 is formed in the back wall portion i2 of the passage forming portion i1 of the back side member 420 . When the opening/closing door 411 is advanced or retracted, the stop portion 454 passes through the insertion hole and is switched between the stop state and the stop release state. When the parking portion 454 is switched to the parking release state, the game ball stopped in the parking portion 454 is pushed out to the inner wall portion i2, falls on the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403, and is guided to the second ball entry area 412b. be done. Accordingly, the same effects as those of the first variable winning device 32a according to the first embodiment can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to switch between the stop state and the stop release state of the game ball simply by moving the open/close door 411 back and forth. Moreover, the number of parts and the size reduction of the first variable winning device 32a having the function of stopping the game balls can be reduced by the amount that the member for stopping the game balls need not be provided as a separate member from the opening/closing door. can. This configuration can also be applied to the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment.

[12] The opening/closing door 410 of the first and second embodiments is a retractable member that can move back and forth, but it may be a rotating door that rotates between the open state and the closed state. The description regarding this modification can also be applied to the configuration (13) above, for example.

[13] The game board 30 of the first embodiment is provided with two of the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b, but the configuration may be such that only the first variable winning device 32a is provided. . In this case, the first variable winning device 32a performs a predetermined round of games in a special game state such as a normal jackpot state, a probability variable jackpot state, or a time-saving jackpot state. It should be noted that this time-saving jackpot state corresponds to the specific game state in the present invention.

[14] In the second embodiment, the first starting port 33 is provided as a starting port that triggers the variable display of the first symbol and the third symbol. A configuration in which only the starting port 33c is provided may be employed. In this configuration, for example, in a normal state, when there is detection of passing through the second starting port 34a or 34b, a lottery with the second symbol is performed, and when the lottery is won, the third starting port 33c is 1 times (for example, 1 second), and when a ball is detected while the third starting port 33c is open, the first and third symbols are changed if the first and third symbols are not being displayed. When the display is started and the first and third symbols are suspended, the detection of the entered ball is suspended without starting the variable display of the first and third symbols. In a time-saving state, the 3rd starting mouth 33c opens for 3 seconds, for example, and repeats the process closed for 1 second 3 times. By making the distance between the second starting port 33b and the third starting port 33c wider than in the second embodiment, the timing from the detection of passage of the second starting port 33b to the opening of the third starting port 33c may be matched appropriately.

[15] In the first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment, the first large winning opening switch 223a and the first large winning opening switch 223b are provided, but the configuration uses a common large winning opening switch. I don't mind. Further, in the third variable prize winning device 32c of the second embodiment, the third starter switch 461a and the third starter switch 461b are provided, but a common starter switch may be used. . As such a configuration, for example, in the first embodiment, the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b are merged on the downstream side to form one passage, and one passage is provided at a predetermined location of the passage. A configuration in which two big winning opening switches are provided is conceivable. In the second embodiment, similarly, a configuration in which one starting port switch is provided at a predetermined position of one passage merged on the downstream side is conceivable.

[16] The present invention may be applied to various types of gaming machines (for example, type 1, type 3, etc.), or may be applied to pachinko machines of a different type from the above embodiments. For example, once the jackpot hits, the expected value of the jackpot is increased until the jackpot state occurs multiple times (for example, 2 times, 3 times) including the pachinko machine (commonly known as 2 times rights product, 3 times rights product) It may be implemented as Further, after the big winning symbols are displayed, the pachinko machine may be implemented as a special game state on the condition that a ball is won in a predetermined area as a necessary condition. Also, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special game state when a ball enters a predetermined winning hole. Furthermore, in addition to the pachinko machine, various game machines using game balls such as arranged ball type pachinko and majong ball may be implemented.

[17] The inventions described in the modes for carrying out the invention, each of the first and second embodiments, and the modified embodiments described above are appropriately modified, replaced, deleted, or combined unless they are contradictory. It is also possible to

As described above, the present invention is suitable for game machines such as pachinko machines.

30 ... Game board 30a ... Game area 30al ... Left narrow area 30ar ... Right narrow area 32A ... Large winning opening (entering ball part)
32a ... First variable winning device (variable ball winning device)
32b ... second variable winning device 32c ... third variable winning device (variable ball winning device)
32d ... 4th variable winning device 33c ... 3rd starting port (entrance part)
34b ... second starting port 42 ... third pattern display device (image display device)
223a ... 1st big winning slot switch (first ball detection unit)
223b … 1st big winning slot switch (second incoming ball detection unit)
410 ... Opening/closing door (opening/closing member)
412a ... first ball entry area 412b ... second ball entry area 450 ... stopping section 451 ... stopping passage (downward guide section)
404 ... cover part i1 ... passage formation part

Claims (1)

a game board having a game area in which game balls can flow down;
a ball entry section into which a game ball can enter;
Variable ball entry means having one opening/closing operation member operating between an open state in which a game ball easily enters the ball entry portion and a closed state in which a game ball is less likely to enter the ball entry portion than in the open state. When,
In response to the establishment of a first condition that brings about a specific game state advantageous to the player, the first opening/closing operation member is opened, and based on at least one of the elapse of the first predetermined period of time and the number of hits of a predetermined number of balls, A game in which the first opening/closing member is closed, and after a second predetermined period set to a period different from the first predetermined period has passed, the game operation of returning the first opening/closing member to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times. machine and
The variable ball entry means
During the period of the specific game state, the game ball in contact with the one opening/closing member in the closed state flows down on the one opening/closing member for at least the second predetermined period, thereby performing the one opening/closing operation. When the member is returned to the open state, the game ball is configured to be discharged toward the ball entry portion,
The time it takes for the player to perform a specific operation in the specific game state to return to the closed state based on the predetermined number of balls in the first game action in the specific game state, and the specific game state. By performing an operation, it is possible to change the time taken to return to the closed state based on the predetermined number of hits in the predetermined game operation after the second time in the specific game state,
Downstream of the variable ball entry means, there is provided an opening that is always open to allow the game ball that has flowed down on the one opening/closing member in the closed state to enter, and at least Equipped with ball entry means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls to a player
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images