JP7385888B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine (also commonly referred to as a "pachinko machine").

Conventionally, as seen in, for example, Patent Document 1, a gaming machine is known in which a game lottery related to the progress of the game is held in response to the entry of a game ball into a starting hole. Further, there is known an enclosed type pachinko machine (so-called managed gaming machine) in which game balls are not ejected outside the gaming machine.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-99403

By the way, in such an enclosed type pachinko machine , appropriate counting and management of game balls is required for managing the balls held based on the game balls being ejected from the firing device.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an enclosed game machine that can appropriately count game balls and does not cause any disadvantage to players or the hall.

The gaming machine according to [Means 1] is:
A gaming machine in which enclosed gaming balls are circulated and the game progresses by detecting the gaming balls fired into the gaming area in a predetermined area,
a main control means for controlling the game content;
a counting means for counting balls held by a player;
a firing means for firing a game ball;
firing control means for controlling the firing means;
a firing rail on which game balls to be fired toward the gaming area by the firing means wait;
Ball feeding means for supplying game balls to the launch rail;
a first detection means for detecting game balls waiting on the launch rail;
a second detection means for detecting a game ball that is fired toward the game area and becomes a foul ball without reaching the game area;
The launch rail is fixedly located below the game board where the game area is formed,
The counting means includes:
subtracting the counted value of the balls held in response to the detection of the game balls by the first detection means changing from the detection state to the non-detection state;
Adding the counted value of the balls held in response to the detection of the game ball by the second detection means changing from the non-detection state to the detection state,
The launch control means can perform control to remove the game balls on the launch rail from the launch rail at a predetermined timing even if the player does not perform a launch operation.
This gaming machine is characterized by:

In this regard, with the above configuration, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, it is difficult for the returning balls to enter the firing rail, and they are received in the foul space, so the returning balls can be counted appropriately, causing no harm to the players or the hall. It is possible to provide gaming machines that do not generate profits. (For example, see paragraphs 0325 to 0422, FIGS. 37 to 49, etc.).

According to this invention, returned balls can be counted appropriately and a fair gaming machine can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a ball launcher. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a sphere circulation passage. It is a front view of a game board. It is an exploded perspective view of the game board as seen from the front. It is an exploded perspective view of the game board as seen from behind. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a function display unit in a game board when it is attached to a pachinko machine. FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of a game board using a game panel of an embodiment different from the example shown in FIG. 5 and the like. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the game board seen from the rear in FIG. 8. FIG. It is a detailed front view of the game board. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the game board of FIG. 10 when viewed from the front. It is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of a pachinko machine. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of main processing in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when a power outage occurs. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of special control processing. It is a flowchart showing starting opening prize winning processing. It is a flowchart which shows fluctuation start processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a variation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of processing during fluctuation. It is a flowchart showing an example of jackpot game start processing. It is a flowchart showing an example of a small winning game start process. It is a flowchart showing an example of jackpot game processing. It is a flowchart showing an example of small winning game processing. It is an explanatory diagram showing a table composition in a random number storage means for special symbols. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of sub-main processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of 16ms steady processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of decorative pattern fluctuation start processing (Step S1210). It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration regarding the first jackpot lottery on the main control board. It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration regarding the second jackpot lottery on the main control board. It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration regarding an advantageous gaming state that occurs according to the lottery results in the first jackpot lottery and the second jackpot lottery. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration related to the normal lottery on the main control board. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration regarding effects on a peripheral control board. It is a figure which shows the example of a performance of a frame side performance display device. It is a figure showing the structure of another batted ball launcher. It is a figure showing the structure of another batted ball launcher. It is a figure showing the structure of another batted ball launcher. It is a figure showing the structure of another batted ball launcher. It is a figure showing the structure of another batted ball launcher. It is a figure showing the structure of another batted ball launcher. 38 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the batted ball launching device shown in FIG. 37. FIG. 38 is a flowchart of a process for counting the number of fired balls in the batted ball firing device shown in FIG. 37. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically another batted ball launcher (Modification 2). It is a schematic diagram which shows typically another batted ball launcher (modification example 3). It is a schematic diagram which shows typically another batted ball launcher (modification example 4). It is a schematic diagram which shows typically another batted ball launcher (modification 5). It is a schematic diagram which shows typically another batted ball launcher (modification example 6).

[1. Overall structure of pachinko machine]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the entire pachinko machine according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes an outer frame 2 installed in an island facility (not shown) of a game hall, and a pachinko machine 1 that is pivotably supported by the outer frame 2 so as to be openable and closable. A game board 4 having a box-shaped main body frame (not shown) with an open front side and a game area 1100 is attached and fixed to the main body frame from the front side, and the front side of the main body frame and the game board 4 is The door frame 5 is rotatably supported on the main body frame so as to be openable and closable so as to be closed from the player side. The door frame 5 of the pachinko machine 1 includes a game window 101 formed so that the game area 1100 of the game board 4 is visible from the player side, various frame lamps 102, and a speaker 103 ( A pair of speaker covers 104 (see FIG. 12) are provided, and an operation effect area 300 that is placed below the game window 101 and is subject to various operations by the player.

Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of this example, when viewed from the front, the outer frame 2, the main body frame, and the door frame 5 are each formed in a vertically elongated rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction, and the horizontal width of each is The main body frame and the door frame 5 are formed to have substantially the same dimensions, and the vertical width dimension of the main body frame and the door frame 5 is slightly shorter than that of the outer frame 2. Further, the outer frame 2, the main body frame, and the door frame 5 are arranged so that their upper ends are substantially aligned, and the main body frame and the door frame 5 are rotatably supported at the front left end of the outer frame 2. The right ends of the main body frame and the door frame 5 move forward with respect to the outer frame 2, thereby opening the door.

In addition, when viewed from the front, this pachinko machine 1 has a game area 1100 where a game ball is hit through a substantially circular game window 101. An operation effect area 300 is provided so as to protrude toward the player's side.

That is, as will be described later, the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment employs a circulation structure that allows the game balls launched into the game area 1100 to be collected within the pachinko machine 1 and launched again. Only a pre-prepared number (for example, 30 balls) of game balls are repeatedly launched through a circulation path (see FIGS. 2 and 3) formed on the back side of the door frame 5. Therefore, the front side of the door frame 5 is not provided with a conventional tray unit (such as an upper tray) for holding game balls for launching, and is an operation production area that is subject to various operations by the player. 300 is provided by utilizing the thus vacant space.

The operation production area 300 includes a touch panel 311 as a touch panel liquid crystal 310 to be touched by the player, a frame side production display device 312, and a grip section held by the player on both left and right sides of the touch panel liquid crystal 310. 320 as a left grip part 321 and right grip part 322, and buttons to be pressed by the player (performance operation button 331, first eco button 332, home button 333, ball lending button 334, return/ A payment button 335) is provided. In addition, as a result display section on which the results of these operations are displayed, in addition to the frame side effect display device 312, a firing intensity display LED 341, a CR frequency display 342, and a ball count display 343 are included. It is provided.

Here, the touch panel 311 is provided to cover the entire display surface of the frame-side effect display device 312, and for example, the capacitance (between the fingertip and the conductive film) changes when a touch operation is performed by the player. This can be implemented as a capacitive method that detects the position of a touch operation (including contact operations as well as proximity (non-contact) operations) by capturing changes in the capacitance between the two.

As will be described later, the frame-side effect display device 312 performs effects according to the progress of the game, separately from the panel-side effect display device 1900 (see FIG. 10) provided on the game board 4 side, which will be described later. It is possible to display information regarding the number of balls held by the player and information regarding the game, to switch between these displays, and to perform various settings regarding effects through touch operations on the touch panel 311.

Further, the left grip portion 321 and the right grip portion 322 are formed to have a structure that can be gripped by a player like a handle. However, among these, the right grip section 322 includes a handle operation section 322a that is rotated by the player in order to drive a game ball into the game area 1100 of the game board 4, and an operation amount (rotation amount) of this handle operation section 322a. ), a firing stop button 322b is provided which is pressed by the player to stop the shooting of game balls into the game area 1100 of the game board 4. Note that the left grip portion 321 is provided with a grip portion 321a that has a non-slip function when held by a player.

Incidentally, the greater the amount of operation (rotation amount) of the handle operation section 322a, the stronger the firing strength when the game ball is hit into the game area 1100 of the game board 4. Regarding this firing strength, This is indicated by a stepwise display number on the firing intensity display LED 341. Note that the firing intensity may be displayed by omitting the firing intensity display LED 341 and displaying it on the frame side effect display device 312.

Although not shown in the drawings, the left grip section 321 and the right grip section 322 rotate around a predetermined horizontal axis extending in the left-right direction as a whole of the unit portion including the frame side effect display device 312. These positions can be adjusted by the player's operations, such as by moving them back and forth, up and down, and so on. Through such position adjustment, it becomes possible to make it easier for the player to see the frame-side effect display device 312 and to make it easier for the player to operate various operations.

Although the details will be described later, the game window 101 of the door frame 5 is closed by a transparent glass unit 590, and although the inside of the game area 1100 can be viewed from the player, the game window 101 of the door frame 5 is closed by a transparent glass unit 590. It is impossible to touch the game balls, obstacle nails, various winning openings, accessories, etc. in the game area 1100 by inserting your hand or the like. Further, the rear side of the main body frame is provided with various control boards and a cover body that closes to cover the rear of the game board 4.

In addition, the performance operation button 331 can be operated in accordance with the display performance performed on the panel side performance display device 1900 (see FIG. 10), or in accordance with the display performance performed on the frame side performance display device 312. When the same operation is performed, new game information is displayed on the panel side effect display device 1900 or the frame side effect display device 312.

In addition, when the first eco button 332 is operated, the brightness of the frame lamp 102, the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the panel side effect display device 1900 (see FIG. 10), and the frame side effect display device 312 are changed. The brightness of the LCD backlight and the volume level of the speaker 103 used for values) are set all at once. According to such operations by the player, the power consumption of the pachinko machine 1 can be significantly and easily reduced. In addition, when the first eco button 332 is operated again in a state where the eco mode value is set, such an eco mode state (predetermined eco mode value (for example, at least one output value is the minimum value)) ) is now cleared.

Note that the first eco button 332 may be subjected to a process of switching the above-mentioned level values in a stepwise manner each time the player operates the first eco button 332. For example, if the brightness or volume level is set to a relatively low eco-mode value, the first eco-mode value (for example, the minimum value) requires greater power consumption than when it is set to the first eco-mode value. After preparing a second eco-mode value, which is a level value that is set to Each time an operation is performed, the first eco-mode value is switched to an eco-mode value with higher power consumption in order, and when the third eco-mode value is set, when the operation is performed again, the first eco-mode value is switched again. It may be possible to perform processing to return the data. Conversely, each time the same operation is performed, the 3rd eco-mode value is switched to an eco-mode value with lower power consumption in order, and when the 1st eco-mode value is set and the operation is performed again, the 3rd eco-mode value is switched to the lower power consumption eco-mode value. Processing to return to the eco-mode value may also be performed.

In addition, the first eco button 332 is prepared as a plurality of buttons, and each button is operated to correspond to the eco mode value (for example, the first eco mode value to the third eco mode value). It may be something that is done. Alternatively, it may be configured to include an UP button that switches to an eco-mode value that consumes more power than the current one, and a button that switches to an eco-mode value that consumes less power than the current one.

Further, the first eco button 332 may be omitted and realized through display on the frame side effect display device 312 and touch panel operation.

Furthermore, the first eco button 332 does not necessarily have to be used to set the above-mentioned level values all at once. For example, the brightness of the frame lamp 102, the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the panel-side effect display device 1900 (see FIG. 10), the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the frame-side effect display device 312, and the brightness of the speaker 103. If it is possible to set at least one of the volume levels to the eco mode value (for example, the minimum value), the power consumption of the pachinko machine 1 can be easily reduced (by simply pressing a button). It is possible.

However, as will be described later, in the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment, the brightness of the frame lamp 102 and the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the panel side effect display device 1900 (see FIG. 10) are controlled through the touch panel liquid crystal 310. It is also possible to individually adjust the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the frame side effect display device 312 and the volume level of the speaker 103. In other words, the first eco button 332 according to this embodiment can easily change only the level value that can be adjusted individually and in more detail through the touch panel liquid crystal 310 to a predetermined eco mode value by simply pressing the button by the player. (for example, the minimum value).

Note that when the first eco button 332 is set to a predetermined eco mode value (eco mode), such individual adjustments may not be possible. That is, in this case, the player operates the first eco button 332 again to cancel the eco mode, and then performs individual adjustments.

In addition, when the home button 333 is operated, the types of display contents on the touch panel liquid crystal 310 (a display that provides an effect according to the progress of the game, a display that provides a game explanation, a display that allows each of the above-mentioned level values to be set individually) etc.), a process is performed to return to the default display (for example, a display that provides effects according to the progress of the game). According to such operations by the player, even if there are many types of display contents on the touch panel liquid crystal 310 or the contents are complicated, the default display can be returned by simply pressing a button on the outside of the touch panel liquid crystal 310. Since it is possible to return to the original position, even players who are not accustomed to such touch operations (such as older players) can try them with confidence.

Furthermore, when the ball lending button 334 is operated, cash or a prepaid card is inserted into the inter-machine machine (FIG. 12) installed adjacent to the pachinko machine 1. A process is performed in which a certain amount of the amount is consumed and a corresponding number of game balls are lent to the player. However, as mentioned above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment, only a pre-prepared quantity (for example, 30 balls) of game balls can be passed through the circulation path formed on the back side of the door frame 5 (Fig. Since the game ball adopts a circulating structure in which it is repeatedly hit through the ball (see 3), these game balls are not lent directly to players.

Therefore, in this pachinko machine 1, when the ball rental button 334 is operated, the number of balls the player has, which can be called the remaining number of times the player can hit the game balls, is equal to the amount consumed. A process is performed in which the "number of balls held" is newly added and this is set as a new "number of balls held." As a result, although the number of game balls in the pachinko machine 1 does not change, the remaining number of times the game balls in the circulation path formed on the back side of the door frame 5 can be launched increases. The game ball in the circulation path formed on the back side of the door frame 5 can be launched into the game area 1100 until this increased remaining number of times becomes "0". In addition, regarding the display of such "number of balls held", it is displayed on the number of balls held display 343 and the touch panel liquid crystal 310, and the remaining amount of money that has not been consumed yet is the CR frequency. It is displayed on the display 342.

Here, the number of balls held display 343 is composed of a 7-segment LED with 6 digits and an LED forming a comma indicating the unit of thousands. Among the 6-digit 7-segment LEDs, three 7-segment LEDs corresponding to units of one, ten, and hundred are arranged on the right side of the production operation button 331, and three seven-segment LEDs corresponding to units of one, ten, and hundred are arranged on the right side of the production operation button 331, and three seven-segment LEDs corresponding to units of one, ten, and hundred thousand are placed on the right side of the production operation button 331. Three 7-segment LEDs are arranged on the left side of the performance operation button 331. By arranging the 6-digit 7-segment LEDs separately to sandwich the performance operation button 331 in this way, even though only a small space is provided, it is possible to display the ``number of balls held'', which can be called the performance of the game. ” can now be displayed more prominently, thereby making it possible to improve the game's interest in cases where great results have been obtained. Note that a color LED may be used as the 6-digit 7-segment LED, and the display may be performed in different colors depending on the range of the "number of balls held". In other words, in this case, not only will you be able to recognize the range of the number of balls you have just by looking at the color, but you will also be able to understand the goals of the game, such as ``I want to do my best to reach the level indicated by that color.'' You can also expect that.

Furthermore, when the return/payment button 335 is operated, cash or a prepaid card is inserted into the inter-machine machine (FIG. 12) installed adjacent to the pachinko machine 1. The remaining amount that has not yet been consumed will be returned as cash or a prepaid card with the same amount recorded on it. In addition, this prepaid card is returned with information about the number of balls held, which can be exchanged for prizes or used when playing at other pachinko machines. It is now possible to do so. In this case, "0" will be shown on both the CR frequency display 342 and the ball count display 343.

By the way, in the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment, only a pre-prepared number (for example, 30 balls) of game balls are repeatedly launched through the circulation path formed on the back side of the door frame 5. What is happening is described above. Therefore, regarding the batted ball launching device 210 which corresponds to the part in such a circulation passage that launches game balls into the gaming area 1100, and the ball circulation passage 230 which corresponds to the part where game balls are collected from the gaming area 1100 in the circulation passage. This will be explained below.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the batted ball launching device 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the ball launching device 210 is provided on the main body frame side, and a ball feeding unit 231 (see FIG. ) is configured to receive supply of game balls through. The game balls thus supplied are driven into the game area 1100 of the game board 4 with a force corresponding to the rotational operation of the handle operation section 322a.

That is, the batting ball launching device 210 of this embodiment includes a firing solenoid 211, a batting mallet 212 that is rotatably fixed to the drive shaft of the firing solenoid 211, and a mallet tip 213 that is fixed to the tip of the batting mallet 212. It is equipped with

Here, although detailed illustration of the firing solenoid 211 is omitted, its drive shaft rotates back and forth with a strength (speed) corresponding to the rotational operation angle of the handle operation section 322a. That is, through the reciprocating movement of the firing solenoid 211, the hammer tip 213 of the ball hitting mallet 212 hits a game ball supplied from a ball circulation passage 230, which will be described later, so that the game ball is sent to the game area through the firing rail 214 shown in the figure. It will be launched at 1100.

Note that this launch rail 214 has a gentle arc shape with a concave lower part so as to roughly follow the extension line of the lower end of the outer rail of the game board 4, and has a V-shaped concave shape in the center with respect to the front and back direction. The game ball hit by the ball hitting mallet 212 can be smoothly guided to the game board 4 side along the launch rail 214. This launch rail 214 is formed by bending a metal plate.

Further, between the launch rail 214 and the lower end of the outer rail on the game board 4, a foul space 215 is formed that extends downward by a predetermined width in the left-right direction, and the launch rail 214 jumps over this foul space 215. By firing the game ball in this manner, the game ball can be driven into the game area 1100 of the game board 4. In other words, as will be described later, a game ball that is not hit into the game area 1100 and becomes a foul ball due to insufficient force when the hammer tip 213 of the batting mallet 212 hits the game ball falls through the foul space 215 and becomes a foul ball. The balls are received into the ball entrance and collected into a ball circulation path 230, which will be described later, without being ejected into the game area 1100.

Further, in the batted ball firing device 210, the firing solenoid 211 is driven by a firing solenoid drive circuit with a drive strength corresponding to the rotational operation of the handle operation part 322a, and the ball feeding solenoid of the ball feeding unit 231 is It is designed to be driven in synchronization with the drive of 231a. Specifically, in the ball sending unit 231 that supplies game balls to the batted ball launching device 210, when the ball sending solenoid 231a is driven (ON), a predetermined ball sending member receives the game ball, and from that state, the ball sending solenoid 231a is activated. When the drive is released (OFF), the ball sending member sends the received game ball to the batted ball firing device 210 (body frame) side, so it is fired almost simultaneously with the ball sending solenoid 231a of the ball sending unit 231. By driving (ON) the solenoid 211, the game balls can be smoothly supplied from the ball feeding unit 231 to the rear end of the firing rail 214, and the rotation of the ball hammer 212 can reliably fire the game balls. It is now possible to do so. Further, an entrance sensor 231b for detecting game balls supplied to the ball feeding member is provided in the ball passage in front of the ball feeding member of the ball feeding unit 231, and a firing rail is provided in the ball passage downstream of the ball feeding member. An exit sensor 231c is provided to detect game balls supplied to 214. Note that only one entrance sensor 231b and one exit sensor 231c may be provided. Furthermore, as will be described later, the game ball supplied to the launch rail 214 may be detected by the launch confirmation sensor 216 without providing either the entrance sensor 231b or the exit sensor 231c.

However, as described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment, only a pre-prepared number (for example, 30 balls) of game balls are repeatedly launched through the circulation path formed on the back side of the door frame 5. Therefore, it is extremely important to manage and understand the state of the game balls within the pachinko machine 1 in order to properly proceed with the game.

In this respect, the batted ball launcher 210 according to this embodiment is not in the same state as when the game ball is being supplied to the batting mallet 212 (a state in which a game ball can be hit). A shot ball confirmation sensor 216 that can detect which state it is in and a ball mallet 212 detect that the game ball has been shot (headed toward either the foul space 215 or the game area 1100). It has a possible launch ball detection sensor 217. Further, a return ball detection sensor 218 is provided that can detect a game ball that has fallen through the foul space 215 and is received into the foul ball entrance. The handling of detection results from these various sensors will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the ball circulation passage 230. On the other hand, the ball circulation passage 230 is formed on the back side of the door frame 5, and as shown in FIG. Collect the game balls ejected from the opening 2101, second starting opening 2102, big winning opening 2103, general winning opening 2104, etc., and the gaming balls that fell through the foul space 215 and were accepted into the foul ball entrance. This allows them to be hammered out again.

That is, the ball circulation passage 230 includes a ball polishing unit 232 that polishes the collected game balls with a cloth or the like through the drive of a ball polishing motor 232a, and a ball firing device on the main body frame side that polishes the game balls polished by the ball polishing unit 232. 210, and a ball feeding unit 231 that supplies the ball to the ball feeding unit 210.

In addition, the ball circulation passage 230 according to this embodiment includes a discharged ball detection sensor 233 that detects passage of the game balls discharged from the discharge port in the game area 1100, and a discharged ball detection sensor 233 that detects the passage of the game balls discharged from the discharge port in the game area 1100, and A first ball capacity confirmation sensor 234 and a second ball capacity confirmation sensor 235 are used to check the total number, and a second ball capacity confirmation sensor 235 is used to check the presence or absence of game balls to be supplied to the ball launcher 210 on the main body frame side. A first firing standby ball sensor 236 and a second firing waiting ball sensor 237 are provided. The handling of detection results from these various sensors will be described later.

Next, the basic configuration of the game board 4 in the pachinko machine 1 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the game board as seen from the front, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the game board as seen from the rear. be. Further, FIG. 7 is an enlarged front view showing the function display unit in the game board when it is attached to a pachinko machine. Further, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a game board using a game panel of a different embodiment as seen from the front, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the game board of FIG. 8 seen from the rear. .

As shown in the figure, the game board 4 of this embodiment has a substantially rectangular outer shape when viewed from the front, dividing the outer periphery of a game area 1100 into which a game ball is hit by the player operating the handle operation part 322a. A component 1110, a plate-shaped game panel 1150 that is placed on the rear side of the front component 1110 and defines the rear end of the game area 1100, a board holder 1160 that is placed on the lower rear side of the game panel 1150, and a board holder. A main control board box 1170 that houses a main control board 4100 that is attached to the rear surface of the game ball 1160 and controls the game content played by driving a game ball into the game area 1100, and The player is provided with a function display unit 1180 that is capable of displaying the game situation and is attached to a predetermined position of the front component 1110 so as to be visible to the player. This game board 4 includes a front unit 2000 attached to the front surface of the game panel 1150 and a back unit 3000 attached to the rear surface of the game panel 1150, although not shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 and details will be described later. It further includes (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

The game board 4 of this embodiment has a basic configuration formed by a front component 1110, a game panel 1150, a board holder 1160, a main control board box 1170, and a function display unit 1180, and is attached to the game panel 1150. The front unit 2000 and back unit 3000, and the main control board 4100 housed in the main control board box 1170 form a detailed structure that characterizes the pachinko machine 1 (gaming board 4). Here, the basic configuration of the game board 4 will be explained, and the detailed configuration will be described later.

Next, the front component 1110 of the game board 4 will be explained. The front component 1110 of the game board 4 of this example has an approximately rectangular outer shape that can be inserted into the game board holding opening of the main body frame, and an approximately circular inner shape that penetrates in the front and back direction. The outer periphery of the gaming area 1100 is divided by the inner periphery. The front component 1110 includes an outer rail 1111 extending in an arc shape along the clockwise circumferential direction from the lower end on the left side from the center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, passing through the upper end of the center in the left-right direction in the front view and extending to the diagonally upper right side; An inner rail 1112 is disposed inside the outer rail 1111 approximately along the outer rail 1111 and extends in an arc shape from the lower left-right center in the front view to the upper left diagonal in the front view. An inner circumferential rail 1113 extends in an arc shape along the circumferential direction counterclockwise when viewed from the front to a position below the terminal end (upper end) of the outer rail 1111, and the terminal end (upper end) of the inner circumferential rail 1113 and the outer rail 1111. of the gaming area 1100 at the boundary between the inner rail 1112 and the inner circumferential rail 1113 and the stop portion 1114 that connects the terminal end (upper end) of The outlet guide surface 1115 is arranged at the lowest end and becomes lower toward the rear, and the inner rail 1112 is rotatably supported by the upper end of the inner rail 1112, and the outer rail 1111 is closed from the upper end of the inner rail 1112. It can be rotated only between the closed position where it extends upward and the open position where it is rotated clockwise when viewed from the front to open the space between it and the outer rail 1111, and is configured to return to the closed position side. A backflow prevention member 1116 biased by a spring (not shown) is provided.

When the game board 4 is attached to the main body frame, the lower end opening between the outer rail 1111 and the inner rail 1112 of the front component 1110 is located on the extension line of the firing rail 214 of the ball launching device 210 of the main body frame. It is supposed to be located. A space is formed between the lower end of this outer rail 1111 and the upper end of the firing rail 214, which expands in the left-right direction and downward. , so that it jumps over the space and is driven into the space between the outer rail 1111 and the inner rail 1112 from the lower end opening between the outer rail 1111 and the inner rail 1112. The game ball hit between the outer rail 1111 and the inner rail 1112 rolls upward along the outer rail 1111 according to its momentum, and hits the backflow prevention member 1116 that is pivotally supported at the upper end of the inner rail 1112. , by rotating it toward the open position against the biasing force, it is possible to enter the gaming area 1100.

In addition, when the game ball is strongly hit by the ball launcher 210, the game ball rolling along the outer rail 1111 in the game area 1100 comes into contact with the blocking part 1114 provided at the end of the outer rail 1111. When the game ball comes into contact with this blocking part 1114, the rolling direction of the game ball can be forcibly changed, and the game ball continuously rolls from the outer rail 1111 to the inner peripheral rail 1113. It is possible to prevent it from moving. In addition, even if the game ball that has entered (hit) into the game area 1100 tries to return between the outer rail 1111 and the inner rail 1112, the backflow prevention member 1116 returns to the closed position by the force before that. As a result, the backflow of game balls is prevented by the backflow prevention member 1116.

In addition, if the game ball hit into the game area 1100 is not accepted into the starting ports 2101, 2102 or winning holes 2103, 2104, 2201, etc. of the table unit 2000 (see FIG. 10), which will be described later, It flows down to the lower end, is guided to the out port 1151 of the game panel 1150 by the out port guide surface 1115 at the boundary between the inner rail 1112 and the inner peripheral rail 1113, and is guided from the out port 1151 to the lower passage on the rear side of the game board 4. The balls are discharged (recovered) through the ball circulation passage 230 formed on the back side of the door frame 5.

On the other hand, if the game ball fired from the ball launcher 210 fails to enter the gaming area 1100 beyond the backflow prevention member 1116 at the tip of the inner rail 1112, the difference between the outer rail 1111 and the inner rail 1112 The foul space 215 formed between the upper end of the firing rail 214 and the lower end of the outer rail 1111 is rolled from the lower end opening between the outer rail 1111 and the inner rail 1112 in the opposite direction. The balls fall and are discharged (recovered) into a ball circulation passage 230 formed on the back side of the door frame 5 located at the bottom of the foul space 215.

In addition, the outer rail 1111 of the front component 1110 has a metal plate attached to its surface, which increases the wear resistance caused by the rolling of the game ball, and also allows the game ball to roll smoothly. ing. In addition, the blocking portion 1114 has an elastic body such as rubber or synthetic resin placed on its surface, and even if the game ball rolls vigorously along the outer rail 1111 and collides with it, it can reduce the impact. In addition to being able to do this, it also allows the game ball to be repelled inward.

The front component 1110 also includes a wall-shaped security protrusion 1117 that protrudes forward from the outer side of the lower part of the outer rail 1111, and a wall-like security protrusion 1117 that extends from the lower side of the exit guide surface 1115 along the inner circumferential rail 1113 at approximately the center in the vertical direction. A groove-shaped rail security groove 1118 extending from the front end and recessed by a predetermined amount from the front end is provided. The security protrusion 1117 on the front component 1110 overlaps the security rear end protrusion 183 of the security cover 180 on the door frame 5 in the vertical direction when the door frame 5 is closed with respect to the main body frame. As a result, even if an unauthorized tool such as a piano wire enters between the main body frame and the door frame 5 on the pivot side (left side when viewed from the front), the unauthorized tool cannot reach inside the gaming area 1100. It looks like this.

Further, in the front component 1110 of this example, when the door frame 5 is closed with respect to the main body frame, the security rear protrusion 182 of the security cover 180 of the door frame 5 is inserted into the rail security groove 1118. At the same time, the security rear protrusion piece 182 is inserted between the inner rail 1112 and the outer rail 1111 so as to be substantially in contact with the outer side (the side opposite to the gaming area 1100) of the inner rail 1112. In addition, the inner rail 1112, the rail security groove 1118, and the security rear protrusion 182 also prevent illegal tools such as a piano wire that have entered between the main body frame and the door frame 5 from reaching the gaming area 1100. It is now possible to do so.

The front component 1110 also has a pair of positioning recesses 1119 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction at the left end when viewed from the front, are recessed from the front to the rear, and are open at the left end, and a pair of positioning recesses 1119 that are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction at the right end when viewed from the front. A pair of game board stops 1120 are arranged at the same time, and a fixing recess 1121 which is arranged on the left side of the lower end of the outer rail 1111 when viewed from the front and is opened downward and has an arcuate upper side and is recessed from the front side. Near the left end of the lower end, a notch 1122 is provided in the vicinity of the left end of the lower end, which has a rectangular shape and extends upward from the lower end in the left-right direction. The positioning recess 1119 of the front component 1110 is fitted with a positioning member attached to the inside of the side security plate of the main body frame, so that the left end of the game board 4 inserted into the game board holding port when viewed from the front is aligned in the front-rear direction. It is now possible to restrict movement to. In addition, the game board stopper 1120 can be removably locked to the game board locking part of the main frame base of the main body frame, and the game board stopper 1120 can be attached to the game board locking part of the main body frame base. By locking the game board 4, the right end of the game board 4 inserted into the game board holding port of the main body frame in front view can be prevented from moving in the front-rear direction.

In addition, the fixing recess 1121 of the front component 1110 is configured to rotate the game board fixing tool, which is pivotally supported on the front surface of the main body frame, in a clockwise direction when the game board 4 is inserted into the game board holding port of the main body frame, when viewed from the front. When the game board 4 is rotated, the fixing piece of the game board fixture is inserted, and the game board fixture restricts the lower end of the game board 4 from moving forward.

Furthermore, the front component 1110 has a horizontally elongated through hole 1123 penetrating in the front-rear direction near the right end in the front view at the lower end, and a thickness in the front-rear direction at a position to the left in the front view from the center in the left-right direction on the lower side of the through hole 1123. The fastening portion 1124 is formed to be thin, and a certificate stamp pasting portion 1125 is arranged on the left side of the through hole 1123 when viewed from the front and is used for pasting a certificate stamp for certification confirmation. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the fastening portion 1124 of this front component 1110 is designed to fit a predetermined fastening band into a fastening hole formed in the previous main body frame when this game board is attached to the previous main body frame. By wrapping them around each other and fastening them, the game board 4 can be made difficult to remove, and unauthorized removal of the game board 4 can be prevented.

Further, in the front component 1110, a display section 1181 of a function display unit 1180, which will be described later, is arranged at the lower right side when viewed from the front outside the rail security groove 1118 along the inner circumferential rail 1113. The front component 1110 also includes a plurality of attachment bosses 1126 that protrude rearward from both left and right ends of the lower portion of the rear surface, and a plurality of positioning protrusions 1127 that protrude rearward from the rear surface of the inner rail 1112. This mounting boss 1126 penetrates the game panel 1150 and engages with the fixed boss 1162 of the board holder 1160, and screws a predetermined screw from the rear side of the board holder 1160 through the fixed boss 1162 to the mounting boss 1126. By attaching it, the game panel 1150 can be held between the front component 1110 and the board holder 1160. In addition, the positioning protrusion 1127 can be fitted into an inner rail fixing hole 1155 formed in the game panel 1150 to fix the inner rail 1112 at a predetermined position on the game panel 1150.

Next, the game panel 1150 on the game board 4 will be explained. The game panel 1150 of this example is made of a wood board material such as veneer plywood with a predetermined thickness (for example, 18 mm to 21 mm), and has an outer shape that is approximately the same as the outer shape of the front component 1110. This game panel 1150 has an out port 1151 penetrating in the front and back direction at a position corresponding to the out port guide surface 1115 in the front component 1110 at the lower part of the center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, and an out port 1151 that extends horizontally in the front and back direction on the left side in the front view at the lower end. A notch 1152 that is opened downward and has the same shape as the notch 1122 of the front component 1110, and an insertion section that penetrates in the front-rear direction and inserts the rear protrusion 1182 of the function display unit 1180 into the lower right corner of the front component 1110. A hole 1153 is provided.

In addition, the game panel 1150 has a plurality of boss insertion holes 1154 that penetrate in the front and back direction at positions corresponding to the mounting bosses 1126 of the front component 1110 near both left and right ends of the lower part, and positioning protrusions 1127 of the front component 1110 are inserted and fixed. a plurality of inner rail fixing holes 1155, and a groove-shaped out ball ejection groove 1156, which is recessed by a predetermined amount from the rear surface toward the front on the rear surface side of the out port 1151, and whose lower end side is open downward (see FIG. 6). and a notch 1157 formed at a position corresponding to the game board stopper 1120 of the front component member 1110 and cut out so as to penetrate from the right end in a front view in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the game panel 1150 is provided with a plurality of attachment holes for attaching and fixing it to the rear surface of the front component 1110 at appropriate positions.

The game panel 1150 in the game board 4 of this example can partition the rear end of the game area 1100 whose outer periphery is partitioned by the front component 1110, and although not shown, the game panel 1150 can separate the game area 1100 on the front side. Within the corresponding range, a plurality of obstacle nails are planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement, and the table unit 2000 is attached. Further, a back unit 3000 is attached to the rear surface of the game panel 1150.

Next, the board holder 1160 in the game board 4 will be explained. The substrate holder 1160 is formed in the shape of a horizontally long box with the upper and front sides open. In this substrate holder 1160, an out-ball ejection part 1161 is formed at the front end of the bottom wall part at approximately the center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front so as to penetrate in the vertical direction.

Further, the substrate holder 1160 includes a plurality of fixing bosses 1162 that protrude forward from the front ends of both upper and lower ends of the side wall portion. The ends of the plurality of fixed bosses 1162 are inserted into the boss insertion holes 1154 from the rear side of the game panel 11520, and then fitted with the rear ends of the mounting bosses 1126 of the front component 1110. With the board holder 1160 fitted with the boss 1126, a predetermined screw is passed through the fixing boss 1162 from the rear side of the board holder 1160 and screwed into the mounting boss 1126, thereby attaching the board holder 1160 to the front component 1110. In addition to being able to be assembled, the game panel 1150 can be held between the front component 1110 and the board holder 1160.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the board holder 1160 includes a fixing part 1163 on the left end of the rear wall in a rear view, into which a fixing piece 1174 of the main control board box 1170 can be fitted from the side; The elastic fixing piece 1175 of the main control board box 1170 is provided with a locking part 1164 which is disposed to face the main control board box 1163 and can be locked from behind. The fixing part 1163 and the locking part 1164 of the board holder 1160 allow the main control board box 1170 to be detachably supported on the rear surface of the board holder 1160.

Next, the main control board box 1170 in the game board 4 will be explained. This main control board box 1170 includes a board base 1171 in the shape of a thin horizontally long box with an open rear side, and a board base 1171 in the shape of a thin horizontally long box that covers the rear surface of the board base 1171 and is open in the front side, and is fitted into the inside of the board base 1171 from the rear side. The main control board 4100 includes a board cover 1172 that fits together with the board cover 1172, and a main control board 4100 on the front end of a board base 1171 with electronic components, terminals, etc. mounted on the rear side. The main control board box 1170 also includes a fixing piece 1174 that extends outward from the left end of the board base 1171 in rear view and engages with the fixing part 1163 of the board holder 1160, and a fixing piece 1174 that extends outward from the left end of the board cover 1172 in rear view. It includes an elastic fixing piece that protrudes rearward and is elastically locked to a locking part 1164 of the substrate holder 1160.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6 etc., the main control board box 1170 is arranged two at a time on the right side in rear view with an elastic fixing piece 1175 in between, and seals opening and closing of the board base 1171 and the board cover 1172. a possible sealing portion 1176, a sealing seal (not shown) that is pasted across the substrate base 1171 and the substrate cover 1172 at the lower ends of the substrate base 1171 and the substrate cover 1172, and a transparent seal that covers the surface of the sealing seal. It includes a protective cover 1177 and a board management sticker 1178 affixed to the rear surface of the board cover 1172. The sealing portion 1176 of this main control board box 1170 has the same configuration as the separation/cutting portion of the prize ball control board box in the board unit, and is fixed by caulking at any one of the four sealing portions 1176. There is. In this main control board box 1170, in order to separate the board base 1171 and board cover 1172, it is necessary to cut the caulked and fixed sealing part 1176. It has become. This makes it possible to clearly determine visually from the outside whether or not the main control board box 1170 has been opened illegally.

Note that the main control board box 1170 has four sealing parts 1176 in this example, so the main control board box 1170 can be opened and closed up to three times. Furthermore, in the main control board box 1170 of this example, a seal is pasted across the board base 1171 and board cover 1172, and when separating the board base 1171 and board cover 1172, the seal is cut. It is necessary to peel off the seal, and even this seal leaves traces of opening and closing. Therefore, the main control board box 1170 may be opened and closed illegally, and the main control board 4100 inside may be illegally modified or replaced with an unauthorized main control board (or a ROM that stores programs for game content, etc.). However, these fraudulent acts can be visually confirmed from the outside and can be prevented from occurring.

In addition, the main control board box 1170 has an opening that penetrates the board cover 1172 in the front-rear direction and is formed at an appropriate position, and a RAM clear switch 4100c, a test terminal 4100f, etc., which are attached to the main control board 4100 through the opening, Various connection terminals and the like for connecting to the peripheral control board 4140, prize ball control board 4110, etc. face the rear side. Note that by connecting a predetermined measuring device to the test terminal 4100f facing from the rear of the main control board box 1170, the main control board 4100 can be checked from the outside without opening the main control board box 1170. Even if the above-mentioned sealing part 1176 and sealing seal are cleverly modified, it is possible to check whether or not there has been any unauthorized modification to the main control board 4100 other than visually, and the pachinko machine 1 has high security performance. It is now possible to do so.

Next, the function display unit 1180 on the game board 4 will be explained. This function display unit 1180 is installed and arranged at a predetermined position on the front component 1110, and includes a display section 1181 that is arranged on the front of the front component 1110 so as to be visible from the player side, and It includes a rear protrusion 1182 that protrudes rearward from the rear surface.

As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 7, the display section 1181 of the function display unit 1180 of this example has a display section on the left end when viewed from the front for displaying the game state that changes depending on the game ball hit into the game area 1100. A gaming state indicator 1183 consisting of one LED, and a second indicator consisting of two LEDs arranged vertically on the right side of the gaming status indicator 1183 for displaying the pending number of game balls accepted into the first starting port 2101. A first special symbol storage display 1184 and a first special lottery result that is placed on the right side of the first special symbol memory display 1184 and is drawn by receiving a game ball into the first starting port 2101 are displayed as a first special symbol. A first special symbol display 1185 consisting of one 7-segment LED for the purpose of the game, and a second special symbol disposed diagonally above and to the right of the first special symbol display 1185 and drawn by lottery by receiving a game ball into the second starting port 2102. A second special symbol display 1186 consisting of one 7-segment LED for displaying the lottery result as a second special symbol, and a second special symbol display 1186 consisting of two LEDs arranged vertically on the right side of the second special symbol display 1186. A second special symbol storage display 1187 is provided for displaying the pending number of game balls to be accepted into the starting port 2102.

In addition, the display section 1181 of the function display unit 1180 displays the pending number of game balls that are arranged in an arc along the inner peripheral rail 1113 from directly above the second special symbol display 1186 and display the number of pending game balls that pass through the gate section 2350. A normal symbol memory display 1188 consisting of four LEDs for displaying, and a normal lottery result placed under the normal symbol memory display and drawn when a game ball passes through a gate part 2350 are displayed as normal symbols. A normal symbol display 1189 consisting of one LED for winning and a normal symbol memory display 1188 are arranged diagonally to the upper right side, and when the first special lottery result or the second special lottery result is a "jackpot", a big winning slot is opened. A round indicator 1190 consisting of two LEDs for displaying the number of repetitions (number of rounds) of the opening/closing pattern 2103 is provided.

The game status display 1183 in the function display unit 1180 of this example is a color LED whose emission color can be changed to red, green, or orange, and the color of the emission can be changed between lighting and blinking. Depending on the combination, it is possible to display various gaming states (for example, a probability varying state, a time saving state, a probability variable time saving state, a jackpot gaming state, a small winning gaming state, etc.).

In addition, the first special symbol memory display 1184 in the function display unit 1180 is configured to display the first special symbol storage display 1184 when the first special symbol cannot be displayed variably on the first special symbol display 1185 when the game ball is received into the first starting port 2101. In this case, the number of pending (memory) numbers of the first special symbols whose start of variable display has been postponed (stored) is displayed. This first special symbol memory display 1184 has a first special symbol memory lamp 1184a made of a predetermined LED and a first special symbol memory lamp 1184b, and the first special symbol memory lamps 1184a and 1184b are turned on. - The number of pending items can be displayed by blinking pattern. Specifically, for example, when the number of reservations is one, the first special symbol memory lamp 1184a is lit and the first special symbol memory lamp 1184b is turned off, and when the number of reservations is two, the first special symbol memory lamps 1184a, 1184b are turned off. are both lit, and when the number of reservations is three, the first special symbol memory lamp 1184a blinks and the first special symbol memory lamp 1184b is lit, and when the number of reservations is four, both the first special symbol memory lamps 1184a and 1184b are lit. It starts blinking. Note that in this example, up to four items are reserved.

In addition, the second special symbol memory display 1187 in the function display unit 1180 is configured to display the second special symbol storage display device 1187 when the second special symbol cannot be displayed variably in the second special symbol display device 1186, when the game ball is received into the second starting port 2102. In this case, the number of pending (memory) number of second special symbols whose start of variable display has been postponed (stored) is displayed. This second special symbol memory display 1187 has a second special symbol memory lamp 1187a made of a predetermined LED and a second special symbol memory lamp 1187b, and the second special symbol memory lamps 1187a and 1187b are turned on. - The number of pending items can be displayed by blinking pattern. Specifically, for example, when the number of reservations is one, the second special symbol memory lamp 1187a is lit and the second special symbol memory lamp 1187b is turned off, and when the number of reservations is two, the second special symbol memory lamps 1187a, 1187b are turned off. are both lit, and when the number of reservations is three, the second special symbol memory lamp 1187a blinks and the second special symbol memory lamp 1187b is lit, and when the number of reservations is four, both the second special symbol memory lamps 1187a and 1187b are lit. It starts blinking. Note that in this example, up to four items are reserved.

Furthermore, the first special symbol display 1185 and the second special symbol display 1186 in the function display unit 1180 display the first special lottery drawn by receiving the game balls into the first starting port 2101 and the second starting port 2102. The 7-segment LED fluctuates for a predetermined period of time according to the special lottery result, then stops, and the light emitting pattern (special symbol) of the 7-segment LED that has stopped displays the result and the second special lottery result. The special lottery result and the second special lottery result can be made known to the player side.

In addition, the normal pattern display 1189 in the function display unit 1180 is a color LED that can change the emission color of red, green, and orange, and the combination of the emission color and lighting/flashing. This makes it possible to display the normal lottery results that are drawn when game balls pass through the gate section 2350. It should be noted that the display of the normal symbols by the normal symbol display 1189, like the special symbols, is displayed in a fluctuating manner for a predetermined period of time, and then is stopped and displayed in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the normal lottery result.

In addition, the normal symbol storage display 1188 in the function display unit 1180 suspends the start of variable display when a game ball passes through the gate section 2350 when the normal symbol cannot be displayed variably on the normal symbol display 1189. It displays the number of reserved (memorized) normal symbols that have been stored (memorized). This normal symbol memory display 1188 includes four normal symbol memory lamps 1188a to 1188d arranged in line from the bottom, each of which is a predetermined LED, and the normal symbol memory lamp 1188a from the bottom depending on the number of reservations. By sequentially lighting up 1188d, the number of reserved symbols can be displayed. In this example, up to four variable displays of normal symbols are stored (memorized).

Furthermore, the round indicator 1190 in the function display unit 1180 is equipped with a 2 round indicator lamp 1190a made of predetermined LEDs and a 15 round indicator lamp 1190b, and when each lamp is lit, a round in a "jackpot" game is indicated. It is now possible to display numbers.

As shown in FIG. 7, the function display unit 1180 of this example can be viewed from the player side through the game window 101 of the door frame 5 when the game board 4 is attached to the pachinko machine 1. There is. In addition, the function display unit 1180 includes a game status display 1183, a first special symbol memory display 1184, a first special symbol display 1185, a second special symbol display 1186, a second special symbol memory display 1187, and a normal symbol memory. A display 1188, a normal symbol display 1189, and a round display 1190 are attached to the front surface of the function display board. Furthermore, a connection terminal for connecting the function display board and the main control board 4100 is attached to the rear end of the function display unit 1180.

In this example, since the function display unit 1180 is provided in the front component 1110 of the game board 4, the function display unit 1180 is provided in the front unit 2000 or the back unit 3000 attached to the game panel 1150. The display unit 1180 can be used as the basic configuration of the game board 4, simplifying the configuration of the pachinko machine 1 and preventing an increase in cost. Even if the detailed configuration of the game board 4, which is realized by the back unit 3000 and can characterize the model of the pachinko machine 1, is different, the position of the display section 1181 of the function display unit 1180 does not change, so that the player and the player This makes it possible for the staff in the hall to recognize the position of the display section 1181 without being confused.

Next, a game panel 1200 having a different form from the game panel 1150 in the game board 4 described above will be explained with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Note that the front component 1110, the board holder 1160, and the main control board box 1170 in FIGS. 8 and 9 have the same configuration as described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The game panel 1200 of this embodiment is thinner than the game panel 1150 described above, and has a plate shape that can define the rear end of the game area 1100 whose outer periphery is divided by the front component 1110. It also includes a panel plate 1210 having a small external shape, and a frame-shaped panel holder 1220 that detachably holds the panel plate 1210 from the front side and is attached to the rear surface of the front component 1110.

The panel board 1210 of this game panel 1200 has a polygonal shape that is slightly larger than the game area 1100, and is made of a synthetic resin board such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, polyarylate resin, methacrylic resin, glass, metal, etc. It is made of inorganic plates. The thickness of this panel board 1210 is thinner than that of the panel holder 1220 (gaming panel 1150), and is the minimum necessary thickness that can be held sufficiently even if obstacle nails (not shown) are planted in the front or the front unit 2000 is attached. The thickness is 8 to 10 mm. In this example, the panel board 1210 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin board.

This panel board 1210 has a plurality of fitting holes 1211 made of round holes arranged near the outer periphery and penetrating in the front-rear direction, and a long hole 1212 arranged near the outer periphery at the lower left side and penetrating in the front-rear direction and extending in the up-down direction. It is equipped with These fitting holes 1211 and elongated holes 1212 are arranged outside the gaming area 1100 and are used for positioning with the panel holder 1220. Further, the panel board 1210 is provided with step-shaped engaging step portions 1213 having a concave front side at both ends of the upper side and both ends of the lower side. This engagement stepped portion 1213 is cut out to approximately half the thickness of the panel board 1210, and is located outside the gaming area 1100, similar to the fitting hole 1211 and the elongated hole 1212. This is for engaging and fixing the panel plate 1210 to the panel holder 1220.

Furthermore, the panel board 1210 is provided with a plurality of inner rail fixing holes 1214 at predetermined positions. By fitting and fixing a positioning protrusion 1127 protruding from the rear side of the inner rail 1112 into the inner rail fixing hole 1214, the inner rail 1112 can be fixed at a predetermined position.

On the other hand, the panel holder 1220 in the game panel 1200 is sized to include the panel board 1210 and has a substantially rectangular outer shape, and has a thickness that is approximately the same as the thickness of the game panel 1150 made of the wood board described above (in this example, approximately 20 mm) made of synthetic resin (for example, thermoplastic synthetic resin). This panel holder 1220 has a holding step part 1221 which removably holds the panel board 1210 and is recessed from the front side to the rear side. It mainly includes a through hole 1222 that penetrates in the direction.

The depth from the front of the holding step 1221 of the panel holder 1220 is approximately the same as the thickness of the panel board 1210, and the front surface of the panel board 1210 held within the holding step 1221 is the front surface of the panel holder 1220. It is designed to be on almost the same surface. Further, the holding step portion 1221 has a front inner circumferential surface sized to form a predetermined amount of clearance with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the panel plate 1210. With this clearance, even if the panel board 1210 relatively expands and contracts due to temperature changes or changes over time, the expansion and contraction can be absorbed. Note that an elastic member such as rubber may be filled in the clearance.

In addition, the panel holder 1220 is provided with fitting holes 1211 and elongated holes 1212 formed in the panel plate 1210 held by the holding step 1221, which are arranged at positions corresponding to the fitting holes 1211 and elongated holes 1212. It is provided with a plurality of protruding pins 1223 that extend and can be fitted into and inserted into the fitting hole 1211 and the elongated hole 1212 of the panel plate 1210. By fitting and inserting these protruding pins 1223 into the fitting holes 1211 and long holes 1212 of the panel plate 1210, the panel holder 1220 and the panel plate 1210 can be positioned relative to each other.

Further, the panel holder 1220 is provided with an engagement claw 1224 and an engagement piece 1225 that engage with the engagement step 1213 at a position corresponding to the engagement step 1213 of the panel plate 1210. Specifically, the engaging claw 1224 is arranged on the upper holding step 1221 of the panel holder 1220, corresponds to the upper engaging step 1213 of the panel plate 1210, and extends forward from the front surface of the holding step 1221. It protrudes toward the engagement step portion 1213 and elastically engages with the engagement step portion 1213. The engagement claw 1224 is sized so that its tip does not protrude from the front surface of the panel holder 1220. On the other hand, the engaging piece 1225 is disposed on the lower holding step 1221 of the panel holder 1220, corresponds to the lower engaging step 1213 of the panel plate 1210, and is between the front surface of the holding step 1221 and the panel. The engagement step portion 1213 of the plate 1210 is configured to extend upward (towards the center) by a predetermined amount along the front surface of the panel holder 1220 while forming a predetermined gap large enough to allow insertion. By engaging the engaging step portion 1213 of the panel plate 1210 with the engaging claws 1224 and the engaging piece 1225, the panel plate 1210 is detachably held on the panel holder 1220.

Furthermore, the panel holder 1220 is provided with a boss insertion hole 1226 that penetrates in the front-rear direction and allows insertion of the attachment boss 1126 provided on the front component 1110. By inserting the panel holder 1126, the panel holder 1220 and the front component 1110 are positioned relative to each other.

As shown in FIG. 9, this panel holder 1220 is provided with a mounting support portion 1227 on the rear side that is recessed by a predetermined amount on the front side so as to leave the outer peripheral edge slightly below the center in the vertical direction. ing. Due to this mounting support part 1227, the rear surface of the panel holder 1220 is recessed above a predetermined range from the lower end to a predetermined height, with the outer peripheral part of the rear surface protruding rearward, and the amount of the recess ( depth) that can accommodate the flange-shaped fixing part 3001a (see FIG. 11) of the back box 3001 in the back unit 3000 that is attached and fixed to the mounting support part 1227 (in this example, it is approximately 2.5 mm). It is desirable that the thickness be between 1 and 3 mm). By attaching and fixing a predetermined member to this attachment support part 1227, it is possible to prevent the fixation part 3001a from protruding to the rear side of the panel holder 1220, and the panel holder 1220, that is, the game board 4 can be fixed to the main body frame ( It can be reliably installed and mounted inside the game board holding port 601 of the pachinko machine 1).

Further, as shown in the figure, the panel holder 1220 has a plurality of mounting holes 1228 arranged in a predetermined arrangement within the mounting support portion 1227 on the rear side and above the accommodation recess 630h, into which predetermined screws can be screwed. ing. Furthermore, the panel holder 1220 is provided with a plurality of positioning holes 1229 arranged to correspond to the mounting holes 1228. This positioning hole 1229 is a positioning protrusion formed on a member to be attached and fixed using the attachment hole 1228 (for example, a positioning protrusion protruding forward from a fixing part 3001a formed in the shape of a flange on the front surface of the back box 3001 (not shown). is omitted)) is inserted. In this example, the positioning hole 1229 is a blind hole that is approximately rectangular (square hole shape) when viewed from the rear.

In addition, for the mounting holes 1228, the inner diameters of the holes are made to be a mixture of those with large diameters and those with small diameters, so that the mounting holes have an appropriate diameter depending on the size and weight of the predetermined member to be mounted and fixed. 1228 may be used.

Furthermore, the panel holder 1220 is formed with a plurality of cutouts 1230 that open toward the rear surface at least in a predetermined range from the lower end to a predetermined height, and the cutouts 1230 reduce the weight of the panel holder 1220. It has become. As shown in FIG. 8, these hollowed out portions 1230 are not formed within a predetermined range up to a predetermined height from the front side of the accommodation recess 630h, that is, from the lower end of the front side of the panel holder 1220, and within that range. Since the front surface of the panel holder 1220 is a substantially flat surface, the rear surface of the front component 1110 disposed on the front surface is a substantially flat surface, so that the game balls fired from the ball launcher 210 However, it is now guided smoothly. In addition, as shown in the figure, this panel holder 1220 is formed with a hollowed out part 1230 so that the mounting hole 1228 and the like are formed in a boss shape, and also supports them and maintains the strength of the panel holder 1220. Box-shaped ribs are formed in order to

In addition, this panel holder 1220 is formed with a positioning part 1231 that is compatible with positioning means such as an obstacle nail planting device (not shown) or an assembly jig, and allows the game panel 1150 to be held in the obstacle nail planting device. It can be set in the same state. Further, at the lower part of the panel holder 1220, there is an out port 1232 that penetrates in the front and back direction at a position corresponding to the out port guide surface 1115 of the front component 1110, and an out port 1232 that extends horizontally in the front and back direction on the left side of the lower end when viewed from the front and extends downward. a notch 1233 that is open to the front component 1110 and has the same shape as the notch 1122 of the front component 1110; and an insertion hole 1234 that penetrates in the front-rear direction at the lower right corner in front view and into which the rear protrusion 1182 of the function display unit 1180 is inserted. We are prepared.

In the game panel 1200 of this embodiment, the panel plate 1210 is fitted and inserted into the holding stepped portion 1221 of the panel holder 1220 from the front, and the engaging claw 1224 and the engaging piece 1225 are engaged with the engaging stepped portion 1213. By aligning them together, the panel board 1210 can be held by the panel holder 1220, and the front sides of the panel board 1210 and the panel holder 1220 are substantially flush with each other. It becomes possible to set the panel board 1210 held in the panel holder 1220 in a conventional obstacle nail planting device without modifying the installation device, thereby suppressing an increase in the cost of planting obstacle nails. It is now possible to do so.

Although not shown in the drawings, the game panel 1200 of this example has a plurality of obstacle nails planted in a predetermined gauge arrangement within a range corresponding to the game area 1100 on the front surface of the panel board 1210. At the same time, the front unit 2000 can be attached. Furthermore, a rear unit 3000 is attached to the rear surface of the panel holder 1220. As a result, since the thin panel board 1210 supports only the front unit, it is possible to prevent the panel board 1210 from being distorted by the load of the front unit.

Furthermore, since the game panel 1200 has a divided structure consisting of the panel board 1210 and the panel holder 1220, it is possible to suppress the weight of the entire game panel 1200 from increasing even if the panel board 1210 is a transparent plate. It is possible to realize a pachinko machine 1 in which the rear side of the gaming area 1100 is visible to the player through the board 1210, and the pachinko machine 1 can strongly attract the attention of the players.

In addition, since the game panel 1200 is divided into a panel board 1210 and a panel holder 1220, the panel board 1210, in which the positions of obstacle nails, winning holes, etc. change depending on the model of the pachinko machine 1, can be used as a replacement part. , the panel holder 1220 can be made a common part, and by simply replacing the panel board 1210, the pachinko machine 1 equipped with the game board 4 can be made compatible with various models.

Furthermore, since the panel holder 1220 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 1228 in a predetermined arrangement in advance, the mounting and fixing positions of various predetermined members such as the back unit 3000 that are fixed to the rear side of the panel holder 1220 can be adjusted depending on the model. By designing the fixing parts of various members to correspond to the positions of the mounting holes 1228, even if the panel holder 1220 is in a different position, the panel holder 1220 can be made a common part of the pachinko machine 1 regardless of the model. It has become.

[2. Detailed configuration of game board]
Next, the detailed configuration of the game board 4 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a detailed front view of the game board. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the game board of FIG. 10, viewed from the front.

The game board 4 in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has an outer rail 1111 and an inner rail 1112, and has an outer periphery of a game area 1100 into which a game ball as a game medium is driven when the player operates the handle operation part 322a. A frame-shaped front component 1110 forming a section, and a lower right corner of the front component 1110 in a front view are arranged in a position where it can be seen from the game window 101 of the door frame 5 toward the player side when attached to the pachinko machine 1. The function display unit 1180 is attached to the rear side of the front component 1110 so as to close the gaming area 1100, and a plurality of openings 1158 having a predetermined shape and penetrating in the front-rear direction are installed at positions corresponding to the gaming area 1100 (FIG. 11). ), a front unit 2000 that is attached to the opening 1158 of the game panel 1150 from the front side, and a back unit 3000 that is attached to the rear surface of the game panel 1150. .

In addition, the game board 4 in the pachinko machine 1 of this example is arranged between the game panel 1150 and the back unit 3000, and the game panel 1150 is arranged between the game panel 1150 and the light-emitting decorative holes bored through the game panel 1150. A panel lens member 2500 inserted from the rear side, and a liquid crystal display device that is detachably attached to the rear side of the back unit 3000 and can display a predetermined performance image that can be viewed from the player side depending on the gaming state. , a board holder 1160 attached to the lower rear surface of the game panel 1150 so as to cover the lower part of the back unit from the rear side, and a main control board box 1170 attached to the rear surface of the board holder 1160.

[2-1. Front unit]
The front unit 2000 on the game board 4 includes an attacker unit 2100 which is arranged above the out port 1151 in the lower left and right center of the game area 1100 and supported on the front side of the game panel 1150, and a game area on the left side of the attacker unit 2100. 1100 and supported by the front surface of the game panel 1150; a frame-shaped center accessory 2300 that is placed approximately in the center of the game area 1100 and supported by the game panel 1150; It is equipped with

This table unit 2000 is inserted from the front side into an opening 1158 formed at a position corresponding to the gaming area 1100 in the gaming panel 1150, and then attached to the front side of the gaming panel 1150. A portion protruding forward from the game panel 1150 is located within the game area 1100. As a result, the table unit 2000 comes into contact with the game ball driven into the game area 1100 at an appropriate position, and together with the obstacle nail planted in the front of the game panel 1150, the table unit 2000 is able to prevent the movement of the game ball. This allows for changes to be made. Furthermore, the table unit 2000 is capable of decorating the inside of the gaming area 1100.

[2-1A. Attacker unit]
The attacker unit 2100 in the front unit 2000 of the game board 4 of this example has a plurality of receiving holes (winning holes) that can receive game balls hit into the gaming area 1100. , a first starting port 2101 located approximately in the center in the left-right direction, a second starting port 2102 located below the first starting port 2101, and a first starting port 2102 located below the second starting port 2102. It is provided with a rectangular big prize opening 2103 that extends in the left and right direction more than the mouth 2101 and the second starting mouth 2102, and a general prize winning opening 2104 arranged slightly above the left and right sides of the big prize mouth 2103. The game balls accepted into the first starting port 2101, second starting port 2102, big winning port 2103, and general winning port 2104 are guided from the front side of the game panel 1150 to the rear side.

The first starting port 2101 of this attacker unit 2100 is open on the upper side so that game balls can be accepted (winning) at all times. On the other hand, the second starting port 2102 arranged below the first starting port 2101 has a pair of movable pieces 2106 between it and the first starting port 2101 that can be expanded by a starting port solenoid 2105 (see FIG. 12). is arranged, and when the pair of movable pieces 2106 stand up almost vertically, the first starting port 2101 and the pair of movable pieces 2106 make it impossible to receive the game ball into the second starting port 2102. When the pair of movable pieces 2106 are expanded in the left-right direction, a game ball can be received into the second starting port 2102. In other words, the pair of movable pieces 2106 make the second starting opening 2102 a variable winning opening. The pair of movable pieces 2106 are opened and closed by driving a starting port solenoid 2105 based on detection of passage of a game ball by a gate sensor 2352 of a gate portion 2352 in a center accessory 2300, which will be described later.

Moreover, the big prize opening 2103 of the attacker unit 2100 can be opened and closed by a horizontally long rectangular opening/closing member 2107 that can close the opening. This opening/closing member 2107 has a lower side rotatably supported by a shaft, and when in a substantially vertical state, it can close the big prize opening 2103 and make it impossible to accept game balls, and the upper side can move to the front side. When the game ball is rotated, the big prize opening 2103 can be opened and game balls can be accepted. This opening/closing member 2107 is in a state where the big prize opening 2103 is closed in a normal gaming state, and a lottery is drawn when a game ball is accepted into the first starting opening 2101 or the second starting opening 2102 (starting winning). The attack solenoid 2108 (see FIG. 12) is opened and closed according to the special lottery result (when the special lottery result is a "big win" or a "small win").

Furthermore, the general winning opening 2104 of the attacker unit 2100 is opened upward as shown in the figure, and game balls can be accepted (winning) at all times.

In addition, although detailed illustration is omitted, the attacker unit 2100 includes a second starting port sensor 2109 (see FIG. 12) that detects the game ball received into the second starting port 2102, and a second starting port sensor 2109 (see FIG. 12) that detects the game ball received into the big winning port 2103. It further includes a count sensor 2110 (see FIG. 12) that detects game balls, and the game balls detected by the second starting port sensor 2109 and the count sensor 2110 pass through the lower passage on the rear side of the game board 4. The balls are discharged (recovered) into a ball circulation passage 230 formed on the back side of the door frame 5. In addition, a first starting hole sensor 3022 (see FIG. 12) that detects the game ball accepted into the first starting hole 2101, and a general winning hole sensor 3020 (see FIG. 12) that detects the game ball accepted into the general winning hole 2104. ) is provided in the back unit 3000, which will be described later.

[2-1B. Side prize opening parts]
The side prize opening member 2200 of the table unit 2000 on the game board 4 is located in an opening 1158 formed on the left side of the opening 1158 into which the attacker unit 2100 is inserted and fixed at the lower left side from the center in the left-right direction of the game panel 1150. On the other hand, they are inserted from the front side and fixed to the front surface of the game panel 1150, and are placed behind each other along the outer periphery of the game area 1100 so as to line up with the general prize opening 2104 on the left side of the attacker unit 2100 when viewed from the front. It is equipped with two general prize winning holes 2201 which face each other. These two general winning holes 2201 are open upward and can always accept (win) game balls, and the game balls accepted into the general winning holes 2201 are guided from the front side to the rear side of the game panel 1150. After that, it is detected by a general winning hole sensor 3020 provided in the back unit 3000, which will be described later.

In addition, the side winning a prize opening member 2200 has a first part which is arranged at the upper left end thereof in a position such that the left end part is approximately in contact with the outer periphery of the gaming area 1100, and which is inclined to become lower toward the right end part. The shelf section 2202 and the first shelf section 2202 are arranged on the opposite side and lower side across the two general winning openings 2201, and are arranged on the left-right center side of the gaming area 1100 (the second starting opening 2102 of the attacker unit 2100 and the big winning opening). A second shelf part 2203 that becomes lower toward the opening 2103 side) is provided, and the first shelf part 2202 brings the game balls flowing down along the outer periphery of the game area 1100 to the center side of the game area 1100. is now possible.

In addition, the two general winning holes 2201 are arranged on the right side of the right end of the first shelf section 2202, and even if the game ball is brought to the center side of the gaming area 1101 by the first shelf section 2202, There is a possibility of winning a prize in the general prize opening 2201. Furthermore, a third shelf 2204 is provided above between the two general prize winning holes 2201 and is inclined downward toward the center of the gaming area 1100.

This side winning opening member 2200 is formed to have translucency as a whole, and although detailed illustration is omitted, a side winning opening decoration board is provided on the rear side of the second shelf 2203. At the same time, a side lamp decoration board 3014 in the back unit 3000, which will be described later, is arranged on the rear side of the side winning opening member 2200, and these side winning opening decoration board and side lamp decoration board 3014 make the side winning opening member 2200 It is said that it is possible to decorate with luminescence.

[2-1C. Center role]
Moreover, the center accessory 2300 of the table unit 2000 on the game board 4 is inserted from the front side into the opening 1158 that is formed to be large so as to pass through the approximate center of the game panel 1150, and then It is fixed to the front surface, and as shown in the figure, it is formed in a frame shape with a size that occupies most of the game area 1100, and the outer peripheral surface on the right side in front view is connected to the outer periphery of the game area 1100. It is formed in an arc shape so that a gap slightly larger than the diameter is formed, and the left side outer peripheral surface is on a substantially straight line that hangs down so that an area of a predetermined width is formed between it and the outer periphery of the game area 1100. is formed.

This center accessory 2300 has an upper shelf portion 2301 that slopes to the left side from a position slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction on the upper outer peripheral surface of the front wall portion located on the front surface of the game panel 1150, and becomes lower as it goes leftward. When a game ball hit into the upper part of the game area 1100 flows down to the upper shelf part 2301, it flows down to the left side of the center accessory 2300, and also to the right side of the upper shelf part 2301. The game ball that has flown down (entered) passes through the right side of the center accessory 2300 and flows down to the lower part of the game area 605 all at once. In other words, if you hit the game ball so that it enters the center accessory 2300 to the right side of the upper shelf 2301, there will be fewer opportunities to enjoy the game ball flowing down, so the driving force of the game ball will be reduced. It is possible to adjust the speed as appropriate, maintain a sense of tension, and prevent the game from becoming unfocused.

In addition, the center accessory 2300 has a warp entrance 2302 into which a game ball flowing down the game area 1100 can enter the outer peripheral surface on the left side of the front wall located on the front side of the game panel 1150, and a warp entrance 2302 where the game ball flowing down the game area 1100 can enter. A warp exit (not shown) that releases the game ball into the frame, and a center accessory that rolls the game ball released from the warp exit in the left and right direction and then releases it into the game area 1100 above the attacker unit 2100. It mainly includes a stage 2310 formed on the upper surface of the lower side within the frame 2300.

Although detailed illustration is omitted, the stage 2310 in this center accessory 2300 includes a first stage to which game balls released from the warp exit are supplied, and a stage 2310 arranged in front of the first stage to which game balls are supplied from the first stage. The second stage is provided with a second stage that is supplied with game balls and can release game balls into the game area 1100. The stage 2310 is formed into a curved surface that is lower at approximately the center in the left-right direction. In addition, a chance entrance 2313 into which a game ball can enter is formed at the rear side of the approximately center in the left-right direction of the first stage. It is adapted to be discharged into the gaming area 1100 from the exit 2314. As shown, this chance exit 2314 is arranged directly above the first starting port 2101 in the attacker unit 2100, and the game ball released from the chance exit 2314 is received into the first starting port 2101 with a high probability. (win a prize).

Note that the stage 2310 in the center accessory 2300 of this example is formed of a transparent member, and the decorations arranged below the stage 2310 in the back unit 3000 can be visually recognized from the player side through this stage 2310. It is now possible to do so.

In addition, the center accessory 2300 includes a transparent plate that extends to the left so as to substantially touch the inner rail 1112 above the warp entrance 2302 on the left outer peripheral surface of the front wall located in front of the game panel 1150. It further includes an arch portion 2315. This arch portion 2315 extends in a thin plate shape from approximately the front end of the front wall portion, and forms a space between the arch portion 2315 and the front surface of the game panel 1150 through which a game ball can pass. As a result, the game ball that is hit into the upper part of the game area 1100 and guided to the left side of the center accessory 2300 by the upper shelf part 2301 flows downstream through the rear side of the arch part 2315.

Furthermore, the center accessory 2300 is provided with a gate portion 2350 near the arch portion 2315 on the left outer peripheral surface of the front wall portion located in front of the game panel 1150 for detecting passage of a game ball. This gate section 2350 is arranged above the arch section 2315 on the left outer peripheral surface of the front wall section, and detects a gate entrance through which game balls flowing down the gaming area 1100 can enter, and a game ball that has entered the gate entrance. A gate sensor 2352 is provided to release the game ball detected by the gate sensor 2352 from the outer peripheral surface of the front wall portion to the game area 1100. In this example, although detailed illustration is omitted, the gate exit of the gate section 2350 is formed at the same height as the arch section 2315, and the game ball detected by the gate sensor 2352 is placed in the arch section. It looks as if you have dived under 2315.

[2-2. Panel lens components]
The panel lens member 2500 of the game board 4 in the pachinko machine 1 of this example is arranged in a circular or x-shape in the front-rear direction at a position outside the opening 1158 into which the center accessory 2300 is inserted in the game area 1100 of the game panel 1150. A plurality of light-emitting decoration holes formed so as to penetrate through the light-emitting device are used for light-emitting decoration. This panel lens member 2500 includes a transparent upper panel lens 2510 that corresponds to a plurality of light-emitting decorative holes formed on the upper left side of the outer periphery of the center accessory 2300, and a transparent upper panel lens 2510 that is arranged on the rear side of the upper panel lens 2510 and has a plurality of An upper panel lens substrate on which LEDs are mounted, a transparent lower panel lens 2520 corresponding to a plurality of light emitting decoration holes formed on the outer periphery of the center accessory 2300 on the lower left side, and a transparent lower panel lens 2520 arranged on the rear side of the lower panel lens 2520. It includes a lower panel lens substrate on which a plurality of LEDs are mounted.

The upper panel lens 2510 and the lower panel lens 2520 of this panel lens member 2500 are a plurality of rod-shaped inserted light guides that protrude forward from a plate-shaped lens base part and have approximately the same shape as the light emitting decorative hole to be inserted. It has a department. When this insertion light guide section 2502 is inserted into the light emitting decoration hole of the game panel 1150 from the rear side, its tip is formed to substantially match the front surface of the game panel 1150, and the light guide section 2502 flows down the front surface of the game panel 1150. It is designed to have as little influence on the game balls as possible.

The panel lens member 2500 of this example allows the LEDs on the upper panel lens substrate and the lower panel lens substrate to emit light as appropriate to decorate the area where the game ball falls even if an opaque game panel 1150 such as veneer plywood is used. This makes it possible to show players the unprecedented decoration of the game panel 1150, and to make the Pachinko machine 1 stand out and differentiate it from other Pachinko machines.

[2-3. Back unit]
The back unit 3000 in the game board 4 of this embodiment is attached and fixed to the rear surface of the game panel 1150, and as shown in the figure, the panel side effect display device 1900 is placed a predetermined distance backward from the game panel 1150. A supporting back box 3001, an upper unit 3002 placed above the panel side effect display device 1900 in the back box 3001, and a character unit 3400 placed on the right side of the panel side effect display device 1900 in the back box 3001. , and a gear decoration unit 3500 disposed on the left side of the panel side effect display device 1900 in the back box 3001.

In addition, the back unit 3000 is arranged at a position corresponding to the side prize opening member 2200 in the front unit 2000 attached to the front of the gaming panel 1150 near the lower left front end of the back box 3001, and a plurality of LEDs are mounted on the front surface. The side lamp decoration board 3014, the game ball attached to the lower front end of the back box 3001 and accepted into the general winning opening 2201 of the side winning opening member 2200, and the game accepted into the left general winning opening 2104 of the attacker unit 2100. A left guiding member 3016 that guides the ball downward, and a left guiding member 3016 that is arranged on the right side of the left guiding member 3016 and guides the game ball received into the first starting port 2101 of the attacker unit 2100 and the general winning port 2104 on the right side downward. It mainly includes a right guide member 3018.

Furthermore, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the back unit 3000 includes a horizontally long rectangular lamp drive board box that is arranged at the lower rear side of the back box 3001 and accommodates a lamp drive board, and a lamp drive board box that is fixed to the back side of the back box 3001. A panel relay terminal board placed on the left side when viewed from the rear of the lamp drive board box, an oblong rectangular upper resistance board placed on the upper rear side of the back box 3001, and a panel relay terminal board installed on the back side of the back box 3001 on the panel side. It further includes a lock member that detachably holds the effect display device 1900.

In this example, this back unit 3000 can be visually recognized from the player side through the frame of the center accessory 2300 in the front unit 2000, and each unit 3100, 3400, 3500 etc., the concept of the pachinko machine 1 can be characterized. In addition, the back unit 3000 is configured such that the units 3100, 3400, and 3500 are movable independently or in conjunction with each other depending on the gaming state, and their movement allows the player to notice changes in the gaming state. It is possible to suggest the arrival of an opportunity or the arrival of an opportunity, etc., thereby making it possible to entertain the players.

[2-3A. Back box]
The back box 3001 in the back unit 3000 is formed into a box shape with an open front side, and is provided with a plurality of flange-shaped fixing parts 3001a projecting outward at the front end, and the game panel 1150 is attached to the back unit 3000 via the fixing parts 3001a. It is designed to be fixed to the rear of the In addition, the back box 3001 has a rectangular opening formed in the approximate center of the rear wall, and the panel side effect display device 1900 supported on the rear side can be visually recognized from the player side through this opening. . Furthermore, the rear unit 3000 has mounting portions formed at appropriate positions for mounting and fixing each unit 3100, 3400, 3500, each board 3014, and the like.

Although not shown in the drawings, in the back unit 3000, one fixing piece 1902 (the right side in the rear view) that protrudes outward from both the left and right sides of the panel side effect display device 1900 is inserted and locked on the right side of the opening when viewed from the rear. In addition, a locking member is attached to the left side of the opening when viewed from the rear, and the locking member supports the fixing piece 1902 on the other side (the left side when viewed from the rear) of the panel side performance display device 1900. The panel side effect display device 1900 is detachably attached to the rear side of the back box 3001.

[2-3B. Guidance member]
The left guiding member 3016 in the back unit 3000 guides the game balls received into the general winning opening 2201 of the side winning opening member 2200 and the general winning opening 2104 on the left side of the attacker unit 2100 downward through different flow paths. Each channel is equipped with a general winning hole sensor 3020 that detects the passage of a game ball. On the other hand, the right guide member 3018 guides and discharges game balls received into the first starting port 2101 and the general winning port 2104 on the right side of the attacker unit 2100 downward through different flow paths up to the vicinity of the lower end. A first starting port sensor 3022 is provided in the channel corresponding to the first starting port 2101, and a general winning port sensor 3020 is provided in the channel corresponding to the general winning port 2104 on the right side.

The game balls guided downward by these left guide member 3016 and right guide member 3018 are discharged ( (recovery).

[2-3C. Upper unit]
The upper unit 3100 of the back unit 3000 is formed to be horizontally long as a whole, and is attached and fixed above the opening in the back box 3001 where the panel side effect display device 1900 faces. The upper unit 3100 includes a rotary decoration unit 3200 which is arranged in the front at approximately the center in the left-right direction and has a circular shape when viewed from the front, and an elevating mechanism which is arranged at the rear side of the rotary decoration unit 3200 and raises and lowers the rotary decoration unit 3200. 3250, a swinging decoration unit 3300 arranged approximately in the center in the left-right direction behind the lifting mechanism 3250, and a movable ceiling unit 3350 arranged on both left and right sides of the swinging decoration unit 3300. ing.

The rotating decoration unit 3200 of the upper unit 3100 is moved between an elevated position located above the panel-side effect display device 1900 and a lowered position located approximately at the center of the panel-side effect display device 1900 by a lifting mechanism 3250. It is now possible to move up and down. In this rotating decoration unit 3200, a rotating decoration formed in the shape of a shuriken placed on the front side is configured to rotate, and as it rotates, the rotation radius of the rotating decoration increases due to its centrifugal force. It looks like this.

In this rotating decoration unit 3200, the rotating decoration at the end not only rotates but also protrudes outward in the radial direction, so the rotation radius of the entire rotating decoration increases and the appearance changes greatly. It is possible to make a strong impact on the players, to entertain the players and prevent them from losing interest in the game, and to strongly attract the interest of the players. This makes it possible to easily select this pachinko machine 1 as a pachinko machine for playing games that is highly differentiated from other pachinko machines.

Further, the swinging decoration unit 3300 of the upper unit 3100 includes swinging decorations arranged on the left and right sides of the rear side so as to be adjacent to the rotating decoration unit 3200 located in the raised position. The left and right swinging ornaments can be swung in the left-right direction at the same time. Further, the movable ceiling unit 3350 of the upper unit 3100 includes plate-shaped ceiling decorations extending in the horizontal direction at both left and right ends of the upper unit 3100. This ceiling decoration is formed to be rotatable around an axis that extends in the left-right direction with the front end as the center, and the rear end of the ceiling decoration can be rotated in a downward direction depending on the gaming state. It has become.

[2-3D. Character unit]
As shown in the figure, the character unit 3400 in the back unit 3000 is equipped with a character body that is a ninja model and three-dimensionally modeled, and the character body moves from the right end position to the center side depending on the game state. It is now possible to move left and right to the desired position. Furthermore, when the character body of the character unit 3400 moves in the left-right direction, it rotates by a predetermined angle around an axis extending in the up-down direction along with the movement.

Furthermore, the character body of the character unit 3400 has a head that can reciprocate around an axis that extends in the left-right direction, and a right arm that can reciprocate around an axis that extends in the vertical direction. is now possible. This allows the character to move as if it were nodding by rotating the head back and forth. In addition, by rotating the right arm back and forth horizontally, the character can make an action as if he were throwing a shuriken.

[2-3E. Gear decoration unit]
The gear decoration unit 3500 in the back unit 3000 is rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction and includes a plurality of gear-shaped gear decorations arranged in the vertical direction. The body rotates in unison.

[2-4. Liquid crystal display]
The panel-side effect display device 1900 in the game board 4 of this example is removably attached to the rear surface of the back box 3001 in the back unit 3000, and can display a predetermined effect image depending on the gaming state. It is now possible to do so. This panel-side performance display device 1900 is provided with fixing pieces 1902 that protrude outward from both left and right sides, and can be attached to the back box 3001 via these fixing pieces 1902.

In addition, although detailed illustration is omitted, the panel side effect display device 1900 supplies power to a peripheral control board box that accommodates a peripheral control board 4140, a liquid crystal control board 4150, etc. on the rear side, and the panel side effect display device 1900. and an inverter board box containing an inverter board.

[3. Various substrates]
Next, a control board that performs various controls of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing the control configuration of the pachinko machine. As shown, the control configuration of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a group of main boards 4000 and a group of peripheral boards 4010, and various controls are shared between these two groups. The group of main boards 4000 includes a main control board 4100 that controls gaming operations (progress of the game), and a prize ball control board 4110 that performs control related to management of game balls (prize balls), etc. There is. Furthermore, the group of peripheral boards 4010 includes a peripheral control board 4140 that controls various effects during the game based on commands from the main control board 4100, and a panel-side effect display device 1900 that controls various effects during the game based on commands from the peripheral control board 4140. A liquid crystal control board 4150 that controls the display of the effect image on the frame side effect display device 312 is provided.

[3-1. Main control board]
As shown in FIG. 12, the main control board 4100 that controls the progress of the game includes a main control MPU 4100a, which is a microprocessor that has a built-in ROM that stores various processing programs and commands, and a RAM that temporarily stores data. , a main control I/O port 4100b as an input/output device (I/O device), a main control input circuit 4100f into which detection signals from various detection switches are input, and a main control solenoid for driving various solenoids. It includes a drive circuit 4100g and a RAM clear switch 4100c for completely erasing information stored in a RAM 4100e (hereinafter also referred to as "main control built-in RAM 4100e") built in the main control MPU 4100a. . The main control MPU 4100a has a built-in ROM 4100d (hereinafter also referred to as "main control built-in ROM 4100d") and a main control built-in RAM 4100e, as well as a watchdog timer to monitor its operation (system) and a watchdog timer to prevent fraud. It also has built-in functions.

The main control MPU 4100a of the main control board 4100 includes a first starting port sensor 3022 that detects game balls received into the first starting port 2101, and a second starting port sensor 3022 that detects game balls received into the second starting port 2102. 2109, and some of the general winning opening sensors 3020 are input via the main control I/O port 4100b, and detection signals from the gate sensor 2352, general winning opening sensor 3020, and count sensor 2110 are input. , input via the panel relay terminal board attached to the game board 4 and the main control I/O port 4100b.

Based on these detection signals, the main control MPU 4100a outputs control signals from the main control I/O port 4100b to the main control solenoid drive circuit 4100g, thereby controlling the starting port solenoid 2105 and the attacker solenoid via the panel relay terminal board. 2108, and the function display unit 1180 (first special symbol display 1185, second special symbol display 1186, A drive signal is output to the first special symbol storage display 1184, the second special symbol storage display 1187, the normal symbol display 1189, the normal symbol storage display 1188, the game status display 1183, and the round display 1190. .

In this embodiment, non-contact type electromagnetic proximity switches are used for the first starting port sensor 3022, the second starting port sensor 2109, the gate sensor 2352, and the count sensor 2110. , A contact type ON/OFF mechanical switch is used for the general winning opening sensor 3020. This is because the game balls frequently enter the first starting port 2101 and the second starting port 2102 and frequently pass through the gate portion 2350, so the first starting port sensor 3022, the second starting port sensor 2109, and Detection of game balls by the gate sensor 2352 also occurs frequently. For this reason, long-life proximity switches are used for the first starting port sensor 3022, the second starting port sensor 2109, and the gate sensor 2352. Further, when a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player occurs, the big prize opening 2103 is opened and game balls frequently enter the ball, so that the count sensor 2110 frequently detects game balls. For this reason, a proximity switch with a long life is used for the count sensor 2110 as well. On the other hand, in the general winning holes 2104 and 2201 where game balls do not enter frequently, detection by the general winning hole sensor 3020 does not occur frequently. For this reason, a mechanical switch having a shorter lifespan than a proximity switch is used for the general winning opening sensor 3020.

The main control MPU 4100a also transmits various information related to games (gaming information) and various commands related to prize balls to the prize ball control board 4110, and transmits information such as the status of the pachinko machine 1 and the player's information from the prize ball control board 4110. It receives various commands regarding the number of balls held. Furthermore, the main control MPU 4100a sends various commands related to the control of game performance, the status of the pachinko machine 1, and the number of balls held by the player via the main control I/O port 4100b to the peripheral control of the peripheral board 4010, which will be described later. (The main control board 4100 and peripheral control board 4140 are electrically connected by a harness not shown). Although detailed explanations will be given later, when the main control MPU 4100a receives various commands regarding the status of the pachinko machine 1 and the number of balls held by the player from the prize ball control board 4110, the main control MPU 4100a formats these various commands and sends them to the surrounding area. Send to control board 4140.

The main control board 4100 is supplied with various voltages from a power supply board, which will be described in detail later. The power supply board that supplies various voltages to the main control board 4100 is an electric double layer capacitor (hereinafter simply referred to as "capacitor") that serves as a backup power source to supply power to the main control board 4100 for a predetermined time even when the power is cut off. ) Equipped with BC0. This capacitor BC0 allows the main control MPU 4100a to store various information in the main control built-in RAM 4100e during power-off processing even when the power is cut off. The stored various information is completely erased (cleared) from the main control built-in RAM 4100e when the RAM clear switch 4100c of the main control board 4100 is operated when the power is turned on. The operation signal (detection signal) of this RAM clear switch 4100c is also output to the prize ball control board 4110.

Further, the main control board 4100 is provided with a power outage monitoring circuit. This power failure monitoring circuit monitors drops in various voltages supplied from the power supply board, and when these voltages fall below the power failure warning voltage, it outputs a power failure warning signal as a power failure warning. This power outage warning signal is input to the main control MPU 4100a via the main control I/O port 4100b, and is also transmitted to the prize ball control board 4110 etc. via a harness (not shown).

[3-2. Prize ball control board]
The prize ball control board 4110, as shown in FIG. 12, is a part that performs various controls regarding prize balls, checks on the circulation state of game balls, various controls on firing game balls, and the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the prize ball control board 4110 includes a prize ball control MPU 4111a, which is a microprocessor that includes a ROM for storing various processing programs and various commands, a RAM for temporarily storing data, and the like. A prize ball control I/O port 4111b as an I/O device, an external watchdog timer (not shown) for monitoring whether the prize ball control MPU 4111a is operating normally, and a ball polishing motor 232a. It includes a ball polishing motor drive circuit 4111d for outputting signals, and a prize ball control input circuit 4111e to which detection signals from various detection switches regarding prize balls are input. The prize ball control MPU 4111a has a built-in ROM (hereinafter referred to as "prize ball control built-in ROM") and RAM (hereinafter referred to as "prize ball control built-in RAM"), as well as a built-in ROM (hereinafter referred to as "prize ball control built-in RAM"). There are also built-in functions to prevent this.

The prize ball control MPU 4111a receives various information regarding games (game information) and various commands regarding prize balls from the main control board 4100 in a serial manner via the prize ball control I/O port 4111b, and receives various commands regarding the prize balls from the main control board 4100. An operation signal (detection signal) of the RAM clear switch 4100c is inputted via the prize ball control I/O port 4111b.

In addition, detection signals from the door frame release switch that detects the opening of the door frame 5 with respect to the main body frame and the main body frame release switch that detects the release of the main body frame with respect to the outer frame 2 are first input to the prize ball control input circuit 4111e. and is input to the prize ball control MPU 4111a via the prize ball control I/O port 4111b.

The prize ball control MPU 4111a serially transmits commands to indicate the status of the pachinko machine 1 to the main control board 4100 via the prize ball control I/O port 4111b, and gives them as the number of balls held by the player. The number of game balls is output to an external terminal board via the prize ball control I/O port 4111b. This external terminal board is electrically connected to a hall computer installed in a game hall (hall). This hall computer monitors the games of the players by ascertaining the number of prize balls that the Pachinko machine 1 gives to the players, the game information of the Pachinko machine 1, and the like.

In addition, a ball rental request signal for game balls is sent from the ball rental button sensor 334a when the ball rental button 334 is operated, and a prepaid card signal is sent from the return/settlement button sensor 335a when the return/settlement button 335 is operated. The return request signal is input to the inter-stand machine 6 via the prize ball control board 4110. The inter-stand machine 6 serially transmits a signal specifying the number of game balls to be lent according to the ball lending request signal to the prize ball control board 4110, and this signal is received by the prize ball control I/O port 4111b. It is designed to be input to the prize ball control MPU 4111a. In addition, the inter-stand machine 6 updates the remaining balance of the inserted prepaid card according to the number of game balls lent out, and sends a signal for displaying the remaining balance on the CR frequency display 342 to the prize ball control. It is input to the remaining power display 365c via the board 4110.

[3-2B. Launch control section]
In addition, the prize ball control MPU 4111a according to this embodiment also inputs detection signals from various detection switches related to firing via the prize ball control input circuit 4111e. Furthermore, an oscillation circuit 4120b that outputs a clock signal at regular intervals, a launch timing control circuit 4120c that outputs a launch reference pulse for launching a game ball toward the gaming area 1100 based on this clock signal, It includes a firing solenoid drive circuit 4120d that outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 211 based on a reference pulse, and a ball feeding solenoid driving circuit 4120e that outputs a driving signal to the ball feeding solenoid 231a based on the firing reference pulse. The firing timing control circuit 4120c generates a firing reference pulse based on the clock signal from the oscillation circuit 4120b so that 100 game balls are launched toward the gaming area 1100 per minute, and outputs it to the firing solenoid drive circuit 4120d. At the same time, a ball sending reference pulse is generated by multiplying the firing reference pulse by a predetermined number and is output to the ball sending solenoid drive circuit 4120e.

Further, a touch sensor 516 detects whether the palm or fingers are touching the handle operation section 322a, and a firing stop switch 518 detects whether or not the launching of the game ball is forcibly stopped according to the player's will. The detection signal is also input to the prize ball control input circuit 4111e and to the firing timing control circuit 4120c. A signal from the rotational position detection sensor 512 that electrically adjusts the strength of launching the game ball toward the gaming area 1100 according to the rotational position of the handle operation section 322a is sent to the firing solenoid drive circuit 4120d via the main side relay terminal board. has been entered.

This firing solenoid drive circuit 4120d determines, based on the signal from the rotational position detection sensor 512, a driving current for firing the game ball toward the gaming area 1100 with a firing strength commensurate with the rotational position of the handle operating section 322a. When a pulse is input, an output is made to the firing solenoid 211. On the other hand, the ball feeding solenoid drive circuit 4120e outputs a constant current to the ball feeding solenoid 231a via the main side relay terminal board, triggered by the input of the ball feeding reference pulse, to the ball feeding unit 231a. The ball feeding member accepts one game ball collected in the ball circulation passage 230, and when the input of the ball feeding reference pulse is completed, the ball feeding member stops outputting the constant current and starts ball feeding. The game ball received by the member is sent to the ball firing device 210 side. In this way, the drive current outputted from the firing solenoid drive circuit 4120d to the firing solenoid 211 is variably controlled, whereas the drive current outputted from the ball feeding solenoid driving circuit 4120e to the ball feeding solenoid 231a is constant. controlled.

In addition, the power supply board which supplies various voltages to the prize ball control board 4110 is equipped with a capacitor as a backup power supply for supplying power to the prize ball control board 4110 for a predetermined time even when the power is cut off. This capacitor allows the prize ball control MPU 4111a to store various information in the prize ball control built-in RAM during power-off processing even when the power is cut off. The stored various information is completely erased (cleared) from the prize ball control built-in RAM when the RAM clear switch 4100c of the main control board 4100 is operated when the power is turned on.

In addition, in the prize ball control board 4110 (prize ball control MPU 4111a) according to this embodiment, the situation where no game ball is hit is detected from the detection signals from the touch sensor 516, the firing stop switch 518, and the rotational position detection sensor 512. When it is determined that the game balls are in the pachinko machine 1, the total number of game balls in the pachinko machine 1 is checked based on the detection signals from the first ball capacity confirmation sensor 234 and the second ball capacity confirmation sensor 235. For example, when both the first ball capacity confirmation sensor 234 and the second ball capacity confirmation sensor 235 are ON (game ball detection) or both are OFF (game ball not detected), the pachinko machine 1 An error determination is made based on whether there are too many or too few game balls inside.

In addition, in the prize ball control board 4110 (prize ball control MPU 4111a) according to this embodiment, based on the detection signals from the first firing waiting ball sensor 236 and the second firing waiting ball sensor 237, the ball is fired from the main body frame side. A presence/absence confirmation process is performed to determine whether or not there are game balls to be supplied to the device 210. As a result, each time it is determined that the first firing standby ball sensor 236 or the second firing waiting ball sensor 237 is OFF (game ball not detected), the ball polishing motor 232a is driven to remove the balls from the ball polishing unit 232. By feeding, the game balls in the ball circulation passage 230 are supplied to the front side of each ball. As is clear from this, the ball polishing motor 232a according to this embodiment not only applies a driving force for polishing the game balls in the ball circulation passage 230, but also polishes the game balls in the ball circulation passage 230. It also has the function of providing driving force to feed the balls to the front side of each ball.

Further, in the prize ball control board 4110 (prize ball control MPU 4111a) according to this embodiment, when the detection signal from the shot ball confirmation sensor 216 is OFF (non-detected), it is determined that there is no game ball to be hit. , performs error determination. In other words, as described above, the operation of the ball feeding portion of the ball feeding unit 231 and the rotation of the batting mallet 212 are linked, and under normal conditions, the batting mallet 212 is always in a state in which a game ball can be hit. This is because it should be supplied by

In addition, in the prize ball control board 4110 (prize ball control MPU 4111a) according to this embodiment, the situation where the game ball is being hit is detected from the detection signals from the touch sensor 516, the firing stop switch 518, and the rotational position detection sensor 512. When it is determined that the game ball is in the game area 1100, the number of game balls that have been launched into the game area 1100 is checked. For example, each time the ejected ball detection sensor 217 detects a game ball, the number of game balls launched into the game area 1100 is added up, while the return ball detection sensor 218 detects a game ball, and the ejected ball detection sensor Each time a game ball is detected by 233, the number of game balls hit in the game area 1100 is checked by subtracting the number of game balls hit in the game area 1100. As a result of such processing, if the number of game balls launched into the game area 1100 exceeds a predetermined reference number, it is assumed that an abnormal number of game balls exist in the game area 1100, and an error occurs. Make a judgment.

Note that when an error determination is made by the award ball control board 4110, it is desirable to transmit this error determination to the main control board 4100. In order to protect the player, it is more desirable to take steps such as suspending the game until the cause of the error determination is corrected.

Further, the prize ball control board 4110 (prize ball control MPU 4111a) according to this embodiment performs control related to management of information regarding the number of balls held by the player. For example, when the ball rental button 334 is operated or when a prize ball is acquired as a result of playing the game, such information is received from the machine 6 or the main control board 4100, and based on the information, The "number of balls held" which can be called the remaining number of times the player can hit game balls is updated, and the updated result is displayed on the number of balls held display 343 (see FIG. 12). Further, the information regarding the “number of balls held” updated in this way is transmitted to the peripheral control board 4140 via the main control board 4100. Then, the peripheral control board 4140 causes the updated information regarding the "number of balls held" to be displayed on the frame-side effect display device 312 through control by the liquid crystal control board 4150.

[3-3. Peripheral control board]
As shown in FIG. 12, the peripheral board 4010 includes a peripheral control board 4140 that performs effect control based on commands from the main control board 4100, and a panel side effect display device 1900 based on control data from this peripheral control board 4140. and a liquid crystal control board 4150 that controls drawing of the frame side effect display device 312.

[3-3A. Peripheral control board]
Although not shown, the peripheral control board 4140 that controls the performance in the peripheral board 4010 includes a peripheral control MPU as a microprocessor, a peripheral control ROM that stores various processing programs and various commands, and a sound source that performs high-quality performances. The sound source IC includes an IC and a sound ROM in which sound information such as music and sound effects referred to by the sound source IC is stored.

The peripheral control MPU has multiple built-in parallel I/O ports, serial I/O ports, etc., and upon receiving various commands from the main control board 4100, the peripheral control MPU controls the panel provided on the game board 4 based on these various commands. The lighting of the panel side lamp 1910 is controlled by transmitting game board side light emitting data for outputting a lighting signal, a blinking signal, or a gradation lighting signal to the side lamp 1910 (color LED, etc.). The lighting of the frame lamp 102 is controlled by transmitting frame-side light emission data for outputting a lighting signal, a blinking signal, or a gradation lighting signal to the frame lamp 102, the sound of the speaker 103 is controlled, and the game board Various movable bodies are operated by transmitting game board side motor drive data to output a drive signal to the accessory solenoids (electric drive sources such as motors and solenoids that operate various movable bodies) 1920 provided in 4. control data (panel side display command) indicating the screen to be displayed on the panel side effect display device 1900 to the liquid crystal control board 4150, and control indicating the screen to be displayed on the frame side effect display device 312. In addition to transmitting data (frame side display commands) to the liquid crystal control board 4150, it also outputs control signals (sound commands) for extracting sound information from the sound ROM to the sound source IC.

Further, the peripheral control MPU receives detection signals from various original position detection sensors for detecting the original positions of various movable bodies provided on the game board 4. Then, the detection signal from the production button sensor 331a that detects the operation of the production operation button 331 provided on the door frame 5 is monitored, and it is determined that the detection signal has been input within a predetermined allowable period. In this case, a performance corresponding to the input (a performance that causes a change in the display on the panel-side performance display device 1900, a performance that causes a change in the display on the frame-side performance display device 312, a performance that causes a change in the display on the frame-side performance display device 312, or a performance that activates a movable body) Performs control related to production, etc.)

Additionally, the peripheral control MPU monitors a detection signal from the touch panel sensor 311a that detects a touch operation on the touch panel liquid crystal 310, and when the detection signal is input, the display is displayed according to the player's instruction by the touch operation. Control data to that effect (frame side display command) is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 4150 so that it appears on the frame side effect display device 312.

Additionally, the peripheral control MPU monitors a detection signal from the first eco button sensor 332a that detects the operation of the first eco button 332 provided on the door frame 5, and when the same detection signal is input, For example, the brightness of the frame lamp 102, the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the panel side effect display device 1900, the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the frame side effect display device 312, and the volume level of the speaker 103. Control is performed to collectively set the respective predetermined eco-mode values (for example, the minimum value). This facilitates reduction in power consumption.

In addition, since the player can freely operate the first eco-button sensor 332a, for example, the panel-side effect display device 1900 or the frame-side effect display device 312 may operate the first eco-button sensor 332a according to the jackpot lottery result. Even when a performance is being performed, the brightness of the frame lamp 102 and the brightness of the LCD backlight used in the panel-side performance display device 1900 can be adjusted through these collective settings during the stage of the performance. , the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the frame-side effect display device 312 and the volume level of the speaker 103 can be varied to a weaker output. For example, if such an operation is performed when a performance with high expectations for a jackpot appears, the player will be able to understand when a performance with high expectations is being performed but a performance with low expectations is being performed. It is also possible to quietly enjoy the performance results by creating a performance situation that is less noticeable from the surroundings. Conversely, if such operations are performed when a performance with low expectations for a jackpot appears, the player can actively try to reduce power consumption without sticking to a performance that is likely to lead to a loss. You will be able to show off your attitude as a gentleman.

Further, the peripheral control MPU is installed in a place where the player cannot operate during the game (for example, a place where the hall side can be operated only when the door frame 5 is open (the peripheral control board 4140 A detection signal from a second eco-button sensor 1930 that detects the operation of a second eco-button (not shown) provided on the back side of the gaming panel (such as the back side of the game panel) is monitored, and the detection signal of the second eco-button sensor 1930 is monitored. When there is an input, processing is performed to determine whether or not to enable the eco-auto function. When the eco-auto function is enabled, the eco-auto display LED provided on the front of the door frame 5 is lit so that the player can recognize that the function is enabled. . Here, when the second eco-button sensor 1930 is operated when the eco-auto function is disabled, the eco-auto function is enabled, and when the second eco-button sensor 1930 is operated when the eco-auto function is enabled, the eco-auto function is enabled. It is set to be disabled.

Here, the eco-auto function allows settings to be made in areas that cannot be set simply by the player operating the first eco button 332 (eco settings during gaming) (periods when no gaming is being played). The aim is to more actively reduce power consumption. In this embodiment, when the eco-auto function is enabled and a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the progress of the game was stopped, the brightness of the frame lamp 102 is adjusted to reduce power consumption. , the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the panel-side effect display device 1900 (see FIG. 10), the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the frame-side effect display device 312, and the volume level of the speaker 103 are set to the respective eco values. The mode value (for example, minimum value) is automatically set all at once. However, regarding this eco-auto function, for example, the brightness of the frame lamp 102, the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight used in the panel side effect display device 1900 (see FIG. 10), and the liquid crystal display used in the frame side effect display device 312 At least one of the brightness of the backlight and the volume level of the speaker 103 may be automatically set to a predetermined eco-mode value (for example, a minimum value). Furthermore, since the purpose is to reduce power consumption during periods when games are not being played, at least one of these output levels may be controlled to be "0" (i.e., not output). Even in this case, since the game is stopped, the progress of the game is not hindered.

Regarding this eco-auto function, when various output levels are automatically set to the eco-mode value, if there is a touch panel operation or a steering wheel operation, these settings will be automatically canceled. It is more desirable that there be. In other words, in this case, while the eco-auto function is activated by an operation by the hall operating the pachinko machine 1, the trigger for its cancellation is an operation by the player who is about to start playing. , it becomes possible to realize efficient control in reducing power consumption.

Additionally, the peripheral control MPU receives a signal (operation signal) from the liquid crystal control board 4150 that indicates that the liquid crystal control board 4150 is operating normally, and monitors the operation of the liquid crystal control board 4150 based on this operation signal. are doing.

The sound source IC extracts sound information from the sound ROM based on control data (sound commands) from the peripheral control MPU, and outputs music tailored to various performances from the speakers installed on the main body frame via the peripheral panel relay terminal board, etc. Control is performed so that music, sound effects, etc. are played, and music, sound effects, etc. matching various performances are played from a speaker 103 provided in the door frame 5 via a peripheral panel relay terminal board or the like.

Note that the peripheral control board 4140 includes a watchdog timer (hereinafter referred to as "WDT with built-in peripheral control") built into the peripheral control MPU, as well as an external watchdog timer (hereinafter referred to as "peripheral control external WDT"), not shown. The peripheral control MPU uses both the built-in peripheral control WDT and the external peripheral control WDT to diagnose whether or not its own system is out of control.

[3-4. LCD control section]
Next, the liquid crystal control board 4150 that controls the drawing of the panel-side effect display device 1900 on the peripheral control board 4140 includes a liquid crystal control MPU as a microprocessor, and a liquid crystal control ROM that stores various processing programs, various commands, and various data. , a VDP (abbreviation of Video Display Processor) that displays and controls the panel side effect display device 1900 and the frame side effect display device 312 described above, and a character ROM that stores various data of the screen displayed on the panel side effect display device 1900. , and a character RAM to which various data stored in the character ROM are transferred and copied.

This liquid crystal control MPU has built-in parallel I/O ports, serial I/O ports, etc., and controls the VDP based on control data (display commands) from the peripheral control board 4140 to control the panel side effect display device 1900. The drawing control is performed. Note that, when the liquid crystal control MPU is operating normally, it outputs an operation signal to the peripheral control board 4140 to notify that fact. Further, the liquid crystal control MPU receives an execution signal, which will be described later, from the VDP, and performs interrupt processing when the output of the execution signal is stopped every 16 ms.

In addition to various programs for generating screens to be drawn on the panel-side performance display device 1900, the liquid crystal control ROM stores schedule data corresponding to control data (display commands) from the peripheral control board 4140, and the control data (display commands). ) and corresponding non-resident area transfer schedule data, etc. are stored. The schedule data is configured by chronologically arranging screen data that defines the configuration of the screen, and defines the order of the screens to be drawn on the panel-side effect display device 1900. The non-resident area transfer schedule data is configured by chronologically arranging non-resident area transfer data that defines the order when transferring various data stored in the character ROM to the non-resident area of the character RAM. This non-resident area transfer data defines in advance the order in which various data are transferred from the character ROM to the non-resident area of the character RAM, including screen data to be drawn on the panel-side effect display device 1900 as the schedule data progresses.

The liquid crystal control MPU extracts the first screen data of the schedule data corresponding to the control data (display command) from the peripheral control board 4140 from the liquid crystal control ROM and outputs it to the VDP, and then extracts the screen data following the first screen data. It is extracted from the liquid crystal control ROM and output to the VDP. In this way, the liquid crystal control MPU extracts the screen data arranged in time series in the schedule data from the liquid crystal control ROM one by one starting from the first screen data, and outputs the extracted screen data to the VDP.

When the screen data output from the liquid crystal control MPU is input, the VDP extracts sprite data from the character RAM based on the input screen data and generates drawing data to be displayed on the panel side effect display device 1900. , and outputs the generated drawing data to the panel-side effect display device 1900. Further, when the VDP does not accept screen data from the liquid crystal control MPU, it outputs an execution signal to the liquid crystal control MPU to notify the effect. Note that the VDP uses a line buffer method. This "line buffer method" means that one line's worth of drawing data for drawing in the left and right direction of the panel side effect display device 1900 is held in a line buffer, and the one line's worth of drawing data held in this line buffer is used for the panel side effect. This is a method of outputting to a display device 1900.

The character ROM stores an extremely large amount of sprite data, and its capacity is large. When the capacity of the character ROM increases, that is, when the number of sprites drawn on the panel-side effect display device 1900 increases, the access speed of the character ROM becomes impossible to ignore, and the speed of drawing on the panel-side effect display device 1900 is affected. Become. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sprite data stored in the character ROM is transferred and copied to the character RAM, which has a fast access speed, and the sprite data is extracted from this character RAM. Note that the sprite data is base data that is data before the sprite is expanded into a bitmap format, and is stored in the character ROM in a compressed state.

Here, a "sprite" will be explained. A "sprite" is an image displayed as a unit on the panel-side effect display device 1900. For example, when displaying various people on the panel-side effect display device 1900, data for drawing each person is called a "sprite." As a result, when displaying a plurality of people on the panel-side effect display device 1900, a plurality of sprites are used. In addition to people, houses, mountains, roads, etc. that make up the background are also sprites, and the entire background can also be a single sprite. These sprites are drawn on the panel-side effect display device 1900 after setting the position where they are arranged on the screen and the vertical relationship when the sprites overlap each other (hereinafter referred to as "order of overlapping sprites"). .

Note that the sprite is constructed by pasting together a plurality of rectangular areas each having 64 pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions. The data used to draw this rectangular area is called a "character." A small sprite can be expressed using one character, and a relatively large sprite such as a person can be expressed using a total of 6 characters arranged, for example, 2 horizontally x 3 vertically. be able to. Larger sprites, such as backgrounds, can be represented using even more characters. In this way, the number and arrangement of characters can be arbitrarily specified for each sprite.

The panel side effect display device 1900 sequentially scans from left to right when viewed from the front, performs main scanning in which the display state of each pixel is set in one direction along the pixels, and main scanning in a direction intersecting that one direction. It is designed to be driven by a sub-scan that repeatedly performs. When the panel-side effect display device 1900 receives one line of drawing data output from the liquid crystal control board 4150, the panel-side effect display device 1900 sequentially performs main scanning from left to right when viewed from the front of the panel-side effect display device 1900. Each pixel for one line is output. When the output for one line is completed, the panel-side effect display device 1900 shifts to the line directly below as a sub-scan, and similarly, when the drawing data for the next line is input, the drawing data for the next line is changed to the drawing data for the next line. Based on this, main scanning is performed to sequentially output one line of pixels from left to right when viewed from the front of the panel-side effect display device 1900.

[3-7. Control processing on main control board]
Next, an example of control processing executed by the main control board 4100 (particularly the main control MPU 4100a) will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 25. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing in the main control board. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when a power outage occurs. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of special control processing. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the starting opening winning process. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the fluctuation start process. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variation pattern setting process. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the changing process.

Further, FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the jackpot game start process. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the small winning game start process. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of jackpot game processing. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the small winning game process. Note that the timer interrupt process is executed at a predetermined timing (every 4 ms in this embodiment) by the main control MPU 4100a mounted on the main control board 4100. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the table structure in the special symbol random number storage means.

In the main process, as shown in FIG. 13, when power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is started, the main control MPU 4100a executes a power-on process (step S1). In this power-on processing, it is determined whether the backup data stored in the RAM 4100e is normal (is it the set value at the time of a power outage), and if it is normal, the backup data stored in the RAM 4100e is followed. Execute the process to return to the state at the time of power failure (power recovery process), and if the backup data is abnormal, clear the RAM 4100e and configure device settings around the CPU (normal initial settings, interrupt timing settings, etc.) conduct.

Note that when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is stopped during the game, the current game state is stored in the RAM 4100e as backup data. Further, if the RAM clear switch 4100c, which instructs to clear the backup data stored in the RAM 4100e, is on in the power-on process, the RAM 4100e is cleared and normal initial settings are performed. Further, in the power-on processing, if backup data is not stored in the RAM 4100e of the main control board 4100, the RAM 4100e is cleared and normal initial settings are performed.

Further, in the power-on process, when normal initial settings are executed, a process is also executed to set the peripheral control board 4140 in a state where it can send a power-on command indicating that the main control board 4100 has started. The power-on command is for notifying the peripheral control board 4140 that the main control board 4100 has started up. In addition, even if the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is stopped (power is turned off), such as when the game hall where the pachinko machine 1 is installed is closed, the backup data is stored in the RAM 4100e, and the power to the pachinko machine 1 is restored. When supply starts, power-on processing is executed.

When this power-on process is completed, the main control MPU 4100a starts a loop process that repeatedly executes each game process. At the start of this loop process, the main control MPU 4100a first determines whether a power outage warning signal has been detected (step S2). In this embodiment, the power supply voltage used in the pachinko machine 1 is generated by the power supply board 851. That is, since multiple types of devices installed in the pachinko machine 1 operate with different power supply voltages, after converting the power supply voltage supplied to the pachinko machine 1 from an external power supply to a predetermined power supply voltage by the power supply board 851, Supplied to each device. If a power outage occurs and the power supply voltage supplied from the external power supply to the power supply board 851 becomes lower than the predetermined power supply voltage, a power outage notice indicating that the supply of power supply voltage from the power supply board 851 to the main control board 4100 will be stopped. A signal is sent. When the main control MPU 4100a mounted on the main control board 4100 detects a power outage warning signal in step S2, a power outage event process is executed (step S4).

This process when a power outage occurs is such that when the power supply voltage (24V in this embodiment) supplied to the power supply board 851 is restored after a power outage (hereinafter referred to as power restoration), the operation of the gaming machine is changed to the state before the power outage. This is a process in which the state at the time of power failure is stored in the RAM 4100e as backup data in order to start from the current state. The processing details will be described later, but in this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the processing when a power outage occurs is not an interrupt processing, but a branch processing that is executed depending on whether or not a power outage warning signal is detected immediately after the start of the loop. Built into the main process (main control process).

By the way, if the power outage warning signal is not detected in step S2, that is, if power is being normally supplied from the external power source, then random number update processing 2 is performed to update various random numbers used in the game (step S2). S3). Note that the random numbers updated in the random number update process 2 will be described later.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the power outage process is a process that is executed when a power outage warning signal is detected in the main process. The main control MPU 4100a first performs interrupt prohibition settings so that interrupt processing is not executed (step S4a). Then, a checksum of the RAM 4100e is calculated and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 4100e (step S4b). This checksum is used to check whether the contents of the RAM 4100e before the power outage are retained when the power is restored.

Next, the main control MPU 4100a sets a specified value in a backup flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 4100e to indicate that the power-off processing has been performed (step S4c). After completing the above processing, the main control MPU 4100a prohibits access to the RAM 4100e (step S4d), enters an infinite loop, and prepares for stopping the power supply. Note that in this process, if the power supply voltage becomes unstable due to a very short power outage (hereinafter referred to as an "instantaneous power outage"), and the power outage process is started, Since the power supply voltage is not stopped, there is a risk that in the above process it will not be possible to recover from the infinite loop. In order to avoid such a problem, the main control MPU 4100a of this embodiment is provided with a watchdog timer, and is configured to be reset if the watchdog timer is not updated for a predetermined period of time. The watchdog timer is updated periodically while processing is being performed normally, but when a power outage occurs, the watchdog timer enters processing and is no longer updated. As a result, even if a momentary power failure causes a power-off occurrence process to enter an infinite loop, a reset is performed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and the main control MPU 4100a is activated in the same process as when the power is turned on.

Next, the timer interrupt process is executed every 4 ms by the main control MPU 4100a mounted on the main control board 4100 during execution of the main process, and as shown in FIG. After the control MPU 4100a executes the register saving process (step S10), the control MPU 4100a executes the processes from step S11 to step S18. In the switch input process of step S11, a process of monitoring detection signals of the above-mentioned switches (gate switch, starting port sensor, count sensor, general winning switch, etc.) is executed. In the random number update process 1 in step S12, a process for updating various random numbers used in the game is executed. Note that in this embodiment, the random numbers updated in the random number update process 1 and the random numbers updated in the random number update process 2 described above are different. Although the random numbers will be described later, the random numbers updated in the random number update process 2 may also be updated in the random number update process 1. In the prize ball control process of step S13, a prize ball command is issued to instruct the prize ball control board 4110 to perform a process of increasing the number of balls held by the player based on the signal detected in the switch input process (step S11). Set.

In addition, in the normal control process in step S14, the normal symbols are changed based on the progress state of the game, and the normal electric accessory (i.e., the movable piece 2106 that opens and closes the second starting port 2102 by the starting port solenoid 2105) is controlled. Then, a process for changing the opening/closing state of the second starting port 2102 is executed. In the special control process in step S15, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed variably on the special symbol displays 1185 and 1186 based on the progress state of the game, and the special electric accessory (i.e., the attacker solenoid 2108 is used to win a big prize) It controls the opening/closing member 2107) that opens and closes the opening 2103, and executes processing such as changing the opening/closing state of the big winning opening 2103.

In the subsequent output data setting process of step S16, a process of outputting a status signal indicating the gaming status to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 (for example, a management computer, etc.), and a process of outputting a drive signal to a special figure start memory display (not shown) Execute processing, etc. In the command transmission process of step S17, a process of transmitting the production command to the peripheral control board 4140 is executed. Further, in the command transmission process, a process of transmitting a power-on command set in the power-on process (step S1) when power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is started to the peripheral control board 4140 is also performed. After executing the processes from step S11 to step S17, register restoration process (step S18) is executed, and the process ends.

Here, various random numbers updated by the main control MPU 4100a of the main control board 4100 in the random number update processing 1 (step S12) and the random number update processing 2 (step S3) described above will be explained. In this embodiment, as various random numbers used in the game, a random number for jackpot determination used to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot game state (including a "small hit" described later) (jackpot determination), a jackpot determination random number, A random number for the jackpot symbol used to determine whether or not to make a probability variable jackpot (probability variable determination) when it is determined that a jackpot gaming state will occur, and a random number for a special symbol when it is determined that a jackpot gaming state will occur in the jackpot determination. Random numbers for jackpot symbols used to determine stop symbols, reach determination used to determine whether or not to cause a loss with a reach mode (reach determination) when it is determined in the jackpot determination that a jackpot gaming state will not occur. Random number, variable display pattern random number (random number for variable time) used to determine the variable display pattern (variable time) of the special symbols displayed on the special symbol displays 1185, 1186, opening and closing the second starting port 2102 There are random numbers for normal winning determination used to determine whether or not to control the movable piece 2106 to the open state (normal lottery winning determination).

In addition, in this example, a lottery is also performed to determine whether or not to generate a small win game state using the random numbers for jackpot determination. It is also determined whether or not to make a probability variable jackpot (the probability of receiving a specific profit is set higher than normal) using the random number for the jackpot symbol. In addition, the variable display pattern of the special symbol may be determined using the random number for reach determination, and the variable display pattern of the decorative symbol whose display is controlled by the panel-side performance display device 1900 may be determined.

Among these random numbers, in the random number update process 1, a random number for jackpot determination related to the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state, a random number for jackpot symbol, and a random number for normal symbol hit determination related to whether or not to control the movable piece 2106 in the open state. Update. That is, the random numbers used for determining whether or not to generate a jackpot game state and to control the movable piece 2106 to the open state are updated every 4 ms as a predetermined timing. By doing this, the probability (the probability of determining that a jackpot game state will occur, the probability of determining that the movable piece 2106 will be controlled in the open state) for each random number in a predetermined period can be made constant, It is possible to prevent the person from being at a disadvantage. On the other hand, in the random number update process 2, the generation of a jackpot game state, the reach determination random number that is not related to the normal lottery, the variable display pattern random number, etc. are updated.

Next, in the special control process, the main control MPU 4100a executes the processes from step S20 to step S90, as shown in FIG. In the starting hole winning process of step S20, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won a prize in the first starting hole 2101 or the second starting hole 2102, and if the game ball has won, a process of updating the pending state of the lottery is executed. In the fluctuation start process of step S30, the number of memories (number of reservations) in each jackpot lottery is checked, and if the number of reservations (total number of memories) is not 0, a process is performed to start the fluctuation display of the corresponding special symbol. Make settings. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a jackpot gaming state (profit granting state) is to be generated (win/failure determining means), and when a jackpot gaming state is to be generated, it is determined whether or not to be a variable probability jackpot. . In the variation pattern setting process of step S40, settings related to the variation display of each special symbol and each decorative symbol are performed. Specifically, the variable display pattern of each special symbol is determined, and the variable time (from the start of the variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display devices 1185 and 1186) that is set corresponding to the variable display pattern is determined. Set the time (time until stopping) on the timer.

In the fluctuating process of step S50, the timer for which the fluctuating time was set in the fluctuating display pattern setting process (step S40) is monitored, and based on the timeout of the timer, the first special symbol display 1185 or the second special symbol is displayed. A process is performed to stop the variable display of special symbols on the device 1186 (corresponding to the special symbol displays 1185 and 1186). At this time, if it is determined in the fluctuation start process (step S30) that one of the jackpot lottery results in a jackpot game state, the process selection flag is updated to "3" and the same lottery results in a small win game state. If it has been determined that the game will be in a jackpot or small win gaming state, the processing selection flag is updated to "0".

In the jackpot game start process (profit grant state control means) of step S60, settings for starting the jackpot game state are performed. Although specifically described later, the number of times the opening/closing member 2107 is opened, the opening time, etc. are set depending on the type of jackpot. In addition, in the small winning game start process of step S70, settings for starting the small winning game state are performed. More specifically, as will be described later, the number of times the opening/closing member 2107 is opened, the opening time, etc. for a small win are set. In the jackpot game process in step S80, the big winning hole 2103 is opened and the opening/closing member 2107 is closed when a predetermined number of game balls enter the big winning hole 2103 or when a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Perform processing. In addition, if the number of rounds in the jackpot game state has not reached the predetermined number, processing is performed again to open the opening/closing member 2107, and when the number of rounds in the jackpot game state reaches the predetermined number, the process selection flag is is updated to "5". Further, after the number of rounds reaches a predetermined number, processing for generating a probability fluctuation state and a time-saving game state is executed (special game state control means).

In the small winning game process in step S90, the big winning hole 2103 is opened and the opening/closing member 2107 is closed when a predetermined number of game balls enter the big winning hole 2103 or when a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Process. Although the details will be described later, the opening of the big prize opening 2103 in the small win game process is set so that the profit to the player is extremely low compared to the big win game process (step S80). Next, specific processing in steps S20 to S90 will be explained.

Next, in the starting opening winning process, as shown in FIG. 17, it is first determined whether or not a detection signal is output from the second starting opening sensor 2109, In this case, it is determined that the game ball has entered the second starting port 2102 (YES in step S201), and if the detection signal from the second starting port sensor 2109 is not output, the game ball is placed in the second starting port 2102. It is determined that no prize has been won (NO in step S201). When it is determined in step S201 that a game ball has entered the second starting port 2102, various random numbers for the second jackpot lottery (random numbers for jackpot determination, random numbers for jackpot symbols, etc.) are acquired and stored in the RAM 4100e. It is determined whether the value of the second pending number counter is less than the upper limit of 4 (step S202). If the second hold number counter is less than 4 in step S202, a second start hold storage process (step S203) and a hold history update process (step S204) are executed. Note that these processes will be described later. Note that if the value of the second hold number counter is 4 in step S202, the second start hold storage process and hold history update process are not executed.

On the other hand, if the detection signal is not output from the second starting port sensor 2109 in step S201 (NO in step S201), or if the value of the second pending number counter is 4 (NO in step S202), determines whether or not a game ball has entered the first starting port 2101 (step S205). Specifically, it is determined whether a detection signal is output from the first starting port sensor 3022 or not. When it is determined in step S205 that the game ball has entered the first starting port 2101 (YES), various random numbers for the first jackpot lottery are obtained, and the upper limit is the value of the first pending number counter provided in the RAM 4100e. It is determined whether the value is less than 4 (step S206). If the first hold number counter is less than 4 in step S206, a first start hold storage process (step S207) and a hold history update process (step S208) are executed. Note that, if the value of the first pending number counter is 4 in step S206, the first start pending storage process and the pending history update process are not executed.

Subsequently, in the fluctuation start processing, as shown in FIG. 18, it is first determined whether the processing flag is "0" or not, and if it is "0" (YES in step S301), the processing from step S302 onwards is performed. The process is executed, and if the value is not "0" (NO in step S301), the fluctuation start process is ended. In step S302, it is determined whether the values of the two pending number counters (first starting memory number and second starting memory number) corresponding to each special symbol display 2390a, 2390b are "0". Since the sum of the values in the two pending number counters indicates the number of random numbers stored in the storage area of the starting memory (special symbol random number storage means 4515, 2940 (see FIG. 25)), it is determined in step S302. If both the values of the pending number counters are "0" (YES), it is determined that the starting conditions regarding the first jackpot lottery and the second jackpot lottery are not satisfied, and the process moves to step S317.

On the other hand, if the value of any of the pending number counters is not "0" in step S302 (NO), a startup memory migration process is executed (steps S303 to S311). As shown in FIG. 25(a), the first special symbol random number storage means 4515 is provided with four storage areas (storage area [1] 4515a to storage area [4] 4515d). Each is associated with the value of the number of memories (“1” to “4”). In addition, as shown in FIG. 25(b), the second special symbol random number storage means 4532 is also provided with four storage areas (storage area [1] 4532a to storage area [4] 4532d). They are respectively associated with the values of the second start memory number (“1” to “4”). Each of the storage areas 4515a to 4515d, 4532a to 4532d has a random number storage area 4580 for jackpot determination in which random numbers for jackpot determination are stored, and a random number storage area 4581 for jackpot symbols in which random numbers for jackpot symbols are stored. .

In the starting memory transfer process, first, it is determined whether or not the value of the pending number counter (second starting memory number) corresponding to the second special symbol display 1186 is "0", that is, the second special symbol random number memory It is determined whether a random number is stored in the storage area [1] 4532a of the means 4532 (step S303), and if a random number is stored (NO), each storage area of the nth (n is a natural number of 2 or more) Process of shifting various random numbers stored in (storage area [2] 4532b to storage area [4] 4532d) to the n-1th storage area (storage area [1] 4532a to storage area [3] 4532c), respectively. (Step S304) and a process (Step S305) of acquiring a random number regarding the second special symbol stored in the storage area [1] 4532a. Further, the special symbol fluctuation flag is set to "1" (step S306), and a process of subtracting "1" from the reservation number counter corresponding to the second special symbol is executed (step S307).

On the other hand, when no random number is stored in the storage area [1] 4532a of the second special symbol random number storage means 4532, that is, when the value of the pending number counter corresponding to the second special symbol display 1186 is "0" (YES in step S303), is stored in each storage area (storage area [2] 4515b to storage area [4] 4515d) of the n-th (n is a natural number of 2 or more) of the first special symbol random number storage means 4515. The processing (step S308) of shifting the various random numbers stored in the storage area [1] 4515a to the n-1th storage area (storage area [1] 4515a to storage area [3] 4515c), respectively A process of acquiring a random number regarding the first special symbol (step S309) is executed. In addition, a process (step S311) of subtracting "1" from the pending number counter corresponding to the first special symbol is executed.

In other words, when it comes to the first special symbol, when it is reserved, the value of the reservation number counter (first starting memory number) is increased by "1", and the extracted random number is It is stored in the storage area corresponding to the value of the first starting memory number, but when starting the variation of the first special symbol, only when the second starting memory number is "0", that is, the first special symbol starts changing. Each random number is read from the first storage area "1" 4515a of the first special symbol random number storage means 4515 only when one process is on standby and the second process using the second special symbol is not on standby. ing. This control allows the second process to be performed with priority over the first process.

Thereafter, it is determined whether the probability variation function is in operation, that is, whether the probability variation function is in a high probability probability variation state (step S312), and if the probability variation function is not in the probability variation state (NO in step S312), the probability variation function is not activated. The jackpot determination table, that is, the table where the probability of a jackpot is set low, is selected, while in the case of probability fluctuation state (YES in step S312), the table when the probability fluctuation is activated, that is, the table with a low probability of a jackpot, is selected. Choose a table that is set high. In addition, in this example, when the probability fluctuation is not activated (i.e., normal time), the probability of hitting the jackpot is set to 6/499, and when the probability fluctuation is activated (i.e., when the probability is high), the probability of hitting the jackpot is set to 60. /499.

After any table is selected in step S313 or step S314, the random number related to any special symbol acquired in step S305 or step S309 is determined based on the table as a random number corresponding to a jackpot (jackpot value ) (step S315). If it is a jackpot value (YES in step S315), the jackpot flag is turned ON (step S316), and the process moves to step S317. On the other hand, if the obtained random number is not a jackpot value (NO in step S315), it is determined whether the random number is a random number corresponding to a small win (small win value) (step S318). If it is a small win value (YES in step S318), the small win flag is set to "ON" (step S319), and the process moves to step S317. Further, if it is not a small winning value (NO in step S318), the process moves to step S317 without passing through step S319. In step S317, the processing flag is updated to "1" and the fluctuation start processing is ended. Note that the ON/OFF states (set state, reset state) of the jackpot flag and the small win flag are stored in the RAM 4100e. In addition, the OFF state (reset state) of the jackpot flag and small win flag means that the value of "0" is set, and the ON state (set state) of the jackpot flag and small win flag means the value of "1". is set.

Next, in the fluctuation pattern setting process, as shown in FIG. 19, it is determined whether the processing flag is "1" or not, and if it is "1" in step S317 (YES in step S401), The processes after step S402 are executed, and if the value is not "1" (NO in step S401), the fluctuation pattern setting process is ended. In step S402, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is "ON" or not, and if it is "ON" in step S316 (YES in step S402), probability fluctuation jackpot or It is determined which of the normal jackpots it is (step S403). If it is a probability fluctuation jackpot (YES in step S403), it is determined whether or not it is a special hit (step S404). As will be described in detail later, any probability-variable jackpot is a probability-variable state in which the probability of a specific profit being awarded in subsequent drawings is set higher than normal, and any special symbol display 1185, A time-saving gaming state in which the variation time of the special symbols that vary in 1186 is shortened (relatively shorter than in normal times), and the ease of winning in the second starting opening 2102 is increased compared to normal times. Although the probability fluctuation jackpot, which is a special win, and the general probability fluctuation jackpot, which is not a special win, are set so that the degree of profit given to the player is greatly different.

In other words, in a general probability variable jackpot, the opening time per opening/closing member 2107 that opens and closes the big prize opening 2103 is set to a time that allows multiple (for example, 10) game balls to win with ease. At the same time, the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 2107 is controlled to be performed the number of times (for example, seven times) that provides the greatest benefit. On the other hand, in the probability variable jackpot, which is a special hit, the opening time of the opening/closing member 2107 per time is set to a time that is just long enough for several (for example, one or two) game balls to win. , the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 2107 is controlled to be performed twice, for example.

In step S404, if it is determined that it is not a special hit, that is, if it is determined that it is a general probability fluctuation jackpot (NO), the probability fluctuation jackpot time fluctuation display pattern table is selected (step S405); If it is determined that it is a win (YES in step S404), a probability variable special win variation display pattern table is selected (step S406). In addition, in step S403, if it is determined that it is not a probability fluctuation jackpot, that is, if it is determined that it is a normal jackpot (YES), the normal jackpot fluctuation display pattern table is selected (step S407).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that the jackpot flag is not "ON" (NO), it is determined whether the small hit flag is "ON" (step S408), and it is determined as "ON" in step S319. If so (YES in step S408), the small hit fluctuation display pattern table is selected (step S409). In addition, if the small hit flag is not "ON" (NO in step S408), it is determined whether the acquired random number for reach determination is a random number (reach value) corresponding to reach (step S410). ), if it is a reach value (YES in step S410), select the losing/reach variation display pattern table (step 411); if it is not a reach value (NO in step S410), select the losing/reaching variation display pattern table. A pattern table is selected (step S412).

In this way, when a variable display pattern table is selected in any step, the variable display pattern is selected based on the variable display pattern table and the variable display pattern random number acquired in either step S305 or step S309. is determined (step S413). Next, a selection value is set as an effect command that specifies the variable display pattern determined in step S413 (step S414), and a timer (this implementation In this case, the valid period timer is set (step S415). In step S415, the variation time set in the variation display pattern determined in step S413 is set in the valid period timer.

Note that the variable display pattern command set in step S414 is transmitted to the peripheral control board 4140 in the command transmission output process. Also, when transmitting the variable display pattern command to the peripheral control board 4140 in the command transmission output process, a drive signal is output to the first special symbol display 1185 and the second special symbol display 1186, and the variable display of the special symbol is started. let Thereafter, the processing flag is updated to "2" (step S416), and the variation pattern setting processing is ended.

Subsequently, in the fluctuating process, as shown in FIG. If the result is not "2" (NO in step S501), the process during fluctuation is ended. In step S502, it is determined whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is fluctuating on the first special symbol display 1185 or the second special symbol display 1186, and if it is fluctuating, the first special symbol is It is determined whether the variation time of the symbol or the second special symbol has timed out (step S503). Then, when the variation time has timed out, that is, when the variation time has ended (YES in step S503), the variation is stopped (step S504).

In addition, if none of the special symbols is changing (NO in step S502), or if the variation time has not ended (NO in step S503), the special symbols are changing without stopping. Finish the process.

After stopping the variation of the special symbol in step S504, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is "ON" or not (step S505), and if the jackpot flag is "ON", the processing flag is updated to "3". (Step S506). On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is not "ON" (NO in step S505), it is determined whether the small hit flag is "ON" (step S507), and if it is "ON", the processing flag is set to "4". ” (step S508), and if it is not “ON”, the processing flag is updated to “0” (step S509). In this way, after updating the processing flag in step S506, step S508, or step S509, the changing process ends.

Next, in the jackpot game start process, as shown in FIG. ), the process from step S602 onwards is executed, and if it is not "3" (NO at step S601), the jackpot game start process is ended. In step S602, it is determined whether the probability variation function is in operation, that is, whether it is in the probability variation state. If it is in the probability variation state (YES), the operation of the probability variation function is temporarily stopped, and the process moves to step S604. do. Note that if the state is not a probability fluctuation state, that is, if it is a normal low probability state (NO in step S602), the process proceeds to step S604 without executing the process of step S603. In step S604, it is determined whether or not the time-saving function is in operation, that is, whether or not the time-saving game state is in effect. If the time-saving game state is in effect (YES), the operation of the time-saving function is stopped (step S605), and step The process moves to S606. On the other hand, if it is not in the time-saving gaming state (NO in step S604), the process moves to step S606 without executing the process in step S605.

In step S606, it is determined whether the type of jackpot is a general jackpot or a special jackpot, and if it is a general jackpot (NO in step S606), the opening/closing member 2107 opens the jackpot 2103. Conditions, that is, the number of jackpot openings, the opening time per jackpot, and the limit number of winnings to the jackpot opening 2103 are set (step S607). On the other hand, if the jackpot is a special jackpot (YES in step S606), the number of openings for special jackpots in the jackpot 2103, the winning limit number, and the opening time per shot are set (step S608). Thereafter, the processing flag is updated to "5" (step S609), and the jackpot game start processing is ended.

On the other hand, in the small winning game start process, as shown in FIG. ), executes the process of step S702 and step S703, and if the process flag is not "4" (NO in step S701), ends the small winning game start process without executing the process of step S702 and step S703. do. In step S702, the conditions for opening the big winning opening 2103 in the case of a small win, that is, the number of times the opening/closing member 2107 opens the big winning opening 2103 for a small winning, and the opening time per time are respectively set. Note that the number of openings, the limited number of winnings, and the opening time for the small winning are set to be the same as the conditions set for the special winning (step S608). In other words, it is set so that it is impossible to visually distinguish between special wins and small wins. Thereafter, the processing flag is updated to "6" (step S703), and the small winning game start processing is ended.

Next, in the jackpot game process, as shown in FIG. 23, first, it is determined whether the processing flag is "5" or not, and if it is "5" in step S609 (YES in step S801). , executes the processing from step S802 onwards, and if it is not "5" (NO at step S801), ends the jackpot game processing. In step S802, it is determined whether or not the big winning hole 2103 is open, and if it is open (YES), the opening time (the elapsed time after opening) of the big winning hole 2103 is a preset predetermined time. It is determined whether or not it has reached (step S803), and if it has passed (YES in step S803), the opening/closing member 2107 is operated to close the big prize opening 2103 (step S805).

Note that even if the set opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S803), the number of game balls that entered the big winning hole 2103 after the big winning hole 2103 was opened is set in step S607. If the limit number (for example, 10) is exceeded (YES in step S804), the process moves to step S805 and the big prize opening 2103 is closed. Further, if the opening time of the big prize opening 2103 has not reached the set time (NO in step S803) and the number of winning game balls has not reached the limit number (NO in step S804), The jackpot game process ends.

On the other hand, in step S802, if the big winning hole 2103 is not being opened (NO), the number of openings of the big winning hole 2103 by the opening/closing member 2107 is the number of openings for the jackpot set in step S607, or the number of openings for the jackpot set in step S608. It is determined whether or not the number of openings for special winnings has been reached (step S806). If it has not been reached (NO in step S806), the opening/closing member 2107 is controlled to open the big prize opening 2103 (step S807), and the jackpot game process ends. This makes it possible to enter a large amount of game balls into the big prize opening 2103.

In step S806, if the number of openings of the big winning opening 2103 reaches the set number (YES), that is, if the jackpot gaming state ends, the processes of steps S808 to S813 are executed, and the subsequent lottery is started. Set the gaming state for the game. Specifically, first, the jackpot flag is set to "OFF" (step S808), and it is determined whether or not the current jackpot is a win that activates the probability variation function (step S809). In other words, it is determined whether it is a probability fluctuation jackpot including a special win or a normal jackpot. If the probability fluctuation jackpot is won (YES in step S809), the operation of the probability fluctuation function is started and a probability fluctuation state with a high probability is established (step S810). That is, the probability of winning a jackpot in subsequent drawings is set higher than normal, and the time-saving function is activated until the number of variations of the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the drawing reaches a predetermined number (specified number of times). .

In addition, when the jackpot is a special hit (YES in step S811), it is determined whether or not the hit occurs while the probability variation function or the time saving function is in operation (step S814). If it is not a special hit, that is, if it is a general probability fluctuation jackpot (NO in step S810), or if a special hit is won when the probability fluctuation function or time saving function is already activated, The operation of the time saving function is started (step S812), and then the processing flag is updated to "0" (step S813). In other words, while shortening the fluctuation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol that changes on the first special symbol display 1185 or the second special symbol display 1186, the opening operation of the movable piece 2106 causes the first special symbol to move to the second starting port 2102. To make it easier to win a prize than usual. On the other hand, when the probability fluctuation function and the time saving function are not in operation, that is, when the special winning is won when neither the probability fluctuation state nor the time saving gaming state is occurring (NO in step S814), the time saving function The process moves to step S813 without activating.

On the other hand, if it is not the winning that activates the probability fluctuation function in step S809, that is, if it is a normal jackpot (NO), the operation of the time-saving function is started, and the prescribed number of times of activation of the time-saving function is set (step S815). ), then the process moves to step S813. In other words, the time saving function is operated until the number of variations of the first special symbol or the second special symbol by lottery reaches a predetermined number of times (specified number of times).

Next, in the small winning game process, as shown in FIG. ), the process from step S902 onwards is executed, and if it is not "6" (NO at step S901), the small winning game process is ended. In step S902, it is determined whether the number of winnings of the game balls in the big winning opening 2103 has reached the preset maximum number of winnings (step S902), and if the maximum number of winnings has not yet been reached (NO). ), it is determined whether the big prize opening 2103 is open (step S903). Then, in step S903, if it is determined that the big winning hole 2103 is open (YES), the opening time (the elapsed time after opening) of the big winning hole 2103 reaches a preset predetermined time. It is determined whether or not it has passed (step S904), and if it has passed (YES in step S904), the opening/closing member 2107 is operated to close the big prize opening 2103 (step S905). After that, it is determined whether the number of openings of the big prize opening 2103 has reached a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) (step S906), and if the number of openings has reached that number (YES), the processing flag is set to " 0'' (step S907), and the small winning game process ends.

In addition, if the opening time of the big prize opening 2103 has not reached the predetermined time in step S904 (NO), or if the number of openings has not reached the predetermined number in step S906 (NO), the process of step S907 is executed. The small winning game process is ended without doing so. In addition, in step S903, if the big winning hole 2103 is not open (NO), the big winning hole 2103 is opened and it is possible to win a game ball (step S908). In addition, in step S902, if the number of winnings of game balls in the big winning hole 2103 reaches the preset maximum number of winnings (YES), it is determined whether the big winning hole 2103 is open (step S909), if it is open (YES), the big prize opening 2103 is closed (step S910), and the process moves to step S907. On the other hand, if the big prize opening 2103 is not open (NO in step S909), the process moves to step S907 without executing the process of step S910. In step S907, the processing flag is updated to "0".

[3-8. Control processing in peripheral control unit]
Next, processing executed by the peripheral control MPU mounted on the peripheral control board 4140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 30. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of sub-main processing, and FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of 16ms steady processing. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command analysis processing (step S1100). FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the production control process (step S1200). FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the decorative pattern variation start process (step S1210).

In the sub-main process, as shown in FIG. 26, when power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is started, an initial setting process is performed by the peripheral control MPU (step S1001). In this initial setting process, a process such as clearing the peripheral control RAM 4140e mounted on the peripheral control board 4140 is performed. Note that during this initial setting process, interrupts are prohibited, and after the initial setting process, interrupts are enabled. When the initial setting process (step S1001) is completed, a loop process is started to monitor whether the 16 ms elapsed flag T is set (step S1002).

In this example, the peripheral control MPU generates an interrupt every 2 ms and executes steady processing for 2 ms. In the 2ms steady processing, the process of counting up the 16ms progress monitoring counter (increasing the 16ms progress monitoring counter by 1) is executed, and when the value of the 16ms progress monitoring counter reaches 8, that is, when 16ms have passed, the 16ms elapsed flag is set. In addition to setting T, a process of resetting (setting to 0) the 16 ms progress monitoring counter is executed. In this way, the 16 ms elapsed flag T is set (set) to "1" every 16 ms in the 2 ms steady processing, and is normally set (reset) to "0". When the 16ms elapsed flag is set in step S1002 (16ms elapsed flag T is "1"), the 16ms elapsed flag is reset (step S1003), and then 16ms steady processing is performed (step S1004).

In this 16 ms steady processing, based on the effect command received from the main control board 4100, the panel side effect display device 1900, frame side effect display device 312, frame lamp 102, speaker 103, panel side lamp 1910, accessory solenoid 1920 Processing to control etc. is executed. When the 16 ms steady processing is completed, the process returns to step S1002, and steps S1003 to S1004 described above are repeated every time the 16 ms elapsed flag T is set, that is, every 16 ms. On the other hand, when the 16ms elapsed flag T is not set in step S1002 (16ms elapsed flag T is "0"), loop processing is performed until the 16ms elapsed flag T is set.

Next, in the 16 ms steady process, the sub peripheral control MPU executes the processes from step S1100 to step S1600, as shown in FIG. In the command analysis process of step S1100, the effect command received from the main control board 4100 is analyzed. In the effect control processing of step S1200, control processing related to the panel side effect display device 1900 and the frame side effect display device 312 is executed based on the variable display pattern command. Specifically, the setting of the preview performance, the determination of the stop symbols of the decorative symbols, etc. are performed.

Further, in the sound control process of step S1300, control process related to the speaker 103 is executed to generate sound effects (for example, BGM) that promote the production effect. In the light emitting decoration control process in step S1400, control processing related to the light emitting decorations (frame lamps, panel side lamps) provided on the door frame 5 and the game board 4 is executed. In the information output process of step S1500, a production command is transmitted to the lamp drive board. In the random number update process of step S1600, a process of updating random numbers used for various settings in the production control process (step S1200) is executed.

Note that the processing from step S1100 to step S1600 in the 16ms steady processing is completed within 16ms. Even if it takes 16 ms or more from the start of the 16 ms steady process to the end of the 16 ms steady process, the 16 ms steady process is restarted from the beginning (in step S1100 described below) immediately after 16 ms have passed since the 16 ms steady process started. (from command analysis processing) is not executed. That is, when 16 ms has passed during execution of the 16 ms steady process, only the 16 ms elapsed flag is set, and when it is determined in step S1002 that the 16 ms elapsed flag has been set after the 16 ms steady process has ended, the 16 ms steady process is started. Start.

In addition, in this example, the random number update process (step S1600) is executed in the 16 ms steady process to update various random numbers, but the timing for updating the various random numbers is limited to this. isn't it. For example, various random numbers may be updated in either or both of the loop processing and the 16ms steady processing in the sub-main processing.

Next, in the command analysis process, as shown in FIG. 28, first, it is determined whether or not a production command has been received from the main control board 4100 (step S1101). In this embodiment, when a production command is received from the main control board 4100, other processes such as 16ms steady processing are interrupted, a command reception interrupt process is generated, and the received command is transmitted to the peripheral control board 4140. It is saved in the received command storage area in RAM. It should be noted that the received command storage area is provided with a plurality of areas corresponding to the order in which the production commands are received, and in the command reception interrupt process, the production commands are stored in each area corresponding to the order in which the production commands are received. In step S1101, the content of the received command storage area is confirmed, and if a production command is stored, the production command that is received first in the received command storage area is read out (step S1102).

Then, it is determined whether the readout production command is a variation display pattern command (step S1103), and if the readout production command is a variation display pattern command (YES in step S1103), a variation display pattern reception flag is set and , is stored in the variable display pattern storage area in the peripheral control RAM mounted on the peripheral control board 4140 (step S1104).

On the other hand, if the read production command is not a variable display pattern command (NO in step S1103), it is determined whether the read production command is a variable probability jackpot command (step S1105), and whether the read production command is a variable probability jackpot command or not is determined. If (YES in step S1105), a variable probability jackpot flag is set (step S1106). Further, if the read performance command is not a probability variable jackpot command (NO in step S1105), a flag corresponding to the received performance command is set (step S1107).

Subsequently, in the performance control process, as shown in FIG. 29, one of steps S1210 to S1230 is performed with reference to the value of the process selection flag indicating the progress state of the game.

In the decorative pattern variation start process (step S1210) executed when the process selection flag is "0", if a variable display pattern command has been received, settings are made to start the variable display of decorative patterns. Specifically, the stopping symbols of the decorative symbols are determined in accordance with the variable display pattern command and the variable probability jackpot command, and the setting of the preview performance and the like is performed.

In the decorative pattern variation process (step S1220) that is executed when the process selection flag is "1", when a variation stop command is received, a display command is sent to the liquid crystal control board 4150 to stop the variation display of the decorative pattern. conduct.

In the jackpot display process (step S1230) executed when the processing selection flag is "2", a jackpot is displayed on the panel side effect display device 1900 or the frame side effect display device 312 in response to the jackpot start command transmitted from the main control board 4100. Control is performed to display a display indicating the start of a gaming state or a display during a jackpot gaming state (for example, a round display, etc.).

Next, in the decorative pattern variation start process, as shown in FIG. 30, first, it is determined whether the variation display pattern reception flag is set (step S1221). The variable display pattern reception flag is set in step S1104 of the command analysis process (step S1100) described above, and is a flag indicating that a variable display pattern command has been received from the main control board 4100. If the variable display pattern reception flag is not set in step S1221 (NO), it is determined that the variable display pattern command has not been received, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the variable display pattern reception flag is set (YES in step S1221), the variable display pattern reception flag is reset (step S1222), and the variable display pattern based on the received variable display pattern command generates a jackpot. It is determined whether it is a fluctuating display pattern (or a winning pattern) (step S1223a).

If the variable display pattern is not a winning pattern (NO in step S1223a), a stop symbol of a losing symbol is determined (step S1224). Also, if the variable display pattern is a winning pattern (YES in step S1223a), it is determined whether the variable probability jackpot flag is set (step S1223b), and if the variable probability jackpot flag is set (YES), the probability variable jackpot symbol The stopping symbol is determined (step S1225), and if the variable probability jackpot flag is not set (NO in step S1223b), the stopping symbol of the non-probable variable jackpot symbol is determined (step S1226). Further, the variable probability jackpot flag is reset when starting the jackpot game state in the jackpot display process (step S1230). In addition, the time when the variable probability jackpot flag is reset is not limited to this, for example, when the variable display of decorative symbols is stopped in the decorative symbol variation process (step S1220), specifically, it is reset when a variation stop command is received. Alternatively, it may be reset when the jackpot game state is ended in the jackpot display process (step S1230).

In addition, in this embodiment, the first decorative pattern corresponds 1:1 with the first special pattern, the second decorative pattern corresponds 1:1 with the second special pattern, the first decorative pattern and the second decorative pattern. A common decorative pattern string (hereinafter referred to as a "common decorative pattern string") that is associated with both the first special pattern and the second special pattern is displayed. The first decorative pattern and the second decorative pattern are composed of combinations of shapes such as circles, crosses, and triangles, and include combinations that are variable jackpot patterns, combinations that are variable jackpots (usually jackpots), and combinations that are small wins. , and combinations that are losers are set in advance. In other words, if the fluctuating display pattern is a winning pattern, any one of the combinations set as variable probability jackpot symbols of the first decorative symbol or the plurality of combinations set as non-probability variable jackpot symbols is stopped. Determine as a pattern.

Next, the peripheral control MPU executes a notice selection process for determining whether or not to execute a notice effect based on the notice determination random number (step S1227), and then selects a variable display pattern and a notice type stored in the notice type storage area. A display command is set in accordance with the preview pattern and the stop symbols of the common decorative symbol array determined in steps S1225, S1226, and S1227 (step S1228). Then, the process selection flag is updated to "1" and the process ends (step S1229). Note that the display command set in step S1228 is sent to the liquid crystal control board 4150 in the information output process (step S1500), and the display command is sent to the panel side based on the reception of the display command by the liquid crystal control MPU of the liquid crystal control board 4150. The performance display device 1900 starts to display the decorative symbols in a variable manner.

Further, when the notice pattern stored in the notice type storage area is read out in step S1228, the contents of the notice type storage area are cleared after reading out the notice pattern. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a preview performance based on a notice pattern determined at the time of starting the variable display of the previous decorative pattern from being erroneously executed in the next variable display of the decorative pattern.

[4-1. Functional configuration related to games on the main control board]
Next, the functional configuration related to games such as special symbols controlled by the main control board will be explained with reference to FIGS. 31 to 34. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration regarding the first jackpot lottery on the main control board. FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration regarding the second jackpot lottery on the main control board. FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration regarding an advantageous gaming state that occurs according to the lottery results in the first jackpot lottery and the second jackpot lottery. FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration regarding the normal lottery on the main control board.

As shown in FIG. 31, the main control board 4100 includes a first winning determination table 4501, a first winning symbol table 4502, a first winning time variable time setting table 4503, and a first jackpot lottery-related configuration. A table 4504 for setting variation time at the time of first loss is stored in advance, and based on these tables 4501 to 4504, the success or failure of the lottery in the first jackpot lottery, the stop symbols on the first special symbol display 1185, and the variation time are determined in advance. is determined. The first hit determination table 4501 shows the relationship between the random number value for jackpot determination and the success or failure of a jackpot or small hit, and the winning percentage differs between normal times and high probability times. In addition, the first winning symbol table 4502 shows the relationship between the random numbers for jackpot symbols and the stop symbols on the first special symbol display 1185, and shows the random numbers for jackpot symbols divided into a plurality of groups. The range is associated with the lighting states of the two LEDs (first special symbols).

In addition, the first winning time variable time setting table 4503 is used when the result of the first jackpot lottery is a jackpot or a small win, and the extracted first variable time random number and the first special symbol display 1185 The first loss time fluctuation time setting table 4504 is used when the result of winning or losing in the first jackpot lottery is a loss, and the first special symbol is extracted. It shows the relationship between the random number for variation time and the variation time of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 1185. Note that the first lottery probability selection means 4505 performs a process of selecting either one of the normal table and the high probability table based on the gaming state. In addition, although not shown, the first winning symbol table 4502 includes a probability variable jackpot table, a special jackpot table, a normal jackpot table, and a small jackpot table, respectively. A table corresponding to the type of winning determined by first success/failure determining means 4506, which will be described later, is selected.

In addition, the main control board 4100 includes a first winning determination unit that extracts a random number for determining a jackpot from a random counter (random number generation means) when a winning in the first starting opening 2101 is detected by the first starting opening sensor 3022. A random number extraction means 4507 for the first winning symbol and a random number extraction means 4508 for the first winning symbol which extracts the random number for the jackpot symbol are provided. Further, a first variable time random number extraction means 4509 is provided which extracts a variable time random number based on the random number for determination and the random number for jackpot symbols. Moreover, when the random numbers for jackpot determination are extracted by the first hit determination random number extraction means 4507, the first win determination means 4506 determines whether the jackpot is correct or not using the first hit determination table 4501, and the first hit symbol When the random number for the jackpot symbol is extracted by the random number extracting means 4508, a first stop symbol determining means 4510 is provided which determines the stop symbol on the first special symbol display 1185 using the first winning symbol table 4502. There is.

Furthermore, when the random number for variable time is extracted by the first variable time random number extraction means 4509 and it is determined that it is a jackpot by the first validity determining means 4506, the table 4503 for setting the first winning time variable time is used. to determine the fluctuation time of the first special symbol, and on the other hand, when the random number for the fluctuation time is extracted and it is determined to be a loss by the first validity determining means 4506, the first loss time fluctuation time setting table 4504 A first fluctuation time determining means 4511 is provided which determines the fluctuation time of the first special symbol using .

In addition, the main control board 4100 is configured to start the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 1185, and after the elapse of the variation time determined by the first variation time determining means 4511, to determine the first stop symbol. A special symbol fluctuation control means 4512 that causes the variation to stop at the stop symbol determined by the means 4510, a validity command regarding the presence or absence of a jackpot determined by the first validity determination means 4506 before the first special symbol fluctuation starts, and a first A command transmitting means 4513 is provided for transmitting a control command including a variable display command corresponding to the variation mode (time) of the special symbol.

Furthermore, the main control board 4100 has a fixed number of balls (4 times) when the first starting hole sensor 3022 detects a winning in the first starting hole 2101 while the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing. ) is provided as an upper limit, and a first holding and extinguishing means 4514 is provided which counts and stores the first starting memory number and repeatedly displays the first special symbol by the starting memory number. In other words, a first holding and extinguishing means 4514 is provided that waits for execution of the first process based on the detection of a game ball by the first starting port sensor 3022. To explain the first suspension extinguishing means 4514 in more detail, the first suspension extinguishing means 4514 is provided with a first suspension control means 4514a and a first extinguishment control means 4514b, and the first suspension control means 4514a is If the first starting hole sensor 3022 detects a win in the first starting hole 2101 while the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing, the first starting memory number must have reached the upper limit "4". For example, increase the value of the first starting memory number by "1", extract the first jackpot determination random number and the first jackpot symbol random number, and store each extracted random number in the first special symbol random number storage means 4515 ( (see FIG. 35).

On the other hand, the first digestion control means 4514b determines that when the fluctuation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol stops and a new variation of the first special symbol becomes possible, the starting memory number regarding the first special symbol is " 0", read the first jackpot determination random number and the first jackpot symbol random number from the storage area corresponding to the starting memory number [1], and reduce the value of the first starting memory number by "1", and Each random value stored in each storage area n is shifted to the n-1 storage area.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 32, the main control board 4100 includes a second jackpot lottery table 4521, a second winning symbol table 4522, and a second winning time variation time setting table 4523 as configurations related to the second jackpot lottery. , and a second loss time variable time setting table 4524 are stored in advance, and based on these tables 4521 to 4524, the success or failure of the lottery in the second jackpot lottery, the stop symbols on the second special symbol display 1186, and A variation time is determined. Note that the configuration of each table is the same as the configuration of each table in the first jackpot lottery, so detailed explanation will be omitted here.

In addition, the main control board 4100 includes a second winning determination random number extraction means 4525 that extracts a jackpot determination random number regarding the second jackpot lottery when the second starting port sensor 2109 detects a winning in the second starting port 2102. , a second winning pattern random number extraction means 4526 that extracts a random number for a jackpot pattern related to the second jackpot lottery, and a second variable time random number extraction unit that extracts a variable time random number based on the random number for determination and the random number for a jackpot pattern. Means 4527 is provided. Moreover, when the random number for jackpot determination is extracted by the second random number extraction means 4525 for determining a hit, the second determination means 4528 determines whether the jackpot is correct or not using the second table 4521 for determining a hit, and the second winning symbol When the random number for the jackpot symbol is extracted by the random number extracting means 4526, a second stop symbol determining means 4529 is provided which determines the stop symbol on the second special symbol display 1186 using the second winning symbol table 4522. There is.

Furthermore, when the random number for variable time is extracted by the second variable time random number extracting means 4527 and it is determined that it is a jackpot by the second win/fail determining means 4528, the table 4523 for setting the second winning time variable time is used. to determine the fluctuation time of the second special symbol, and on the other hand, when the random number for the fluctuation time is extracted and it is determined to be a loss by the second validity determining means 4528, the second fluctuation time setting table 4524 for the second loss time is determined. A second fluctuation time determining means 4530 is provided which determines the fluctuation time of the second special symbol using the second special symbol. The second win/fail determination means 4528 includes a winning restriction means 4528a, and limits the occurrence of a "special jackpot" which is a jackpot that does not confer a specific profit to the player.

Further, the special symbol variation control means 4512 starts the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 1186, and after the elapse of the variation time determined by the second variation time determination means 4530, the second stop symbol is started. It is made to fluctuate and stop at the stop symbol determined by the determining means 4529. Furthermore, the main control board 4100 has a fixed number of balls (4 times) when the second starting hole sensor 2109 detects a winning in the second starting hole 2102 while the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing. ) is provided as the upper limit, and a second holding and extinguishing means 4531 is provided which counts and stores the second starting memory number and repeatedly displays the second special symbol by the starting memory number. In other words, a second holding and extinguishing means 4531 is provided that waits for execution of the second process based on the detection of game balls by the second starting port sensor 2109.

To explain this second hold/extinguish means 4531 in more detail, the second hold/extinguish means 4531 is provided with a second hold control means 4531a and a second digestion control means 4531b, and the second hold/extinguish means 4531a is If the second starting hole sensor 2109 detects a win in the second starting hole 2102 while the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing, the second starting memory number has reached the upper limit "4". If not, increase the value of the second starting memory number by "1", extract the second jackpot determination random number and the second jackpot symbol random number, and store each extracted random number in the second special symbol random number storage means 4532. (See FIG. 35). On the other hand, when the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol stops and the variation of the new second special symbol becomes possible, the second digestion control means 4531b controls the number of starting memories related to the second special symbol to be " 0", read out the second jackpot determination random number and the second jackpot symbol random number from the storage area corresponding to the starting memory number [1], and reduce the value of the second starting memory number by "1", and Each random value stored in each storage area n is shifted to the n-1 storage area.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 33, the main control board 4100 includes five advantageous games that provide advantageous gaming conditions to the player based on the lottery results by the first win/fail determining means 4506 or the second win/fail determining means 4528. Equipped with state control means. Here, the advantageous gaming state includes opening the opening/closing member 2107 and making it possible to win a game ball into the big prize opening 2103, and the specific profit giving means 4540 or the predetermined profit giving means 4541 The opening/closing member 2107 is controlled to open by the attacker solenoid 2108 of the attacker unit 2100 by either one of the two.

To explain in more detail, the predetermined profit granting means 4541 sets the opening time of the opening/closing member 2107 to a first predetermined time that is enough to barely win a prize for several (for example, 1 to 2 game balls), and A predetermined profit is given to the player by performing the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 2107 at least once or more (twice in this example). This makes it possible to enter a predetermined number of game balls into the grand prize opening 2103, but since the number of winning balls is extremely small, the benefit received by the player is relatively small. On the other hand, the specific profit granting means 4540 sets the opening time of the opening/closing member 2107 to a second predetermined time that allows a plurality of (for example, 10) game balls to win prizes with ease, and the opening/closing member 2107 A specific profit is awarded to the player by performing the opening/closing operation 2107 a greater number of times (7 times in this example) than the number of opening/closing operations required to award a predetermined profit. This allows a large number of game balls to enter the big prize opening 2103, and the player can earn a large profit.

The main control board 4100 is provided with a first advantageous gaming state control means 4542 and a second advantageous gaming state control means 4543 as means for causing the specific profit giving means 4540 to give a specific profit, and a predetermined profit giving means 4541 A third advantageous game state control means 4544, a fourth advantageous game state control means 4545, and a fifth advantageous game state control means 4546 are provided as means for granting a predetermined profit.

The first advantageous gaming state generated by the first advantageous gaming state control means 4542 is a so-called "probability fluctuating jackpot", and when the lottery result of the first winning/failure determining means 4506 or the second winning/failure determining means 4528 is the first result. Occur. When this happens, a specific profit is awarded by the specific profit granting means 4540, and a high probability state setting means 4547 sets the probability that the particular profit will be awarded in the subsequent lottery to be higher than normal. In other words, the state is set to a probability fluctuating state with a high probability. In addition, in this example, in the jackpot judgment table at high probability, 60 jackpot judgment values that are determined to generate a jackpot gaming state are set out of 499 random numbers for jackpot judgment from 0 to 498. , the jackpot probability, which is the probability of hitting the jackpot, is 60/499. On the other hand, in the normal jackpot determination table, six jackpot determination values are set out of 499 random numbers for jackpot determination from 0 to 498, and the jackpot probability is 6/499.

In addition, in the first advantageous gaming state, the first time saving state setting means 4548 sets the fluctuation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol that changes on the first special symbol display 1185 or the second special symbol display 1186. At the same time, the frequency at which the movable piece 2106 of the second starting port 2102 is opened and closed (that is, the probability of winning in the normal lottery) is increased until the number of fluctuations of the first special symbol or the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times. By doing so, the ease of winning a prize in the second starting opening 2102 is increased compared to normal times. In other words, it is a time-saving gaming state.

The second advantageous gaming state generated by the second advantageous gaming state control means 4543 is a so-called "normal jackpot", which occurs when the lottery result of the first winning/failure determining means 4506 or the second winning/failure determining means 4528 is the second result. do. If this is a hit, a specific profit will be awarded by the specific profit granting means 4540, which is similar to the first advantageous gaming state, but in this case, the probability that a specific profit will be awarded in the subsequent drawing is remains a low probability. In other words, the probability does not change and the normal probability is maintained. In addition, even in this second advantageous gaming state, after a specific profit is given, until the number of fluctuations of the first special symbol or the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number, the first time saving state setting means 4548 saves time. In the game state, by shortening the fluctuation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and increasing the frequency with which the movable piece 2106 is opened and closed (that is, the probability of winning in the normal lottery), the player can hold the game ball. suppress.

The third advantageous gaming state generated by the third advantageous gaming state control means 4544 is a so-called "special jackpot", and occurs when the lottery result of the first success/failure determining means 4506 is the third result. In this case, first, the predetermined profit giving means 4541 gives the player a predetermined profit (a profit that is less advantageous than the specific profit). Then, for subsequent drawings, the probability that a specific profit will be awarded is increased. That is, like the first advantageous gaming state, the probability fluctuates state. However, the time-saving gaming state is generated only when the gaming state before generating this advantageous gaming state satisfies a predetermined condition. In other words, if the third advantageous gaming state occurs when the probability fluctuation state is neither the time-saving gaming state nor the time-saving gaming state, the probability fluctuation state is set without generating the time-saving gaming state. On the other hand, when the third advantageous gaming state occurs when the gaming state is the probability fluctuation state or the time-saving gaming state, the second time-saving state setting means 4549 is activated to generate the time-saving gaming state. There is.

The fourth advantageous gaming state generated by the fourth advantageous gaming state control means 4545 occurs when the lottery result of the first success/failure determining means 4506 is the fourth result. In this case, as in the third advantageous gaming state, a predetermined profit is given to the player by the predetermined profit giving means 4541. However, no new probability fluctuation state is generated for subsequent drawings. In addition, regarding the time-saving gaming state, it is determined whether or not it is added based on the gaming state.

The fifth advantageous gaming state generated by the fifth advantageous gaming state control means 4546 occurs when the lottery result of the first success/failure determining means 4506 is the fifth result. In this case, giving a predetermined profit to the player by the predetermined profit giving means 4541 and giving a predetermined profit by the high probability state setting means 4547 are the same as in the third advantageous gaming state. In the advantageous game state, if the third advantageous game state occurs when the time-saving game state is not present, the time-saving game state is not generated and the probability fluctuates state. On the other hand, when the gaming state is the time-saving gaming state and a third advantageous gaming state occurs, the second time-saving state setting means 4549 is activated to generate the time-saving gaming state.

In addition, in this example, the proportion of winnings in each jackpot is distributed differently between the first success/failure determining means 4506 and the second success/failure determining means 4528. Specifically, in the lottery result of the first win/fail determination means 4506, the first jackpot generated by the first advantageous gaming state control means 4542, that is, the probability fluctuation in which both the probability fluctuation state and the fixed number of time-saving gaming states are awarded. The jackpot is set to 22% of the total jackpot, and the second jackpot generated by the second advantageous gaming state control means 4543, that is, the normal jackpot in which a fixed number of time-saving gaming states are given without being given a probability fluctuation state. It is set at 45%.

In addition, the third jackpot generated by the third advantageous gaming state control means 4544, that is, the special jackpot in which the probability fluctuation state and the conditional time-saving gaming state are provided, is set to 11%, and the fourth advantageous gaming state control means 4545 The fourth jackpot generated by , that is, the special jackpot in which a conditional time-saving gaming state is given without being given a probability fluctuation state, is set to 11%, and the fifth jackpot is generated by the fifth advantageous gaming state control means 4546. That is, the special jackpot that provides a probability fluctuation state and a conditional time-saving gaming state is set at 11%.

On the other hand, in the lottery result of the second win/fail determination means 4528, the first jackpot generated by the first advantageous gaming state control means 4542 is set to 44% of the total jackpot, and the first jackpot generated by the second advantageous gaming state control means 4543 is set to 44% of the total jackpot. Two jackpots are set at 56%. The second jackpot determining means 4528 is set so that special jackpots, that is, the third jackpot, the fourth jackpot, and the fifth jackpot, do not occur. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent the probability fluctuating state from ending without being awarded a specific profit, and it is possible to suppress a drastic drop in the desire to play due to a sudden demotion.

Furthermore, among the first jackpot to fifth jackpot, the proportion of the first jackpot or the second jackpot that gives a specific profit is higher in the second jackpot determination means 4528, so it is mainly performed during normal times. In the jackpot lottery by the first win/fail determining means 4506, it is possible to open the opening/closing member 2107 in the attacker unit 2100 relatively frequently, and to restrict the occurrence of jackpots that give a specific profit to some extent. On the other hand, in the jackpot drawing by the second win/fail determining means 4528, which is substantially effective during the time-saving gaming state, there is a high possibility that a specific profit will be awarded, so it is not a normal jackpot that does not have a probability fluctuation state. It is also possible to suppress a decline in the desire to play.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 34, the main control board 4100 has a random number extraction means 4551 for normal winning determination as a configuration related to the normal lottery (a lottery for increasing the ease of winning in the second starting opening 2102). A normal win determination table 4552 and normal win/fail determination means 4553 are provided. The normal hit determination random number extraction means 4551 extracts a normal hit determination random number from a random counter (random number generation means) when the gate sensor 2352 detects passage of a game ball to the gate section 2350. In addition, the normal hit determination table 4552 is divided into a high probability table and a normal table. Of these, 250 determination values are set for a normal win, and the probability of a normal win is 250/251.

On the other hand, in the normal hit determination table at normal times, one judgment value is set for a normal win out of 251 random numbers for normal win judgment from 0 to 250, and the probability of a normal win is 1/251. ing. In addition, in the normal winning lottery at high probability, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to 13.56 seconds, the opening time of the movable piece 2106 by the starting port solenoid 2105 is 1180ms, the number of openings is 3 times, and the interval between openings is 1180ms. It is set to 512ms. On the other hand, in the normal winning lottery at normal times, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to an average of 13.6 seconds, the opening time of the movable piece 2106 is set to 180 ms, and the number of openings is set to 1.

Further, when the random number for normal winning judgment is extracted by the random number extraction means 4551 for normal winning judgment, the normal winning/failure determining means 4553 combines the extracted random number with the normal winning judgment value stored in the normal winning judgment table 4552. are compared, and if they match, it is determined that it is a normal hit. At this time, the gaming state determining means 4554 determines whether the gaming state is a specific gaming state, that is, a time-saving gaming state, and if it is a time-saving gaming state, a table with a high probability is selected, and a time-saving gaming state is selected. If not, the normal table is selected. Therefore, even in the case of the first jackpot generated by the first advantageous gaming state control means 4542, when the time-saving gaming state ends a certain number of times, the table is switched from the high probability table to the normal table. ing.

The main control board 4100 also displays the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 1189 in a variable manner when the normal lottery is determined by the normal probability determining means 4553, and displays the normal symbols for a variable time (approximately 14 seconds or approximately 1 second). After the passage of time, a normal symbol variation control means 4555 is provided to display the result of success or failure. Furthermore, if a normal win is confirmed as a result of the determination by the normal win/fail determination means 4553, the opening control means 4556 opens the movable piece 2106 after the fluctuation of the normal symbols has stopped, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 2102. is provided.

[4-1A. Game content based on main board]
Next, the content of the game using the main board 4000 including the main control board 4100, prize ball control board 4110, etc. will be explained. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the player rotates the handle operation part 322a arranged at the lower right of the door frame 5, the game balls in the ball circulation passage 230 are moved to the upper part of the game area 1100. When the game ball is hit into the ball, a game using the game ball is started. A game ball hit into the upper part of the game area 1100 flows down in the game area 1100 on the left or right side above the center accessory 2300 depending on the strength of the hit.

The driving strength of the game ball is determined by detecting the amount of rotation of the handle operating portion 322a by the rotational position detection sensor 512, and then determining the firing solenoid 211 in the ball firing device 210 based on the detection signal from the rotational position detection sensor 512. The drive strength of the drive is controlled, and the more clockwise the drive is rotated, the more strongly the drive can be driven. In addition, within the game area 1100, a plurality of obstacle nails are planted at appropriate positions in a predetermined gauge arrangement on the front surface of the game panel 1150, and when the game ball comes into contact with the obstacle nails, the game ball falls downward. While the speed is suppressed, various movements are given to the game ball, so that the movement can be enjoyed.

When the game ball hit into the upper part of the center accessory 2300 flows down the left side from approximately the center in the left-right direction and reaches the upper shelf part 2301 of the center accessory 2300, it is transferred to the left side area of the center accessory 2300 by the upper shelf part 2301. is induced. When the game ball flowing down the left side of the center accessory 2300 enters the gate part 2350 arranged on the left side of the center accessory 2300 and is detected by the gate sensor 2352, it is used for normal winning determination as a normal lottery result. A random number is extracted. Then, based on the random number for determining a normal hit, the normal pattern on the normal pattern display 1189 in the function display unit 1180 is displayed in a variable manner (the normal pattern display 1189 consisting of one LED lights up alternately in red, green, and orange). ), and after a predetermined period of time (for example, between 2 seconds and 30 seconds) has elapsed, a normal symbol extracted based on the random number for determining a normal hit (normal lottery result) is stopped and displayed (whether the normal symbol display 1189 is red or green). Crab luminescence). This normal symbol variation display is performed based on the normal symbol variation pattern selected from the normal hit determination table 4552 (normal symbol variation pattern selection table).

In detail, if the normal random number drawn is a "normal win" random number, a normal symbol indicating a win will be stopped and displayed (the normal symbol display 1189 will emit green light), and the normal random number drawn will be a "normal loss" random number. In this case, a normal symbol indicating a loss is displayed as a stop display (the normal symbol display 1189 emits red light). Then, when the normal symbol indicating a win is stopped and displayed, the pair of movable pieces 2106 that close the second starting port 2102 perform an operation to expand for a predetermined opening time (for example, between 0.3 seconds and 3 seconds). A game ball can be entered into the second starting hole 2102 repeatedly a predetermined number of times (for example, 1 to 3 times).

In addition, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol and the expansion time of the movable piece 2106 at the second starting port 2102 are changed according to the first hit determination random number and the second hit determination random number (special lottery result). In order to change the fluctuation time and expansion time to a shorter time when a "time saving win (including normal time saving winning, high probability time saving winning, etc.)" is extracted as a special lottery result, The hit determination table 4552 can be replaced from a normal table to a high probability table.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this example, on the upper side of the center accessory 2300, there is an area on the left side from the center in the left-right direction where the game balls can flow down, but on the right side from the center there is an area along the outer periphery of the game area 1100. An arcuate region extending downward is provided, and when a game ball enters this region, the game ball is sent to the lower side of the center accessory 2300 without having a chance to enter the gate portion 2350 or the warp entrance 2302. As a result, there are fewer chances and the movement of the game ball becomes less enjoyable. Therefore, the player plays the game by appropriately adjusting the amount of rotation of the handle operation section 322a so that the game ball flows down the area above the center accessory 2300 on the left side from the center in the left-right direction. By suppressing game operations such as hitting strongly, it is possible to enjoy the game by operating the handle operation section 322a originally of the Pachinko machine 1, and to prevent the player from losing interest in the game.

By the way, in this example, when the passage of a game ball is detected by the gate sensor 2352 while the normal symbol is being displayed in a fluctuating manner on the normal symbol display 1189, the fluctuating normal symbol is stopped and the normal symbol that was generated/extracted earlier is displayed. Until the result of the random number is finalized, the random number for normal hit determination extracted based on the detection signal from the gate sensor 2352 (including the normal symbol fluctuation pattern) is temporarily stored and its display is suspended. The number of stored random numbers for normal hit determination (also referred to as the pending number) is displayed on the normal symbol storage display 1188. This normal symbol storage display 1188 is made up of four LEDs, and the number of stored LEDs is indicated by the number of each LED that lights up. In this example, up to four are stored and the number of reservations is displayed. It looks like this. In addition, when the number of reservations exceeds four, the random number for normal hit determination extracted based on the detection signal of the gate sensor 2352 is discarded.

In addition, the game ball that is driven into the game area 1100 and flows down the left side of the center accessory 2300 is moved to the center side of the game area 1100 under the center accessory 2300 by the shelves 2201, 2203, 2204 of the side prize opening member 2200. It is now being sent to Then, when a game ball enters the general winning openings 2104 and 2101 arranged below the center accessory 2300 and is detected by the general winning opening sensor 3020, the main control board 4100 uses the winning ball based on the detection signal. A predetermined prize ball command is transmitted to the control board 4110, and the prize ball control board 4110 processes to increase the number of balls held by the player according to the prize ball command.

In addition, if the game ball hit into the gaming area 1100 does not win in any of the general winning openings 2104, 2101, the first starting opening 2101, the second starting opening 2102, and the big winning opening 2103, the gaming area The balls are collected from an outlet 1151 provided at the lower end of the center in the left-right direction of the ball 1100, passing through the rear side of the game board 4 and being collected by the ball circulation passage 230. Also, even if the game ball enters any of the general winning holes 2104, 2101, the first starting hole 2101, the second starting hole 2102, and the big winning hole 2103, the winning game ball is returned to the gaming area 1100. The ball passes through the rear side of the game board 4 without being lost and is collected by the ball circulation passage 230.

On the other hand, when the game ball flowing down the left side of the center accessory 2300 enters the warp entrance 2302 that opens on the left side of the center accessory 2300, it is supplied to the first stage on the rear side of the stage 2310 of the center accessory 2300. It has become so. Then, the game balls supplied onto the first stage roll on the first stage in the left and right direction, are released forward, and are supplied onto the second stage. Also in this second stage, the game ball rolls in the left and right direction and is released into the game area 1100 above the attacker unit 2100. When the game ball supplied to this stage 2310 enters the central chance entrance 2313 in the first stage, it is released into the game area 1100 from the chance exit 2314 located directly above the first starting port 2101 in the attacker unit 2100. , game balls are accepted into the first starting port 2101 with a high probability. When the game ball is accepted into the first starting port 2101 and detected by the first starting port sensor 3022, the main control board 4100 transmits a predetermined prize ball command to the prize ball control board 4110, and the prize ball is sent to the prize ball control board 4110. In response to the ball command, the prize ball control board 4110 processes to increase the number of balls held by the player (for example, by three).

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this example, the first starting opening 2101, the second starting opening 2102, and the big prize opening 2103 are arranged in a line in the vertical direction, so the game balls released from the stage 2310 are It has a high probability of being accepted into the first starting port 2101, etc., and when the second starting port 2102 or the big prize opening 2103 can be accepted, if the game ball is released from the stage 2310 or the chance exit 2314, it will be accepted. Since the possibility is high, it is possible to increase interest not only in the first starting hole 2101 but also in the second starting hole 2102 and the big winning hole 2103 by creating a sense of expectation regarding the acceptance of game balls. There is.

By the way, when a game ball enters the gate part 2350 and is detected by the gate sensor 2352 and a "normal win" is drawn as the normal drawing result, as described above, the pair of movable pieces that close the second starting port 2102 close the second starting port 2102. 2106 expands for a predetermined time and it becomes possible to win a prize, and when it becomes possible to win a prize, when the game ball is accepted into the second starting port 2102 and detected by the second starting port sensor 2109, the main control board 4100 determines the prize. A predetermined prize ball command is transmitted to the ball control board 4110, and the prize ball control board 4110 processes to increase the number of balls held by the player (for example, increase by 4 balls) in accordance with the prize ball command.

In addition, in the main control board 4100, when a game ball enters the first starting port 2101 and the second starting port 2102 and is detected by the first starting port sensor 3022 and the second starting port sensor 2109, the first starting port At the opening 2101, a predetermined random number for first hit determination is extracted, and at the second starting port 2102, a predetermined random number for second hit determination is extracted. Then, after the variable display of the special symbols displayed on the corresponding first special symbol display 1185 and second special symbol display 1186 of the function display unit 1180 is started based on the extracted random number for hit determination, A special symbol corresponding to the extracted random number for hit determination is stopped and displayed as a special lottery result. When the special symbols are stopped and displayed in the first special symbol display 1185 and the second special symbol display 1186 in a manner suggesting a "jackpot," the opening/closing member 2107 of the attacker unit 2100 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern. A special advantageous game state (for example, a jackpot game) occurs, and by placing game balls into the big prize opening 2103 during that time, more game balls can be won. In addition, when one game ball enters the big prize opening 2103, the main control board 4100 transmits a predetermined prize ball command to the prize ball control board 4110, and the prize ball control board 4110 operates according to the prize ball command. Processing is performed to increase the number of balls held by the player (for example, by 13 balls).

In addition, in these first starting port 2101 and second starting port 2102, the first special symbol display 1185 and the second special symbol display are displayed similarly to the fluctuating display of the normal symbol due to the entry of the game ball into the gate portion 2350. At 1186, when a special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner or when a special symbol such as a special advantageous game state such as a jackpot game cannot be displayed in a variable manner, a game ball enters the starting ports 2101, 2102 and the first starting port sensor 3022 is activated. , when detected by the second starting port sensor 2109, the first starting port sensor 3022 and the second starting port sensor 2109 extracted based on the detection signals from the first starting port sensor 3022 and the second starting port sensor 2109 until the variable display of the special symbol becomes possible. The random number for determining a hit and the random number for determining a second hit are stored and their display is suspended, and the stored number of retained random numbers for determining a hit is displayed on the first special symbol storage display 1184 or It is designed to be displayed on the second special symbol storage display 1187. These first special symbol memory display 1184 and second special symbol memory display 1187 each consist of two LEDs, and the number of memories is indicated by the combination of the light emitting states of the LEDs, which are off, on, and blinking. In this example, up to four of each are stored and displayed. Note that if the number of pending numbers exceeds four, the extracted random numbers for determining a hit are discarded.

In addition, in the main control board 4100, the random numbers for hit determination of the first hit determination random number and the second hit determination random number extracted based on the detection of the first starting port sensor 3022 and the second starting port sensor 2109 are stored in advance. By comparing with predetermined hit determination tables 4501, 4521 (also referred to as special symbol variation pattern tables), the random number for hit determination is determined to be a "loss," "small hit," or "big hit." At the same time, it is also determined whether the "jackpot" is a "2R jackpot" or a "15R jackpot". In addition, the hit determination tables 4501 and 4521 also determine "probable variable no time saving win", "probable variable winning", "time saving winning", "probable variable time saving winning", etc.

Then, the first winning determination random number and the second winning determination random number extracted (lottery) triggered by the start winning of the game ball into the first starting opening 2101 and the second starting opening 2102 (special lottery results), In the case of a "small hit", the main control board 4100 creates an opening/closing pattern that keeps the opening/closing member 2107 of the attacker unit 2100 open and closed for a predetermined short time (for example, between 0.2 seconds and 0.6 seconds). It is designed to be repeated multiple times (for example, twice).

On the other hand, if the extracted first hit determination random number or second hit determination random number is a "jackpot", the main control board 4100 opens the opening/closing member 2107 of the attacker unit 2100 for a predetermined period of time (e.g. , about 30 seconds), or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the grand prize opening 2103 and any of the conditions are satisfied, the opening/closing pattern (one opening/closing) is performed in which the opening/closing member 2107 is closed. The pattern is called one round) is repeated a predetermined number of times (a predetermined number of rounds), and if it is a "2R jackpot", it is repeated 2 rounds, and if it is a "15R jackpot", it is repeated 15 rounds, and the player is given a It is designed to generate an advantageous advantageous gaming state. In addition, after the completion of a predetermined number of rounds, regarding the "jackpot", the table for determining the hit is changed to a table with a high probability according to the extracted random number for determining the hit. Further, depending on the random number for hit determination, the variable time setting tables 4503, 4504, 4523, and 4524 are changed as appropriate in order to enter or release the time saving state.

[4-2. Functional configuration for games on peripheral control board]
Next, the functional configuration related to the game including the first decorative pattern, the second decorative pattern, and the common decorative pattern row on the peripheral control board 4140 will be described with reference to FIG. 35. FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration related to presentation on the peripheral control board (mainly the peripheral control board 4140 and the liquid crystal control board 4150).

As shown in FIG. 35, in the peripheral control board 4140 of this example, when the control information command transmitted from the main control board 4100 is received by the command receiving means 4560, the peripheral control board 4140 controls the panel side effect display device 1900 based on this command. It is equipped with various functions for control. That is, a first winning presentation mode table 4561 and a first losing presentation mode table 4562 are stored in advance as presentation tables corresponding to the first jackpot lottery, and based on these tables 4561 and 4562, The mode of performance in step performance, development performance, etc. is determined.

First, the performance mode tables 4561 and 4562 will be explained in detail. The first hit performance mode table 4561 is used in the case of a jackpot (or small hit), and shows the relationship between the random number for performance determination (described later) and the performance mode (here, a performance pattern in a step performance or a developed performance). It shows. In addition, the first loss performance mode table 4562 is a table used in the case of a loss, and shows the relationship between the random number for performance determination and the performance pattern.

This peripheral control board 4140 is provided with first performance random number extraction means 4563 that extracts a random number for performance determination from a random counter (not shown), and first performance mode determination means 4564 that determines a performance pattern. . When the first performance mode determining means 4564 receives the control command via the command receiving means 4560, the first performance random number extraction means 4563 extracts a random number for performance, and the win/fail command included in the control command is determined to be a jackpot (or If it indicates a small hit), a performance pattern is determined from the performance random number extracted by the first performance random number extraction means 4563 and the first performance performance mode table 4561, while the win/fail command is If it indicates a loss, a performance pattern is determined from the performance random number extracted by the first performance random number extraction means 4563 and the first performance mode table 4562 at the time of loss.

The performance pattern determined by the first performance mode determining means 4564 is extracted from the performance pattern storage means (not shown) and is sent to the first performance display control means 4565. The first performance display control means 4565 reads out the images of these performances from the image storage means (character ROM 4150d) and outputs them to the panel side performance display device 1900.

On the other hand, a first decorative pattern variation control means 4566 is provided as a functional configuration regarding the presentation of the first decorative pattern. The first decorative pattern fluctuation control means 4566 reads and fluctuates the stop symbols from the first decorative pattern storage means (not shown) based on the control command received by the command receiving means 4560, and also changes the stop symbols included in the control command. The decoration pattern is stopped based on the time and the success/failure command (that is, the lottery result).

In addition, although the performance regarding the first jackpot lottery has been described above, the peripheral control board 4140 is also equipped with a functional configuration for performing the performance regarding the second jackpot lottery. Specifically, as performance tables corresponding to the second jackpot lottery, a second winning performance mode table 4567 and a second loss performance mode table 4568 are stored in advance, and these tables 4567 and 4568 are stored in advance. Based on this, the performance mode for step performance and advanced performance is determined. Since the performance mode tables 4567 and 4568 have the same configuration as the performance mode tables 4561 and 4562 corresponding to the first jackpot lottery, detailed explanation will be omitted here.

In addition, the peripheral control board 4140 includes a second performance random number extraction means 4569, a second performance mode determination means 4570, a second performance display control means 4571, and a second decorative pattern fluctuation control in response to the second jackpot lottery. A means 4572 is provided, but since these structures also have the same function as the functional structure corresponding to the first jackpot lottery, detailed explanation will be omitted.

Further, the peripheral control board 4140 is provided with a decorative symbol row variation display means 4573 and a jackpot display means 4574. The decorative pattern row fluctuation display means 4573 displays the common decoration based on the outputs of the first decorative pattern fluctuation control means 4566 and the second decorative pattern fluctuation control means 4572, or based on the control command received by the command receiving means 4560. The symbol array is varied, and the common decorative symbol array is sequentially stopped based on the variation time, win/fail command, etc. (i.e. lottery result) included in the control command. In particular, before the final stop symbol row that is stopped last among multiple common decorative symbol rows, a combination of decorative symbols (stop symbols) that have already stopped on the active line is a specific decorative symbol. When the combination of is satisfied, a ready-to-reach state is established by using the already stopped decorative symbol as a ready-to-reach forming symbol.

In addition, when the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery or the second jackpot lottery is the first jackpot or the second jackpot, that is, when it is a "probable strange jackpot" or a "normal jackpot", the jackpot display means 4574 displays information related to the drawing. After stopping the variation of the common decorative pattern row, a "jackpot" is displayed. In addition, if the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery or the second jackpot lottery is the third jackpot, the fourth jackpot, or the fifth jackpot, the common decorative pattern row will not be displayed as a "win". After the fluctuation stops, the performance related to that lottery ends.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of the effect of the frame side effect display device 312. As shown in FIG. 36, on the initial screen, this frame-side effect display device 312 includes a first area 312a depicting a conventional upper plate, and the number of balls held by the player (in the figure). a second area 312b that displays 12,345 shots); a third area 312c that displays the number of dollar boxes when the player's balls are converted into dollar boxes; Divided into a fourth area 312d where effects are performed, a fifth area 312e where screens are switched by touch operations, and a sixth area 312f where a logo is displayed where company information is displayed by touch operations. The display appears.

Here, in the first area 312a, for example, each time a game ball is hit, a state in which the number of game balls in the depicted upper tray decreases is displayed. In addition, in this first area 312a, a state in which a predetermined number of game balls are supplied every predetermined period or when the number of game balls in the depicted upper tray falls below a predetermined number is depicted. It has become. Therefore, even in the depiction in the first area 312a, the player can continuously hit the game balls without supplying the game balls to the upper tray.

In addition, in the second area 312b, it is displayed that the number of balls held by the player is subtracted each time a game ball is hit, and each time a prize ball is obtained, the number of balls held by the player is reduced by the amount obtained. is displayed as it increases.

Furthermore, in the third area 312c, the number of dollar boxes when the number of balls held by the player is converted into dollar boxes is depicted. Here, when the number of balls held by the player is subtracted by a certain amount, processing is performed to reduce the number of game balls in the dollar box or to reduce the dollar box accordingly. Conversely, when the number of balls held by the player increases by a certain amount, processing is performed to increase the number of game balls in the dollar box or to increase the dollar box accordingly.

Furthermore, in the fourth area 312d, a predetermined character or the like is always displayed, and a relatively slow and calm performance is performed, such as whether or not a change will occur in this character. This makes it possible to draw attention to the performance on the panel-side performance display device 1900.

In addition, in the fifth area 312e, depending on the location of the touch operation, there is a screen where game explanations are performed, a screen where the history is displayed, a screen where various output levels can be individually set, a screen where the previous screen This is the part that allows the screen to switch to a screen where you can use the saved data of the game.

In this way, the frame-side effect display device 312, except for the fourth area 312d, basically functions to transmit factual information regarding the game to the player. However, in the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment, based on the result of the jackpot lottery from the main control board 4100, such factual information is deliberately displayed as false information different from the current situation. The game is designed to create an effect where the game progresses in such a way that the false information given becomes reality.

For example, if a large number of game balls suddenly flow into the upper tray depicted in the first area 312a, a prize ball will be awarded if some condition is met. You will be able to remind yourself of what will be given to you. Furthermore, if the character displayed in the fourth area 312d moves to the third area 312c and is depicted as leaving a dollar box behind, the jackpot game can be performed. You will be able to remind yourself of what is happening. On the other hand, if you overflow some dollar boxes and reduce the number, you can suggest that expectations are not high.

In this way, by purposefully using factual information in the production, it is possible to draw attention to such information, and even in the pachinko machine 1 where game balls are circulated, it is possible to give players their own information. It becomes possible to provide the player with an opportunity to be aware of the game results periodically.

Next, some modified examples of the ball launcher 210 will be described. In addition, in the modified examples described below, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations explained before each modified example, and the description thereof is omitted.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the batted ball launching device 210 of Modification 1. Moreover, FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing the structure of the batted ball launcher 210 and the ball feeding unit 231 of Modification 1, FIG. 39 is a top view, FIG. 40 is a front view, and FIG. 41 is a right side view. Yes, and FIG. 42 is a back view. Moreover, FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the batted ball launcher 210 of Modification 1. Note that FIGS. 38 and 40 illustrate two states (the forward position and the backward position of the hammer tip 213) associated with the operation of the ball hitting mallet 212.

The batted ball firing device 210 of Modification 1 is provided on the main body frame side, similar to the batted ball firing device 210 shown in FIG. It is configured to receive supply of game balls through a ball feeding unit 231 (see FIG. 3). The game ball thus supplied is driven into the game area 1100 of the game board 4 with a force corresponding to the rotational operation of the handle operation section 322a.

That is, the batting ball launching device 210 of this embodiment includes a firing solenoid 211, a batting mallet 212 that is rotatably fixed to the drive shaft of the firing solenoid 211, and a mallet tip 213 that is fixed to the tip of the batting mallet 212. have. The configurations of these ball launchers 210 are the same as the ball launcher 210 shown in FIG. 2, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, the ball launcher 210 of the first modification has a shot ball confirmation sensor 216 that can detect a game ball at a position where it can be shot on the shooting rail 214, but a shot ball detection sensor that can detect a shot game ball. It does not have a sensor 217. Therefore, the entrance sensor 231b, which can detect the game balls supplied from the ball feeding unit 231 to the firing rail 214, counts the decrease in the number of balls held by the player. The entrance sensor 231b is provided in the ball passage in front of the ball feeding member of the ball feeding unit 231, and detects game balls supplied from the ball feeding unit 231 to the firing rail 214. The number of game balls detected by the entrance sensor 231b becomes the number of shot balls in the first modification.

In other words, the game machine of this embodiment is a so-called enclosed type pachinko machine in which game balls circulate and are not paid out to the player, and when the entrance sensor 231b detects a game ball, the game ball is This means that there are game balls that can be supplied, and the supply of game balls to the launch rail 214 can be detected by a change in the detection signal of either the entrance sensor 231b or the exit sensor 231c. Furthermore, when the firing ball confirmation sensor 216 detects a game ball, it means that a game ball that can be fired is present on the firing rail 214, and the rising of the detection signal of the firing ball confirmation sensor 216 , the supply of game balls to the launch rail 214 can be detected, and the launch of game balls from the launch rail 214 can be detected by the fall of the detection signal of the launch ball confirmation sensor 216.

Although the first modification includes various combinations of the entrance sensor 231b, the exit sensor 231c, and the launched ball confirmation sensor 216, it is necessary to have the entrance sensor 231b and the launched ball confirmation sensor 216, but not the exit sensor 231c. This is desirable in that it is possible to accurately manage the number of balls held while suppressing the number of sensors.

The batting mallet 212 of the batting ball launcher 210 of Modification 1 includes a first arm 220 to which a hammer tip 213 is fixed to the tip, and a second arm 221 to which a rail shutter 222 is fixed to the tip. Since the first arm 220 and the second arm 221 are configured to operate integrally, when the mallet tip 213 moves forward and launches a game ball, there is a gap between the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214. The second arm 221 rotates to create a gap through which the game ball can pass, and the rail shutter 222 moves to a position away from the firing rail 214. On the other hand, when the hammer tip 213 retreats and the next game ball to be fired is supplied onto the firing rail 214, the rail shutter 222 approaches the firing rail 214, and the distance between the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 increases. The second arm 221 rotates so that there is no gap between which the game ball can pass, and the rail shutter 222 descends. Note that in this state, the second arm 221 may be lowered so that the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 come into contact with each other.

The position where the rail shutter 222 closes the firing path may be at the tip or in the middle of the firing rail 214. For example, the rail shutter 222 is located in the middle of the launch rail 214 in FIG. 40, and is located at the tip of the launch rail 214 in FIG. 43(A).

In the state where the second arm 221 is lowered, the game ball once fired from the firing rail 214 is blocked by the rail shutter 222 and travels backwards on the firing rail 214 as a return ball to the hammer tip 213 and the fired ball confirmation sensor 214. does not reach the position.

As long as the first arm 220 and the second arm 221 operate integrally, they may be integrally molded or may be constructed by fixing separate members.

Next, with reference to FIG. 43, the operation of the batted ball launcher 210 of Modification 1 will be described. In each figure below, a reference numeral is written in one figure (for example, (A)), but in order to avoid complexity, the reference numeral is omitted in other figures.

FIG. 43(A): When a game ball is supplied from the ball feeding unit 231 onto the launch rail 214, the hammer tip 213 retreats, the second arm 221 rotates and descends, and the rail shutter 222 closes. It descends to the position of the launch rail 214, and there is no gap through which the game ball can pass. In this state, the launch path on the launch rail 214 is closed, and the launch ball that has once left the launch rail 214 can be prevented from returning onto the launch rail 214 and becoming an irregular ball, and the foul space 215 and the launch rail 214 can be prevented from returning to the launch rail 214. By completely separating them, it is possible to prevent a plurality of game balls from staying on the firing rail 214.

Figure 43(B): When the mallet tip 213 moves forward and launches the game ball supplied from the ball feeding unit 231 onto the launch rail 214, the second arm 221 rotates and rises, and the rail shutter A gap is created between 222 and the launch rail 214 through which the game ball can pass, and a launch path on the launch rail 214 is opened. The game ball hit by the hammer tip 213 is hit into the game area 1100 beyond the foul space 215 without being blocked by the rail shutter 222.

FIG. 43(C): After the game ball is fired, the mallet tip 213 retreats, the second arm 221 rotates, the rail shutter 222 descends, and the space between the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 is There is no gap through which the game ball can pass, and the firing path on the firing rail 214 is closed. At this time, the next game ball to be fired is supplied onto the firing rail 214. In addition, in this state, the second arm 221 may be lowered so that the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 come into contact with each other, and there is a gap between the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 through which the game ball cannot pass. The second arm 221 may be lowered to free up space.

43(D)(E): When the mallet tip 213 moves forward and a game ball is launched, if a return ball (irregular ball) enters the launch rail 214, the launch ball confirmation sensor 216 returns Since the balls are detected, no game balls are supplied from the ball feeding unit 231. However, in this state, the exit sensor 231b counts game balls that have not actually been hit into the game area 1100 as having already been fired, which puts the player at a disadvantage. At this time, if the player is operating the handle operation section 322a, the return ball on the launch rail 214 will be launched, but if the player is not operating the handle operation section 322a, the return ball on the launch rail 214 will be launched. remains on the launch rail 214 without being launched into the game area 1100. For this reason, the player continues to be in a disadvantageous state in which he has fewer balls but is not playing the game. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the player does not operate the handle operation section 322a, if the ball confirmation sensor 216 detects a game ball on the shooting rail 214, the ball hammer 212 is moved a predetermined number of times. Then, the irregular ball is removed from the launch rail 214. Note that the number of times the ball hammer 212 is moved may be one time or multiple times (for example, three times). By moving the ball hammer 212 multiple times, a plurality of irregular balls present on the firing rail 214 can be removed.

Note that the firing strength at this time may be the strongest, but even if the fired irregular ball does not reach the game area 1100, it can still fall from the foul space 215 and be detected by the return ball detection sensor 218 at the foul ball entrance. , since the number of balls held is added by 1, the disadvantage to the player is eliminated.

Next, a method of counting the number of balls fired by the game machine of Modification 1 will be explained. FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for counting the number of fired balls in the batted ball firing device 210 of Modification 1.

The firing timing control circuit 4120c of the firing control section monitors the signal from the rotational position detection sensor 512, the detection signal from the touch sensor 516, and the detection signal from the firing stop switch 518, and the firing timing control circuit 4120c monitors the signal from the rotational position detection sensor 512, the detection signal from the touch sensor 516, and the detection signal from the firing stop switch 518, so that the handle operation section 322a is in the operating position. , and when the touch sensor 516 is ON and the firing stop switch 518 is OFF (S1301), a firing reference pulse is generated and output to the firing solenoid drive circuit 4120d, and the operation amount of the handle operation section 322a is The firing solenoid drive circuit 4120d outputs a drive current for operating the firing solenoid 211 with the firing intensity according to the firing intensity. Then, the firing solenoid 211 is operated to fire the game ball with the ball hammer 212 and hit it into the game area 1100. Further, the firing timing control circuit 4120c outputs a subtraction reference signal (S1302).

Next, the firing timing control circuit 4120c generates a ball sending reference pulse and outputs it to the ball sending solenoid drive circuit 4120e. When the ball feeding solenoid drive circuit 4120e receives the ball feeding reference pulse, the entrance sensor 231b detects the game ball sent out from the ball feeding unit 231, and the shooting ball confirmation sensor 216 detects the game ball sent out from the ball feeding unit 231. If no ball is detected, the ball sending solenoid 231a is operated to send one game ball onto the shooting rail 214 (S1303). Then, when the entrance sensor 231b detects the delivery of the game ball, a subtraction process is executed to reduce the number of balls held by one (S1304). In addition, in step S1304, the holding ball subtraction process may be executed when the detection signal of the entrance sensor 231b rises or falls, or may be executed when the detection signal of the exit sensor 231c rises or falls. By executing the held ball subtraction process triggered by the detection signal of the exit sensor 231c, the held ball is subtracted at the timing when the game ball is supplied to the launch rail 214, so the game ball detection result is obtained at a stage close to the ball launch. By this, the number of balls held can be reduced, and errors when counting balls held can be suppressed.

Further, it may be executed when the detection signal of the firing confirmation sensor 216 rises or falls. By executing the held ball subtraction process triggered by the detection signal of the launch confirmation sensor 216, the held ball is subtracted at the timing when the game ball is supplied to the launch rail 214 or when the game ball leaves the launch rail 214. The number of balls held can be reduced based on the detection result of the game ball at the final stage of firing, and errors in counting the balls held can be suppressed.

The fired game ball is normally hit into the game area 1100 (S1305).

Furthermore, when the fired game ball returns onto the firing rail 214, it is detected as an irregular ball by the fired ball confirmation sensor 216 (S1306). After that, even if the player does not operate the handle operation part 322a, if the shot ball confirmation sensor 216 detects a game ball on the shooting rail 214, the ball hitting mallet 212 is moved a predetermined number of times to prevent irregular balls from being thrown. is removed from the launch rail 214 (S1307).

In addition, a game ball with a weak launch strength does not reach the game area 1100, falls through the foul space 215, and is detected by the return ball detection sensor 218 (S1308). Then, the player's ball count is incremented by 1, and the disadvantage is eliminated (S1309).

The processing of irregular spheres in the above-mentioned processing can be summarized as follows. That is, in a state in which the game ball can be fired (the handle operation section 322a is in the operating position, the touch sensor 516 is ON, and the firing stop switch 518 is OFF), the firing confirmation sensor 216 activates the firing confirmation sensor 216 in S1303. Since the game ball on the rail 214 is detected, the ball feed solenoid 231a is not driven, and the detection signal of the entrance sensor 231b does not change in S1304, so the operation strength of the handle operation section 322a is changed without performing subtraction processing. Irregular balls are fired toward the game area 1100 by the movement of the batting mallet 212 in accordance with the movement of the batting mallet 212.

On the other hand, if the game ball is not in a state where it can be fired (the handle operating section 322a is not in the operating position, the touch sensor 516 is OFF, or the firing stop switch 518 is ON), irregularities on the firing rail 214 Since there is a possibility that a ball may remain, the ball hammer 212 is moved a predetermined number of times to prevent irregular balls from remaining on the shooting rail 214, regardless of whether the shooting confirmation sensor 216 detects the game ball. The operating strength of the batting mallet at this time may be strong enough to reach the game area, or weak enough to reach the foul space 215. In the latter case, the game ball fired into the foul space 215 is detected by the return ball detection sensor 218 and the held ball data is added, so the player can hold the ball while the game ball remains on the firing rail 214. Appropriate ball handling is achieved without having to settle the balance.

<Modification 2>
Next, a batted ball launching device 210 according to modification 2 will be described. FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a batted ball launching device 210 of Modification 2. As shown in FIG.

In the first modification described above, the hammer tip 213 and the rail shutter 222 are configured to move together, but in the second modification, the hammer tip 213 and the rail shutter 222 are operated at synchronous timing using separate solenoids. do.

In comparison with Modification 1, the ball hitting mallet 212 of Modification 2 has a first arm 220 to which a hammer tip 213 is fixed at the tip, but does not have a second arm 221, and has a configuration as shown in FIG. That's fine.

In Modification 2, the rail shutter 222 is driven by a shutter solenoid (not shown) 223 that is different from the firing solenoid 211. When the hammer tip 213 moves forward and launches a game ball, the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 are separated from each other so that there is a gap between the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 through which the game ball can pass. , the rail shutter 222 moves. On the other hand, when the hammer tip 213 retreats and the next game ball to be fired is supplied onto the launch rail 214, there is no gap between the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 through which the game ball can pass. , the rail shutter 222 approaches the firing rail 214. Note that in this state, the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 may be in contact with each other.

Next, the operation of the batted ball launching device 210 of Modification 2 will be described in more detail.

Figure 45(A): When a game ball is supplied from the ball feeding unit 231 onto the launch rail 214, the hammer tip 213 retreats, the rail shutter 222 descends to the position of the launch rail 214, and the game ball is There are no gaps that can be passed through. In this state, the launch path on the launch rail 214 is closed, and the launch ball that has once left the launch rail 214 can be prevented from returning onto the launch rail 214 and becoming an irregular ball, and the foul space 215 and the launch rail 214 can be prevented from returning to the launch rail 214. By completely separating them, it is possible to prevent a plurality of game balls from staying on the firing rail 214.

Figure 45(B): Before the hammer tip 213 moves forward and the game ball is fired, the rail shutter 222 rises, creating a gap between the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 through which the game ball can pass. Empty, the firing path on the firing rail 214 is open.

FIG. 45(C): After the rail shutter 222 opens the path for the launch ball, the mallet tip 213 moves forward, and the game ball supplied from the ball feed unit 231 onto the launch rail 214 is launched. Therefore, the game ball hit by the hammer tip 213 is hit into the game area 1100 beyond the foul space 215 without being blocked by the rail shutter 222.

FIG. 45(D): After the game ball is launched, the hammer tip 213 retreats.

Figure 45(E): After the hammer tip 213 retreats (or at the same time), the rail shutter 222 descends, and there is no gap between the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 through which the game ball can pass, and the ball is fired. The firing path on rail 214 is closed. At this time, the next game ball to be fired is supplied onto the firing rail 214. In addition, in this state, the rail shutter 222 may be lowered so as to come into contact with the firing rail 214, or may be lowered so as to create a gap between the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 through which the game ball cannot pass.

<Modification 3>
Next, a third modified example of the ball launcher 210 will be described. FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a batted ball launching device 210 of Modification 3.

In the first and second modifications described above, the rail shutter 222 opens and closes so as to close the firing path on the firing rail 214, but the rail shutter 222 of the third modification moves on the firing rail 214.

The ball hammer 212 of the third modification is the same as that of the second modification.

In modification 3, the rail shutter 222 is driven by a shutter solenoid 223. When the hammer tip 213 moves forward and launches a game ball, the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 are separated from each other so that there is a gap between the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 through which the game ball can pass. The rail shutter 222 moves. On the other hand, when the hammer tip 213 retreats and the next game ball to be fired is supplied onto the launch rail 214, there is no gap between the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 through which the game ball can pass. , the rail shutter 222 approaches the firing rail 214. Furthermore, the rail shutter 222 of Modification 3 also moves in a direction perpendicular to the firing rail 214. That is, the rail shutter 222 extends from the position of the hammer tip 213 on the firing rail 214 to the tip of the firing rail 214, and along the firing rail 214 from the tip of the firing rail 214 to the position of the hammer tip 213 (that is, from the tip of the firing rail 214 to the tip of the firing rail 214). (rear end).

Next, the operation of the batted ball launching device 210 of Modification 3 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 46(A): When a game ball is supplied from the ball feeding unit 231 onto the launch rail 214, the hammer tip 213 retreats, the rail shutter 222 descends to the position of the launch rail 214, and the game ball is fed onto the launch rail 214. There are no gaps that can be passed through. In this state, the launch path on the launch rail 214 is closed, and the launch ball that has once left the launch rail 214 can be prevented from returning onto the launch rail 214 and becoming an irregular ball, and the foul space 215 and the launch rail 214 can be prevented from returning to the launch rail 214. By completely separating them, it is possible to prevent a plurality of game balls from staying on the firing rail 214.

Figure 46(B): Before the hammer tip 213 moves forward and the game ball is fired, the rail shutter 222 rises, creating a gap between the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 through which the game ball can pass. Empty, the firing path on the firing rail 214 is open.

FIG. 46(C): After the rail shutter 222 opens the path for the launch ball, the mallet tip 213 moves forward, and the game ball supplied from the ball feed unit 231 onto the launch rail 214 is launched. The game ball hit by the hammer tip 213 is hit into the game area 1100 beyond the foul space 215 without being blocked by the rail shutter 222. At the same time, the rail shutter 222 separated from the launch rail 214 retreats to the rear end position of the launch rail 214.

FIG. 46(D): The rail shutter 222 retreats to the rear end position of the firing rail 214, and then lowers to the position of the firing rail 214. At this time, as shown in the figure, since the rail shutter 222 and the hammer tip 213 overlap, it is preferable to provide the rail shutter 222 with a recess 222b to avoid interference with the ball hammer 212 (see FIG. 46(F)). .

FIG. 46(E): After the rail shutter 222 is lowered, the hammer tip 213 retreats, and the rail shutter 222 moves along the firing rail 214 to the tip. Then, the next game ball to be fired is supplied onto the firing rail 214.

Next, a case will be described in which an irregular return ball enters the launch rail 214 in Modification 3.

FIG. 46(G): After the game ball is fired in FIG. 46(C), the rail shutter 222 opens the path for the fired ball, the hammer tip 213 moves forward, and the ball feed unit 231 moves the ball to the firing rail. The game ball supplied onto the ball 214 is launched. At this time, consider the case where the fired ball (or other game ball) returns as an irregular ball.

FIG. 46(H): Similarly to FIG. 46(D), the rail shutter 222 retreats to the rear end position of the firing rail 214, and then lowers to the position of the firing rail 214.

FIG. 46(I): After the rail shutter 222 is lowered, the hammer tip 213 retreats, and the rail shutter 222 moves along the firing rail 214 to the tip. As the rail shutter 222 moves, irregular balls that have entered onto the launch rail 214 are removed from the launch rail 214 and guided into the foul space 215.

<Modification 4>
Next, the batted ball launcher 210 of Modification 4 will be described. FIG. 47 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a batted ball launcher 210 according to modification 4.

In the above-mentioned variations 1 to 3, the flat plate-shaped or block-shaped rail shutter 222 moves up and down to open and close the firing path on the firing rail 214, but the rail shutter 222 of the modification 4 moves around the axis. It is composed of a rotating member that rotates, and the irregular balls on the firing rail 214 are removed by the movement of its tip.

The batting mallet 212 of the fourth modification is the same as that of the second modification.

In modification 4, the rail shutter 222 is attached to a rotating shaft 224, and the rotating shaft 224 is rotated by a motor (not shown) in synchronization with the movement of the hammer tip 213. That is, when the hammer tip 213 moves forward to launch a game ball, the rail shutter 222 rotates and is positioned upward so that there is a gap between it and the launch rail 214 through which the game ball can pass. On the other hand, when the hammer tip 213 retreats and the next game ball to be fired is supplied onto the firing rail 214, the rail shutter 222 rotates so that the tip of the rail shutter 222 approaches the firing rail 214. It is located at the bottom. In this state, even if the tip of the rail shutter 222, the firing rail 214, and the game ball are close to each other with a gap through which they cannot pass, the tip of the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 may come into contact.

As the rotating shaft 224 rotates, the tip of the rail shutter 222 moves along the firing rail 214, thereby pushing out the irregular ball on the firing rail 214 into the foul space 215, as in the third modification.

It is preferable that the tip of the rail shutter 222 is made of a highly flexible material so that the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 will not be damaged even if they come into contact with the launch rail 214.

Next, the operation of the batted ball launching device 210 of Modification 4 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 47(A): When a game ball is supplied onto the launch rail 214 from the ball feeding unit 231, the hammer tip 213 retreats and the tip of the rail shutter 222 is located at the tip of the launch rail 214. In this state, the launch path on the launch rail 214 is closed, and the launch ball that has once left the launch rail 214 can be prevented from returning onto the launch rail 214 and becoming an irregular ball, and the foul space 215 and the launch rail 214 can be prevented from returning to the launch rail 214. By completely separating them, it is possible to prevent a plurality of game balls from staying on the firing rail 214.

FIG. 47(B): Before the hammer tip 213 moves forward and the game ball is fired, the rail shutter 222 rotates, allowing the game ball to pass between the tip of the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214. A gap is left and a firing path on the firing rail 214 is opened.

FIG. 47(C): After the rail shutter 222 opens the path for the launch ball, the mallet tip 213 moves forward, and the game ball supplied from the ball feed unit 231 onto the launch rail 214 is launched. The game ball hit by the hammer tip 213 is hit into the game area 1100 beyond the foul space 215 without being blocked by the rail shutter 222.

FIG. 47(D): The rail shutter 222 further rotates and descends to the position of the firing rail 214. At this time, as shown in the figure, since the tip of the rail shutter 222 and the hammer tip 213 overlap, it is recommended to provide a recess 222b at the tip of the rail shutter 222 to avoid interference with the ball hammer 212 (see FIG. 47). See F).

FIG. 47(E): After the tip of the rail shutter 222 descends, the hammer tip 213 retreats, and the tip of the rail shutter 222 moves along the firing rail 214 to the tip of the firing rail 214. Then, the next game ball to be fired is supplied onto the firing rail 214.

Next, in Modification 4, a case where an irregular return ball enters onto the launch rail 214 will be described.

FIG. 47(G): After the rail shutter 222 opens the path for the launch ball, the mallet tip 213 moves forward, and the game ball supplied from the ball feed unit 231 onto the launch rail 214 is launched. At this time, consider the case where the fired ball (or other game ball) returns as an irregular ball.

FIG. 47(H): Similarly to FIG. 47(D), the rail shutter 222 rotates and the tip of the rail shutter 222 descends to the position of the firing rail 214.

FIG. 47(I): After the tip of the rail shutter 222 descends, the hammer tip 213 retreats, and the tip of the rail shutter 222 moves along the firing rail 214 to the tip of the firing rail 214. As the tip of the rail shutter 222 moves, the irregular ball that has entered onto the launch rail 214 is removed from the launch rail 214 and guided into the foul space 215.

Next, a batted ball launching device 210 according to modification 5 will be described. FIG. 48 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a batted ball launching device 210 according to modification 5.

In Modifications 1 to 4 described above, one rail shutter 222 was provided, but in Modification 5, two rail shutters 225 and 226 were provided.

<Modification 5>
The batting mallet 212 of the fifth modification is the same as that of the second modification.

In modification 5, the rail shutters 225 and 226 are driven by one or more solenoids (not shown). That is, the rail shutter 225 and the rail shutter 226 may be connected by a link mechanism and driven by one solenoid, or may be driven by separate solenoids. The rail shutters 225 and 226 operate to protrude above the launch rail 214 or hide under the launch rail 214 at timings that match the movement of the ball hammer 212. As shown in FIG. 48(F), the rail shutter 225 on the leading end side and the rail shutter 226 on the rear end side of the firing rail 214 are arranged at a small interval so that the game ball does not enter between them.

Next, the operation of the batted ball launching device 210 of Modification 5 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 48(A): When a game ball is supplied from the ball feeding unit 231 onto the firing rail 214, the hammer tip 213 retreats, and the rail shutter 225 on the tip side of the firing rail 214 moves to the upper side of the firing rail 214. The protrusion prevents the game ball from entering the launch rail 214. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a shot ball that has once left the shooting rail 214 from returning to the shooting rail 214 and becoming an irregular ball, completely separating the foul space 215 and the shooting rail 214, and preventing the ball from returning onto the shooting rail 214. It is possible to prevent multiple game balls from staying together.

FIG. 48(B): Before the hammer tip 213 moves forward and the game ball is fired, the rail shutter 225 is lowered and the firing path on the firing rail 214 is opened, allowing the game ball to pass through.

FIG. 48(C): After the rail shutter 225 opens the path for the launch ball, the mallet tip 213 moves forward, and the game ball supplied from the ball feed unit 231 onto the launch rail 214 is launched. Therefore, the game ball hit by the hammer tip 213 is hit into the game area 1100 beyond the foul space 215 without being blocked by the rail shutter 225.

FIG. 48(D): After the game ball is launched, the hammer tip 213 retreats.

FIG. 48(E): After the hammer tip 213 retreats (or at the same time), the rail shutter 226 on the rear end side of the firing rail 214 rises. By raising the rail shutter 226, even if the irregular sphere remains on the firing rail 214, it is pushed toward the tip side of the firing rail 214.

FIG. 48(F): With the rail shutter 226 rising, the rail shutter 225 rises, and the irregular ball pushed toward the tip side of the launch rail 214 by the rise of the rail shutter 226 is removed from the launch rail 214. and is guided to the foul space 215.

FIG. 48(G): After the rail shutter 225 is raised, the rail shutter 226 is lowered, and game balls are supplied onto the firing rail 214.

<Modification 6>
Next, a ball launcher 210 according to modification 6 will be described. FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a batted ball launcher 210 according to modification 6.

In Modifications 1 to 5 described above, the launch rail 214 was long enough to allow a plurality of game balls to exist on it, but the launch rail 214 in Modification 6 is short, and the ball mallet 212 launches the game balls. Therefore, when it moves to the maximum, the length is such that no game ball can exist on the launch rail 214.

Furthermore, in Modification 2, the rail shutter 222 is lowered after (or at the same time) the hammer tip 213 is moved back, but in Modification 6, the hammer tip 213 is moved back after the rail shutter 222 is lowered.

The ball hammer 212 of the sixth modification is the same as that of the second modification.

In modification 6, the rail shutter 222 is driven by a shutter solenoid 223 that is separate from the firing solenoid 211. When the hammer tip 213 moves forward and launches a game ball, the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 are separated so that there is a gap between the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 through which the game ball can pass. , the rail shutter 222 moves. On the other hand, when the hammer tip 213 retreats and the next game ball to be fired is supplied onto the launch rail 214, there is no gap between the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 through which the game ball can pass. , the rail shutter 222 approaches the firing rail 214. Note that in this state, the rail shutter 222 may be lowered so that the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 come into contact with each other.

Next, the operation of the batted ball launcher 210 of Modification 6 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 49(A): When a game ball is supplied from the ball feeding unit 231 onto the launch rail 214, the hammer tip 213 retreats, the rail shutter 222 descends to the position of the launch rail 214, and the game ball is There are no gaps that can be passed through. In this state, the launch path on the launch rail 214 is closed, and the launch ball that has once left the launch rail 214 can be prevented from returning onto the launch rail 214 and becoming an irregular ball, and the foul space 215 and the launch rail 214 can be prevented from returning to the launch rail 214. By completely separating them, it is possible to prevent a plurality of game balls from staying on the firing rail 214.

Figure 49(B): Before the hammer tip 213 moves forward and the game ball is fired, the rail shutter 222 rises, creating a gap between the rail shutter 222 and the firing rail 214 through which the game ball can pass. Empty, the firing path on the firing rail 214 is open.

FIG. 49(C): After the rail shutter 222 opens the path for the launch ball, the mallet tip 213 moves forward, and the game ball supplied from the ball feed unit 231 onto the launch rail 214 is launched. The game ball hit by the hammer tip 213 is hit into the game area 1100 beyond the foul space 215 without being blocked by the rail shutter 222. In this state, even if the game ball tries to enter the launch rail 214, the game ball cannot exist on the launch rail 214 because the hammer tip 213 is on the launch rail 214.

FIG. 49(D): After the game ball is launched, the rail shutter 222 is lowered.

Figure 49(E): After the rail shutter 222 has descended (or at the same time), the hammer tip 213 has retreated, and there is no gap between the rail shutter 222 and the launch rail 214 through which the game ball can pass, and the ball is launched. The firing path on rail 214 is closed. At this time, the next game ball to be fired is supplied onto the firing rail 214.

To summarize the invention according to this embodiment, it is a gaming machine having the following means.
Means 1: A game machine in which enclosed game balls are circulated and the game progresses by detecting the game balls fired into the game area in a predetermined area,
a launcher that launches a game ball;
comprising a foul space in which a game ball flows down from a firing path between the firing device and the gaming area,
The launching device is
a launch rail on which game balls to be launched into the gaming area wait;
A gaming machine comprising: a shutter that restricts entry of game balls from the foul space side to the shooting rail except when shooting the game balls from the shooting rail.

Means 2: The gaming machine according to Means 1,
The launching device has a mallet that launches the game ball,
The mallet is
a first arm having a hammer tip provided at its end; and a second arm having the shutter provided at its end;
When the game ball is launched, the mallet tip rotates so as to launch the game ball,
A game machine characterized in that, after firing a game ball, the shutter rotates so as to come into contact with or come close to the firing rail.

Means 3: The gaming machine according to Means 1,
The launching device has a mallet that launches the game ball,
A gaming machine characterized in that the shutter is driven by a drive source separate from the mallet and operates in accordance with the operating timing of the mallet.

Means 4: The gaming machine according to Means 3,
A game machine characterized in that the shutter moves in a direction in which game balls are launched along the launch rail to eliminate game balls on the launch rail.

Means 5: The gaming machine according to Means 3,
A game machine characterized in that the shutter is constituted by a rotating member that rotates around an axis.

Means 6: The gaming machine according to Means 3,
The shutter includes a first shutter and a second shutter, the first shutter protruding onto the firing rail and moving the game ball present at the rear of the rail to the front of the rail,
A game machine characterized in that a second shutter projects above the launch rail, partitions the launch rail and the foul space, and discharges game balls present at the front of the rail from above the rail.

Means 7: The gaming machine according to Means 3,
A game machine characterized in that the shutter closes after the game ball is launched and the mallet retreats.

Means 8: The gaming machine according to Means 3,
A game machine characterized in that the mallet retreats after the game ball is launched and the shutter is closed.

Means 9: The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 8,
a ball feeding device that supplies game balls to the firing device;
a ball feeding sensor (an entrance sensor, an exit sensor) that detects game balls sent out from the ball feeding device;
a return ball detection sensor that detects a game ball in the foul space;
A control device for managing balls held by a player,
The control device includes:
When the ball feed sensor detects a game ball, it reduces the number of balls held by the player,
A game machine characterized in that when the return ball detection sensor detects a game ball, the number of balls held by the player is increased.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, as shown below. and design changes are possible.

That is, in the above embodiment, the game machine is applied to the pachinko machine 1, but the application is not limited to this, but can also be applied to a pachislot machine or a game machine that is a combination of a pachinko machine and a pachislot machine. Even in this case, the same effects as described above can be achieved.

1 Pachinko machine 2 Outer frame 4 Game board 5 Door frame 100 Door frame base unit 101 Game window 1100 Game area 4000 Main board 4100 Main control board 4110 Prize ball control board

Claims (1)

A gaming machine in which enclosed gaming balls are circulated and the game progresses by detecting the gaming balls fired into the gaming area in a predetermined area,
a main control means for controlling the game content;
a counting means for counting balls held by a player;
a firing means for firing a game ball;
firing control means for controlling the firing means;
a firing rail on which game balls to be fired toward the gaming area by the firing means wait;
Ball feeding means for supplying game balls to the launch rail;
a first detection means for detecting game balls waiting on the launch rail;
a second detection means for detecting a game ball that, after being launched toward the game area, does not reach the game area and becomes a foul ball;
The launch rail is fixedly located below the game board where the game area is formed,
The counting means includes:
subtracting the counted value of the balls held in response to the detection of the game balls by the first detection means changing from the detection state to the non-detection state;
Adding the counted value of the balls held in response to the detection of the game ball by the second detection means changing from the non-detection state to the detection state,
The launch control means can perform control to remove the game balls on the launch rail from the launch rail at a predetermined timing even if the player does not perform a launch operation.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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