JP7272622B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

In a game machine, for example, in Patent Document 1, a large winning device having a large winning opening is provided in the lower right part of the center decoration, and the large winning device has an opening and closing member that can be in an open state and a closed state. , the opening and closing member opens and closes the big prize opening. It is disclosed that the opening/closing member is driven by a large winning opening solenoid, and that a game ball can enter the large winning opening only when the opening/closing member is open.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-510

By the way, in a winning opening where a game ball enters, such as a big winning opening or a starting opening provided with an ordinary electric accessory, a game ball can be easily entered into the winning opening by sliding in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine. A gaming machine is conceivable that has a displacement member that can be displaced between a state in which the game ball is difficult to enter the winning hole. In addition, in the winning opening provided with such a displacement member, there is a possibility that a problem relating to winning may occur, such as a game ball getting caught or a game ball staying.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to suppress the occurrence of troubles related to prize winning, and to make it easier to eliminate the troubles that have occurred.

The present invention, which achieves the above object, is implemented as a game machine as follows. This gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100) includes a game board (for example, game board 110) forming a game area, and a winning opening provided in the game board (for example, game board 110) for winning a game ball. (for example, the large winning opening 125); a first state in which a game ball is easily entered into the winning opening (for example, the large winning opening 125) by sliding in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine; and the winning opening. A displacement member (e.g., shutter 45) that can be displaced between a second state that makes it difficult to enter a game ball (e.g., big winning hole 125), and a displacement member (e.g., shutter 45) in the longitudinal direction Movement of a detection unit (for example, large winning opening switch 215) provided on the end side and detecting a game ball that has entered the winning opening (for example, large winning opening 125) and the displacement member (for example, shutter 45) A facing member (for example, the front plate 42) provided on the front side in the direction and facing the displacement member (for example, the shutter 45); For example, a decorative portion 421), and the displacement member (for example, the shutter 45) is provided so that the longitudinal direction is along the left-right direction of the game machine, and the width in the front-back direction increases as it progresses in the left-right direction. The facing member (for example, the front plate 42) has a transmission region (for example, the first transmission portion T12 and the second transmission portion T23), and the displacement member (for example, the shutter 45) and the displacement member ( For example, the game ball positioned on the shutter 45) is configured to be visible to the player through the transmissive region (eg, the first transmissive portion T12, the second transmissive portion T23), and the decorative portion (eg, , decoration part 421) is the displacement member (eg, shutter 45) and a game positioned on the displacement member (eg, shutter 45) when viewed from the vertical direction of the board surface of the game board (eg, game board 110). It has a decoration area (for example, a second decoration area S2) that covers the ball and makes it difficult to see, and in a state where the decoration area (for example, the second decoration area S2) covers a part of the game ball, the one The area of the part area is smaller than the area of the area where the game ball is not covered by the decorative area (for example, the second decorative area S2), and a plurality of the transparent areas (for example, the first transparent section T12, the second Transmissive portion T23) and at least one decorative region (for example, second decorative region S2) are arranged between each of the transparent regions (for example, first transparent portion T12 and second transparent portion T23). For example, the displacement member (for example, the shutter 45) is arranged along the flowing direction of the game ball so as to form the second decorative region S2), and the plurality of the transmission regions (for example, the first transmission portion T12, the second transmission part T23) is a game machine characterized by having a predetermined interval.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned reference numerals in this column are given for illustrative purposes when describing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by these reference numerals.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of troubles related to winning, and to make it easier to eliminate the troubles that have occurred.

1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment; FIG. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device provided at the lower left of the game board, and (B) is a partial plan view of the pachinko game machine. It is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation|movement of the basic process by a game control part. It is a flow chart showing the operation of the power-off processing by the game control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the main control processing of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a special winning opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of prize ball processing. It is an explanatory view of the board surface configuration of the game board of the present embodiment. It is a front view of the attacker unit of this embodiment. It is a side view of the attacker unit of this embodiment. It is a rear view of the attacker unit of this embodiment. It is a top view of the attacker unit of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the shape of the shutter of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the attacker unit of this embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a ball-engagement state of the shutter according to the embodiment; It is a figure which shows the shutter of a modification. It is a figure which shows the shutter of a modification. It is a figure which shows the attacker unit of a modification. It is an explanatory diagram of ball clogging in the game board. It is explanatory drawing of the decoration part of the front plate of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the decoration part of a modification. It is explanatory drawing about the relationship of the size in the front-back direction of the game area of this embodiment. It is a flow chart showing the contents of the abnormal winning determination process in the big winning opening of the present embodiment. It is a timing chart showing the relationship between the operation state of the shutter that opens and closes the big winning opening in the jackpot game, the output state of the test signal for making a predetermined test device recognize the operation state of the shutter, and the abnormal winning determination process. It is a front view of the attacker unit of a modification. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of penalty processing when the power is turned off;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of game machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment.

A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is configured to pay out prize balls when a game ball hit by a player's instruction operation wins. This pachinko game machine 100 comprises a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 surrounding the game board 110.例文帳に追加The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150 .

The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing a game with game balls, a rail member 112 forming a passage for the game balls shot from below to rise to an upper position of the game area 111, and a game board 110. A guide member 113 for guiding game balls is provided on the right side of the area 111 .
In this embodiment, an image display section 114 for displaying various images for presentation is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays, for example, decorative symbols for informing the player of the symbol lottery result (symbol fluctuation result) as the player progresses the game. An effect image due to the appearance of a character or an item, or an effect image using a hold display, which will be described later, is displayed.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110 . The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

The game area 111 is provided with a game nail 101 (not shown), a windmill, and the like for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Also, in the game area 111, various accessories related to prize winning and lottery are provided at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 for discharging out of the game area 111 those game balls that have hit the game area 111 but have not entered the winning opening.

In this embodiment, as various accessories related to winning and lottery, when a game ball wins, a special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery) starts 121 and 2nd start port 122, and when a game ball passes through, normal The game board 110 is provided with a starting gate (hereinafter referred to simply as a gate) 124 for starting a symbol lottery (opening/closing lottery). Although the gate 124 is provided on the right side of the game area 111 in FIG. 1, it is not excluded to be provided on the left side of the game area 111 . Further, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 referred to herein refer to a prize winning port that triggers the operation of one predetermined special symbol display device. Specifically, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are provided with switches (first start port switch 211 and second start port switch 212, which will be described later) that detect the passage of game balls at the time of winning. It is When the game ball enters the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the switch detects the passage of the game ball, which triggers the activation of the special symbol display.

The second starting port 122 is provided with an electric tulip 123 as a normal electric accessory, in which a pair of tulip-shaped blades are opened and closed by an electric solenoid and lighted. In the electric tulip 123, when the blades are closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blades are opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 expands and the game ball enters the second start port 122. Designed for easy access. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal pattern lottery, the wings open for a specified time (for example, 0.15 seconds to 1.8 seconds) and for a specified number of times (for example, 1 time to 3 times) while lighting or blinking.

A pachinko game machine 100 has, as game states, a low-probability state with a low winning probability and a high-probability state with a higher winning probability than the low-probability state, based on the winning probability of a jackpot lottery. Then, it is controlled to either a low-probability state or a high-probability state based on predetermined conditions such as the number of lotteries of a big win or a special symbol lottery.
In addition, the pachinko game machine 100 has two game states: an electric sapo state in which there are few chances of winning the second starting port 122, and an electric sapo state in which there are more chances to win a prize in the second starting port 122 than in the no electric sapo state. have. Then, for example, under a predetermined condition such as triggered by the number of lotteries of a big hit or a special symbol lottery, it is controlled to either the state of no power supply or the power supply state. The electric sapo state is, for example, shortening the normal symbol fluctuation time, extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123, or increasing the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery. It is a game state controlled by combinations.
In addition, the pachinko game machine 100 has, as game states, a time-saving no state with a long special symbol variation time and a time-saving state with a shorter special symbol variation time than the no time-saving state.
In addition, in this Embodiment, an electric support state and a time saving state shall be controlled simultaneously. Further, in the following description, the electric sapo state and time saving state are simply referred to as the time saving state, and the electric sapo no state and no time saving state are simply referred to as no time saving state.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as other accessories related to winning and lottery, there is a large winning opening 125 as a special electric accessory that is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and a lottery is performed even if the game ball wins. The game board 110 is provided with a normal winning opening 126 that does not have a normal winning prize. A shutter 45 for opening and closing the big winning opening 125 is provided in the big winning opening 125 . In the following description, the opening/closing state and opening/closing operation of the shutter 45 may be referred to as the opening/closing state and opening/closing operation of the big winning opening 125 for convenience.
In this embodiment, a display 130 is provided at the lower left position of the game board 110 to display the determination result and the number of pending games.

In addition, on the back side of the game board 110, there are a game control board for determining the winning of special symbols, etc., an effect control board for comprehensively controlling effects, an image control board for controlling effects by images and sounds, various lamps and Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the performance by the movable accessory 115 are attached. A switching power supply (not shown) is provided on the rear surface of the game board 110 to convert the supplied 24V AC power into DC power and output the DC power to various substrates.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 clockwise, the frame member 150 shoots game balls at predetermined time intervals (for example, 100 balls per minute) with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle. Equipped with a launcher (not shown) that fires electrically. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the shooting device one by one at a timing that is interlocked with the player's operation of the lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the shooting device. and a plate 153 for temporarily storing. To this plate 153, balls to be paid out by a payout unit are put out, for example.
In this embodiment, the plate 153 is formed integrally with the upper and lower plates. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launcher emits light under predetermined conditions is also conceivable.

The frame member 150 also includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the shooting of the game balls even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the shooting device, and a game ball accumulated in the tray 153. and an eject button 155 for dropping it into a box (not shown) and ejecting it.
The frame member 150 also includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for announcing the game state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various productions using music, voice, and sound effects. The frame lamp 157 is composed of a light-emitting body such as an LED, and performs various effects with light depending on the pattern of lighting and blinking and the difference in emission color. As for the frame lamp 157, a configuration example is conceivable that enables an effect of changing the light irradiation direction.
In addition, the frame member 150 includes a transparent plate (not shown) such as glass or transparent resin for separating the game board 110 from the player.

2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2(B) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
The indicator 130 of the pachinko game machine 100, as shown in FIG. A second special symbol display 222 that operates correspondingly and a normal symbol display 223 that operates corresponding to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display device 221, based on the winning of the first starting port 121, variably displays the special symbols and then stops the display to display the determination result. The second special symbol display device 222, based on the winning of the second starting port 122, variably displays the special symbols and then stops to display the determination result. Based on the game ball passing through the gate 124, the normal symbol display device 223 variably displays the normal symbol and then stops the display to display the determination result. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 221 and the second special symbol display device 222 are each composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the determination result of the special symbol lottery is displayed depending on the lighting mode. Similarly, the normal symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the determination result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode thereof.

In addition, the display device 130 is a first special symbol reservation display device 218 that operates in response to the suspension on the first special symbol display device 221, and a second special symbol display device 218 that operates in response to the suspension on the second special symbol display device 222. A 2 special design reservation display 219 and a normal design reservation display 220 which operates corresponding to the reservation by the normal design display 223 are provided. In this embodiment, the first special symbol reservation display device 218, the second special symbol reservation display device 219 and the normal symbol reservation display device 220 are each composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of reservations is determined by the lighting mode. Is displayed.

In the display device 130 of the present embodiment, the first special symbol display device 221 performs variable display of special symbols, for example, by synchronizing and blinking a plurality of (seven in the present embodiment) LEDs all at once. . In the first special symbol display device 221, the blinking cycle of the plurality of LEDs is constant without changing from when the variation in the special symbol is started until the variation is stopped.

And the 1st special design indicator 221 expresses the change stop of a special design by maintaining the state which made LED of a predetermined position light up for example among a plurality of LED for a definite period of time.
When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a loss, the first special symbol indicator 221, for example, lights only one LED at the end among the plurality of LEDs. On the other hand, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the first special symbol display device 221 lights the plurality of LEDs in a predetermined lighting pattern. In addition, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the first special symbol display 221 displays different lighting patterns according to the kind of symbol when a big win is won.
In addition, the second special symbol display 222 performs the same operation as the first special symbol display 221 based on the winning of the game ball in the second starting port 122 .

Here, the hold will be explained. When the game ball enters the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 during the variable display operation of the special symbols (while the variable display for one prize is being performed), the special symbols are changing. Secondly, it is not possible to start the variable display operation of the special symbols based on the subsequent prize winning. Therefore, subsequent winnings are stored up to a specified number (for example, 4), and the right to start the special symbols for the winning game ball is not retained until the variable display operation for the first winning game ball is completed. Reserved.
It should be noted that the same processing as that for the special symbols is performed for the normal symbols. The fact that such a reservation is made and the number of reservations (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol reservation display 218, the second special design reservation display 219 and the normal design reservation display 220.

Furthermore, the indicator 130 has a status indicator 224 that displays the status of the pachinko gaming machine 100 . In this embodiment, the status indicator 224 is composed of a display device in which three LEDs are arranged. One of the three LEDs lights to notify whether the state of the pachinko game machine 100 is a high probability state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high. In addition, the other one is for notifying by lighting whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a time-saving state with a short special symbol variation time. Still another one is to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in an advantageous state by hitting to the right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).

The display 130 also has a round number display 225 for displaying the number of rounds when the big winning opening 125 is activated in the big winning game performed according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. Incidentally, the jackpot game will be described later. The round number indicator 225 is composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of operation rounds of the big winning opening 125 in the jackpot game is displayed according to the lighting mode thereof.

The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is provided with an input device for the player to make an input for the performance. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, a production button 161, a production key 162 adjacent to the production button 161 and composed of a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, are provided on the frame member 150 . In the illustrated example, consider a case where an effect for accepting an operation of selecting one image from among a plurality of images is performed. In this case, for example, the player operates a production key 162 consisting of four keys arranged in a cross to designate one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display section 114 and press the production button 161. By operating it, it is possible to perform an effect such as selecting the instructed image. As for the form of the input device, in addition to the production button 161 and production key 162 shown in the drawings, various input forms such as levers and handles can be adopted according to the contents of production.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes, as main control means, a game control section 200 for determining whether a special symbol is won or the like. In addition, as a sub-control means, it is provided with an effect control unit 300 that controls the effect in general, and a payout control unit 330 that performs payout control of the payout balls.

[Structure and function of the game control unit]
The game control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining winning of special symbols, etc., a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, etc., and a working memory for the CPU 201. and a RAM 203 .

The game control unit 200 controls the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 in either a high probability state or a low probability state, or in either a no time saving state or a time saving state. As a result, the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a high probability state and time saving state high probability time saving game state, a low probability state and time saving state low probability time saving game state, a high probability state and no time saving state high It becomes one of the low probability time saving non-gaming state, the low probability state and the low probability time saving non-gaming state which is the non-working time saving state. Then, the game control unit 200 switches between the high probability state and the low probability state based on predetermined conditions such as the number of lotteries of the jackpot and special symbol lottery as described above, and switches between the no time saving state and the time saving state. switch. In addition, the game control unit 200, in the time saving state, controls such as making the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery higher than in the time saving state, shortening the normal symbol fluctuation time, extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123, etc. I do.

The game control unit 200 acquires a random number value used for a special symbol lottery when a game ball has entered the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 . Then, the game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery using the obtained random number value, and performs a special game such as a big winning game according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. In the special game, the game control unit 200 keeps the open state until the big winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies the closing condition (for example, 29.5 seconds has passed or 10 game balls have won). It is controlled to repeat only a predetermined number of times according to the jackpot pattern (kind). Then, the game control section 200 controls the opening/closing operation interval when the big winning opening 125 is opened.

In addition, the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value used in the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124 . Then, the game control section 200 performs a normal symbol lottery using the obtained random number value, and controls the operation of the electric tulip 123 according to the determination result of the normal symbol lottery.
In addition, the game control unit 200, the game ball has entered the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol variation, and the game ball has passed through the gate 124 during normal symbol variation. Set the hold that occurs due to
In addition, the game control unit 200, the determination result of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery, the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state, the change information of the time saving no state and the time saving state, the setting information of the reservation, etc. accompanying the game control Information is sent to the effect control unit 300 by a command to be described later.

Furthermore, the game control unit 200, when the game ball wins the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the large winning prize port 125 and the normal winning prize port 126, one game ball hits according to the place where the game ball wins. The payout controller 330 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball enters the first starting port 121, three prize balls are awarded, when a game ball enters the second start port 122, four prize balls are awarded, and when a game ball enters the big prize winning port 125, thirteen prizes are awarded. When a game ball wins a ball or a normal winning hole 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to a payout control unit 330 so as to pay out 10 prize balls respectively. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 330 is not instructed to pay out the prize balls associated therewith.
When the payout control unit 330 pays out prize balls according to the instruction of the game control unit 200 , the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of paid out prize balls from the payout control unit 330 . Thereby, the number of awarded balls is managed.

The game control unit 200 includes, as detection means, a first start opening detection unit (first start opening switch (SW)) 211 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the first start opening 121, as shown in FIG. , the second start opening detection unit (second start opening switch (SW)) 212 that detects the winning of the game ball to the second start opening 122, the electric tulip opening and closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124 A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting passage of a game ball is connected.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 includes a large winning opening detection unit (large winning opening switch (SW)) 215 for detecting the winning of a game ball into the large winning opening 125, and a shutter 45 (described later) of the large winning opening 125. A large winning opening door opening/closing unit 216 that opens and closes and a normal winning opening detection unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 that detects the winning of a game ball into the normal winning opening 126 are connected. ing.

In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol holding display 218 that displays the unvaried holding number of prizes won in the first start port 121 during the variation of the special symbols, and a second special symbol during the variation of the special symbols. A second special symbol reservation display 219 for displaying the unvaried reserved number of winning prizes in the starting port 122, and a normal symbol reservation display for displaying the unvaried reserved number passed through the gate 124 during the fluctuation of the normal symbols. 220 and are connected.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display device 221 that displays the fluctuation display of special symbols and the result of the special symbol lottery performed by winning a game ball to the first start port 121, and a second start port. A second special pattern display 222 for displaying the variable display of special patterns and the result of the special pattern lottery performed by the winning of the game ball to 122, and the normal pattern display for displaying the variable display of normal patterns and the result of the normal pattern lottery. A device 223 and a state display device 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

Detection signals detected by the first start switch 211 , the second start switch 212 , the gate switch 214 , the big win switch 215 and the normal win switch 217 are sent to the game controller 200 . In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 is the electric tulip opening/closing unit 213, the large winning opening door opening/closing unit 216, the first special symbol reservation display device 218, the second special symbol reservation display device 219, and the normal design reservation display device 220. , the first special symbol indicator 221, the second special symbol indicator 222, the normal symbol indicator 223 and the state indicator 224. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the above-described number of awarded balls to be paid out.

Further, the game control unit 200 is connected with a board external information terminal board 350 for transmitting various information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information about the number of paid out prize balls and information indicating the state of the game control unit 200 acquired from the payout control unit 330 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 350. do.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 330 includes a CPU 331 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the payout of balls, a ROM 332 that stores programs executed by the CPU 331 and various data, and a RAM 333 that is used as a working memory for the CPU 331. and have.
Then, the payout control section 330 controls the payout of the payout balls based on the command sent from the game control section 200 .
Specifically, the payout control unit 330 acquires a command to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game control unit 200 according to the location (first start port 121, etc.) where the game ball has won. Then, the payout drive unit 334 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. The payout drive unit 334 here is configured by a drive motor for sending out game balls from a game ball storage unit.

The payout control unit 330 also includes a payout ball detection unit 335 for detecting the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 334, and a game ball storage unit (not shown). A ball presence detection unit 336 for detecting whether or not the balls are stored, and a tray 153 for holding game balls used when a player plays a game and paid-out prize balls are in a full tank state. The full-tank detector 337 is connected. The payout control unit 330 receives the detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, the ball presence detection unit 336, and the full tank detection unit 337, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 330 is connected with a frame external information terminal board 340 for transmitting various kinds of information to a host computer installed in the hall. The payout control unit 330 provides, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to be paid out to the payout drive unit 334, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, and the like. is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 340 . In addition, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200 as well.

[Configuration and functions of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a working memory for the CPU 301, and a date and time and a real-time clock (RTC) 304 that measures the
The effect control unit 300 sets the content of the effect based on the result of determination as to whether or not the special symbol lottery is won or not sent from the game control unit 200 and the variation pattern, for example. At that time, an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162 may be received, and the effect contents corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the production button 161, and the operation content identified by this operation signal is reflected in the setting of production.
Furthermore, the effect control unit 300 sets the content of effect based on the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state and the change information of the no time saving state and the time saving state received from the game control unit 200 .
In addition, effect control section 300 sends a command instructing execution of the set effect content to image/sound control section 310 and lamp control section 320 .

Further, the production control unit 300 is connected to an image/sound control unit 310 that controls production using images and sounds, and a lamp control unit 320 that controls production using various lamps and movable accessories 115. It is

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control section 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game control section 200. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units that execute various lottery processes. , and a normal symbol variation control unit 236.
In addition, the game control section 200 includes a variation pattern selection section 235 as a functional section that executes processing associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 includes a large winning opening operation control unit 237, an electric tulip operation control unit 238, and a prize ball processing unit 239 as functional units that perform operation control of various accessories and data processing related to prize balls. , an output control unit 240 and a random number control unit 241 .

The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value used for the special symbol lottery and a random number value used for the normal symbol lottery. In the case of the random number used for the special symbol lottery, specifically, on the condition that the game ball has won the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, for each type of random number, a numerical value within a predetermined range One numerical value (random value) is selected (acquired) from among them. The acquired random number value is used for determination by the special symbol determination unit 234 . Although details will be described later, the random numbers used in the special symbol lottery include a jackpot random number indicating whether or not the game is a jackpot, a symbol random number indicating the type of symbol, a variation pattern random number, a reach random number, and the like.
In addition, in the case of the random number used in the normal symbol lottery, specifically, one number (random number) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numbers on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. ) is done. The acquired random number value is used for determination by the normal symbol determination unit 232 . In addition, as the random numbers used in the normal symbol lottery, in addition to the winning random numbers indicating whether or not winning, there are cases where the symbol random numbers indicating the type of winning, the variation pattern random numbers, and the like are set.
The special symbol variation control section 233 controls the variation of the special symbol on the first special symbol display device 221 or the second special symbol display device 222 according to the determination result when the special symbol lottery is performed.

The special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table (not shown) at the start of the fluctuation of the special symbol to determine whether the determination result of the special symbol lottery is "whether or not it is a big hit", "type of symbol when winning a big hit", " It is determined whether it is a small win or a loss when the big win is not won. That is, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value related to the special symbol triggered by the detection of the passage of the game ball by the first start port switch 211 or the second start port switch 212, which is the detection means, and determines the special symbol. The unit 234 determines whether or not to play a special game (jackpot game, etc.) advantageous to the player based on the obtained random number value. It should be noted that the aforementioned lottery for the special symbol (big hit lottery) refers to processing in the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234 .

Here, the "jackpot" is classified into a plurality of types according to the game state that occurs after the jackpot game ends. Specifically, the type of symbol is determined by a combination of no time-saving state or time-saving state, and a combination of high-probability state and low-probability state. That is, as the type of pattern based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game, after the end of the jackpot game, a jackpot that becomes a high probability time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as a high probability time-saving game state jackpot), a low probability time-saving game state A jackpot (hereinafter referred to as a low-probability time-saving game state jackpot), a high-probability time-saving no-game state jackpot (hereinafter, a high-probability time-saving no-game state jackpot), a low probability time-saving no-game state jackpot (hereinafter, low There can be a jackpot in a probability time-saving non-playing state). Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol.

Also, the "jackpot" may be divided into a big win in which the jackpot game time is long and a large amount of game balls can be expected to be paid out, and a jackpot game in which the jackpot game time is short and almost no game balls can be expected to be paid out. The former is called "long hit" and the latter is called "short hit". For example, in the "long win", a round is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) until the open state of the big prize opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have elapsed or 10 game balls have won a prize). be In addition, in the "short hit", a round in which the big winning opening 125 is opened for a certain period of time (for example, 0.9 seconds) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, twice).

In addition, the "small win" when the big win is not won is a small win game in which the big winning port 125 is opened for a certain period of time (for example, 0.9 seconds) for a predetermined number of times (for example, twice). done. When the small prize is won, the game state before winning the small prize is continued even after the small prize is finished. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the high probability time saving game state, the high probability time saving game state is continued even after the small win game ends, and the game state does not shift. Similarly, when the game state at the time of winning the small win is the low-probability time-saving no-game state, the low-probability time-saving no-game state is continued even after the small-win game ends, and the game state does not shift.
Also, a "minor win" is a kind of "lose", and none of the above game states that are advantageous to the player are set.

The variation pattern selection section 235 selects a variation pattern (variation time) of special symbols to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 221 and the second special symbol display device 222 . Specifically, the variation pattern selection unit 235 is a variation pattern (for example, 13.5 seconds or more ), the variation pattern is determined based on the determination result of whether or not. Then, based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol. Details of the operation of the variation pattern selection section 235 and the special symbol variation control section 233 will be described later.
Here, "ready-to-win" is an effect for making the player expect a big win in decorative symbols, which will be described later.

The normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether or not the determination result of the normal symbol is “whether or not” using a random number table (not shown) at the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol. That is, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines, based on the random number value for the normal symbol lottery acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231, whether or not the auxiliary game of opening and closing the electric tulip 123 is to be performed. Also, when a plurality of types of wins are set in the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines the "win type" when the determination result is a win. The normal symbol lottery is a process performed by the random number acquisition unit 231 and the normal symbol determination unit 232 .
The normal symbol variation control section 236 controls the normal symbol variation by the normal symbol display device 223 according to the determination result when the normal symbol lottery is performed.
The electric tulip operation control unit 238 opens the electric tulip 123 only for a specified time and a specified number of times when the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines “hit” in the normal symbol lottery, and the game ball enters the second start port 122. A state in which it is easy to win a prize is generated. Further, when it is determined that the tulip is "off", such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated. The operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 will be described later, but there are, for example, an operation pattern that opens once with an opening time of 0.15 seconds, an operation pattern that opens twice with an opening time of 0.90 seconds, and the like.

When the special symbol determination unit 234 determines "big win" in the special symbol lottery, the big winning opening operation control unit 237 performs a big winning opening with an operation pattern specified based on the type of the winning symbol as a big winning game. 125 opening operation. In addition, when the special symbol determination unit 234 determines "small hit" in the special symbol lottery, the big winning opening operation control unit 237 opens the big winning opening 125 for a specified time and specified number of times as a small winning game. . For example, there is an operation pattern in which the big winning opening 125 is opened twice with an opening time of 0.90 seconds.
The prize ball processing unit 239 sets commands for managing the number of prizes awarded to various accessories related to prizes and lotteries, and for controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control section 240 controls the output of control commands from the game control section 200 to the effect control section 300 and the payout control section 330 .
The random number control unit 241 updates various random values acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231 at predetermined timings.

[Basic operation of game machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be explained.
When the power is turned on, the game control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 executes basic processing (restoration processing) at the time of activation. After performing the basic processing, the game control section 200 repeatedly executes the main control processing, which is a series of processing relating to the progress of the game. Moreover, when shutting off the power, the game control unit 200 executes a series of power shut-off processes.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of basic processing by the game control unit 200. As shown in FIG.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, the game control unit 200 first permits access to the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) (step (hereinafter, step is described as "S") 601). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch for clearing the RAM 203 is ON (S602).
When the RAM clear switch is OFF (No in S602), next, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the backup flag regarding the operation at the time of power shutdown is ON (S603).
When the backup flag is ON (Yes in S603), next, the game control unit 200 determines whether the checksum created at the time of power shutdown is normal (S604).
If the checksum is normal (Yes in S604), then the game control unit 200 executes return processing (S605). In this return process, the game control unit 200 sets the sub-control means such as the effect control unit 300 when returning from the power-off state. Specifically, the game control unit 200 controls the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is cut off (whether the jackpot game is in progress, either the high probability state or the low probability state, the time saving state and the time saving non-state). (either) is output to the effect control unit 300 to set the sub-control means. Also, in this return process, the game control unit 200 turns off the backup flag.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is ON (Yes at S602), the backup flag is OFF (No at S603), or the checksum is abnormal (No at S604), then the game control unit 200 is initialized. As processing, the stored contents of the RAM 203 are cleared (S606), and the work area of the RAM 203 is set (S607). Then, the game control unit 200 outputs a command for setting (initializing) the sub-control means to the effect control unit 300, and sets the sub-board (sub-control means) (S608). Setting the sub-board includes clearing the RAM 303, RAM 313, and RAM 323 mounted on each sub-board.

After the return process (see S605) ends, or after the setting of the sub board (see S608) ends, the game control unit 200 sets various counters and timers used for game control (S609). Then, the game control unit 200 allows interrupts (S610), disables interrupts (S611), designs random number control processing (S612), initial value random number update processing (S613), and determines whether or not the power shutdown flag is ON. (S614) is repeatedly executed as a loop process.
Here, interrupt permission (S610) and interrupt prohibition (S611) are provided to enable execution of interrupt processing during execution of this loop processing (S610 to S614). In this embodiment, the main control process in the game control is executed by this interrupt process. Details of the main control process will be described later.
In the symbol random number control process (S612), the game control unit 200 updates the variation pattern random number used in the special symbol lottery.
In the initial value random number update process (S613), the game control unit 200 updates the initial values of various random numbers used in game control.
In the determination of the power cutoff flag, if the power cutoff flag is OFF (No in S614), the power of the pachinko game machine 100 is not cut off, the game control unit 200, loop processing (S610 ~ S614) and main control by interrupt Execute the process repeatedly. On the other hand, if the power cutoff flag is ON (Yes in S614), the game control unit 200 starts processing for cutting off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (power cutoff processing).

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of the power-off processing by the game control unit 200. As shown in FIG.
In the power-off processing, the game control unit 200 first clears the setting of the output port for performing various outputs (S701). Next, the game control unit 200 creates a checksum and stores it in the RAM 203 (S702). Next, the game control unit 200 turns ON the backup flag (S703), prohibits access to the RAM 203 (S704), and shifts to an infinite loop.

[Main control processing of game machine]
Next, the main control processing of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
In the main control process, the game control unit 200 controls the game in the pachinko game machine 100, instructs the production control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, to control the production, and issues a prize ball to the payout control unit 330. to control the payout of

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the main control process of the game control section 200. As shown in FIG.
The main control process consists of a series of processes in game control, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). In this embodiment, the game control unit 200 generates an interrupt at predetermined intervals, and when the interrupt is permitted (see S610) in the loop processing shown in FIG. Execute the process. As shown in FIG. 7, in the main control process, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric accessory process, a winning ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (S801 to S806).

In the random number update process (S801), the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number control unit 241, and updates the values of various random numbers used in game control by the game control unit 200. The details of setting the random number and updating the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (S802), a starting port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the starting port switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231, monitors the states of the first starting port switch 211 and the second starting port switch 212 in FIG. When it becomes, the processing for the special symbol lottery is executed. In addition, although it will be described in detail later, when the preliminary determination process is performed in the first start opening switch 211 and the second start opening switch 212, each function (subroutine) of the special symbol determination unit 234 and the variation pattern selection unit 235 is called, Execute processing for prior determination.
In the gate switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231, monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. Execute the process.
Details of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (S803), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol processing, the game control unit 200 calls each function (subroutine) of the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol determination unit 234, and the variation pattern selection unit 235, and executes the special symbol variation and the processing accompanying this symbol variation. do.
In the normal design process, the game control section 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the normal design determination section 232 and the normal design fluctuation control section 236, and executes the normal design fluctuation and the process associated with this design fluctuation.
Detailed contents of these symbol processing will be described later.

As the electric accessory processing (S804), the big winning opening processing and the electric tulip processing are performed.
In the big winning opening process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the big winning opening operation control unit 237, and controls the opening operation of the big winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the electric tulip operation control unit 238, and controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 which is a normal electric accessory based on predetermined conditions.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processes will be described later.

In the prize ball processing (S805), the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the prize ball processing unit 239, and sets a command for controlling the number of prizes won and the payout of prize balls according to the prize. The specific contents of the prize ball processing performed by the prize ball processing unit 239 will be described later.

In the output process (S806), the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the output control unit 240, outputs a command for effect control to the effect control unit 300, and outputs a command for payout control to the payout control unit 330. Output. The effect control command is generated in each process from S802 to S804 and stored (set) in a control command storage area provided in the RAM 203 . The payout control command is generated in the process of S<b>805 and stored (set) in a control command storage area provided in the RAM 203 . A storage area is set in the RAM 203 for each type of control command.

The output control unit 240 sequentially checks the control command storage areas of the RAM 203, and if control commands are stored in the individual storage areas (that is, control commands are generated in the processing of S802 to S805). ), the control command is read out and output to the output destination (effect control unit 300 or payout control unit 330).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, output processing is performed at the end of a series of main control processing. That is, the commands generated in each process of S802 to S805 by each function as the first processing means are stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203 in each process. After these processes, the output control unit 240 as a second processing means collectively outputs the commands generated in each process accumulated in the storage area of the RAM 203 . In other words, in the present embodiment, when the main control process is executed for one cycle, the commands generated during the execution of the one cycle are output after the final command generation during the execution of the one cycle.

[Modification of Basic Operation of Game Machine]
In the operation examples described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, interrupts are permitted in the loop processing portion of the basic processing, and main control processing consisting of a series of processing is executed as interrupt processing. However, the main control process only needs to be configured to be repeatedly executed at fixed time intervals, and specific implementation means (execution procedure) are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 . For example, the main control process may be incorporated into a series of operations of the basic process, the elapsed time may be measured at a predetermined timing, and the main control process may be returned to at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). Further, while the main control process is incorporated into the series of operations of the basic process, an interrupt is generated at regular time intervals in the same manner as the operations described with reference to FIGS. It may be configured to return to the main control process incorporated during the basic process.

When outputting a command generated by the basic processing, in principle, each time a command is generated, it is stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203, and the function of the output control unit 240, which is the second processing means, is called. Output. The basic process is different from the main control process related to the progress of the game, and is a special process such as an initial operation that is performed only when the power is turned on. In addition, since the basic processing may change due to branching based on conditions such as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is turned on, the generated commands are output promptly so that there is no omission in the output processing. processing. In the case where commands are continuously generated by a plurality of related processes, a plurality of commands are stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203 and collectively output according to a request for specific processing. can be

[Random Number Update Processing by Game Control Unit]
A random number as determination information used for various lotteries in game control such as a special symbol lottery is counted by a counter, and starting from a predetermined initial value, the random number update process (S801) of the main control process shown in FIG. 7 is performed. It is incremented by 1 each time. Then, the value at the time when each lottery is performed is acquired by the starting port switch process and the gate switch process, and is used in the special symbol process and the normal symbol process. This random number counter is an infinite loop counter, and after the counted random number reaches the set maximum random number, it returns to the initial value. In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular time intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, there is a risk that the winning value will be estimated based on the information on the update interval and the initial value. Therefore, after returning from the main control process to the basic process shown in FIG. 5, the initial value of each random number is randomly changed in the initial value random number update process of S613.

[Large winning opening processing by game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big winning opening process in the electric accessary product process shown in S804 of FIG.
In this big winning opening process, the big winning opening operation control section 237 of the game control section 200 first checks whether or not the big winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1701). When the jackpot game flag is OFF, there is no winning to the big winning hole 125, so the big winning hole process is terminated (No in S1701). On the other hand, if the jackpot game flag is ON (Yes in S1701), then the jackpot operation control unit 237 is in the middle of the opening action in the action control when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is stopped. (S1702).

If the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the process of opening (Yes in S1702), then the big winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not a preset opening operation time (opening time) has elapsed. (S1703). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the big winning opening 125 is continued, so the big winning opening process is terminated (No in S1703). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1703), then the large winning opening operation control unit 237 sets the operation of the large winning opening 125 (S1704), and initializes the number of winning prizes C (C=0). Then (S1705), 1 is added to the value of the number R of rounds for operation of the large winning opening 125 from the current value (S1706), and the operation of the large winning opening 125 is started (opened) (S1707).

In the operation setting of S1704, the operation pattern of the big winning opening 125 and the number of rounds to be operated in the operation pattern (the number of operation rounds) are set. Examples of the case where the big winning opening 125 is activated include a case of a big win or a short win in a special symbol lottery, and a case of a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the types of these wins. In addition, in the jackpot game, it is stipulated that the operation of the jackpot 125 is continuously performed a plurality of times (a plurality of rounds). As an example, in the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one opening of 29.5 seconds is performed in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, two rounds (2R) are operated, and one opening of 0.9 seconds is performed in one round. To explain further, it opens for 0.9 seconds, closes for 1.0 seconds, and then opens for 0.9 seconds. On the other hand, in the case of a small hit, for example, the door is opened for 0.9 seconds, closed for 1.0 seconds, and then opened for 0.9 seconds. Here, when the operation with a short hit and the operation with a small hit are compared in the above example, both are opened twice for 0.9 seconds. In other words, the action of the big winning hole 125 seen by the player is the same in the case of a short win and the case of a small win. you can't.

In addition, it is stipulated by law that the accumulated opening time of the big winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds at the time of the small winning. On the other hand, in the case of a big win (long win or short win), the big winning opening 125 must be continuously opened a plurality of times by the number of rounds R of the big win game. Therefore, when trying to make it difficult to visually distinguish between the operation of the small hit and the operation of the short hit as described above, in the small hit, within the range where the open cumulative time in one operation is within 1.8 seconds, An operation mode is set in which the big winning opening 125 is opened two or more times, and in the short winning, the same number of rounds as the number of openings of the small winning is set.

Next, the big winning opening operation control section 237 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in S1704 has elapsed (S1708). If the open state of the large winning opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in S1708), then the large winning opening operation control unit 237 determines that the winning number C of the large winning opening 125 is a specified number (for example, 9). pieces) or more (S1709). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number of winning prizes C is less than the specified number, the operation state (open state) of the large winning prize port 125 is continued, so the large winning prize port processing is terminated (No in S1709). ). On the other hand, if the opening time has passed (Yes in S1708) or if the number of winning prizes C has reached the specified number (Yes in S1709), the large winning gate operation control unit 237 ends the operation of the big winning gate 125 (closed state). (S1710).

Furthermore, in the big winning opening process of the present embodiment, when the operation of the big winning opening 125 ends in S1710, an abnormal winning judgment process is executed (S1711).
Next, the large winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the number of rounds R for operating the large winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in S1704 (S1712). Then, if the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, so the big winning opening process is terminated (No in S1712).

If the number of rounds R for the operation of the large winning opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in S1712), then the large winning opening operation control section 237 starts the ending operation (S1713). Here, the content of the ending action corresponds to the state of the jackpot game flag among the ending actions set in each game of the long hitting game and the short hitting game.
After that, the big winning opening operation control unit 237 sets an ending command for performing an effect in the ending operation corresponding to the big winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (S1714). This ending command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

Next, after resetting the number of rounds R for the operation of the big winning opening 125 to 0 (S1715), the big winning opening operation control unit 237 performs the ending operation in which the elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time (ending time) has elapsed (S1718). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, so the big winning opening process is terminated (No in S1718). On the other hand, if the ending time has passed (Yes in S1718), then the big winning opening operation control section 237 turns OFF the jackpot game flag after the game state setting process by the game control section 200 (S1719), The big winning opening process is terminated (S1720). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

In S1702, when it is determined that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not in the opening (No in S1702), the big winning opening operation control section 237 then determines whether or not the ending is in progress (S1716). Then, if the ending is in progress (Yes at S1716), the operations after S1718 are executed.

On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not in the ending state (No in S1716), then the large winning opening operation control section 237 determines whether or not the large winning opening 125 is operating (opening) (S1717). If not in operation (No in S1717), the operations from S1705 onward are executed, and if in operation (Yes in S1717), the operations from S1708 onward are executed.
It should be noted that the effect performed in the small hit game described above is the same as the effect performed in the short hit game, and it is not possible to distinguish between the short hit and the small hit from the effect.

In addition, in the big winning hole processing, the power supply to the solenoid of the big winning hole 125 while the power of the main body of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on. A second mode process, which is a process executed when the supply is cut off, may be performed.

When the main body of the gaming machine is turned off for some reason while the big winning opening 125 is open, in the first mode process, for example, the opening time for one round (for example, 29.5 seconds) is measured. stop the counting (measurement) of the measuring means. In addition, in the first mode process, power is not supplied to the solenoid for opening the shutter of the big winning opening 125, so the big winning opening 125 is closed.
After that, when the main body of the pachinko game machine 100 is turned on again, the counting of the opening time by the measuring means described above is restarted. However, even if the main body of the pachinko game machine 100 is turned on, the big prize winning opening 125 is accompanied by mechanical movements such as solenoids and link mechanisms that drive the shutter, so the timing at which the shutter is opened may not be turned on. delayed relative to the expected timing. As a result, in the first mode process, a time difference occurs between the count time of the measuring means in the game control board and the time when the shutter actually opens. For example, in the first mode process, the total time during which the shutter of the big winning opening 125 is actually open in one round is shorter than the preset opening time of the big winning opening 125 .
Note that in the first mode process, the more the power is turned on/off, the more the time difference accumulates. In this case, for example, in one round, the total time during which the shutter of the big winning opening 125 is actually open becomes shorter than the preset opening time of the big winning opening 125 .

In addition, when the connection of the connection line electrically connecting the game control board and the big prize winning port 125 is derailed or disconnected for some reason, in the second mode process, the solenoid for driving the shutter of the big winning prize port 125 Since the power supply to is lost, the shutter is closed. On the other hand, in the second mode process, the opening time of the big winning opening 125 is continuously counted by the measuring means provided on the game control board. Therefore, in the second mode process, for example, in one round, the total time during which the shutter of the big winning opening 125 is actually open is shorter than the preset opening time of the big winning opening 125 . In particular, the time difference between the preset opening time of the shutter of the big winning hole 125 and the actual total opening time of the shutter tends to be much longer in the second mode process than in the first mode process.

[Prize ball processing by the game control unit (large winning opening)]
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the details of the processing in the big winning opening of the prize ball processing shown in S805 of FIG.
In the winning ball process, the game control section 200 determines whether or not a detection signal has been received from the big winning opening switch 215 (S901). When the game control unit 200 determines that the detection signal has not been received from the big winning opening switch 215 (No in S901), the game control unit 200 returns to S901 again and repeats the determination until the detection signal is received.

On the other hand, when the game control unit 200 determines that the detection signal has been received from the large winning opening switch 215 (Yes in S901), an abnormal It is determined whether or not the winning flag is ON (S902).
When the game control unit 200 receives a detection signal from the big winning opening switch 215 (Yes in S901) and determines that the abnormal winning flag is not ON (No in S902), it is used for controlling the payout of prize balls. A command is set (S903). In this embodiment, for example, when one game ball wins in the big winning hole 125, a prize ball payout control command including a command for causing the payout control unit 330 to pay out 13 game balls is issued. generated.

On the other hand, the game control unit 200 determines that the detection signal has been received from the big winning opening switch 215 (Yes in S901), and determines that the abnormal winning flag is ON (Yes in S902). ), the process ends without generating a command for controlling the payout of prize balls. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, when an event occurs in which it is determined that an abnormal winning has been made to the big winning opening 125, no prize balls are paid out.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the board configuration of the game board 110 of this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the game board 110 has a game board 110P on which various accessories related to prize winning and lottery are attached.
In the description of the present embodiment, the front side of the game board 110P shown in FIG. 10 will be referred to as the "front side", the back side of the page as the "rear side", and these directions will be referred to as the "front-back direction". In addition, the right side of the game board 110P shown in FIG. 10 is referred to as the "right side", the left side of the page is referred to as the "left side", and these directions are referred to as the "horizontal direction". Further, the upper side of the paper surface of the game board 110P shown in FIG. 10 is referred to as "upper side", the lower side of the paper surface is referred to as "lower side", and these directions are referred to as "vertical direction".
Also, the front side of the game board 110P (game board 110) is the player side facing the player. The relationship of the directions described above corresponds to the relationship of the directions seen from the player playing the pachinko gaming machine 100 .

The game board 110P of this embodiment is made of a resin material. The game board 110P is colorless and transparent. Therefore, if the game board 110P is provided with an LED light source on the rear side of the game board 110P, for example, the light can be transmitted and seen by the players on the front side. In addition, as will be described later, the game board 110P is provided with various accessories, decorative parts, etc., so long as the light transmission of the game board 110P is not blocked, the game board 110P is placed on the rear side of the game board 110P through the game board 110P. can be shown to the player.

The game board 110P has a main surface P1 on which game balls flow down on the front side. The main surface P1 is formed in a flat shape except for portions where various accessories are attached. A plurality of game nails 101 are driven into the front side of the game board 110P. At least a part of the game nail 101 is embedded in the game board 110P, and the other part is provided so as to rise along the front-rear direction from the main surface P1 of the game board 110P.

Further, the game board 110P is provided with various accessories such as a rail member 112, a first starting port 121, a second starting port 122, a gate 124, an electric tulip 123, a big winning port 125 and a normal winning port 126.
The rail member 112 is provided on the front side of the game board 110P so as to rise substantially perpendicular to the main surface P1. Also, the first starting port 121, the second starting port 122, the gate 124, the electric tulip 123, the big prize winning port 125 and the normal winning prize port 126 are provided so as to partially penetrate the game board 110P.

The first start opening 121, the second start opening 122, the gate 124, the big winning opening 125 and the normal winning opening 126 are the front side of the game board 110P, and the game balls projecting from the main surface P1 and flowing down the game area 111 enter. It has a spherical opening. Then, in the first starting port 121, the second starting port 122, the big prize winning port 125 and the normal winning prize port 126, the game ball entering the opening on the front side of the game board 110P is guided to the rear side of the game board 110P. and discharged to a discharge unit (not shown). Also, in the gate 124, a game ball that has passed through the opening on the front side of the game board 110P is detected by the gate switch 214 provided in the opening, and then similarly flowed down to the front side of the game board 110P.

Also, the electric tulip 123 has the same configuration as the shutter 45 of the big prize opening 125 of the present embodiment. The electric tulip 123 forms a state of protruding forward from the main surface P1 of the game board 110P and a state of retreating rearward from the main surface P1 of the game board 110P. Then, the electric tulip 123 opens or closes the second starting port 122 .

Next, the arrangement of various parts in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of this embodiment will be described.
In this embodiment, among the first starting opening 121, the second starting opening 122, the gate 124, the electric tulip 123, the big winning opening 125 and the normal winning opening 126, the gate 124 is arranged at the uppermost position in the vertical direction. Below the gate 124, the electric tulip 123 and the second starting port 122 are arranged in this order from the upper side to the lower side.

The big winning opening 125 (shutter 45 ) of the present embodiment is arranged below the first starting opening 121 . In addition, the big winning opening 125 (shutter 45) of the present embodiment is provided below the first starting opening 121, and is two game nails 101H that guide the ball into the first starting opening 121. placed below. As shown in FIG. 10 , the big winning opening 125 (shutter 45 ) is provided at a height Lv1 with respect to a predetermined reference height on the game board 110 . Also, the first starting opening 121 is provided at a height Lv2 higher than the big winning opening 125 with respect to the reference height. The umbilical nail 101H is provided at a height Lv3 higher than the big winning opening 125 and the first starting opening 121 with respect to the reference height.
The umbilical nail 101H is composed of two game nails 101. As shown in FIG. Then, the umbilical nail 101H allows the game ball to pass between the two game nails 101, so that the game ball that has passed between the two game nails almost certainly enters the first start port 121.例文帳に追加That is, the umbilical nail 101H is substantially a game nail that constitutes the entrance of the game ball to the first starting port 121 .

Next, the attacker unit 400 that constitutes the big winning slot 125 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a front view of the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a side view of the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a rear view of the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a top view of the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the attacker unit 400 includes a unit housing portion 41, a front plate 42 (an example of a facing member) provided on the front side of the unit housing portion 41, and a shutter 45 provided on the right side. The first flow path forming part 43 (an example of a game ball path forming member), the second flow path forming part 44 (an example of a game ball path forming member) provided on the left side of the shutter 45, and the big winning opening 125 are opened and closed. and a shutter 45 (an example of a displacement member). In addition, the attacker unit 400 includes an inner flow path forming portion 46 that forms a path of a game ball that has entered the large winning opening 125, a large winning opening switch 215 that detects the game ball that has entered the large winning opening 125, and a shutter. 45 and a link mechanism 48 connecting the solenoid 47 and the shutter 45 .

In addition, in the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment, the game ball flows down from the right side toward the left side. Therefore, in the following description, the right side may be referred to as the upstream side of the flow of game balls, and the left side may be referred to as the downstream side of the flow of game balls.

The unit housing portion 41 holds various parts that constitute the attacker unit 400 such as the front plate 42 described above. The unit housing portion 41 is made of a colorless and transparent resin material like the game board 110P. The attacker unit 400 also has a rear plate 411 . The rear plate 411 has a predetermined thickness and forms a region on the front side in which game balls can flow down.
Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the present embodiment, the rear plate 411 is formed with fixing portions 412 to which fixing members such as screws are attached. Then, the unit housing portion 41 is fixed to the game board 110P by the fixing portion 412. As shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the unit housing part 41 has, on the rear side, a band holding part 414 holding a band member 80 for bundling the wires 215L, and an exit from which winning game balls come out. 415.
The band holding portion 414 of this embodiment holds the band member 80 that bundles the wires 215L connected to the big winning slot switch 215 . The band holding portion 414 is provided below the big winning opening switch 215 . As a result, the wiring 215L is routed at least below the big winning opening switch 215.例文帳に追加Here, in this embodiment, the front plate 42, the rear plate 411 and the game board 110P of the attacker unit 400 are configured to be transparent. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the wiring 215L is drawn around below the large winning opening switch 215, so that the player looking down at the attacker unit 400 above the attacker unit 400 , the wiring 215L is made difficult to see.
In addition, the exit 415 is provided at the bottom of the attacker unit 400 . Then, the exit 415 sends the game ball to a discharge section (not shown).

(Front plate 42)
As shown in FIG. 14 , the front plate 42 is arranged in front of various parts such as the shutter 45 that constitute the attacker unit 400 . Also, the front plate 42 is made of a colorless and transparent resin material like the game board 110P.
Also, the front plate 42 is provided with a decorative portion 421 (see FIG. 22 described later). The decoration part 421 includes various decorations, such as contents related to the title of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and contents indicating that it is the big winning opening 125 . The decorative portion 421 may be configured by a sticker with a design and attached to the front plate 42 . Also, the decorative portion 421 may be configured by being directly printed on the front plate 42 .

(First flow path forming portion 43)
As shown in FIG. 11, the first flow path forming portion 43 has a surface facing upward in the vertical direction, and is arranged upstream of the shutter 45 in the downstream direction of the game ball. Also, the first flow path forming portion 43 is sandwiched between the rear plate 411 and the front plate 42 in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 14). The first flow path forming portion 43 of the present embodiment is inclined so that the right side is higher and the left side is lower. Also, the first flow path forming portion 43 forms a path that guides the game ball to the shutter 45 or the big winning opening 125 .
Furthermore, the first flow path forming portion 43 of the present embodiment is made of a colorless and transparent resin material, like the front plate 42 and the rear plate 411 .

(Second flow path forming portion 44)
The second flow path forming portion 44 has a surface facing upward in the vertical direction, and is arranged downstream of the shutter 45 in the downstream direction of the game ball. Also, the second flow path forming portion 44 is sandwiched between the rear plate 411 and the front plate 42 in the front-rear direction. The second flow path forming portion 44 is inclined so that the right side is higher and the left side is lower.
Furthermore, the second flow path forming portion 44 of the present embodiment is made of a colorless and transparent resin material, like the front plate 42 and the rear plate 411 .

(Shutter 45)
As shown in FIG. 11, the shutter 45 of this embodiment is configured by a thin plate-like member. Also, the shutter 45 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape (see FIG. 14). The shutter 45 has a main surface (the surface with the largest area) and a shutter upper surface 45A facing upward in the vertical direction, and a shutter lower surface 45B that is the rear side of the shutter upper surface 45A. The shutter lower surface 45B is formed with a guided portion 452 that extends in the front-rear direction and protrudes. The guided portion 452 is guided by the guide portion 413 of the unit housing portion 41 . Then, the shutter 45 slides in the front-rear direction while maintaining a state in which the shutter upper surface 45A and the shutter lower surface 45B face the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the large prize opening 125 is opened or closed by sliding the shutter 45 .

As shown in FIG. 14, the shutter 45 of this embodiment has a non-contact portion that does not abut (contact) the front plate 42 in a state closest to the front plate 42 that protrudes most forward. have. In the shutter 45 of this embodiment, when the shutter 45 is closest to the front plate 42, the entire front portion of the shutter 45 does not contact the front plate 42, and the entire front region serves as a non-contact portion. Function.
Further, the shutter 45 of the present embodiment has a non-contact portion between itself and the front plate 42, thereby forming an operated portion that is operated by an operator when the shutter 45 is manually displaced.

In the pachinko game machine 100 of this embodiment, the structure of the shutter 45 and the mechanism related to the opening and closing of the shutter 45 make it difficult for game balls to be caught between the shutter 45 and the front plate 42, as will be described later. However, for some reason, as a result, there is a possibility that a game ball is sandwiched between the shutter 45 and the front plate 42 . Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 100 of the present embodiment, by providing the operated portion in the shutter 45, the operator displaces the shutter 45 by operating the operated portion of the shutter 45, and the game ball is caught. It makes the situation easier to resolve.

The shutter 45 is made of a colored and opaque resin material. As the color of the shutter 45, a color such as red or yellow that is easily noticeable to the player can be used. In this embodiment, by making the shutter 45 colored and opaque, for example, the first flow path forming portion 43, the second flow path forming portion 44, and the inner flow path forming portion 46 configured to be colorless and transparent. makes it look different. Similarly, the shutter 45 has an appearance different from that of the front plate 42, the rear plate 411, and the game board 110P, which are colorless and transparent.

Alternatively, the shutter 45 may be colorless and transparent, and the first channel forming portion 43, the second channel forming portion 44, and the inner channel forming portion 46 may be colored and opaque.

The shutter 45 is a part that opens and closes the big winning hole 125 , and is an important component for the player to recognize the state of the big winning hole 125 . In this embodiment, the parts around the shutter 45, such as the first flow path forming portion 43, the second flow path forming portion 44, and the inner flow path forming portion 46, are configured to be colorless and transparent. Here, if the shutter 45 is also colorless and transparent, it will be assimilated with the surrounding parts, making it difficult for the player to recognize the state of the big winning opening 125 . Therefore, in this embodiment, the shutter 45 has a configuration that is visually different from the surrounding components, thereby making it easier for the player to recognize the position and state of the shutter 45 .
A detailed shape of the shutter 45 will be described in detail later.

(Inner flow path forming portion 46)
As shown in FIG. 11, the inner flow path forming portion 46 is arranged below the shutter 45 in the vertical direction. The inner flow path forming portion 46 is configured to guide game balls when the shutter 45 is in the open state of the big winning opening 125 . In addition, the inner flow path forming portion 46 is inclined so that the right side is higher and the left side is lower. Therefore, the game ball on the inner flow path forming portion 46 rolls toward the left end portion of the inner flow path forming portion 46 by its own weight.

The big winning opening switch 215 is provided on the longitudinal end side of the inner flow passage forming portion 46 . That is, the big winning opening switch 215 is provided on the end side of the shutter 45 in the longitudinal direction. In particular, in the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment, game balls flow from right to left. Therefore, the big winning opening switch 215 is provided at the left end of the shutter 45 in the longitudinal direction. Then, the big winning opening switch 215 detects the passing game ball when the game ball that has flowed through the inner flow path forming portion 46 passes.
In addition, in the attacker unit 400, when the game ball flows from the left side to the right side, the shutter 45 may be provided at the right end portion in the longitudinal direction.

(solenoid 47)
As shown in FIG. 13 , the solenoid 47 (an example of the drive section) includes a plunger 471 (an example of the drive shaft section) that moves back and forth, a coil 472 that moves the plunger 471 back and forth, and a spring 473 that applies a spring force to the plunger 471 . (an example of an elastic member).
The plunger 471 has one axial end connected to the link mechanism 48 and a magnet (not shown) that is pulled by the coil 472 at the other end.
The coil 472 is excited by being supplied with power from the wiring 215L and pulls the plunger 471 . On the other hand, the coil 472 is not energized by being in a non-energized state, and allows the plunger 471 to advance.
The spring 473 applies a spring force to the plunger 471 in a direction in which the plunger 471 protrudes from the coil 472 . In this embodiment, the spring 473 advances the plunger 471 when the coil 472 is in a non-energized state.

The solenoid 47 configured as described above is arranged so that the axial direction of the plunger 471 faces in a direction different from the front-rear direction, which is the moving direction of the shutter 45, in relation to the shutter 45 (see FIG. 12). . Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the space is effectively used when the solenoid 47 is provided.
In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, the shutter 45 is formed longer in the horizontal direction than in the front-rear direction. Also, since the game ball moves in the direction of gravity, the area in which the game ball moves in the big winning opening 125 must be provided in the vertical direction.
Therefore, in this embodiment, by arranging the plunger 471 so that its axial direction faces in a direction different from the longitudinal direction, which is the movement direction of the shutter 45, a space is secured in a predetermined direction just for arranging the solenoid 47. Eliminate the necessity and try to use the space effectively.

Here, for example, by arranging the solenoid 47 so that the plunger 471 extends along the vertical direction, it is possible to effectively utilize the space as described above. Furthermore, by arranging the solenoid 47 so that the side on which the plunger 471 advances and retreats faces downward, the plunger 471 falls downward due to its own weight when the solenoid 47 is not energized. In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the shutter 45 of the big winning opening 125 is kept closed by deenergizing the solenoid 47 . Therefore, by arranging the solenoid 47 so that the side on which the plunger 471 advances and retreats faces downward, not only the spring 473 but also the action of gravity is used to stabilize the plunger 471 at the position where the shutter 45 is closed. can be made

However, the plunger 471 of the solenoid 47 may cause chattering due to electrical factors. When this chattering occurs, for example, if the plunger 471 is provided along the vertical direction, which is the direction of gravity, the action of gravity may promote vibration of the plunger 471 .
Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the plunger 471 of the solenoid 47 is arranged in the lateral direction, which is different from the longitudinal direction, which is the movement direction of the shutter 45, to reduce the influence of gravity. In this way, by arranging the plunger 471 of the solenoid 47 along the left-right direction, it is possible to suppress destabilization of the operation of the plunger 471 due to chattering. Further, by arranging the solenoid 47 so that the plunger 471 extends in the horizontal direction, it is possible to effectively utilize the space as described above.

Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the solenoid 47 is arranged on the rear side with respect to the shutter 45 . Specifically, the solenoid 47 of this embodiment is arranged behind the shutter 45 that closes the big prize opening 125 . In the present embodiment, by arranging the solenoid 47 on the rear side with respect to the shutter 45 , a space for forming the big winning opening 125 into which game balls enter is secured on the front side of the shutter 45 .

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the solenoid 47 is arranged on the rear side of the shutter 45 so as to vertically overlap the shutter 45, which has moved to the rear side due to the opening state (Fig. 16). We are trying to save space. Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, even when the shutter 45 is in the open state, the space can be saved.

(Link mechanism 48)
The link mechanism 48 transmits movement of the plunger 471 of the solenoid 47 to the shutter 45 . In this embodiment, the link mechanism 48 moves the shutter 45 forward when the plunger 471 is pushed out. On the other hand, the link mechanism 48 moves the shutter 45 rearward when the plunger 471 is pulled.

Next, the shutter 45 will be described in detail.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the shape of the shutter 45 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the shutter 45 of this embodiment is inclined so that the right side is higher and the left side is lower. As a result, the game ball on the shutter 45 rolls from the upstream side toward the downstream side by its own weight. In other words, the shutter 45 prevents the game ball from stopping on the shutter 45 . As a result, for example, the game balls stay on the shutter 45 to prevent problems such as ball clogging.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, the width B of the shutter 45 in the front-rear direction differs as it advances in the left-right direction when viewed from above. The shutter 45 is tapered on the front side. The width B of the shutter 45 in the front-rear direction gradually decreases from the right side to the left side in the left-right direction. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, the front side of the shutter 45 is formed obliquely with respect to the front plate 42 .

The shutter 45 of this embodiment has its front side obliquely formed with respect to the front plate 42, so that when a game ball is caught between the shutter 45 and the front plate 42, the game ball is pushed in the left-right direction. As a result, in the pachinko game machine 100 of the present embodiment, the game ball is moved in the horizontal direction to eliminate the jamming.

Furthermore, the shutter 45 forms a gap W with respect to the front plate 42 . The gap W gradually increases from the right side to the left side in the horizontal direction. The shutter 45 forms a non-contact portion and an operated portion between itself and the front plate 42 . The non-contact portion and the operated portion will be described later in detail.

In the shutter 45 of the present embodiment, the front end portion 450 of the shutter 45 is not entirely in contact with the front plate 42, but the shutter 45 is not limited to this aspect. The shutter 45 may contact the front plate 42 in at least a partial region of the front end portion 450 of the shutter 45 .
Further, the shutter 45 may have the same width B in the front-rear direction as it proceeds from the right side to the left side in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 15(C), the width H of the shutter 45 in the vertical direction changes as it advances in the front-rear direction when viewed from the right side. The shutter 45 is tapered on the front side and the bottom side. The width H of the shutter 45 in the vertical direction gradually decreases from the rear side to the front side in the front-rear direction.
Specifically, the shutter 45 of this embodiment has an upper end face 450T formed on the upper side and a lower end face 450B formed on the lower side at the front end portion 450 . The upper end surface 450T is substantially orthogonal to the shutter upper surface 45A. On the other hand, the lower end surface 450B is inclined with respect to the shutter upper surface 45A. The shutter 45 of the present embodiment has a lower end surface 450B, thereby varying the width H in the vertical direction.

The lower end surface 450B of the shutter 45 of this embodiment is inclined with respect to the shutter upper surface 45A and faces downward. Thereby, the shutter 45 pushes the game ball downward when the game ball is caught between the front plate 42 and the shutter 45 . As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, the game ball is dropped downward to eliminate the jamming.

Note that the shutter 45 of the present embodiment has a lower end face 450B that slopes downward at the front end 450, but the shutter 45 is not limited to this aspect. For example, the shutter 45 may have an edge 450 that slopes upward. In this case, the shutter 45 pushes the game ball upward when the game ball is caught between the front plate 42 and the shutter 45 . As a result, the shutter 45 pushes the game ball onto the shutter upper surface 45A to eliminate the biting of the game ball. Then, the game ball flows on the shutter upper surface 45A of the shutter 45 and heads toward the second flow path forming portion 44. - 特許庁Incidentally, in this case, the game ball does not enter the big winning hole 125 .

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment.
Next, the operation of the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
When controlling the large winning opening 125 to be open, the coil 472 of the solenoid 47 is energized. Then, the plunger 471 is pulled in against the spring 473 . The plunger 471 slides the shutter 45 rearward via the link mechanism 48 . As a result, the shutter 45 is further retracted to the rear side with respect to the rear plate 411 , and the tip portion is substantially aligned with the rear plate 411 . Then, the shutter 45 forms an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the big winning opening 125 .

On the other hand, when controlling the big winning opening 125 to be closed, the coil 472 of the solenoid 47 is de-energized. Then, the plunger 471 is protruded by the spring force of the spring 473 . The plunger 471 slides the shutter 45 forward through the link mechanism 48 . As a result, the shutter 45 protrudes from the rear plate 411 . It should be noted that the shutter 45 of this embodiment does not contact the front plate 42 and forms a predetermined gap with the front plate 42 in the most protruded state.

17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams of the ball engagement state of the shutter 45 of this embodiment.
Next, a state in which a game ball is sandwiched between the shutter 45 and the front plate 42 (hereinafter referred to as a "ball caught state") will be described.
17(A-1) is an explanatory diagram when the shutter 45 of the present embodiment is in the closed state, and FIG. 17(A-2) is an explanatory diagram when the shutter 45 is in the ball engagement state. is. FIG. 17B-1 is an explanatory diagram when the shutter 90 of the comparative example is in the closed state, and FIG. 17B-2 is an explanatory diagram when the shutter 90 is in the ball engagement state. be.

Here, first, the shutter 90 of the comparative example will be described. As shown in FIG. 17B-1, when the shutter 90 is in the closed state, the plunger 471 of the solenoid 47 is in a state in which it protrudes most. In this case, the spring 473 is in its most extended state. On the other hand, when the shutter 90 is in the ball engagement state, the solenoid 47 is in a state in which the spring 473 is contracted by a predetermined amount (L2). The contraction amount of the spring 473 corresponds to the retraction amount (L2) of the shutter 90 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17A-1, when the shutter 45 of the present embodiment is closed, the plunger 471 of the solenoid 47 projects most. In this case, the spring 473 is in its most extended state. On the other hand, when the shutter 45 is in the ball engagement state, the solenoid 47 is in a state in which the spring 473 is contracted by a predetermined amount (L1). The contraction amount of the spring 473 corresponds to the retraction amount (L1) of the shutter 90 .

Here, the shutter 45 of this embodiment has a non-contact portion that does not contact the front plate 42 . As described above, when the shutter 45 is in the ball-engaged state, the solenoid 47 is in a state in which the spring 473 is contracted by a predetermined amount (L1). This amount L1 is smaller than L2 of the shutter 90 of the comparative example (L1<L2). Therefore, the spring force of the spring 473 is smaller in L1 with a smaller amount of contraction than in L2 with a larger amount of contraction. Here, the longer the spring 473 is compressed, the greater the spring force generated. Conversely, the shorter the spring 473 is compressed, the smaller the spring force generated. Therefore, the force with which the shutter 45 bites the game ball is smaller than the force with which the shutter 90 of the comparative example bites the game ball.

Next, a modified shutter 45 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a shutter 45 of a modified example.

As shown in FIG. 18A-1, the width B of the shutter 45 in the front-rear direction may gradually increase from the right side to the left side in the left-right direction. Further, in relation to the front plate 42 , the gap W between the shutter 45 and the front plate 42 may gradually decrease as the shutter 45 moves from the right side to the left side in the left-right direction.
Further, as shown in FIG. 18(A-2), the shutter 45 has a shape similar to that shown in FIG. 42, a gap W may be formed.

As shown in FIG. 18(B-1), the shutter 45 has a linear portion 453 in which the width B in the front-rear direction does not change as it moves from right to left in the left-right direction, and the width B in the front-rear direction gradually decreases. You may have other parts that are different.
Further, as shown in FIG. 18B-2, the shutter 45 has the same shape as that shown in FIG. A gap W may be formed with the plate 42 .

As shown in FIG. 18C-1, the shutter 45 has a portion where the width B in the front-rear direction gradually decreases as it progresses from right to left in the left-right direction, and a portion where the width B in the front-rear direction gradually decreases, and a bending point 454 as a boundary. It may also have another portion in which the width B in the front-rear direction gradually increases toward the left.
Further, as shown in FIG. 18(C-2), the shutter 45 has a shape similar to that in FIG. 42, a gap W may be formed.

As shown in FIG. 18(D-1), the shutter 45 has a portion where the width B in the front-rear direction gradually increases as it progresses from the right to the left in the left-right direction, and a portion where the width B in the front-rear direction gradually increases, It may also have another portion in which the width B in the front-rear direction gradually decreases toward the left.
Further, as shown in FIG. 18(D-2), the shutter 45 has the same shape as that shown in FIG. 18(D-1). may form a gap W between the front plate 42 and the front plate 42 .

The shutter 45 configured as described above has a gap W between it and the front plate 42 in the most projected state, so that the operator manually changes the shutter 45 from the closed state to the open state (shutter 45 is displaced).
For example, when the shutter 45 is in the closed state where the shutter 45 protrudes most, if the entire area on the front side of the shutter 45 is in contact with the front plate 42 without any gap between it and the front plate 42, the operator operates the shutter 45. When trying to open the shutter 45 by doing so, it is difficult to catch, for example, a finger or a jig on the front end of the shutter 45 .
On the other hand, the shutter 45 of this embodiment has at least a portion of the operated portion that forms the gap W between the front plate 42 and the shutter 45 . Accordingly, the operator can easily operate the shutter 45 by hooking, for example, a finger or a jig in the gap W functioning as the operated portion.

Next, modifications based on the viewpoint of the operated portion provided on the shutter 45 will be described.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a shutter 45 of a modified example.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an attacker unit 400 of a modified example.

As shown in FIG. 19A, the modified shutter 45 has a hole 456 penetrating vertically on the front side of the shutter 45 . In this example, the hole 456 is formed at the right end as an example of the end in the left-right direction. The operator can easily operate the shutter 45 by inserting, for example, a jig into the hole 456 functioning as the operated portion.
Note that the hole 456 does not necessarily have to penetrate vertically. Also, a plurality of holes 456 may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 19B, the modified shutter 45 has a grip portion 457 that protrudes downward from the front side of the shutter lower surface 45B. In this example, the grip portion 457 is provided at the left end as an example of the end in the left-right direction. The operator can easily operate the shutter 45 by, for example, hooking a finger on the grip portion 457 functioning as an operated portion.
The grip portion 457 may protrude upward from the shutter upper surface 45A.

As shown in FIG. 19C, the shutter 45 of the modified example has a projecting portion 458 that has a predetermined height and projects upward in a substantially rectangular shape on the shutter upper surface 45A. In this example, a plurality of protrusions 458 are provided. The plurality of protruding portions 458 are arranged entirely on the shutter upper surface 45A. The operator can easily operate the shutter 45 by hooking a finger or a jig on the projecting portion 458 that functions as an operated portion.

As shown in FIG. 19D, the shutter 45 of the modified example has a protrusion 459 extending in the left-right direction and protruding upward on the shutter upper surface 45A. In this example, a plurality of protrusions 459 are provided. The operator can easily operate the shutter 45 by hooking a finger or a jig on the protrusion 459 functioning as the operated portion.

As shown in FIG. 20, the front plate 42 of the modified example is provided with an opening 42H. The opening 42H has an inner diameter that allows an elongated rod-shaped jig 95 to pass therethrough, for example. Further, the shutter 45 of the modified example has a receiving portion 45R at a position facing the opening 42H for receiving a jig 95 passing through the opening 42H. That is, the opening 42H and the receiving portion 45R are provided at positions facing each other. In addition, in the present embodiment, the upper end face 450T can function as the receiving portion 45R.
Then, the operator can easily operate the shutter 45 by pressing the jig 95 against the receiving portion 45R of the shutter 45 functioning as the operated portion.

Next, the positional relationship between the big winning opening 125 and the first starting opening 121 of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a ball jam on the game board 110. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 21(A), in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, the game balls are configured to smoothly flow down, but the game balls stop in the middle of the game area 111 for some reason. However, a state in which a plurality of game balls are piled up like grapes (hereinafter referred to as “grapes”) may occur.
On the other hand, in the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment, the shutter 45 is provided below the first starting port 121 . Therefore, even if grapes are formed on the shutter 45, the game ball is more likely to flow down above the grapes, making it difficult for the game ball to face the first starting port 121, for example.

Here, as shown in FIG. 21(B), the board structure of the pachinko game machine of the comparative example will be described.
In the pachinko game machine of the comparative example, the first starting port 121 of the comparative example is provided at a height Lv4 with respect to a predetermined reference height. Moreover, the umbilical nail 101H of the comparative example is provided at a height Lv5 higher than the first starting port 121 with respect to the reference height. The big winning opening 125 (shutter 45) of the comparative example is provided at a height Lv6 higher than the first starting opening 121 and the umbilical nail 101H with respect to the reference height.
Then, in the pachinko game machine of the comparative example, when grapes are generated on the shutter 45 of the big winning opening 125, even if the number of game balls constituting the grapes is relatively small, the grapes will rise above the first start opening 121. formed. This increases the possibility that a path through which the game ball flows from the upper side of the grape to the first starting port 121 is formed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21(A), in this embodiment, as described above, even if a certain number of game balls accumulate as grapes on the shutter 45 of the big winning opening 125, the first start It is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to flow into the mouth 121.例文帳に追加
In particular, on the game board 110 , the big winning opening 125 of the present embodiment is provided below the first starting opening 121 . In particular, in this embodiment, the left side of the shutter 45 of the big winning opening 125, which is the side where the first starting opening 121 is provided, is lower than the right side. As a result, the height of the grapes on the side of the first starting port 121 becomes relatively low, and the flow of game balls to the first starting port 121 accompanying the generation of grapes is suppressed.

Subsequently, the decorative portion 421 in the attacker unit 400 will be described in detail.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the decorative portion 421 of the front plate 42 of this embodiment.
The decorative portion 421 is formed entirely on the front plate 42 . Also, the decorative portion 421 is provided at a position overlapping the shutter 45 when viewed from the front side by the player. Further, the decorative portion 421 is provided on the transparent front plate 42 and has a color, pattern, or shape that makes the rear side invisible or difficult to see through the front plate 42 .
The decoration part 421 of the present embodiment makes at least part of the shutter 45 difficult to see or visible when the player looks at the shutter 45 from the direction perpendicular to the board surface of the game board 110 (main surface P1 of the game board 110P). Make invisible. Furthermore, when the player looks at the shutter 45 from above the shutter 45 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction of the board surface of the game board 110 (main surface P1 of the game board 110P), the decoration part 421 At least a portion of 45 is readily visible or visible.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22(A), the attacker unit 400 is positioned, for example, on the game board 110 where the attacker unit 400 is provided. , at least a portion of the front end 450 (the upper end face 450T and the lower end face 450B) of the shutter upper face 45A is hidden by the decorative portion 421 when the player sees the . In this embodiment, the attacker unit 400 is positioned relatively lower on the game board 110 . Therefore, when the height of the player's eyes matches the height of the attacker unit 400, which is located on the relatively lower side of the game board 110, the attacker unit 400 is positioned at the front end 450 (upper side) of the shutter upper surface 45A. At least a portion of the end surface 450T and the lower end surface 450B) overlaps the decorative portion 421, and at least a portion of the end portion 450 cannot be seen, or at least a portion of the end portion 450 is difficult to see.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22(B), when the attacker unit 400 is viewed from above the attacker unit 400 in the cross direction that intersects the board surface of the game board 110, , the front end 450 of the shutter 45 can be seen by the player without being hidden by the decorative part 421. - 特許庁In this embodiment, the attacker unit 400 is positioned relatively lower on the game board 110 . Therefore, in the attacker unit 400, when the player's line of sight is at the height of the screen of the image display section 114 above the attacker unit 400, the height of the player's eyes matches the height of the attacker unit 400. The end portion 450 (the upper end surface 450T and the lower end surface 450B), which was not visible to the player when the player was standing, is made visible or easily visible.

Also, as shown in FIG. 22A, the attacker unit 400 is positioned, for example, on the game board 110 where the attacker unit 400 is provided. When viewed, the shutter upper surface 45A of the shutter 45 is hidden or hardly visible.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22(B), when the attacker unit 400 is viewed from above the attacker unit 400 in the direction that intersects the board surface of the game board 110, the shutter The upper surface 45A of the shutter 45 is not hidden from the decorative part 421 and is made visible to the player or easily visible to the player.

With the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to encourage the player to set the eye level to a preferable level. That is, for example, when the player's line of sight is at the height of the attacker unit 400, at least a portion of the shutter 45 overlaps the decorative portion 421 and becomes invisible as described above. In this case, the player adjusts the height of the seat so that a part of the shutter 45 does not become obscured by the decorative portion 421. The eye level is adjusted to a relatively high position on the board 110. - 特許庁As a result, a portion of the shutter 45 is not hidden by the decorative portion 421 and is visible. Then, it is possible to prompt the player to match the height of the screen of the image display unit 114 where the game effect is performed with the height of the eyes of the player.

In the above example, when the eye level of the player is relatively low on the game board 110, the front end 450 of the shutter 45 is partially hidden. , is not limited to this aspect. If the eye level of the player is relatively low on the game board 110 , the entire front end 450 of the shutter 45 may be hidden by the decorative portion 421 .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 22A, when the eye height of the player looking at the attacker unit 400 matches the height of the attacker unit 400, the decorative portion 421 is positioned above the game ball. A portion (eg, two-thirds of the playing ball) is always exposed. On the other hand, in a state where the height of the eye of the player looking at the attacker unit 400 matches the height of the attacker unit 400, the decoration part 421 of the modified example is a part of the remaining lower side (for example, a game ball ) is hidden or shown depending on the position relative to the decorative portion 421 .

Next, the decorative portion 421 of the modified example will be described.
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the decoration part 421 of the modified example.
The decorative portion 421 of the modified example is provided by attaching a sealing material or the like to the front plate 42 . As shown in FIG. 23, the decorative portion 421 of the modified example is located above the shutter 45, and extends along the downstream direction of the shutter 45 into a first decorative region S1 and a second decorative region S2. , and a third decorative region S3. The first decoration area S1, the second decoration area S2, and the third decoration area S3 are provided on the transparent front plate 42, and the rear side is not seen or is difficult to see through the front plate 42. It has colors, patterns and shapes. Furthermore, the first decoration area S1, the second decoration area S2, and the third decoration area S3 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the downward direction of the game ball on the shutter 45. As shown in FIG. A first transmitting portion T12 and a second transmitting portion T23 are formed between the decoration regions so that the rear side can be seen through the transparent front plate 42 .

Then, in a state where the height of the eye of a person who sees the attacker unit 400 of the modified example matches the height of the attacker unit 400 of the modified example, the decoration part 421 of the modified example is a part of the upper side of the game ball ( For example, two-thirds of the game balls are always exposed. On the other hand, in a state in which the height of the eyes of a person who sees the attacker unit 400 of the modified example matches the height of the attacker unit 400 of the modified example, the decoration part 421 of the modified example is part of the remaining lower side. (eg, one-third of the game ball) is hidden or visible depending on its position relative to the decoration 421 .

In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, for example, when the game ball is located behind any one of the first decoration area S1, the second decoration area S2 and the third decoration area S3, the first decoration area A part of the lower side of the game ball is hidden from view by overlapping with any one of the areas S1, the second decoration area S2 and the third decoration area S3. On the other hand, in the pachinko game machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the game ball is positioned behind the first transmission portion T12 and the second transmission portion T23, all the game balls are shown through the front plate 42. there is
In the present embodiment, when the first decorative region S1, the second decorative region S2, and the third decorative region S3 each hide a part of the game ball, the area of the region of the game ball that is not shown (for example, 1/3 of the game ball) is smaller than the area of the area of the game ball to be shown (for example, 2/3 of the game ball).

In this embodiment, the visibility of a game ball passing over a specific area (part) of the shutter 45 is determined by is lower than the visibility of By providing a high visibility area and a low visibility area for the game ball flowing down the shutter 45, the flow speed of the game ball on the shutter 45 can be visually confirmed.

By the way, by attaching oil to the surface of the game ball, there are cases where the game ball stays in the game area 111 or the game balls stick to each other. Since the game ball to which oil is adhered has higher rolling resistance than the game ball to which oil is not adhered, the downflow speed of the game ball is slowed down. As described above, in the pachinko machine of the present embodiment, it is possible to check whether oil or the like adheres to the surface of the game ball by observing the falling speed of the game ball on the shutter 45 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 23B, if oil is not adhered, the time required to pass through the first decorative area S1 and reach the next second decorative area S2 is relatively short. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23(C), when oil is adhered, the time required to pass through the first decorative region S1 and reach the next second decorative region S2 is relatively slow. Become. As described above, in this embodiment, the falling speed of the game ball is confirmed on the shutter 45 through which the game ball flows linearly over a relatively long distance.

Next, the size relationship in the front-rear direction of the game area 111 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the size relationship in the front-rear direction of the game area 111 of this embodiment.
In this embodiment, the projection height of each component from the main surface P1 of the game board 110P is as follows. The game nail 101 has a height of T1, and the front plate 42 has a height of T2. The height T1 and the height T2 are substantially equal (T1=T2). Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the height T1 of the game nail 101 and the height T2 of the front plate 42 have the highest projection height from the main surface P1 among the parts provided in the game area 111. It's becoming

Also, in this embodiment, the height T3 of the rear plate 411 is the lowest among the other parts. Furthermore, the height T4 of the most protruding portion of the shutter 45 is higher than the height T3 and lower than the heights T1 and T2 (T3<T4<(T1 or T2)).

The width A1 of the game board 110P in the front-rear direction is larger than the parts constituting the attacker unit 400 as the thickness of the individual parts. The front plate 42 is formed with a predetermined width A2. Also, the rear plate 411 is formed to have a predetermined width A3 (=height T3). The width A2 of the front plate 42 and the width A3 of the rear plate 411 are substantially equal (A2=A3).

And, by having the relationship of sizes as described above, it is configured as follows. In the pachinko game machine 100 of this embodiment, a game nail 101 is planted on a game board 110 by an attacker unit 400 that can change between an open state in which a game ball can win and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter. A first region R1 that is a region in which the water can flow down in the front-rear direction in the portion where the water flows down, a second region R2 that has a region in which the water can flow down in the front-rear direction that is narrower than the first region R1, and a front plate 42 for forming the second region R2. and

The attacker unit 400 is located on the rear side of the front plate 42 and has a shutter upper surface 45A through which game balls can pass when the big winning opening 125 is closed. A projection length T4 in the front-rear direction of the shutter upper surface 45A that projects to the front side of the board 110 (game board 110P) is configured to be shorter than the projection length T1 of the game nail 101. In the attacker unit 400 , the second region R<b>2 is formed by the rear plate 411 , the front surface, and the rear surface of the front plate 42 . The length of the second region R2 is obtained by subtracting the width A2 of the front plate 42 and the width A3 of the rear plate 411 from the height T2 of the front plate 42 (R2=T2-(A2+A3)).

In the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above, the game nail 101 is adjusted, for example, at the time of manufacture. At this time, it is easier to adjust the game nail 101 when the projecting height of the game nail 101 is relatively high. In addition, in the pachinko machine 100, the game nail 101 allows the game ball to move in any of the vertical, horizontal, and forward/backward directions, so that the player can enjoy the game. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to configure so that the game ball can move in a state with a high degree of freedom in the front-rear direction between the game board 110P and the front glass plate. On the other hand, in the big winning hole 125, it is preferable to narrow the moving range in the front-rear direction to some extent so that the game ball can easily win a prize.

Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the first region R1 is provided at the location where the game nail 101 is provided so that the game ball can relatively easily move in the front-rear direction. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the second area R2 is provided at the location where the big winning hole 125 is provided so that the game ball is relatively difficult to move in the front-rear direction.

Next, the fraudulent prize winning process in the big prize winning port 125 of the present embodiment will be described.
As described with reference to FIG. 8, when the number of rounds of operation of the big winning hole 125 reaches the set maximum value in the big winning hole process, the big winning game ends. Here, there is a case where a game ball wins in the big winning hole 125 even though the big winning game has ended. In order to suppress the winning of the game ball after the jackpot game is over, for example, control to display that an error has occurred on the screen of the image display unit 114 is conceivable. However, if the conditions for error notification are set too strictly, for example, an error message will be displayed even though no illegal operation has been performed, and the player who has not committed the illegal operation will feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, if the conditions are set too loosely, there is a risk of encouraging unauthorized operations.

Therefore, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, after the shutter 45 of the large winning opening 125 is closed, a predetermined winning grace period is measured, and then a predetermined winning grace period for the large winning opening 125 ( For example, 3 balls, etc.) are counted. Then, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, when more game balls than the predetermined number of winning grace periods enter the big winning opening 125 after the elapse of the predetermined winning grace period, it is an illegal winning operation. , and an error notification is made.

Next, abnormal winning determination processing in the big winning opening processing described with reference to FIG. 8 will be described.
FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the contents of the abnormal winning determination process in the big winning opening 125 of this embodiment.

Every time the operation of the big winning opening 125 ends (S1710, see FIG. 8), the abnormal winning determination process is executed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the game control section 200 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the timing at which the big winning opening 125 was closed (S2501). If the predetermined time has not passed since the timing when the big winning opening 125 was closed (No in S2501), the process returns to S2501 again and repeats the processing until the predetermined time passes.

On the other hand, when the game control unit 200 determines that a predetermined time has passed since the timing when the large winning opening 125 was closed (Yes in S2501), the predetermined number or more of game balls are large. It is determined whether or not a prize has been won in the prize winning opening 125 (S2502).

Here, when the predetermined number or more of game balls do not enter the big winning opening 125 (No in S2502), the process ends.
On the other hand, when a predetermined time has passed since the timing at which the large winning opening 125 was closed (Yes in S2501), and more than a predetermined number of game balls have entered the large winning opening 125 (S2502 Yes), the game control unit 200 turns on the abnormal winning flag (S2503).

Then, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the effect control section 300 executes error notification based on the fact that the abnormal winning flag is ON. The error notification of the present embodiment can be performed by, for example, displaying a message on the screen of the image display unit 114 to the effect that an illegal prize has been won. Further, the error notification may be made by causing the frame lamp 157 or the like provided in the pachinko game machine 100 to emit light in a conspicuous emission color such as red. Further, the error notification may be output from the speaker 156 with a warning sound that is louder than the effect sound output during the game effect.

Although illustration is omitted, the game control unit 200 starts operation of the big winning port 125 after the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned off or the abnormal winning flag is turned on (opening). state), the abnormal prize winning flag that was ON is turned OFF.

Here, the abnormal winning judgment processing shown in FIG. 25 will be described in further detail using the timing chart of FIG.
FIG. 26 shows the relationship between the operating state of the shutter 45 that opens and closes the big winning port 125 in the jackpot game, the output state of the test signal for making a predetermined test device recognize the operating state of the shutter 45, and the abnormal winning determination process. is a timing chart showing

The abnormal winning determination process is executed during the period (hereinafter referred to as "closed period") in which the big winning opening 125 is closed due to the non-energization of the solenoid 47 for driving the shutter 45 as described above. It is a process that

As shown in FIGS. 26(A) and 26(B), the closing period is composed of an interval time and a pause time after the end of the interval time. The interval time is the time set between round games, and is the time for the player to recognize the start and end of a single round game. Pause time is the time set between round games like the interval time, and is the time for allowing a predetermined test device outside the gaming machine to recognize the start and end of a single round game. . Between the interval time and the rest time, the interval time is set longer than the rest time.

The predetermined test device is a device for determining whether or not the operating state of the gaming machine is appropriate in the performance test of the gaming machine. A game machine must pass the performance test conducted by a predetermined testing agency before it is installed in a game arcade. In the performance test, the signal for indicating the operation state of the shutter 45 during the jackpot game (that is, whether or not the round game is executed, the open/closed state of the big winning opening) is the test signal in this embodiment.

The output of the test signal starts when the solenoid 47 for driving the shutter 45 is energized and the big winning opening 125 is opened, and when the solenoid 47 for driving the shutter 45 is not energized and the big winning opening 125 is closed. After a predetermined interval time has elapsed, the output is terminated. After that, when the solenoid 47 for driving the shutter 45 is newly energized and the big winning opening 125 is opened, the signal output is started again, and the above signal output is repeated until the final round game ends. Note that the output of the test signal is stopped during the pause time.

Both the interval time and the pause time are the time during which the big winning hole 125 is closed, and although the difference is apparently unrecognizable to the player, it is the main control process of the game control unit 200 (main control means). is set or monitored as a different time for control purposes.

The game control section 200 starts measuring a predetermined interval time when the round game ends. The interval time corresponds to the "predetermined time" in S2501 of FIG. During the interval time, winning and payout to the big winning hole 125 are permitted, but the number of winnings to the big winning hole 125 is not counted. In addition, the game control section 200 sets an interval flag for determining whether or not it is during the interval time, measures the interval time if the interval flag is valid, and if the interval flag is invalid, the interval time is not measured. The interval flag becomes valid when the solenoid 47 for driving the shutter 45 is de-energized, and becomes invalid when the measurement of the interval time ends.

Then, the game control unit 200 starts measuring a predetermined pause time when the measurement of the interval time ends. The pause time corresponds to the time for counting the "predetermined number" in S2502 of FIG. It is a period to The game control unit 200 sets a pause flag for determining whether or not it is during the pause time, and if the pause flag is valid, measures the pause time and counts the number of winnings to the big winning opening 125 (up to 3 ), and if the pause flag is invalid, the pause time is not measured. Note that the pause flag becomes valid when the measurement of the interval time ends, and becomes invalid when the measurement of the pause time ends.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26(B), when the final round ends and the closing period ends after that, the ending time shifts. During the ending time, the game control unit 200 continues to count the number of winnings to the big winning opening 125 from the pause time. Then, the game control unit 200 counts the number of three winnings to the big winnings opening 125 from the pause time to determine abnormal winnings. At this time, the number of winning prizes may be counted by keeping the pause flag valid throughout the ending time. The ending time may be measured with the flag enabled.

Also, in the present embodiment, the interval time and the pause time are counted based on each flag, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, while counting the total interval time through the interval time and the rest time, the interval time and the rest time are counted by enabling the interval total time latter half flag from the point corresponding to the start timing of the rest time in this embodiment. It may be determined.

As described above, the non-energized state of the solenoid 47 for driving the shutter 45 in the jackpot game means that the game controller 200 controls the game control unit 200 while the game controller 200 controls the game control unit 200 to indicate that the large winning port 125 is closed. The configuration is roughly divided into time and pause time. Then, the abnormal winning determination process is realized by monitoring the interval time and the pause time. Further, the output of the test signal to the test apparatus is turned ON when the shutter 45 starts to open, and turned OFF when the pause time starts. In other words, the abnormal winning determination is performed while the big winning opening 125 is closed, and the closing time of the big winning opening consists of two types of time, an interval time and a pause time. This is the time to ensure that the test signal is turned off in order to output multiple times.

Next, a modified attacker unit 400 will be described.
FIG. 27 is a front view of an attacker unit 400 of a modified example.
The attacker unit 400 of the modification differs from the embodiment described above in the inclination of the shutter 45 with respect to the flowing direction of the game ball in the game area 111 as a whole.
The modified attacker unit 400 is provided on the right side of the game area 111 . In this embodiment, the discharge port 117 is provided in the central portion of the game board 110 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, on the right side of the game area 111, the flow of game balls from the right side to the left side is the downward direction.

In addition, in the attacker unit 400 of the modified example, the shutter 45 is configured such that the downstream side in the flowing direction of the game ball is higher than the upstream side. As a result, in the attacker unit 400 of the modified example, when the shutter 45 is closed at the timing between rounds (interval) while the jackpot game is being played, the game ball temporarily closes the shutter 45. Stay. In this state, when the shutter 45 is opened, the game ball rising above the shutter 45 can enter the big winning hole 125 . If the shutter 45 is not opened, the liquid flows through the first flow passage forming portion 43 or the second flow passage forming portion 44 and flows to the lower side of the game board 110 .
In the modified attacker unit 400 configured as described above, the game ball that reaches the big winning opening 125 at the interval timing of the round of the big winning game can enter the big winning opening 125 after that. .
In terms of suppressing the rolling speed of the game ball on the shutter 45, for example, the height of the shutter 45 (shutter upper surface 45A) may be provided horizontally as it progresses in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of penalty processing when the power is turned off.
Next, penalty processing to be executed when an abnormal operation that is not a normal operation is performed will be described.
In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the main body of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is powered off while a jackpot game is being played, the opening time of the big winning opening 125 is longer than the predetermined opening time. is also shortened. By performing this first penalty process, it is made clear that turning off the main body of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is an undesirable operation.

First, as shown in FIG. 28(1), when a jackpot is won, the decorative patterns 51 are determined and stopped on the screen in a combination in which the determination result of the special pattern lottery is a jackpot. When the jackpot is notified, the screen displays a reserved number display 55 indicating the number of reserved rights to determine the jackpot, and a display smaller than the decorative pattern 51, which is displayed separately from the decorative pattern 51. Small symbols 56 for informing the player of the symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) are displayed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 28(2), an opening image 75 is displayed on the screen. The opening image 75 is an image for informing the player of the start of the jackpot game. Specifically, in the opening image 75 of the present embodiment, the text "BIG Bonus! Configurations" is displayed. The opening image 75 has contents suggesting the type of jackpot (for example, the total number of rounds).

Also, the right-handed image 79 is a display prompting the player to shoot a game ball toward the big winning opening 125 (see FIG. 11). In this embodiment, the big winning opening 125 is arranged on the right side of the game area 111 (see FIG. 10). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the right-handed image 79 is displayed when the jackpot game is being executed.
The right hitting image 79 is displayed when the player is in an advantageous state by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball). That is, the right hitting image 79 is an image for notifying the player that the player is in an advantageous state by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).

Further, in the present embodiment, the right-handed image 79 is continuously displayed at least during the jackpot game. In addition, for example, when a jackpot game is started, an opening right-handed image different from the right-handed image 79 may be temporarily displayed. The right-handed image at the beginning is different from the right-handed image 79 in display mode such as display size and display design. For example, the right-handed image at the beginning may be larger in size than the right-handed image 79 and may have a highly decorative and conspicuous design.

Then, as shown in FIG. 28(3), when the round game in which the big winning opening 125 is opened is started, the display screen of the image display unit 114 displays a right-handed image 79, a round progress image 76, and a round image. 77, a jackpot symbol display image 78 and a count image 74 are displayed respectively.

The round progress image 76 is a display showing the number of rounds achieved with respect to the total number of rounds in the jackpot game. For example, if a jackpot of 10 rounds (10R) is won, the round progress image 76 will display 10 white circles, and each time each round is completed, the white circles will change to another color, such as black. Change one by one.

The round image 77 is an image for notifying the player of the number of rounds currently being executed in the jackpot game. For example, in the round image 77, when the jackpot of 10 rounds is won, "Round 1" to "Final Round (Round 10)" are displayed in order.

The jackpot symbol display image 78 is an image that suggests the type of jackpot when the jackpot game is being executed. That is, it is an image suggesting the three decorative patterns 51 that are aligned when winning the jackpot. In the present embodiment, one decorative pattern 51 is displayed among the three decorative patterns 51 that are aligned when a big hit is won.

Also, the count image 74 is a display showing the number of winnings of the big winning openings 125 in one round. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the condition for closing the big winning port 125 per round is that 29.5 seconds have elapsed since it was opened or 10 winnings have been made. The count image 74 displays 10 white stars corresponding to the 10 winning conditions, which are the closing conditions. , one at a time.

Here, as shown in FIG. 28(4), it is assumed that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is powered off during the first round, for example. Since the power supply to the image display unit 114 is cut off, naturally nothing is displayed on the screen.
After that, the power to the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on. Then, in the pachinko gaming machine 100, recovery operation is executed. Further, as shown in FIG. 28(5), the screen of the image display unit 114 displays a restoration-in-progress image 81 indicating that restoration is in progress.

After restoration, as shown in FIG. 28(6), the screen of the image display unit 114 again displays the right-handed image 79, the round progress image 76, the round image 77, the jackpot symbol display image 78, and the count image 74. displayed respectively.

Further, as shown in FIG. 28(6), in this embodiment, the screen of the image display unit 114 displays a warning display 82 prompting the user not to turn off the power, and a penalty for turning off the power during the jackpot game. , and a penalty display 83 for notifying that the opening time of the big winning hole 125 in one round is shortened.

Here, for comparison, a case where the penalty processing of this embodiment is not executed will be described. When the penalty process is not executed, the elapsed time from the start of a certain round until the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned off is measured, and the elapsed time is temporarily stored. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, a predetermined time (29.5 seconds in this example), which is the default closing condition of the big winning opening 125, is determined from the temporarily stored elapsed time. The measurement of opening time for one round is started again.

On the other hand, when the penalty process of the present embodiment is executed, the elapsed time from the start of a certain round until the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned off is measured, and the elapsed time is temporarily stored. When the power of the pachinko game machine 100 is turned on, one round is made from the temporarily stored elapsed time toward an opening time for penalty set shorter than the default opening time (for example, 28 seconds). The minute open time measurement is restarted.

Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, in the round (in this example, the first round) in which the power is turned off, the opening time predetermined as the closing condition is reduced by, for example, several seconds. . Therefore, for example, when 10 game balls do not win the big winning opening 125 as the closing condition, the total time for which the shutter 45 of the big winning opening 125 is open is controlled to be shorter than 29.5 seconds. It has become.

In the first round, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned off again, the total open time during which the big winning hole 125 is open is further reduced. In this case, the elapsed time until the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned off again is temporarily stored. Then, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, the temporarily stored elapsed time is set to a penalty opening time (for example, 27 seconds) set shorter than the default opening time. Measurement of opening time for the round is started again.
Also, in this case, the warning display 82 and the penalty display 83 described above are displayed on the screen again.

After that, as shown in FIG. 28(7), for example, when closing conditions in the first round of the big prize opening 125 are satisfied, the first round ends, and as shown in FIG. 28(8), the second round is started. In this second round, if the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 main body as described above is not turned off, the open state of the big winning opening 125 is continued until the closing condition is satisfied. However, even in this second round, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 main body as described above is powered off, as described above, penalty processing for reducing the opening time of the big winning opening 125 is executed. . This also applies to the third and subsequent rounds.

Furthermore, for example, when the wiring 215L connected to the attacker unit 400 is derailed or disconnected, the power supply to the attacker unit 400 is stopped. Even in this case, when the wiring 215L connected to the attacker unit 400 is connected again, the opening for one round is opened toward the penalty opening time (for example, 25 seconds) set shorter than the default opening time. Timing resumes. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 100, for example, a warning display prompting power supply to the attacker unit 400 may be displayed on the screen of the image display unit 114. FIG. Furthermore, in this case as well, it is possible to display on the screen that the time during which the big winning opening 125 is open will be shortened.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above has a big winning hole 125 for winning a game ball, and a game ball entering the big winning hole 125 by sliding in the front-rear direction of the game machine. It has a shutter 45 that can be displaced between an open state that facilitates entry and a closed state that makes it difficult for a game ball to enter the big winning opening 125, a plunger 471 that moves in a predetermined direction, and an elastic force of a spring 473. and a front plate 42 provided on the front side in the movement direction of the shutter 45 and facing the shutter 45 . The shutter 45 is positioned closest to the front plate 42 , and a non-contact portion that does not contact the front plate 42, and the solenoid 47 is arranged on the rear side of the shutter 45 so that the predetermined direction is different from the moving direction.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a large winning opening 125 in which a game ball wins, and a game ball sliding in the front-rear direction of the game machine so that the game ball can enter the large winning opening 125. It has a shutter 45 that can be displaced between an open state that facilitates ball entry and a closed state that makes it difficult for a game ball to enter the big winning opening 125, and a plunger 471 that moves in a predetermined direction, and drives the shutter 45. and a front plate 42 provided on the front side in the movement direction of the shutter 45 and facing the shutter 45. The shutter 45 is an operated portion operated when the shutter 45 is manually displaced. The solenoid 47 is arranged behind the shutter 45 so that the predetermined direction is different from the moving direction.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a large winning opening 125 provided on the game board for receiving game balls, and a large winning opening 125 which slides in the front-rear direction of the game machine. A shutter 45 that can be displaced between an open state that makes it easier for a game ball to enter 125 and a closed state that makes it harder for a game ball to enter the big winning opening 125; , and a front plate 42 facing the shutter 45. The shutter 45 is provided upstream and downstream of the shutter 45 in the flow of the game ball, and forms a path of the game ball. and the second flow path forming part 44, and at least part of the shutter 45 is difficult or invisible when viewed from the vertical direction of the board surface of the game board, but part of it crosses the vertical direction When viewed from the upper side of the shutter 45 in the direction in which it is located, it is easily or visually recognizable.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a large winning opening 125 provided on the game board for receiving game balls, and a large winning opening 125 which slides in the front-rear direction of the game machine. A shutter 45 that can be displaced between an open state that makes it easier for a game ball to enter 125 and a closed state that makes it harder for a game ball to enter the big winning opening 125; , and a front plate 42 facing the shutter 45. The shutter 45 is provided upstream and downstream of the shutter 45 in the flow of the game ball, and forms a path of the game ball. and the second flow path forming portion 44, and the visibility of a game ball passing through at least a part of the shutter upper surface 45A of the shutter 45 is low when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the board surface of the game board. When viewed from above the shutter 45 in the direction intersecting the direction, it is higher.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a large winning opening 125 in which a game ball wins, and a game ball sliding in the front-rear direction of the game machine so that the game ball can enter the large winning opening 125. A shutter 45 is displaceable between an open state for facilitating ball entry and a closed state for making it difficult for game balls to enter the big winning opening 125, and the shutter 45 moves in the horizontal direction of the game machine. The height in the vertical direction changes, and the width in the vertical direction changes as it progresses in the front-rear direction.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a large winning opening 125 in which a game ball wins, and a game ball sliding in the front-rear direction of the game machine so that the game ball can enter the large winning opening 125. A shutter 45 is displaceable between an open state for facilitating ball entry and a closed state for making it difficult for game balls to enter the big winning opening 125, and the shutter 45 moves in the horizontal direction of the game machine. The height in the vertical direction changes, and the width in the front-rear direction changes as it progresses in the left-right direction.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a large winning opening 125 in which a game ball wins, and a game ball sliding in the front-rear direction of the game machine so that the game ball can enter the large winning opening 125. A shutter 45 that can be displaced between an open state that facilitates ball entry and a closed state that makes it difficult for game balls to enter the big winning opening 125; A large winning opening switch 215 for detecting a game ball that has won a prize in the opening 125 is provided, and the shutter 45 changes its height in the vertical direction as it advances in the horizontal direction of the game machine.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a large winning opening 125 in which a game ball wins, and a game ball sliding in the front-rear direction of the game machine so that the game ball can enter the large winning opening 125. A shutter 45 is displaceable between an open state that facilitates ball entry and a closed state that makes it difficult for game balls to enter the big winning opening 125. Along with the width change, the width in the front-rear direction changes as the game machine advances in the left-right direction.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a large winning opening 125 in which a game ball wins, and a game ball sliding in the front-rear direction of the game machine so that the game ball can enter the large winning opening 125. A shutter 45 displaceable between an open state for facilitating ball entry and a closed state for making it difficult for a game ball to enter the big prize opening 125; A large winning opening switch 215 for detecting a game ball that has won the opening 125 is provided, and the width of the shutter 45 in the vertical direction changes as it advances in the front-rear direction.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a large winning opening 125 in which a game ball wins, and a game ball sliding in the front-rear direction of the game machine so that the game ball can enter the large winning opening 125. A shutter 45 displaceable between an open state for facilitating ball entry and a closed state for making it difficult for a game ball to enter the big prize opening 125; A large winning opening switch 215 for detecting a game ball that has won the opening 125 is provided, and the shutter 45 changes its width in the front-rear direction as it advances in the left-right direction of the game machine.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a game board forming a game area, a first start port 121 provided in the game board for winning game balls, and a first 1. A large winning opening 125 provided below the starting opening 121, an open state in which game balls can easily enter and a closed state in which game balls cannot enter by sliding in the front-rear direction of the game machine. and a shutter 45 that can be displaced between states, and the big winning opening 125 has the shutter 45, and the height of the shutter 45 changes in the vertical direction as it advances in the horizontal direction of the gaming machine.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a game board forming a game area, a first start port 121 provided in the game board for winning game balls, and a first 1. A large winning opening 125 provided below the starting opening 121, an open state in which game balls can easily enter and a closed state in which game balls cannot enter by sliding in the front-rear direction of the game machine. and a shutter 45 that can be displaced between states.

In addition, the pachinko game machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above is provided on the game board, and the first start port 121 through which the game ball wins, and the first start port 121 on the game board. A shutter that can be displaced between an open state in which game balls can easily enter and a closed state in which game balls can hardly enter by sliding in the front and rear direction of the game machine. 45, and the big winning opening 125 has a shutter 45, and the width of the shutter 45 in the front-rear direction changes as it advances in the left-right direction of the gaming machine.

In addition, the pachinko game machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a game board forming a game area, a first start port 121 provided in the game board for winning game balls, and a first opening in the game board. A large winning opening 125 provided below the starting opening 121, and an open state in which game balls are easily entered and a closed state in which game balls are difficult to enter by sliding in the longitudinal direction of the game machine. and a front plate 42 provided on the front side in the movement direction of the shutter 45 and facing the shutter 45, and a solenoid that drives the shutter 45 in the movement direction using the elastic force of the spring 473. 47 , and the big prize winning opening 125 has a shutter 45 , and the shutter 45 has a non-contact portion that does not contact the front plate 42 when it is closest to the front plate 42 .

In addition, the front plate 42 of the attacker unit 400 of this embodiment is not an essential component. In that case, a transparent member (glass member) provided on the front side of the game nail 101 and separating the player and the game area 111 corresponds to the opposing member.

Various effects of the pachinko gaming machine 100 have been described above, but it is possible to apply or combine all or part of the described contents to other effects, controls, etc., even if there is no particular mention. In addition, although various embodiments and modifications have been mentioned, it is possible to apply or combine the contents of these embodiments and modifications to other effects, etc., even if they are not mentioned in this document. is. In addition, it is possible to combine various embodiments and modifications with each other, and to replace some of them, even if there is no mention in this document.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41... Unit housing|casing part 42... Front plate 43... 1st flow-path formation part 44... 2nd flow-path formation part 45... Shutter 45A... Upper surface of a shutter 45B... Lower surface of a shutter 45R... Receiving part 46 Inner flow path forming portion 47 Solenoid 48 Link mechanism 100 Pachinko game machine 110P Game board 121 Starting port 125 Grand winning port

Claims (1)

a game board forming a game area;
a winning opening provided on the game board for winning a game ball;
By sliding in the longitudinal direction of the game machine, it is possible to shift between a first state in which it is easy for a game ball to enter the winning opening and a second state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the winning opening. a displacement member;
a detection unit provided on the end side in the longitudinal direction of the displacement member for detecting a game ball that has entered the winning opening;
a facing member provided on the front side in the movement direction of the displacement member and facing the displacement member;
a decorative portion provided on the facing member for decoration;
with
The displacement member is provided such that the longitudinal direction extends along the left-right direction of the game machine, and the width in the front-rear direction changes as it advances in the left-right direction,
The opposing member has a transparent area, and is configured to allow the player to see the displacement member and the game ball positioned on the displacement member through the transparent area,
The decoration part has a decoration area that covers the displacement member and the game ball positioned on the displacement member to make it difficult to see when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the board surface of the game board, and the decoration area covers the game ball. In the state where the part is covered, the area of the partial area is smaller than the area of the area where the game ball is not covered by the decorative area,
A plurality of the transmission areas and at least one of the decoration areas are arranged along the flowing direction of the game ball in the displacement member so as to form the decoration area between the transmission areas, A gaming machine, wherein the plurality of transmissive areas are spaced at predetermined intervals.

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