JP7355207B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, are known to provide benefits, such as payout of game balls, based on the entry of the game ball into a ball entry means or ball entry section provided in the gaming area. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-074175

Here, it is desired that gaming machines be designed to increase attention to the games.

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the degree of attention to the game.

The present invention
a firing means capable of firing a game ball to a game area based on a predetermined firing operation;
A variable entrance is provided in the gaming area and is switchable between a first state in which a game ball can enter or is easy to enter, and a second state in which a game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter than the first state. ball means;
Variable ball entry control means that executes variable ball entry control to change the variable ball entry means from the second state to the first state and then to the second state based on a predetermined specific trigger;
a first benefit granting means capable of granting a first benefit to a player based on the entry of a game ball into the variable ball entry means;
Equipped with
When a game ball reaches a specific area within the gaming area in a situation where the variable entry ball means is in the first state, the game ball can flow into the variable entry ball means,
a specific ball entry section provided in the gaming area, into which a game ball can enter, and which is different from the variable ball entry means;
If a game ball exists in the specific area in a situation where the variable ball entry means switches from one of the first state and the second state to the other of the first state and the second state, the game ball in the specific area guiding means capable of guiding the ball to the specific ball entry portion;
a second benefit granting means capable of granting a second benefit to the player when a game ball enters the specific ball entry section;
It is characterized by having the following.

According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the degree of attention to the game.

It is a front view showing a pachinko machine in a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a pachinko machine developed. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a pachinko machine developed. It is a front view showing the structure of a game board. (a) is a front view showing the configuration of the variable prize winning unit, and (b) is a sectional view showing the configuration of the distribution device. (a) is a perspective view of the variable winning device in a closed state, and (b) is a perspective view of the variable winning device in an open state. (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable winning unit in the closed state, and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable winning unit in the open state. (a) is a partially enlarged view of the variable winning device and its peripheral structure in the closed state, and (b) is a partially enlarged view of the variable winning device and its peripheral structure in the open state. (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the variable winning device and its peripheral configuration in the closed state, (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (a), and (d) is BB in (a). FIG. (a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device and its surrounding structure in an open state, and (b) is a perspective view of the variable winning device and its surrounding structure in an open state. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram for explaining display contents on a display screen of a pattern display device. It is a schematic diagram for explaining display contents on a display screen of a pattern display device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of various counters used for winning/losing lottery and the like. 3 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing executed by the MPU of the main control device. 3 is a flowchart showing normal processing executed by the MPU of the main control device. It is a flowchart showing game time control processing. It is a flowchart which shows fluctuation start processing. It is a flowchart showing gaming state transition processing. It is a flowchart showing the big prize opening opening/closing process. (a) is a flowchart showing the transition process to the high probability mode, and (b) is a flowchart showing the transition process at the end of the opening/closing execution mode. (a) is a plan view of the protrusion, and (b) is a side view. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the game. (a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the distribution table in modification 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the opening/closing mode of each jackpot result. (a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the first opening/closing mode, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the second opening/closing mode. (a) is a front view of the variable prize winning device and its peripheral configuration in Modification 2, and (b) and (c) are cross-sectional views thereof. It is a partially enlarged view of the variable prize winning device. It is a figure showing another example of a variable prize winning device. It is a figure showing another example of a variable prize winning device. It is a figure showing another example of a pachinko machine.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as a "pachinko machine"), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 developed. In addition, in FIG. 2, the configuration within the gaming area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

The pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main body 12 attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be rotatable forward. The game machine main body 12 includes an inner frame 13, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the inner frame 13.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main body 12 is rotatably supported by the outer frame 11 with one of the right and left sides as a support side. Further, a front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable forward with one of the left and right sides as a support side. Further, a back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable rearward with one of the left and right sides as a support side.

The gaming machine main body 12 is provided with a locking device 16 at its rotating tip, which has the function of locking the gaming machine main body 12 against the outer frame 11 so that it cannot be opened. It has a function of locking the front door frame 14 against the inner frame so that it cannot be opened. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation using an unlocking key on the cylinder lock 17 provided in an exposed manner on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10.

A window portion 61 is formed in the front door frame 14 provided so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame 13 so that almost the entire area of a gaming area, which will be described later, can be viewed from the front. The window portion 61 has a substantially elliptical shape, and a window panel 62 is fitted therein. Although the window panel 62 is made of glass and is colorless and transparent, it is not limited thereto, and may be made of synthetic resin and colorless and transparent.

Around the window section 61, light emitting means such as various lamp sections are provided. A display light emitting section 63 is provided above the window section 61 as a part of the various lamp sections. Further, on both the left and right sides of the display light emitting section 63, speaker sections 64 are provided to output sound effects and the like according to the game situation.

Below the window portion 61 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulge 65 and a lower bulge 66 that bulge toward the front are vertically arranged in parallel. An upper plate 71 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 65, and a lower plate 72 that similarly opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 66. The upper tray 71 has a function of temporarily storing the game balls put out from the payout device 96 provided in the back pack unit 15 and guiding them to the game ball firing mechanism 53 side while arranging them in a line. Further, the lower tray 72 has a function of storing surplus game balls in the upper tray 71.

A firing handle 60 is provided on the right side of the lower plate 72 in the front door frame 14. By operating the firing handle 60, a game ball is fired toward the game area PE from the game ball firing mechanism 53 provided below the game area PE in the inner frame 13. In this case, by changing the rotational operation amount of the firing handle 60, the firing strength, that is, the firing momentum of the game ball fired toward the game area PE is changed. In this pachinko machine 10, when the firing handle 60 is operated by the player, the game ball firing mechanism 53 is drive-controlled so that one game ball is fired toward the gaming area PE every 0.6 seconds. Ru.

The game area PE is formed on a game board 24 mounted on the inner frame 13. The configuration of the game board 24 will be explained below based on FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board 24.

The game board 24 has a plate shape, and an inner rail portion 51 and an outer rail portion 52 are attached to its surface (front surface). A gaming area PE is defined by these inner rail portions 51 and outer rail portions 52. In addition, the inner rail part 51 and the outer rail part 52 constitute a guide rail 54 for the game ball to the game area PE, and the game ball is fired from the game ball firing mechanism 53 when the player rotates the firing handle 60. The ball is guided to the upper part of the game area PE by the guide rail 54.

The guide rail 54 is formed such that its exit portion faces toward the upper center of the game area PE on one side of the game area PE. Therefore, as the amount of rotational operation of the firing handle 60 by the player increases, the arrival position of the game ball in the upper part of the game area PE changes from the side where the exit portion of the guide rail 54 is formed to the opposite side. Shifting to the side. Note that the exit portion of the guide rail 54 is provided on the left side of the gaming area PE.

In the range defined as the game area PE on the game board 24, a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front and back direction are formed by router processing. Each opening includes a general winning opening 31, a first operating opening 33, a second operating opening 34, a through gate 35, a variable display unit 36, a main display section 43, an accessory display section 44, etc., as well as a variable winning device 302. A variable winning unit 301 is provided.

When a ball enters the general winning opening 31, the first operating opening 33, the second operating opening 34, the through gate 35, and the variable winning device 302, a detection sensor (winning sensor for the general winning opening) is installed correspondingly. 31a, the winning sensor 33a for the first operating opening, the winning sensor 34c for the second operating opening, the winning sensor 35a for through, and the winning sensor 302a for the big winning opening. Then, when a ball enters the general winning hole 31, the first operating hole 33, the second operating hole 34, and the variable winning device 302, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out.

When a ball enters the first operating port 33, three prize balls are paid out, and when a ball enters the second operating port 34, two prize balls are paid out. be done. In addition, when a ball enters the general winning hole 31, 10 prize balls are paid out, and when a ball enters the variable winning device 302, 15 prize balls are paid out. be done. Incidentally, even if a ball enters the through gate 35, the prize ball is not paid out.

Note that the number of these prize balls is arbitrary; for example, the number of prize balls related to the second operating port 34 may be greater than the number of prize balls related to the first operating port 33, or the number of prize balls related to both operating ports 33, 34 may be greater. The number of prize balls may be the same. Furthermore, the number of prize balls associated with the variable winning device 302 may be smaller than the number of prize balls associated with the operating ports 33 and 34, or may be the same as the number of prize balls associated with both operating ports 33 and 34. However, in order to maintain the advantage of winning with the variable winning device 302, it is preferable that the number of prize balls related to the variable winning device 302 is larger than the number of prize balls related to the operating ports 33, 34. Further, the number of prize balls related to the general winning hole 31 may be the same as or greater than the number of prize balls related to the variable winning device 302.

An out port 37 is provided at the bottom of the game board 24 (gaming area PE), and game balls that do not enter the various winning holes are discharged from the gaming area PE through the out port 37. Of course, even if a game ball enters the out port 37, the prize ball will not be paid out. Furthermore, a large number of nails 38 are planted on the game board 24 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill are also arranged.

Here, entering the ball means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and not only the manner in which the game ball is ejected from the game area after passing through the opening, but also the manner in which the game ball is ejected from the game area PE after passing through the opening. It also includes a mode in which the game area PE continues to flow without being discharged. However, in the following explanation, in order to clearly distinguish it from the entry of a game ball into the out port 37, the general winning port 31, the first operating port 33, the second operating port 34, the through gate 35, or the variable winning device 302 will be used. The landing of a game ball into a ball is also expressed as winning a prize. In addition, among the general winning opening 31, the first operating opening 33, the second operating opening 34, the through gate 35, and the variable winning device 302, the through gate 35 is configured to return the winning game ball to the gaming area PE again. On the other hand, the other winning parts 31, 33, 34, 302 guide the winning game balls to the back side of the game board 24 and do not return them to the gaming area PE (they do not enter the other winning parts or the out port 37 again). ).

A variable display unit 36 is provided in the gaming area PE so as to include the central part of the area PE. A first operating port 33, a second operating port 34, and a through gate 35 are arranged around the variable display unit 36. The first operating port 33 is arranged below the variable display unit 36, and the second operating port 34 and the through gate 35 are arranged to the right of the variable display unit 36. The first operating port 33 is opened upward.

The second operating port 34 is opened forward, and its size is large enough to allow a plurality of game balls to win at the same time. The second operating port 34 is provided with an opening/closing door serving as an electric accessory 34a that changes the degree of opening of the operating port 34. The electric accessory 34a is rotatable in the front-rear direction with its lower part serving as a support side. As a result, the electric accessory 34a rotates forward to open the second operating port 34, and enters an open state (support state or guide state) that allows winning to the second operating port 34, and a backward state from the open state. It is possible to switch to a closed state (non-support state or non-guide state) in which the second operating port 34 is closed by rotating to prevent winning from the second operating port 34.

It should be noted that it is not necessarily necessary that it becomes impossible to win a prize through the second operating port 34 when the electric accessory 34a is in the closed state, and a configuration may be adopted in which it is possible to win a prize within a range where it is difficult to win compared to the open state. . The point is that the degree of closing or opening is arbitrary as long as the ease of entering the second operating port 34 is different between the open state and the closed state.

The mounting position of the opening/closing door is set so that the front surface of the opening/closing door is approximately flush with the front surface of the game board 24 or rearward from the front surface when the electric accessory 34a is in the closed state. Therefore, in a situation where the electric accessory 34a is in the closed state, the game ball can pass in front of the opening/closing door.

Incidentally, no electric accessory is provided for the first operating port 33. That is, the first operating port 33 is always open upward so that game balls can be won. The opening size of the first operating port 33 is large enough to allow one game ball to win.

The through gate 35 is arranged above the second operating port 34. The through gate 35 is configured as a passing type prize opening, and the game ball that has passed through the through gate 35 can continue to flow down the gaming area PE below the through gate 35. In other words, the game ball that has entered the through gate 35 can subsequently enter the second operating port 34 and the variable winning device 302 as well.

A variable winning unit 301 including a variable winning device 302 is arranged diagonally below the right side of the variable display unit 36 (on the downstream side of the second operating port 34). The variable winning device 302 includes a large winning opening 303 (see FIG. 6(b)) that opens upward, and a shutter 304 that opens and closes the large winning opening 303. The shutter 304 is normally in a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the big prize opening 303, and if the game ball wins the transition to the open/close execution mode (open/close execution state) in the internal lottery, it is in a predetermined state in which the game ball is likely to win the prize. Switched to open state. The variable winning unit 301 and the variable winning device 302 will be explained in detail later.

Here, the opening/closing execution mode is a mode to which the player enters when a jackpot is won. The opening/closing execution mode will be described in detail later. The opening mode of the variable winning device 302 is variable, with the passage of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or the winning of a predetermined number of prizes (for example, 10) as one round in the case of a jackpot, and multiple rounds (for example, 10 rounds) as the upper limit. There is a mode in which the winning device 302 is repeatedly opened.

The main display section 43 and the accessory display section 44 are provided on a decorative member 40 disposed along the outer edge of the lower left side of the game area PE. The decorative member 40 extends from the board surface of the game board 24 toward the front of the game machine. More specifically, the front surface of the decorative member 40 faces a window panel 62 provided in the front door frame 14 in order to make the game area PE visible from the front, and furthermore, The distance is narrower than one game ball. This prevents the game ball from falling in front of the front surface of the decorative member 40.

A main display section 43 and an accessory display section 44 are provided so as to be exposed from the front surface of the decorative member 40. In other words, the main display section 43 and accessory display section 44 are visible from the front of the gaming machine through the window panel 62 of the front door frame 14, and the game ball falls in front of both display sections 43 and 44. This is prevented from happening. In addition, on the upper surface of the decorative member 40, the plurality of general winning holes 31 mentioned above are installed in an upwardly open state.

The main display section 43 includes a round display section RS for clearly indicating the number of rounds in the opening/closing execution mode when the opening/closing execution mode is entered as a result of the internal lottery (or when the opening/closing execution mode is set). A first result display section AS for clearly displaying the results of the internal lottery conducted based on winnings in the first operating port 33, and a first result display section AS for clearly indicating the results of the internal lottery conducted based on winnings in the second operating port 34. A second result display section BS is set for displaying the results.

The round display section RS starts displaying the number of rounds when the opening/closing execution mode starts, and ends the display when the opening/closing execution mode ends.

In the first result display section AS, a variable display of symbols is performed using a win to the first operating port 33 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variable display, an internal display based on a winning to the first operating port 33 is performed. The results of the lottery are clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the first actuating port 33 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the first result display section AS and the change occurs. After the display is stopped, the mode shifts to opening/closing execution mode.

In the second result display section BS, a variable display of symbols is performed using a win to the second operating port 34 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variable display, an internal display based on a winning to the second operating port 34 is performed. The results of the lottery are clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the second operating port 34 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the second result display section BS and the change is made. After the display is stopped, the mode shifts to opening/closing execution mode.

In the following, in order to distinguish between the symbols that are displayed in a variable manner when a prize is won to the first operating port 33 and the symbols that are dynamically displayed in response to a prize that is entered to the second operating port 34, the former will be referred to as the first special symbol. Alternatively, it is called the first special pattern, and the latter is sometimes called the second special pattern or the second special pattern.

Here, based on winning to either of the actuating ports 33, 34, a variable display is started on the corresponding result display section AS, BS, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the above-mentioned variable display is stopped. This corresponds to one game play. However, one game round is not limited to the above contents, for example, a single result display section is provided, and even if a winning occurs in either operating port 33 or 34, that single result display section is provided. In a configuration in which a variable display is performed on the result display section, the game cycle is from the start of the variable display on the single result display section until the variable display is stopped while displaying a predetermined stop result. 1 time.

The accessory display section 44 is a display section for clearly indicating the result of an internal lottery conducted based on winnings in the through gate 35. In this case, in the accessory display section 44, the winning of the through gate 35 is used as a trigger to display the symbols in a changing manner, and as a result of the stoppage of the changing display, an internal lottery is performed based on the winning of the through gate 35. The results are clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning through gate 35 is a winning result that corresponds to the transition to the electric role open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the accessory display section 44 and a variable display is performed. After this is stopped, the state shifts to the open state. In the electric accessory open state, the electric accessory 34a provided in the second operating port 34 is in the open state in a predetermined manner.

Here, based on the winning in the through gate 35, a variable display is started on the accessory display section 44, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the period until the above-mentioned variable display is stopped is displayed on the accessory display section 44. This corresponds to one game time in . Note that the symbols that are displayed in a changing manner upon winning the through gate 35 are sometimes referred to as ordinary symbols or ordinary symbols.

Further, the accessory display section 44 is provided with a reserved number display section FM of common figures. The ordinary figure reservation number display section FM corresponds to the through gate 35. The number of times the game ball enters the through gate 35 is reserved up to a maximum of four times, and the reserved number is displayed by lighting the regular number reserved number display section FM.

Each result display section AS, BS and accessory display section 44 in the main display section 43 are configured by a segment display device having a plurality of segments, but are not limited to this, and may include other devices such as a liquid crystal display device. A display device may also be used.

Next, the variable display unit 36 will be explained. The variable display unit 36 is provided with a symbol display device 41 that variably displays (or variably displays or switches) a symbol, which is a type of symbol.

The symbol display device 41 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and the display contents are controlled by a display control device to be described later. Note that the symbol display device 41 is not limited to being a liquid crystal display device, and may be another display device such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT.

On the symbol display device 41, symbols are displayed side by side, for example, at the top, middle and bottom, and these symbols are scrolled in the left and right direction and displayed in a variable manner. In this case, the variable display on the symbol display device 41 is started based on the winning of the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34. That is, when a variable display is performed on the main display section 43, a variable display is also performed on the symbol display device 41 accordingly. For example, in the game round that shifts to the opening/closing execution mode corresponding to 10 rounds in which the big winning hole 303 of the variable winning a prize device 302 is opened 10 times as the opening/closing execution mode, the symbol display device 41 has a preset value. A predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the activated line.

Further, on the symbol display device 41, a pending display corresponding to the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS is performed. The number of game balls entered into the first operating port 33 is held up to a maximum of four, and the number of game balls entered into the second operating port 34 is held up to a maximum of four. In the above-mentioned hold display, a predetermined hold image is displayed, and the displayed number indicates the hold number of each operating port 33, 34. Note that the number of reservations is not limited to that shown by the above-mentioned reservation image, and may be indicated by a numerical display. Further, the structure is not limited to the symbol display device 41, and may be indicated by, for example, a display section, a light emitting section (reservation lamp section), etc. provided on the game board 24.

A center frame 39 is disposed in the variable display unit 36 so as to surround the symbol display device 41. The center frame 39 is fixed to the game board 24 from the front side, and when it is fixed in this way, it stands up from the front of the game board 24, so that the center frame 39 and the glass unit 22 are connected to each other. The gap between the balls is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. This prevents the game balls from falling in front of the display screen of the symbol display device 41, and is configured to prevent problems such as reduced visibility of the display screen due to falling game balls. .

Further, by extending the center frame 39 forward, a plurality of areas in which the game ball can flow down are divided in the game area PE. Specifically, in the gaming area PE, there is an upper area PE1 that is an area above a predetermined height position of the variable display unit 36, and an area that is continuous below the upper area PE1 and is higher than the variable display unit 36. A left side area PE2 which is a left side area, a right side area PE3 which is continuous below the upper area PE1 and is an area to the right of the variable display unit 36, and each of the left side area PE2 and the right side area PE3. On the other hand, it is divided into a lower region PE4 that is continuous below the variable display unit 36 and is below the variable display unit 36.

Which of these areas PE1 to PE4 the game area flows down (passes) is determined by the amount of rotational operation of the firing handle 60, that is, the firing force of the game ball. Specifically, when the player performs a rotational operation of the firing handle 60 as a first firing operation with a rotational operation amount in a first range that is greater than or equal to a predetermined rotational amount and less than a reference rotational amount, The fired game ball is more likely to be launched to the left of the horizontal center position in the upper region PE1. In this case, the game ball flows down the game area PE in the order of upper area PE1 → left area PE2 → lower area PE4.

On the other hand, when the player performs a rotational operation of the firing handle 60 as a second firing operation with a rotational operation amount in the second range that is equal to or greater than the reference rotational amount, the fired game ball is moved in the upper area PE1. The ball is more likely to be launched to the right than from the lateral center position. In this case, the game ball will flow down in the order of upper area PE1 → right area PE3 → lower area PE4. In other words, by adjusting the amount of rotational operation of the firing handle 60, it is possible to determine whether the game is played on the left route where the game ball flows down the left side area PE2, or whether the game is played on the right route where the game ball flows down the right side area PE3. , the player can select.

The reference amount of rotation is the amount of rotation operation at which the rate at which the game ball flows down the left side area PE2 and the rate at which the game ball flows down the right side area PE3 are the same or approximately the same, and also refers to a predetermined amount of rotation. is the amount of rotation operation that allows the fired game ball to pass through the guide rail 54 and enter the game area PE. With the amount of rotational operation in the first range, the rate at which the game ball flows down the left side area PE2 becomes high, and at the amount of rotational operation in the second range, the rate at which the game ball flows down the right side area PE3 increases.

The above-mentioned first operating port 33 is arranged so that game balls flowing down the left route can win (can reach), and game balls flowing down the right route cannot win (reach). On the other hand, regarding the through gate 35, second operating port 34, and variable prize winning device 302, game balls flowing down the right route can win (can reach), and game balls flowing down the left route cannot win (cannot reach). ) are arranged as follows. Therefore, when aiming to win the first operating port 33, shoot the game ball so that it flows down the left route, and aim to win the through gate 35, the second operating port 34, and the variable winning device 302. When aiming, it is necessary to fire the game ball so that it flows down the right route. That is, the player can advance the game advantageously by selecting the launch destination of the game ball (downward path of the game ball) according to the game state at each time. In addition, game balls that do not win in any of the first operating port 33, the second operating port 34, and the variable winning device 302 are guided to the out port 37, and are discharged through the out port 37 to the outside of the gaming area PE. .

Next, the configuration of the back side of the gaming machine main body 12 will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 3, a main control device 81 and a performance control device 82 are mounted on the back side of the inner frame 13 (specifically, the game board 24).

The main control device 81 is equipped with a main control board that has a function of controlling the main control of the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power outage monitoring circuit), and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a board box 83 consisting of, etc. The board box 83 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers the opening of the box base. These box base and box cover are connected inseparably by a box connecting portion 85 serving as a separation preventing means (or connecting means), thereby sealing the substrate box 83. Since these boxes are connected inseparably by the box coupling portions 85, the substrate box 83 is required to be destroyed or a portion thereof to be removed in order to open the internal space of the substrate box 83. A plurality of box coupling parts 85 are provided on the long sides of the substrate box 83, and at least one of them is used to perform the coupling process.

Any configuration can be applied to the box connecting portion 85 as long as it connects the box base and the box cover in a non-releasable manner. The box cover is irreleasably coupled to the box cover. The joining process by the box joining unit 85 prevents unauthorized opening after the joining, and even if unauthorized opening occurs, such a situation can be detected early and easily. Even after being released, it is possible to perform the release process again. That is, the joining process is performed by inserting a locking pawl into at least one elongated hole among the plurality of box joining parts 85. When the board box 83 is opened in the event of a malfunction of the housed main control board or when inspecting the main control board, the box joint part 85 into which the locking claw is inserted is connected to the other box joint part 85. Cut the connecting part and the connecting part with the box body. As a result, the box base and box cover of the board box 83 are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. Thereafter, when performing the joining process again, a locking claw is inserted into the long hole of the other box joining part 85. If a history indicating that the board box 83 has been opened is left in the board box 83, it can be easily discovered by looking at the board box 83 that the board box 83 has been opened illegally.

A plurality of coupling pieces 86 are provided on one short side of the board box 83 so as to protrude laterally. These coupling pieces 86 have a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of pieces to be coupled 87 formed on the mounting base of the main controller 81, and the coupling pieces 86 and the pieces to be coupled 87 connect the board box 83 and the mounting base. A join process is performed between the two.

Note that as a trace means for discovering unauthorized opening of the board box 83, a seal may be pasted across the boundary between the box base and the box cover. In this case, when the seal is removed from the place where it is pasted, the adhesive layer of the seal remains on the board box 83 side, leaving traces of it. Furthermore, the seal is provided with an IC tag that transmits a response wave containing identification information in response to a calling wave of a predetermined frequency, and when the seal is peeled off, the antenna of the IC tag is cut off and the above response is received. A configuration may also be adopted in which it is impossible to transmit waves.

The production control device 82 is equipped with a production control board that controls audio, lamp displays, and a display control device (not shown) according to instructions from the main control device 81, and the production control board is a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like. 84.

As shown in FIG. 3, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 91, to which a dispensing mechanism section 92, a discharge passage board 88, and a control device assembly unit 93 are attached. The back pack 91 is made of transparent synthetic resin, and has a protective cover part 94 that protrudes rearward and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to cover the main control device 81, production control device 82, etc. from the rear. ing.

The payout mechanism section 92 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover section 94, and includes a tank 95 that is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall, and a tank 95 that is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall, and a game ball stored in the tank 95. A dispensing device 96 for dispensing balls. The game balls put out by the payout device 96 are discharged onto the upper tray 71 or the lower tray 72 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 96. Further, the dispensing mechanism section 92 is supplied with a main power source of, for example, 24 volts AC, and is equipped with a back pack board provided with a power switch for turning the power on and off.

Further, the back pack 91 is provided with an external output terminal 99 on the upper edge side, which is on the rotation axis side of the back pack unit 15. The external output terminal 99 includes an output terminal for outputting a signal when there is a shortage of game balls in the tank 95, etc., an output terminal for outputting a signal every time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and an output terminal for outputting a signal every time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. An output terminal for outputting a signal each time the game machine is lent out, an output terminal for outputting a signal when the gaming machine main body 12 is opened, an output terminal for outputting a signal when the front door frame 14 is opened, and an output terminal for outputting a signal when the front door frame 14 is opened, and when changing states such as opening/closing execution mode. An output terminal is provided for outputting a signal (or while transitioning to a state). Then, through these output terminals, signals regarding the state of the frame side are outputted to the management control device on the gaming hall side. Note that an output terminal for outputting a signal every time a predetermined number of game balls are lent out is not necessary in a so-called cash machine.

A discharge passage that is open to the rear is formed on the surface of the discharge passage board 88 facing the control device assembly unit 93, and the open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 93. Game balls that have won in the various winning ports 31, 33, 34, 302 and game balls that have entered the out port 37 are led out to the discharge passage on the back side of the game board 24. The discharge passage is formed to discharge the game balls to the island equipment of the game hall, and the game balls guided to the discharge passage are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 by passing through the discharge passage.

The control device assembly unit 93 has a horizontally elongated mounting base, and a dispensing control device 97 and a power supply and firing control device 98 are mounted on this mounting base. The payout control device 97 and the power supply and firing control device 98 are arranged one on top of the other so that the payout control device 97 is located at the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

The payout control device 97 is configured such that a payout control board for controlling the payout device 96 is accommodated in a board box. In this case, fraud prevention means similar to the board box 83 of the main control device 81 may be applied to the board box of the payout control device 97.

The power supply and launch control device 98 includes a power supply and launch control board housed in a board box, and the board generates and outputs a predetermined amount of power required by various control devices, and furthermore, the power supply and launch control board is housed in a board box. The launch of the game ball is controlled by operating the launch handle 60. In addition, this pachinko machine 10 has a memory retention function for various data, so that even in the event of a power outage, it can maintain the state at the time of the power outage and return to the state at the time of the power outage when recovering from the power outage. It looks like this.

<Variable winning unit 301>
This embodiment is characterized by the variable winning unit 301 that allows winning by entering the opening/closing execution mode and the configuration related thereto. Therefore, the variable winning unit 301 and its related configuration will be explained in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 in addition to FIG. 4. 5 is a front view of the variable winning unit 301, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the variable winning unit 302, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable winning unit 301.

As described above, in the game area PE of the game board 24, a right route is formed in which the game ball flows down the right area PE3 and the lower area PE4. An opening 67 (FIG. 5(a)) that penetrates the game board 24 in the thickness direction is formed at a location in the middle of the right route on the game board 24. The variable winning unit 301 includes a base body 311, and the variable winning unit 301 is attached to the game board 24 by fitting the base body 311 into the opening 67 from the front of the gaming machine.

The base body 311 includes a flat plate part 312 that is formed parallel to the front surface of the game board 24 and through which a game ball can pass, and is provided on the front side of the flat plate part 312. It has a bulging portion 313 that bulges forward from the bulge. The flat plate portion 312 and the bulge portion 313 are integrally formed.

The front part 313a of the bulging part 313 faces the window panel 62 in the longitudinal direction of the game machine, and the distance between the front part 313a and the window panel 62 is set smaller than the diameter of the game ball. . This prevents the game ball from passing in front of the bulge 313. An upper channel forming section 314 is provided on the right side of the bulging section 313 in the base body 311 . The upper channel forming portion 314 is inclined downward toward the bulging portion 313, and its most downstream portion (left end portion 314a) is located slightly above the right upper surface portion 313c of the bulging portion 313. .

The amount of forward protrusion of the bulging part 313 and the upper passage forming part 314 from the flat plate part 312 (the depth dimension of the bulging part 313 and the upper passage forming part 314) is larger than the diameter of the game ball. That is, a ball passage 315 in which a game ball can roll is formed above the bulging part 313 and the upper passage forming part 314.

The spherical passage 315 has an upstream passage 316 formed by the upper passage forming part 314 and a downstream passage 317 formed by the bulging part 313, and the passage widths of each passage 316 and 317 are the same. The area is sized so that multiple game balls cannot pass through it at the same time. The upstream passage 316 is open upward, and allows the inflow of game balls that have not entered the second operating port 34 among the game balls flowing down the right side area PE3. As mentioned above, since the upper channel forming part 314 is inclined toward the bulging part 313, the game ball that has flowed into the upstream passage 316 is guided toward the downstream passage 317 (bulging part 313). Ru.

The downstream passage 317 extends laterally, and its most downstream portion is open to the left. The above-mentioned outlet 37 is located at the end of the downstream passage 317. In other words, the ball passage 315 is provided with a guiding function for guiding the game balls that have passed (passed by) the variable winning unit 301 toward the out exit.

The downstream passage 317 is constituted by a bottom portion 321 consisting of the upper surface portion 313b of the bulging portion 313, etc., a back wall portion 322 consisting of the flat plate portion 312, and a front wall portion consisting of the window panel 62. A large prize opening 303 that opens upward is formed in the middle portion of the bottom portion 321. The big prize opening 303 has a horizontally long rectangular shape extending left and right along the downstream passage 317. The horizontal dimension of the big prize opening 303 is more than twice the diameter of the game ball, and a plurality of game balls can be won in the big winning hole 303 at the same time.

A shutter 304 as a movable body is arranged so as to cover the big prize opening 303 from above. The shutter 304 has a flat plate shape, and together with the upper surface portions 313b of the bulging portions 313 located on both left and right sides of the shutter 304, constitutes a bottom portion 321 of the downstream passage 317. The width of the shutter 304 is approximately the same as the width of the big winning opening 303 so that almost the entire big winning opening 303 can be covered by the shutter 304.

The shutter 304 is held by a base body 311 in a state where it can slide in the thickness direction (back and forth direction) of the game board 24. In other words, the shutter 304 has two positions: a protruding position where it protrudes forward from the front of the game board 24 (flat plate part 312), and a retracted position where it retracts backward from the protruding position and is prevented from protruding forward of the game machine. ) and can be displaced. A slit is formed in the base body 311 and extends in the front-rear direction, corresponding to the area where the shutter 304 is arranged, and when the shutter 304 moves forward and backward through this slit, it is placed in each of the protruding position and the retracted position. Ru.

When the shutter 304 is located at the protruding position, the shutter 304 covers the big winning opening 303 from above, as shown in FIG. 6(a). As a result, the variable winning device 302 enters a closed state, and even if a game ball passes through the downstream passage 317, it becomes impossible to win a prize in the big winning opening 303. Note that the height position of the shutter 304 is set such that the upper surface portion 304a thereof is substantially flush with the upper surface portion of the bulging portion 313 when the shutter 304 is located at the protruding position.

On the other hand, when the shutter 304 is located at the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the shutter 304 is retracted from above the big winning hole 303, and the big winning hole 303 is opened upward. As a result, the variable winning device 302 becomes open, and a game ball passing through the downstream passage 317 can win a prize in the big winning opening 303. In addition, in this embodiment, the configuration is such that it is not possible to win a game ball into the grand prize opening 303 when it is in the closed state. You can. In short, it is sufficient that the ease of entering the big prize opening 303 is different between the open state and the closed state, and the degree of closing or opening is arbitrary.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the variable winning device 302 is provided with a variable winning driving section 324 that drives the shutter 304. The variable winning prize driving section 324 includes a solenoid as a driving source and a link mechanism as a driving force transmission means for transmitting the driving force of the solenoid to the shutter 304. The solenoid is electrically connected to the main control device 81 and is driven based on a drive signal from the main control device 81. By driving the solenoid, the shutter 304 retreats from the protruding position to the retracted position, and the variable prize winning device 302 switches from the closed state to the open state. When the output of the drive signal from the main control device 81 is stopped, the shutter 304 is advanced from the retracted position to the protruding position by the urging force of the urging means (spring, etc.), and the variable prize winning device 302 is switched from the open state to the closed state.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), the base body 311 (bulging portion 313) has a first guide passage that guides the game ball that has entered the big prize opening 303 to the back side of the base body 311 (game board 24). 325 is formed. A winning sensor 302a (see FIG. 11) for the big winning hole that detects the game balls that have won the big winning hole 303 is arranged in the middle of the first guide path 325. The winning sensor 302a for the big winning opening is electrically connected to the main control device 81, and when a game ball passes through the detection area of the winning sensor 302a for the big winning opening, predetermined detection information (detection signal) is sent to the main control device. It is input to the device 81. The main control device 81 determines whether or not there is a prize in the big prize opening 303 based on this detection information.

As already explained, when the gaming state shifts to the opening/closing execution mode, the opening period of the variable winning device 302 remains open for a predetermined period or until the number of winning game balls in the big winning opening 303 reaches a predetermined number. The round game to be maintained is executed, and the round game is repeated until the number of executions reaches the upper limit number. Therefore, by launching the game balls so as to flow down the right route, the player can win a large number of game balls into the grand prize opening 303 and enjoy a game in which he can win many prize balls.

However, since many pachinko machines have adopted the same game of winning a prize ball by placing a game ball in the grand prize opening 303 that opens in a specific case, it may lack freshness from the player's perspective. . Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of differentiating the machine from other pachinko machines and stimulating players' desire to play. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the gaming state shifts to the opening/closing execution mode, the configuration of the variable winning unit 301 is changed in order to realize a gaming experience that is not limited to just winning a game ball in the big winning opening 303. It has been devised.

This configuration will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 in addition to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the variable winning device 302, FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are cross-sectional views of the variable winning device 302 in the closed state and its peripheral configuration, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device 302 in the closed state. 10(d) is a sectional view taken along line BB in (a), FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable prize winning device 302 and its peripheral configuration in an open state, and FIG. 10(b) is a perspective view thereof. .

As shown in FIG. 5A, a specific ball entry opening 331 is formed above the shutter 304 in the base body 311 (flat plate portion 312) so as to be adjacent to the shutter 304. As shown in FIG. The specific ball entrance 331 is open to the front and has a size that allows one game ball to enter. The lower part of the specific ball entry port 331 is open downward (FIG. 6(a)) and is continuous with the slit (the space in which the shutter 304 is arranged). In other words, the shutter 304 constitutes the bottom of the specific ball entry opening 331 . The specific ball entry port 331 is arranged at the center of the shutter 304 in the passage direction of the downstream passage 317.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 8A, a protrusion 332 is provided on the upper surface 304a of the shutter 304 at a position in front of the specific ball entry opening 331. As shown in FIGS. The protrusion 332 is integrally formed with the shutter 304 and protrudes upward from the upper surface 304a of the shutter 304. The protruding part 332 is arranged at the front part of the upper surface part 304a of the shutter 304, and when the shutter 304 is located in the protruding position (the variable winning device 302 is in the closed state), the protruding part 332 is disposed in the front part of the upper surface part 304a of the shutter 304. The game ball is configured to be able to pass between the back wall portion 322) of the player. That is, with the shutter 304 located at the protruding position, the arrangement position and front-rear dimensions are adjusted so that the distance D1 (FIG. 8(a)) between the protruding part 332 and the flat plate part 312 is larger than the diameter of the game ball. is set. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the game ball guided to the shutter 304 side by the upper flow path forming part 314 flows to the left on the upper surface part 304a of the shutter 304 and flows to the out port 37 side. It is easier to derive.

On the other hand, when the shutter 304 is displaced from the protruding position to the retracted position (the variable winning device 302 is switched from the closed state to the open state), the protruding part 332 is moved to the specific ball entry opening 331 as the shutter 304 moves backward. approach. For this reason, when the protrusion 332 approaches the specific ball entrance 331, like the game ball B1 in FIG. is pushed out to the rear side of the gaming machine by contact with the protruding portion 332 and guided to the specific ball entry opening 331. As a result, the game ball enters the specific ball entrance 331 as shown in FIGS. 6(b) and 8(b).

On the other hand, for a game ball that is not located between the protruding part 332 and the specific ball entry opening 331 when the shutter 304 is switched from the protruding position to the retracted position, such as the game ball B2 in FIG. 8(a), When the shutter 304 retreats, it loses its support and falls downward. That is, as shown in FIG. 6(b) and FIG. 8(b), a prize is won in the grand prize opening 303.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the upper surface portion 304a of the shutter 304 has a first groove that can guide the game ball on the shutter 304 to the rear side of the game machine when the shutter 304 is switched from the protruding position to the retracted position. A region 333 and a second region 334 are provided in which the game ball on the shutter 304 can be dropped downward.

Incidentally, when the shutter 304 is located at the retracted position, the protruding portion 332 is located very close to the specific ball entry opening 331 and partially blocks the specific ball entry opening 331. As a result, entering the game ball into the specific ball entry opening 331 is prohibited. Therefore, a game ball that reaches above the grand prize opening 303 after the switch from the protruding position to the retracted position has been completed cannot enter the specific ball entrance 331, and neither ball enters the special prize opening 303. do.

On the other hand, when the shutter 304 is in the protruding position (FIG. 6(a)), the game ball is not prohibited from entering the specific ball entry opening 331. That is, although the distance D1 (FIG. 8(a)) is greater than or equal to the diameter of the game ball, the ball basically does not enter the specific ball entrance 331; If a moving game ball contacts the protrusion 332 or the game balls collide with each other, the direction of flow of the game ball changes and the ball may enter the specific ball entrance 331.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), behind the specific ball entry port 331, there is a second guide passage 335 that is arranged on the back side of the flat plate portion 312 and guides the game ball that has entered the specific ball entry port 331. It is provided. The second guide passage 335 includes a first passage part 335a that guides the game ball that has entered the specific ball entrance 331 to the rear side of the gaming machine, and a second passage part 335a that guides the game ball that has passed through the first passage part 335a in the lateral direction. It is composed of a second passage section 335b and a third passage section 335c that guides the game ball that has passed through the second passage section 335b to the front side of the gaming machine. The outlet portion 336 of the third passage portion 335c passes through the flat plate portion 312 in the thickness direction and opens toward the front of the gaming machine. That is, the game ball that has moved to the back side of the flat plate part 312 through the specific ball entrance 331 is guided to the front side of the flat plate part 312 again via the second guide path 335.

Here, in this embodiment, the shutter 304 extends long toward the rear of the gaming machine, and overlaps with a part of the second guide passage 335 (part of the first passage part 335a and the second passage part 335b) in plan view. is configured to do so. The overlapping passage section 337 of the second guide passage 335 that overlaps with the shutter 304 has an inverted U-shaped cross section and is bottomless, as shown in FIG. 9(c). That is, the bottom of the overlapping passage section 337 is constituted by the shutter 304.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the shutter 304 is formed with a through hole 339 that penetrates the shutter 304 in the thickness direction. The through hole 339 has a size that allows one game ball to pass through. As shown in FIG. 9B, this through hole 339 is arranged in a part of an overlapping region 341 that overlaps with the overlapping passage portion 337 in the shutter 304 when the shutter 304 is in the protruding state. Therefore, a game ball passing through the overlapping passage section 337 (first passage section 335a) in a situation where the shutter 304 is located at the protruding position falls downward through the through hole 339. As shown in FIG. 7(a), a vertical passage 342 is provided behind the first guide passage 325, and the game balls that have fallen from the through hole 339 pass through the vertical passage 342 and pass through the above-mentioned discharge passage board. 88. That is, it is discharged outside the game area PE.

Incidentally, in the passage area between the specific ball entrance 331 and the through hole 339 and between the through hole 339 including the vertical passage 342 and the discharge passage board 88, there is a passage area where the game ball enters the specific ball entrance 331. No configuration is provided to detect the ball. In other words, there is no prize ball for the game ball that falls from the through hole 339, and the game ball is treated as an out ball.

Here, as shown in FIG. 9B, the through hole 339 is arranged near the end of the overlapping region 341 in the shutter movement direction when the shutter 304 moves from the protruding state to the retracted position. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the shutter 304 is retracted from the protruding position and placed in the retracted position, the position of the through hole 339 is shifted rearward with respect to the overlapping passage portion 337. As a result, the through hole 339 is not located below the overlapping passage section 337, and the bottom of the entire overlapping passage section 337 is formed by the shutter 304.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), when the shutter 304 is placed in the retracted position, the game ball that passes through the overlapping passage section 337 (first passage section 335a) falls from the through hole 339. It proceeds to the back side of the second guide passage 335 without moving, and reaches a non-overlapping passage portion 338 of the second guide passage 335 that does not overlap with the shutter 304. As shown in FIG. 9(d), a bottom portion 338a is formed in the non-overlapping passage portion 338, and a game ball can pass therethrough regardless of the shutter 304. Therefore, the game balls that have reached the non-overlapping passage section 338 are led out to the exit section 336 of the third passage section 335c, and are discharged from the exit section 336 to the front side of the flat plate section 312.

Note that the flat plate portion 312 of the base body 311 is transparent, and the back side of the flat plate portion 312 is visible from the front of the gaming machine. The second guide passage 335 is also transparent, and the flow of game balls passing through the second guide passage 335 can be seen from the front of the game machine through the flat plate portion 312. Therefore, it is possible for the player to visually check whether the game ball that entered the specific ball entrance 331 has fallen from the through hole 339 or whether it has proceeded to the back side of the second guide passage 335 without falling. It has become.

In this case, it is not necessarily necessary to make the entire second guide passage 335 visible from the front of the gaming machine, but at least a portion of the second guide passage 335 allows the game ball moving within the passage 335 to be visible from the front of the gaming machine. Any configuration is sufficient. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which the flat plate portion 312 and the second guide passage 335 are made transparent in a region corresponding to the above-mentioned part.

Further, the vertical passage 342 and the second guide passage 335 (particularly the third passage portion 335c) are arranged so as not to overlap in the front and back directions when viewed from the front from the front of the gaming machine. This makes it easy to determine which path the game ball is passing through when the game ball is seen from the front of the game machine. In addition, if the game ball moving in the second guide passage 335 is configured to be visible in a part of the second guide passage 335, the vertical passage 342 and the second guide passage are at least in the visible area or at least a part of the area. 335 (third passage portion 335c) may be configured as long as it does not overlap.

Further, the second guide passage 335 and the first guide passage 325 (FIG. 7(b)) are also arranged so that they do not overlap front to back when viewed from the front from the front of the gaming machine. Thereby, the visibility of the game ball that entered the specific ball entrance 331 is suppressed from being reduced due to the game ball that entered the big prize opening 303. Regarding the relationship between the second guide passage 335 and the first guide passage 325, it is not necessary that the entire second guide passage 335 does not overlap with the first guide passage 325; In a configuration in which a game ball moving within the passage 335 can be visually recognized, the second guide passage 335 and the first guide passage 325 do not overlap at least in the visible area or at least a part of the area. good.

As shown in FIG. 5A, a distribution device 345 is arranged below the outlet section 336 on the front side of the base body 311. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the sorting device 345 includes a sorting inlet part 346 into which the game balls discharged from the outlet part 336 can flow, and a sorting inlet part 346 into which the game balls that have flowed into the sorting inlet part 346 can enter. A distribution passage 347 for sorting is provided.

The distribution passage 347 branches into a first branch passage 348 and a second branch passage 349 at a midway position. A distribution member 351 is provided to alternately distribute the distribution to the second branch passage 349 and the second branch passage 349. The sorting member 351 can be switched between a first guide state in which the game ball that has reached the branch part is guided to the first branch passage 348 and a second guide state in which it is guided to the second branch passage 349.

The sorting member 351 is configured to switch from one guiding state to the other guiding state based on guiding the game balls, and directs the game balls that have entered the sorting inlet 346 to the first branch passage 348. and the second branch passage 349. The front part of the sorting device 345 is transparent, so that the flow of game balls inside the sorting device 345 can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 5A, a V gate 353 serving as a specific passage section is arranged below the exit section 348a of the first branch passage 348. The V gate 353 is configured as a pass-through winning opening, and can continue to flow down the gaming area PE below the V gate 353. This V gate 353 is provided with a V gate winning sensor 353a (see FIG. 11) that detects winning (passing) of a game ball to the V gate 353. The V-gate winning sensor 353a is electrically connected to the main control device 81, and when a game ball passes through the detection area of the V-gate winning sensor 353a, detection information (detection signal) is sent from the V-gate winning sensor 353a. is input to the main controller 81. The main control device 81 determines whether or not there is a winning at the V gate 353 based on this detection information.

In this embodiment, when a game ball passes through the V gate 353, the lottery mode shifts to the high probability mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends. It should be noted that prize balls will not be paid out in response to winnings at the V-gate 353.

In the base body 311, below the V gate 353 and the sorting device 345, a lower flow path forming portion 361 is provided which is inclined downward to the left toward the out port 37. The lower flow path forming portion 361 protrudes forward from the flat plate portion 312 of the base body 311, and similarly to the upper flow path forming portion 314, the game ball cannot pass through the front thereof. The game ball that has passed through the V gate 353 is led out to the out port 37 side by the lower flow path forming part 361. In addition, game balls discharged from the exit portion 349a of the second branch passage 349 in the sorting device 345 are also guided to the out port 37 side by the lower flow path forming portion 361.

A right side wall portion 362 is formed between the lower flow path forming portion 361 and the upper flow path forming portion 314 on the right side of the sorting device 345 . The right side wall portion 362 protrudes forward from the flat plate portion 312 of the base body 311, and, like the upper channel forming portion 314, is configured such that a game ball cannot pass in front of it. In addition, the upper flow path forming portion 314 is configured to connect the bulge portion 313 so that a gap 363 between the left end portion 314a of the flow path forming portion 314 and the right upper surface portion 313c of the bulge portion 313 is less than the diameter of the game ball. The positional relationship is set. As a result, the game ball cannot enter the lower region of the upper channel forming section 314 unless it passes through the second guide passage 335. In other words, only game balls that have entered the specific ball entrance 331 can enter the distribution device 345 (V gate 353).

<Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10>
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be explained based on the block diagram of FIG. 11.

The main control board 111 is equipped with an MPU 112 . The MPU 112 includes a ROM 113 that stores various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 112, and a memory that temporarily stores various data etc. when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 113. A certain RAM 114, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, etc. are built in. Note that it is not essential that the ROM 113 and RAM 114 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 112, and each may be integrated into individual chips. This also applies to the MPUs of control devices other than the main control device 81.

The MPU 112 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. A power outage monitoring board 115 provided in the main control device 81 and a payout control device 97 are connected to the input side of the MPU 112. In this case, a power supply and launch control device 98 having a function of supplying operating power is connected to the power outage monitoring board 115, and power is supplied to the MPU 112 via the power outage monitoring board 115.

Furthermore, various sensors are connected to the input side of the MPU 112. The various sensors include the general winning opening 31, the first operating opening 33, the second operating opening 34, the through gate 35, the variable winning device 302, the winning sensor 31a for the general winning opening that detects winnings to the V gate 353, and the first The winning sensor 33a for the operating opening, the winning sensor 34c for the second operating opening, the winning sensor 35a for through, the winning sensor 302a for the big winning opening, the winning sensor 353a for the V gate, etc. are provided. The MPU 112 performs winning determination (ball entering determination) for each ball entering portion based on the detection results of these various sensors 31a, 33a, 34c, 35a, 302a, and 353a. Furthermore, the MPU 112 executes various lottery drawings based on winnings in the first operating port 33, the second operating port 34, and the through gate 35.

A power outage monitoring board 115, a payout control device 97, an effect control device 82, etc. are connected to the output side of the MPU 112. A prize ball command is output to the payout control device 97, for example, based on a winning determination result for the prize ball entering portion corresponding to the paying out of the prize ball.

Various commands for performance are output to the performance control device 82. Details of these various commands will be explained later. Incidentally, the production control device 82 is electrically connected to the main control device 81 via a connector unit (connection unit) in which connectors are provided at both ends of a signal line.

Moreover, an electric accessory drive unit 34b and a variable winning prize drive unit 324 are connected to the output side of the MPU 112 as various drive units. The main control board 111 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 112 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits. Specifically, when the transition to the opening/closing execution mode occurs, the MPU 112 executes drive control of the variable prize winning drive unit 324 so as to control the operation of the shutter 304. Further, when the open state of the electric accessory 34a is won, the MPU 112 executes drive control of the electric accessory drive unit 34b so that the electric accessory 34a is opened and closed. In addition, during each game round, the MPU 112 executes display control of the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS in the main display section 43, and when the variable winning device 302 is in the opening/closing execution mode, the main display section Display control of the round display section RS in step 43 is executed. Then, when the lottery result as to whether or not to open the electric accessory 34a is to be clearly displayed, the display control of the accessory display section 44 is executed in the MPU 112.

Furthermore, an external output terminal 99 is connected to the output side of the MPU 112, and through this external output terminal 99, the management control device (hall computer HC) on the gaming hall side receives information on ball entry into various ball entry sections and jackpots. Information regarding the lottery results, etc., is output. This makes it possible to grasp the status of the pachinko machine 10 on the hall computer HC.

The power outage monitoring board 115 relays between the main control board 111 and the power supply and launch control device 98, and also monitors the stable 24 volt DC voltage output from the power supply and launch control device 98. The payout control device 97 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 96 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 81.

The power supply and firing control device 98 is connected to, for example, a commercial power source (external power source) in a game hall or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power source, necessary operating power is generated for the main control board 111, the payout control device 97, etc., and the generated operating power is supplied. Incidentally, the power supply and launch control device 98 is provided with a power supply unit for power outages such as a backup capacitor, and even when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is OFF, the power supply unit for power outages supplies power from the main power supply unit. Power for memory retention is supplied to the RAM 114 of the control device 81.

Further, the power supply and firing control device 98 is responsible for controlling the firing of the game ball firing mechanism 53, and the game ball firing mechanism 53 is driven when predetermined firing conditions are met. In this case, the game ball launch mechanism 53 includes a launch rail that extends toward the guide rail 54 of the game board 24, a ball feeding device that supplies game balls stored in the upper tray 71 onto the launch rail, and a ball feeder that supplies the game balls stored in the upper tray 71 onto the launch rail. A solenoid is an electric actuator that fires the game ball supplied to the guide rail 54 toward the guide rail 54, and a drive signal is supplied from the power source and the launch control device 98 to the solenoid, so that the game ball is fired. fired.

The production control device 82 drives and controls the display light emitting section 63 and the speaker section 64 provided in the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 81, and also controls the display control device 212. be.

An MPU 242 is mounted on the performance control board 241 provided in the performance control device 82. The MPU 242 includes a ROM 243 that stores various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 242, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 243. It has a built-in RAM 244, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, etc.

The MPU 242 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. A main controller 81 is connected to the input side of the MPU 242 . From the main controller 81, hold display control commands (hold display control information) such as shift commands and hold commands are received. It also receives game time control commands (game time control information) such as variation commands, type commands, and variation end commands. It also receives opening/closing execution mode commands (opening/closing execution mode information) such as open commands, closing commands, opening commands, and ending commands.

The MPU 242 performs processing for executing various effects based on various commands received from the main control device 81. The received command is stored in a command storage area provided in the RAM 244 of the MPU 242. Then, processing such as analysis of the stored commands is performed, and various effects are executed. The ROM 243 of the MPU 242 is provided with various table storage areas, and the RAM 244 of the MPU 242 is provided with various flag storage areas and various counter areas, and when performing various effects, processing using these areas is performed. It is now possible to do this.

The output side of the MPU 242 is connected to a display light emitting section 63 and a speaker section 64 provided in the front door frame 14, as well as a display control device 212.

The display control device 212 includes a display control board 271 on which an MPU 272 in which a program ROM 273 and a work RAM 274 are integrated into chips, a video display processor (VDP) 255, a character ROM 276, and a video RAM 277 are respectively mounted. There is.

The MPU 272 receives, from the performance control device 82, a hold display control command (hold display control information) for performing hold display control, a game time control command (game time control information) for performing a variable display of symbols, Receives an opening/closing execution mode command (opening/closing execution mode information) for displaying a video during opening/closing execution mode. Then, it analyzes the received commands or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received commands to control the VDP 275 (specifically, generate internal commands for the VDP 275).

The program ROM 273 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 272, and also stores JPEG format image data for a background image.

The work RAM 274 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, etc. used when the MPU 272 executes various programs. These work data, flags, etc. are stored in each area of the work RAM 274.

The VDP 275 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver built into the symbol display device 41. Since the VDP 275 is implemented as an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip," and in reality, it can be said to be a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP 275 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 272, the video RAM 277, etc. and intervenes in reading and writing data, and also reads image data to be stored in the video RAM 277 from the character ROM 276 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the symbol display device 41.

The character ROM 276 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the symbol display device 41. This character ROM 276 stores bitmap format image data of various display symbols, a color palette table, etc. that is referred to when determining the expression color of each dot of the bitmap image.

It is also possible to provide a plurality of character ROMs 276 and store image data and the like in each character ROM 276. Further, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 273 is stored in the character ROM 276.

The video RAM 277 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the symbol display device 41, and by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 277, the display contents of the symbol display device 41 are changed.

Here, the display contents of the symbol display device 41 will be explained based on FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing individual symbols variably displayed on the symbol display device 41, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display screen G of the symbol display device 41.

As shown in Figures 12(a) to (j), the pattern, which is a type of pattern, consists of nine types of main patterns each numbered ``1'' to ``9'' and a shell-shaped pattern. It is composed of sub-designs. More specifically, nine types of character symbols such as octopuses are numbered from "1" to "9" to form the main symbol.

As shown in FIG. 13(a), three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 are set on the display screen G of the symbol display device 41: an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row. Each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 is composed of main symbols and sub-symbols arranged in a predetermined order. Specifically, in the upper pattern row Z1, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in descending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol. . In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In other words, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row Z2, nine types of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and between the main symbol "9" and the main symbol "1". A main symbol of "4" is additionally arranged on the top, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. That is, only in the middle symbol row Z2, 10 main symbols are arranged and it is composed of 20 symbols. Then, on the display screen G, the symbols of each of these symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are displayed in a cyclically scrolling manner in a predetermined direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13(b), on the display screen G, three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of nine symbols (3×3) are stopped and displayed. It is supposed to be done.

Furthermore, five effective lines are set on the display screen G, namely, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a lower right line L4, and an upper right line L5. Then, the variable display stops in the order of upper symbol row Z1 → lower symbol row Z3 → middle symbol row Z2, and with a combination of symbols with the same number attached to any active line formed, all symbol rows Z1 ~ When the variable display of Z3 ends, a jackpot video is displayed as the occurrence of a jackpot result.

Note that the manner in which the symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above-mentioned one and may be arbitrary, and may include the number of symbol rows, the direction of the variable display of symbols in the symbol rows, the number of symbols in each symbol row, The combination of symbols corresponding to jackpots and misses can be changed as appropriate.

A first hold display area Ga is set on the left side of the bottom of the display screen G, and a second hold display area Gb is set on the right side of the bottom of the display screen G.

The first hold display area (non-priority side hold display area) Ga includes unit hold display areas Ga1 to Ga4 of the same number as the maximum hold number when game balls enter the first operating port 33 in parallel in the left and right direction. The area is displayed as shown in the section. Specifically, when a game ball enters the first operating port 33, the maximum number of balls to be held is four, and correspondingly, the first unit holding display area Ga includes a first unit holding display area Ga1, a first unit holding display area Ga1, a first unit holding display area Ga1, a first unit holding display area Ga1, A 2-unit pending display area Ga2, a 3rd unit pending display area Ga3, and a 4th unit pending display area Ga4 are set.

For example, if the number of reserved game balls is one when the game ball enters the first operation port 33, a predetermined reservation image is displayed only in the first unit reservation display area Ga1, and the game ball enters the first operation port 33. If the number of reserved items is 4 when winning a prize in the mouth 33, a predetermined pending image is displayed in all of the first unit pending display area Ga1 to the fourth unit pending display area Ga4.

In addition, the second hold display area (priority side hold display area) Gb includes unit hold display areas Gb1 to Gb4 of the same number as the maximum hold number when game balls enter the second operating port 34, which are arranged in the left and right direction. The area is marked as follows: Specifically, when a game ball enters the second operating port 34, the maximum number of balls to be held is four, and correspondingly, the second holding display area Gb has a first unit holding display area Gb1, a first unit holding display area Gb1, a first unit holding display area Gb1, a first unit holding display area Gb1, A 2 unit pending display area Gb2, a 3rd unit pending display area Gb3, and a 4th unit pending display area Gb4 are set.

For example, if the number of reservations is one when a game ball enters the second operating port 34, the reservation image is displayed only in the first unit reservation display area Gb1, and the game ball enters the second operating port 34. If the number of reserved items is 4 when a prize is won, the reserved image is displayed in all of the first unit reserved display area Gb1 to the fourth unit reserved display area Gb4.

<Electrical configuration for performing various lottery drawings in MPU 112 of main controller 81>
Next, the electrical configuration for performing various lottery drawings in the MPU 112 of the main control device 81 will be described using FIG. 14.

During the game, the MPU 112 uses various counter information to perform jackpot lottery, settings for display on the main display section 43, settings for presentation on the symbol display device 41, settings for display on the accessory display section 44, etc. , Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, when the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot occurrence lottery, the jackpot type counter C2 used when determining the jackpot type, and the symbol display device 41 are off and fluctuate. A reach random number counter C3 used for the reach occurrence lottery, a random number initial value counter CINI used to set the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a fluctuation type counter that determines the fluctuation display time on the main display section 43 and the symbol display device 41. We will use CS. Furthermore, an electric accessory release counter C4 is used to determine whether or not the electric accessory 34a of the second actuating port 34 should be placed in the electric role release state.

Each of the counters C1, C2, C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer 114a set in a predetermined area of the RAM 114. In the lottery counter buffer 114a, information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the fluctuation type counter CS is stored when a winning occurs in the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34. The ball is stored in the reserved ball storage area 114b as an information storage means.

The held ball storage area 114b includes a holding area RE consisting of a holding area Ra for the first result display section and a holding area Rb for the second result display section, and an execution area AE. The reservation areas Ra and Rb each include a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area, and the lottery counter Numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and fluctuation type counter CS stored in the buffer 114a is stored in one of the areas as pending information. Note that the pending information corresponds to special information (determination information).

In this case, in the first to fourth areas, if winnings to the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34 occur multiple times in a row, the first area → second area → third area → Each piece of numerical information is stored in chronological order in the order of the fourth area. By providing each of the four areas in this manner, a maximum of four winning histories of game balls entered into the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34 can be stored on hold. Further, the reserved ball storage area 114b is provided with a total reserved number storage area, in which the winning history of the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34 is reserved and stored. Information for identifying is stored.

Note that the number that can be held and stored is not limited to four, but is arbitrary, and may be other plural numbers such as two, three, or five or more, or may be a single number.

The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first area of the reservation area RE when starting the variable display on the main display section 43, and when starting one game round, the execution area AE Judgments are made based on various numerical information stored in the .

In detail about each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, the jackpot random number counter C1 is sequentially incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 599, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 599). When the jackpot random number counter C1 completes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. Note that the random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value=0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated regularly and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 114b of the RAM 114 at the timing when a game ball enters the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34. More specifically, at the timing when a game ball enters the first operating port 33, the game ball is stored in the holding area Ra for the first result display section of the RAM 114, and at the timing when the game ball enters the second operating port 34, the second result is stored in the RAM 114. It is stored in the display section holding area Rb.

The value of the random number that results in a jackpot is stored as a win/fail table (win/fail information group) in a win/fail table storage area 113a as a win/fail information group storage means in the ROM 113. As the validity table, a validity table for low probability mode (low probability validity information group) and a validity table for high probability mode (high probability validity information group) are set. That is, in this pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery modes in the win/fail lottery means. In each win/fail table, the random number values are set so that the probability of winning a jackpot is higher in the win/fail table for high probability mode than in the win/fail table for low probability mode.

Further, in each lottery mode, the lottery result is a winning result except for the random number value that results in a jackpot win.

The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 99, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 99). In addition, in this embodiment, only one type of jackpot result, 10R jackpot result, is set as the jackpot type.

This 10R jackpot result is a round game executed over 10 times. A round game is a game in which variable winning control is executed at least once, in which the variable winning device 302 is changed from a closed state to an open state, and then changed to a closed state. In this embodiment, the variable winning control is executed once for each round game, so the variable winning device 302 is opened 10 times during execution of the opening/closing execution mode.

Here, in this embodiment, the trigger for shifting to the high probability mode is when the game ball passes through the V gate 353 (FIG. 5(a)) during execution of the opening/closing execution mode, regardless of the type of jackpot result. It has become. That is, if the game ball passes through the V gate 353 during execution of the opening/closing execution mode, the win/fail lottery mode shifts to the high probability mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends. The high probability mode in this case continues until the next jackpot occurs.

In addition, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, if the winning lottery mode becomes the high probability mode, the support mode of the electric accessory 34a of the second operating port 34 is set to the high frequency support mode (high frequency support state or high frequency guide state). ). The high frequency support mode in this case continues until the next jackpot occurs. That is, while the lottery mode is a high probability mode, the support mode is configured to be a high frequency support mode.

On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass through the V gate 353 during execution of the opening/closing execution mode, the win/fail lottery mode shifts to the low probability mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends. Further, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the support mode shifts to the high-frequency support mode. In this case, the high-frequency support mode ends when the number of games reaches the end standard number of games (specifically, 100 times) after the transition, and when the high-frequency support mode ends, the low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or infrequent guided state).

In relation to each of the above gaming states, the normal gaming state refers to a state where the win/fail lottery mode is a low probability mode and the support mode is a low frequency support mode.

The support mode of the electric accessory 34a of the second operating port 34 is as follows: A low-frequency support mode and a high-frequency support mode are set so that the frequency with which the object 34a is opened per unit time is relatively high or low.

Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the electric role opening state in the electric role-playing object opening lottery using the electric role-playing object opening counter C4 is the same (for example, both are 1/2). However, in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 34a is in the open state when the electric role open state is won is set to be greater than in the low-frequency support mode, and The time is set too long. In this case, in the case where the electric utility open state is won in the high frequency support mode and the electric utility object 34a is opened multiple times, the closed state from the end of one open state until the next open state starts. The time is set shorter than the opening time of one time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum secured time between one electric accessory lottery and the next electric accessory lottery is set shorter than the low-frequency support mode. has been done.

As described above, in the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the second operating port 34 is higher than in the low-frequency support mode. In other words, in the low-frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize in the first operating port 33 is higher than that in the second operating port 34, but in the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize is higher in the first operating port 33 than in the second operating port 34. The probability of winning a prize in the mouth 34 increases. When a winning occurs in the second operation port 34, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, so in the high-frequency support mode, the player can play the game without reducing the number of balls he has too much. It can be carried out.

Note that the configuration for making the high-frequency support mode more frequently open to the electric utility role per unit time than the low-frequency support mode is not limited to the above, and may include, for example, a lottery for opening electric utility objects. It may be configured to increase the probability of winning the electric combination open state in . Furthermore, the high-frequency support mode and the low-frequency support mode may be set by differentiating any one condition or any combination of the number of times, opening time, and winning probability.

The jackpot type counter C2 is updated regularly and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 114b of the RAM 114 at the timing when a game ball enters the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34. More specifically, at the timing when a game ball enters the first operating port 33, the game ball is stored in the holding area Ra for the first result display section of the RAM 114, and at the timing when the game ball enters the second operating port 34, the second result is stored in the RAM 114. It is stored in the display section holding area Rb.

The destinations to which game results are distributed to the jackpot type counter C2 are stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in a distribution table storage area 113b serving as distribution information group storage means in the ROM 113.

The reach random number counter C3 is configured to increment sequentially by 1 within the range of 0 to 238, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (ie, 238). The reach random number counter C3 is updated regularly and stored in the reserved ball storage area 114b of the RAM 114 at the timing when a game ball enters the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34. More specifically, at the timing when a game ball enters the first operating port 33, the game ball is stored in the holding area Ra for the first result display section of the RAM 114, and at the timing when the game ball enters the second operating port 34, the second result is stored in the RAM 114. It is stored in the display section holding area Rb. Then, it is decided whether or not to generate a reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 113. However, in the game round that shifts to the opening/closing execution mode, the MPU 112 determines the occurrence of the ready-to-win regardless of the value of the ready-to-reach random number counter C3. The number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each gaming state, but may be set individually depending on the gaming state. For example, when the support mode is the high-frequency support mode, the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display may be set to be larger than in the low-frequency support mode.

Here, the ready-to-reach display (ready-to-reach state) refers to a game round that is equipped with a symbol display device 41 that can perform variable display (or variable display) of symbols (pictures) and is in the opening/closing execution mode of the variable winning unit 301. In a game machine where the stop display result after the variable display is the special display result, after the start of the variable display (or variable display) of the symbols (pictures) on the symbol display device 41, and before the stop display result is derived and displayed, , refers to a display state that makes the player think that it is a variable display state that is likely to result in the above-mentioned special display result.

In other words, by stopping and displaying the symbols for some of the plurality of symbol columns displayed on the display screen of the symbol display device 41, a jackpot symbol combination corresponding to the occurrence of the opening/closing execution mode is established. This is a display state in which possible combinations of ready-to-reach symbols are displayed, and in that state, symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol rows.

More specifically, as a step before ending the fluctuating display of symbols, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening/closing execution mode is established on a preset active line on the display screen of the symbol display device 41. A ready-to-reach line is formed by stopping and displaying possible combinations of ready-to-reach symbols, and symbols are fluctuated and displayed by a final stopped symbol sequence under the situation where the ready-to-reach line is formed.

To specifically explain the display contents in FIG. 13, first, high-speed fluctuation display is started for all symbol rows Z1 to Z3. In this case, it is difficult or impossible to recognize which symbol is displayed. Thereafter, the fluctuating display mode of the upper symbol row Z1 is switched from the high-speed fluctuating display to the low-speed fluctuating display in which the player can easily or easily recognize the displayed symbols. Then, when the fluctuating display of the upper symbol row Z1 ends, the fluctuating display mode of the lower symbol row Z3 is switched from the high-speed fluctuating display to the low-speed fluctuating display. After that, the variable display of the lower symbol row Z3 ends. In this case, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying main symbols with the same number on any of the active lines L1 to L5. Then, when the fluctuating display of the middle symbol row Z2 switches from the high-speed fluctuating display to the low-speed fluctuating display and the opening/closing execution mode occurs, the main symbols with the same numbers as the main symbols forming the reach line are displayed. is stopped and displayed on the reach line, and the fluctuating display of the symbols in the middle symbol row Z2 is ended.

In addition, in the reach display, while displaying the combination of the reach symbols as described above, the remaining symbol rows display fluctuating symbols, and the background screen displays a predetermined character etc. as a moving image. These include those that perform a reach effect, and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen while reducing or not displaying a combination of ready-to-reach symbols. In addition, when the reach display is being performed or before the reach display, it is determined whether or not to display a preview using a predetermined image such as a predetermined character using the reach random number counter C3 or other counters. It's okay.

The variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of 0 to 198, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS is used by the MPU 112 to determine the variation display time in the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS of the main display section 43 and the variation display time of symbols in the symbol display device 41. It will be done. The variation type counter CS is updated once every time a normal process (described later) is executed once, and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time within the normal process. The variable type counter CS is stored in the reserved ball storage area 114b of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34. More specifically, at the timing when a game ball enters the first operating port 33, the game ball is stored in the holding area Ra for the first result display section of the RAM 114, and at the timing when the game ball enters the second operating port 34, the second result is stored in the RAM 114. It is stored in the display section holding area Rb.

For example, the electric accessory release counter C4 is configured such that it is sequentially incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 250, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The electric accessory opening counter C4 is updated regularly and is stored in the electric role holding area 114c of the RAM 114 at the timing when a game ball enters the through gate 35. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to control the electric accessory 34a to the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory opening counter C4. For example, if C4=0 to 190, the electric accessory 34a is controlled to be in the open state, and if C4=191 to 250, the electric accessory 34a is not controlled to be in the open state.

The MPU 112 uses the value of the variation type counter CS stored in the execution area AE to determine the variation display time in the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS. A variable display time table storage area 113c is used. In addition, in the MPU 112, the stop results in the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS are determined using the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE. However, the stop result table storage area of the ROM 113 is used for this determination.

<About various processes executed by the main controller 81>
Next, the timer interrupt processing and normal processing executed by the MPU 112 in the main control device 81 to advance the game will be explained. In addition to timer interrupt processing and normal processing, the MPU 112 executes main processing that is activated upon power-on and NMI interrupt processing that is activated upon input of a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). Description of these processes will be omitted.

<Timer interrupt processing>
First, timer interrupt processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15. This process is started by the MPU 112 periodically (for example, every 2 msec).

In step S101, reading processing for various detection sensors is executed. In the reading process, the states of various detection sensors 31a, 33a, 34c, 35a, 302a, 353a are read, the states of these various detection sensors 31a, 33a, 34c, 35a, 302a, 353a are determined, and the detection information is saved. Execute processing. In addition, when the winning of a game ball is detected by the various detection sensors 31a, 33a, 34c, and 302a corresponding to the occurrence of prize balls, a prize control device is used to instruct the payout control device 97 to pay out the prize ball. Set the sphere command. For example, when a winning to the variable winning device 302 is detected by the winning sensor 302a for the big winning hole, a prize ball command for instructing 15 prize balls, which is the corresponding number of prize balls, is set. In the following step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated.

In the subsequent step S103, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory opening counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when their counter values reach the maximum value, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values of each counter C1, C2, C3, and C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 114.

In the subsequent step S104, a through prize winning process is executed in conjunction with winning the through gate 35. In the winning processing for through, if a winning to the through gate 35 has occurred, the number of accessory retention memories stored in the electric role retention area 114c is less than the upper limit number (for example, "4") Under this condition, the value of the electric accessory opening counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the electric accessory holding area 114c. Further, the performance control device 82 executes a process for lighting up the third holding light emitting section 47 corresponding to the number of stored accessory objects.

After that, in step S105, the winning process for the actuation opening is executed, and then the present timer interrupt process is ended. In the winning process for the actuating holes, based on the fact that a game ball has won in either of the actuating holes 33, 34, a prize ball command is set to pay out the game ball based on the winning, and a jackpot random number counter is set. Information acquisition processing is performed to store each value of C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and fluctuation type counter CS.

In the information acquisition process, it is determined whether the game ball has won a prize (starting prize) in the first operating port 33 or not. If the first operating port 33 has won, the number of pending information stored in the first result display holding area Ra is grasped, and the grasped number is set as the first start pending memory number RaN. do. On the other hand, if the game ball has not entered the first operating port 33, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the second operating port 34 (starting winning). If a prize has been won in the second operating port 34, the number of pending information stored in the second result display section holding area Rb is grasped, and the grasped number is set as the second start pending storage number RbN. do. Then, it is determined whether or not the set start hold memory number N (RaN or RbN) is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If the starting pending memory number N is less than the upper limit value, the starting pending memory number N in the corresponding result display section holding area is updated by one. When the first start pending storage number RaN is set, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and fluctuation type counter CS are set in the first result display section reservation area Ra. If the second start pending memory number RbN is set, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the fluctuation type counter CS Each value is stored in the first storage area among the empty storage areas of the second result display section reservation area Rb. Thereafter, processing is executed for the performance control device 82 to light up the first pending light emitting section 45 or the second pending light emitting section 46 corresponding to the number of start pending memories.

<Normal processing>
Next, the flow of normal processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is started upon power-on is executed, and the main process of the game is executed in the normal process. As an overview, the processing in steps S201 to S206 is executed as a periodic process with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing in steps S209 and S210 is executed in the remaining time.

In normal processing, first, in step S201, external signal output processing is executed. In the external signal output process of step S201, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is transmitted to each sub-side control device. Specifically, the presence or absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if a prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 97. Further, if a production command is set, it is transmitted to the production control device 82.

Next, in step S202, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 114.

In the following step S203, a game round control process is executed to advance the game of each game round. In this game round control process, determination of whether or not a jackpot is true and determination of the type of jackpot is performed, as well as settings for variable display of symbols on the symbol display device 41, settings for variable display on the main display section 43, etc.

After executing the game time control process in step S203, the process proceeds to step S204, and a game state transition process is executed. Through this gaming state transition process, the gaming state shifts to an opening/closing execution mode or the like. The details of the gaming cycle control process in step S203 and the gaming state transition process in step S204 will be described later.

In the subsequent step S205, an electric utility support process for driving and controlling the electric accessory 34a provided in the second operating port 34 is executed. In this process for electric role support, numerical information acquired from the electric role object release counter C4 stored in the electric role holding area 114c of the RAM 114 is used to determine whether or not to open the electric role object 34a. A lottery is held, and if the electric accessory open state is won, opening/closing processing of the electric accessory 34a is executed. In addition, display control of the accessory display section 44 is performed so as to teach the lottery results of the electric prize opening lottery.

After that, in step S206, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 53 is excited once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on the condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply and launch control device 98. . As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area.

In the following step S207, it is determined whether a power outage flag is set in the RAM 114. The power outage flag is set when the occurrence of a power outage is confirmed on the power outage monitoring board 115 and a power outage signal is input from the power outage monitoring board 115 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 112, and is cleared in the next main process.

If the power outage flag is not set, it means that the last process of the multiple processes that are repeatedly executed has finished, so in step S208, it is determined whether the execution timing of the next normal process has arrived, that is, the previous normal process. It is determined whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the process. Then, within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated.

That is, in step S209, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 114. Furthermore, in step S210, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the change type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter values reach the maximum value, they are cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 114.

Here, since the execution time of each process in steps S201 to S206 changes depending on the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using this remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be randomly updated, and similarly The variation type counter CS can also be updated randomly.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that the power outage flag is set, this means that a power outage has occurred, and the power outage processing from step S211 onwards is executed. That is, in step S211, the generation of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, then in step S212, the RAM judgment value is calculated and saved, and in step S213, access to the RAM 114 is prohibited, and then the power is completely cut off and processing is performed. Continues an infinite loop until it can no longer be executed.

<Game time control processing>
Next, the game time control process in step S203 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In the game time control process, first in step S301, it is determined whether or not the opening/closing execution mode is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether the opening/closing execution mode flag is stored (stored) in the various flag storage area 114e of the RAM 114. The opening/closing execution mode flag is stored when the gaming state is transferred to the opening/closing execution mode in a gaming state transition process to be described later, and is cleared when the opening/closing execution mode is ended in the same gaming state transition process.

If it is in the opening/closing execution mode, the main game is continued without executing any of the processes after step S302, that is, the process for starting the game round in steps S303 to S305 and the process for advancing the game round in steps S306 to S309. The control process ends. In other words, when the opening/closing execution mode is in effect, the game round will not be started regardless of whether or not a prize has been won through the operating ports 33, 34.

If the opening/closing execution mode is not in progress, it is determined in step S302 whether or not the main display section 43 is in a variable display mode. Specifically, it is determined whether either the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS is displaying a variable display. Note that this determination is made by determining whether or not the variable display flag is stored in the various flag storage area 114e of the RAM 114. The fluctuating display flag is stored when a fluctuating display is started in either the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS, and is cleared when the fluctuating display ends.

If the main display section 43 is not in the variable display mode, the process proceeds to steps S303 to S305 for starting a game round. In the process for starting a game round, first in step S303, it is determined whether the common reservation number CRN, which is the sum of the start reservation storage numbers of the first result display section and the second result display section, is "0". When the common reservation number CRN is "0", it means that the start reservation storage numbers RaN and RbN are "0" for both the first operation port 33 and the second operation port 34. Therefore, the game time control process is immediately ended. If the common reservation number CRN is not "0", in step S304, the data stored in the reservation area Ra for the first result display section or the reservation area Rb for the second result display section is set for variable display. After executing the data setting process and further executing a variation start process for starting the variable display on the main display section 43 and the variable display on the symbol display device 41 in step S305, the present game round control process is ended. Here, the fluctuation start process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18.

In the variation start process, first, in step S401, it is determined whether the win/fail lottery mode is the high probability mode. Specifically, it is determined whether a high probability mode flag (high probability state information) is stored (stored) in a high probability mode flag storage area (high probability state information storage means) provided in various flag storage areas 114e of the RAM 114. Determine whether The high probability mode flag is a flag that indicates whether the lottery mode at that time is the high probability mode or not, and if the flag is stored, it means that the lottery mode is the high probability mode. .

If it is not the high probability mode, in step S402, the validity determination is made with reference to the validity table for the low probability mode. Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE matches the value set as a jackpot winning in the low probability mode win/fail table. On the other hand, if it is the high probability mode, the validity determination is made in step S403 by referring to the validity table for the high probability mode. Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the first execution area AE1 matches the value set as a jackpot win in the high probability mode win/fail table.

After the process in step S402 or step S403, in steps S404 to S410, the process for setting the game result of the current special pattern game round is executed, and the first result of the current special pattern game game is displayed. It executes processing for setting a stop result when terminating the variable display executed in either the section AS or the second result display section BS.

Specifically, first in step S404, it is determined whether or not the result of the lottery in step S402 or step S403 is a jackpot win. In the case of a jackpot win, in steps S405 to S408, processing for setting a game result and a process for setting a stop result in the case of a jackpot win are executed.

In step S405, it is determined whether the second result display section flag is stored in the RAM 114. The second result display section flag is a flag indicating that the game ball has entered the second operating port 34. That is, in this step, it is determined whether or not the occurrence of a jackpot is triggered by a winning at the second operating port 34.

If the second result display section flag is not stored, it means that a jackpot result was triggered by winning the first operating port 33. In this case, in step S406, the first result display section flag is stored. The distribution is determined by referring to the distribution table. Specifically, it is determined in which numerical range of the jackpot result the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE is included.

On the other hand, if the second result display section flag is stored, a distribution determination is made in step S407 with reference to the distribution table for the second result display section. Specifically, it is determined in which numerical range of the jackpot result the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the first execution area AE1 is included.

As already explained, in this embodiment, there is only one type of jackpot result, which is the 10R jackpot result. This is the same in both cases where a jackpot result is triggered by a winning at the first operating port 33 and a case where a jackpot is triggered by a winning at the second operating port 34. Therefore, the processing in steps S405 to S407 may be omitted. Further, a common distribution table is set for the first result display section and the second result display section, and when it is determined that a jackpot has occurred in step S404, the first distribution table is referred to. It may also be a configuration.

After the processing in step S406 or step S407, in step S408, a stop result for a jackpot is set to be stopped and displayed on the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S404, the process proceeds to step S409, and a stop result for failure to be stopped and displayed on the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS is set.

After executing the process of step S408 or step S409, in step S410, the variable display time of the current special figure game is set. In the variable display time setting process, the value of the variable type counter CS is acquired, and the variable display time corresponding to the value of the variable type counter CS is selected from the variable display time table stored in the ROM 113.

In the subsequent step S411, a variable command that includes information on the variable display time and a type command that includes information on game results (such as jackpot type) are set. The set variation command and type command are sent to the production control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 16). The production control device 82 transmits the received command to the display control device 212 while maintaining its information form. Upon receiving the command, the display control device 212 controls the display of the symbol display device 41 and the like so as to start the presentation of the game round.

Thereafter, in step S412, the variable display of symbols is started in the result display section corresponding to the current game round among the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS. After that, the main fluctuation start process ends.

Returning to the explanation of the game round control process (FIG. 17), if an affirmative determination is made in step S302, that is, if the main display section 43 is displaying a variable display, the game round progression process of steps S306 to S309 is executed. do. In the game progress process, first in step S306, it is determined whether the variable display time of the current game time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the variable display time information stored in the variable display time counter area of the RAM 114 has become "0". The value of the variable display time information is set in a variable start process at the start of a game round. Further, the value of the set variable display time information is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 15) is activated.

If the variable display time has not elapsed, a variable display process is executed in step S307. In the variable display processing, display control is performed on the result display section (light emission control of each display segment) so that each display segment is turned on and off in a predetermined order in the result display section for the current game round. , this game round control process ends.

If the fluctuation display time has elapsed, a fluctuation end process is executed in step S308. In the variation end process, the information set based on the result of the lottery of success or failure in the variation start process is specified, and the main display section 43 is controlled so that the pattern corresponding to the information is stopped and displayed on the main display section 43. do.

In the following step S309, a variation end command is set. After that, the main game round control process ends. The variation end command set in step S309 is transmitted to the production control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 16). The effect control device 82 transmits the received variation end command to the display control device 212 while maintaining its information form. By receiving the variation end command, the display control device 212 causes the final stop symbol combination in the game round to be displayed as determined (final stop display).

<Game state transition processing>
Next, the gaming state transition process in step S204 in the normal process (FIG. 16) will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 19 to 20.

First, in step S501, it is determined whether the opening/closing execution mode is in progress. If the opening/closing execution mode is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S502, and it is determined whether or not the timing has come to end the variable display of symbols on the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS for one game round. If it is not the timing at which the variable display ends, the main game state transition process is ended as it is.

If it is the timing at which the variable display ends, it is determined in step S503 whether the game result of the current game round corresponds to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode. If it is not compatible with the transition to the opening/closing execution mode, the main game state transition process is ended as is.

If it corresponds to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode, a process for starting the opening/closing execution mode is executed in step S504. In the start process, it is checked that the variable prize winning unit 301 is in the closed state before starting the opening/closing execution mode. In addition, in the opening/closing execution mode starting process, an opening period setting process is executed to wait without starting to open the variable prize winning unit 301 when starting the opening/closing execution mode. In the opening period setting process, opening standby time information stored in advance in the ROM 113 is set in the timer counter T provided in the various counter areas 114d of the RAM 114. The value of the timer counter T is decremented by 1 at a predetermined period (for example, every 2 msec period, every time the timer interrupt process is activated).

In the following step S505, as round display start processing, the round number of the opening/closing execution mode to be executed this time (in this embodiment, "10" for any jackpot result) is displayed on the round display section RS in the main display section 43. Control as follows.

In the following step S506, an opening command is set. This set opening command is sent to the production control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 16). The effect control device 82 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the effect is executed. The content of this performance includes the display mode on the symbol display device 41, and this determined display mode is outputted from the performance control device 82 to the display control device 212 as a display content command. The display control device 212 controls the display of the symbol display device 41 based on the display content command received from the production control device 82 so that a display (for example, video display) corresponding to the current opening/closing execution mode is performed.

Then, in step S507, after executing the external signal setting process, the main game state transition process is ended. In the external signal setting process, the signal output state of the jackpot signal output terminal provided in the external output terminal 99 is set to the jackpot signal output state. As a result, if the jackpot signal output terminal is connected to the management control device on the gaming hall side, the jackpot signal is output to the management control device, and a jackpot occurs at the pachinko machine 10 in the management control device. I can understand what I did.

On the other hand, if the opening/closing execution mode is in progress, an affirmative determination is made in step S501, and the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, it is determined whether the waiting time for opening has elapsed. If the waiting time for opening has not elapsed, the main game state transition process is ended. If the waiting time for opening has elapsed, a big winning opening opening/closing process is executed in step S509. Here, the big winning opening opening/closing process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20.

First, in step S601, it is determined whether the variable winning device 302 is in an open state and the big winning opening 303 is open. Specifically, this determination is made based on the driving state of the variable prize winning driving section 324. If the big prize opening 303 is not opened, it is determined in step S602 whether the value of the round counter RC is "0" or not, and in step S603 it is determined whether the value of the timer counter T is "0" or not. Determine.

If the value of the round counter RC is "0" or if the value of the timer counter T is not "0", the main prize opening opening/closing process is immediately terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the round counter RC is not "0" and the value of the timer counter T is "0", the process advances to step S604, and the variable winning drive section 324 is activated to open the variable winning device 302. Set to driving state.

In the following step S605, a round opening time setting process is executed. In the opening time setting process, "15000" (30 sec) corresponding to the upper limit opening time (upper limit opening period) of the round is input to the timer counter T.

In the following step S606, the upper limit number of winnings for each round is set. In the process of setting the upper limit number of winnings for each round, a process of inputting "10" corresponding to the upper limit number of winnings into the winning counter PC provided in the various counter areas 114d of the RAM 114 is performed.

Then, in step S607, an open command is set, and the main opening/closing process ends. This set release command is sent to the production control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 16). The performance control device 82 determines the content of the performance corresponding to each round based on the received release command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the performance is executed.

Further, if the variable prize winning device 302 is in the open state in step S601, the process advances to step S608, and it is determined whether or not the value of the timer counter T is "0". If the value of the timer counter T is not "0", it is determined in step S609 whether or not a game ball has won in the variable winning device 302 based on the detection state of the winning sensor 302a for the big winning opening. If no winning has occurred, the main opening/closing process is ended. On the other hand, if a winning has occurred, the value of the winning counter PC is decremented by 1 in step S610, and then it is determined in step S611 whether or not the value of the winning counter PC is "0". If not, the main opening/closing process is ended.

If the value of the timer counter T is "0" in step S608 and the upper limit opening time has elapsed, or if the value of the winning counter PC is "0" and a winning of the upper limit number of prizes has occurred in step S611, , which means that the round end conditions have been met. In such a case, in step S612, the variable winning prize driving section 324 is brought into a non-driving state in order to close the variable winning prize device 302.

In the following step S613, the value of the round counter RC is decremented by 1, and a process of updating the round counter RC is executed. In the following step S614, it is determined whether the value of the round counter RC is "0".

If the value of the round counter RC is not "0", in step S615, the closing time is set between rounds, that is, from when the variable winning device 302 is changed from the open state to the closed state and until it is set to the open state again. Execute processing. In the closing time setting process, a process is performed in which "1000" (2 sec) corresponding to the waiting time (interval) between rounds is input into the timer counter T.

Thereafter, a closing command is set in step S616, and the main opening/closing process is ended. The closing command is sent to the production control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 16). The performance control device 82 determines the content of the performance corresponding to the interval of the round game based on the received closing command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the performance is executed.

If it is determined in step S614 that the value of the round counter RC is "0", ending start processing is executed in step S617. In the start processing, an ending standby time for waiting without starting the next game round is set for the ending of the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, the timer counter T is set with waiting time information for ending, which is stored in advance in the ROM 113.

After that, in step S618, an ending command is set, and then the main opening/closing process is ended. The ending command is sent to the production control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 16). The effect control device 82 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the end of the opening/closing execution mode based on the received ending command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the effect is executed.

Returning to the explanation of the game state transition process (FIG. 19), after executing the big winning opening opening/closing process in step S509, the process for transition to the high probability mode is executed in step S510.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21(a), in the process of transitioning to the high probability mode, first in step S701, the winning of the game ball to the V gate 353 (V It is determined whether or not a winning (winning) has occurred. If it is determined that a winning of a game ball to the V gate 353 has occurred, a high probability mode shift flag is set in the various flag storage areas 114e of the RAM 114 in step S702. Thereby, settings are made for shifting the lottery mode to the high probability mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends.

Note that the process for transitioning to the high probability mode is executed only when the opening/closing execution mode is being executed (see step S501 in FIG. 19), so the determination of whether or not a V winning has occurred in step S701 The process is executed only when the open/close execution mode is being executed. That is, only when the game ball passes through the V gate 353 during execution of the opening/closing execution mode, the high probability mode transition flag is set. Therefore, even if a game ball passes through the V gate 353 during a period when the opening/closing execution mode is not being executed, the high probability mode transition flag will not be set. That is, the non-execution period of the opening/closing execution mode is the invalid period of the V winning prize.

After executing the process of step S702, or when a negative determination is made in step S701 (when it is determined that a V winning prize has not occurred), the process for transitioning to the high probability mode is ended.

As shown in FIG. 19, after executing the process of step S510, it is determined in step S511 whether the round counter RC is "0". If the value of the round counter RC is not "0", the main gaming state transition process is immediately ended. On the other hand, if the value of the round counter RC is "0", the timer counter T determines in step S512 whether or not the waiting time for ending has ended. If the waiting time for the ending has not ended, the main game state transition process is ended. On the other hand, if the waiting time for ending has ended, in step S513, transition processing at the end of the opening/closing execution mode is executed. In the transition process at the end of the opening/closing execution mode, a winning lottery mode and a support mode are set after the opening/closing execution mode.

Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21(b), first, in step S801, it is determined whether a high probability mode shift flag is stored in the various flag storage area 114e of the RAM 114. If an affirmative determination is made in step S801, the process proceeds to step S802, where the high probability mode shift flag stored in the flag storage area 114e is erased, and the high probability mode flag is set in the area 114e. As a result, the lottery mode shifts to the high probability mode.

In the following step S803, a high frequency support mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 114e of the RAM 114. This causes the support mode to shift to high-frequency support mode. The high probability mode flag and high frequency support mode flag set in steps S802 and S803, respectively, are erased in step S504 (FIG. 19) when the next jackpot is won.

If a negative determination is made in step S801 (if it is determined that the high probability mode transition flag is not stored), the process proceeds to step S804, and a high frequency support mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 114e of the RAM 114. In the subsequent step S805, the game number counter GC provided in the various counter areas 114d of the RAM 114 is set to "100". This game number counter GC is decremented by 1 each time a special figure game is executed while the support mode is transitioning to the high-frequency support mode. Then, when the number of games counter GC becomes "0", the high frequency support mode flag set in the various flag storage area 114e of the RAM 114 is erased. That is, the high-frequency support mode ends, and the support mode shifts to the low-frequency support mode.

After executing the process of step S803 or step S805, the transition process at the end of the opening/closing execution mode is ended.

Returning to the explanation of the gaming state transition process (FIG. 19), after executing the process of step S513, a process for ending the display of the round display section RS is executed in step S514. Next, in step S515, the opening/closing execution mode ending process is executed, and then the main game state transition process is ended. In the process of ending the opening/closing execution mode, a transition to the opening/closing execution mode is performed, and various counters and flags used during the opening/closing execution mode are erased.

<About the flow of the game>
Next, the flow of the game when the opening/closing execution mode is executed will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10, FIGS. 22 and 23.

The variable winning device 302 (variable winning unit 301) is arranged at a position where a winning can be made only when the game ball flows down the right route. Therefore, when executing the opening/closing execution mode, it is assumed that the player shoots the game ball so as to flow down the right route. Further, when the opening/closing execution mode is executed, the shutter 304 is controlled to be switched between the protruding position and the retracted position, and the variable prize winning device 302 is opened and closed.

Then, when the game ball reaches the upper area (specific area) of the grand prize opening 303 in a situation where the variable winning device 302 is in the open state (the shutter 304 is placed in the retracted position), the game ball is moved to the big winning opening 303. Win a prize. Thereafter, the prize balls corresponding to the winning are paid out.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 8(a), when the game ball reaches the shutter 304 in a situation where the variable winning device 302 is in the closed state (the shutter 304 is placed in the protruding position), the corresponding The game ball rolls on the shutter 304 and advances laterally. Then, when the shutter 304 retreats from the protruding position to the retracted position at the timing when the game ball is located between the protruding part 332 of the shutter 304 and the specific ball entrance 331 (first area 333), the protruding part 332 comes into contact with.

Here, as shown in FIG. 22(a), the protrusion part 332 has a first extrusion part 371 and a second extrusion part as parts that can come into contact with the game ball on the first area 333 and push out the game ball. A section 372 is provided. The first push-out section 371 is configured such that a game ball abutment surface 371a faces the specific ball entry port 331 side (the rear of the gaming machine), and pushes out the game ball that has come into contact with it toward the specific ball entry port 331 side. There is. On the other hand, the second extrusion section 372 has a contact surface 372a for the game ball facing in a direction different from the specific ball entry port 331 side (diagonally rearward of the gaming machine), and the second pusher 372 pushes the game ball into an area different from the specific ball entry port 331. It is configured to push out. The abutment surfaces 371a, 372a of each of these extrusion parts 371, 372 are formed of curved surfaces in a side view (FIG. 22(b)), and the curvature thereof is the same or approximately the same as the curvature of the game ball.

The first extrusion part 371 is arranged at the left and right center of the protrusion part 332, and the second extrusion part 372 is arranged on both left and right sides of the first extrusion part 371. Therefore, when the shutter 304 is retracted at the timing when the game ball is located at the left and right center of the projection 332 behind the projection 332, the game ball is guided to the specific ball entrance 331 by the first extrusion part 371. He enters the ball into the specific ball entrance 331. On the other hand, if the shutter 304 is retracted at a timing when the game ball is close to either the left or right side of the protruding part 332, the game ball is guided by the second extrusion part 372 to an area left or right away from the specific ball entry opening 331. He does not enter the ball into the specific ball entrance 331.

In other words, only some of the game balls that have come into contact with the protrusion 332 enter the specific ball entry opening 331. As a result, even if a game ball contacts the protrusion 332, it does not necessarily mean that the ball will enter the specific ball entry port 331, and the player cannot rest assured until the game ball enters the specific ball entry port 331. Become something. In other words, it is possible to maintain the feeling of excitement as to whether or not the ball will enter the specific ball entry port 331 until the ball enters the specific ball entry port 331.

In this embodiment, the area of the first extrusion part 371 (abutment surface 371a) is smaller than the area of the second extrusion part 372 (abutment surface 372a) (the total area of the left and right abutment surfaces 372a). . Therefore, the game ball on the shutter 304 is more likely to contact the second extrusion part 372 than the first extrusion part 371, and the probability that a game ball that has come into contact with the protrusion 332 will not enter the specific ball entrance 331 is: This is higher than the probability of hitting the ball.

In addition, by positioning the second extrusion parts 372 on both the left and right sides of the first extrusion part 371, the portion of the protrusion part 332 on the front side of the rear part 373 is wider than the first extrusion part 371 (W2> W1). Therefore, when viewed from the front from the front of the game machine, the protruding portion 332 appears larger than the first extrusion portion 371 (the portion that guides the game ball to the specific ball entry opening 331). Therefore, although the player is given the impression that the game ball is easily guided to the specific ball entry port 331, the difficulty of entering the ball into the specific ball entry port 331 is actually higher than the visual impression. As a result, while keeping the frequency of balls entering the specific ball opening 331 low, it gives an impression that it is easy to enter the ball, and suitably increases the player's desire to play (the desire to challenge the ball entering the specific ball opening 331). It can be evoked.

Moreover, the height dimension H1 of the protrusion part 332 (first extrusion part 371) is larger than 1/2 of the diameter D2 of the game ball, but smaller than the diameter D2. By making the height dimension H1 larger than 1/2 of the diameter D2, when the game ball is pushed out by the projection 332, the game ball is prevented from climbing over the projection 332 and falling forward, resulting in a good pushing operation. becomes possible. On the other hand, by making the height dimension H1 smaller than the diameter D2, at least a part of the game ball can be seen through the protrusion 332 when viewed from the front from the front of the game machine, and the protrusion 332 makes the game ball more visible. can be prevented from being excessively hindered.

Under such a configuration, the game ball that comes into contact with the second extrusion part 372 and is guided to a region away from the specific ball entrance 331 collides with the flat plate part 312 of the base body 311 and is bounced forward of the game machine. and win a prize in the big prize opening 303. Further, the game ball (game ball B2) located in the second area 334 (FIG. 8) on the shutter 304 and not in contact with the protrusion 332 also enters the prize in the big prize opening 303 when the shutter 304 retreats.

On the other hand, the game ball that comes into contact with the first extrusion part 371 and is guided to the specific ball entrance 331 enters the second guide path 335 and advances to the back side, as shown in FIG. 8(b). At this time, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the through hole 339 of the shutter 304 moves to a position where it does not overlap with the second guide passage 335 as the shutter 304 retreats, and the second guide passage 335 The bottom of the entire area is closed. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the second guide path 335 advances to the exit section 336, is discharged to the front side of the game machine, and enters the distribution device 345.

Thereafter, the game balls that have entered the sorting device 345 are sorted into either the left or right branch passages 348, 349 by the sorting member 351 (FIG. 6(b)). As shown in FIG. 23(a), when the game ball is distributed to the first branch passage 348 side, the game ball passes through the V gate 353 installed below the first branch passage 348. As a result, the main control device 81 determines that a V winning has occurred (see FIG. 20), and the player has acquired the right to play in the high probability mode. In this case, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, a transition is made to a variable probability gaming state in which the lottery mode is a high probability mode and the support mode is a high frequency support mode.

Here, in this embodiment, the distribution device 345 is configured to alternately distribute the game balls to the first branch passage 348 and the second branch passage 349. For this reason, the player's enjoyment does not end when the game ball passes through the V gate 353, and even after the game ball passes through the V gate 353, the distribution mode of the distribution member 351 is open and closed. You can enjoy how the mode ends.

For example, when the opening/closing execution mode ends with the distribution member 351 distributing the game balls to the first branch passage 348 side (distributing the game balls that entered next to the second branch passage 349 side), Unless the game ball enters the specific entrance ball opening 331 (distributing device 345) twice in the next opening/closing execution mode, the game ball will not be distributed to the first branch passage 348 side and will not pass through the V gate 353. On the other hand, if the opening/closing execution mode ends with the distribution member 351 distributing the game balls to the second branch passage 349 side, in the next opening/closing execution mode, one If the ball enters twice, the game ball will be distributed to the first branch passage 348 side and pass through the V gate 353. In other words, the latter makes it easier to generate a V winning prize in the next opening/closing execution mode than the former, which is advantageous for the player. In order to achieve the latter state, after the game ball passes through the V gate 353, the game ball is allowed to enter the specific ball entrance 331 (distributing device 345) at least once, and the distributing member 351 distributes the game ball. It is necessary to switch the mode of separation. Therefore, even after passing through the V gate 353, the game can be played with the expectation that the game ball will enter the specific ball entrance 331.

Note that the sorting mode of the sorting device 345 is not limited to being switched alternately. For example, it may be distributed twice to the second branch passage 349 and then once to the first branch passage 348. The point is that the sorting device 345 sorts the game balls in a predetermined sorting manner, and then the player can predict or understand where the game balls will be sorted when they enter the sorting device 345. It is enough if it is possible.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23(b), if the game ball is sorted to the second branch passage 349 side and enters the out port 37 without passing through the V gate 353, no V winning will occur. . However, during the execution period of the opening/closing execution mode, since the state in which it is easy for the ball to enter the specific ball entry port 331 continues, it is assumed that the ball passes through the V gate 353 by entering the specific ball entry port 331 once. Even if the player is unable to do so, he or she can play the game with the aim of entering the specific ball entrance 331 (passing through the V gate 353) until the opening/closing execution mode ends.

If the opening/closing execution mode ends without the game ball passing through the V gate 353, it means that the player has not been able to acquire the right to play in the high probability mode. In this case, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the game shifts to a time-saving gaming state in which the lottery mode is a low probability mode and the support mode is a high frequency support mode.

Next, the flow of the game when the opening/closing execution mode is not in progress will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Here, a situation will be described in which it is assumed that the game ball is launched so as to flow down the right route (when the support mode is the high-frequency support mode).

When the opening/closing execution mode is not being executed, the variable prize winning device 302 is maintained in the closed state, and the shutter 304 is stopped at the protruding position. In such a situation, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when a game ball hit to the right reaches the shutter 304, the game ball rolls on the shutter 304 and advances laterally, and enters the specific ball entrance 331. pass in front. Thereafter, it passes over the left upper surface portion 313b of the bulging portion 313, falls downward, and is guided to the out port 37. In other words, basically, game balls do not enter the specific ball entrance 331.

However, when the game ball flows over the shutter 304, the direction of the ball may change due to contact with the protrusion 332, and the ball may enter the specific ball entrance 331. In this case, the game ball that has entered the specific ball entrance 331 falls into the vertical passage 342 through the through hole 339 and is ejected from the game area PE, as shown in FIG. 7(a). That is, even if a game ball enters the specific ball entrance 331 in a situation where the opening/closing execution mode is not being executed, the game ball will not be able to pass through the V gate 353 and will be treated as an out ball. .

According to this embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be achieved.

In the above configuration, the opening/closing execution mode is executed in which the variable winning device 302 (big winning opening 303) is opened and closed based on the result of the winning lottery being a jackpot. Therefore, by executing the opening/closing execution mode, the player can enjoy a game in which winnings occur in the big winning hole 303 and winning prize balls are won. In addition, in this configuration, when the shutter 304 moves from the protruding position (closed position) to the retracted position (open position), the game ball on the shutter 304 is guided to the rear side of the gaming machine at the upper surface 304a of the shutter 304. A first area 333 and a second area 334 in which the game balls on the shutter 304 fall downward are provided. Then, the game ball guided to the rear side of the game machine by the first area 333 enters the specific ball entrance 331, and then, when the game ball passes through the V gate 353, a privilege is given (transition of a variable game state). will be granted. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game in which the player watches the position of the game ball on the shutter 304 and expects the shutter 304 to move from the protruding position to the retracted position at the timing when the game ball is present in the first area 333. can. As a result, it is possible to realize a gaming experience that is not limited to whether or not a prize is won in the big prize opening 303 when executing the opening/closing execution mode, and it is possible to suitably liven up the game when the opening/closing execution mode is executed. It becomes possible.

In addition, with this configuration, since it becomes easier for the ball to enter the specific ball entry port 331 when the shutter 304 moves from the protruding position to the retracted position, the ball enters the specific ball entry port 331 when switching between opening and closing in the variable winning device 302. A game that aims to generate a ball can be provided. Generally, a game that generates a prize in the big prize opening 303 is enjoyed mainly during the period when the variable prize winning device 302 is in the open state, but with this configuration, the game can also be played during the period when the variable winning device 302 is in the open state. It is possible to play the game by aiming to play the ball into the specific ball entrance 331. In other words, the game can be enjoyed not only during the period when the variable prize winning device 302 is in the open state, but also when it is switched to the open state, and it is possible to enhance the interest when executing the opening/closing execution mode.

At that time, in this configuration, when a game ball arrives in a situation where the variable winning device 302 is in an open state, a specific area (area opened and closed by the shutter 304) is provided where the game ball flows into the big winning opening 303, and the above-mentioned When a game ball is present in the specific area at the time of switching, the game ball is configured to enter the specific ball entrance 331. In other words, since the points that the player should pay attention to are concentrated in a specific area, it is possible to grasp both the winning of the prize into the big winning hole 303 and the ball entering the specific ball entering hole 331 without moving the line of sight. can. Therefore, it is possible to prevent one or both of these balls from being missed, and it is possible to provide a configuration that is easy to play.

A protruding part 332 is provided on the upper surface part 304a (first region 333) of the shutter 304, and when the shutter 304 moves from the protruding position to the retracted position, the protruding part 332 is brought into contact with the game ball on the upper surface part 304a, and the game The configuration is such that the ball is guided to the specific ball entrance 331 by being pushed toward the rear of the aircraft. In this case, a function for guiding the game ball on the shutter 304 to the rear side of the game machine is built integrally with the shutter 304, and the game ball is guided to the specific ball entrance 331 by using the movement of the shutter 304 moving to the retracted position. can be induced. Thereby, the guidance of the game ball to the rear side of the game machine can be well linked to the switching of opening and closing of the variable prize winning device 302, and such a configuration can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

Is the second guide passage 335 through which the game ball that enters the specific ball entrance 331 flows is arranged behind the big prize opening 303, and the game ball flowing through the second guide passage 335 moves to the vertical passage 342 side? The shutter 304 is configured to determine whether it moves to the exit portion 336 side. Thereby, when executing the opening/closing execution mode, it is possible to enjoy not only whether or not a prize will be won in the grand prize opening 303, but also to which direction the game balls flowing through the second guide path 335 will be distributed. In addition, the above distribution can be performed using the shutter 304 that opens and closes the big prize opening 303 and its movement, and the distribution can be well linked to the opening and closing of the big prize opening 303, and the second guide passage 335 It is also possible to simplify the configuration by eliminating the need for a dedicated opening/closing body and its driving means.

<Modification 1>
This modification differs from the first embodiment in that a plurality of jackpot types are set and the opening/closing mode of the variable winning device 302 (shutter 304) is set for each jackpot type. The configuration of this modification will be described below with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the distribution table.

The distribution table is a table used to distribute the jackpot type when the result of the lottery is a jackpot. As shown in FIG. 24(a), 10R jackpot result A, 10R jackpot result B, and 10R jackpot result C are set as jackpot types. Each of these 10R jackpot results is a jackpot result in which 10 round games are executed.

In this modification, as aspects of opening/closing control of the variable winning device 302 in the opening/closing execution mode, a first opening/closing mode and a second opening/closing mode in which the number of openings and closings of the variable winning device 302 between the start and end of the round game are different. mode is set. Here, each opening/closing mode will be explained with reference to FIG. 25.

The first opening/closing mode is similar to the round game described in the first embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 25(a), one opening is performed in one round of the round game. The opening continues until a predetermined time period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed or until the number of prizes entered into the big prize opening 303 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 prizes).

In the second opening/closing mode, as shown in FIG. 25(b), opening is performed multiple times in one round of the round game, and in this modification, opening is performed four times. Among these four openings, the first three openings 381, 382, and 383 are short-term opening modes in which the opening time is relatively short, and each opening is for a first period of time from the start of opening. will continue until In this modification, the first time is 0.3 seconds. The fourth and final opening 387 is a long-term opening mode in which the opening time is relatively long, and continues until the second time period elapses from the start of opening. In this modification, the second time is 27 seconds.

In addition, if the number of prizes entered into the big winning hole 303 after the round game for one round has started (the first opening 381 has started) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10), each opening 381~ The round game ends even in the middle of 383 and 387, and the variable winning device 302 is switched to the closed state.

As explained in the first embodiment, the entry of a ball into the specific ball entry opening 331 is determined at the timing when the shutter 304 is switched from the protruding position to the retracted position (when the variable winning device 302 is switched from the closed state to the open state). It is more likely to occur at certain times of the year. In this way, a chance for a ball to enter the specific ball entry opening 331 occurs at the start of each opening, but in the second opening/closing mode in which the shutter 304 is opened and closed many times, the above-mentioned chance for a ball to enter the ball entry opening 331 occurs more often (this modification). (4 times in the example). Therefore, the second opening/closing mode is an opening/closing mode in which the ball enters the specific ball entry opening 331 more easily than the first opening/closing mode in which the number of openings and closings is small.

Here, in the second opening/closing mode, the closing time (closing 384, 385, 386) between each opening 381 to 383, 387 is a third time (for example, 0.7 sec) longer than 0.6 sec, which is the firing cycle of the game ball. ). Therefore, at least one game ball can reach the upper surface 304a of the shutter 304 during the period when the variable winning device 302 is closed (the shutter 304 is located at the protruding position). As a result, in each of the openings 381 to 383, 387, the shutter 304 is prevented from moving from the closed position (projected position) to the open position (retracted position) in a state where no game ball is present on the shutter 304.

In addition, the total (0.9 sec) of the opening time (0.3 sec) of the previous three openings 381 to 383 is the maximum number of winnings in the big winning opening 303 for the firing cycle of the game ball (0.6 sec). It is shorter than the time (6 seconds) multiplied by (10 pieces). This prevents the round game from ending with the upper limit winning number of game balls winning before the fourth opening 387 is executed, and opening and closing for four times is almost reliably carried out. Therefore, regardless of the skill of the player, anyone can enjoy the above-mentioned chance to hit the ball four times (the maximum number of openings and closings that can be performed in one round of round games).

Incidentally, in the variable winning device 302, when the shutter 304 moves from the closed position (projected position) to the open position (retracted position) in a situation where a game ball is present on the upper surface 304a of the shutter 304, the ball enters the specific ball entrance 331. The game balls that do not hit the ball fall downward and can be won in the big prize opening 303 (FIG. 6(b)). In other words, since the game balls that have reached the upper surface part 304a during the closed period of the variable winning device 302 can also win in the big winning hole 303, it is assumed that the remaining number of winning balls up to the upper limit winning number will be reduced by such winning balls. Considering this point, the sum (3 sec) of the total opening time of openings 381 to 383 (0.9 sec) and the total closing time of closing 384 to 386 (2.1 sec) is set to be shorter than the above multiplication time. It is preferable.

In this modification, the opening time of each opening 381 to 383 is the same time or a time shorter than the firing cycle of the game ball, but if the total of them is shorter than the above multiplication time, they are treated as different times. Alternatively, the time may be longer than the firing cycle of the game ball.

Furthermore, in the second opening/closing mode, the total opening time (30 sec) of the four openings 381 to 383, 387 is longer than the multiplication time. Therefore, in the second opening/closing mode, it is possible to expect to win the maximum number of winning game balls (10 balls). Note that the same applies to the first opening/closing mode in that you can expect to win the game balls up to the maximum number of winning balls.

In this modification, the total opening time of the openings 381 to 383, 387 is made the same as the opening time of the first opening/closing mode, but the time may be different as long as it is longer than the multiplication time. Further, the number of openings in the second opening/closing mode is not limited to four times, and can be arbitrarily set as long as it is greater than the number of openings in the first opening/closing mode. Furthermore, the number of openings in the first opening/closing mode is not limited to one, but may be multiple times as long as it is less than the number of openings in the second opening/closing mode.

As shown in FIG. 24(b), when the jackpot type is 10R jackpot result A, the variable winning device 302 is driven and controlled in the first opening/closing mode in the first to tenth round games. In addition, in the case of 10R jackpot result B, the variable winning device 302 is driven and controlled in the first opening/closing mode in the first to ninth round games, and the variable winning device 302 is driven and controlled in the first opening/closing mode, and the variable prize winning device 302 is controlled in the first opening/closing mode in the 10th round game, which is the final round. The device 302 is driven and controlled in the second opening/closing mode. In addition, in the case of 10R jackpot result C, the variable winning device 302 is driven and controlled in the second opening/closing mode in the 3rd, 7th, and 10th round games, and in the remaining 7 rounds of round games. The variable prize winning device 302 is driven and controlled in the first opening/closing mode. In other words, the number of round games in which the second opening/closing mode is implemented increases in the order of 10R jackpot result A, 10R jackpot result B, and 10R jackpot result C, and the ease of transition to the variable gaming state is 10R jackpot result C. is given the most preferential treatment.

In the distribution table of FIG. 24(a), among the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of "0 to 99", "0" to "39" correspond to the 10R jackpot result A, and "40" to "69" correspond to the 10R jackpot result A. This corresponds to jackpot result B, and "70" to "99" correspond to jackpot result C. That is, which jackpot type will be selected is selected based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2 acquired at the time of starting winning that triggered the occurrence of the jackpot (at the time of winning at the operating ports 33, 34).

Then, when a ball enters the specific ball entry port 331 during the execution of the opening/closing execution mode corresponding to each jackpot type, the game ball is guided to the sorting device 345 and placed in the V gate as described above. 353 (see FIGS. 10 and 23). When the game ball passes through the V gate 353, a V winning occurs, and after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the gaming state shifts to a variable probability gaming state.

In this way, a second opening/closing mode is provided in which the ball is likely to enter the specific ball entrance 331, and in the opening/closing mode, the variable prize winning device 302 is driven to control multiple types of jackpot results in which the number of round games differs. Set. As a result, depending on which opening/closing execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result is executed, it is possible to make a difference in the ease of transition to the variable probability gaming state, and it is possible to improve the interest.

Furthermore, in the first opening/closing execution mode, a round game in which the variable winning device 302 is drive-controlled in the first opening/closing mode, and a round game in which the variable winning device 302 is drive-controlled in the second opening/closing mode are provided. For this reason, in the opening/closing execution mode, there are periods in which it is easy to acquire the right to transition to the fixed variable gaming state (periods in which it is easy for the ball to enter the specific ball entry hole 331) and periods in which it is not, which adds to the rhythm of the game. becomes possible.

Furthermore, in this configuration, the ease of acquiring the right to transition to the variable gaming state (the ease of occurrence of V winnings) corresponds to the opening/closing mode (movement) of the shutter 304, so the movement of the shutter 304 This can indicate the ease with which the above-mentioned transition rights can be obtained. In other words, the shutter 304 functions to open and close the big prize opening 303, and at the same time functions as a movable accessory that makes it easier to acquire the transfer rights, making the game more enjoyable than a gaming machine that only does the former. It becomes possible to suitably raise the temperature.

<Modification 2>
In this modification, the configuration of the variable prize winning device is different from that of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the ball enters the specific ball opening 331 at the timing when the variable winning device 302 switches from the closed state to the open state. However, in this modification, the variable winning device The configuration is such that a ball is likely to enter the specific ball entry port 331 at the timing when the ball 302 switches from the open state to the closed state. The configuration of this modification will be described below with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a variable winning device 402 and its peripheral configuration according to this modification, and FIG. 27 is a partially enlarged view of the variable winning device 402. In these figures, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 26(a), in the variable winning device 402 of this modification, a bulging portion 403 is provided adjacent to the shutter 304 on the left side of the shutter 304. The bulging part 403 protrudes forward from the flat plate part 312 (FIG. 5) of the base body 311, and a big prize opening 404 is provided on the side thereof so as to open toward the shutter 304 side. The grand prize opening 404 has a size that allows one game ball to win. The base body 311 is provided with a first guide passage 405 that guides the game ball that has entered the big prize opening 404 to the back side of the base body 311 (game board 24). A winning sensor for the big winning hole that detects the winning game ball in the big winning hole 404 is arranged.

In this modification, the shutter 304 is provided with a guiding function for guiding the game ball to the big prize opening 404. Specifically, the height position of the shutter 304 is set so that the upper surface 304a of the shutter 304 is at the same height as the lower end of the grand prize opening 404, and the game ball moving on the shutter 304 enters the grand prize opening 404. configured to flow in.

As shown in FIG. 26(b), when the shutter 304 is disposed at the protruding position, the upper surface portion 304a of the shutter 304 forms a ball path that guides the game ball to the big prize opening 404. Therefore, the game ball flowing down the right route (FIG. 4) is guided toward the shutter 304 by the upper flow path forming part 314, and then rolls in the ball path (above the upper surface 304a of the shutter 304). It becomes possible to win in the big prize opening 404. In other words, in this modification, it is possible to enter the big prize opening 404 in a situation where the shutter 304 is placed in the protruding position, and the variable winning device 402 is in the open state.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26(c), when the shutter 304 is placed in the retracted position, the shutter 304 is recessed into the rear of the gaming machine from the front part of the base body 311 (gaming board 24). , the above ball passage disappears. Therefore, the game ball guided to the shutter 304 side by the upper channel forming part 314 falls downward without reaching the big prize opening 404 and is led out to the out opening 37. In other words, in a situation where the shutter 304 is placed in the retracted position, it is impossible to win a prize in the big winning opening 404, and the variable winning device 402 is in a closed state.

That is, in this modification, the relationship between the position of the shutter 304 and the opening/closing of the variable winning device 402 is opposite to that of the variable winning device 302 according to the first embodiment.

Similar to the first embodiment, a specific ball entry opening 331 is formed above the shutter 304 in the base body 311 (flat plate portion 312) so as to be adjacent to the shutter 304. As shown in FIG. 26(b), the specific ball entry port 331 communicates with a second guide path 335, and the game ball that has entered the specific ball entry port 331 is passed through the base body 311 ( After being guided to the back side of the game board 24), the player is guided to the front side again.

Further, the shutter 304 is provided with a through hole 339 for guiding the game balls flowing through the second guide path 335 to the vertical path 342 (FIG. 7). Similarly to the first embodiment, the through hole 339 overlaps with the second guide passage 335 when the shutter 304 is placed in the protruding position, and overlaps with the second guide passage 335 when the shutter 304 is placed in the retracted position. 335 (FIGS. 26(b) and 26(c)).

However, in this modification, when the shutter 304 is placed in the protruding position, the variable winning device 402 is in the open state, and when the shutter 304 is in the retracted position, the variable winning device 402 is in the open state. Therefore, unlike the case of the first embodiment, the through hole 339 and the second guide passage 335 overlap when the variable winning device 402 is in the open state, and when the variable winning device 402 is in the closed state The through hole 339 and the second guide passage 335 do not overlap.

Under such a configuration, when the shutter 304 moves from the protruding position (open position) to the retracted position (closed position), the game ball is located between the protruding part 332 on the shutter 304 and the specific ball entry opening 331. (game ball B1 in FIG. 27(a)), the game ball is pushed out to the rear side of the game machine by the protrusion 332 and guided to the specific ball entrance 331. As a result, the game ball enters the specific ball entrance 331 as shown in FIG. 27(b).

On the other hand, for a game ball that is not located between the protruding part 332 and the specific ball entry opening 331 when the shutter 304 is switched from the protruding position to the retracted position, like the game ball B2 in FIG. 27(a), As the shutter 304 retreats, it loses its support and falls downward. That is, in this modification as well, the upper surface 304a of the shutter 304 has a first area 333 that can guide the game ball on the shutter 304 to the rear side of the game machine, and a first area 333 that can guide the game ball on the shutter 304 downward. A second region 334 is provided in which the material can be dropped. The game ball that has fallen downward is guided to the out port 37 (FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 26(b), when the shutter 304 is switched from the protruding position to the retracted position, the game ball that is guided to the rear side of the game machine and enters the specific ball entrance 331 enters the through hole 339 in the closed state. Since the second guide passage 335 does not overlap with the second guide passage 335, it advances to the exit portion 336 and is discharged to the front side of the gaming machine. After that, similarly to the first embodiment, the game ball enters the sorting device 345 (FIG. 23) and passes through the V gate 353 when sorted to the first branch passage 348 side. This passage causes a V win, and in this case, the gaming state shifts to the variable probability gaming state after the opening/closing execution mode ends. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in this modification as well.

In addition, in this modification, since the through hole 339 and the second guide passage 335 do not overlap when the variable prize winning device 402 is in the closed state, the game ball does not enter the specified ball in the normal gaming state in which the opening/closing execution mode is not executed. When the ball enters the opening 331, it may proceed to the exit of the second guide passage 335 and pass through the V gate 353. However, since the process of determining whether or not there is a V winning prize (step S701 in FIG. 21) is executed only when the opening/closing execution mode is being executed, even if the game ball passes through the V gate 353 in the normal gaming state, There is no transition to a variable gaming state.

Here, when this modification is compared with the first embodiment described above, there are the following differences.

The variable winning device 302 according to the first embodiment is configured to allow the game ball to enter the specific ball entrance 331 when the variable winning device 402 is switched from the closed state to the open state. At that time, the game balls that did not enter the specific ball entrance 331 fall downward, but at that point the variable prize winning device 402 has completed the transition to the open state, so the fallen game balls are It flows into the prize opening 303. That is, the game ball that did not enter the specific ball entry port 331 can be picked up by the big winning a prize port 303, and it can be suppressed from becoming an out ball.

On the other hand, in this modification, the game ball is made to enter the specific ball entry opening 331 when the variable prize winning device 402 is switched from the open state to the closed state. Since the opening/closing execution mode (jackpot game) ends when the open state is switched to the closed state, according to this modification, the player expects the ball to enter the specific ball opening 331 until the opening/closing execution mode ends. becomes possible. That is, it becomes possible to maintain the expectation of the player who expects the transition to the variable probability gaming state until the opening/closing execution mode ends.

<Other embodiments>
Note that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in each of the embodiments and modifications described above, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be applied individually to each of the above embodiments and each modification, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above embodiments and each modification. Further, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or part of the various configurations shown in the above embodiments and modifications. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects exhibited) of each configuration to be combined is ensured. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration consisting of a combination of embodiments and modified examples, or it is also possible to apply some or all of them in combination.

(1) In the above embodiment, the shutter (movable body) 304 moves back and forth to open and close the grand prize openings 303 and 404, but the movable body moves in the left and right direction to open and close the grand prize opening. It is also possible to have a configuration in which Such a configuration will be explained with reference to FIG. 28. In addition, in the figure, the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the variable prize winning device 502 according to this configuration, the base body 311 is provided with a bulging portion 503 that bulges forward of the gaming machine. The bulging portion 503 is provided with a large prize opening 504 that opens upward, and a shutter 501 is provided to cover the large prize opening 504 from above. The shutter 501 is movable in the left and right direction, and has two positions: a closed position (FIGS. 28(a) and 28(b)) where it is located above the grand prize opening 504 and closes the grand prize opening 504; It is possible to switch to the open position (FIGS. 28(c) and 28(d)) by moving to the left from above 504 and opening the big winning opening 504.

As shown in FIG. 28(a), the base body 311 is provided with a specific ball entrance opening 331 that opens toward the front. The specific ball entry opening 331 is located to the left of the shutter 501 when the shutter 501 is placed in the closed position, and is located at the rear of the shutter 501 when the shutter 501 is placed in the open position. There is. Further, on the left side of the specific ball entrance 331, a protrusion 505 is provided that protrudes forward of the gaming machine. The protrusion 505 is adjacent to the specific ball entry opening 331 and is arranged at a height that allows the shutter 501 to pass below the protrusion 505 .

Further, a through hole 339 is formed in the shutter 501. The through hole 339 is provided so as not to overlap the second guide passage 335 when the shutter 501 is placed in the closed position, and not to overlap the second guide passage 335 when the shutter 501 is placed in the open position. There is.

In this configuration, when the shutter 501 moves from the closed position to the open position, the game ball on the shutter 501 approaches the protrusion 505 as the shutter 501 moves (FIGS. 28(c) and 28(d)). In addition, when the shutter 501 enters the lower region of the specific ball entry opening 331, a bottom portion is formed by the shutter 501. Therefore, the game ball that approaches the protrusion 505 contacts the protrusion 505 without falling downward, and is guided to the rear side of the game machine and enters the specific ball entrance 331. At this time, in order to stably guide the game ball to the protrusion 505, a protrusion (extrusion part) that protrudes upward is provided at the right end of the upper surface of the shutter 501, and the protrusion pushes out the game ball on the shutter 501. You can do it like this.

The game ball that enters the specific ball entry port 331 flows through the second guide path 335 and is guided to the exit section 336. When a plurality of game balls are present on the shutter 501, some of them fall down from the right side of the shutter 501 and enter the big winning hole 504 which is in an open state. In addition, when a game ball enters the specific ball entry port 331 in a situation where the shutter 501 is placed in the closed position, the game ball enters the vertical path 342 ( FIG. 7) and is led out to the discharge passage board 88.

In this way, with this configuration as well, it is possible to create a configuration in which the ball enters the specific ball entry opening 331 when the position of the shutter 501 is switched, and it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the above embodiment. Note that in the above configuration, the specific ball entry port 331 is provided in the base body 311, but the specific ball entry port 331 may be provided on the right side of the protrusion 505, and the ball entry port 331 may be configured to open to the right. .

(2) In the embodiment described above, when the shutter 304 moves from the protruding position to the retracted position, the game ball existing in a part of the area (first area 333) on the shutter 304 enters the specific ball entry opening 331. Although the configuration allows this, it may also be configured to allow all game balls present on the shutter 304 to enter regardless of the area. Such a configuration includes, for example, making the lateral opening width of the specific ball entry port 331 equal to or larger than the lateral dimension of the shutter 304, or using a guiding means that can guide all the game balls on the shutter 304 to the specific ball entry port 331. A conceivable configuration is to provide the upper surface portion 304a of the shutter 304 with a slope portion (such as an inclined portion for gathering the game balls on the shutter 304 in the area in front of the specific ball entrance 331).

(3) In the above embodiment, the specific ball entry opening 331 is configured to open toward the front of the game machine, but it may be configured to open toward the other direction. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the opening is upward, and the game ball guided backward as the shutter 304 moves backward falls and enters the specific ball entrance 331.

(4) In the above embodiment, the game ball guided backward as the shutter 304 moves backward does not directly enter the specific ball entrance 331, but after being guided backward, it is guided backward by a guide means such as a passage. A configuration may also be adopted in which the ball is guided and enters the specific ball entry opening 331. In this case, the guide means may be provided with a sorting function for sorting the game balls into the specific ball entrance 331 side and the other side.

(5) In the above embodiment, an opening/closing body that opens and closes the specific ball entry port 331 is provided, and the opening/closing member opens and closes the specific ball entry port 331 in accordance with the movement of the shutter 304, so that the specific ball entry port 331 is opened and closed. It may also be configured to switch whether or not a ball is allowed to enter the ball. In this case, a power transmission means such as a link mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the shutter 304 or the driving force applied to the shutter 304 to the opening/closing body is provided between the shutter 304 and the opening/closing body, and the mechanism is linked to the movement of the shutter 304. The opening/closing body may be opened/closed by using the opening/closing body. Further, a driving means for the opening/closing body may be provided separately from the variable prize driving unit 324, and the opening/closing body may be driven to open/close in synchronization with the opening/closing drive of the shutter 304 by the driving means.

(6) In the above embodiment, the variable winning device 302 is arranged to the right of the variable display unit 36, and only the game balls flowing down the right route can reach the variable winning device 302, but the variable winning device 302 may be arranged to the left of the variable display unit 36, and only the game balls flowing down the left route may reach the variable winning device 302. Alternatively, the variable winning device 302 may be arranged below the variable display unit 36, so that the game ball can reach the variable winning device 302 even if it flows down either the right route or the left route. However, it is necessary to design the variable prize winning device 302 (shutter 304) and its surrounding structure by considering both cases in which game balls flow into the shutter 304 from the right side of the shutter 304 and from the left side. In order to reduce the design burden, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which only the game balls flowing down the right route or the left route can reach the variable winning device 302. Note that even if the variable winning device 302 is placed below the variable display unit 36, there is a configuration in which only game balls flowing down the right route (or left route) can reach the variable winning device 302 due to the arrangement of nails, structures, etc. You can also use it as

(7) In the above embodiment, the upper surface portion 304a of the shutter 304 is configured to be horizontal, but it may be configured to be inclined to either the left or right.

(8) In the embodiments described above, the shutter 304 may be tilted forward or backward. In the former case, it is possible to reduce the frequency of balls entering the specific ball entry port 331 when the shutter 304 is placed in the protruding position, and it is possible to reduce the frequency of balls entering the specific ball entry port 331 when the shutter 304 is moved. It becomes possible to stand out. On the other hand, in the latter case, it is possible to increase the frequency of balls entering the specific ball entry port 331 when the shutter 304 is placed in the protruding position, and it is possible to expand the opportunities for balls to enter the specific ball entry port 331. It becomes possible.

(9) In the above embodiment, a deceleration means may be provided to decelerate the moving speed of the game ball moving on the shutter 304. In this case, in addition to making it easier for the player to visually check the behavior of the game ball on the shutter 304, it is also possible to lengthen the time required for the game ball to pass through the first area 333, and This makes it possible to increase the probability of a ball hitting 331. Possible deceleration means include providing at least one protrusion or protrusion (extending in the front and back) on the upper surface 304a of the shutter 304, or forming a meandering route. Note that the deceleration means does not necessarily need to be provided on the entire upper surface portion 304a, and may be provided at least in the first region 333 or upstream thereof (deceleration is performed at or before the first region 333).

(10) In the above embodiment, the through hole 339 may be omitted. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which all the game balls that enter the specific ball entry port 331 are guided to the exit portion 336 of the second guide path 335.

(11) In the above embodiment, a structure may be adopted in which the flow path to the vertical passage 342 is opened and closed by the shutter 304 in which the through hole 339 is not formed. That is, as shown in FIG. 29, when the shutter 304 is placed in the protruding position, the rear part of the shutter 304 does not enter the upper area of the vertical passage 342, and when the shutter 304 is placed in the retracted position, The longitudinal dimensions of the shutter 304 and the position of the vertical passage 342 are set so that the rear part of the shutter 304 enters the upper region of the vertical passage 342. However, in this case, considering that the front-back dimension of the shutter 304 may become short and the support of the shutter 304 may be reduced, it is preferable to adopt the configuration of the above embodiment.

(12) In the above embodiment, the game balls that have fallen into the vertical passage 342 advance to the discharge passage board 88 side, and the game balls that have moved to the back side of the second guide passage 335 (third passage section 335c) are disposed of by the sorting device. 345 (V gate 353) side, but this may be reversed. That is, the game balls that have fallen into the vertical passage 342 go to the sorting device 345 (V gate 353) side, and the game balls that have moved to the back side of the second guide passage 335 (third passage section 335c) go to the discharge passage board 88 side. It is also possible to configure the process to proceed to step 1.

(13) In the above embodiment, the sorting device 345 may be omitted, and the game balls flowing out from the exit portion 336 may be configured to pass through the V gate 353 without being sorted. This not only simplifies the configuration, but also increases the probability that the game ball entering the specific ball entrance 331 will pass through the V gate 353. However, in this case, it is assumed that as the probability of passing through the V gate 353 increases, the difficulty level of entering the ball into the specific ball entry opening 331 becomes higher. For example, if the difficulty level of entering the ball into the specific ball entry hole 331 is too high, there is a concern that the player will not be able to expect the ball to enter the specific ball entry hole 331, making it difficult to arouse the player's desire to play. Considering this point, the game ball passing through the V gate 353 can be held in a portion of the game ball that entered the specific ball entry port 331, and the above implementation that facilitates the ball entering the specific ball entry port 331 It is preferable to have a configuration in the form of.

(14) In the above embodiment, at least one of the sorting device 345 and the V-gate 353 may be arranged on the back side of the game board 24 (base body 311) so as to be visible from the front of the game machine. Incidentally, in the case where the V gate 353 is placed on the back side of the game board 24, if the V gate 353 is placed in the middle of the second guide passage 335, at least the V gate of the second guide passage 335 can be seen from the front of the game machine. In other words, the configuration may be such that at least the V-gate 353 is visible. Thereby, the player can visually observe the process in which the game ball passes through the V gate 353, and can easily grasp whether or not the game ball has passed. Note that in the above configuration, the entire V gate 353 does not necessarily need to be visible, as long as the V gate 353 is visible to the extent that the player can grasp the passage of the game ball to the gate 353.

(15) In the above embodiment, the variable probability jackpot result is not set as the jackpot result, but the variable probability jackpot result (the jackpot result that shifts to the variable probability gaming state after the end of the jackpot game regardless of whether or not the V gate 353 passes) and a normal jackpot result (a jackpot result in which if the game ball passes through the V gate 353, the state shifts to a variable probability gaming state after the end of the jackpot game, and if it does not pass, the jackpot result does not shift). In such a configuration, only when the result is a jackpot, a round game in which the variable winning device 302 is drive-controlled in the second opening/closing mode (FIG. 25(b)) is executed, or the number of executions of the round game is changed with certainty. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the number of normal jackpot results is greater than the number of jackpot results. In other words, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the passing of the game ball through the V gate 353 (V winning) during execution of the opening/closing execution mode is more likely to occur in the case of a normal jackpot result than in the case of a variable jackpot result. In addition, in the above configuration, a plurality of types of normal jackpot results are set, and only for some of the normal jackpot results, a round game in which the variable winning device 302 is driven and controlled in the second opening/closing mode is executed, or each normal jackpot result The number of executions of the round game may be different.

(16) In the above embodiment, the moving speed (required period) when the shutter 304 moves from the protruding position to the retracted position and the moving speed (required period) when the shutter 304 moves from the retracted position to the protruding position It is also possible to have a different configuration. For example, in a configuration where the shutter 304 is in the protruding position and the variable prize winning device 302 is in the closed state, if the moving speed of the former is slower than the moving speed of the latter, the required period of time will be required to switch from the closed state to the open state. By increasing the length, it becomes easier for the player to visually check whether or not a game ball enters the specific ball entrance 331, and the switch from the open state to the closed state is quickly completed, thereby increasing the variable winnings. It is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of excessive winnings to the device 302. In other words, it becomes possible to improve the visibility of the game ball heading toward the specific ball entrance 331 while maintaining a balance with the winning of the variable winning device 302.

(17) In the above embodiment, the first extrusion part 371 and the second extrusion part 372 are provided in the protrusion part 332, but a configuration in which the second extrusion part 372 is not provided, that is, a game ball that abuts the protrusion part 332 A configuration may also be adopted in which all of the balls can be entered into the specific ball entry opening 331. Further, in the above embodiment, the area of the first extrusion part 371 (the area of the area that can come into contact with the gaming machine) is made smaller than that of the second extrusion part 372, but this can also be reversed. good. That is, when a game ball comes into contact with the protruding portion 332, the probability that the game ball enters the specific ball entry opening 331 may be higher than the probability that the ball does not enter.

(18) In the above embodiment, when the shutter 304 is placed in the retracted position, the protrusion 332 partially blocks the specific ball entry opening 331 when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. It may also be configured to be closed.

(19) In the above embodiment, when the shutter 304 is disposed at the protruding position, the game ball can enter the specific ball entry opening 331, but it may be configured such that the ball cannot enter. As such a configuration, a configuration in which the upper surface portion 304a of the shutter 304 is provided with a second protruding portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface portion 304a can be considered. The second protrusion is disposed to face the protrusion 332 on the rear side of the game machine, and its front and rear positions are such that when the shutter 304 is disposed in the protrusion position, the specific ball entry opening 331 It is set to a closed state (a state in which the specific ball entry port 331 is closed so that game balls cannot enter the ball). When the shutter 304 moves to the retracted position, the second protrusion also moves back accordingly, opening the specific ball entry opening 331. As a result, the game ball guided by the protrusion 332 can enter the specific ball entry opening 331. According to such a configuration, in a situation where the shutter 304 is maintained at the protruding position (for example, a normal game state where the variable prize winning device 302 is maintained in the closed state), a ball does not enter the specific ball entry opening 331. Therefore, it is possible to highlight a game in which a ball enters the specific ball entry opening 331 when the shutter 304 is moved.

(20) In the above embodiment, a light emitting means may be provided on the back side of the game board 24 (base body 311), and the second guide path 335 may be irradiated with light from the light emitting means. As a result, the second guide passage 335 and its surrounding area can be brightly illuminated, making it possible to make the specific ball entry opening 331 and the second guide passage 335 stand out. In this case, it is preferable that the light emitting means be arranged on the rear side of the gaming machine rather than the second guide passage 335. Thereby, it is possible to suitably suppress the visibility of the game balls flowing through the second guide path 335 from being obstructed by the light emitting means.

Further, in the above configuration, the light emitting means may be made to emit light when the opening/closing execution mode is being executed, and may not be made to emit light when the opening/closing execution mode is not executed in a normal gaming state. When it is advantageous for the player to play a game aiming at a ball entering the specific ball entry port 331, the specific ball entry port 331 etc. can be highlighted and emphasized. In addition, when in the normal gaming state, for example, the light emission intensity of the light emitting means is lowered compared to when the opening/closing execution mode is being executed. The structure may be such that light is emitted in different light emission modes depending on the situation. In these cases, the light emission control of the light emitting means may be performed by the effect control device 82, the display control device 212, or the main control device 81. Incidentally, the structure for reducing the light emission intensity of the light emitting means is not limited to one that reduces the light emission intensity of one light emitting element (light emitting part) or each light emitting element. In the normal gaming state, the number of light emitting elements that emit light (lights up) may be smaller than in the case where the opening/closing execution mode is being executed.

Alternatively, the light emitting means may not emit light when the opening/closing execution mode is being executed, or the light emitting intensity may be lower than that in the normal gaming state. That is, if the light emission intensity is too strong, the game ball may become difficult to see, and in such a case, by adopting this configuration, it is advantageous for the player to enter the ball into the specific ball entrance 331. In line with the transition to the above, a configuration can be adopted in which the visibility of the game ball entering the specific ball entry opening 331 and the game ball flowing through the second guide path 335 is enhanced.

(21) In the above embodiment, the gaming machine may be configured to grasp the distribution state of the distribution device 345 (for example, the orientation of the distribution member 351, etc.) and execute a specific performance based on the result. As such a configuration, for example, the following can be considered. In the gaming machine, the current distribution state is grasped, and based on the result, the distribution state when the next ball enters the distribution device 345 occurs (predicted). If there is a high possibility that the game ball will be distributed to the V gate 353 side when the ball enters the distribution device 345 next time, the display screen G will display, for example, ``Chance if the ball enters the specific ball entrance 331''. While displaying something like "Aim for the specific entry port 331!", if there is a high possibility that the ball will be distributed to a side different from the V-gate 353 side, such a display will not be displayed (a display different from the above display) ).

(22) In the above embodiment, a detection means for detecting the entry of a ball into the specific ball entry opening 331 may be provided, and a predetermined effect (for example, a display of "chance" etc.) may be performed based on the detection of the entry of the ball. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the presence or absence of the effect is switched based on the gaming state at the time of occurrence of ball entry, or the execution probability is varied. For example, if the above-mentioned ball is detected during the opening/closing execution mode, the above-mentioned effect is executed, but when the above-mentioned ball is detected in the normal gaming state, the above-mentioned effect is not executed, or in the former case. The above-described effect may be more easily executed in the latter case than in the latter case. In addition, when the distribution state of the distribution device 345 is grasped as in (21) above, and a game ball flows into the distribution device 345, the ball enters in a situation where the game ball is distributed to the V gate 353 side. If the ball enters the ball in a situation where the ball is distributed to a side different from the V gate 353 side, the above effect is executed, and the above effect is not executed.The former case is better than the latter case. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the above-mentioned effect is easily executed.

(23) In the above embodiment, when the shutter 304 is placed in the protruding position, the variable winning device 302 is in the closed state, and when the shutter 304 is placed in the retreating position, the variable winning device 302 is in the open state. In the first embodiment, the game ball falling downward from the upper surface 304a of the shutter 304 is configured to be able to win in the big prize opening 303. However, when the shutter 304 is placed in the protruding position, the variable winning device 302 Also in the second embodiment, in which the variable winning device 302 is in the closed state when the shutter 304 is in the open state and the shutter 304 is placed in the retracted position, the game ball that has fallen downward from the upper surface portion 304a enters the grand prize opening 303. It is also possible to have a configuration in which it is possible to win a prize. In such a configuration, the shutter 304 and the big prize opening 303 are separated to some extent in the flow direction of the game balls, and the game balls are placed in the middle of the game ball flow path from the upper surface part 304a to the big winning hole 303 for a predetermined period of time. A conceivable configuration is to provide a storage section that can be stored over the entire area, and to win a prize in the variable winning device 303 which is in an open state by releasing game balls stored in the storage section.

(24) In the above embodiment, the reservation information is acquired based on winnings to the operating ports 33 and 34, and the reservation information is stored up to a predetermined number (4 pieces) respectively. It may also be configured such that it is not stored. In this way, the configuration can be simplified. This also applies to winnings in the through gate 35.

(25) In the above modification 1, the total opening time of the four openings 381 to 383, 387 may be made shorter than the multiplication time, so that it is not possible to expect winnings equal to the maximum number of winnings. That is, the second opening/closing mode may be made to be an opening/closing mode that is more disadvantageous than the first opening/closing mode in terms of winning to the variable winning device 302.

(26) In the above modification 1, a configuration may be adopted in which separate distribution tables are set for the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In this case, if the distribution table for the second special pattern makes it easier for 10R jackpot result B and 10R jackpot result C to be selected compared to the distribution table for the first special pattern, then the second special pattern It is possible to adopt a configuration in which receiving a lottery on the figure side has a preferential transition probability to a variable probability gaming state than receiving a lottery on the first special drawing side.

(27) In the above modification 1, the total number of rounds is the same for each jackpot result, but this may be made different. In this case, the total number of rounds may be configured to vary depending on the frequency with which the variable winning device 302 is controlled to be driven in the second opening/closing mode. For example, in order to balance the degree of advantage, it may be configured such that the greater the number of round games driven and controlled in the second opening/closing mode, the smaller the total number of rounds.

(28) In the above embodiment, a production gate may be used instead of the V gate 353. That is, when the game ball passes through the performance gate, a specific performance such as displaying a special performance image may be executed.

Furthermore, the following configurations can be considered as the production gate. When a jackpot occurs in a gaming machine that is set with a variable probability jackpot result and a normal jackpot result, the game performance that announces the jackpot does not clearly indicate whether or not it is a probability variable jackpot result, but rather which one it is. The configuration is such that the player cannot understand it. Furthermore, if the game ball passes through the performance gate, notification (instruction or suggestion) is made as to whether or not it is a probability-variable jackpot result, and if the game ball does not pass, the notification is not made. In this case, the player can determine whether or not the result is a probability-variable jackpot by letting the game ball enter the specific ball entrance 331 and passing through the production gate. Therefore, the player's desire to cause the ball to enter the specific ball entry opening 331 is suitably aroused, and the game during the opening/closing execution mode can be suitably enlivened.

In addition, in the above configuration, the more times the player passes, the more it becomes clear whether or not the result is a probability-variable jackpot, for example, the first pass is only suggested, and the second pass is clearly indicated. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the profits obtained are large. According to this, it is possible to suitably maintain the desire to let the game ball enter the specific ball entrance 331 even after passing through the production gate.

In addition, in a configuration in which the presence or absence of a probability change is notified by passing through the performance gate, the configuration of the variable prize winning device 302 of the above embodiment may be applied to the second operating opening 34 and its opening/closing accessory. In this configuration, when a jackpot occurs, it is not made clear whether or not it is a probability-variable jackpot result not only in the game performance to notify the jackpot, but also in the performance during the opening/closing execution mode. In the high-frequency support mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the frequency of opening and closing of the shutter 304 as the opening/closing accessory increases, making it easier for a ball to enter the specific ball entry opening 331. Then, when the game ball enters the specific ball entrance 331 and passes through the performance gate, a notification (teaching or suggestion) is made as to whether or not it is a variable probability game state. As a result, a game is realized in which the player can grasp whether or not he or she is in a variable probability game state by passing the game ball through the performance gate during the high-frequency support mode.

(29) In the above embodiment, the V-gate 353 may be replaced with an operating gate 513 for an opening/closing accessory. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 30, a winning hole 511 is provided on the downstream side of the variable winning device 302, and when a winning to the winning hole 511 occurs, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are released. is paid out. The winning opening 511 is provided with an opening/closing accessory 512 having a pair of left and right movable pieces and a drive unit that operates the movable pieces. The opening/closing accessory 512 can be switched between an open state that allows winning to the winning opening 511 and a closed state that makes winning the winning opening 511 impossible or difficult. The opening/closing accessory 512 switches from the closed state to the open state when a game ball passes through the operating gate 513, and then returns to the closed state when a predetermined number (for example, 2) of game balls enters the prize opening 511. do.

In the above configuration, the player enters the game ball into the specific ball entry hole 331 during the opening/closing execution mode and passes it through the activation gate 513 to shift the winning hole 511 to the open state and enter the winning hole 511. It becomes possible to generate a winning prize. In this case, it is possible to obtain not only prize balls based on winnings in the variable winning device 302 but also prize balls based on winnings in the winning hole 511. That is, due to the occurrence of balls entering the specific ball entrance 331, it is possible to expect an increase in the total number of balls obtained during the opening/closing execution mode, and it becomes possible to suitably enliven the game during the opening/closing execution mode.

In addition, in the said structure, although the winning a prize opening 511 was arrange|positioned on the downstream side of the variable winning a prize device 302, it may be arrange|positioned on the upstream side. Moreover, the prize opening 511 and the opening/closing accessory 512 are arranged below the sorting device 345, and the game balls distributed to the second branch passage 349 side in the sorting device 345 can be configured to win in the winning hole 511. good. Furthermore, the conditions for switching from the open state to the closed state are not limited to those mentioned above, and for example, the switching may occur when the open time reaches a predetermined time, or when the number of prizes entered into the prize opening 511 reaches a predetermined number, or Any condition can be used, such as switching when either of the open time reaches a predetermined time is established.

(30) In the above embodiment, the V gate 353 may be replaced with a continuation gate for continuing the round. In this case, if the game ball passes through the continuation gate during the previous round of play in the opening/closing execution mode, the next round game will be played, and if the game ball does not pass through the continuation gate during the previous round of play, the next round will be played. The mode is such that no round game is played. This makes it possible to suitably arouse the player's desire to cause the ball to enter the specific ball entry port 331 during execution of the opening/closing execution mode.

(31) In the embodiment described above, instead of the V gate 353, a through gate may be used to trigger the winning/failure lottery. In this case, in order to secure an opportunity to conduct a winning/failure lottery, the through gate may be provided separately from the through gate 35 in FIG. 4.

Further, instead of the V gate 353, it may be used as an operating port for a special drawing lottery. In this case, it is more advantageous for the player to receive a winning lottery on the second special drawing than to receive a winning drawing on the first special drawing, and the winning lottery on the second special drawing is more advantageous than the winning drawing on the first special drawing. In a game machine that is executed with priority, by using the operating port as the operating port for the second special symbol, it is possible to generate the reservation information of the second special symbol during the execution of the opening/closing execution mode, or to increase the number of such symbols. It becomes possible to As a result, at the end of the opening/closing execution mode, the pending information of the second special symbol is likely to exist, and even though the winning/failure lottery of the second special symbol is prioritized, the pending information of the second special symbol exists. By not doing so, it becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of an event in which a winning lottery for the first special drawing is executed.

Also, instead of the V gate 353, a general winning opening may be used. In this case, by causing a ball to enter the specific ball opening 331 while the opening/closing execution mode is being executed and allowing the ball to enter the general winning opening, the total number of balls that can be obtained during the opening/closing execution mode can be increased, and the opening/closing execution It becomes possible to suitably enliven the game in the mode. In this case, the number of prize balls in the general winning hole (the general winning hole through which the ball enters the specific ball entering hole 331) placed in place of the V gate 535 is calculated from the number of prize balls in the general winning hole 31 (the general winning hole via which the ball enters the specific ball entering hole 331). It is recommended that the number of prize balls be greater than the number of prize balls in the general prize winning slot (not via the ball entering the game). Thereby, the general winning hole that passes through the above can be made to function as a special winning hole, and it becomes possible to suitably arouse the desire to cause the ball to enter the specific ball entering hole 331. At this time, in order to further enhance the special feeling of the general winning hole, the number of prize balls should be greater than the number of prize balls of the large winning hole 303. On the other hand, if it is desired to give superiority to a game that generates a prize in the grand prize opening 303, it is preferable to make the number of prize balls in the general winning hole smaller than the number of prize balls in the special winning hole 303.

(32) In the above embodiment, the opening/closing control (variable entering ball control) of the variable prize winning devices 302, 402, 502 is executed multiple times in the special game state (execution state of opening/closing execution mode), but the opening/closing control described above is may be executed only once. That is, any configuration is sufficient as long as the opening/closing control is executed at least once in the special game state.

(33) In the above embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the game ball enters the specific ball entry opening 331 without interlocking with the opening/closing control of the variable prize winning devices 302, 402, 502. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which a ball entering the specific ball entrance 331 can occur with the same probability of ball entry in both the normal game state and the special game state (execution state of the opening/closing execution mode). As such a configuration, for example, the specific ball entry hole 331 is opened upward like the general winning hole 31, and a game ball can enter the ball entry hole 331 from above the specific ball entry hole 331 (the shutter is closed). The game ball 304 may not enter the specific ball entrance 331).

(34) In the above embodiment, regarding the support mode when the win/fail lottery mode shifts to the high probability mode, the high frequency support mode is configured to continue until the next jackpot occurs, but the end standard number of times may be reached. The high-frequency support mode may be terminated based on the following. That is, although the high probability mode continues until the next jackpot occurs, the high frequency support mode may be configured to continue only up to the end reference number of times. In this case, the end reference number of times may be the same number of times (for example, 100 times) as when the winning lottery mode shifts to the low-frequency support mode, or may be a different number of times. Further, the high probability mode may also be configured to end based on reaching the end reference number of times. In this case, the reference number of times to end the high probability mode may be the same as the reference number of times to end the high frequency support mode, or may be a different number.

(35) The above embodiment does not have a function of awarding benefits directly triggered by entry of the ball into the specific ball entrance 331, but is configured to award benefits when the game ball passes through the V gate 353. However, a configuration may be adopted in which a privilege is given directly when the ball enters the specific ball entrance 331. Specifically, a ball entry detection sensor is provided in the middle of the second guide passage 335, and when the sensor detects passage of a game ball (ball entry into the specific ball entrance 331), a predetermined number of prize balls are sent out. or other benefits may be provided. In this case, it can be understood that the above-mentioned ball entry detection sensor corresponds to the "specific passage section" of the present invention. In the above configuration, when awarding a prize ball based on the ball hitting, it is preferable to electrically connect the ball hitting detection sensor to the main controller 81, and when awarding other benefits, depending on the content of the bonus. It is preferable to electrically connect the main control device 81 or the production control device 82 or display control device 212 as a sub-control device. Further, in the above configuration, the V gate 353 may be omitted or may be provided.

(36) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, for example, pachinko machines in which an electric accessory is released a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or a pachinko machine that opens a game ball in a specific area of a special device. The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines such as a pachinko machine in which a jackpot is generated when a ball enters, a pachinko machine equipped with other accessories, an arranged ball machine, and a mahjong ball machine.

In addition, non-pinball type game machines, for example, are equipped with multiple reels with multiple types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, and rotation of the reels is started by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. After the reels have stopped after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, if a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is formed on the active line that can be seen from the display window, the player is given benefits such as a payout of medals, etc. The present invention can also be applied to slot machines.

Furthermore, pachinko machines and slot machines are equipped with a retrieval device, and the reels start rotating when a start lever is operated after the retrieval device has taken in a predetermined number of game balls stored in a storage section. The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines in which the

<About inventions extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from each of the embodiments described above will be explained, showing effects etc. as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, structures corresponding to each of the embodiments described above are indicated in parentheses, etc., as appropriate, but the present invention is not limited to the specific structures shown in parentheses.

In addition, the invention described in each feature below is based on the following: ``In a game machine such as a pachinko machine, for example, a game ball is Regarding the background technology that provides benefits such as payouts for games (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-074175), it is desirable that gaming machines be devised to increase attention to the game. This invention was made with the problem to be solved.

<Characteristics Group A>
Feature A1. A firing means (gaming ball firing mechanism 53) capable of firing a game ball to a gaming area based on a predetermined firing operation;
A first state (open state) provided in the gaming area, in which a game ball can enter or is easy to enter, and a second state (closed state) in which a game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter than the first state. ) and a variable ball entry means (variable winning device 302, 402) that can be switched to
Variable ball entry control means (main control) that executes variable ball entry control to change the variable ball entry means from the second state to the first state and then to the second state based on a predetermined specific trigger. (a function of executing gaming state transition processing by the device 81);
a privilege awarding means capable of awarding a privilege to a player based on the entry of a game ball into the variable entry device (a function of paying out a prize ball when a winning occurs in the variable winning device 302, etc.); , comprising;
The variable ball entry means is
A movable body (shutter 304) that can be switched between a first position (protruding position) capable of receiving game balls flowing down the gaming area and a second position (retracted position) on the side in a predetermined direction from the first position. ),
When the movable body is placed in the first position, it is in one of the first state and the second state, and when the movable body is placed in the second position, it is in the first state and the second state. It is a configuration that is in the other state among the second states,
The ball receiving portion (upper surface portion 304a) of the movable body is provided with a device that guides the game ball on the ball receiving portion toward the predetermined direction when the movable body moves from the first position to the second position. A first area (first area 333) in which the ball can be dropped, and a second area (second area 334) in which the game ball on the ball receiving part can be dropped downward are provided. Game machine.

In the above configuration, variable ball entry control is executed to switch the variable ball entry means between the first state and the second state based on a specific opportunity, and when a game ball enters the variable ball entry means, a privilege is granted. Ru. Therefore, by executing the variable ball entry control, the player can enjoy a game in which the ball enters the variable ball entry means and obtains benefits. However, since such games are similarly adopted in many gaming machines, such games alone may lack freshness from the player's perspective.

In this regard, in this configuration, when the movable body moves in a predetermined direction from the first position to the second position in the ball receiving part of the movable body that switches the state of the variable ball entry means, the game on the ball receiving part A first area for guiding the ball in the moving direction of the movable body and a second area for causing the game ball on the ball receiving part to fall downward are provided. In this case, depending on which area of the ball receiving part the game ball is placed on just before the movable body moves to the second position, whether the game ball on the ball receiving part advances in the above-mentioned predetermined direction or falls downward. can be made different. For example, if the degree of advantage for the player and the subsequent development of the game are different depending on whether the game ball moves in the predetermined direction or falls downward, then It is possible to provide a game in which the player watches the position and expects the movable body to move to the second position at a timing that is desirable for the player. In this way, according to the present configuration, when executing variable ball entry control, it is possible to realize a gameplay that is not limited to whether or not a game ball enters the variable ball entry means, thereby increasing the attention to the game. becomes possible.

Feature A2. A specific ball entry part (specific ball entry port 331) provided in the gaming area, which is different from the variable ball entry means and into which a game ball can enter;
The game machine according to feature A1, characterized in that the game ball guided in the predetermined direction is configured to be able to enter the specific ball entry section.

According to the above configuration, as the movable body moves from the first position to the second position, the game ball flows toward the variable ball entry means, and the game ball resting on the ball receiving part enters the specific ball entry part. You can enjoy it whether you do it or not.

Note that this feature may further include a configuration in which "the specific ball entry section is disposed on the predetermined direction side of the first area in the game area, and opens on the first area side." . In this case, it becomes possible to cause the game ball guided to the rear side of the gaming machine to enter the specific ball entry section in a good manner.

Feature A3. a first benefit granting means as the benefit granting means capable of granting a first benefit based on entry of a game ball into the variable ball entry means;
a second benefit granting means capable of granting a second benefit to the player based on the entry of a game ball into the specific ball entry section (a function for executing processing for transition to a high probability mode by the main controller 81); ,
The gaming machine according to feature A2, comprising:

In the above configuration, the second benefit is granted based on the entry of the game ball into the specific ball entry section. In other words, since a profit is given, it is possible to suitably arouse the expectation that the ball will land in the specific ball hitting section. In addition, it becomes possible to increase the player's interest in the position and behavior of the game ball on the ball receiver and the movement of the movable body, thereby increasing the degree of attention to the game.

Feature A4. comprising a specific passing section (V gate 353) through which a game ball that has entered the specific ball entering section can pass;
The gaming machine according to feature A3, wherein the second benefit granting means grants a second benefit to the player when the game ball passes through the specific passage section.

According to the above configuration, the player can play the game with the aim of not only letting the game ball enter the specific ball entry section, but also that the game ball that enters the specific ball entry section pass through the specific passing section. It becomes possible.

Feature A5. Feature A4 characterized in that the game ball is provided with means (upper flow path forming part 314, right side wall part 362) for restricting a game ball from passing through the specific passing part without entering the specific ball entering part. The gaming machine described in .

According to the above configuration, only the game ball that has entered the specific ball entry section can pass through the specific passing section, and in order to pass through the specific passing section, it is essential that the game ball enter the specific ball entry section. . This increases the value of entering the ball into the specified ball receiving section, further increases the player's attention to the position of the game ball on the ball receiving section and the movement of the movable body, and increases the value of entering the ball into the specified ball receiving section. It is possible to increase the player's pleasure when a ball occurs.

Note that this feature can also be expressed as "a configuration in which only game balls that enter the specific ball entry section can pass through the specific passing section."

Feature A6. a game board (game board 24) on which the game area is formed;
a passage section (second guide passage 335) provided on the back side of the game board and capable of guiding game balls that have entered the specific ball entry section to the specific passing section side;
Equipped with
The gaming machine according to feature A4 or A5, characterized in that at least a part of the passage section is configured such that a game ball moving within the passage section can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine.

In the above configuration, in order to utilize the area on the back side of the game board to arrange the passage part that guides the game ball that has entered the specific ball entry part to the specific passing part side, the passage part is installed in the gaming area on the front side of the game board. The area can be kept small or unnecessary, making it an advantageous configuration for gaming machines where the size of the gaming area is limited. Furthermore, in at least a part of the passage section, the game ball moving in the passage section can be seen from the front of the gaming machine, so the player can visually observe the process of the game ball entering the specific ball entry section and reaching the specific passing section. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of an inconvenience in which the player is unable to grasp whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific passage section.

Feature A7. a game board (game board 24) on which the game area is formed;
a passage section (second guide passage 335) provided on the back side of the game board through which a game ball that has entered the specific ball entry section can pass;
Equipped with
Features A4 to A6, characterized in that the passage portion guides game balls that enter the specific ball entry portion and flow on the back side of the game board in the passage portion to the front side of the game board. A gaming machine described in any of the above.

In the above configuration, in order to utilize the area on the back side of the game board to arrange the passage part that guides the game ball that has entered the specific ball entry part to the specific passing part side, the passage part is installed in the gaming area on the front side of the game board. The area can be kept small or unnecessary, making it an advantageous configuration for gaming machines where the size of the gaming area is limited. Furthermore, the specific passing section can be arranged on the front side of the game board so that the game ball that has entered the specific ball entry section passes through the back side of the game board and then is led out to the front side of the game board. As a result, the visibility of the specific passage section is increased, and the player can easily grasp whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific passage section.

In addition, in this feature, the configuration that "the specific passage section is arranged on the front side of the game board so that game balls flowing out from the exit section (exit section 336) of the passage section can pass through" is further provided. You may be prepared.

Feature A8. It is provided between the specific ball entering section and the specific passing section, and the game balls that have entered the specific ball entering section are transferred to the specific passing section side (exit section 348a side, exit section 336 side) and the specific passing section. Any one of features A4 to A7 is characterized in that it is provided with a distributing means (distributing device 345, through hole 339) for distributing to a side different from the side (exit section 349a side, vertical passage 342 side). The game machine described.

According to the above configuration, the flow of the game balls after entering the specific ball entering section is diversified, and some of the gaming balls that have entered the specific ball entering section do not pass through the specific passing section. Therefore, when a ball enters a specific ball entry section, it is possible to maintain the excitement of the player until the game ball passes through the specific passing section, thereby increasing the player's interest. In addition, since some of the game balls that have entered the specific ball entry section do not pass through the specific passing section, it is possible to facilitate ball entry into the specific ball entry section. For example, if the difficulty level of entering the ball into the specific ball area is too high, the player may not be able to expect the ball to enter the specific ball area, and it may be difficult to arouse the player's desire to play. It becomes possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of such inconveniences.

Feature A9. The first area of the ball receiving part is capable of pushing out the game ball on the first area in the predetermined direction when the movable body moves from the first position to the second position. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A8, characterized in that an extrusion part (protrusion part 332) is provided.

According to the above configuration, since the function of guiding the game ball on the first area in a predetermined direction is built integrally with the movable body, the game ball is guided by using the movement of the movable body when moving to the second position. can be guided to a specific ball entry area. As a result, the guidance of the game ball in a predetermined direction (the direction of movement of the movable body) can be well linked to the switching of opening and closing of the variable ball entry means, and such a configuration can be achieved with a relatively simple configuration. can do.

The present feature is that "a protrusion (protrusion 332) that protrudes upward is provided in the first region of the ball receiving part, and the protrusion allows the movable body to move from the first position to the "When moving to the second position, the game ball on the first area can be pushed out in the predetermined direction."

Feature A10. a specific ball entry part (specific ball entry opening 331) provided in the gaming area and different from the variable ball entry means;
The game machine according to feature A9, wherein the specific ball entering section is arranged so that the game ball pushed out in the predetermined direction by the extruding section can enter the specific ball entering section. .

With the above configuration, when the movable body moves from the first position to the second position, the game ball on the ball receiving part is pushed out by the pushing part, and it is possible to enjoy whether or not the ball will enter the specific ball entering part. become.

Feature A11. The gaming machine according to feature A10, wherein the specific ball entry section is disposed facing the extrusion section in the predetermined direction and opens toward the extrusion section.

According to the above configuration, the game ball pushed out in the predetermined direction by the extrusion part can enter the specific ball entry part with the same flow, which can be a preferable aspect for realizing the configuration of feature A10 above. .

Feature A12. The extrusion part is provided with a first contact part (first extrusion part 371) and a second contact part (second extrusion part 372) that can come into contact with the game balls in the first area,
The game ball is configured such that when it comes into contact with the first contact section, the ball enters the specific ball entry section more easily than when it comes into contact with the second contact section. The gaming machine according to feature A10 or feature A11.

According to the above configuration, the ease with which the ball enters the specific ball entry section varies depending on which part of the extrusion part the game ball in the first area comes into contact with. Thereby, it is possible to attract the player's interest not only in whether or not the game ball hits the extrusion part, but also in what part it hits, and it becomes possible to suitably increase the level of attention to the game.

Feature A13. The extrusion portion is spaced apart from the specific ball entering portion so that a game ball can pass between the specific ball entering portion when the movable body is placed at the first position. The gaming machine according to any one of features A10 to A12.

According to the above configuration, when the movable body is arranged at the first position, the game ball placed on the ball receiving part does not enter the specific ball entering part and moves between the pushing part and the specific ball entering part. It becomes possible to escape. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball on the ball receiving part to enter the specific ball entering area under the situation where the variable ball entering control is not executed. A game in which a game ball enters the ball can be provided. In addition, since the game ball placed on the ball receiving part can pass through the ball receiving part and flow downstream, game balls that do not enter the specific ball receiving part can be sequentially released downstream. This prevents game balls from accumulating on the ball receiving portion, making it possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as ball clogging.

In addition, this feature is expressed as "the extrusion part is arranged such that when the movable body is arranged at the first position, the distance from the specific ball entry part is equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball" You can also do that.

Feature A14. A regulating means (protruding part 332) capable of regulating that a game ball that reaches the ball receiving part enters the specific ball entering part when the movable body is disposed at the second position. The gaming machine according to any one of features A10 to A13.

According to the above configuration, in a situation where the movable body is placed at the second position, the game ball is restricted from entering the specific ball entry section. Thereby, it is possible to limit the opportunity for the ball to enter the specific ball entry area, and to enhance the game in which the game ball enters the specific ball entry area when the movable body is switched from the first position to the second position. For example, if the variable ball entry means is in the first state (open state) when the movable body is placed in the second position, the player can specify Since there is no need to worry about the ball entering the ball entry section, there is also the advantage that it becomes easier to play the game by concentrating on letting the game ball enter the variable ball entry means.

Note that the "regulating means capable of regulating" of this feature can also be expressed as "limiting means capable of limiting." In addition, this feature is as follows: "When the movable body is disposed at the second position, the extrusion part blocks at least a part of the inflow path of the game ball to the specific ball entry part, so that the movable body It can also be expressed as "the configuration is such that it is possible to restrict entry of game balls that have reached the ball receiving part into the specific ball entry part in a situation where the ball is placed at the second position." In this case, since the extrusion part can also be used as a regulating means, the configuration can be simplified.

Feature A15. The variable ball entry means is characterized in that it is in the second state when the movable body is located at the first position, and is in the first state when the movable body is located at the second position. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A14.

With the above configuration, it becomes possible to guide the game ball existing in the first area in the predetermined direction at the timing of switching the variable ball entry means from the closed state (second state) to the open state (first state). In this case, in order to guide the game ball in the predetermined direction, it is necessary to fire the game ball while the variable ball entrance means is in the closed state, so it is possible to suppress so-called stop hitting. In addition, when the game ball reaches the first area in a situation where the variable ball entry means is in the closed state, there is a feeling of expectation that the variable ball entry means will switch to the open state at that timing (the second region is more advantageous). If so, it is possible to create a sense of expectation that the switch will not switch to the open state. That is, since the game can be enjoyed even during the period of the closed state, the game can be enjoyed throughout the execution period of the variable ball entry control, and it becomes possible to suitably liven up the game when the variable ball entry control is executed.

Feature A16. The variable ball entry means is provided with a ball entry part (big winning opening 303) that is provided below the movable body and opens upward, and the game ball enters the variable ball entry means through the ball entry part. can be,
The first state is a state in which a game ball can enter or easily enters the ball entry portion,
The second state is a state in which the game ball cannot enter the ball entry portion or is more difficult to enter than the first state,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A15, characterized in that, when the game ball in the second area falls downward, the fallen game ball can enter the ball entry section.

With the above configuration, even if the game ball on the ball receiver is not guided to the rear side of the gaming machine when the variable ball entry means switches from the closed state to the open state, the game ball enters the variable ball entry means. You can expect that. That is, the game balls fired aiming at the ball receiver (variable ball entry means) during the period when the variable ball entry means is in the closed state are suppressed from becoming useless balls.

Feature A17. The ball receiving portion is configured such that when the movable body is placed at the first position, the game ball can move on the ball receiving portion in the left-right direction of the gaming machine,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A16, wherein the first area and the second area are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the gaming machine.

In this configuration, when the game ball flows over the ball receiver, it passes through the first area and the second area in order. With this, for example, if the configuration is such that it is more advantageous for the player for the game ball to advance in a predetermined direction, the movable body will move from the first position to the second position at the timing when the game ball on the ball receiver reaches the first area. You can enjoy a game by hoping that the ball will move, or conversely, you can enjoy a game by hoping that the movable body will not start moving to the second position in a situation where the game ball on the ball receiver is in the second area. It becomes possible to realize it.

Feature A18. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A17, wherein the first area is smaller than the second area.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the frequency at which the game balls on the ball receiving portion are guided in the predetermined direction. As a result, it is possible to give a special feeling to the event in which the game ball moves in a predetermined direction, and if the configuration is such that it is more advantageous for the player when the game ball moves in a predetermined direction, it is possible to make the event difficult to achieve. You can increase the degree. Therefore, when the game ball is guided in a predetermined direction, it is easy to arouse the player's joy and surprise, and it is possible to increase interest.

Feature A19. an information acquisition means (a function for executing the winning process for the actuation opening by the main controller 81) that acquires the determination information based on the fulfillment of predetermined acquisition conditions;
Information storage means (held ball storage area 114b) for storing the determination information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Transition determination means for executing a transition determination as to whether or not the determination information stored in the information storage means corresponds to predetermined transition information (a function for executing propriety determination processing by the main controller 81) and,
If the result of the transition determination by the transition determination means is a transition compatible result in which the determination information corresponds to the transition information, transition to a special game state in which the variable ball entry control is executed at least once. Special gaming state transition means (a function for executing gaming state transition processing by the main controller 81),
Equipped with
As gaming states, a first gaming state (low probability mode) and a second gaming state (high probability mode) in which the result of the transition determination by the transition determining means is more likely to result in the transition corresponding result than in the first gaming state. has,
Features A1 to 6 are characterized in that the game ball is configured to be able to shift to the second gaming state after the special gaming state ends when the game ball on the ball receiving part is guided in the predetermined direction. The gaming machine according to any one of A18.

In the above configuration, when the game ball on the ball receiver is guided in a predetermined direction, it is possible to shift to a second gaming state (for example, a fixed-variable gaming state) that is more likely to result in a shift-compatible result than the first gaming state. . As a result, it is possible to suitably arouse the sense of anticipation of the player who expects the movable body to move toward the second position at the timing when the game ball is present in the first area on the ball receiving part, and the variable input It becomes possible to suitably enliven the game when ball control is executed.

In addition, in this feature, "triggered by the game ball on the ball receiver being guided in the predetermined direction" means "when the game ball on the ball receiver is guided in the predetermined direction". Alternatively, it can also be expressed as "after the game ball on the ball receiver is guided in the predetermined direction."

Feature A20. The movable body is configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A19, wherein the predetermined direction is behind the gaming machine.

According to the above configuration, it can be a practically preferable aspect for realizing any of the configurations of the above characteristics A1 to A19.

In addition, when this feature is applied to feature A6 or feature A7 above, in addition to the effect of feature A6 or feature A7 described above, "a passage section provided on the back side of the game board for the game ball that enters the specific ball entry section" Since the ball is guided to the specific passing section by the above, it is possible to expect the effect that the game ball guided to the rear side of the gaming machine can be guided to the specific passing section in a good manner.

In addition, when applying this feature to the above feature A11, the above feature A11 is defined as "the specific ball entry section is opened in the front of the gaming machine and is disposed facing the extrusion section in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine. It is also possible to say "Yes". In this case, in addition to the above effect of feature A11, "Since the specific ball entry section opens at the front of the gaming machine, it is easy for the player to visually recognize the specific ball entry section, and it is easy to see if a ball has entered the specific ball entry section." It is possible to create a structure that makes it easy for the player to understand whether or not the game has been played.

Feature A21. The movable body is configured to be movable in the left-right direction of the gaming machine,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A19, wherein the predetermined direction is one of a leftward direction and a rightward direction.

According to the above configuration, it can be a practically preferable aspect for realizing any of the configurations of the above characteristics A1 to A19.

Note that it is also possible to individually apply the technical idea shown in the configuration of any one of features B1 to B15, features C1 to C13, and features D1 to D14 to each of the configurations of features A1 to A21 above. It is also possible to combine and apply the respective technical ideas. When applying a combination of technical ideas, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

<Characteristics Group B>
Feature B1. A firing means (gaming ball firing mechanism 53) capable of firing a game ball to a gaming area based on a predetermined firing operation;
A first state (open state) provided in the gaming area, in which a game ball can enter or is easy to enter, and a second state (closed state) in which a game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter than the first state. ) and a variable ball entry means (variable winning device 302, 402) that can be switched to
Variable ball entry control means (main control) that executes variable ball entry control to change the variable ball entry means from the second state to the first state and then to the second state based on a predetermined specific trigger. (a function of executing gaming state transition processing by the device 81);
a privilege awarding means capable of awarding a privilege to a player based on the entry of a game ball into the variable entry device (a function of paying out a prize ball when a winning occurs in the variable winning device 302, etc.); , comprising;
The variable ball entry means is
A ball entry section (big prize opening 303) into which game balls can enter;
a first position (protruding position) provided corresponding to the ball entry part and placing the ball entry part in one of the first state and the second state; a movable body (shutter 304, 501) capable of switching the entry sphere to a second position (retracted position) in the other of the first state and the second state;
Equipped with
A flow path (second guide path 335) that can lead the game ball to a specific area (vertical path 342) is provided on the predetermined direction side of the ball entry part,
When the movable body is disposed at the second position, the movable body restricts movement of the game ball flowing through the channel to the specific area, and when the movable body is disposed at the first position. . A game machine, characterized in that the game ball flowing through the flow path is allowed to move to the specific area.

In the above configuration, the variable ball entry means includes a ball entry portion and a movable body, and the ball entry portion is switched between the first state and the second state by the movable body moving between the first position and the second position. Can be switched. At the same time, it is switched whether or not to allow the game ball flowing through the channel to move to a specific area. As a result, when executing the variable ball entry control, it is possible to enjoy not only whether or not the game ball enters the ball entry section (variable ball entry means), but also whether or not the game ball enters a specific area. can. In addition, the above-mentioned channel is arranged on the predetermined direction side of the ball entry part (the moving direction side when the movable body moves to the second position), and the movable body disposed at the second position allows the game to flow through the channel. It is configured to restrict the ball from moving to a specific area. Therefore, by using the movable body that changes the state of the ball entry section and its movement, it is possible to switch whether or not the game ball can move to a specific area, and the opening and closing of the flow path can be linked well with the opening and closing of the ball entry section. can. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need for a dedicated opening/closing body for the flow path and its driving means, thereby making it possible to simplify the configuration.

Feature B2. When the movable body is placed at the second position, a portion of the movable body (a portion of the shutter 304 located at the protruding position that protrudes toward the front side of the game machine from the front surface of the game board) causes the ball entry portion to move to the second position. The other of the first state and the second state, and the movement of the game ball flowing through the channel to the specific area is regulated by another part of the movable body (the peripheral part of the through hole 339). The gaming machine according to feature B1.

According to the above configuration, the channel can be opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the ball entry section, and the opening and closing of the ball entry section and the opening and closing of the channel can be suitably achieved by a single movable body. .

Feature B3. When the movable body is disposed at the second position, another part of the movable body intersects with the movement path in which the game ball flowing through the flow path moves to the specific area, so that the flow path When the movement of the game ball flowing through the flow path to the specific area is regulated and the movable body is placed in the first position, another part of the movable body retreats from the movement path, thereby preventing the movement of the flow path. The gaming machine according to feature B2, wherein movement of a game ball flowing through the area to the specific area is permitted.

According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to suitably switch whether or not the game ball flowing through the channel moves to a specific area by the movable body that opens and closes the ball entry section.

Feature B4. A through hole (through hole 339) through which a game ball can pass is formed in the movable body,
When the movable body is arranged at the first position, the through hole overlaps with the flow path, so that the game ball flowing through the flow path is allowed to move to the specific area through the through hole. , when the movable body is disposed at the second position, the through hole is shifted in the predetermined direction with respect to the flow path, so that the movable body moves the game ball flowing through the flow path to the specific area. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B3, wherein movement of the gaming machine is restricted.

In the above configuration, the movable body is provided with a through hole, and the flow path is opened and closed by moving the through hole to a position where it overlaps with the flow path and a position where it does not overlap with the movement of the movable body. In this case, when the movable body is placed in the first position (the flow path is open), the length of the movable body in a predetermined direction may be shortened so that it does not overlap with the flow path, or the length of the movable body may be It is no longer necessary to make a large distance between the ball entry portion and the flow path, and restrictions on the length of the movable body in a predetermined direction and the distance between the ball entry portion and the flow path can be relaxed. This makes it possible to lengthen the movable body to a certain extent in a predetermined direction to stabilize its support and movement, or to arrange the flow path somewhat close to the ball entry part to keep the dimensions in the predetermined direction small.

Feature B5. A game board (game board 24) with the game area formed on the front surface thereof,
The movable body is movable in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine, and has a first position protruding into the gaming area, and a second position that is movable to the rear of the gaming machine from the first position and is located on the rear side of the gaming machine from the first position. The second position is configured to be switchable to the second position,
The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B4, wherein the flow path is provided on the back side of the gaming board.

In the above configuration, the ball entry section is opened and closed by moving the movable body back and forth, and the flow path is formed by utilizing the area on the back side of the game board. Thereby, the area for the flow path in the game area on the front side of the game board can be kept small or made unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to provide an advantageous configuration in a gaming machine where the size of the gaming area is limited.

Feature B6. The game area or the game board is provided with a light transmitting part (flat plate part 312) in at least a part of the flow path so that the game ball flowing through the flow path can be seen from the front of the game machine. The gaming machine according to feature B5.

According to the above configuration, even though the channel is formed on the back side of the game board, the player can visually observe the flow of game balls flowing through the channel. Therefore, it becomes possible for the player to appropriately grasp whether or not the game ball flowing through the channel has moved to a specific area.

Furthermore, in this feature, "a first flow path as the flow path and a second flow path through which the game ball that has entered the ball entry section is provided on the back side of the game board," At least a part of a portion of the first channel that is visible from the front of the gaming machine through the light transmitting section is configured so as not to overlap the second channel when viewed from the front from the front of the gaming machine. ” or “The back side of the game board is provided with a first flow path as the flow path and a second flow path through which the game ball that has entered the ball entry section flows, and the first flow path At least a portion of the channel that is visible from the front of the gaming machine through the light transmitting portion is configured so as not to overlap the second channel when viewed from the front from the front of the gaming machine. Good too. According to such a configuration, when the flow of game balls is visually recognized from the front of the game machine, it is suppressed that it becomes difficult for the player to determine which flow path the game balls are flowing through. This makes it easier to understand the flow of game balls flowing along the path.

Feature B7. The gaming area is provided with a specific ball entry part (specific ball entry opening 331) different from the ball entry part,
Features B1 to B1 characterized in that the game ball that has entered the specific ball entry section can flow into the channel, and the game ball that has entered the ball entry section cannot flow into the channel. The gaming machine according to any one of B6.

According to the above configuration, since the flow path to the specific area is independent of the ball entry part, it is possible to enjoy watching whether the game ball moves to the specific area or not, without assuming that the ball will enter the ball entry part. It is possible to enjoy seeing whether a game ball other than the game ball that enters the ball section moves to a specific area or not. In addition, if the game ball that enters the ball entry section flows into the channel and moves to a specific area, if the ball becomes clogged in the ball entry section, the inflow route to the channel will be blocked and the ball will be movable. There is a risk that the game ball will not move to a specific area regardless of the position of the body, but with this configuration, the game ball can flow into the flow path even if the ball becomes clogged in the ball entry section, so the above problem can be avoided. This can be suppressed suitably.

Feature B8. The gaming machine according to feature B7, wherein the specific ball entering section is arranged adjacent to the movable body.

According to the above configuration, the points of interest are concentrated, and the player can visually recognize the movable body and the specific ball entry section at the same time. Therefore, even without moving the player's line of sight, it is possible to grasp both the movement (position) of the movable body that opens and closes the channel and whether or not the game ball enters the specific ball entry section, and It is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as missing a ball entering the ball entering section.

Feature B9. As the flow path, a passage part (second guide passage 335) capable of guiding the game ball to the specific area and a predetermined area (exit part 336) different from the specific area is provided,
The passage section guides the game ball to the predetermined area when movement of the game ball to the specific area is restricted by the movable body, and guides the game ball to the predetermined area when movement of the game ball to the specific area is permitted. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B8, characterized in that the gaming machine is configured to lead out a ball to the specific area.

According to the above configuration, the game balls flowing through the channel can be distributed into the specific area and the predetermined area by linking with the opening and closing of the ball entry section (the position of the movable body). For example, if the configuration is such that it is more advantageous for the player for the game ball to flow into a predetermined area than to flow into a specific area, the game ball may flow through the passage when the movable body is placed in the second position. It can arouse a sense of expectation. As a result, when executing variable ball entry control, it is possible to determine not only whether or not a game ball enters the ball entry section (variable ball entry means), but also at what timing the game ball flows through the passage section (specific ball entry section). It is also possible to attract the player's interest in whether the ball enters the ball into the player's position, and it becomes possible to suitably increase the interest level when executing the variable ball entry control.

Feature B10. The game according to feature B9, characterized in that the degree of advantage for the player is different depending on when the game ball flowing through the channel moves to the specific area and when it moves to the predetermined area. Machine.

According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to play the game with the aim of moving the game ball flowing through the channel to an advantageous area.

Feature B11. The movable body brings the ball entry part into the second state when it is placed at the first position, and puts the ball entry part into the first state when it is placed at the second position. ,
The game according to feature B9 or feature B10, characterized in that the game is configured such that it is more advantageous for the player to move the game ball flowing through the passage to the predetermined area than to move to the specific area. Machine.

According to the above configuration, during the period in which the variable ball entry control is not executed and the ball entry section is maintained in the second state (the period in which the movable body continues to be placed in the first position), the game ball is placed in the predetermined area (advantageous). area) is suppressed. As a result, a game where you enjoy whether or not a game ball enters a predetermined area can be provided during the execution period of variable ball entry control, and it is possible to liven up the game when variable ball entry control is executed. become.

In addition, this feature is defined as "the movable body brings the ball-engaging part into the first state when it is disposed at the first position, and brings the ball-engaging part into the second state when it is arranged at the second position. "The game ball flowing through the passage is configured so that it is more advantageous for the player to move to the specific area than to move to the predetermined area." . Even in this case, similar effects can be achieved.

Feature B12. A specific passage portion (V gate 353) through which a game ball can pass is provided in one of the specific area and the predetermined area,
a first benefit granting means as the benefit granting means capable of granting a first benefit based on entry of a game ball into the variable ball entry means;
a second benefit granting means capable of granting a second benefit based on the game ball passing through the specific passing portion (a function of executing processing for transition to the high probability mode by the main controller 81);
The gaming machine according to any one of features B9 to B11, characterized by comprising:

According to the above configuration, the player can play the game with the aim of not only letting the game ball enter the specific ball entry section, but also that the game ball that enters the specific ball entry section pass through the specific passing section. It becomes possible. In addition, in this configuration, since the game balls flowing through the channel are distributed into the specific area and the predetermined area, some of the game balls that entered the specific ball entry section do not pass through the specific passing section, and accordingly, Entry of the ball into the specific ball entry area can be facilitated. For example, if the difficulty level of entering the ball into the specific ball area is too high, the player may not be able to expect the ball to enter the specific ball area, and it may be difficult to arouse the player's desire to play. It becomes possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of such inconveniences.

Feature B13. A game board (game board 24) with the game area formed on the front surface thereof,
The movable body is movable in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine, and has a first position in which it projects into the gaming area, and a movable body that moves toward the rear of the gaming machine from the first position and moves toward the gaming area from the first position. It is possible to switch to the second position where the protrusion of is suppressed,
The passage section is provided on the back side of the game board,
According to feature B12, the passage section is configured to guide the game balls to the front side of the game board when the game balls flowing through the passage section are guided to the one area. Game machine.

In the above configuration, since the passage section is arranged by utilizing the area on the back side of the game board, the installation area of the passage section can be kept small or unnecessary in the game area on the front side of the game board, and the area of the game area can be reduced. This can be an advantageous configuration for gaming machines whose size is limited. Furthermore, when guiding a game ball that has entered the specific entering ball section to an area on the specific passing section side, the passage section is configured to guide the game ball to the front side of the game board. can be placed in As a result, the visibility of the specific passage section is increased, and the player can easily grasp whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific passage section.

Note that this feature may further include a configuration in which "the specific passage section is provided on the front side of the game board."

Feature B14. an information acquisition means (a function for executing the winning process for the actuation opening by the main controller 81) that acquires the determination information based on the fulfillment of predetermined acquisition conditions;
a transition determination means (a function for executing a propriety determination process by the main controller 81) that executes a transition determination as to whether or not the determination information acquired by the information acquisition means corresponds to predetermined transition information; ,
If the result of the transition determination by the transition determination means is a transition compatible result in which the determination information corresponds to the transition information, transition to a special game state in which the variable ball entry control is executed at least once. Special gaming state transition means (a function for executing gaming state transition processing by the main controller 81),
Equipped with
As gaming states, a first gaming state (low probability mode) and a second gaming state (high probability mode) in which the result of the transition determination by the transition determining means is more likely to result in the transition corresponding result than in the first gaming state. has,
The second benefit granting means is characterized in that when the game ball passes through the specific passage section, the second benefit is to shift the gaming state to the second gaming state after the end of the special gaming state. The gaming machine according to feature B12 or feature B13.

In the above configuration, when a game ball that enters the specific ball entry section passes through the specific passing section, the game moves to a second gaming state (for example, a variable probability gaming state) that is more likely to result in a shift-compatible result than the first gaming state. . As a result, it is possible to enhance the appeal of a game in which a ball enters a specific ball entry area, and it becomes possible to suitably enliven a game when variable ball entry control is executed.

Feature B15. A firing means (gaming ball firing mechanism 53) capable of firing a game ball to a gaming area based on a predetermined firing operation;
A first state (open state) provided in the gaming area, in which a game ball can enter or is easy to enter, and a second state (closed state) in which a game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter than the first state. ) and a variable ball entry means (variable winning device 302, 402) that can be switched to
Variable ball entry control means (main control) that executes variable ball entry control to change the variable ball entry means from the second state to the first state and then to the second state based on a predetermined specific trigger. (a function of executing gaming state transition processing by the device 81);
a privilege awarding means capable of awarding a privilege to a player based on the entry of a game ball into the variable entry device (a function of paying out a prize ball when a winning occurs in the variable winning device 302, etc.); , comprising;
The variable ball entry means is
A ball entry section (big prize opening 303) into which game balls can enter;
a first position (protruding position) provided corresponding to the ball entry part and placing the ball entry part in one of the first state and the second state; a movable body (shutter 304, 501) movable to a second position (retreat position) as the other of the two states;
Equipped with
When the movable body is disposed at the second position, movement of the game ball to a specific area (vertical passage 342) different from the ball entry portion is restricted, and when the movable body is disposed at the first position. A game machine characterized in that the game ball is configured to be allowed to move to the specific area when the game ball is moved to the specific area.

In the above configuration, the variable ball entry means includes a ball entry part and a movable body, and the ball entry part is opened and closed by moving the movable body between the first position and the second position. When the body is placed in the second position, the game ball is restricted from moving to a specific area, and when the movable body is placed in the first position, the game ball is allowed to move to the specific area. That is, in conjunction with the opening and closing of the ball entry section, whether or not the game ball can enter a specific area is switched, so when executing variable ball entry control, the game ball enters the ball entry section (variable ball entry means). You can enjoy not only whether or not game balls will flow into a specific area.

Each configuration described in any one of the above features B1 to B14 may be applied to this feature. In this case, further effects can be achieved by applying each configuration.

Note that it is also possible to individually apply the technical idea shown in the configuration of any one of features A1 to A21, features C1 to C13, and features D1 to D14 to each of the configurations of features B1 to B15. It is also possible to combine and apply the respective technical ideas. When applying a combination of technical ideas, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

<Feature C group>
Feature C1. A firing means (gaming ball firing mechanism 53) capable of firing a game ball to a gaming area based on a predetermined firing operation;
A first state (open state) provided in the gaming area, in which a game ball can enter or is easy to enter, and a second state (closed state) in which a game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter than the first state. ) and a variable ball entry means (variable winning device 302, 402) that can be switched to
Variable ball entry control means (main control) that executes variable ball entry control to change the variable ball entry means from the second state to the first state and then to the second state based on a predetermined specific trigger. (a function of executing gaming state transition processing by the device 81);
A first benefit granting means capable of granting a first benefit to a player based on the entry of a game ball into the variable winning ball entry means (executes the payout of prize balls when a winning occurs in the variable winning device 302, etc.) function) and
Equipped with
When a game ball reaches a specific area in the gaming area (an area opened and closed by the shutter 304) in a situation where the variable ball entry means is in the first state, the game ball can flow into the variable ball entry means. The structure is as follows.
a specific ball entry part (specific ball entry port 331) provided in the gaming area and into which a game ball can enter, and which is different from the variable ball entry means;
If a game ball exists in the specific area in a situation where the variable ball entry means switches from one of the first state and the second state to the other of the first state and the second state, the game ball in the specific area a guiding means (protruding part 332) capable of guiding the ball to the specific ball entry part;
a second benefit granting means capable of granting a second benefit to the player when a game ball enters the specific ball entry section (a function for executing processing for transition to a high probability mode by the main controller 81);
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

In the above configuration, variable ball entry control is executed to switch the variable ball entry means between the first state and the second state based on a specific opportunity, and when a game ball enters the variable ball entry means, the bonus (the first benefits) will be granted. Therefore, by executing the variable ball entry control, the player can enjoy a game in which the ball enters the variable ball entry means and obtains benefits. Furthermore, with this configuration, at the timing when the state of the variable ball entry means is switched, the game ball can enter the special ball entry section provided separately from the variable ball entry means, and when such entry occurs, the second bonus The configuration is such that it can be given. This makes it possible to enjoy a game that aims to cause a ball to enter a specific ball entry section when the variable ball entry means switches between the first state and the second state. Generally, a game in which a ball enters the variable ball entry means is enjoyed mainly during the period when the variable ball entry means is in the open state (first state), but with this configuration, the game is further enjoyed during the period when the variable ball entry means is in the open state (first state). You can also play the game with the aim of hitting a ball into a specific ball entry club. In other words, it is possible to enjoy the game not only during the period when the variable ball entry means is in the open state, but also when the variable ball entry means is switched between opening and closing, and it is possible to increase the level of interest when executing the variable ball entry control.

In addition, in this configuration, when a game ball arrives in a situation where the variable ball entry means is in an open state, a specific area is provided where the game ball flows into the variable ball entry means, and when the above switching occurs, the game ball enters the specific area. When a game ball is present, the game ball is configured to enter a specific ball entry section. In other words, since the points that the player should pay attention to are concentrated in a specific area, it is possible to grasp both the ball entering the variable ball entry means and the ball entering the specific ball entry section without moving the player's line of sight. can. Therefore, it is possible to prevent one or both of these balls from being missed, and it is possible to provide a configuration that is easy to play.

Feature C2. The guide means guides the game ball in the specific area to the specific ball entry section when a game ball is present in the specific area in a situation where the variable ball entry means switches from the second state to the first state. The gaming machine according to feature C1, wherein the gaming machine is capable of

In the above configuration, if a game ball is present in the specific area at the timing when the variable ball entry means switches from the closed state (second state) to the open state (first state), the game ball is placed in the specific ball entry section. It becomes possible to make a ball. In this case, in order to cause the ball to enter the specific ball entry section, it is necessary to fire the game ball while the variable ball entry means is in the closed state, so it is possible to suppress so-called stop hitting. Moreover, when the game ball reaches a specific area in a situation where the variable ball entry means is in the closed state, it is possible to create a sense of expectation that the variable ball entry means will be switched to the open state at that timing. That is, since the game can be enjoyed even during the period of the closed state, the game can be enjoyed throughout the execution period of the variable ball entry control, and it becomes possible to suitably liven up the game when the variable ball entry control is executed.

Feature C3. If the game ball in the specific area is not guided to the specific ball entry section by the guide means when the variable ball entry means switches from the second state to the first state, the game ball is returned to the first state. The gaming machine according to feature C1 or feature C2, wherein the gaming machine is configured such that a ball can be entered into the variable ball entry means that is switched to.

With the above configuration, even if the game ball in the specific area does not enter the specific ball entry section when the variable ball entry means switches from the closed state to the open state, the game ball does not enter the variable ball entry means. can be expected. Therefore, even if the game ball in the specific area does not enter the specific ball entry area, the player can obtain a profit (first benefit), and suitably stimulates the player's desire to aim the game ball at the specific area. It becomes possible.

Feature C4. If a game ball is present in the specific area in a situation where the variable ball entry means switches from the second state to the first state, the game ball in the specific area is guided to the specific ball entry part by the guide means. The gaming machine according to feature C3, characterized in that the gaming machine is configured to make it easier for the ball to enter the variable ball entry means.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to increase the difficulty of entering the specific ball entry area and improve the sense of accomplishment when the ball enters the specific ball entry area. In addition, by prioritizing the ball entering the variable ball entry means over the ball entry into the specific ball entry section, the original charm of the variable ball entry control that allows the game ball to enter the variable ball entry means and obtain the first benefit. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the property.

Feature C5. The second benefit granting means does not grant the second benefit even if a game ball enters the specific ball entry section in a situation where the variable ball entry means is in the second state. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C4.

In the above configuration, even if a ball enters the specific ball entry section in a situation where the variable ball entry means is in the closed state (second state), no benefit (second benefit) is given. As a result, even if a ball enters a specific ball entry area under a situation where variable ball entry control is not executed (a situation where the variable ball entry means is maintained in a closed state), no benefits will be obtained. can. As a result, a game in which a game ball enters a specific ball entry area becomes meaningful during the execution period of variable ball entry control, and it is possible to liven up the game when variable ball entry control is executed by this game. become.

Feature C6. Features C1 to C5 characterized in that when a game ball reaches the specific area in a situation where the variable ball entry means is in the first state, the game ball cannot enter the specific ball entry area. The gaming machine described in any of the above.

In the above configuration, the ball does not enter the specific ball entry section when the variable ball entry means is in the open state (first state). Therefore, in the open state, the player can play the game by concentrating on causing the ball to enter the variable ball entry means without worrying about the specific ball entry section.

Feature C7. The variable ball entry control means is configured such that the period required for the variable ball entrance means to switch from the second state to the first state is such that the period required for the variable ball entry means to switch from the first state to the second state is The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C6, further comprising means for making the period longer than the required period.

According to the above configuration, the transition from the closed state (second state) to the open state (first state), which provides a chance for the ball to enter the specific ball entry area, is shown in detail by lengthening the required period. , the switching from the open state to the closed state is quickly completed, and the occurrence of excessive ball entry into the variable ball entry means is suppressed. In other words, it is possible to make it easier for the player to visually confirm whether or not the game ball will enter the specific ball entry section while maintaining a balance with the ball entering the variable ball entry means.

Feature C8. The guide means guides the game ball in the specific area to the specific ball entry section when a game ball is present in the specific area in a situation where the variable ball entry means switches from the first state to the second state. The gaming machine according to feature C1, wherein the gaming machine is capable of

In the above configuration, when a game ball is present in the specific area at the timing when the variable ball entry means switches from the open state (first state) to the closed state (second state), the game ball enters the specific ball entry section. It becomes possible to make a ball. In this case, it is possible to suppress actions such as counting the number of game balls entering the variable ball entry means to predict that the variable ball entry means will switch to the second state and stop shooting the game balls. Furthermore, since the switch from the open state to the closed state always occurs when the variable ball entry control ends, with this configuration, the player does not expect the ball to enter the specific ball entry area until the end of the variable ball entry control. It also has the advantage of being possible.

Each configuration described in the above feature C6 or C7 may be applied to this feature. In this case, in its application, the "first state" described in those characteristics is changed to the "second state", and the "second state" is changed to the "first state".

Feature C9. Any one of features C1 to C8, characterized in that the guiding means is capable of guiding a game ball existing in a part of the specific area (first area 333) to the specific ball entering part. The gaming machine described in .

If you want to increase the difficulty of ball entry into a specific ball entry area and improve the sense of accomplishment when a ball enters the area, for example, you can reduce the frequency at which game balls are guided to the specific ball entry area by making the specific area smaller. It is possible to reduce the However, if the specific area is made smaller, the ease with which the ball enters the variable ball entry means also decreases, and the configuration for enlivening the game during execution of the variable ball entry control may actually become a hindrance. In this regard, in this configuration, since the game balls existing in a part of the specific area are guided to the specific ball entry area, the difficulty of entering the ball into the specific ball entry area is reduced while ensuring a wide specific area. can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to improve the sense of accomplishment when a ball enters a specific ball entry area while suppressing an adverse effect on the ease with which the ball enters the variable ball entry means.

Feature C10. The game machine according to any one of features C1 to C9, characterized in that a game ball entered by the specific ball entry section cannot enter the variable ball entry means.

For example, if the game ball that enters the specified ball entry section is configured to be able to enter the variable ball entry means, it becomes possible to obtain both the first benefit and the second benefit by hitting the specified ball entry section, and the game ball enters the variable ball entry section. This is more advantageous than letting the ball enter the variable ball entry means. As a result, players are more interested in letting the ball enter the specific ball entry area than in letting the ball enter the variable ball entry means, and there is a concern that the original appeal of the variable ball entry control may be lost. In this regard, in this configuration, the game ball that enters the specific ball entry section does not enter the variable ball entry means, so the significance of letting the game ball enter the variable ball entry means is suitably secured, and the variable It becomes possible to suitably prevent the original attractiveness of ball entry control from being lost.

Feature C11. an information acquisition means (a function for executing the winning process for the actuation opening by the main controller 81) that acquires the determination information based on the fulfillment of predetermined acquisition conditions;
Information storage means (held ball storage area 114b) for storing the determination information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Transition determination means for executing a transition determination as to whether or not the determination information stored in the information storage means corresponds to predetermined transition information (a function for executing propriety determination processing by the main controller 81) and,
If the result of the transition determination by the transition determination means is a transition compatible result in which the determination information corresponds to the transition information, transition to a special game state in which the variable ball entry control is executed at least once. Special gaming state transition means (a function for executing gaming state transition processing by the main controller 81),
Equipped with
As gaming states, a first gaming state (low probability mode) and a second gaming state (high probability mode) in which the result of the transition determination by the transition determining means is more likely to result in the transition corresponding result than in the first gaming state. has,
comprising a specific passing section (V gate 353) through which a game ball that has entered the specific ball entering section can pass;
The second benefit granting means grants the second benefit based on the game ball passing through the specific passage section, and the second benefit is the second benefit that is set in the second game state after the special game state ends. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C10, characterized in that the gaming machine causes a transition to a game.

In the above configuration, when a game ball that enters the specific ball entry section passes through the specific passing section, the game moves to a second gaming state (for example, a variable probability gaming state) that is more likely to result in a shift-compatible result than the first gaming state. . As a result, it is possible to enhance the appeal of a game in which a ball enters a specific ball entry area, and it becomes possible to suitably enliven a game when variable ball entry control is executed.

Feature C12. The gaming machine according to feature C11, characterized in that the gaming machine is configured such that there is no trigger for transitioning to the second gaming state other than the passing of the gaming ball through the specific passing section.

In the above configuration, the trigger for transition to the second gaming state is limited to the passage of the game ball through a specific passage section. As a result, it is possible to strongly arouse the player's desire to cause the ball to enter the specified ball entry section, and it is also possible to greatly increase the excitement of the player as to whether or not the ball will enter the specified ball entry section, and the variable entry ball It becomes possible to more suitably enhance the game when the control is executed.

Feature C13. The variable ball entry means is
A ball entry section (big prize opening 303) into which game balls can enter;
a first position (protruding position) provided corresponding to the ball entry part and placing the ball entry part in one of the first state and the second state; and a position on the side in a predetermined direction from the first position. a movable body (shutter 304, 501) capable of switching the ball entry portion to a second position (retracted position) in the other of the first state and the second state;
The movable body is provided with a ball receiving part (upper surface part 304a) that can receive a game ball that has reached the specific area when the movable body is placed at the first position,
The guide means is provided in the ball receiver, and is capable of pushing out the game ball on the ball receiver in the predetermined direction when the movable body moves from the first position to the second position. It is an extrusion part (protrusion part 332),
The game machine according to any one of features C1 to C12, characterized in that the game ball pushed out by the extrusion part is configured to be able to enter the specific ball entry part.

According to the above configuration, since the function as a guiding means is constructed integrally with the movable body, the movement of the movable body when moving to the second position is used to direct the game ball existing in the specific area to a specific incoming ball. You can guide them to the department. As a result, it is possible to cause the game ball to enter the specific ball entry area in good synchronization with the switching of the opening and closing of the variable ball entry means, and it is also possible to realize such a configuration with a relatively simple structure. Become.

Note that it is also possible to individually apply the technical idea shown in the configuration of any one of features A1 to A21, features B1 to B15, and features D1 to D14 to each of the configurations of features C1 to C13 above. It is also possible to combine and apply the respective technical ideas. When applying a combination of technical ideas, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

<Characteristic group D>
Feature D1. A firing means (gaming ball firing mechanism 53) capable of firing a game ball to a gaming area based on a predetermined firing operation;
a specific ball entrance part (specific ball entrance 331) provided in the gaming area and into which game balls can enter;
Equipped with
The gaming state includes a first gaming state (normal gaming state) and a second gaming state (execution state of opening/closing execution mode) different from the first gaming state,
When a predetermined transition condition (a winning result is determined by the determination of validity) is satisfied, a transition means (a game state transition process by the main controller 81) that transitions from the first gaming state to the second gaming state is established. function) and
When in the first gaming state, the specific ball entry section is a ball entry section for discharging the game ball from the gaming area without giving a benefit even if the game ball enters the specific ball entry section. (out exit) and is in the second gaming state, the specific ball entry section provides a benefit that allows the player to expect a benefit when a game ball enters the specific ball entry section. changing means (shutter 304, through hole 339, second guide passage 335, vertical passage 342),
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

According to the above configuration, even if the ball entry part is the same, depending on the game state each time, whether it functions as a ball entry part for ejecting or a ball entry part for awarding benefits changes. This makes it possible to diversify the game modes compared to a case where the function of the ball entry section is fixed, and it becomes possible to improve the level of interest. Furthermore, by changing the function of the ball entry section itself, the following effects can be expected. For example, in order to create a gameplay in which a predetermined benefit is given to the player under the second game state, if a ball entering section is provided as a trigger for the benefit, basically the second game state is It is necessary to take measures so that the game ball enters only in the first game state and does not enter the ball in the first game state. In this regard, in this configuration, since it is possible to allow the ball to enter in the first game state, such restrictions can be relaxed, increasing the degree of freedom in design and reducing the load on design work. It becomes possible to do so.

In addition, in this feature, the "gaming state" can also be expressed as the "gaming machine state", and in that case, the "first gaming state" and the "second gaming state" are respectively the "first state" and the "second state". ” can be expressed as.

Feature D2. a passage part (V gate 353) provided on the downstream side of the specific ball entry part and through which game balls can pass;
When the game ball passes through the passage section, a benefit granting means that can grant a benefit to the player (when the game ball that entered the specific ball entrance 331 passes through the V gate 353, the probability changes after the opening/closing execution mode ends) (function to transition to gaming state),
Equipped with
The changing means allows a game ball that has entered the specific ball entering section to pass through the passing section when the second gaming state is in the second gaming state, and allows a game ball that enters the specific ball entering section to pass through the passing section when the game ball is in the first gaming state. Feature D1 is characterized in that it is provided with a specifying means (shutter 304, through hole 339, second guide passage 335, vertical passage 342) that makes it impossible for the ball to pass through the passage part. Game machine.

According to the above configuration, a specific passing section that is a trigger for awarding a benefit is provided, and the function of the specific ball entering section is changed depending on whether or not a game ball can pass through the passing section. This makes it possible to use the common ball entry section for discharging and awarding privileges, and to suitably switch its functions in accordance with changes in the gaming state.

Feature D3. The identifying means is
a first passage section (third passage section 335c) capable of guiding the game ball that has entered the specific ball entry section to the passing section;
a second passage section (vertical passage 342) for discharging game balls that have entered the specific ball entry section from the gaming area without guiding them to the passing section;
When in the second gaming state, game balls that have entered the specific ball entering section are distributed to the first passage section, and when in the first gaming state, game balls that have entered the specific ball entering section are distributed to the first passage section. Distribution means (shutter 304, through hole 339) for distributing to the second passage section;
The gaming machine according to feature D2, comprising:

According to the above configuration, since the function of the specific ball entry section can be changed by switching the passage section, it can be a practically preferable aspect in realizing the configuration of the feature D2.

Feature D4. A passage section (V gate 353) provided downstream of the specific ball entry section, through which a game ball entering the specific ball entry section can pass,
The changing means provides a benefit to the player when a game ball that has entered the specific ball entry section passes through the passage section in the second game state, and Means for not giving benefits to the player when the game ball passed through the passing section in the first gaming state (a function for executing processing for transition to the high probability mode by the main controller 81) ) The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D3.

According to the above configuration, even if the game ball passes through the specific passing section in the first gaming state, no benefit is given. In other words, in order to switch whether or not a bonus is given when a game ball passes through a specific passage section depending on the gaming state, when a common ball entry section is used for both ejection and bonus granting, the function can be changed depending on the gaming state. This makes it possible to suitably switch according to changes in .

Feature D5. The changing means is configured such that when a ball enters the specific ball entry portion due to movement of a predetermined movable body (shutter 304, 501), the specific ball entry portion becomes the ball entry portion for awarding the benefit; If a ball enters the specific ball entry section without movement of the predetermined movable body, the specific ball entry section becomes the ball entry section for ejection. The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D4.

In the above configuration, depending on whether or not a predetermined movable body is moved when the ball enters the specific ball entry section, the specific ball entry section becomes the ball entry section for specific application, or the ball entry section for ejection. It is subject to change. Thereby, it is possible to provide a game in which the player can enjoy watching whether or not the ball will enter a specific ball entry area while paying attention to the behavior of the movable body, and it is possible to increase the degree of attention to the game.

Feature D6. The gaming machine according to feature D5, characterized in that the position of the specific ball entering section does not change when the predetermined movable body moves.

For example, if the position of the specific ball entry part changes when the movable body moves, there is a risk of losing sight of the specific ball entry part while looking at the movable body, but this configuration prevents such inconvenience from occurring. This can be suitably suppressed.

Feature D7. The gaming machine according to feature D5 or feature D6, wherein the changing means changes the function of the specific ball entry section by moving the predetermined movable body.

According to the above configuration, since the function of the specific ball entry section is changed using the movement of the movable body, it is possible to simplify the configuration.

Feature D8. A first state (open state) provided in the gaming area, in which a game ball can enter or is easy to enter, and a second state (closed state) in which a game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter than the first state. ) and a variable ball entry means (variable winning device 302, 402) that can be switched to
Variable ball entry control means that executes variable ball entry control to change the variable ball entry means from the second state to the first state and then to the second state (executes a game state transition process by the main controller 81) function) and
Equipped with
The second gaming state is a gaming state in which the variable ball entry control is executed at least once,
The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D7, wherein the first gaming state is a gaming state in which the variable ball entry control is not being executed.

According to the above configuration, in the game state where variable ball entry control is executed, the specific ball entry section functions as a ball entry section for awarding benefits, so that a ball entering the specific ball entry section during variable ball entry control is executed. By generating this, it becomes possible to provide a game where you can get a benefit. As a result, it is possible to play a game in which the ball enters the specific ball entry section in parallel with a game in which the ball enters the variable ball entry means, and compared to a gaming machine that only uses the former, variable ball entry control is performed. It can liven up the game when played. In addition, in the game state where variable ball entry control is not executed, the specific ball entry section functions as the ball entry section for ejection, so the presence of the specific ball entry section makes the game advantageous when variable ball entry control is not executed. This makes it possible to suitably secure the superiority of the second gaming state (the gaming state in which variable ball entry control is executed).

Feature D9. The specific ball entry section is different from the variable ball entry means,
The specific ball entry section and the variable ball entry means are arranged so that when the game ball is fired by the firing means at a firing intensity that allows the game ball to reach the variable ball entry means, it can reach the specific ball entry section. The gaming machine according to feature D8.

According to the above configuration, if the game ball is fired aiming at the variable ball entry means, the game ball can naturally reach the specific ball entry portion. As a result, in providing a game that causes the ball to enter a specific ball entry section when executing variable ball entry control, it is possible to aim for the ball to enter the variable ball entry means and to aim for the ball to enter the specific ball entry section. There is no need to separate game balls depending on the situation, and a configuration that makes it easier for the player to play the game can be achieved.

Feature D10. a passage section (second guide passage 335) into which game balls that have entered the specific ball entry section can flow;
A light emitting means capable of emitting light;
Equipped with
The light emitting means is provided so that the irradiation light hits the passage part,
The light emitting means emits light when in the second gaming state, and the light emitting means does not emit light when in the first gaming state, or the emission intensity of the irradiated light is lower than when in the second gaming state. The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D9, further comprising a light emitting control means for controlling the light emitting means so that the light emitting means is controlled.

According to the above configuration, in the second game state in which the specific ball entering section functions as a ball entering section for awarding benefits, the passage section through which the game ball that has entered the specific ball entering section passes is brightly illuminated by the light emitting means. As a result, when it is advantageous for the player to play the game with the aim of hitting a ball into a specific ball entry area, the specific ball entry area or passage can be highlighted and emphasized. In addition, the player can determine which ball entry section is functioning based on the presence or absence of light emission and differences in brightness, which is advantageous in reducing player confusion. becomes.

Feature D11. A game board (game board 24) with the game area formed on the front surface thereof,
The passage section is provided on the back side of the game board,
The gaming machine according to feature D10, wherein at least a portion of the passage section is configured such that game balls flowing through the passage section can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine.

According to the above configuration, since the passage portion is provided on the back side of the game board, the visibility of the passage portion can be reduced compared to a case where the passage portion is provided on the front side of the game board. Thereby, when the light emitting means is not emitting light (or the light emitting intensity is reduced) in the first gaming state, the passage section can be made less noticeable. In addition, since the passage section can be seen from the front of the gaming machine, when the light emitting means is turned on in the second game state, the specific ball entering section and the passage section can be suitably made conspicuous.

Feature D12. The gaming machine according to feature D11, wherein the light emitting means is arranged at a rear side of the gaming machine with respect to the passage section.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the visibility of the game balls flowing through the passage section from being obstructed by the light emitting means.

Feature D13. Equipped with a light emitting means capable of emitting light,
The light emitting means is provided so that the irradiation light hits the specific ball entry part,
The light emitting means emits light when in the second gaming state, and the light emitting means does not emit light when in the first gaming state, or the emission intensity of the irradiated light is lower than when in the second gaming state. The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D12, further comprising a light emitting control means for controlling the light emitting means so that the light emitting means is controlled.

According to the above configuration, in the second game state in which the specific ball entering section functions as a ball entering section for awarding benefits, the specific ball entering section is brightly illuminated by the light emitting means. As a result, when it is advantageous for the player to play a game in which the player aims to hit a ball into a specific ball entering area, the specific ball entering area can be highlighted and emphasized. In addition, the player can determine which ball entry section is functioning based on the presence or absence of light emission and differences in brightness, which is advantageous in reducing player confusion. becomes.

Feature D14. A firing means (gaming ball firing mechanism 53) capable of firing a game ball to a gaming area based on a predetermined firing operation;
a specific ball entrance part (specific ball entrance 331) provided in the gaming area and into which game balls can enter;
A movable body (shutter 304, 501),
A drive control means for driving and controlling the movable body (a function for executing the big prize opening opening/closing process by the main controller 81);
If the ball enters the specific ball entry area due to the movement of the movable body (shutters 304, 501), a privilege is given; however, if the ball enters the specific ball entry area without moving the movable body, Specific means (shutter 304, through hole 339, second guide passage 335, vertical passage 342) for ejecting the game ball from the gaming area without giving a benefit when the ball enters the game area;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to the above configuration, even if the ball enters the same ball entry section, whether the game ball is given a benefit or whether the game ball is ejected from the game area without being given a benefit changes. This makes it possible to diversify the game mode compared to a case where the action of the gaming machine is fixed when a ball enters the ball entering section, and it becomes possible to improve the level of interest. At that time, since the presence or absence of bonuses will change depending on whether or not a predetermined movable body moves when the ball enters the specified ball entry area, the player can pay attention to the behavior of the movable body while It is possible to provide a game where you can enjoy whether or not you hit the ball, and it is possible to increase the degree of attention to the game.

Each configuration described in any one of the features D2 to D13 may be applied to this feature. In this case, further effects can be achieved by applying each configuration.

Note that it is also possible to individually apply the technical idea shown in the configuration of any one of features A1 to A21, features B1 to B15, and features C1 to C13 to each of the configurations of features D1 to D14. It is also possible to combine and apply the respective technical ideas. When applying a combination of technical ideas, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

Note that it is also possible to individually apply the technical ideas shown in the respective configurations of other feature A groups to feature D groups to each of the configurations of feature A groups to feature D groups described in detail above. However, it is also possible to apply the respective technical ideas in combination. When applying a combination of technical ideas, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

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

Pachinko game machine: an operating means operated by a player, a game ball firing means that fires a game ball based on the operation of the operating means, a ball path that guides the fired game ball to a predetermined gaming area, A game machine comprising game parts arranged within a region, and giving a bonus to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passage part of each game part.

Reel-type gaming machines such as slot machines: Equipped with a variable display means that displays a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displays the symbol row at a final stop, and the symbols begin to fluctuate due to the operation of the starting operation means. A special game that is advantageous to the player, with the necessary condition that the fluctuation of the symbols is stopped due to the operation of the stopping operation means or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and that the final stopped symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

Ball-using belt-type gaming machine: Equipped with a variable display means that displays a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displays the symbol row as a final stop; A special gaming state (bonus game, etc.), and further includes a throwing device that is provided with a ball tray and performs a throwing process of taking in game balls from the ball tray, and a putting device that puts out game balls to the ball tray. A game machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means becomes effective when a game ball is thrown into the game machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Pachinko machine, 53...Game ball launch mechanism, 81...Main control device, 302,402...Variable prize winning device, 303...Big prize opening, 304...Shutter, 304a...Top part, 331...Specific ball entrance, 332... Projection portion, 333...first region, 334...second region, 335...second guide passage, 339...through hole, 342...vertical passage, 345...distribution device, 353...V gate.

Claims (1)

a firing means capable of firing a game ball to a game area based on a predetermined firing operation;
A variable entrance is provided in the gaming area and is switchable between a first state in which a game ball can enter or is easy to enter, and a second state in which a game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter than the first state. ball means;
Variable ball entry control means that executes variable ball entry control to change the variable ball entry means from the second state to the first state and then to the second state based on a predetermined specific trigger;
a first benefit granting means capable of granting a first benefit to a player based on the entry of a game ball into the variable ball entry means;
Equipped with
When a game ball reaches a specific area within the gaming area in a situation where the variable entry ball means is in the first state, the game ball can flow into the variable entry ball means,
a specific ball entry section provided in the gaming area, into which a game ball can enter, and which is different from the variable ball entry means;
If a game ball exists in the specific area in a situation where the variable ball entry means switches from one of the first state and the second state to the other of the first state and the second state, the game ball in the specific area guiding means capable of guiding the ball to the specific ball entry portion;
a second benefit granting means capable of granting a second benefit to the player when a game ball enters the specific ball entry section;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

Images