JP7341448B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

A typical pachinko game machine includes a game area into which game balls can fall, and games are played by making the game balls win into various winning means arranged in the game area.

For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a game machine in which a plurality of game nails are provided protruding from a board of a game board. In such a gaming machine, the behavior of the game ball tends to be complicated due to the game ball bouncing when it comes into contact with the game nail. The fun of the game can be found in making the game ball, which tends to behave in a complex manner, land as much as possible in the desired winning means.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-88617

However, in a game machine such as the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, the behavior of the game balls is not stable, so that the game balls may collide with each other more frequently. When the frequency of game balls colliding with each other is too high, there is a problem in that ball jamming in which the flowing game balls come to a stop is likely to occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. That is, the objective is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress ball clogging in which game balls become jammed.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes:
A game board provided with a game area and a discharge port capable of ejecting game balls that have entered the game area out of the game area ,
After entering the gaming area, no winning balls have been generated and the gaming balls may be ejected from the ejection port, as a movement route;
A single entry path that prevents multiple game balls from entering at the same time;
an upstream crossing path that is located upstream of the single approach path in the direction of movement of the game ball and extends in a direction that intersects the single approach path;
a downstream crossing path that is located downstream of the upstream crossing path in the direction of movement of the game ball and extends from the crossing position where the single approach path and the upstream crossing path intersect in a direction intersecting the single path;
A non-winning route is provided to which the game ball that has entered the single entry route can enter thereafter,
The upstream crossing route is provided with a deceleration section that can slow down the moving speed of the game ball,
The single approach route is
The game ball can be guided in a direction along gravity rather than the downstream crossing path, and
A route that can guide the game ball to a winning means where the game ball can win,
The non-winning path is characterized in that it is a path through which game balls that do not win into the entry prize means can enter after entering the single entry path.

According to the present invention, a gaming machine is provided that can suppress ball clogging in which game balls become jammed.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine when viewed from the upper right side. It is a front view of a game board unit included in the game machine. It is a diagram showing displays included in the game board unit. It is a front view of the performance unit with which the game board unit is provided. It is an enlarged view of the area around the role-operated gate and the general gate. It is an enlarged view of the area around the electric chew. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 3. FIG. It is a perspective view showing a cover part attached to a game board. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board side of the game machine. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the production control board side of the gaming machine. This is a jackpot type determination table. It is a table showing various random numbers obtained by the game control microcomputer. (A) This is a jackpot determination table. (B) It is a reach determination table. (C) It is a normal symbol hit determination table. (D) It is a normal symbol variation pattern selection table. This is a variation pattern determination table. This is an opening pattern determination table for electric chews. It is a flowchart of game control side timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of production control side timer interrupt processing. 3 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing.

A pachinko gaming machine that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the following description, the left-right direction of each part of a pachinko game machine as an example of a game machine will be explained so as to correspond to the left-right direction for a player facing the pachinko game machine. Further, the front direction of each part of the pachinko game machine will be described as the direction toward the player facing the pachinko game machine, and the rear direction of each part of the pachinko game machine will be described as the direction away from the player facing the pachinko game machine.

1. Structure of Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine PY1 according to a first embodiment. Further, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. As shown in FIG. 1 or 2, the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment includes a game machine frame 2 that constitutes the outer shell of the pachinko game machine PY1. The gaming machine frame 2 includes an outer frame 22, an inner frame 21, and a front door 23. The outer frame 22 is a vertically rectangular frame that forms the outer contour of the gaming machine frame 2. The inner frame 21 is a vertically rectangular frame to which the game board 1 (see FIG. 3) is attached. The front door 23 of this embodiment is arranged on the front side of the inner frame 21 and has a vertical rectangular shape to protect the game board 1. In this embodiment, the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 constitute the base frame portion of the gaming machine frame 2, and the front door 23 constitutes the front frame portion of the gaming machine frame 2.

Further, the front door 23 has a front frame 23m in which a game window is formed in the center. The game window portion of the front frame 23m is an opening penetrating in the front-rear direction, and is closed by attaching a transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t may be made of transparent synthetic resin or glass.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 23 includes an upper unit 31, a right unit 32, and a left unit 33, which are decorative parts, on the front side. The upper unit 31 is provided above the transparent plate 23t, and decorates the upper front surface of the gaming machine frame 2 (front door 23). The right unit 32 is provided on the right side of the transparent plate 23t, and decorates the right front side of the gaming machine frame 2 (front door 23). The left unit 33 is provided on the left side of the transparent plate 23t, and decorates the left front side of the gaming machine frame 2 (front door 23). The front frame 23m is provided with a large number of frame lamps 53 that can emit light in various colors. Furthermore, a speaker 52 configured from a right speaker 52R and a left speaker 52L capable of outputting sound is provided at the upper part of the front frame 23m.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, an upper plate 34 that largely protrudes forward and a lower plate 35 arranged directly below the upper plate 34 are provided at the lower part of the front surface of the front frame 23m. A presentation button device 40 and a select button device 42 are provided on the front side of the upper plate 34. The production button device 40 has a production button 40k that can be pressed downward. The select button device 42 has select buttons 42k at each of its front, rear, left, and right positions that can be pressed downward.

Further, on the rear side of the upper surface of the upper tray 34, a supply ball storage hole 34A capable of storing game balls is formed so as to avoid the performance button device 40 and the select button device 42. The game balls stored in the supply ball storage hole 34A are supplied to a firing device 72 that includes a handle 72k. Further, on the upper surface of the lower tray 35, a surplus ball storage hole 35A is provided for storing surplus game balls that cannot be accommodated in the supply ball storage hole 34A.

The handle 72k is capable of performing operations related to driving the firing device 72, and is provided at the lower right side of the front door 23 in this embodiment. The handle 72k can cause the firing device 72 to fire the game ball at a firing intensity (firing speed) that corresponds to the rotation angle of the handle 72k based on a rotational operation by the player.

The select button device 42 allows the player to adjust and select settings related to the performance by operating the select button 42k. In the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, the volume of the output from the speaker 52 can be adjusted. Further, the select button device 42 may be used, for example, to adjust the light amount of the light emitting member or to select a presentation mode when a plurality of presentation modes can be executed. Furthermore, settings related to such effects may be performed using the effect button device 40.

The gaming machine frame 2 includes a hinge portion 24 on the left end side. The hinge portion 24 rotatably supports the outer frame 22, the inner frame 21, and the front door 23. The hinge portion 24 allows the front door 23 to rotate relative to the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21, and the inner frame 21 to rotate relative to the outer frame 22 and the front door 23. ing. Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 show the gaming machine frame 2 in a closed state with both the inner frame 21 and the front door 23 closed. The front door 23 can be turned from a closed state to an open state by being rotated in a direction away from the inner frame 21. In addition, the inner frame 21 can take an open state by rotating from the closed state in a direction away from the outer frame 22.

Next, the game board unit YU will be explained. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board unit YU. As shown in FIG. 3, the game board unit YU of this embodiment has a game board 1. The game board 1 is a plate-shaped member, and is integrated with an effect unit EU provided on the back side thereof to constitute a game board unit YU. Since the game board 1 is a plate-shaped member, it may also be referred to as a board or game board. Furthermore, when the game board 1 is referred to as a board or a game board, the game board unit YU may also be referred to as a game board. The game board unit YU is also provided with units for attaching various control boards, harnesses, and the like. In the pachinko game machine PY1, the game board unit YU is fixed inside the game machine frame 2 by being attached to the inner frame 21 of the game machine frame 2.

An opening 1A is formed near the approximate center of the game board 1. Further, the game board 1 is provided with a substantially ring-shaped center decoration body 61 projecting forward from the game board surface 6f, which is the front surface of the game board 1, along the opening 1A. On the outside of the center decoration body 61 on the front surface of the game board 1, an outer rail 62 and an inner rail 63 that protrude forward are provided. The outer rail 62 is substantially ring-shaped so as to largely surround the center decorative body 61. The inner rail 63 is curved along the outer rail 62 and the center decoration 61 between the left side portion of the outer rail 62 and the center decoration 61 .

On the front surface of the game board 1, an area surrounded by the center decoration body 61, the outer rail 62, the inner rail 63, etc. forms the game area 6. That is, the game board surface 6f of the game board 1 is divided into the game area 6 and other areas by the center decoration body 61, the outer rail 62, and the inner rail 63. Further, the area surrounded by the outer rail 62 and the inner rail 63 forms a firing area 7 through which the fired game balls can pass to head toward the gaming area 6.

The game area 6 is an area into which game balls fired by operating the handle 72k can flow down, and is provided for playing games in the pachinko game machine PY1. For this reason, the gaming area 6 is generally one of the pachinko gaming machines PY1 that is frequently viewed by players. A large number of game nails (not shown) are protruded from the game area 6. The game nail enters the game area 6 and moves the game ball flowing down the game area 6 through the general prize opening 10, the first starting opening 11, the second starting opening 12, the general prize gate 13, the big winning opening 14, and It forms a route that appropriately guides the user to the role-linked operation gate 18 and the like.

A general winning device 10D is provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area 6. In the general winning device 10D, a general winning hole 10 is formed so that a game ball can be entered. When the game balls enter the general winning hole 10, a predetermined number (seven in this embodiment) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. It should be noted that the game ball that entered the general winning hole 10 is discharged to the outside of the game area 6 as it is.

Further, a first starting winning device 11D is provided directly below the center of the center decoration body 61 in the gaming area 6. The first starting winning device 11D has a first starting opening 11 formed into which a game ball can enter. The first starting winning device 11D has a non-operating structure. Therefore, the ease with which the game ball enters the first starting port 11 remains constant (unchanged). When the game balls enter the first starting port 11, a predetermined number (four in the above embodiment) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In addition, the game ball that entered the first starting port 11 is discharged to the outside of the game area 6 as it is.

Note that a warp portion 61w is formed from the left side to the lower end of the center decoration body 61 to allow the game ball to pass therethrough. An entrance to the warp portion 61w is formed on the left side of the center decorative body 61. The game ball that has entered the warp section 61w passes through the inside of the warp section 61w and exits from the exit. A stage 61s on which a game ball can roll is provided near the exit of the warp section 61w and on the upper surface of the lower end of the center decorative body 61. Near the center of the stage 61s, a downward guide portion 61y that guides the game ball downward is provided. The first starting port 11 is provided directly below this downward guide portion 61y.

To the right of the first starting port 11 in the gaming area 6, a second starting winning device (so-called "electronic chew") 12D is provided. The electric chew 12D is formed with a second starting port 12 that can be changed into a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter and an open state in which a game ball can enter. The second starting port 12 takes a closed mode and an open mode by an electric tube opening/closing member 12k included in the electric tube 12D. That is, the second starting port 12 is opened and closed by the operation of the electric chew opening/closing member 12k.

The electric chew opening/closing member 12k is normally located above the second starting port 12 that opens upward, and closes the second starting port 12. In this closed state, game balls cannot enter the second starting port 12. The electric chew opening/closing member 12k can move to the right from the state in which the second starting port 12 is closed. This movement to the right allows the second starting port 12 to be in an open state. Then, the game ball can enter the second starting port 12 only when the electric chew opening/closing member 12k is in the open state. When the game balls enter the second starting port 12, a predetermined number (four in this embodiment) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In addition, the game ball that entered the second starting port 12 is discharged to the outside of the game area 6 as it is.

A standard gate 13 is provided above the second starting port 12. The regular figure gate 13 is configured to allow game balls to pass through. The regular game gate 13 is a gate from which a prize ball is not paid out even if a game ball passes through it. Then, the game ball that has passed through the regular figure gate 13 flows down the game area 6 as it is.

A role-linked operation gate 18 is provided above the general map gate 13. The role-linked operation gate 18 is configured to allow game balls to pass through. The winning combination operation gate 18 is such that no prize ball is paid out even if a game ball passes through it. Then, the game ball that has passed through the role-linked operation gate 18 flows down the game area 6 as it is.

Also, below the first starting winning device 11D in the gaming area 6, a big winning device 14D is provided. The grand prize winning device 14D is formed with a grand prize opening 14 that can be changed into a ball entering mode in which a game ball can enter and a non-ball entering mode in which it is more difficult to enter a game ball than in the entering mode. . The big prize opening 14 takes a ball entering mode and a ball not entering mode by the operation of an AT (Attacker) movable member 14k included in the big winning device 14D.

The AT movable member 14k is a member that can move back and forth in the front and rear directions. The big prize opening 14 assumes a ball entry mode when the AT movable member 14k advances forward. Specifically, when the AT movable member 14k is in the ball entering mode in which it advances forward, the game ball that has flown down to the AT movable member 14k becomes movable along the upper surface of the AT movable member 14k, and the big prize at the destination is A game ball can be guided into the mouth 14. Thereby, in the ball entry mode, it is possible to enter the game ball into the grand prize opening 14. On the other hand, when the AT movable member 14k is retracted backward, the big winning hole 14 assumes a non-ball entry mode. When the AT movable member 14k is in the non-ball entering mode with the AT movable member 14k retracted backward, the game ball flows further downward without being guided to the big prize opening 14 by the AT movable member 14k. Note that when the game balls enter the big prize opening 14, a predetermined number (14 in this embodiment) of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

Moreover, the big prize winning device 14D of this embodiment includes a specific area and a non-specific area. That is, in this embodiment, the route of the game ball after entering the big winning hole 14 is provided as a route passing through a specific area and a route passing through a non-specific area. Therefore, the big winning device 14D has a distribution member that allocates the game balls that have entered the big winning hole 14 to either a route passing through a specific area or a route passing through a non-specific area. In this pachinko game machine PY1, passage of the game ball to a specific area is a trigger for transition to a high probability state, which will be described later. In other words, the specific area serves as a variable rate operation opening. On the other hand, the non-specific area is not a variable probability operation opening.

In addition, the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 11, the second starting port 12, the big winning hole 14, and the general winning hole 10, and the passing of the game ball to the general gate 13 and the combination operation gate 18 are prohibited. Collectively, they are collectively referred to as "winning" to the first starting opening 11, the second starting opening 12, the big winning opening 14, the general winning opening 10, the general winning gate 13, and the winning combination operation gate 18.

By the way, the game area 6 in which the game ball can flow down can be roughly divided into a left game area 6A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 6B on the right side. The manner in which the handle 72k is operated to launch the game ball so that the game ball flows down the left game area 6A is referred to as "left-handed hitting". On the other hand, the manner in which the handle 72k is operated to shoot the game ball so that the game ball flows down the right game area 6B is referred to as "right-handed hitting". In addition, in the gaming area 6, the flow path through which the game ball can flow down when the game ball is fired by hitting the left hand is called the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the game ball can flow when the game ball is fired by hitting the right hand is called the first flow path R1. The flow path through which water can flow down is referred to as a second flow path R2.

A first starting port 11 and a plurality of general winning ports 10 are provided on the first flow path R1. Therefore, the player can aim to win a prize in the first starting opening 11 or the general winning opening 10 by shooting the game ball so as to flow down the first channel R1 by hitting the ball to the left. On the other hand, on the second flow path R2, a winning combination operation gate 18, a general figure gate 13, a second starting opening 12, and a big winning opening 14 are provided. Therefore, the player can launch the game ball so as to flow down the second flow path R2 by hitting the ball to the right to the winning combination gate 18, the game gate 13, the second starting port 12, or the big winning port 14. You can aim to win the prize. Moreover, as can be seen from FIG. 3, in this embodiment, each path of the game ball when flowing down the second channel R2 is configured in a complicated manner. Each path of the game ball in the second channel R2 will be described in detail later.

In addition, at approximately the bottom of the gaming area 6, a plurality of out ports 19 are provided for discharging game balls that are hit into the gaming area 6 but do not win in any of the winning holes to the outside of the gaming area 6. There is.

Further, the game board 1 of the game board unit YU is provided with displays 8. The display devices 8 are located at the lower left outside of the gaming area 6. The display devices 8 are capable of displaying the progress of the game, such as the results of the jackpot lottery. The display devices 8 will be described in detail later.

Further, the game board unit YU includes an image display device 50, a first movable device 55, and a second movable device 56, which are provided in the production unit EU at the rear of the game board 1. The image display device 50 is capable of displaying a predetermined effect image on a display section (display screen) 50a. Image display device 50 is a liquid crystal display in this embodiment. Further, the image display device 50 is provided such that its display section 50a is located near the center of the game board unit YU. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the display section 50a of the image display device 50 through the opening 1A of the game board 1.

The image display device 50 can display, for example, an effect pattern EZ on the display section 50a. The performance pattern EZ of this embodiment is composed of a left performance pattern EZ1, a middle performance pattern EZ2, and a right performance pattern EZ3. The left performance pattern EZ1 is displayed on the left side of the medium performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 is displayed on the right side of the medium performance pattern EZ2. In addition, in this form, when the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are collectively referred to, they may be referred to as "performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 or performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3."

Each of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is composed of a plurality of pieces of identification information that can be identified by the player. In this embodiment, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are mainly composed of symbols including numbers from "1" to "8". In the variable display of the performance symbols EZ, a symbol group including numbers constituting the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is vertically lined up in front view and scrolled from the top to the bottom of the display section 50a. At this time, the numbers displayed on the display section 50a and visually recognized are replaced one after another.

Note that the mode of fluctuating display of the performance pattern EZ is not limited to the mode of scrolling in the vertical direction, but may be other modes such as a mode of scrolling in the left-right direction (for example, from right to left). Alternatively, instead of scroll display, the symbols including the numbers constituting the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 may be replaced one after another at predetermined fixed positions (for example, rotate at the fixed positions).

Then, when the special symbols are stopped and displayed, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are stopped and displayed in a predetermined arrangement (combination). That is, the symbols including various numbers that have been replaced one after another in the display section 50a in the variable display are identified as one. At this time, the result of the special drawing lottery is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner by the combination of the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that are stopped and displayed. That is, the player generally grasps the result of the special drawing lottery on the display section 50a of the image display device 50.

Further, in the variable display of the effect pattern EZ, a reach effect may be performed. The reach is a performance that can make the player expect a big hit using the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the special symbol variation performance. Specifically, reach is a state in which there is only one scroll-displayed production symbol remaining among production symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, and at which symbol the scroll-displayed production symbol is stopped and displayed. This is a state in which, depending on the number of winnings, a combination of performance symbols indicating a jackpot win (for example, a state of "5↓5").

Note that the effect symbols that are not scrolled and displayed in the reach are temporarily stopped at a predetermined position within the display section 50a. Temporary stop means that a predetermined effect pattern remains at approximately a predetermined position (the predetermined effect pattern continues to be displayed in the display section 50a), that is, it is not replaced with a different effect pattern, but there is slight fluctuation (for example, This refers to repeated reciprocating movements in the vertical direction, repeated rocking, repeated expansion and contraction, etc.). Note that the mode of temporary stop is not limited to these, and may be set as appropriate.

In addition to the above-mentioned fluctuating performance of the performance symbol EZ (also referred to as "performance symbol fluctuation performance" or simply "fluctuation performance"), the image display device 50 is capable of performing a jackpot performance that is performed in parallel with a jackpot game, and a customer A demonstration performance for waiting is displayed on the display section 50a. In addition, in the performance symbol variation performance, in addition to performance symbols such as numbers, performance images other than the performance symbols such as background images and character images are also displayed.

In addition, the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56 are decorative parts that can be decorated, and devices that can operate in accordance with the fluctuating production of the production pattern EZ (when a reach occurs or a jackpot). Through the performance operations, the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56 can increase the player's sense of expectation and satisfaction, thereby improving the interest in the game. The production unit EU including the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56 will be described in detail later.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the displays 8 provided on the game board 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the displays include a special symbol 1 display 81a that variably displays a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "special symbol 1"), and a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "special symbol 2"). It includes a special figure 2 display 81b that variably displays a special figure 2 display (hereinafter referred to as a "general figure"), and a normal figure display 82 that variably displays a normal figure (hereinafter referred to as a "general figure"). In addition, the display devices include a special figure 1 pending display 83a that displays the number of special figures 1 pending, which will be described later, and a special figure 2 pending display 83b, which displays the number of special figures 2 pending, which will be described later.

The variable display of the special figure 1 is executed when the special figure 1 lottery is carried out triggered by the winning of a game ball in the first starting hole 11. Further, the variable display of the special figure 2 is executed when the special figure 2 lottery is held triggered by the winning of a game ball into the second starting hole 12. The special drawing 1 lottery and the special drawing 2 drawing will be described later. In addition, in the following explanation, special map 1 and special map 2 will be collectively referred to as "special map", and special map 1 lottery and special map 2 lottery will be collectively referred to as "special map lottery". In addition, the special figure 1 display 81a and the special figure 2 display 81b are collectively referred to as the "special figure display 81." Furthermore, the special figure 1 reservation display 83a and the special figure 2 reservation display 83b are collectively referred to as the "special figure reservation display 83."

The variable display of the special figure notifies the result of the special figure lottery. In the variable display of the special figure, the special figure is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped. The special figure that is stopped and displayed (stopped special figure) is identification information representing the result of the special figure lottery derived as the display result of the variable display. When the stopped and displayed special figure is a predetermined specific special figure, a jackpot game with opening of the jackpot 14 is performed.

The special figure 1 display 81a and the special figure 2 display 81b are each composed of eight LEDs arranged side by side. The lighting mode of the special figure 1 display 81a and the special figure 2 display 81b represents the special figure according to the result of the special figure lottery, that is, the result of the special figure lottery. For example, if the result of the special drawing lottery is a jackpot, the final result will be "□□■■□□■■" (□: lit, ■: off), 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th from the left. An LED lights up. This lighting mode is a jackpot symbol and represents a jackpot. In addition, if the result of the special drawing lottery is a loss, only the LED on the far right lights up as "■■■■■■■□". This lighting mode is a losing pattern and represents a losing pattern. Note that the lighting mode of the LED corresponding to the result of the special drawing lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate. Therefore, for example, all the LEDs may be turned off as a losing symbol.

Furthermore, in the variable display of the special figure, the special figure is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time before the special figure is stopped and displayed. The manner in which the special figure is displayed in a variable manner is, for example, a manner in which each LED lights up so that light repeatedly flows from left to right. Note that the mode of the variable display is not particularly limited, and may be set as appropriate, such as all the LEDs blinking at once unless each LED is displayed in a stopped state (lit display in a specific mode).

By the way, in the pachinko game machine PY1, even if a game ball enters the first starting port 11 or the second starting port 12, the special drawing lottery and the variable display of the special drawing may not be performed immediately. Specifically, this is the case when a game ball enters the first starting hole 11 or the second starting hole 12 during execution of variable display of special figures or during execution of a jackpot game. In this case, the right is reserved to execute the special drawing lottery and the variable display of the special drawings based on the winnings, up to a predetermined number. This reserved right is called ``special map reservation.''

The special drawing reservation includes the special drawing 1 drawing reserved based on the winning at the first starting opening 11 and the right to execute the variable display of the special drawing 1, and the second starting opening. There is a special drawing 2 drawing that is reserved based on the winning number 12, and a "special drawing 2 reservation" that represents the right to execute variable display of special drawing 2. Then, the special figure 1 reservation display 83a displays the number of special figure 1 reservations, that is, the number of reserved special figure 1 drawings and the number of rights to execute the variable display of special figure 1. On the other hand, the special figure 2 pending display 83b displays the number of special figure 2 reservations, that is, the number of reserved special figure 2 drawings and the number of rights to execute the variable display of special figure 2.

Each of the special figure 1 hold indicator 83a and the special figure 2 hold indicator 83b is composed of four LEDs, and the special figure is displayed by lighting up the LEDs for the number of special figure 1 hold and special figure 2 hold. Displays the number of Figure 1 reservations and Special Figure 2 reservations. In addition, in the following, the number of special drawings 1 reserved is referred to as "the number of special symbols 1 reserved (U1)", and the number of special symbols 2 reserved is referred to as "the number of special symbols 2 reserved (U2)". In addition, the "number of reserved special drawings 1" and "number of reserved special drawings 2" are collectively referred to as the "number of reserved special drawings." Furthermore, the "special figure 1 holding display 83a" and the "special drawing 2 holding display 83b" are collectively referred to as the "special drawing holding display 83."

Further, the variable display of the common figure is executed when a common figure lottery is held triggered by the passing of the game ball through the common figure gate 13. The variable display of the common map notifies the result of the common map lottery. In the variable display of a general map, the general map is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped. The stationary displayed ordinary map (stopped ordinary map) is identification information representing the result of the ordinary map lottery drawn as a display result of the variable display. When the stopped and displayed general figure is a predetermined specific ordinary figure, an auxiliary game accompanied by opening of the second starting port 12 is performed.

The general figure display 82 is composed of, for example, two LEDs. The lighting mode of the general map display device 82 represents the general map corresponding to the result of the general map lottery, that is, the result of the general map lottery. If the result of the general lottery is a win, both LEDs will eventually light up as "□□" (□: lit, ■: off). This lighting mode is a winning symbol and represents a win. Furthermore, if the result of the general drawing lottery is a loss, only the right LED will finally light up, such as "■□". This lighting mode is a losing pattern and represents a losing pattern. Note that the lighting mode of the LED corresponding to the result of the general drawing lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate. For example, a mode may be adopted in which all the LEDs are turned off as a losing symbol.

Further, before the regular map is stopped and displayed, the regular map is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time. In this embodiment, the mode of the variable display of the common map is such that both LEDs are lit alternately. Note that the mode of the fluctuating display of the general map is not particularly limited, and may be set as appropriate, such as all the LEDs flashing at once if each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lit display in a specific mode). .

Next, the configuration of the production unit EU of the game board unit YU will be explained. FIG. 5 is a front view of the production unit EU. That is, FIG. 5 shows the game board unit YU with the game board 1 removed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the presentation unit EU includes an image display device 50, a first movable device 55, and a second movable device 56 as main presentation devices. As described above, the image display device 50 is capable of displaying various predetermined images including the effect pattern EZ on the display section 50a. Further, FIG. 5 shows the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56 in a standby state. That is, the first movable device 55 in the standby state is located above, and the second movable device 56 in the standby state is located below. Both the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56 include movable parts that are movable on the front side of the image display device 50.

The first movable device 55 includes, as movable parts, a first vertically moving part 500 that is movable in the vertical direction, a first horizontally rotating part 530 that is rotatably movable about a rotating shaft extending in the horizontally direction, and a swinging part. It has a first swinging part 540 that can rotate, and a first left front-rear axis rotating part 550 and a first right front-rear axis rotating part 560, both of which are rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction. The first left front-rear shaft rotation section 550 and the first right front-rear shaft rotation section 560 are provided in the first swing section 540 . The first swinging section 540 is provided in the first left-right axis rotation section 530. The first left-right rotation section 530 is provided in the first vertical movement section 500.

Therefore, when the first vertical moving section 500 moves, the first left-right axis rotation section 530, the first swinging section 540, the first left front-back axis rotation section 550, the first right-side front-back axis rotation Both parts 560 move. Further, when the first left-right axis rotating section 530 rotates, the first swinging section 540, the first left front-back axis rotating section 550, and the first right-side front-back axis rotating section 560 all rotate with the rotational movement. Moving. Furthermore, when the first swinging section 540 swings, both the first left front-rear shaft rotation section 550 and the first right front-rear shaft rotation section 560 swing.

Further, as a mechanism for vertically moving the first vertical moving unit 500, a first left vertical feed screw 590, a first left vertical motor 590m, a first right vertical feed screw 591, and a first right vertical motor 591m are provided. The first left vertical feed screw 590 is provided on the left side of the first vertical moving section 500 with its axial direction aligned with the vertical direction (vertical direction). The first left vertical motor 590m is a drive source that can rotate the first left vertical feed screw 590. The first right vertical feed screw 591 is provided on the right side of the first vertical moving section 500 with its axial direction aligned with the vertical direction. The first right vertical motor 591m is a drive source that can rotate the first right vertical feed screw 591.

The first vertically moving unit 500 has a first left upper and lower portion 510 provided on the left side and a first right upper and lower portion 520 provided on the right side. The first left upper and lower portion 510 includes a nut member corresponding to the first left vertical feed screw 590 and is movable in the vertical direction as the first left vertical feed screw 590 rotates. The first right upper and lower portion 520 includes a nut member corresponding to the first right vertical feed screw 591 and is movable in the vertical direction as the first right vertical feed screw 591 rotates.

Therefore, in the first vertical moving section 500 of this embodiment, the first left upper and lower portions 510 and the first right upper and lower portions 520 can be moved simultaneously at the same speed, or can be moved independently. In other words, only one of the first left upper and lower portions 510 and the first right upper and lower portions 520 can be moved, or one can be moved at a faster speed than the other. Furthermore, it is also possible to move one of them upward while the other moves downward.

The first movable device 55 is also provided with a first left-right axis rotation motor 530m, a first swing motor 540m, a first left front-rear axis rotation motor 550m, and a first right-hand front-rear axis rotation motor 560m. The first left-right axis rotation motor 530m is a drive source capable of rotationally moving the first left-right axis rotation unit 530, and is provided in the first left upper and lower portion 510. The first swing motor 540m is a drive source that can swing the first swing section 540, and is provided in the first swing section 540. The first left front-back shaft rotation motor 550m is a drive source that can rotate the first left front-back shaft rotation section 550, and is provided in the first swing section 540. The first right front-back axis rotation motor 560m is a drive source capable of rotationally moving the first right front-back axis rotation unit 560, and is provided in the first swing unit 540.

The second movable device 56 includes, as movable parts, a second vertical moving part 600 that is movable in the vertical direction, a second lateral moving part 610 that is movable in the horizontal direction, and rotates about a rotation axis that extends in the front-rear direction. It has a second movable front-rear axis rotating section 630. The second longitudinal axis rotating section 630 is provided in the second left-right moving section 610. The second left-right moving section 610 is provided in the second up-down moving section 600.

Therefore, when the second vertical moving section 600 moves, both the second left and right moving section 610 and the second longitudinal axis rotation section 630 move along with the movement. Further, when the second left-right moving section 610 moves, the second front-back axis rotation section 630 moves along with the movement.

Further, as a mechanism for vertically moving the second vertical moving section 600, a second left vertical feed screw 690, a second right vertical feed screw 691, and a second vertical motor 690m are provided. The second left vertical feed screw 690 is provided on the left side of the second vertical moving section 600 with its axial direction aligned with the vertical direction. The second right vertical feed screw 691 is provided on the right side of the second vertical moving section 600 with its axial direction aligned with the vertical direction. The second vertical motor 690m is a drive source that can rotate both the second left vertical feed screw 690 and the second right vertical feed screw 691.

The second vertical moving section 600 has a second left upper and lower portion 601 provided on the left side and a second right upper and lower portion 602 provided on the right side. The second left upper and lower portion 601 includes a nut member corresponding to the second left vertical feed screw 690 and is movable in the vertical direction as the second left vertical feed screw 690 rotates. The second right upper and lower portion 602 includes a nut member corresponding to the second right vertical feed screw 691 and is movable in the vertical direction as the second right vertical feed screw 691 rotates. Thereby, the second vertically moving section 600 is movable in the vertical direction as the second left vertical feed screw 690 and the second right vertical feed screw 691 rotate.

Further, the second movable device 56 is provided with a second left and right motor 610m and a second front-back axis rotation motor 630m. The second left-right motor 610m is a drive source that can move the second left-right moving unit 610 in the left-right direction, and is provided in the second left-right moving unit 610. The second longitudinal axis rotation motor 630m is a drive source capable of rotationally moving the second longitudinal axis rotation section 630, and is provided in the second left and right moving section 610.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, a left guide shaft 57 is provided between the first left vertical feed screw 590 and the second left vertical feed screw 690 and extends parallel thereto. Furthermore, a right guide shaft 58 is provided between the first right vertical feed screw 591 and the second right vertical feed screw 691 and extends in parallel thereto. A bush into which the left guide shaft 57 is inserted is provided in the first left upper and lower part 510 of the first vertically moving unit 500, and a bush in which the right guide shaft 58 is inserted is provided in the first right upper and lower part 520. There is.

Further, a bush into which the left guide shaft 57 is inserted is provided in the second left upper and lower portion 601 of the second vertically moving unit 600, and a bush into which the right guide shaft 58 is inserted is provided in the second right upper and lower portion 602, respectively. There is. Thereby, the left guide shaft 57 and the right guide shaft 58 can guide the movement of the first vertically moving section 500 and the second vertically moving section 600 in the vertical direction.

Next, each area provided in the right game area 6B and each path constituting the second flow path R2 will be explained in detail. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the peripheral portions of the role-operated gate 18 and the common gate 13. As shown in FIG. 6, around the role-linked operation gate 18 and the general figure gate 13, members such as game nails and walls protruding from the game board surface 6f are provided. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of areas exist around the role-linked operation gate 18 and the common figure gate 13.

The role connection area X1 is an area extending from the role connection entrance X11 above the role connection operation gate 18 to the role connection exit X12 below the role connection operation gate 18. The role connection entrance X11 is located between the first role connection entrance nail 200 and the second role connection entrance nail 201. The role connection exit X12 is located between the first role connection exit nail 202 and the first role connection exit nail 203. In addition, the part between the winning combination entrance X11 and the winning combination exit X12 in the winning combination area X1 is sandwiched between the left winning combination wall part 210 and the right winning combination wall part 211 that protrude forward from the game board surface 6f. It is composed of Further, the winning combination area X1 is an area including a detection position 18b where passage of the game ball at the winning combination activation gate 18 can be detected.

Further, the role-related region X1 of this embodiment is not straight but curved. Specifically, the role-related area X1 of this embodiment is bent to the right and then to the left. Note that, of course, the mode of bending is not limited to this. For example, the direction of bending may be opposite to that of this embodiment, or the number of bends may be different from that of this embodiment.

A general map area X2 is provided below the yakuren area X1. The regular map area X2 is an area extending from the regular map entrance X21 above the regular map gate 13 to below the regular map gate 13. The ordinary figure entrance X21 is located between the first ordinary figure entrance nail 230 and the second ordinary figure entrance nail 231. The first regular figure entrance nail 230 and the second ordinary figure entrance nail 231 are located diagonally below and to the left of the first role connecting outlet nail 202 and the first role connecting outlet nail 203, respectively. Further, the normal figure area X2 is an area including the detection position 13b where the passage of the game ball at the normal figure gate 13 can be detected. In addition, in this embodiment, the ordinary map gate 13 is provided in alignment with the role-linked operation gate 18 in the left-right direction. In other words, the ordinary map gate 13 is arranged directly below the role-operated gate 18.

The first non-functional area X3 is an area extending downward from the first non-functional opening X31. The first non-working entrance X31 is located to the left of the first working opening nail 200. The first non-role related area X3 is located to the left of the role-related area X1 and the general map area X2 as a whole. Therefore, the first non-role area X3 is an area that does not include the detection position 18b of the role-link operation gate 18. Further, the first non-role area X3 is an area that does not include the detection position 13b of the general map gate 13.

The second non-functional area X4 is an area extending from the second non-functional entrance X41 to the second non-functional exit X42 located below it. The second non-use connection inlet X41 is located to the right of the second use connection inlet nail 201. The second non-functional outlet X42 is provided in the first non-functional area X3. Furthermore, the second non-functional area X4 has a portion formed by the tunnel portion 220 between the second non-functional entrance X41 and the second non-functional exit X42.

The tunnel portion 220 is connected from a first tunnel opening 221 to a second tunnel opening 222. Both the first tunnel opening 221 and the second tunnel opening 222 open to the game board surface 6f. The second tunnel opening 222 is located below the first tunnel opening 221 in the vertical direction, and is provided offset from the first tunnel opening 221 in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the second tunnel opening 222 is located to the left of the first tunnel opening 221 in the left-right direction. Further, in the tunnel portion 220, the first tunnel opening 221 is located to the right of the role-related area X1, and the second tunnel opening 222 is located to the left of the role-related area X1. In addition, in this embodiment, the second tunnel opening 222 opens into the first non-functional area X3, and also serves as the second non-functional exit X42.

At the lower part of the first tunnel opening 221, an introduction part 223 is provided which protrudes forward from the game board surface 6f and is capable of guiding the game ball from the first tunnel opening 221 to the inside of the tunnel part 220. There is. Further, the tunnel portion 220 is formed so that a portion from the first tunnel opening 221 to the second tunnel opening 222 is located behind the game board surface 6f. Therefore, the tunnel portion 220 of the second non-role area X4 is a passageway that can once guide the game ball to the rear of the game board surface 6f and then lead it to the front of the game board surface 6f.

Further, a branch entrance X51 of a branch area X5 is provided between the yakuren area X1 and the general map area X2. The branch entrance X51 is located between the first role connection exit nail 203 and the second common pattern entrance nail 231. In other words, the branch entrance X51 is located to the right of the second general pattern entrance nail 231. The branch area X5 is an area extending downward from the branch entrance X51. As a result, the branch area X5 is provided on the right side of the regular map area X2, and is an area that does not include the detection position 13b of the regular map gate 13. Note that the branch area X5 is an area that does not include the detection position 18b of the role-linked operation gate 18.

Next, the route of the game ball when flowing down the role-related area X1, the normal figure area X2, the first non-game area X3, the second non-game area X4, and the branch entrance X51 will be explained. First, the game ball that has entered the right gaming area 6B flows down to the upper part of the winning combination operation gate 18, and then flows into the winning combination entrance separated by the first winning combination entrance nail 200 and the second winning combination entrance nail 201. X11, the first non-role entrance X31, or the second non-role entrance X41.

When the game ball reaches the winning combination entrance X11, the game ball moves (flows down) along the winning combination route XR1 passing through the winning combination area X1 and reaches the winning combination exit X12. In addition, the game ball passes through the detection position 18b of the winning combination operation gate 18 by passing through the winning combination path XR1. In other words, the winning combination route XR1 is a route in which the game ball that has reached the winning combination entrance X11 can flow down, and the winning combination operation gate 18 is provided. Furthermore, as mentioned above, since the role-related area X1 is bent, the role-related route XR1 also has a bent section XR11. Then, the game ball that has passed through the winning route XR1 and reaching the winning exit X12 reaches either the regular game entrance X21 or the branch entrance X51 separated by the second regular game entrance nail 231.

When the game ball reaches the first non-role entrance X31, the game ball moves along the first non-role path XR3 passing through the first non-role area X3. As described above, the first non-role-linked route XR3 of this embodiment does not include either the detection position 18b of the role-linked operation gate 18 or the detection position 13b of the general-use gate 13. For this reason, the game ball that has passed through the first non-role related route XR3 heads below the role-related operation gate 18 and the normal figure gate 13 without passing through either of them.

When the game ball reaches the second non-role entrance X41, the game ball moves along the second non-role path XR4 passing through the second non-role area X4. Specifically, the game ball passes through the second non-role entrance X41 and moves from the first tunnel opening 221 to the inside of the tunnel section 220. Furthermore, it passes through the inside of the tunnel portion 220 and reaches the second non-active outlet X42, which is the second tunnel opening 222.

Here, as described above, the second non-functional outlet X42 is provided in the first non-functional area X3. That is, at the second non-role exit X42, the second non-role route XR4 merges with the first non-role route XR3. Therefore, after the game ball that has passed through the second non-role route XR4 reaches the second non-role exit X42, it moves along the first non-role route XR3.

Further, as described above, in the tunnel part 220, the first tunnel opening 221 is provided on the right side of the working area X1, and the second tunnel opening 222 is provided on the left side of the working area X1. , and the space between them is formed behind the game board surface 6f. Therefore, the second non-role-related route XR4 crosses behind the role-linked route XR1. Therefore, the game ball that has passed through the second non-role related route XR4 heads downwards without passing through either the role-related operation gate 18 or the general figure gate 13.

In addition, since the second tunnel opening 222 opens into the first non-role area X3, the game ball that has passed through the first non-role path XR3 enters the inside of the tunnel portion 220 from the second tunnel opening 222. There are times when this happens. However, the second tunnel opening 222 is located below the first tunnel opening 221, as described above. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the inside of the tunnel part 220 from the second tunnel opening 222 passes through the second tunnel opening 222 without passing through the first tunnel opening 221 and goes to the first non-playing route. It is now back to the XR3.

Furthermore, the game ball that has passed through the winning route XR1 may reach the regular entrance X21. When the game ball that has passed through the winning route XR1 reaches the regular map entrance X21, the game ball moves along the regular map route XR2 that passes within the regular map area X2. The game ball passes through the detection position 13b of the regular map gate 13 by passing through the regular map route XR2. In other words, the regular map route XR2 is a route in which the game ball that has reached the regular map entrance X21 can flow down, and the regular map gate 13 is provided. Note that the game ball that has moved along the regular map route XR2 passes through the regular map gate 13 and then heads downward.

Further, the winning route XR1 is a route that allows the game ball to flow down to the regular game entrance X21 of the regular game route XR2. For this reason, the route that combines the role-linked route XR1 and the game-related route This is a route that allows passage to the gate 13 in this order.

Furthermore, the game ball that has passed through the winning route XR1 may reach the branch entrance X51. When the game ball that has passed through the winning combination route XR1 reaches the branch entrance X51, the game ball moves along the branch route XR5 that passes within the branch area X5. The branch route XR5 of this embodiment does not include the detection position 13b of the ordinary map gate 13, as described above. For this reason, the game ball that has passed through the branch route XR5 bypasses the right side of the general pattern gate 13 and heads below it, without passing through the general pattern gate 13.

In this embodiment, with the above configuration, it is possible to increase the interest in the game. That is, in this embodiment, a winning combination path XR1 is provided that allows the game balls that have arrived at the winning combination entrance X11 to pass through to the winning combination operation gate 18. Therefore, when the player is aiming at the winning combination operation gate 18, the existence of the winning combination route XR1 makes it possible to increase the frequency with which the game ball passes through the winning combination operation gate 18. As a result, it is possible to reduce stress on the player due to the game ball not moving to the targeted position, and it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game.

It should be noted that the game interest can be improved more when a reasonable amount of the game balls that enter the right gaming area 6B can be expected to pass through the role-linked operation gate 18 than when all of them pass through the role-linked operation gate 18. can. Therefore, in this embodiment, a first non-role-linked route XR3 and a second non-role-linked route XR4, which do not pass through the role-linked operation gate 18, are provided on the left and right sides of the role-linked route XR1. Due to the existence of the first non-role related route XR3 and the second non-role related route XR4, all the game balls that have entered the right gaming area 6B are prevented from passing through the role related operation gate 18. There is.

Moreover, in this embodiment, as described above, the second non-role-related route XR4 crosses behind the role-linked route XR1. Therefore, in this embodiment, a path for moving the game ball that has passed through the second non-role entrance X41 is not provided below the second non-role entrance X41 of the second non-role route XR4. Furthermore, the second non-role route XR4 crosses behind the role-linked route XR1, and then merges with the first non-role route XR3. Thereby, it is possible to make the path of the game ball below the merging position smaller than that above the merging position. In other words, by reducing the movement path of the game ball, the space can be utilized for other purposes.

As a result, in this embodiment, the size in the left-right direction at the position of the second non-role exit X42 of the right gaming area 6B is small. Furthermore, as the right game area 6B is made smaller, the opening 1A near the center of the game board 1 is enlarged to the right, and a large display section 50a is adopted as the image display device 50 located behind it. . Further, by employing the large image display device 50 of the display section 50a, it is possible to perform a more powerful performance. Furthermore, it is possible to employ large-sized devices as the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56. In addition, the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56 can have a wide movable range in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to increase the interest in the game.

In addition, by configuring the second non-role related route XR4 as described above and reducing the movement route, in this embodiment, in the narrow right gaming area 6B in the left-right direction, the role-related route XR1 has a bending section. It is now possible to provide XR11. In the bending section XR11, it is possible to make the game ball flow down while moving it in the left-right direction, and it is possible to improve the amusement by the movement of the game ball. Furthermore, since the bending section XR11 can be made larger in the left-right direction, the movement of the game ball in the bending section XR11 can be made larger in the left-right direction. In other words, the dynamic movement of the game ball in the left and right directions makes it possible to provide a higher level of interest in the game.

In addition, it is possible to provide a bending section XR11, and to provide a regular route XR2 and a branch route XR5 below the linked route XR1. Specifically, the Yakuren exit X12 of the Yakuren route XR1 and the Fuzu entrance X21 of the Fuzu route XR2 are staggered in the left-right direction, and a branch is created between the Yakuren exit A branch entrance X51 to route XR5 is provided. Thereby, the configuration is such that the game ball that has passed through the winning route XR1 does not necessarily pass through the regular route XR2. As a result, the player can reasonably expect that the game ball that has passed through the Yakuren route XR1 will head to the general route XR2, and the game ball will be at the branch entrance of the branch route XR5. It is possible to improve the interest when passing through a place where X51 is provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the size of the right gaming area 6B in the left-right direction is also reduced by arranging the winning route XR1 and the regular route XR2 vertically. For example, when the role-linked operation gate 18 and the common figure gate 13 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, the number of movement paths lined up in the left-right direction increases accordingly, and the right game area 6B becomes larger in the left-right direction. However, in this embodiment, by arranging the winning route XR1 and the regular route XR2 vertically, the size of the right gaming area 6B in the left and right direction at that position is reduced, and the display unit as the image display device 50 is By adopting a large size 50a, it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

Next, each region and each path around the electric chew 12D will be explained. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the peripheral portion of the electric chew 12D. As shown in FIG. 7, members protruding from the game board surface 6f, such as game nails and wall surfaces 301 and 302, are provided around the electric chew 12D. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of regions exist around the electric chew 12D. These areas will be described with reference to FIG. 7, with reference to the intersection area YZ located above the electric chew 12D (upstream in the moving direction of the game ball).

An upstream area Y1 is provided on the right side of the intersection area YZ, that is, upstream of the intersection area YZ in the moving direction of the game ball. The upstream area Y1 is an area extending in the left-right direction from the upstream entrance Y11 to the intersection area YZ. Further, the upstream entrance Y11 is located on the right side of the upstream nail 300. A guide area Y2 is provided below the intersection area YZ, that is, downstream of the intersection area YZ in the moving direction of the game ball. The guide area Y2 is an area extending in the vertical direction from the intersection area YZ to the second starting port 12. FIG. 7 shows the guide entrance Y21 of the guide area Y2.

In the guide area Y2 of this embodiment, the size of the guide entrance Y21 is such that a plurality of game balls cannot pass through at the same time. In other words, the guide entrance Y21 has a size that allows only one game ball to pass through. As a result, when the plurality of game balls that have simultaneously reached the guide entrance Y21 pass through the guide entrance Y21, they pass through the guide entrance Y21 in a state aligned in one line.

Further, on the left side of the upstream nail 300, a non-electric chew inlet Z11 of the non-electric chew region Z1 is provided. The non-electric chew area Z1 is an area extending from the non-electric chew entrance Z11, and is an area where the game ball can be moved to a position where winning to the second starting opening 12 is not expected. As shown in FIG. 7, the non-electronic chew area Z1 is separated from the upstream area Y1, the guide area Y2, and the intersection area YZ by the wall surface portion 301.

However, a communication hole 310 of a size through which a game ball can pass is formed in the wall surface portion 301 at a position to the left of the intersection area YZ. This communication hole 310 provides a non-guiding region Z2 extending from the intersection region YZ to the non-electric chew region Z1. In other words, the intersection area YZ is an area in which the upstream area Y1 is adjacent to the right side, the guide area Y2 is adjacent to the lower side, and the non-guidance area Z2 is adjacent to the left side.

Next, the route of the game ball when flowing down the upstream area Y1, the guide area Y2, the intersection area YZ, the non-electronic chew area Z1, and the non-guidance area Z2 will be explained. First, the game ball that has flown down the right game area 6B to the upper vicinity of the upstream nail 300 reaches either the upstream entrance Y11 or the non-electric chew entrance Z11 separated by the upstream nail 300.

When the game ball reaches the non-electric chew entrance Z11, the game ball moves (flows down) along the non-electric chew route ZR1 passing through the non-electric chew area Z1, and the game ball moves further than the second starting port 12. It moves to the downstream side in the direction of movement, that is, to the left of the second starting port 12. As a result, the game ball that has moved along the non-electronic chew path ZR1 will reach a position where winning into the second starting opening 12 is not expected.

When the game ball reaches the upstream entrance Y11, the game ball moves along the upstream route YR1 passing through the upstream area Y1. Therefore, the game ball that has moved along the upstream route YR1 reaches the intersection position YZP of the intersection area YZ.

The subsequent movement routes of the game ball that has reached the intersection position YZP include a guide route YR2 that passes within the guide area Y2 and a non-guide route ZR2 that passes within the non-guide area Z2. The non-guidance route ZR2 is a route that allows the game ball that has reached the intersection position YZP to be moved to the non-electronic chew route ZR1. In other words, the game ball that has moved along the non-guidance route ZR2 then moves along the non-electronic chew route ZR1 and reaches a position where it is not expected to win into the second starting opening 12.

The guide route YR2 is a route that allows the game ball that has reached the intersection position YZP to be moved toward the second starting port 12 below. That is, the game ball that has moved along the guide route YR2 enters the prize in the second starting port 12 when the electric chew opening/closing member 12k is in the open state. On the other hand, when the electric chew opening/closing member 12k is in the closed state, the game ball that has moved along the guide route YR2 does not enter the second starting port 12 and moves to the left along the top surface of the electric chew opening/closing member 12k. and will be moved.

Note that an out port 19 is provided above and to the right of the second starting port 12 in the guide area Y2. Therefore, a game ball that does not flow down in the vertical direction along the guide area Y2 but flows down while moving to the right may enter the out port 19.

In this embodiment in which the peripheral portion of the electric chew 12D has the above-described configuration, it is possible to increase the winning rate at the second starting port 12. That is, in this embodiment, first, a plurality of game balls are prevented from reaching the second starting port 12 at the same time.

Specifically, the guide entrance Y21 of the guide route YR2 that can guide game balls to the second starting port 12 is sized so that only one game ball can pass through, as described above. Thereby, the guide route YR2 is a single entry route in which a plurality of game balls cannot enter at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to move the game balls one by one toward the second starting port 12 using the guide route YR2. Therefore, ball clogging in the second starting port 12, which occurs when a plurality of game balls try to enter the second starting port 12 at the same time, is suppressed. If a ball becomes jammed in the second starting port 12 when a player is aiming to win a prize in the second starting port 12, there is a risk that the game ball may not be able to enter the second starting port 12 to win a prize. There is. In such a case, there is a risk that the player's interest in playing the game will decrease. In addition, if the balls become jammed in a prize opening such as the second starting opening 12, which is often advantageous to the player, there is a risk that the interest in the game will be particularly reduced.

However, in this embodiment, since the guide route YR2 is a single approach route, it is possible to prevent a plurality of game balls from reaching the second starting port 12 at the same time. It is possible to prevent clogging. This allows the player to smoothly play the game in an advantageous situation.

In addition, since multiple game balls cannot pass through the guide entrance Y21 of the guide route YR2, which is a single entry route, if multiple game balls enter at the same time, balls will become clogged at the guide entrance Y21. There is a risk that this may occur. In addition, in this embodiment, since the game balls are moved in a direction in which the upstream route YR1 intersects with the guide route YR2, a plurality of game balls that have moved on the upstream route YR1 enter the guide entrance Y21 at the same time. There is a tendency for this condition to occur.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a non-guide route ZR2 is provided that extends from the intersection position YZP where the upstream route YR1 and the guide route YR2 intersect. Therefore, if a plurality of game balls that have moved on the upstream route YR1 enter the guide entrance Y21 at the same time, the plurality of game balls bounce each other at the upper part of the guide entrance Y21, and the guide route It is possible for the game ball that has not been able to enter YR2 to move to the non-guidance route ZR2. Thereby, ball clogging of game balls at the guide entrance Y21 can be suppressed.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the angle between the upstream route YR1 and the guide route YR2 is approximately 90°. On the other hand, the angle between the upstream route YR1 and the non-guide route ZR2 is about 180°. Note that in this embodiment, the angle between two routes refers to the smaller angle. That is, in this embodiment, the angle between the upstream route YR1 and the non-guide route ZR2 is larger than the angle between the upstream route YR1 and the guide route YR2.

Therefore, the direction of movement of the game ball that has flowed down the upstream route YR1 is along the non-guide route ZR2 rather than the guide route YR2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the game ball that cannot enter the guide route YR2 is configured to easily move to the non-guide route ZR2. Therefore, clogging of game balls at the guide entrance Y21 can be more appropriately suppressed.

Further, the guide route YR2 of this embodiment is a route that allows the game ball to move downward, that is, in a direction along gravity. In this way, when the guide route YR2 is a route that allows the game balls to be guided in the direction along gravity, when a plurality of game balls reach the guide entrance Y21 at the same time, balls tend to get jammed. However, in this embodiment, as described above, due to the existence of the non-guidance route ZR2, ball clogging at the guide entrance Y21 is less likely to occur, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in interest in the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the game ball can be appropriately guided toward the second starting port 12 by the guide route YR2 while suppressing clogging of the game ball near the guide route YR2. There is. Specifically, a guide groove 330 is provided in the guide region Y2 of this embodiment. The guide groove 330 is a hole that opens on the game board surface 6f, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, it has an oval shape whose longitudinal direction is along the guide route YR2. Such a guide groove 330 can appropriately guide the game ball in its longitudinal direction, and can be constructed at low cost. In addition, the guide groove 330 of this embodiment has a width in the width direction that is narrower than the diameter of the game ball so that the game ball does not get stuck inside.

In this embodiment, since the game ball can be guided by the guide groove 330, it is possible to stabilize the behavior of the game ball on the guide route YR2 and move it appropriately along the guide route YR2. There is. This makes it possible to appropriately guide the game ball toward the second starting port 12.

That is, when the game ball moves in the vertically extending guide area Y2, for example, swinging in the left and right direction, even if the electric chew opening/closing member 12k is in the open state, it will move inside the second starting port 12. There is a risk that it will not enter properly and collide with the edge of the second starting port 12. In this case, there is a possibility that the game ball may not be able to enter the second starting port 12 appropriately. In addition, the game ball that has moved in the left-right direction within the guide area Y2 is located above the second starting port 12, at the out port 19 provided on the right side, and on the left side of the second starting port 12 ( downstream). However, in this embodiment where the behavior of the game ball on the guide route YR2 can be stabilized by the guide groove 330, it is possible to increase the frequency with which the game ball appropriately heads toward the second starting port 12.

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the angle between the upstream route YR1 and the non-guide route ZR2 is larger than the angle between the upstream route YR1 and the guide route YR2, and the upstream route YR1 is It is provided in a direction intersecting the guide route YR2. In this case, the game ball that has moved along the upstream route YR1 appears to enter the non-guidance route ZR2 as it is. However, in this embodiment, since the game ball can be guided to the guide route YR2 by the guide groove 330, it is possible to show the player the movement of the game ball that is contrary to expectations. This is intended to improve the interest in the game.

In addition, the guide groove 330 may extend into the intersection area YZ in order to increase the frequency of entering the game ball into the guide route YR2. That is, it may be formed from within the intersection area YZ to the guide area Y2. Furthermore, when the opening of the guide groove 330 is chamfered or R-chamfered, the outer edge of the chamfer or R-chamfer may extend into the intersection area YZ.

Moreover, the guide path YR2 provided with the guide groove 330 allows the game ball to be appropriately guided to the second starting port 12, which tends to be advantageous for the player. This allows the player to play the game more smoothly in an advantageous situation.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the guide route YR2. As shown in FIG. 8, in front of the guide route YR2 and the intersection position YZP, a cover member 340 is provided facing the game board surface 6f of the game board 1. That is, in this embodiment, the guide route YR2 and the intersection position YZP are covered from the front by the cover member 340. The cover member 340 also covers the front of the upstream route YR1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the game board 1 is provided with a protrusion 350 that protrudes forward from the game board surface 6f at the intersection position YZP. As shown in FIG. 7, the protrusions 350 at the intersection position YZP are vertically long with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction, and two protrusions 350 are arranged side by side on the left and right. In this way, a plurality of protrusions 350 at the intersection position YZP are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting (specifically orthogonal to) the longitudinal direction with the direction from the intersection position YZP toward the guide entrance Y21 being the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible to increase the frequency with which the game ball that has reached the intersection position YZP moves along the guide route YR2.

Further, the cover member 340 is provided with a protrusion 341 that protrudes toward the game board 1. The protrusion 341 is located below the protrusion 350 at the intersection position YZP and in front of the guide route YR2. A guide groove 330 is located behind the protrusion 341 of the cover member 340.

With the above configuration, the game ball that has reached the intersection position YZP can be temporarily moved forward, that is, toward the cover member 340 by contacting the protrusion 350 at the intersection position YZP. It is possible. In addition, by bringing the game ball flowing down while moving toward the cover member 340 at the intersection point YZP into contact with the protrusion 341 of the cover member 340, it is possible to move it backward, that is, toward the inside of the guide groove 330. It is.

Thereby, in this embodiment, the game ball that has reached the intersection position YZP can be appropriately guided by the guide groove 330. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the guide groove 330 of this embodiment has a chamfer 331 at its opening. Therefore, the guide groove 330 of this embodiment can guide the game ball to the center position in the lateral direction of the guide groove 330 by the chamfer 331, and can guide the game ball more appropriately. Therefore, in this embodiment, the guide groove 330 allows the game ball to move appropriately along the guide route YR2 more frequently.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the upstream route YR1. As shown in FIG. 9, the game board 1 is provided with a first meandering protrusion 360 that protrudes forward from the game board surface 6f at a location on the upstream path YR1. A plurality of first meandering protrusions 360 are provided along the moving direction of the game ball in the upstream route YR1.

Further, the cover member 340 is provided with a second meandering protrusion 342 that protrudes toward the game board 1 at the upstream path YR1. A plurality of second meandering protrusions 342 are provided along the moving direction of the game ball in the upstream route YR1. Further, each of the plurality of second meandering protrusions 342 is provided so as to be arranged alternately with the plurality of first meandering protrusions 360 in the moving direction of the game ball in the upstream path YR1. Thereby, the first meandering protrusion 360 and the second meandering protrusion 342 are provided alternately in the upstream route YR1 in the moving direction of the game ball.

Therefore, when the game ball moves along the upstream route YR1, it meanders in the front-rear direction by alternately contacting the first meandering protrusion 360 and the second meandering protrusion 342. By moving the ball in a meandering manner, it is possible to decelerate the game ball along the upstream route YR1. That is, in this embodiment, a deceleration section is provided in the upstream route YR1 in which the moving speed of the game ball can be decelerated. The upstream route YR1 including the deceleration section allows the game ball to reach the intersection position YZP at a speed that is not so fast.

By causing the game ball to reach the crossing position YZP in a decelerated state, it is possible to prevent the game ball from jumping over the guide entrance Y21 of the guide route YR2 below the crossing position YZP. In other words, it is possible to prevent the game ball that has jumped over the guide entrance Y21 from moving to the non-guide route ZR2. Thereby, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the frequency with which the game ball that has reached the intersection position YZP enters the guide route YR2.

Note that the slower the moving speed of the game ball, the less energy it has to hit other game balls, so ball jams tend to occur more easily. However, in this embodiment, the guide route YR2 and the non-guide route ZR2 are provided as the subsequent movement routes of the game balls that have reached the intersection position YZP, so that ball clogging at the guide entrance Y21 is appropriately suppressed. . Therefore, even if the game ball is brought to the crossing position YZP in a decelerated state, the game can be played smoothly because ball clogging at the guide entrance Y21 is suppressed.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the cover member 340. In FIG. 10, the cover member 340 is shown in a state of being removed forward by the solid line, but the cover member 340 is actually attached to the game board 1. In this embodiment, the cover member 340 is provided with wall portions 301 and 302. Further, the second starting port 12, the communication hole 310, etc. are also formed in the cover member 340.

As shown in FIG. 10, the cover member 340 of this embodiment is a member that covers the peripheral portion of the electric chew 12D from the front. Therefore, the above-mentioned upstream region Y1, guide region Y2, intersection region YZ, and non-guide region Z2 are located behind the cover member 340. Further, since the cover member 340 is attached to the game board 1, even if the front door 23 of the game machine frame 2 is in an open state, the rear part of the cover member 340 is a place that is difficult for a person to reach, for example.

Therefore, if a ball jam occurs behind the cover member 340, it may be difficult and time consuming to resolve the jam. For this reason, if a ball gets jammed behind the cover member 340, it tends to impede a smooth game more than if a ball gets stuck in other places, which reduces the enjoyment of the game. I tend to do that. However, in this embodiment, as described above, ball clogging at the rear of the cover member 340, such as the guide entrance Y21 and the second starting port 12, is appropriately suppressed. In other words, ball jamming is suppressed in locations where it is difficult and time consuming to clear ball jams, thereby appropriately suppressing a decrease in game interest.

2. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be explained based on FIGS. 11 and 12. As shown in FIG. 11, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 supplies a game control board 100 that controls gaming profits such as jackpot lottery and game state transition, a payout control board 170 that controls payouts of game balls, etc., and a power supply. The power supply board 190 and the like are provided. The game control board 100 constitutes a main control section together with the payout control board 170.

As shown in FIG. 11, a game control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "game control microcomputer") 101 is mounted on the game control board 100 to control the progress of the game of the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 101 includes a game ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a game RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 used as a work memory, and a game ROM 103. It includes a gaming CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that executes programs stored in the gaming machine, and a gaming I/O port (Input/Output port: input/output circuit) 118 that inputs and outputs data and signals. . Note that the game ROM 103 may be externally attached.

The gaming RAM 104 is provided with a special figure reservation storage section 105 (special figure 1 reservation storage section 105a and special figure 2 reservation storage section 105b). The special figure 1 reservation storage unit 105a consists of four storage areas corresponding to the number of memorizable special figure 1 reservations. Moreover, the special figure 2 reservation storage unit 105b consists of four storage areas corresponding to the number of memorizable special figure 2 reservations. Each storage area is divided into four storage areas. These four storage areas are an area for storing jackpot random numbers, an area for storing hit type random numbers, an area for storing reach random numbers, and an area for storing fluctuating pattern random numbers, which will be described later.

Further, the gaming RAM 104 is provided with a normal figure reservation storage section 106. The common picture reservation storage unit 106 consists of a storage area corresponding to the number of common picture reservations that can be stored. Each storage area is an area for storing normal symbol random numbers.

Further, various sensors and solenoids provided in the game board 1 are connected to the game control board 100, as shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the game control board 100, and signals are output from the game control board 100 to each solenoid. Specifically, the sensors include a general winning opening sensor 10a, a first starting opening sensor 11a, a second starting opening sensor 12a, a regular gate sensor 13a, a big winning opening sensor 14a, a specific area sensor 16a, and a non-specific area sensor. 17a is connected.

The general winning hole sensor 10a is provided in each general winning hole 10 and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the general winning hole 10. The first starting port sensor 11a is provided in the first starting port 11 and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the first starting port 11. The second starting port sensor 12a is provided in the second starting port 12 and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the second starting port 12. The regular game gate sensor 13a is provided inside the regular game gate 13 and detects a game ball that has passed through the regular game gate 13. The big winning hole sensor 14a is provided in the big winning hole 14 and detects a game ball that has entered the big winning hole 14. The role-linked operation gate sensor 18a is provided within the role-linked operation gate 18 and detects a game ball that has passed through the role-linked operation gate 18. The big winning hole sensor 14a is provided in the big winning hole 14 and detects a game ball that has entered the big winning hole 14. The specific area sensor 16a is provided in a specific area within the big prize opening 14 and detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area. The non-specific area sensor 17a is provided in a non-specific area within the big prize opening 14 and detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific area.

In addition, as the solenoids, an electric chew solenoid 12s, a large prize opening solenoid 14s, and a distribution solenoid 16s are connected. The electric chew solenoid 12s drives the electric chew opening/closing member 12k. The big prize opening solenoid 14s drives the AT movable member 14k of the big winning device 14D. The distribution solenoid 16s drives a distribution member that distributes the subsequent path of the game ball that has entered the big prize opening 14 into a specific area or a non-specific area.

Furthermore, the game control board 100 includes a special map 1 display 81a, a special map 2 display 81b, a regular map display 82, a special map 1 reservation display 83a, a special map 2 reservation display 83b, and a regular map reservation display. 84 is connected. That is, the display control of these displays 8 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

Further, the game control board 100 transmits various commands to the payout control board 170, and receives signals from the payout control board 170 for payout monitoring. The payout control board 170 is connected to a payout device 73 and a card unit CU (which is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 and enables ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card). The firing device 72 is also connected via a firing control circuit 175. Firing device 72 includes a handle 72k.

The payout control board 170 drives the payout motor 73m of the payout device 73 based on the signal from the game control microcomputer 101 and the signal from the card unit CU connected to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 to pay out prize balls, etc. I do. The paid-out prize balls and rental balls are detected by the paid-out sensor 73a for counting. Note that when the player operates the handle 72k of the firing device 72, the touch switch 72a detects contact with the handle 72k, and the firing volume 72b detects the amount of rotation of the handle 72k. Then, the firing solenoid 72s is driven so that the game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal from the firing volume 72b. In this pachinko game machine PY1, one game ball is fired in about 0.6 seconds.

Moreover, the game control board 100 transmits various commands to the production control board 120 shown in FIG. The effect control board 120 constitutes the effect control section DK together with the image control board 140 and the like. The connection between the game control board 100 and the production control board 120 is a unidirectional communication connection that allows only the transmission of signals from the game control board 100 to the production control board 120. That is, between the game control board 100 and the performance control board 120, a unidirectional circuit (for example, a circuit using a diode), not shown, is interposed as a communication direction regulating means.

As shown in FIG. 12, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 includes an effect control board 120 that controls effects performed as the game progresses, an image control board 140 that performs image control, and an audio control board 161 that performs audio control. Equipped with. The performance control board 120 is equipped with a performance control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "performance control microcomputer") 121 that controls the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program.

The performance control microcomputer 121 (performance control means) includes a performance ROM 123 that stores a program for controlling the performance as the game progresses, a performance RAM 124 used as a work memory, and a performance ROM 123 that stores programs for controlling the performance as the game progresses. It includes a presentation CPU 122 for executing a program, and a presentation I/O port (input/output circuit) 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals. Note that the performance ROM 123 may be externally attached.

An image control board 140, an audio control board 161, and a sub-drive board 162 are connected to the production control board 120. The performance control microcomputer 121 of the performance control board 120 causes the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 to control the display of the image display device 50 based on the command received from the game control board 100. The image RAM 143 of the image control board 140 is a memory for expanding image data. The image ROM 142 of the image control board 140 stores still image data and video data displayed on the image display device 50, specifically characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including production designs) and backgrounds. Image data such as images is stored. The image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads image data from the image ROM 142 based on instructions from the production control microcomputer 121. Then, display control is executed based on the read image data.

Further, to the production control board 120, a production button detection sensor 40a, a select button detection sensor 42a, a first detection sensor 643, and a second detection sensor 647 are connected. The performance button detection sensor 40a detects that the performance button device 40 has been operated. When the production button device 40 is operated, a detection signal is output from the production button detection sensor 40a to the production control board 120. Further, the select button detection sensor 42a detects that the select button 42k has been operated. When the select button detection sensor 42a is operated, a detection signal is output from the select button detection sensor 42a to the production control board 120.

As described above, the first detection sensor 643 and the second detection sensor 647 are detectors included in the left-right position detection section 640 and used to detect the position of the second left-right moving section 610 in the left-right direction. The detection signals of the first detection sensor 643 and the second detection sensor 647 are also output to the production control board 120. As described above, in this embodiment, depending on the aspect of the detection signals of the first detection sensor 643 and the second detection sensor 647, specifically, the combination of the detection signals of the first detection sensor 643 and the second detection sensor 647, The position of the second left-right moving unit 610 can be detected. Thereby, the effect control board 120 is able to grasp the position of the second left-right moving section 610 and to determine whether the second left-right moving section 610 is present at an appropriate position. Furthermore, if the second left-right moving section 610 is deviated from its proper position, it is also possible to resolve this.

The performance control microcomputer 121 outputs audio, music, sound effects, etc. from the speakers 52 (left speaker 52L and right speaker 52R) via the audio control board 161 based on commands received from the game control board 100. Audio data such as audio output from the speaker 52 is stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120. Note that a CPU may be mounted on the voice control board 161, and in that case, the CPU may be caused to execute voice control. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the audio control board 161, and acoustic data may be stored in the ROM. Alternatively, the speaker 52 may be connected to the image control board 140, and the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 may be caused to perform audio control. Furthermore, in this case, the acoustic data may be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

The power supply board 190 (power supply means) supplies power to the game control board 100, production control board 120, and payout control board 170, and also supplies necessary power to other equipment via these boards. supply A backup power supply circuit 192 is provided on the power supply board 190. The backup power supply circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the game control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120, which will be described later, when power is not supplied to the pachinko game machine PY1. Therefore, the information stored in the game RAM 104 of the game control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 is retained even when the power is cut off to the pachinko game machine PY1. Further, a power switch 191 is connected to the power supply board 190. The ON/OFF operation of the power switch 191 switches the power on/off. In addition, a backup power supply circuit for the gaming RAM 104 of the gaming control board 100 may be provided on the gaming control board 100, or a backup power supply circuit for the production RAM 124 of the production control board 120 may be provided on the production control board 120.

The pachinko game machine PY1 also includes a sub-drive board 162. The performance control microcomputer 121 described above controls the lighting of lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 via the sub-drive board 162 based on commands received from the game control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 121 creates light emission pattern data (data that determines lighting/extinguishing, light emission color, etc., also referred to as lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of the lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54, and executes the light emission pattern data according to the light emission pattern data. Controls the light emission of lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120 is used to create the light emission pattern data.

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 121 controls the drive of the board movable body motor EUm connected to the sub-drive board 162 based on commands received from the game control board 100. The board movable body motor EUm includes each motor included in the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56. That is, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data (drive data) that determines the operation mode of the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56, and according to the operation pattern data, the board movable body motor EUm (i.e., the first movable device The motors of the device 55 and the second movable device 56 are controlled. Data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120 is used to create the motion pattern data.

Note that a CPU may be mounted on the sub-drive board 162, and in that case, the CPU may be caused to perform drive control of each motor and lighting control of each lamp. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the sub-drive board 162, and data regarding the light emission pattern and the operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

In this embodiment, the effect control board 120 constitutes a sub-control unit SC together with an image control board 140, an audio control board 161, and a sub-drive board 162. Note that the sub-control unit SC may include at least the performance control board 120 and be capable of controlling the game performance using performance means (image display device 50, board lamp 54, frame lamp 53, speaker 52, etc.).

3. Description of Jackpot etc. In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, there are "jackpot" and "loss" as a result of jackpot lottery (special symbol lottery). At the time of a "jackpot", the "jackpot symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 81. At the time of "losing", the "losing symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 81. When a jackpot is won, a "jackpot game" is executed in which the jackpot 14 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of special symbol (jackpot type) that is stopped and displayed. A jackpot game is an example of a special game. In addition, in this embodiment, after the "jackpot symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special figure display 81, based on the game ball passing through the combination activation gate 18 (that is, the game is activated by the combination activation gate sensor 18a). Based on the ball being detected), a "jackpot game" is executed.

In this form, the jackpot game includes multiple round games (unit open game), an opening (also referred to as OP) before the first round game starts, and an ending after the final round game ends. (also written as ED). Each round game starts with the end of the OP or the end of the previous round game, and ends with the start of the next round game or the start of the ED. The closing time (interval time) of the big prize opening between round games is included in the opening round game before the closing.

There are multiple types of jackpots. The types of jackpots are as shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, there are roughly two types of jackpots (V open jackpot and V non-open jackpot). "V open jackpot" is a jackpot that operates the jackpot device 14D in an opening pattern that allows the game ball to pass through a specific area during the jackpot game. The "V non-opening jackpot" is a jackpot in which the jackpot device 14D is operated in an opening pattern that makes it impossible for the game ball to pass through a specific area during the jackpot game.

More specifically, the total number of rounds in the "V open jackpot" is 16R. The big prize opening 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per 1R from 1R to 16R. In rounds other than 14R, the distribution member for distributing game balls to a specific area or a non-specific area is set to a state where the game ball passes through the non-specific area. On the other hand, in 14R, the distribution member is placed in a state where the game ball passes through a specific area.

On the other hand, in the "V non-open jackpot", the total number of rounds is 16R, but the actual total number of rounds is 13R. That is, from 1R to 13R, the big winning hole 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per 1R, but from 14R to 16R, the big winning hole 14 is opened for only 0.1 seconds per 1R. Therefore, in this V non-opening jackpot, the opening time of the jackpot is extremely short from 14R to 16R, making it a round in which no prize ball can be expected. In other words, the V non-open jackpot is actually a 13R jackpot.

In addition, in the V non-opening jackpot, in all rounds, the distribution member that allocates the game balls to the specific area or the non-specific area is set in such a state that the game ball passes through the non-specific area. Incidentally, the V non-opening jackpot may be achieved as long as the game ball is almost unable to pass through the specific area, and the distribution member may be operated in a manner that the game ball is almost unable to pass through the specific area.

In the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, based on the passage of a game ball to a specific area during a jackpot game, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game is shifted to a high probability state to be described later. Therefore, when winning the above-mentioned V open jackpot, the game state after the jackpot game can be shifted to a high probability state by passing the game ball to a specific area during execution of the jackpot game. On the other hand, if you win a jackpot without opening the V, the game ball cannot pass through the specific area during the execution of the jackpot game, so the game state after the jackpot game will be the normal probability state described below. (non-high probability state).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the distribution ratio of the jackpot in the lottery of the first special symbol (special symbol 1) is 50% for the V open jackpot and 50% for the V non-open jackpot. On the other hand, all jackpots won in the second special symbol (special symbol 2) lottery are V open jackpots. That is, when a jackpot is won by a lottery based on a prize entered into the second starting port 12, which becomes possible to enter by executing the electric support control described later, it will always be a V open jackpot. In this way, in this pachinko game machine PY1, the game ball is won in the second starting hole 12 and the game ball is won in the second starting hole 12, and the jackpot lottery (first special symbol lottery) is held. The jackpot lottery (the second special symbol lottery) is set to be more advantageous for the player.

Here, in this pachinko gaming machine PY1, a lottery to determine whether or not it is a jackpot is performed based on a "jackpot random number", and a lottery to determine the type of jackpot won is performed based on a "win type random number". As shown in FIG. 14(A), the jackpot random number takes values in the range from 0 to 65535. The winning type random number takes a value in the range from 0 to 9. In addition to the jackpot random number and the winning type random number, the random numbers obtained based on winnings in the first starting hole 11 or the second starting hole 12 include a "reach random number" and a "fluctuation pattern random number."

The reach random number is a random number that determines whether or not to generate a reach in the performance symbol variation performance that indicates the result when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss. The fluctuation pattern random number is a random number for determining a fluctuation pattern including fluctuation time. The fluctuation pattern random number takes a value in the range from 0 to 127. Further, the random numbers obtained based on passing through the normal pattern gate 13 include normal pattern random numbers (winning random numbers) shown in FIG. 14(B). The normal symbol random number is a random number for a lottery (normal symbol lottery) to determine whether or not to perform an auxiliary game to open the electric chew 12D. Normal symbol random numbers take values in the range from 0 to 255.

4. Description of gaming state Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment will be explained. The special figure display 81 and the regular figure display 82 of the pachinko game machine PY1 each have a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. A state in which the probability variation function of the special figure display 81 is activated is referred to as a "high probability state," and a state in which it is not activated is referred to as a "normal probability state (non-high probability state)." In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the normal probability state. That is, a jackpot determination table is used to determine a jackpot in which the value of the jackpot random number determined to be a jackpot is larger than the jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (see FIG. 15(A)). In other words, when the probability variation function of the special pattern display 81 is activated, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the special pattern (i.e., the stopped pattern) by the special pattern display 81 will be a jackpot pattern is higher than when it is not activated. becomes higher.

Further, a state in which the variable time reduction function of the special figure display 81 is activated is referred to as a "time reduction state", and a state in which it is not activated is referred to as a "non-time reduction state". In the time-saving state, the variation time of the special symbol (the time from the start of variable display to the time of derivation and display of the display result) is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. That is, a fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation pattern table that is determined so that a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is selected more often than a non-time saving state (see FIG. 16). That is, when the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display 81 is activated, a short variation time is more likely to be selected as the variation time of the variable display of the special symbol compared to when it is not activated. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace at which the reserved special drawings are consumed becomes faster, and effective winnings in the starting opening (winnings that can be stored as reserved special drawings) are more likely to occur. Therefore, players can aim for a jackpot while the game progresses smoothly.

The probability variation function and the variation time reduction function of the special figure display 81 may operate at the same time, or only one may operate. The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the regular figure display 82 operate in synchronization with the variation time shortening function of the special figure display 81. That is, the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time reduction function of the common map display 82 operate in the time saving state and do not operate in the non-time saving state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the winning probability in the normal symbol lottery is higher than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the hit determination (normal symbol determination) is performed using a normal symbol hit determination table in which the value of the normal symbol random number (hit random number) that is determined to be a hit is larger than the normal symbol hit determination table used in the non-time saving state ( (See FIG. 15(C)). In other words, when the probability variation function of the normal pattern display 82 is activated, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the normal pattern by the normal pattern display 82 will be a normal winning pattern is higher than when it is not activated. .

Also, in the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time saving state. In this form, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 30 seconds in the non-time saving state, but is 1 second in the time saving state (see FIG. 15(D)). Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chew 12D in the auxiliary game is longer than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 17). That is, the opening time extension function of the electric chew 12D is operating. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the electric chew 12D is opened in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 17). That is, the function of increasing the number of times the electric chew 12D is opened is operating.

In a situation where the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function of the general figure display 82 and the opening time extension function and opening frequency increasing function of the electric chew 12D are operating, the time difference will be lower than when these functions are not operating. As a result, the electric chew 12D is opened frequently, and game balls are frequently entered into the second starting port 12. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of fired balls, increases. Therefore, a state in which these functions are operating is called a "high base state", and a state in which they are not operating is called a "low base state". In a high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have. Note that the high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control that supports winning to the second starting port 12 by the electric chew 12D) is being executed.

In the high base state (electric support control state), not all of the above functions may be activated. That is, activation of one or more functions among the probability variation function of the ordinary figure display 82, the variation time shortening function of the ordinary figure indicator 82, the opening time extension function of the electric chew 12D, and the function of increasing the number of openings of the electric chew 12D. It is sufficient that the electric chew 12D is opened more easily than when the function is not activated. Further, the high base state (electric support control state) may be controlled independently without being associated with the time saving state.

In the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, the gaming state after a jackpot game due to winning the V open jackpot is a high probability state, a time saving state, and a high base state if a passage to a specific area is made during the jackpot game. It is. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "high probability high base state." The high probability/high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (160 times in this embodiment) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

In addition, the gaming state after a jackpot game due to winning a V non-open jackpot will be a normal probability state (non-high probability state, i.e. It is a low probability state), a short time state, and a high base state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "low probability high base state". The low probability/high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

When playing the pachinko game machine PY1 for the first time, the gaming state after the power is turned on is a normal probability state, a non-time saving state, and a low base state (non-electronic support control state). This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "low probability low base state". The low probability low base state is sometimes referred to as the "normal gaming state." Further, the state in which a special game (big hit game) is being executed will be referred to as a "special game state (big hit game state)". Furthermore, a state controlled to at least one of the high probability state and the high base state is referred to as a "specific gaming state."

In a high base state such as a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the right game area 6B by hitting right. This is because the electric support control makes it easier for the electric chew 12D to open compared to the low base state, and it is easier to win a prize in the second starting port 12 than to win a prize in the first starting port 11. . Therefore, while passing the game ball to the normal pattern gate 13 which is the trigger for the normal symbol lottery, the player performs a right hit in order to cause the game ball to enter the second starting port 12. This allows you to get more starting prizes (winning into the starting hole) than if you hit left-handed. In this pachinko game machine PY1, even during the jackpot game, the player plays the game with the right hand.

On the other hand, in the low base state, the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the left game area 6A (see FIG. 19) by hitting the ball to the left. Since the electric support control is not executed, the electric chew 12D is more difficult to open than in the high base state, and it is easier to win a prize in the first starting port 11 than to win a prize in the second starting port 12. This is because it has become. Therefore, in order to cause the game ball to enter the first starting hole 11, the player performs a left-handed hit. This allows you to win more starting prizes than if you hit right-handed.

5. Operation of Pachinko gaming machine PY1 Next, the operation of the main control unit (game control microcomputer 101, etc.) will be explained based on FIG. 18, and the sub-control unit (production control microcomputer 121, etc.) based on FIGS. 19 and 20. The operation will be explained. First, the operation of the main control section will be explained.

[Game Control Side Timer Interrupt Process] The game control microcomputer 101 of the main control section repeats the game control side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 18 at short intervals of, for example, 4 msec. First, the game control microcomputer 101 uses a jackpot random number to be used for a jackpot lottery, a win type random number to decide the type of jackpot, a reach random number to decide whether or not to enter a reach state in a variable performance, and a reach random number to decide a variation pattern. A random number update process is performed to update the fluctuation pattern random number, the normal symbol random number (winning random number) used for the regular symbol lottery, etc. (S101). Note that at least a portion of each random number may be a hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. Further, the random number generation circuit may be built in the game control microcomputer 101.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 performs input processing (S102). In the input processing (S102), various sensors (general winning hole sensor 10a, first starting hole sensor 11a, second starting hole sensor 12a, big winning hole sensor 14a, etc. (see)), and sets a prize ball command for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning hole into the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104. In addition, in the input process (S102), if there is a command output from the payout control board 170, the command is received.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a starting port sensor detection process (S103), a special operation process (S104), and a normal operation process (S105). In the starting port sensor detection process (S103), if a winning is detected by the first starting port sensor 11a, a random number such as a jackpot random number (see FIG. 14(A)) is acquired on the condition that the number of pending memories is less than 4. do. Further, if a winning is detected by the second starting port sensor 12a, a random number such as a jackpot random number (see FIG. 14(A)) is acquired on the condition that the number of pending memories is less than four. Further, if the passage is detected by the normal pattern gate sensor 13a, a normal pattern random number (see FIG. 14(B)) is acquired on the condition that the number of winning random numbers already stored is less than 4.

In the special operation process (S104), random numbers such as the jackpot random number obtained in the starting port sensor detection process (S103) are determined, and special symbols are displayed (fluctuating display and stop display) to notify the determination result. . When displaying this special symbol, a fluctuation start command including information on the fluctuation pattern is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 at the start of the fluctuation display of the special symbol, and a fluctuation stop command is set for the game at the start of the stop display of the special symbol. Set in the output buffer of RAM 104. Note that the fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 16 based on determination of various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers. If the jackpot is won as a result of the judgment of the jackpot random number, a jackpot game (special game) is performed in which the jackpot 14 is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings). Here, as shown in FIG. 16, once the variation pattern is determined, the variation time during which the variable display of the special symbol is executed is also determined. The SP reach (super reach) shown in the remarks column of FIG. 16 is a reach that has a longer fluctuation time after reaching than a normal reach. The distribution ratio of the table is set so that the expectation level of winning (expectation level of jackpot winning) is higher in SP reach than in normal reach. In this embodiment, the super reach is performed progressively after the normal reach.

In the normal operation process (S105), the normal symbol random number acquired in the starting port sensor detection process is determined using a predetermined determination table. Then, normal symbols are displayed (fluctuating display and static display) to notify the determination result. As a result of the determination of the normal symbol random number, if the normal winning symbol has been won, an auxiliary game is played in which the electric chew 12D is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings, see FIG. 17) according to the game state. conduct.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 performs output processing (S106). In the output process (S106), the commands etc. set in each of the above-mentioned processes are output to the payout control board 170, the production control board 120, etc.

Further, in parallel with the processing in the main control section described above, the effect control microcomputer 121 performs the processing shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The operation of the production control microcomputer 121 will be explained below.

[Production Control Side Timer Interrupt Process] The production control microcomputer 121 repeats the production control side timer interrupt process as shown in FIG. 19 at predetermined short intervals. In the performance control side timer interrupt processing, first, received command analysis processing (S1001) is performed.

Further, following the received command analysis process (S1001), a command transmission process (S1002) is performed. In the command transmission process (S1002), various commands set in the received command analysis process are transmitted to the image control board 140. When the command transmission process is executed, the image control board 140 that has received the command uses the image display device 50 to execute various effects (variable effect, jackpot effect, customer waiting effect, etc.). For example, the image control board 140 that has received the variable effect start command executes the variable effect specified in the variable effect start command.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs audio processing (S1003). In the audio processing (S1003), sound data (data that controls the output of audio, etc. from the speaker 52) is created in order to output audio, etc. from the speaker 52 at a timing that matches the performance of the performance pattern selected in the received command analysis process. or output to the audio control board 161. Next, the production control microcomputer 121 performs lamp processing (S1004) and movable body processing (S1005).

In the lamp processing (S1004), if there is a light emitting effect that causes the board lamp 54 or the frame lamp 53 to emit light in the variable effect start command set in the effect RAM 124, that light emitting effect is executed. That is, the panel lamp 54 and the frame lamp 53 are caused to emit light at a predetermined timing and in a predetermined light emitting manner. In addition, in the movable body processing (S1005), if there is a drive effect to operate the first movable device 55 or the second movable device 56 in the variable effect start command etc. set in the effect RAM 124, that drive effect is executed. do. That is, each motor of the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56 is operated at a predetermined timing and in a predetermined driving manner.

[Received command analysis process] As shown in FIG. 20, in the received command analysis process (S1001), the performance control microcomputer 121 first determines whether or not a fluctuation start command has been received from the game control microcomputer 101 (S1101). ). If not received, the process advances to step S1104, but if received, variable effect pattern selection processing (S1102) is performed.

In the fluctuation performance pattern selection process (S1102), a random number for determining a fluctuation performance pattern is acquired, one table is selected based on the analysis result of the fluctuation start command, etc., and the obtained fluctuation performance is selected using the selected table. A variable effect pattern is selected by determining a random number for pattern determination. Note that data indicating the selected variable effect pattern is stored in a predetermined storage area of the effect RAM 124. By selecting this variable effect pattern, whether or not to execute the effect that causes the board lamp 54 to emit light, the timing thereof, whether or not to execute the effect that causes the frame lamp 53 to emit light, the timing thereof, the effect of the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56, etc. The content of the performance is determined, including details such as whether or not the performance will be executed and the timing for operating each motor, etc.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a variable performance start command for starting a variable performance with the variable performance pattern selected in step S1102 in a predetermined storage area of the performance RAM 124 (S1103). Then, the process advances to step S1104.

In step S1104, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not an opening command has been received from the game control microcomputer 101. If not received, the process proceeds to step S1107, but if received, jackpot effect pattern selection processing (S1105) is performed.

In the jackpot performance pattern selection process (S1105), a performance pattern (jackpot performance pattern) for a jackpot performance to be executed during the jackpot game is selected based on the analysis result of the opening command. Note that data indicating the jackpot effect pattern selected here is stored in a predetermined storage area of the effect RAM 124. By selecting this jackpot effect pattern, whether or not to execute the light emission effect of the board lamp 54 and the frame lamp 53 during the jackpot game, the timing thereof, and the effect to operate each motor of the first movable device 55 and the second movable device 56, etc. The content of the performance is determined, including details such as whether or not it will be performed and its timing.

Next, the effect control microcomputer 121 sets a jackpot effect start command for starting a jackpot effect with the jackpot effect pattern selected in step S1105 in a predetermined storage area of the effect RAM 124 (S1106). Then, the process advances to step S1107.

In step S1107, processing based on other received commands is performed as other processing (S1107). This completes the received command analysis process.

6. Example of change Below, an example of change will be explained. In addition, in the description of the modification example, the same components as those of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

For example, in the above embodiment, only the big winning hole 14 is provided as the big winning area that can be opened in the jackpot game, but a plurality of big winning areas may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, after the "jackpot symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special figure display 81, the game is assumed to shift to a jackpot game based on the passage of the game ball to the winning combination operation gate 18. . However, for example, the transition to the jackpot game may be made without being based on the passage of the game ball to the winning combination operation gate 18. In this case, the role-linked operation gate 18 is not necessary. Alternatively, for example, a plurality of types of jackpots with different numbers of rounds may be provided, and the number of rounds in the jackpot may be determined based on the passage of the game ball to the combination operation gate 18.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, a configuration is described in which the second non-role-related route XR4 crosses behind the role-related route XR1. However, the second non-role-related route XR4 may be one that crosses the front of the role-related route XR1. Further, the winning combination route XR1 may allow the game ball to pass behind the game board surface 6f.

Further, in the above embodiment, the second non-role-related entrance X41 of the second non-role-related route XR4 is provided to the right of the role-related entrance X11 of the role-related route XR1. However, the second non-role related entrance X41 of the second non-role related route XR4 may be arranged to the left of the role related entrance X11 of the role related route XR1. That is, in the above embodiment, the role-linked route XR1, the first non-role-linked route XR3, and the second non-role-linked route XR4 may be configured symmetrically. In addition, routes that can lead the game ball to a certain detection unit, such as the role-related route XR1, the first non-role-related route XR3, and the second non-role-related route XR4, and the route that crosses behind or in front of the Such a configuration may be provided in the left gaming area 6A.

Further, in the above embodiment, the branch route XR5 is described as a route that can guide the game ball to the right of the regular game gate 13. However, the branch route XR5 may be a route that allows the game ball to be guided to the left of the regular game gate 13.

Further, in the embodiment described above, a regular game route XR2 that can guide the game ball to the regular game gate 13 is provided downstream of the game ball route XR1 that can guide the game ball to the regular game gate 18. However, a regular game route XR2 that can guide the game ball to the regular game gate 13 may be provided upstream of the game ball route XR1 that can guide the game ball to the regular game gate 18. Further, the winning means of at least one of the combination operation gate 18 and the common map gate 13 may be replaced with a different winning means. For example, a general gate 13 may be placed at the position of the function-related operation gate 18 instead of the function-related operation gate 18, and an electric chew 12D may be placed at the position of the function-related operation gate 13 instead of the general function gate 13. good. For example, an electric chew 12D may be placed at the position of the winning combination activation gate 18 instead of the winning combination activation gate 18, and a big winning device 14D may be placed at the position of the general drawing gate 13 instead of the general drawing gate 13. Good too.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the game ball can be guided to the guide path YR2 by the guide groove 330 that is the guide section. However, for example, the guide portion of the guide route YR2 is not limited to the guide groove 330, and any guide portion that can guide the game ball may be provided. As such a guide part, for example, in addition to the guide groove 330, a protrusion extending along the guide route YR2 can be considered. In addition, when the guide portion of the guide route YR2 is formed of protrusions, it is preferable to arrange a plurality of protrusions that extend along the guide route YR2. This is because the groove portion formed between the plurality of protrusions allows the game ball to be appropriately guided.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the guide route YR2 was described as one that allows the game ball to be moved toward the second starting port 12. However, the guide route YR2 may be other winning means, such as one that can move the game ball toward the big winning hole 14.

Further, in the above embodiment, the guide groove 330 serving as the guide portion extends straight. However, the guide portion may be provided with a bending portion. In addition, the guide portion that can guide the game ball, such as the guide groove 330, and the configuration around it are not limited to the positions in the above embodiment, but may be provided in the left game area 6A, for example.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a mode has been described in which the deceleration section is configured by causing the game ball to meander in the front-rear direction using the first meandering protrusion 360 and the second meandering protrusion 342 in the upstream route YR1. However, as a deceleration section in which the game ball can be decelerated, in addition to making the game ball meander in the front-back direction, a configuration in which the game ball meanders in the up-down direction or the left-right direction can be considered. In addition, in the deceleration section that makes the game ball meander, in addition to providing a protrusion that protrudes in the direction that makes the game ball meander on the movement path of the game ball, as in the above embodiment, the wall surface that forms the movement path (for example, It is conceivable that the structure could be constructed by bending a tunnel-like wall surface or the like. Furthermore, by setting the friction coefficient of the wall surface or board surface that the game ball can come into contact with higher than that of other parts, it is also possible to create a deceleration section that decelerates the game ball. Further, the deceleration section may be configured by bending the movement path and making the surface with which the game ball can come into contact with the movement path a surface with a high coefficient of friction. Further, a part of the upstream route YR1 may be a deceleration section, or the entire upstream route YR1 may be a deceleration section.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the opening at the entrance of the guide route YR2 is sized so that only one game ball can pass through it, so that the guide route YR2 is a single entry route through which only one game ball can enter. . However, the single entry path may include, for example, a rotating body at the entrance portion that can move the game balls one by one to the downstream side.

Further, in the above embodiment, the time saving state is always set upon completion of the jackpot game, but it may be determined whether the time saving state is set depending on the type of the jackpot symbol. In this case, in the special drawing 2 lottery, it may be possible to win a jackpot symbol with a higher probability in which a time-saving state is set upon completion of the jackpot game.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiments, by winning a jackpot in the jackpot determination, a jackpot game that involves opening and closing the jackpot 14 is executed, but as a game that involves opening and closing the jackpot 14, there is a so-called "small winning game". ” may be provided. The small winning game is executed by winning a "small winning" which is different from a jackpot and a loss in the jackpot determination. It is desirable that the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 14 in the small winning game is 1.8 seconds or less. Moreover, the game state does not change with the end of the small winning game. That is, during and after the execution of the small winning game, the gaming state before the execution continues, and the execution of the small winning game does not affect the gaming state. That is, when a small win is won, a small win game involving opening and closing of the large winning opening 14 is only executed.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the high probability number is set to 160 and the time saving number is set to 160 and 100, but special symbols for the game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state are The prescribed number of times of variable display is not limited and can be set as appropriate. For example, the high probability number of times may be set to 100 times, and the time saving number of times may be set to 100 times regardless of whether V passes or not. Further, the number of time saving times may be set to 0 times. In addition, the duration period for a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state is set based on other factors other than the number of executions of the variable display of special symbols, such as the elapsed time after the jackpot game and the number of game balls fired. It's okay.

Further, in the above embodiment, the game control board 100 performs basic control regarding the progress of the game, and the performance control board 120 performs basic control regarding the progress of the performance according to the progress of the game (game control). Although the control of the game and the control of the performance are performed by different boards as shown in FIG. 2, they may be configured to be performed by one board. In this case, the image control board 140 may be included in that one board, or may be provided separately from that one board.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention can also be applied to other pinball gaming machines such as arranged ball machines and mahjong ball gaming machines, as well as reel-type gaming machines (so-called "slot machines").

7. Inventions shown in the embodiments described above In the embodiments described above, inventions of the following means are shown. In the explanation of the means described below, the corresponding configuration names and expressions in the above-described embodiments, and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the constituent elements of each invention are not limited to this appendix.

<Means A>
The invention related to means A1 is:
It includes a board (gaming board 1) on which a gaming area (gaming area 6) is provided,
The board is provided with a guide part (guide groove 330) that can guide the game ball,
The movement route of the game ball extending from the intersection position (intersection position YZP) in the gaming area includes a guide route (guide route YR2) along which the game ball guided by the guide section can move, and a non-guide route that is different from the guide route. This is a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) characterized in that it includes a guided route (non-guided route ZR2).

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-88617, which is cited as a prior art, discloses a game machine having a configuration in which game nails are driven substantially perpendicularly into a board. In the case of such a configuration, it is possible to enjoy a variety of movements of the game ball because the subsequent behavior of the game ball that comes into contact with the game nail is not stable. However, if the behavior of the game ball is not always stable, the player may not be able to move the game ball to the desired location, which may cause the player to lose interest in the game. On the other hand, in the gaming machine of this configuration, since the game ball can be guided by the guide section on the guide route, it is possible to appropriately move the game ball along the guide route. That is, it is possible to stabilize the behavior of the game ball on the guide route.

The invention related to means A2 is
The gaming machine according to means A1,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the guide portion is formed by a hole opening in the game board surface (game board surface 6f) of the board.

In the game machine having this configuration, since the guide portion can be formed appropriately, it is possible to appropriately stabilize the behavior of the game ball on the guide path. Furthermore, it is possible to construct the guide section at low cost.

The invention related to means A3 is:
The gaming machine according to means A2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the opening of the guide section has a length in a direction along the guide route that is longer than a length in a direction perpendicular to the guide route.

In the game machine having this configuration, it is possible to form a guide portion that more appropriately guides the game ball.

The invention related to means A4 is:
The gaming machine according to means A2 or means A3,
This gaming machine is characterized in that it is provided with a contact part (protrusion 341) that is provided so as to be able to come into contact with a game ball and that can move the contacted game ball in a direction toward the inside of the guide part.

In the game machine having this configuration, it is possible to further increase the frequency with which the game ball moves along the guide route.

The invention related to means A5 is:
The gaming machine according to any one of means A2 to means A4,
The gaming machine is characterized in that an upstream route (upstream route YR1) extending from an upstream position upstream of the intersection position to the intersection position is provided in a direction intersecting the guide route.

In such a configuration, at first glance, it may seem that the game ball that has passed through the upstream route and reached the intersection position has a tendency to move to the non-guide route rather than the guide route. However, in the game machine with this configuration, since the game ball moves frequently to the guide route, it is possible to show the player the movement of the game ball that is contrary to expectations, and thereby it is possible to improve the level of interest. .

The invention related to means A6 is:
The gaming machine according to means A5,
The guide route is a route that guides the game ball from the intersection position in a direction along the direction of gravity rather than the non-guide route,
The upstream route is provided with a deceleration section (the section where the first meandering protrusion 360 and the second meandering protrusion 342 in the upstream route YR1 are formed) that can slow down the moving speed of the game ball. This is a gaming machine with special features.

In the game machine with this configuration, it is possible to make the game ball reach the crossing position in a state where it is decelerated, so it is possible to more frequently move the game ball to the guide path that guides the game ball in a direction along the direction of gravity. It becomes possible to move it.

The invention related to means A7 is:
The gaming machine according to any one of means A2 to means A6,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the guide route is a route that can guide the game ball to the winning means (electronic chew 12D) into which the game ball can enter.

In the game machine having this configuration, it is possible to increase the frequency of movement of game balls to a guide route that is often advantageous to the player and is provided with winning means.

The invention related to means A8 is:
The gaming machine according to means A7,
The winning means is a variable winning means that can change between a first state in which it is easy for a game ball to enter and a second state in which it is more difficult or impossible for a game ball to enter than in the first state. This is a gaming machine with special features.

When a player shoots a game ball at a location where a variable winning means is provided, if the game ball moves away from the variable winning means, there is a risk that the game's interest will be reduced. In the gaming machine with this configuration, it is possible to move the game balls that are fired at the location where the variable winning means is provided and reach the intersecting position to the guide route with high frequency and guide them to the variable winning means. It is. Therefore, it is possible to provide high game interest.

<Means B>
The invention related to means B1 is
A game board (game board 1) is provided with a game area (game area 6),
A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) characterized in that the gaming area is provided with a single entry route (guide route YR2) as a moving route for the gaming balls, in which a plurality of gaming balls cannot enter at the same time. be.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-88617, which is cited as a prior art, discloses a game machine having a configuration in which game nails are driven substantially perpendicularly into a board. In the case of such a configuration, it is possible to enjoy a variety of movements of the game ball because the subsequent behavior of the game ball that comes into contact with the game nail is not stable. However, because the behavior of the game balls is not stable, the game balls moving in directions that intersect with each other often collide with each other. Here, ball jamming in which the game balls stop within the game area tends to occur more easily when the moving directions of the game balls that collide with each other intersect. For this reason, conventionally, the frequency of occurrence of ball clogging has increased. On the other hand, in the gaming machine of this configuration, for example, a plurality of game balls can be aligned in the direction of the single approach path, that is, in the moving direction of the game balls, using the single approach path. By arranging the game balls in the moving direction, it is possible to suppress the game balls moving in mutually intersecting directions from colliding with each other. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of ball clogging.

The invention related to means B2 is:
The gaming machine according to means B1,
As the movement route,
an upstream crossing route (upstream route YR1) located upstream of the single approach route in the moving direction of the game ball and extending in a direction intersecting the single approach route;
A downstream intersection that is located downstream of the upstream intersection route in the moving direction of the game ball and extends from an intersection position (intersection position YZP) where the single approach route and the upstream intersection route intersect in a direction that intersects the single approach route. This gaming machine is characterized by being provided with a route (non-guide route ZR2).

In the game machine with this configuration, even when a plurality of game balls that have passed through the upstream crossing route reach the entrance of the single approach route almost simultaneously, the game balls that could not enter the single approach route are transferred to the downstream crossing route. It is possible to move it to Thereby, it is possible to suppress the game balls from getting stuck at the entrance of the single entry route. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game balls from clogging at the entrance of the single entry route.

The invention related to means B3 is:
The gaming machine according to means B2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that an angle between the downstream crossing route and the upstream crossing route is larger than an angle between the single entry route and the upstream crossing route.

In the game machine with this configuration, it is possible to make it easier for game balls that have not been able to enter the single approach path to move to the downstream intersecting path. This is because the direction of the game ball that has moved on the upstream crossing path is along the direction of movement in the downstream crossing path rather than the direction of movement of the game ball in the single approach path. Thereby, it is possible to more appropriately suppress ball clogging at the entrance of the single approach path.

The invention related to means B4 is:
The gaming machine according to means B2 or means B3,
The game machine is characterized in that the game board is provided with a cover member (cover member 340) that covers the front side of the intersection position.

In a configuration where the game board is provided with a cover member that covers the front side of the play area, if balls become jammed behind the cover member, it tends to be difficult to clear the jam. . However, in the gaming machine of this configuration, ball clogging is suppressed near the intersection position covered by the cover member, that is, near the entrance of the single entry path. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the game is interrupted for a long time due to a ball jam that is difficult to resolve.

The invention related to means B5 is:
The gaming machine according to any one of means B2 to means B4,
The game machine is characterized in that the single approach path is a path that allows the game ball to move along gravity more than the downstream crossing path.

The more the single entry path allows the game balls to move along the gravity, the more balls are likely to get jammed near the entrance. However, in the gaming machine with this configuration, by appropriately suppressing ball clogging at the entrance of the single entry path, it is possible to suppress the decline in gaming interest.

The invention related to means B6 is
The gaming machine according to means B5,
The upstream crossing route is provided with a deceleration section (a section where the first meandering protrusion 360 and the second meandering protrusion 342 in the upstream route YR1 are formed) that can slow down the moving speed of the game ball. This is a gaming machine that features:

When game balls collide with each other, the slower the moving speed at the time of the collision, the smaller the energy with which the game balls bounce each other. For this reason, when multiple game balls arrive at the entrance of a single approach route, the slower the movement speed at the time of arrival, the more likely the balls will become jammed at the entrance of the single approach route. This tends to lead to a decrease in interest in playing games. However, in the gaming machine with this configuration, ball clogging at the entrance of the single entry path is suppressed, so it is possible to suppress the decline in gaming interest. Furthermore, it is also possible to increase the frequency with which game balls that have arrived at the intersecting position in a decelerated state enter the single approach path.

The invention related to means B7 is:
The gaming machine according to any one of means B2 to means B6,
The game machine is characterized in that the single entry route is a route that can guide the game ball to the winning means (electronic chew 12D) into which the game ball can enter.

The gaming machine with this configuration has a single entry path, which is often advantageous for the player, in which the winning means is provided, and it is possible to prevent balls from clogging when the ball enters the winning means. It is possible to maintain high interest.

The invention related to means B8 is:
The gaming machine according to means B7,
The winning means is a variable winning means that can change between a first state in which it is easy for a game ball to enter and a second state in which it is more difficult or impossible for a game ball to enter than in the first state. This is a gaming machine with special features.

When a player fires a game ball aiming at a variable winning means, if the ball becomes jammed during a single entry path or when the ball enters the variable winning means, the game ball will not be able to enter the variable winning means. As a result, there is a possibility that interest in the game may decrease. However, in the gaming machine with this configuration, the single approach path provided with the variable winning means and the prevention of balls clogging when the ball enters the variable winning means, allow the player to properly control the variable winning means. It becomes possible to aim at winning a prize, and it is possible to suppress a decline in interest in the game.

<Means C>
The invention related to means C1 is
A game board (game board 1) is provided with a game area (game area 6),
In the gaming area, as a movement path of the gaming ball,
The game ball at the first position (role linkage entrance X11) can flow down, and the detection route (role linkage route XR1) is provided with a first detection section (role linkage operation gate 18) that can detect the game ball. ,
A one-way path (second non-role path XR4) through which a game ball at one position (second non-role entrance X41) to the left or right of the first position can flow down;
A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) characterized in that it has the other path (first non-rotary path XR3) through which a game ball at the other position (first non-role port X31) different from the one position can flow down. PY1).

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-88617, which is cited as a prior art, discloses a game machine having a configuration in which game nails are driven substantially perpendicularly into a board. In the case of the configuration as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2003-88617, the subsequent behavior of the game ball that comes into contact with the game nail is not stable, so it is possible to enjoy a variety of movements of the game ball. However, if the behavior of the game ball is too unstable, the player may not be able to move the game ball to the desired location, which may cause the player to lose interest in the game. On the other hand, the gaming machine with this configuration includes a detection path in which a first detection section capable of detecting a game ball is provided. With this detection path, when the player is aiming at the first detection section, it is possible to increase the frequency with which the game ball heads toward the first detection section. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the stress on the player due to the game ball not moving to the targeted location, and it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game.

The invention related to means C2 is
The gaming machine according to means C1,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the one route crosses the front or rear of the detection route.

In the gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible to not provide a path below the entrance of the one path for passing the game balls that have passed through the one path, and the space can be used for other purposes. By utilizing the space for other purposes, it becomes possible to increase the interest in the game.

The invention related to means C3 is:
The gaming machine according to means C2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the one route and the other route merge.

In the gaming machine with this configuration, one route and the other route meet at the merging position, making it possible to make the movement path of the game ball downstream of the merging position smaller than that on the upstream side of the merging position. It is. That is, it is possible to reduce the moving path of the game ball, and the space corresponding to the reduced moving path can be used for other purposes. By utilizing the space for other purposes, it becomes possible to increase the interest in the game.

The invention related to means C4 is
The gaming machine according to means C3,
The detection route (a route that combines the continuous route XR1 and the regular map route 13) is provided.

If the two detection units are provided on different movement routes, the space that can be effectively used for performances and the like may be reduced. In contrast, in the game machine with this configuration, two detection parts are provided in one detection path, which makes it possible to reduce the movement path of the game ball, and use that space for other purposes. It is possible. By utilizing the space for other purposes, it becomes possible to increase the interest in the game.

The invention related to means C5 is:
The gaming machine according to means C4,
Dropping the game ball from a branch position (branch entrance X51) between the first detection section and the second detection section on the detection path to the left or right of the second detection section; This gaming machine is characterized in that it has a branch route (branch route XR5) that is the movement route that allows for the following.

In the game machine with this configuration, by providing a branch path, it is possible to configure a game ball detected by the first detection unit not necessarily to be detected by the second detection unit. It is. In other words, the presence of the branch route makes it possible to provide a new entertainment that makes the player expect the game ball to head toward the second detection section.

The invention related to means C6 is
A game board (game board 1) is provided with a game area (game area 6),
In the gaming area, as a movement path of the gaming ball,
The game ball at the first position (role linkage entrance X11) can flow down, and the detection route (role linkage route XR1) is provided with a first detection section (role linkage operation gate 18) that can detect the game ball. ,
A one-way path (second non-role path XR4) through which a game ball at one position (second non-role entrance X41) to the left or right of the first position can flow down;
It has the other path (first non-role path XR3) through which the game ball at the other position (first non-role port X31) that is different from the one position can flow down,
The one route crosses the front or rear of the detection route and merges with the other route,
The gaming machine (Pachinko gaming machine PY1) is characterized in that the detection path includes a bent section (bent section XR11) bent in the left-right direction.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-88617, which is cited as a prior art, discloses a game machine having a configuration in which game nails are driven substantially perpendicularly into a board. In the case of the configuration as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2003-88617, the subsequent behavior of the game ball that comes into contact with the game nail is not stable, so it is possible to enjoy a variety of movements of the game ball. However, if the behavior of the game ball is too unstable, the player may not be able to move the game ball to the desired location, which may cause the player to lose interest in the game. On the other hand, the gaming machine with this configuration includes a detection path in which a first detection section capable of detecting a game ball is provided. With this detection path, when the player is aiming at the first detection section, it is possible to increase the frequency with which the game ball heads toward the first detection section. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the stress on the player due to the game ball not moving to the targeted location, and it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible to not provide a path below the one path for passing the game balls that have passed through the one path, and the space can be used for other purposes. By expanding the space that can be used for other purposes, it is possible to form a large bend in the bend section in the detection path, and it is possible to move the game ball largely in the bend section. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high level of interest in the game due to the large movement of the game ball in the bending section.

PY1...Pachinko game machine YU...Game board unit EU...Production unit 1...Game board 2...Game machine frame 6...Game area 6f...Game board surface 12...Second starting port 12D...Electric chew 13...Fuzu gate 18...Yakuren Activation gate 330...Guide groove XR1...Work-related route X11...Work-related entrance XR2...Public map route X21...Public map entrance XR3...First non-work related route X31...First non-work related entrance XR4...Second non-work related route X41...Second non-use connection entrance XR5...Branch route X51...Branch entrance YR1...Upstream route YR2...Guidance route Y21...Guidance entrance YZP...Intersection position ZR1...Non-electronic chew route ZR2...Non-guide route

Claims (1)

A game board provided with a game area and a discharge port capable of ejecting game balls that have entered the game area out of the game area ,
After entering the gaming area, no winning balls have been generated and the gaming balls may be ejected from the ejection port, as a movement route;
A single entry path that prevents multiple game balls from entering at the same time;
an upstream crossing path that is located upstream of the single approach path in the direction of movement of the game ball and extends in a direction that intersects the single approach path;
a downstream crossing path that is located downstream of the upstream crossing path in the direction of movement of the game ball and extends from the crossing position where the single approach path and the upstream crossing path intersect in a direction intersecting the single path;
A non-winning route is provided to which the game ball that has entered the single entry route can enter thereafter,
The upstream crossing route is provided with a deceleration section that can slow down the moving speed of the game ball,
The single approach route is
The game ball can be guided in a direction along gravity rather than the downstream crossing path, and
A route that can guide the game ball to a winning means where the game ball can win,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the non-winning route is a route through which a game ball that does not enter the winning means after entering the single entry route can enter.

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