JP5361066B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine which can perform mechanical production using a game ball which does not participate in a target game for prize ball put-out, wherein a means is provided which enables an improvement in the execution frequency of ball production and ball production execution at the time of the occurrence of abnormality by grasping that a game ball concerning the ball production is in what kind of condition and can grasp that the abnormality is generated in which member even if sensors are not attached to all the mechanical members composing a ball production mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: The pinball game machine includes a compartment condition presuming means, which presumes a compartment condition of a condition that a specific game ball is present within the compartment, a condition that it is not present, or an unknown condition by anticipating the presence of intrusion into the compartment and intrusion timing and discharge timing in case of intrusion about each of two or more compartments in which mechanical production is performed, and updates the presumed information with time when the mechanical production is performed after temporarily storing the presumed information by the compartment condition presuming means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

About the pinball game machine.

In recent years, in an area (ball effect section) that is visible to the player, which is different from the game area where nails and winning holes are arranged, for example, a mechanical effect (ball effect) is made using an out-ball that has already been played. Executable gaming machines have been proposed (Patent Documents 1 and 2). Here, in addition to the allocating body that makes a certain movement, the sphere production unit includes a plurality of routes for guiding the out sphere to the allocating body. In addition, there are models that have a plurality of sorting bodies and models that have a more complicated sorting mechanism. In this way, when the accessory has a complicated mechanical structure, there is a concern that a ball clogging error may occur in any member.
JP2009-78000 JP 2009-66021 A

The present invention aims at providing a means to allow the execution of the sphere effect.

The ball game machine according to this aspect is
In a ball game machine having a ball effect mechanism capable of executing a mechanical effect using a specific game ball not involved in a prize ball payout game,
The ball production mechanism
A plurality of sections in which specific game balls enter and mechanical effects are executed;
For each of the plurality of sections, the presence / absence of intrusion into the section and the intrusion timing and discharge timing in the case of the intrusion are predicted, and whether or not a specific game ball exists in the section Partition state estimation means for estimating a partition state of whether it is a state or an unknown state;
For each of the plurality of partitions, a partition state temporary storage unit that manages the partition state estimated by the partition state estimation unit;
Partition state update means for sequentially updating the partition state in the partition state temporary storage means according to the movement of the specific game ball when a mechanical effect is executed with the specific game ball;
Provided at the most downstream of the plurality of sections, and an outlet for discharging a specific game ball from the ball directing mechanism;
A specific game ball discharge detecting means for detecting discharge of the specific game ball from the outlet;
After a mechanical performance using a specific game ball is executed, if the discharge of the specific game ball is not detected by the specific game ball discharge detection means even after the specific game ball discharge scheduled time has passed, an abnormality has occurred. An abnormality determining means for determining;
An abnormality that temporarily stores information indicating that an abnormality may have occurred in a section where an abnormality may have occurred based on the mechanical performance performed this time when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred by the abnormality determination means A possibility storage section information temporary storage means;
Anomaly occurrence partition estimation means for estimating in which partition an abnormality has occurred based on the information temporarily stored in the abnormality occurrence possibility partition information temporary storage means;
Have
An error occurs if it is not possible to identify which section the anomaly has occurred based on the section estimated by the anomaly section estimation unit after a certain mechanical effect using the specific game ball has been executed Is determined, and after a certain mechanical effect is executed, a further mechanical effect is executed.
It is a ball game machine characterized by this.
<Appendix>
In addition, although the different aspect different from this aspect is listed below, it can implement without being limited to these at all.
This alternative embodiment (1), in a ball-shooting game machine having a viable spherical directing mechanism mechanical effect by using a specific game ball which does not participate in prize balls payout target player (the sphere effect device 2150),
The ball production mechanism (ball production device 2150)
A plurality of sections (sections 1 to 5) in which a specific game ball enters and mechanical effects are executed;
For each of a plurality of sections (sections 1 to 5), the presence or absence of intrusion into the section, and the intrusion timing and the discharge timing in the case of entering, are predicted, and a specific game ball is present in the section Partition state estimation means (partition state estimation means 2162c-2) for estimating a partition state whether it is a state that is present or not present, or an unknown state;
For each of the plurality of partitions (sections 1 to 5), a partition state temporary storage unit (partition state temporary storage unit 2162c-1) that manages the partition state estimated by the partition state estimation unit (partition state estimation unit 2162c-2). When,
When the mechanical effect is executed with the specific game ball, the partition state update unit (partition state) sequentially updates the partition state in the partition state temporary storage unit (partition state temporary storage unit 2162c-1) according to the movement of the specific game ball. A bullet ball game machine characterized by having update means 2162c-3).
This separate aspect (2)
The ball production mechanism (ball production device 2150)
An out port (out ball effect area out port 2159) that is provided downstream of the plurality of segments (sections 1 to 5) and discharges a specific game ball from the ball effect mechanism (ball effect device 2150);
Specific game ball discharge detection means (out ball discharge detection sensor 2159a) for detecting discharge of the specific game ball from the out port (out ball production area out port 2159);
After the mechanical performance using the specific game ball is executed, the discharge of the specific game ball is not detected by the specific game ball discharge detection means (out ball discharge detection sensor 2159a) even after the specific game ball discharge scheduled time has passed. An abnormality determining means (ball clogging error control means 2162d) for determining that an abnormality has occurred,
When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred by the abnormality determining means (ball clogging error control means 2162d), there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the section where the abnormality may have occurred, based on the mechanical performance performed this time. An abnormality occurrence possibility partition information temporary storage means (error related information temporary storage means 2162d-4) for temporarily storing information to the effect,
Abnormality occurrence possibility section information temporary storage means (error related information temporary storage means 2162d-4) Based on the information temporarily stored, the abnormality occurrence section estimation means (error flag) for estimating in which partition an abnormality has occurred Control means 2162d-2) and
The ball game machine according to another aspect (1), further comprising:
This separate aspect (3)
The ball production mechanism (ball production device 2150)
When an abnormality occurs, normalizing means for normalizing the abnormality (error handling control means 2162d-3, etc.)
Is a bullet ball game machine according to another aspect (2).
This aspect (4)
The ball production mechanism (ball production device 2150)
Abnormality count storage means (error counter 2162d-5) for accumulating and storing the number of abnormalities for each partition when an abnormality occurs
It is a bullet ball game machine of another mode (2) or (3) which has further.
This separate aspect (5)
Any of the different modes (2) to (4), in which, when an abnormality occurs, the ball effect mechanism (ball effect device 2150) executes a mechanical effect in a section other than the section in which it is estimated that an abnormality has occurred. This is a single ball game machine.
This separate aspect (6)
The ball effect mechanism is the ball and ball game machine according to another aspect (4), in which a section for executing the mechanical effect is determined based on the stored contents in the abnormal number storage means.
Furthermore, the ball game machine to which this different aspect is suitably applied is
Starting port (special drawing starting port 2110),
A winning / failing lottery executing means (whether or not lottery means 1135) for executing a winning / failing lottery based on a game ball entering the starting opening (special drawing starting opening 2110); and
Special game control means (special game control means 1170) for executing a special game advantageous to the player when the lottery result by the win / fail lottery execution means (win / fail lottery means 1135) is a win.
A main control unit (main control device 1000) that executes a game for paying out a prize ball,
Effect display unit (image effect device 2140),
It controls the effect display control on the effect display unit (image effect device 2140), which displays the effect contents reflecting the lottery result by the success / failure lottery execution means (the answer effect lottery means 1135) on the effect display unit (image effect device 2140). Effect display control means (image effect control means 2162a), and
Ball production mechanism that can perform mechanical production using specific game balls that are not related to the game for which a prize ball is paid out
A sub-control unit (sub-control unit 2160) capable of executing a production game corresponding to a game for paying out a prize ball
Have

According to the bullet ball gaming machine according to this aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to execute a ball effect.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the effect section Y in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the effect section Y in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention (action diagram when dealing with errors). FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a main flowchart on the main controller side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the normal symbol winning random number acquisition process on the main controller side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of electric Chu drive determination processing on the main controller side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of special game content determination random number acquisition processing on the main controller side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of special symbol display processing on the main controller side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the specific game end determination process on the main controller side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of special game operating condition determination processing on the main controller side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of special game execution processing on the main controller side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the gaming state determination process after the end of the special game on the main controller side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a main flowchart on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the startup process on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of decorative symbol display content determination processing on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the ball effect determination / content determination process on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a ball effect message (notice) content determination process on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the decorative symbol display control process on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the ball effect control process on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a message (notice) display control process on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the partition state management process on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of error management processing on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the special game display control processing on the display control device side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a view showing the operation in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention (timing chart).

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Here, the definition of each term in this specification is demonstrated. First, “the game for which a prize ball is to be paid out” refers to direct (for example, when a prize ball is paid out when the game ball enters a predetermined prize opening) or indirectly (for example, a game ball has a predetermined pitch) The prize ball is not paid out by entering the mouth, but when the lottery is executed by the entry and the lottery is won, the prize ball is paid out so that it becomes easy to enter another prize slot. ) Means a game where prize balls can be paid out. The “bullet ball game machine” is not particularly limited as long as the game medium is a game ball, and examples thereof include a pachinko game machine, a sparrow ball game machine, and an arrangement ball. The “normalizing means” is not particularly limited as long as it is a means for eliminating the abnormality. For example, if the abnormality is caused by a clogged ball, the section (member arranged in the section) is vibrated or a magnetic force is applied. For example, there is a means for eliminating the clogging of the balls. Furthermore, “lottery” refers to determining whether or not the content is correct by referring to the related table based on the acquired random number, for example. The “random number” is a random number (game content determination random number) used in a lottery (a lottery by an electronic computer) for determining some game content in a ball game machine, and affects, for example, a game result. The so-called “basic random number” to be given, specifically, “winning random number” related to the transition of the special game, “variation mode determination random number” for determining the variation mode (or variation time) of the identification symbol, determining the stop symbol “Symbol determined random number” to be performed, “hit symbol determined random number” for determining whether or not to shift to a specific game (for example, probability variation game) after a special game, and the like. Further, when determining the content of the variation mode, the content of the definite identification information, etc., it is not necessary to use all these random numbers, and it is sufficient to use at least one random number that is the same or different from each other. Further, for example, one random number (for example, a winning random number) may also serve as another random number (for example, a symbol determining random number). The special game refers to, for example, a game with a lot of prize balls paid out per unit time as compared to a normal game. “Production” is synonymous with production generally referred to in the industry, and includes, for example, decorative symbol variation, stop display, notice display, and the like for enhancing the interest of the game. “Production content reflecting the lottery result” is an effect that informs or suggests the result of the lottery, and typically, the variable display and stop display of the first identification information (special symbol) executed on the main control unit side. It is a change display and a stop display of the 2nd identification information (designation design called a decoration design) performed in synchronization with. The “main game part” and the “sub game part” have the same meaning as those well known in the art, and the former is also called “main board side” and the latter is also called “sub board side”. The latter “sub game unit” is a concept including not only a sub board in a narrow sense but also a sub sub board managed by the sub board. The best mode of the present invention will be described below. The best mode below relates to a conventional first-class pachinko machine, but is not limited to this, and other ball game machines (for example, a special game transition lottery based on the entrance to the start opening) It is also within the scope of the present invention when it is applied to a conventional pachinko gaming machine such as a third type or a general electric machine. It should be noted that this is the best mode, and the following modes are related to the location and function of each means, the order of each step for various processes, the timing of flag on / off, the name of the means responsible for each step, etc. It is not limited to.

  First, the basic structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode will be described with reference to FIG. Pachinko machines are mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board. Hereinafter, these will be described in order.

  First, the gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine includes an outer frame 102, a front frame 104, a transparent plate 106, a door 108, an upper ball dish 110, a lower ball dish 112, and a launch handle 116. First, the outer frame 102 is a frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 104 is a frame body aligned with the opening portion of the outer frame 102, and is attached to the outer frame 102 through a hinge mechanism (not shown) so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 104 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like. The transparent plate 106 is made of glass or the like and is supported by the door 108. The door 108 is attached to the front frame 104 through an unillustrated hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed. The upper ball tray 110 has mechanisms for storing game balls, sending the game balls to the launch rail, and extracting the game balls to the lower ball tray 112. The lower ball tray 112 has a mechanism for storing and extracting game balls. Further, a speaker 114 is provided between the upper ball tray 110 and the lower ball tray 112, and a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state or the like is output. Further, the upper ball tray 110 is provided with a sub input button 196 that can be operated by a player and displays a notice, a message, and the like on the image effect device 2140 when operated under a predetermined condition.

  Next, the game board 120 has a game area 120 defined by an outer rail 122 and an inner rail 124. Here, the “game area” refers to an area in which a game ball can roll and a profit can be given to the player as a result of the roll. Therefore, for example, in the ball production device described later, the game ball can roll inside, but the result of the roll is not related to the profit given to the player. Does not fall under “game area”. The game area 120 includes a plurality of not-shown mechanisms such as a game nail and a windmill, and various general winning ports, as well as a special drawing starting port 2110, a general winning port 2210, a big winning port 2120, and a special symbol display device 2130. The production unit Y, the normal symbol display device 2220, and the out port 142 are installed. Here, the production part Y, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described later, and the other elements will be described in detail in order.

  First, the special figure starting port 2110 is installed as a starting winning port corresponding to the main game, which is located directly above the effect section Y. As a specific configuration, the special figure starting port 2110 includes a ball entry detection device 2111, an electric accessory 2112, and an electric accessory solenoid 132 for opening and closing the electric accessory 2112. Here, the entrance detection device 2111 is a sensor that detects the entrance of a game ball into the special figure start opening 2110, and generates special figure start entrance entrance information indicating the entrance at the time of entry. Next, the electric accessory 2112 is changed to a normal state in which a game ball can win a special drawing start port 2110 and an open state in which the game ball is easier to win than the normal state. As will be described later, the game ball (out ball) that has entered the special drawing start port 2110 enters the effect section Y (ball effect device 2150) outside the game area 120.

  Next, the ordinary prize winning opening 2210 includes a ball entry detecting device 2211. Here, the entrance detection device 2211 is a sensor that detects the entrance of a game ball into the general prize winning opening 2210, and generates the general start start entrance information indicating the entrance at the time of entry. In addition, the game ball entering the regular prize winning port 2210 triggers a lottery for expanding the electric accessory 2112 of the special figure starting port 2110.

  Next, when the special symbol is stopped in a predetermined manner, the grand prize winning port 2120 is a winning hole corresponding to the main game, which is in a horizontal rectangular shape and is located above the out port 142, which is opened as a “big hit”. It is. As a specific configuration, the winning prize opening 2120 includes a winning detection device 2121 for detecting the entry of a game ball, an electric accessory 2122, and a big winning opening solenoid 2330 for opening and closing the electric accessory 2122. Prepare. Here, the winning detection device 2121 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the big winning opening 2120, and generates the big winning opening entry information indicating the winning at the time of entering. The electric accessory 2122 changes the big prize opening 2120 to the big prize opening 2120 in a normal state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win and an open state in which a game ball is easy to win.

  Next, the special symbol display device 2130 performs change display and stop display of the special symbol corresponding to the main game. As a specific configuration, the special symbol display device 2130 includes a special figure display unit 2131 and a special figure hold display unit 2132. Here, the special figure hold display unit 2132 is composed of four lamps, and the number of lighting of the lamps corresponds to the number of random numbers held in the main game (the number of special symbols not being executed). The special symbol display device 2130 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment LED, and the special symbols are displayed with ten numbers “0” to “9” and “−”.

  Note that the special symbol does not necessarily have an effect role, and in the best mode, the size of the special symbol display device 2130 is set to be inconspicuous. However, when adopting a technique in which the special symbol itself has a role of rendering and does not display the decorative symbol, the special symbol is displayed on a liquid crystal display such as the image rendering device 2140 described later. May be.

  Next, the normal symbol display device 2220 performs normal symbol variation display and stop display. As a specific configuration, the normal symbol display device 2220 includes a general map display unit 2221 and a general map hold display unit 2222. Here, the universal symbol hold display unit 2222 is composed of four lamps, and the number of lighting of the lamps corresponds to the number of normal symbol fluctuations held (the number of fluctuations of normal symbols that are not executed).

  Finally, the game effect lamp 190 is provided outside the game area 120 or the game area, and plays a role of effect and error notification by blinking or the like.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the rendering unit Y, which is a characteristic element of the present invention, will be described in detail. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the rendering unit Y is composed of an image rendering device 2140 and a ball rendering device 2150. Note that rendering unit Y is physically separated and game region 120 through the wall Y _w, the rendering unit Y inside the play area 120 is configured to game balls are not ball entrance. In the best mode, as described above, only out-spheres that ball entrance especially diagram starting opening 2110 are possible enter the sphere effect device 2150 which is installed inside the wall Y _w. Hereinafter, the image effect device 2140 and the ball effect device 2150 will be described in order.

  First, the image effect device 2140 mainly performs variable display of effect images that change and stop in conjunction with special symbols. As a specific configuration, the image effect device 2140 includes an image effect display unit 2141 and a hold display unit 2142. The image rendering device 2140 is composed of a liquid crystal display in the best mode, but it is composed of other display means such as a mechanical drum or LED as long as it is possible to perform an effect linked to the ball effect. May be. Next, the hold display unit 2142 is composed of four lamps, and the lamps are linked with a special design hold lamp.

  Next, the configuration of the ball effect device 2150 will be described in detail. Here, the ball effect device 2150 generally stores the out ball from the game area 120 (more precisely, the game ball that has entered the special drawing start port 2110) until the ball effect is executed (storage). Area α) and a place (out-sphere effect area β) that becomes a stage for executing the ball effect. Hereinafter, the storage area α and the out-ball effect area β will be described in order.

  First, the storage area α has a storage portion 2151 that can store out balls with a predetermined number (for example, 10) as an upper limit, and a guide path 2152 for guiding the game balls that have entered the special drawing start port 2110 to the storage portion 2151. A rotating body 2153 capable of discharging the game balls in the storage unit 2151 one by one outside the storage unit 2151 and a first for guiding the game balls moved from the storage unit 2151 to the rotary body 2153 to the out-ball effect area β. A game ball passage 2154, a storage area out port 2155a for discharging out balls in the storage area α (particularly, out balls not stored in the storage unit 2151) from the effect area Y, and an out ball falling downward And an inclined wall 2155b for guiding to the storage area out port 2155. Hereinafter, each element will be described in detail.

  First, the storage unit 2151 is formed of a cylindrical member that can hold a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls). In the situation where a predetermined number is retained in the storage unit 2151, if a game ball is further supplied from the guide path 2152, the supplied game ball overflows without being stored in the storage unit 2151. It is configured to fall into. Here, in the vicinity of the rotating body 2153 of the storage unit 2151, it is possible to detect the presence of the game ball stored in the lowermost part of the storage unit 2151, in other words, whether the game ball is stored in the storage unit 2151. A storage ball presence sensor 2151a capable of detecting whether or not is provided. When the game ball is present, the stored ball presence detection sensor 2151a is turned on. When the game ball is not present, the stored ball presence detection sensor 2151a is turned off.

  Next, the rotating body 2153 has a storage hole 2153a that can store one game ball. The rotating body 2153 is positioned around 4 o'clock (the position of the storage hole 2153a) at the time of default. That is, the storage hole 2153a in the default position is inclined slightly downward to the right, and the game ball held inside falls down this inclination. Here, when a “ball effect game ball supply operation” in which the rotating body 2153 makes one rotation counterclockwise from the default position is executed, the game ball in the storage unit 2151 is placed in the storage hole 2153a around 12:00. As a result, the game ball in the storage hole 2153a moves toward the first game ball passage 2154 due to its own weight at around 9 o'clock to 8 o'clock, and as a result, the game ball for ball production (one ball) is out ball production region β To be introduced. On the other hand, when a “reserved ball discharge operation” in which the rotating body 2153 rotates clockwise from the default position is executed, the game ball in the storage portion 2151 is stored in the storage hole 2153a around 3 o'clock. As a result of the game ball in the storage hole 2153a falling due to its own weight at around 4 o'clock, a game ball for ball effect (one ball) is discharged to the outside from the storage area out port 2155a.

  Next, the first game ball passage 2154 is a cylindrical member that is gently inclined toward the out-ball effect region β. When the ball effect game ball supply operation is executed, the game balls in the storage hole 2153a of the rotating body 2153 are in the first game ball passage 2154 via the first opening 2154a of the first game ball passage 2154. And is discharged to the sorting rotator 2157 through the second opening 2154b.

Next, the out-ball effect area β includes a sorting rotator 2157 arranged downstream of the first game ball passage 2154, a second game ball passage 2156 and a second game ball passage 2156 arranged downstream of the sorting rotator 2157. Three game ball passages 2158, a pseudo start port β _x arranged downstream of the second game ball passage 2156, a pseudo start port β _y arranged downstream of the third game ball passage 2158, and an out ball effect An out-ball effect area out port 2159 for discharging out balls in the area β (particularly, game balls that have passed the pseudo start port β _x and the pseudo start port β _y ) from the effect area Y is provided. Hereinafter, each element will be described in detail.

  First, the sorting rotator 2157 has a storage hole 2157a that can store one game ball. Here, the sorting rotator 2157 is connected to a sorting rotator driving means (not shown) and can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise.

Next, the second game ball passage 2156 is a cylindrical member disposed toward the pseudo start port β _x formed below the sorting rotator 2157. During the ball performance (particularly when the sorting rotator 2157 rotates clockwise), the game balls in the storage holes 2157a of the sorting rotator 2157 pass through the first opening 2156a of the second game ball passage 2156. Te intrudes into the second game ball passage 2156 is discharged through the second opening 2156b pseudo starting opening beta _x.

Next, the third game ball passage 2158 is a cylindrical member arranged toward the pseudo start port β _y formed below the sorting rotator 2157. During the ball performance (particularly when the sorting rotator 2157 rotates counterclockwise), the game balls in the storage holes 2157a of the sorting rotator 2157 pass through the first opening 2158a of the third game ball passage 2158. invaded third game ball passage 2158 through, it is discharged through the second opening 2158b pseudo starting opening beta _y.

Next, the pseudo start port β _x is a gate structure including a sensor β _x a that emits a detection signal when a game ball passes. Then, when the sphere effect (in particular, during rotation in the distribution rotating member 2157 is clockwise), the second opening 2156b game ball released from the second game ball passage 2156 passes the pseudo starting opening the beta _x And it falls to the out ball production | presentation area out port 2159 in the downward direction.

Next, the pseudo start port β _y is a gate structure including a sensor β _y a that emits a detection signal when a game ball passes. Then, when the sphere effect (in particular, during rotation sorting rotator 2157 is counterclockwise), game balls discharged from the third game ball passage 2158 second opening 2158b is the pseudo starting opening β in _y It passes and falls to the out ball production area out port 2159 located below.

Next, the out ball effect area out port 2159 has an out ball discharge detection sensor 2159a for detecting the passage of the game ball. Then, during the ball production, the game balls that have passed through the pseudo start port β _x or the pseudo start port β _y are discharged to the outside through the out ball production region out port 2159.

  Finally, although not shown in FIG. 2, in the vicinity of the first game ball passage 2154, a first game ball passage swinging means 2154c for swinging the first game ball passage 2154 under a predetermined condition is provided. Yes. Similarly, in the vicinity of the second game ball passage 2156, second game ball passage swinging means 2156c for swinging the second game ball passage 2156 under a predetermined condition is provided. Similarly, in the vicinity of the third game ball passage 2158, third game ball passage swinging means 2158c for swinging the third game ball passage 2158 under a predetermined condition is provided. As will be described later, when it is determined that a ball clogging error may have occurred in any of these passages, a ball clogging error may have occurred by driving the corresponding swinging means. Shake the passage to eliminate the clogging error. Note that FIG. 3 shows the result that the first game ball passage 2154 is swung by driving the first game ball passage swinging means 2154c under the situation where the first game ball passage 2154 is clogged with the first game ball passage 2154. FIG. 38 is an operation diagram showing that the clogging of game balls in the game ball passage rocking means 2154c has been eliminated.

  In the best mode, a configuration is adopted in which a game ball (out ball) that has entered the special drawing start port 2110 enters the ball effect device 2150 and uses the game ball for the ball effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, by providing a ball entrance (out port) guided from the game area 120 to the ball effect device 2150, the game ball that has been entered is used for the ball effect. May be.

  Next, the basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko gaming machine controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine, and in particular controls the overall gaming operation such as lottery when entering the special figure starting port 2110 (that is, control directly related to the profit of the player). Sub-control means 2160 for performing image display control related to various effects on the main control device 1000 and an image effect display unit 2141 for adding interest to the game content and ball effect control related to the ball effect in the ball effect device 2150 And the game balls supplied from the prize ball tank 212 in accordance with the winnings to the image effect device 2140, the ball effect device 2150, the prize ball tank 212, the prize ball rail 214, and each prize opening. A prize ball payout mechanism (set base) 210 including a payout unit 216 for paying out the upper ball to the upper ball tray 110, and a prize ball payout control device 3000 for controlling a payout operation by the payout unit 216. , A launching device 232 that launches game balls (reserved balls) of the upper ball tray 110 to the gaming area 120 one by one, a launch control board 230 that controls the launching operation of the launching device 232, and power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine Clears the game-related information temporarily stored in the power supply unit 290 to be supplied, the power switch 292 that is a switch for turning on / off the power of the pachinko gaming machine, and the main controller 1000 side (for example, the game state temporary storage means 1190). The RAM clear switch 198 is provided on the back surface of the front frame 104 (on the opposite side to the game side).

  Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. First, the main control device 1000 is connected to a gaming peripheral device 2000 related to a game and a prize ball payout control device 3000 that performs payout control of a predetermined number of prize balls based on a payout instruction from the main control device 1000 so as to communicate information. ing. The main controller 1000 includes hardware such as ROM and RAM for storing data and programs, and elements such as a CPU used for arithmetic processing. In the following description, each means included in the main controller 1000 may be configured to be mounted on a peripheral device (for example, the game peripheral device 2000). For example, each unit included in the peripheral device (for example, the game peripheral device 2000) may be configured to be mounted on the main controller 1000. The details of each means (device) will be described below.

  First, the main control device 1000 has a game control means 1100 that controls the main control relating to the main game / auxiliary game, and various information to the game peripheral device 2000 {for example, stop symbol information, stop symbol attribute information (for example, probability variation). Information transmission control that controls transmission of information related to variation modes (for example, variation time), special game start signal / status information / end signal, hold information, etc.} Means 1200 and prize ball payout determination means 1300 for transmitting a command to the prize ball payout control device 3000 so as to pay out a predetermined prize ball based on the winning of game balls to various winning ports. Yes.

  Here, the game control means 1100 determines whether or not each random number can be acquired by determining whether or not each ball can be acquired, and whether or not the ball determination means 1110 determines whether the game ball flows into each ball entrance (starting port, etc.). Random number acquisition determination execution means 1120 for acquiring each random number, a hold control means 1130 for temporarily storing a ball entering each start port during a variable display as a hold ball within an upper limit number, and game contents to be described later Win / fail lottery means 1135 for lottery based on a determined random number (win random number), and symbol content determining means for determining a stop symbol and a variation mode (variation time, etc.) of each symbol based on each random number. 1140, display control means 1150 for performing control to change and stop each symbol, and electrical processing for performing various processes directly related to the opening / closing decision of the electric accessory 2112 of the special figure starting port 2110 -Opening / closing control means 1160, special game control means 1170 for controlling the special game which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, determination of which game state the current game state is to be transferred to, and game based on the determination A specific game control means 1180 for performing a process of shifting the state, a current game state {for example, a state related to the main game (a normal game state, a specific game state, a special game state), a state related to an auxiliary game ( (Easy release state, non-easy release state), stop symbol and variation mode information related to special symbols, on / off status of various flags, gaming state during special game (for example, round number and winning number information)} and the like for temporarily storing Game state temporary storage means 1190. Hereinafter, each means will be described in detail.

  First, the entrance determination means 1110 is a special figure start entrance entrance determination means 1111 that determines whether or not a game ball has entered the special figure start opening 2110, and whether or not the game ball has flown into the general figure entrance 2210. And a normal start entrance ball judging means 1112 for judging whether or not.

  Next, the random number acquisition determination execution means 1120 determines whether or not to acquire a game content determination random number based on the game ball entering the special figure starting port 2110, and according to the determination result, the random number (for example, In order to determine whether or not the normal symbol winning random number can be acquired, and to acquire the random number based on the determination result, the special symbol random number acquisition determining execution unit 1121 for acquiring the winning random number, the variation determining random number, the special symbol determining random number, etc. And a normal random number acquisition determination execution means 1122.

  Here, the “random numbers” in the claims and the present specification including the above are, for example, “0” to “65535” (winning random numbers) or “0” to “255” ( It is a value randomly selected from a predetermined range such as (variation mode determination random number). The random number may not be a mathematically generated random number, but may be a pseudo random number generated by a hardware random number, a software random number, or the like. For example, the expression method of each value in the random number is a method in which the value is expressed in order along the random number sequence (plus one method), the next value when the final value of the random number sequence is expressed (initial value) ) With a contingent value (initial value update method), a combination of these, and the like.

  Next, the hold control means 1130 obtains the special figure hold means 1131 for storing the random number in the special figure hold information temporary storage means 1131a when the symbol variation based on the acquired game content determination random number is not permitted. When the symbol variation based on the normal symbol winning random number is not permitted, the symbol holding means 1132 for storing the random number in the symbol holding information temporary storage means 1132a is provided. Here, the special figure holding means 1131 and the universal figure holding means 1132 are capable of storing up to four special figure holding information temporary storage means 1131a and a universal drawing temporary storage means 1131a for temporarily storing the random numbers combined with the holding order. Each has a figure hold information temporary storage means 1132a.

  Next, the winning / losing lottery means 1135 includes special game transition determining means 1135a that makes a decision to shift to a special game (for example, turns on a winning flag internally) if the result of the winning / failing lottery is a win. .

  Next, the symbol content determination means 1140, based on the acquired game content determination random number, the special symbol content determination means 1141 for determining the stop symbol and variation mode (variation time, etc.) of the special symbol, and the acquired normal symbol winning random number And a general symbol content determining means 1142 for determining a stop symbol of the normal symbol based on the standard symbol content determining means 1142.

  Here, the special figure content determination means 1141 has a special figure content determination lottery table 1141a that is referred to when determining the stop symbol and the variation mode related to the special symbol as a separate table for each hit / losing, The special figure content determination lottery table 1141a includes various lottery tables that differ depending on the gaming state (the normal game → the special figure normal gaming state lottery table 1141a-1, the probability variation game → the special figure probability variation game state). Lottery table 1141a-2, time reduction game → special time reduction game state lottery table 1141a-3). Further, the general content determination means 1142 has a general content determination lottery table 1142a that is referred to when determining a stop symbol related to a normal symbol. The general content determination lottery table 1142a is a game. Various winning tables that differ depending on the state are provided (normal game → usual drawing normal lottery table 1142a-1, probability variation game and time shortening game → usual drawing time shortening lottery table 1142a-2).

  Although not shown, each lottery table of the special figure content determination lottery table 1141a (the special figure normal gaming state lottery table 1141a-1, the special figure probability variation gaming state lottery table 1141a-2, and the special figure time reduction) The game state lottery table 1141a-3) has a plurality of lottery tables when determining the variation mode, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the number of holding balls is a predetermined number or more), the short variation mode In the case where the lottery table that is easy to be selected is selected and the predetermined condition is not satisfied (for example, the number of reserved balls is less than the predetermined number), the lottery table in which a long variation mode is easily selected is selected.

  Next, the display control unit 1150 includes a special symbol control unit 1151 that performs control to stop and display the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 2131 of the special symbol display device 2130 for a predetermined time, and a normal symbol display device 2220. On the general map display unit 2221, there is a general map control means 1152 for performing control to stop and display after changing the normal symbol for a predetermined time.

  Here, the special figure control means 1151 further includes special figure fluctuation time management means 1151a for managing the fluctuation time according to the fluctuation mode determined by the special figure content determination means 1141. The special figure fluctuation time management means 1151a further includes a special figure fluctuation management timer 1151a-1 (decrement counter) that can be cleared to zero. Further, the universal symbol control means 1152 has an ordinary symbol fluctuation time managing means 1152a for managing the fluctuation time of the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol display unit 2221 of the ordinary symbol display device 2220. Further, the common figure fluctuation time management means 1152a further includes a common figure fluctuation management timer 1152a-1 capable of measuring time.

  Next, the electric chew opening / closing control means 1160 includes a condition determination means 1161 for determining whether or not a condition for performing a process for opening and closing the electric accessory 2112 of the special figure starting port 2110 is satisfied, and a special figure. And an opening timer 1162 for measuring the driving (opening) time of the electric accessory 2112 in the starting port 2110.

  Next, the special game control means 1170 and the condition determination means 1171 for determining whether or not the condition for shifting to the special game is satisfied, and for executing the special game when the condition is satisfied Special game execution means 1172 and special game time management means 1173 for performing time management of various processes relating to the special game. Further, the special game time management means 1173 has a special game timer 1173a capable of measuring time.

  Next, the specific game control means 1180 has specific game end condition determination means 1181 for determining whether or not the end condition for the specific game state is satisfied. Here, the specific game end condition determining means 1181 further includes a time reduction counter 1181a capable of counting the time reduction. Here, in this best mode, the number of time reductions is 100, and during the time reduction, the variation time of the special symbol is relatively shortened (time reduction function) compared to non-time reduction. Further, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is also relatively shortened, and the opening extension time of the electric accessory 2112 of the special figure starting port 2110 is relatively extended (opening time extension function). The above-mentioned specific game end condition determining means 1181 has a function of determining whether or not the number of ends has been reached in a probability variation game with a limited number of times, for example (has a number variation probability variation game function). (In the case of a pachinko machine), it may have a function of performing a lottery transition from a specific game (for example, a probability variation game or a time-reduced game) to a normal game with a predetermined probability every time a symbol changes (has a falling lottery function) For pachinko machines).

  Next, the game state temporary storage means 1190 includes a main game state temporary storage means 1191 for temporarily storing the current game state in the main game, and an auxiliary game state temporary for temporarily storing the current game state in the auxiliary game. Storage means 1192.

  Here, the main game state temporary storage unit 1191 includes a flag temporary storage unit 1191a for temporarily storing ON / OFF information of various flags in various game states, and a special symbol that is currently changing (a special symbol that satisfies a change start condition). Special figure information temporary storage means 1191b for temporarily storing stop symbols and variation mode information related to the game, and special games for temporarily storing information relating to special games (number of rounds, number of winning game balls in an arbitrary round, etc.) Related information temporary storage means 1191c.

  The auxiliary game state temporary storage means 1192 also temporarily stores auxiliary game related information for temporarily storing information related to the auxiliary game (for example, on / off information of various flags such as a normal symbol winning flag, a release extension flag, and a time reduction flag). Means 1192a and temporary figure information temporary storage means 1192b for temporarily storing information such as stop symbols and the like related to the currently changing normal symbol (normal symbol for which the change start condition is satisfied).

  Next, the game peripheral device 2000 includes a main game peripheral device 2100 that is a peripheral device on the main game side, and an auxiliary game peripheral device 2200 related to the auxiliary game. Hereinafter, these peripheral devices will be described in order.

  First, the main game peripheral device 2100 is a special figure starting port 2110 that triggers the transition to a special game, and a grand prize that is in a closed state during a normal game and opened under a predetermined condition during a special game. Mouth 2120, special symbol display device 2130 capable of stopping and changing the special symbol, a stage Y for performing an effect to improve the fun of the game, and a sub-control means for controlling any control related to the effect 2160. Since the components other than the sub control board 2160 have been described above, the sub control board 2160 will be described in detail below.

  Here, the sub-control means 2160 is based on the information receiving means 2161 for receiving various information from the main control device 1000 side, the information from the main control device 1000 side, and the like, and the image effect device 2140 and the ball effect device. Effect control means 2162 for effect display control on 2150. Hereafter, each said means is explained in full detail.

First, the information receiving unit 2161 is a main side information temporary storage unit 2161a for temporarily storing symbol information related to the main game from the main control device 1000 side, and an input signal information from the sub input button 196 is temporarily stored. and sub input button input signal temporary storage unit 2161b, various sensors present in the sphere effect device 2150 side (reservoir ball presence detection sensor 2151A, out ball discharge detecting sensor 2159A, sensor beta _x a, sensor beta _y a) the ONOFF state of Sphere effect device side sensor state temporary storage means 2161c for temporary storage. The symbol information and the like temporarily stored in these means are appropriately referred to as necessary by various means described later in each process described below.

  Next, the effect control means 2162 is an image effect control means 2162a that controls the image effect on the image effect display unit 2141 of the image effect device 2140 and a ball effect control that controls the ball effect in the ball effect device 2150. Means 2162b, section state management means 2162c for managing the state in each section in the ball effect device 2150, determination of occurrence of a ball clogging error in the ball effect device 2150, and control corresponding to the error when the error occurs The ball clogging error control means 2162d for controlling the display, the hold information display control means 2162f for controlling all the display processing of the hold information on the hold display unit 2142 of the image effect device 2140, and the effect (image) Production related information temporary storage means 2162g for temporarily storing information related to production and ball production) It is.

  Here, the image effect control means 2162a is an image for determining the image effect contents based on the symbol information from the main control device 1000 side temporarily stored in the main side information temporary storage means 2161a or the ball effect contents described later. Production content determination means 2162a-1 and image production content storage means 2162a-3 for storing all data related to production including data related to image production (various object data, moving image data, audio data, etc.) Have. Here, the image effect content determination means 2162a-1 includes a message (notice) content determination reference table 2162a-1-1 for reference when determining a message (notice) for receiving a ball effect, and a decorative symbol. A drawing display content determination lottery table 2162a-1-2 for reference when determining the production content related to the display.

Here, Table 1 is an example of a reference table 2162a-1-1 for determining a message (notice) content. Here, as will be described later, in this best mode, when a ball effect is executed, a message is displayed only when a game ball related to the ball effect enters either the pseudo start port β _{x or the} pseudo start port β _y. The display (a kind of notice display) is configured to be executed. Then, a message display is executed when a ball effect is executed and a game ball enters the pseudo start opening. In this best mode, whether or not a game ball enters the pseudo start opening. The contents of the message display are determined by referring to the message (notice) content determination reference table 2162a-1-1 based on the result and the result of the determination and the symbol variation time.

  Next, Table 2 is an example of a drawing display content determination lottery table 2162a-1-2 (particularly a decorative symbol variation mode determination lottery table). As can be seen from Table 2, the best mode is configured such that the decorative symbol variation mode is determined based on the special symbol variation time information from the main controller 1000 side.

  Next, the ball effect control means 2162b is based on whether or not the game ball is currently stored in the storage unit 2151 and the like, and the ball effect availability determination means 2162b-1 for determining whether or not to execute the ball effect; Based on the symbol information (for example, special game success / failure information, special symbol variation time information) from the main control device 1000 side temporarily stored in the main side information temporary storage means 2161a when executing the ball effect. Ball production content determination means 2162b-2 for determining the content of the production and setting the content in the production related information temporary storage means 2162g, and ball production device drive control means 2162b for controlling the drive of each member in the ball production device 2150 -3, a ball effect execution timer 2162b-4 referred to for grasping the execution timing of each step of the ball effect, and all data relating to the ball effect are stored. Has a spherical effect content storage unit 2162b-7 for the.

Here, the ball effect availability determination means 2162b-1 is a lottery table 2162b for determining whether or not the ball effect is referred to when determining whether or not the ball effect is determined based on the random number for determining the effect of the ball effect, the result of the determination, and the symbol variation time. -1-1. Here, Table 3 is an example of a lottery table 2162b-1-1 for determining whether or not to produce a ball effect. As can be seen from this table, this best mode is configured such that the ball effect is more easily selected as the hitting time and the variation time of the special symbol are longer. In addition, as will be described later, it is not determined whether or not the ball effect can be executed based on the random number for determining whether or not to produce the ball effect, the result of the determination and the symbol variation time. Exists, (2) no error has occurred in the rotating body 2153 and the sorting rotating body 2157, (3) no ball clogging error has occurred in the first game ball path 2154, (4) The ball production execution condition is that a ball clogging error has not occurred in at least one of the second game ball passage 2156 and the third game ball passage 2158. Further, in this best mode, the hitting frequency is configured to be higher at the hitting time than at the time of losing so that the expectation of jackpot increases when the balling effect is executed.

Next, the ball effect content determination means 2162b-2 has a ball effect content determination lottery table 2162b-2-1 for reference when determining the content of the ball effect. Here, Table 4 is an example of the ball effect content determination lottery table 2162b-2-1. As can be seen from Table 4, there is a lottery table 2162b-2-1 for determining the ball effect content that is referred to when determining the content of the ball effect based on the random number for determining the ball effect content, the result of success / failure, and the symbol variation time. doing. Here, Table 4 is an example of a lottery table 2162b-2-1 for determining whether or not to produce a ball effect. As can be seen from this table, first, it is determined that a ball clogging error has not occurred in any of the second game ball passage 2156 and the third game ball passage 2158 in a situation where it is determined that the ball effect is to be executed. If it is, it means that the game ball released from storage by the storage unit 2151 may be led to either the pseudo start port β _{x or the} pseudo start port β _y . Therefore, in this case, it is determined by lottery whether to execute the ball effect to be led to either the pseudo start port β _{x or the} pseudo start port β _y (in the table, when the sorting rotator rotates clockwise, the pseudo start port β _When the sorting rotator rotates counterclockwise, it is led to the pseudo start port β _y . In the best mode, like the direction of the sphere effect as induced pseudo starting opening beta _y increases more expectation for jackpot, the pseudo starting opening beta _y it is compared to the time loss during per The distribution frequency of the induced ball effect is high. Next, when it is determined that a ball clogging error has occurred in the second game ball passage 2156 under the situation where it is determined that the ball effect will be executed, the storage unit 2151 releases the storage. This means that it is necessary to guide the game ball to the pseudo start port β _y only. Therefore, in this case, it is determined to execute a ball effect (a ball effect in which the sorting rotator rotates counterclockwise) that is unconditionally guided to the pseudo start port β _y . Finally, when it is determined that a ball clogging error has occurred in the third game ball passage 2158 under the situation where it is determined that the ball effect will be executed, the storage unit 2151 releases the storage. This means that it is necessary to guide the game ball only to the pseudo start port β _x . Therefore, in this case a sphere effect that leads to the pseudo starting opening beta _x unconditionally decide to perform the (distribution rotator sphere effect to rotate clockwise).

  Next, the sphere effect device drive control means 2162b-3 includes the rotator drive control means 2162b-3-1 for controlling the rotation drive of the rotator 2153 in the storage area α, and the sorting rotator 2157 in the out sphere effect area β. 1st game ball passage for driving swinging of the first game ball passage 2154 by driving the distribution rotating body drive control means 2162b-3-2 for controlling the rotation drive of the first game ball passage 2154c. The swing control means 2162b-3-3 and the second game ball path swing control means 2162b-3-4 that drives the second game ball path swing means 2156c to swing the second game ball path 2156. And third game ball path swing control means 2162b-3-5 for driving the third game ball path swing means 2158c to swing the third game ball path 2158.

  Next, the division state management means 2162c is in a state (a state relating to the absence or presence of a game ball) in each division (sections 1 to 5) divided into a plurality of regions along the moving direction of the ball. Partition state temporary storage means 2162c-1 for temporarily storing the state, partition state estimation means 2162c-2 for estimating what state each partition is currently in, and a situation in which the state of each partition may change And a partition state update means 2162c-3 for updating the state of each partition.

Here, Table 5 is an example of the partition state temporary storage unit 2162c-1. As described above, for each section, a game ball exists (when the game ball presence flag is ON), a game ball does not exist (the game ball presence non-existence unknown flag is OFF, and the game ball presence flag is OFF. In this case, a state in which it is unknown whether a game ball is present or absent (when the game ball presence flag is ON) is temporarily stored. In Table 5 below, a game ball is present in the section 2.

Next, in order to estimate the division state, the division state estimation means 2162c-2-1 has information on estimated release ball passage time in each division at the time of the ball effect (for example, the storage ball is released and the rotating body 2153 receives the game ball. , The section passing scheduled time reference table 2162c-2-1 in which the scheduled time information regarding at which timing the game ball reaches each section is stored is further included. Table 6 is an example of the section passage scheduled time reference table 2162c-2-1. As can be seen from this table, in this best mode, there is a first route of section 1 → section 2 → section 3 → section 4, and a second route of section 1 → section 2 → section 3 → section 5, depending on the route. It is configured so that the ball passing times are different.

  Next, the ball clogging error control means 2162d has first provisional error flag control means 2162d-1 for managing on / off of the provisional error flag and error flag control means 2162d-2 for managing on / off of the error flag. Yes. Here, as will be described in detail later, regarding the section 1 and the section 3, since the drive abnormality can be recognized by the detection means (for example, a sensor) attached to the drive means, whether or not an error has occurred in these sections is determined. Can be identified immediately. However, since the section 2, section 4 and section 5 are not provided with an abnormality detection means, it is necessary to determine whether an error such as a ball clogging has occurred based on the situation. Therefore, the possibility of “Maybe an error has occurred in the section” is flagged as a “provisional error flag”. Therefore, for the sections 1 and 3, the error is determined based on the direct information from the detection means, and for the sections 2, 4 and 5, the situation evidence is consolidated and the error is estimated.

  Here, the error flag control means 2162d-2 refers to the error determination table 2162d that is referred to in order to estimate whether or not an error has occurred with respect to the sections 2, 4, and 5, based on the on / off information of the provisional error flag. 2-1 is further included. Table 7 is an example of the error determination table 2162d-2-1. Table 7 will be described in order. If an error has occurred in any one of the sections 1 and 3, it is impossible to estimate the errors in the sections 2, 4 and 5 even by looking at the provisional error flag. This table is applied only when both error flags of the partition 1 and the partition 3 are off.

  First, as in the first stage, when the temporary error flag is off in all the sections, it is naturally estimated that no error has occurred in any section.

Next, even when the provisional error flag is on in the sections 2 and 4, and the provisional error flag is off in the section 5, the error flag is not turned on in any section. The reason is that it cannot be specified whether the error has occurred in the section 2 or the section 4. In such a situation, a ball effect (a ball effect that was scheduled to pass through the section 4) despite the fact that the ball effect has been normally performed (that is, the discharge of the game ball has been confirmed). ) Occurs when ball clogging occurs. At this stage, neither section 2 nor section 4 is considered an error. This is because, when no error has occurred in the section 2, it is possible to produce a ball effect on the route passing through the section 5. By configuring in this way, it is possible to execute the ball effect more frequently even if an error occurs. However, at this stage, both the section 2 and the section 4 may be estimated as errors, and the subsequent ball effects may be prohibited. Here, when the configuration in which the sections 2 and 4 are not estimated to be errors at this stage is adopted, another sphere effect (a sphere effect scheduled to pass through the section 5) is executed next. As a result, when the ball effect is normally executed (in this case, the provisional error flag of the section 2 is changed from on to off), it is estimated that an error has occurred in the section 4, and the section 4 Generate an error flag (if this is the fifth level). On the other hand, when the ball effect is not normally produced even in the other ball effect (in this case, the provisional error flag of the sections 2 and 4 remains on, and the provisional error flag of the section 5 also turns on) Since the ball effect itself is no longer executable, the error flag is turned on for all of the sections 2, 4 and 5 (in the case of the sixth stage). For the same reason for the third stage and the fifth stage, the error flag is not turned on in any section for the former, and the error flag is turned on for the section 4 in the latter.

Next, the ball clogging error control means 2162d has error related information temporary storage means 2162d-4 for temporarily storing the above-mentioned provisional error flag and error flag on / off information for each section. Here, Table 8 is an example of the error related information temporary storage unit 2162d-4.

Further, the control unit 2162d at the time of a ball clogging error has an error counter 2162d-5 for temporarily storing the number of generated errors for each section. Here, Table 9 is an example of the error counter 2162d-5.

  Next, the hold information display control unit 2162f further includes a hold information temporary storage unit 2162f-1 for temporarily storing the current number of held balls.

  In addition, the sub-control unit 2160 further controls all controls related to effects other than image display such as effect processing such as lighting and extinguishing of the game effect lamp 190 and sound output from the speaker 114. In the best mode, the sub-control unit 2160 is configured to integrally control the image effect, the ball effect, the game lamp, and the sound. However, the sub-control unit 2160 is separated as a functionally separate peripheral device. You may comprise. In this case, the peripheral devices may be connected to each other with a board-to-board connector.

  Next, the auxiliary gaming peripheral device 2200 includes a general symbol winning port 2210 that triggers the opening of the electric accessory 2112 of the special diagram starting port 2110, a normal symbol display device 2220 that can display a stop and change display of a normal symbol, have.

  The special symbol display device 2130 and the normal symbol display device 2220 are connected to the main control device 1000 so as to be able to transmit information, and the remaining image effect device 2140 and ball effect device 2150 are able to transmit information to the sub control means 2160. It is connected. That is, the special symbol display device 2130 and the normal symbol display device 2220 are controlled by the main control device 1000, and the image effect device 2140 and the ball effect device 2150 are respectively controlled by the sub-control means 2160. Note that another peripheral device may be controlled via the main controller 1000 and another peripheral device controlled by one-way communication.

  Next, the flow of processing of the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the flow of processing on the main board side of the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, FIG. 6 is a main flowchart showing the flow of general processing performed by the main controller 1000. First, in step 1100, main controller 1000 executes a normal symbol winning random number acquisition process described later. Next, at step 1200, main controller 1000 executes an electric chew drive determination process described later. Next, at step 1300, main controller 1000 executes special game content determination random number acquisition processing described later. Next, at step 1400, main controller 1000 executes a special symbol display process described later. Next, at step 1500, main controller 1000 executes special game operating condition determination processing described later. Next, at step 1600, main controller 1000 executes a special game execution process described later. Next, in step 1800, main controller 1000 (especially prize ball payout determining means 1300) pays out a predetermined number of prize balls to prize ball payout control apparatus 3000 based on a winning opening where a game ball has won. A command transmission process is performed to return to step 1100 again. Hereinafter, processing related to each subroutine will be described in detail.

  Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the normal symbol winning random number acquisition process according to the subroutine of step 1100 in FIG. First, in step 1102, the general game start entrance entrance judging means 1112 judges whether or not a game ball enters (inflow, passes) the general entrance prize entrance 2210. In the case of Yes in step 1102, in step 1104, the common random number acquisition determination execution means 1122 refers to the common figure hold information temporary storage means 1132a, and determines whether or not the number of held balls is not the upper limit (for example, four). In the case of Yes in step 1104, in step 1106, the normal random number acquisition determination execution means 1122 acquires the normal symbol winning random number. Next, in step 1108, the general-purpose holding means 1132 adds 1 to the holding ball in the form of setting the random number in the general-purpose holding information temporary storage means 1132a together with information on what number of the holding is made. The process proceeds to (Electric Chu Drive Determination Process 1200). In the case of No in step 1102 and step 1104, the process proceeds to the next process (electric drive drive determination process 1200).

  Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the electric drive driving determination process according to the subroutine of step 1200 in FIG. First, in step 1202, the electric chew opening / closing control means 1160 refers to the auxiliary game related information temporary storage means 1192a to determine whether or not the electric chewing-opening flag is off. In the case of Yes in step 1202, in step 1204, the normal chart control means 1152 refers to the auxiliary game related information temporary storage means 1192a to determine whether or not the normal symbol changing flag is off. In the case of Yes in step 1204, in step 1206, the general figure content determining means 1142 accesses the general figure holding information temporary storage means 1132a and determines whether or not there is a holding ball related to the normal symbol. In the case of Yes in step 1206, in step 1210, the general contents determination unit 1142 refers to the temporary flag storage unit 1191a to determine whether or not the current gaming state is in the easy release state (time reduction flag on). In the case of Yes in step 1210, in FIG. 1212, in the step 1212, the general drawing content determination means 1142 sets the drawing time reduction lottery table 1142a-2, whereas in the case of No in step 1210, in the step 1214, The general map content determination means 1142 sets the normal map lottery table 1142a-1. In step 1216, the general symbol content determining means 1142 determines a stop symbol based on the normal symbol random number based on the reserved ball. Next, in step 1218, the usual figure fluctuation time management means 1152a sets the usual figure fluctuation management timer 1152a-1 based on the set table for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds in the case of a short-time game, in the case of a normal game). Is set to 30 seconds). Then, in step 1220, the general symbol control means 1152 turns on the normal symbol changing flag in the auxiliary game related information temporary storage means 1192a. Next, in step 1222, the general figure holding means 1132 updates the holding information recorded in the general figure holding information temporary storage means 1132 a after subtracting 1 from the holding ball related to the normal symbol, and the normal figure control means. 1152 starts the normal symbol fluctuation management timer 1152a-1, and then starts the normal symbol fluctuation display on the universal symbol display unit 2221. Next, in step 1224, the normal time fluctuation time management means 1152a refers to the normal time fluctuation management timer 1152a-1 and determines whether or not the predetermined time has been reached. In the case of Yes in step 1224, in step 1226, the general map control means 1152 confirms and displays the stop symbol determined by the general map content determination means 1142 in the step 1216 on the general map display unit 2221. Then, in step 1228, the normal figure control means 1152 turns off the normal symbol changing flag in the auxiliary game related information temporary storage means 1192a. Next, in step 1230, the condition determination means 1161 determines whether or not the stop symbol is “winning”. In the case of Yes in Step 1230, in Step 1232, the electric chew opening / closing control means 1160 sets the opening timer 1162 to a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds for a short-time game, 0 for a normal game) based on the set table. .5 seconds) set. Next, in step 1234, the electric chew opening / closing control means 1160 turns on the electric chew-opening flag in the auxiliary game related information temporary storage means 1192a. In step 1236, the electric chew opening / closing control means 1160 opens the electric accessory 2112 of the special figure starting port 2110. Next, in step 1238, the electric chew opening / closing control means 1160 refers to the opening timer 1162, and determines whether or not the predetermined time has been reached. In the case of Yes in step 1238, in steps 1240 and 1242, the electric chew opening / closing control means 1160 closes the electric accessory 2112 in the special figure starting port 2110, and at the same time the electric game in the auxiliary game related information temporary storage means 1192a. The open flag is turned off, and the process proceeds to the next process (special game content determination random number acquisition process in step 1300).

  If NO in step 1202, the process proceeds to step 1238. If NO in step 1204, the process proceeds to step 1224. If NO in step 1206, step 1224, step 1230, and step 1238, the next process is performed. The process proceeds to (Special Game Content Determination Random Number Acquisition Process in Step 1300).

  Next, FIG. 9 is a flowchart related to the special game content determination random number acquisition process according to the subroutine of step 1300 in FIG. First, in step 1302, the special figure starting port entrance determining means 1111 determines whether or not special figure starting port entrance information has been received from the entrance detecting device 2111 of the special figure starting port 2110. In the case of Yes in step 1302, in step 1304, the special figure random number acquisition determination execution means 1121 refers to the special figure reservation information temporary storage means 1131a, and determines whether or not the number of reserved balls is not the upper limit (for example, four). In the case of Yes in step 1304, in step 1306, the special figure random number acquisition determination execution means 1121 acquires a game content determination random number (winning random number, variation mode determination random number, special symbol determination random number, etc.), and the special figure reservation means 1131 The random number is set in the special figure hold information temporary storage means 1131a together with information on how many pieces are held. Next, in step 1308, the information transmission unit 1200 refers to the special figure hold information temporary storage unit 1131a, acquires information on the number of hold stored as the random number, and sub-controls the information. It transmits to the means 2160 side and shifts to the next process (special symbol display process of step 1400). In addition, also when it is No in step 1302 and step 1304, it transfers to the following process (special symbol display process of step 1400).

  Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of special symbol display processing according to the subroutine of step 1400 in FIG. First, in step 1402, the special figure content determination unit 1141 determines whether or not a change start condition (not in special game + not in special symbol change) is satisfied.

  In the case of Yes in step 1402, in step 1414, the success / failure lottery means 1135 reads the game content determination random number related to the current symbol variation, which is temporarily stored in the special figure hold information temporary storage means 1131a. Next, at step 1403, the winning / not-to-use lottery means 1135 refers to the winning / losing lottery table of the special figure content determining lottery table 1141a, and executes the special symbol winning / raising lottery based on the game content determining random number (winning random number). In step 1417, the lottery means 1135 determines whether or not the lottery result is a hit. In the case of Yes in step 1417, in step 1418, the special game transition determining unit 1135a turns on the “win flag” in the temporary flag storage unit 1191a, and proceeds to step 1404. On the other hand, if step 1417 is No, step 1418 is skipped.

  Next, in step 1404, the special figure content determination unit 1141 refers to the flag temporary storage unit 1191a to determine whether or not the probability variation flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 1404, in step 1406, the special figure content determination means 1141 sets the special figure probability variation gaming state lottery table 1141a-2 as a reference table based on the lottery result, and proceeds to step 1416.

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1404, in step 1408, the special figure content determination unit 1141 refers to the flag temporary storage unit 1191a and determines whether or not the time reduction flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 1408, in step 1410, the special figure content determination means 1141 sets the special figure time-saving gaming state lottery table 1141a-3 as a reference table based on the lottery result, and proceeds to step 1416.

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1408, in step 1412, the special figure content determination means 1141 sets the special figure normal gaming state lottery table 1141a-1 as a reference table based on the lottery result, and proceeds to step 1416. .

  In step 1416, the special figure content determination means 1141 refers to each lottery table set based on the lottery result, and determines a stop symbol related to the special symbol based on the game content determination random number (for example, the special symbol determination random number). In addition to the determination, the variation mode of the special symbol is determined based on the game content determination random number (for example, the variation mode determination random number), and these are temporarily stored in the special diagram information temporary storage unit 1191b. Next, in step 1419, the information transmission means 1200 displays the symbol information (stop symbol information, stop symbol attribute information, variation mode information, etc.) related to the special symbol determined in step 1416 and the current gaming state on the sub-control means 2160 side. Send to. Next, in step 1420, the special figure fluctuation time management means 1151a sets a predetermined time (fluctuation time related to the fluctuation mode determined in step 1416) in the special figure fluctuation management timer 1151a-1. In step 1422, the special symbol control means 1151 starts the special symbol variation display on the special symbol display unit 2131 of the special symbol display device 2130 according to the variation mode stored in the special symbol information temporary storage unit 1191b. . Next, in step 1446, the special figure control unit 1151 turns on the changing flag in the temporary flag storage unit 1191a. In step 1434, the special figure fluctuation time management unit 1151a determines whether or not the predetermined time has been reached. Here, in the case of No in step 1434, the process proceeds to the next process (special game operation condition determination process in step 1500). On the other hand, in the case of Yes in step 1434, in step 1436, the information transmission unit 1200 transmits a command indicating that the predetermined time has been reached to the sub-control unit 2160 side. Next, in step 1438, the special symbol control unit 1151 stops the special symbol variable display on the special symbol display unit 2131 of the special symbol display device 2130, and the stop stored in the special symbol information temporary storage unit 1191b. The display is controlled as a fixed stop symbol. Next, in step 1440, the special figure control means 1151 turns off the changing flag in the temporary flag storage means 1191a. In step 1442, the special figure fluctuation time management unit 1151 a resets the special figure fluctuation management timer 1151 a-1. Next, in step 1450, main controller 1000 executes a specific game end determination process, which will be described later, and proceeds to the next process (special game operation condition determination process in step 1500).

  In the case of No in step 1402, in step 1444, the special figure control unit 1151 refers to the flag temporary storage unit 1191a to determine whether or not the changing flag is on. If yes in step 1444, the process proceeds to step 1434, and if no, the process proceeds to the next process (special game operation condition determination process in step 1500).

  Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the specific game end determination process according to the subroutine of step 1450 in FIG. First, in step 1452, the specific game control means 1180 refers to the time / count counter 1181a to determine whether or not the time / count counter value is greater than zero. In the case of Yes in step 1452, in step 1454, the specific game control means 1180 subtracts 1 from the time-count counter value of the time-count counter 1181a. Next, in step 1456, the specific game control means 1180 refers to the time reduction counter 1181a and determines whether or not the time reduction is zero. In the case of Yes in step 1456, in step 1460, the specific game control means 1180 turns off the time reduction flag in the flag temporary storage means 1191a, and proceeds to the next process (special game operation condition determination process 1500). In addition, also when it is No by step 1452 and step 1456, it transfers to the following process (special game operation condition determination process 1500).

  Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the special game operation condition determination process according to the subroutine of step 1500 in FIG. First, in step 1502, the condition determination unit 1171 refers to the flag temporary storage unit 1191a to determine whether or not the hit flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 1502, in step 1504, the condition determination unit 1171 determines whether or not the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 2131 of the special symbol display device 2130 has stopped in a predetermined manner. In the case of Yes in step 1504, in step 1506 and step 1508, the condition determination means 1171 turns on the special game transition permission flag in the flag temporary storage means 1191a and turns off the winning flag. Next, in steps 1552 and 1554, the specific game control unit 1180 temporarily turns off the specific game flag (probability variation flag / time reduction flag) in the flag temporary storage unit 1191a, and resets the time reduction counter 1181a (time reduction). The number counter value = 0), and the process proceeds to the next process (special game execution process in step 1600). It should be noted that, also in the case of No in step 1502 and step 1504, the process proceeds to the next process (special game execution process in step 1600).

  Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a special game execution process according to the subroutine of step 1600 in FIG. First, in step 1602, the special game executing means 1172 refers to the flag temporary storage means 1191a and determines whether or not the special game transition permission flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 1602, in step 1606 and step 1608, the special game execution means 1172 turns off the special game transition permission flag in the flag temporary storage means 1191a and turns on the special game execution flag. Next, in step 1604, the information transmission means 1200 transmits a special game start signal to the sub-control means 2160 side, and the process proceeds to step 1612. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1602, in step 1610, the special game execution means 1172 determines whether or not the special game execution flag is on. If YES in step 1610, the process proceeds to step 1612. In the case of No in step 1610, the special game executing means 1172 determines that the special game is not permitted, and proceeds to the next process (prize ball payout process 1800).

  Next, in step 1612, the special game execution means 1172 refers to the flag temporary storage means 1191a and determines whether or not the round continuation flag is on, in other words, whether or not the round is in the middle. . If Yes in step 1612, that is, if the round is in the middle, the process proceeds to step 1623 without performing the processes of steps 1614 to 1622 described in detail below. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1612, that is, immediately before the start of the round, first, in step 1614, the special game executing means 1172 clears the special game timer 1173a to zero and sets a predetermined value (for example, per normal) 30 seconds for the special game based on the game, and 0.8 seconds for the special game based on the sudden probability fluctuation or the sudden time reduction. Next, in step 1616, the special game execution means 1172 clears the winning ball counter in the special game related information temporary storage means 1191c to zero. In step 1618, the special game executing means 1172 adds 1 to the round number counter in the special game related information temporary storage means 1191c. Note that the number of rounds stored in the special game related information temporary storage means 1191c is 0 immediately after the start of the special game (initial value), and is incremented by 1 each time the rounds are repeated thereafter. Next, in step 1620, the special game executing means 1172 turns on the round continuation flag in the flag temporary storage means 1191a. In step 1622, the special game executing means 1172 drives the electric accessory 2122 of the big prize opening 2120 to open the big prize opening 2120, and proceeds to step 1623.

  Next, in step 1623, the information transmission means 1200 transmits the current game state information (for example, the current number of rounds, the number of winning game balls, etc.) to the sub-control means 2160 side. In step 1624, the special game executing unit 1172 refers to the special game related information temporary storage unit 1191c and determines whether or not a predetermined ball (for example, 10 balls) has been won in the round. If Yes in step 1624, the process proceeds to step 1628. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1624, in step 1626, the special game executing means 1172 refers to the special game timer 1173a and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. Also in the case of Yes in step 1626, the process proceeds to step 1628, and in the case of No, the process proceeds to the next process (prize ball payout process 1800).

  Next, in step 1628, the special game executing means 1172 stops driving the electric accessory 2122 of the special prize opening 2120 and closes the special prize opening. In step 1630, the special game executing means 1172 resets the special game timer 1173a. Next, in step 1632, the special game executing means 1172 turns off the round continuation flag in the flag temporary storage means 1191a. Next, in step 1634, the special game executing means 1172 refers to the special game related information temporary storage means 1191c, and the round is the last round (for example, 15R if the special game is based on the normal hit, If it is a special game based on the sudden time reduction, it is determined whether or not it is 2R). In the case of Yes in step 1634, in step 1636, the special game execution means 1172 turns off the special game execution flag in the flag temporary storage means 1191a. In step 1638, the information transmission unit 1200 transmits a special game end signal to the sub-control unit 2160 side. In step 1650, the game control unit 1100 executes a game state determination process after the end of the special game, which will be described later, and proceeds to the next process (prize ball payout process 1800). In the case of No in step 1634, the process proceeds to the next process (prize ball payout process 1800).

  Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the game state determination process after the end of the special game according to the subroutine of step 1650 in FIG. First, in step 1656, the specific game control means 1180 refers to whether or not the probability change per unit, that is, the special symbol stopped on the special figure display unit 2131 with reference to the special figure information temporary storage means 1191b. It is determined whether or not there is. In the case of Yes in step 1656, in step 1658 and step 1660, the specific game control means 1180 turns on the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag in the flag temporary storage means 1191a, respectively, and the next process (prize ball payout process 1800). ).

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1656, in step 1662, the specific game control means 1180 stops on the special figure display unit 2131 with reference to whether or not it is per time reduction fluctuation, that is, the special figure information temporary storage means 1191b. It is determined whether or not the special symbol is per time reduction variation. In the case of Yes in step 1662, in step 1664, the specific game control means 1180 turns on the time reduction flag in the flag temporary storage means 1191a. Next, in step 1666, the specific game control means 1180 sets a predetermined value (for example, 100) as the time / count counter value in the time / count counter 1181a, and proceeds to the next process (prize ball payout process 1800). Even in the case of No in step 1662, the process proceeds to the next process (prize ball payout process 1800).

  Next, the flow of processing on the sub-board side of the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, FIG. 15 is a main flowchart on the sub-board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode. First, after the power is turned on, in step 6050, the sub control board 2160 executes a startup process described later. Note that this processing is performed only once after the power is turned on. Next, in step 6100, the sub-control board 2160 performs a decoration symbol display content determination process described later. Next, in step 6800, the sub-control board 2160 executes a sphere effect availability / content determination process described later. Next, at step 6400, the sub-control means 2160 executes a ball effect message (notice) content determination process which will be described later. Next, in step 6200, the sub-control means 2160 executes a decorative symbol display control process to be described later. Next, in step 6900, the sub-control means 2160 executes a ball effect control process described later. Next, in step 6600, the sub-control unit 2160 executes a message (notice) display control process described later. Next, in step 6700, the sub-control means 2160 executes a partition state management process described later. Next, in step 6300, the sub-control unit 2160 executes an error management process described later. Next, in step 6500, the sub-control means 2160 executes a special game display control process described later, and proceeds to step 6100. Hereinafter, processing related to each subroutine will be described in detail.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the start-up process according to the subroutine of step 6050 in FIG. First, in step 6052, the rotating body drive control unit 2162b-3-1 performs control to control the rotating body drive unit 2153b to rotate the rotating body 2153 one rotation + α and stop at the default position. Next, at step 6054, the sorting rotator drive control means 2162b-3-2 controls the sorting rotator driving means 2157b to rotate the sorting rotator 2157 one rotation + α and stop it at the default position. I do. In step 6056, the partition state management unit 2162c turns on the “game ball presence / absence unknown flag” in the partition state temporary storage unit 2162c-1 for all the partitions, and performs the next process (decoration pattern in step 6100). Display content determination processing).

  Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the decorative symbol display content determination process according to the subroutine of step 6100 in FIG. First, in step 6102, the image effect content determination unit 2162 a-1 refers to the main-side information temporary storage unit 2161 a and determines whether new symbol information has been received from the main controller 1000 side. In the case of Yes in step 6102, in step 6104, the image effect content determining means 2162a-1 is based on the symbol information from the main control device 1000 side temporarily stored in the main side information temporary storage means 2161a, and the display contents of the drawing are displayed. With reference to the determination lottery table 2162a-1-2, the decoration symbol variation mode and stop symbol are determined, and the determination information is temporarily stored in the symbol related information area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g. It should be noted that the stop symbol / variation mode from the main controller 1000 side (that is, the special symbol stop symbol / variation mode) and the stop symbol / variation mode determined by the effect display control means 2150 side (that is, the decorative symbol stop symbol / The variation mode does not have to be one-to-one correspondence. For example, the variation mode ratio on the sub-control unit 2160 side may have a plurality of patterns with respect to one variation mode from the main controller 1000 side. Next, in step 6106, the image effect content determination means 2162a-1 turns on the symbol content determination flag in the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g, and proceeds to the next process (decorated symbol display control process 6200). To do. In addition, also when it is No at step 6102, it transfers to the next process (decorative symbol display control process 6200).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the sphere effect availability / content determination process according to the subroutine of step 6800 in FIG. First, in step 6802, the ball effect control means 2162b refers to the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and determines whether or not the symbol content determination flag is on. In the case of Yes in Step 6802, in Step 6803, the ball effect control means 2162b accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and turns off the symbol content determination flag. Next, in Step 6804, the ball effect availability determination unit 2162b-1 determines whether or not the ball effect condition is satisfied. Specifically, (1) there is a storage ball in the storage unit 2151, (2) there is no error in the rotating body 2153 and the sorting rotating body 2157, and (3) the first game ball path The ball production condition is that a ball clogging error does not occur in 2154, and that a ball clogging error does not occur in at least one of the second game ball passage 2156 and the third game ball passage 2158. Next, in the case of Yes in step 6804, in step 6806, the ball effect availability determination unit 2162b-1 acquires a random number for the ball effect availability lottery and refers to the ball effect availability determination table 2162b-1-1. The lottery of whether or not to execute the ball production is performed. In the best mode, the lottery is executed in consideration of not only the random number value but also the success / failure result of the special game transition and the variation time of the special symbol. Next, in Step 6808, the ball effect availability determination unit 2162b-1 determines whether or not the lottery result is “OK”. In the case of Yes in step 6808, in step 6809, the ball effect content determining means 2162b-2 acquires a random number for determining the ball effect content, and then refers to the ball effect content determination lottery table 2162b-2-1 for the ball. The contents of the production are determined by lottery. In the best mode, the lottery is executed in consideration of not only the random number value but also the success / failure result of the special game transition and the variation time of the special symbol. In step 6810, the ball effect control means 2162b accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and turns on the “ball effect execution determination flag”. Next, in step 6816, the ball effect control means 2162b accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g, turns on the “ball effect availability determination / content determination flag”, and performs the next process {ball effect time The process proceeds to message (preliminary) content determination processing 6400}. If NO in step 6802, the process proceeds to the next process {ball effect message (notice) content determination process 6400}. If NO in steps 6804 and 6808, the process proceeds to step 6816.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the content determination process for a ball effect message (notice) according to the subroutine of step 6400 in FIG. First, in step 6402, the image effect content determination means 2162a-1 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g, and determines whether or not the “ball effect availability / content determination flag” is on. In the case of Yes in step 6402, in step 6404, the image effect content determination means 2162a-1 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and turns off the “sphere effect availability / content determination flag”. In step 6406, the image effect content determination means 2162a-1 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g, and determines whether or not the “ball effect execution determination flag” is on. In the case of Yes in step 6406, in step 6408, the image effect content determination means 2162a-1 determines the message (notice) content determination reference table based on the result of the determination, the special drawing change time (or the drawing change time) and the ball effect content. 2162a-1-2 is referred to, and corresponding message (notice) information is acquired and set in the production related information temporary storage means 2162g. In step 6410, the image effect content determination means 2162a-1 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g, turns on the “symbol variation permission flag”, and performs the next process (decorated symbol display control process 6200). ). Note that the process proceeds to the next process (decorative symbol display control process 6200) also in the case of No in step 6402, and in the case of No in step 6406, the process proceeds to step 6410.

  Next, FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the decorative symbol display control process according to the subroutine of step 6200 in FIG. First, in step 6202, the image effect control means 2162a refers to the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162c and determines whether or not the “design changing flag” is off. In the case of Yes in step 6202, in step 6204, the image effect control means 2162a refers to the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162c and determines whether or not the “symbol variation permission flag” is on. In the case of Yes in step 6204, in step 6206 and step 6208, the image effect control means 2162a turns on the “symbol changing flag” in the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162c and “symbol change permission flag”. Turn off. Next, in step 6210, the image effect control means 2162a follows the determined contents temporarily stored in the symbol related information area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162c on the image effect display part 2141 of the image effect display device 2140. Start displaying fluctuations.

  Next, in step 6212, the image effect control means 2162a refers to the main-side information temporary storage means 2161a, and determines whether or not a confirmed display command has been received from the main controller 1000 side. In the case of Yes in step 6212, in step 6214, the image effect control means 2162a follows the determined contents (stop symbols) temporarily stored in the symbol related information area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162c. On the effect display unit 2141, the stop symbol of the decorative symbol is confirmed and displayed. Next, in step 6216, the image effect control means 2162a accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162c, turns off the “symbol changing flag”, and proceeds to the next process (ball effect control process 6900). To do.

  In the case of No in step 6202, the process proceeds to step 6212. In the case of No in step 6204 and step 6212, the process proceeds to the next process (ball effect control process 6900).

  Next, FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the ball effect control process according to the subroutine of step 6900 in FIG. First, in step 6902, the ball effect control means 2162b refers to the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and determines whether or not the “ball effect execution flag” is off. In the case of Yes in step 6902, in step 6904, the ball effect control means 2162b refers to the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and determines whether or not the “design changing flag” is on. In the case of Yes in step 6904, in step 6906, the ball effect control means 2162b refers to the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and determines whether or not the “ball effect execution determination flag” is on. In the case of Yes in step 6906, in step 6908, the ball effect control means 2162b accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and turns off the “ball effect execution determination flag”. In step 6910, the ball effect control means 2162b starts the ball effect execution timer 2162b-4. Next, in step 6912, the ball effect control means 2162b accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and turns on the “ball effect execution flag”. Next, the ball effect control means 2162b accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and turns on the “section update flag”. In response to the fact that the partition update flag is turned on, a partition state management process described later is executed. The above process is a process until immediately before a ball effect is performed.

  Next, in the following, processing in which the ball effect is actually performed is executed. First, in step 6916, the ball effect control means 2162b refers to the ball effect execution timer 2162b-4 and determines whether or not the storage cancellation time set in the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g has been reached. In the case of Yes in step 6916, in step 6918, the rotating body drive control means 2162b-3-1 drives the rotating body drive means 2153b to rotate the rotating body 2153 one turn counterclockwise. Thereby, when the storage hole 2153a of the rotating body 2153 reaches around 12:00, one of the game balls stored in the storage unit 2151 moves to the storage hole 2153a, and when it reaches 3 to 4 o'clock. The game ball in the storage hole 2153a moves to the first game ball passage 2154. Next, at step 6920, the sorting rotator drive control means 2162b-3-2 drives the sorting rotator driving means 2157b and is released in the direction set in the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g (released). The storage sphere 2157 continues to rotate and stops for a sufficient time (for example, 7 seconds) for the stored ball to finish the ball presentation and reach the outlet. In step 6922, the ball effect control means 2162b stops the ball effect execution timer 2162b-4. Finally, the ball effect control means 2162b accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g, turns off the “ball effect execution flag”, and proceeds to the next process {message (notice) display control process 6600}. To do. If NO in step 6902, the process proceeds to step 6916. If NO in step 6904, step 6906, and step 6916, the process proceeds to the next process {message (notice) display control process 6600}.

  Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a message (notice) display process according to the subroutine of step 6600 in FIG. First, in step 6602, the image effect control means 2162a refers to the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and determines whether or not the “ball effect executing flag” is on. In the case of Yes in step 6602, in step 6604, the image effect control means 2162a refers to the ball effect device side sensor state temporary storage means 2161c, and the incoming ball set in the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g is scheduled. It is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the pseudo start port. In the case of Yes in step 6604, in step 6606, the image effect control means 2162a displays the message (preliminary notice) set in the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g on the image effect display unit 2141 of the image effect device 2140, The process proceeds to the next process (partition state management process 6700). It should be noted that the process proceeds to the next process (partition state management process 6700) also in the case of No in steps 6602 and 6604.

  Next, FIG. 23 shows partition state management processing, which is characteristic processing of the present invention, related to the subroutine of step 6700 of FIG. First, Steps 6702 to 6724 are processes up to immediately before the state update process of the section 1 is executed. First, in step 6702 to step 6712, the section state management unit 2162 c accesses the flag area of the production related information temporary storage unit 2162 g and turns on the “symbol state update standby flag” which is turned on immediately before the start of the state update of the section 1. It is checked whether or not any of the “partition 1 state updating flag” to “partition 5 state updating flag” that is turned on during the state update process is off. If any of these is ON, it means that the corresponding process is being executed, and the process proceeds to each process. Specifically, if No in Step 6702, that is, if the “symbol state update standby flag” is on, the process proceeds to Step 6720, and if No in Step 6704, that is, the “Partition 1 state updating flag”. ”Is on, the process proceeds to step 6726, and in the case of No in step 6706, that is, when the“ partition 2 state updating flag ”is on, the process proceeds to step 6744, and in the case of No in step 6708. That is, if the “compartment 3 state updating flag” is on, the process proceeds to step 6754, and if “No” in step 6710, that is, if the “compartment 4 state updating flag” is on, step 6774 is performed. If NO in step 6712, that is, if the “section 5 status updating flag” is on, the process moves to step 6786. In step 6714, the partition state management unit 2162c refers to the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage unit 2162g to determine whether or not the “partition update flag” is ON, that is, whether to execute the partition state update process. Determine whether or not. In the case of Yes in step 6714, in step 6716 and step 6718, the section state management unit 2162c accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage unit 2162g, turns off the “partition update flag”, and “waits for section state update”. Turn on "Flag". If No in step 6714, the partition state update process is not executed, and the process proceeds to the next process (error management process 6300).

  Next, in step 6720 to step 6736, the state update process of the section 1 is executed. First, in step 6720, the partition state management unit 2162c determines whether or not the storage release operation has been started, specifically, whether or not the rotating body 2153 has started driving. In the case of Yes in step 6720, in step 6722 and step 6724, the partition state management unit 2162c accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage unit 2162g, turns off the “partition state update standby flag” and sets “partition 1 Turn on "Status update flag". In the case of No in step 6720, it is determined that the partition state is still waiting, and the process proceeds to the next process (error management process 6300). Next, in step 6726, the section state estimation means 2162c-2 grasps the elapsed time since the rotating body 2153 started to be driven by the ball effect execution timer 2162b-4, and then the storage hole of the rotating body 2153. It is estimated whether 2153a has reached 12:00 (that is, the storage unit 2151). In the case of Yes in step 6726, since it is presumed that the game ball released from the storage unit exists on the rotating body 2153, in step 6728 and step 6730, the partition state update unit 2162c-3 performs the partition state temporary storage unit 2162c. The "Section 1 game ball presence flag" in -1 is turned on, and the "Section 1 game ball existence non-existence unknown flag" is turned off. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 6726, in step 6732, the section state estimation unit 2162c-2 performs the elapsed time (or drive) after the rotating body 2153 receives the ball from the storage unit by the ball effect execution timer 2162b-4. (Elapsed time since the start), the section passage scheduled time reference table 2162c-2-1 is referred, and the storage hole 2153a of the rotating body 2153 is formed in the first opening 2154a of the first game ball passage 2154. Estimate whether or not it has been reached. In the case of Yes in step 6732, it is presumed that the game ball on the rotating body 2153 has moved to the first game ball passage 2154 side, so in step 6734 and step 6736, the partition state update means 2162c-3 The “division 1 game ball presence flag” in the storage means 2162c-1 is turned off and the “division 1 state updating flag” is turned off. If No in step 6732, the process proceeds to the next process (error management process 6300). This completes the state update process for partition 1.

  Next, in step 6738 to step 6747, the state update process of the section 2 is executed. First, in step 6738, the section state management unit 2162c accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage unit 2162g and turns on the “section 2 state updating flag”. Since it is presumed that the game ball has moved to the first game ball passage 2154 side at the time of shifting to this processing, in step 6740 and step 6742, the partition state update unit 2162c-3 performs the partition state temporary storage unit. The “division 2 game ball presence flag” in 2162c-1 is turned on, and the “division 2 game ball existence non-existence unknown flag” is turned off. Then, in step 6744, the section state estimation means 2162c-2 causes the elapsed time since the rotating body 2153 received the sphere from the storage unit (or the elapsed time since the start of driving) in the sphere effect execution timer 2162b-4. ), And whether the game ball that has entered the first game ball passage 2154 reaches the second opening 2154b of the first game ball passage 2154 with reference to the section passage scheduled time reference table 2162c-2-1 Estimate whether or not. In the case of Yes in step 6744, it is presumed that the game ball in the first game ball passage 2154 has moved to the sorting rotator side, so in step 6746 and step 6747, the partition state update means 2162c-3 The “division 2 game ball presence flag” in the storage means 2162c-1 is turned off and the “division 2 state updating flag” is turned off. If NO in step 6744, the process proceeds to the next process (error management process 6300). This completes the state update process for the partition 2.

  Next, in step 6748 to step 6766, the state update process of the section 3 is executed. First, in step 6748, the section state management unit 2162c accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage unit 2162g and turns on the “partition 3 state updating flag”. Since it is presumed that the game ball has moved to the sorting rotator 2157 at the time of shifting to this processing, the partition state update means 2162c-3 in step 6750 and step 6752 is the partition state temporary storage means 2162c. The “compartment 3 game ball presence flag” in “−1” is turned on, and the “compartment 3 game ball existence non-existence unknown flag” is turned off. Next, in step 6754, the section state estimation unit 2162c-2 refers to the effect related information temporary storage unit 2162g, and determines whether or not the current rotation direction of the distribution rotating body 2157 is clockwise. Here, the rotation direction of the sorting rotator 2157 is confirmed because the holding time of the game ball is different between clockwise and counterclockwise. In the case of Yes in step 6754, in step 6756, the section state estimation means 2162c-2 starts the elapsed time (or driving) after the rotating body 2153 receives the ball from the storage unit by the ball effect execution timer 2162b-4. The elapsed time since the time), the game ball moved to the sorting rotating body 2157 with reference to the section passage scheduled time reference table 2162c-2-1 is referred to as the first opening 2156a of the second game ball passage 2156. Estimate whether or not In the case of Yes in step 6756, it is presumed that the game ball on the sorting rotator 2157 has moved to the second game ball passage 2156 side, so in step 6758 and step 6760, the partition state update means 2162c-3 The “compartment 3 game ball presence flag” in the state temporary storage means 2162c-1 is turned off and the “compartment 3 state updating flag” is turned off. If No in step 6756, the process proceeds to the next process (error management process 6300). On the other hand, in the case of No in step 6754, in step 6762, the section state estimation means 2162c-2 performs the elapsed time (or drive) after the rotating body 2153 receives the ball from the storage unit by the ball effect execution timer 2162b-4. (Elapsed time since the start), referring to the section passage scheduled time reference table 2162c-2-1, the game ball moved to the sorting rotator 2157 is the first opening of the third game ball passage 2158 It is estimated whether the part 2158a has been reached. In the case of Yes in step 6762, it is presumed that the game ball on the sorting rotator 2157 has moved to the third game ball passage 2158 side, so that the partition state update means 2162c-3 The “compartment 3 game ball presence flag” in the state temporary storage means 2162c-1 is turned off and the “compartment 3 state updating flag” is turned off. If NO in step 6762, the process proceeds to the next process (error management process 6300). This completes the state update process for the section 3.

Next, in step 6768 to step 6778, the state update process for the section 4 is executed. First, in step 6768, the section state management unit 2162c accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage unit 2162g and turns on the “section 4 state updating flag”. Since it is presumed that the game ball has moved to the second game ball passage 2156 side at the time of shifting to this processing, in step 6770 and step 6772, the partition state update unit 2162c-3 stores the partition state temporary storage unit. The “division 4 game ball presence flag” in 2162c-1 is turned on, and the “division 4 game ball existence non-existence unknown flag” is turned off. In step 6774, the section state estimation means 2162c-2 uses the sphere effect execution timer 2162b-4 to determine the elapsed time since the rotating body 2153 received the sphere from the reservoir (or the elapsed time since the start of driving). ), And whether the game ball that has entered the second game ball passage 2156 reaches the second opening 2156b of the second game ball passage 2156 with reference to the section passage scheduled time reference table 2162c-2-1 Estimate whether or not. In the case of Yes in step 6774, the game balls in the second game ball passage 2156 is estimated to have moved to the pseudo starting opening beta _x side, in step 6776 and step 6778, the partition status update means 2162c-3, partition The “compartment 4 game ball presence flag” in the state temporary storage means 2162c-1 is turned off and the “compartment 4 state update flag” is turned off. If NO in step 6774, the process proceeds to the next process (error management process 6300). Thus, the state update process for the section 4 ends.

Next, in step 6780 to step 6790, the state update process of the section 5 is executed. First, in step 6780, the section state management unit 2162c accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage unit 2162g and turns on the “section 5 state updating flag”. Then, since it is presumed that the game ball has moved to the third game ball passage 2158 side at the time of shifting to this processing, the partition state update means 2162c-3 in step 6682 and step 6784 is the partition state temporary storage means. The “division 5 game ball presence flag” in 2162c-1 is turned on and the “division 5 game ball existence non-existence unknown flag” is turned off. In step 6786, the section state estimation means 2162c-2 uses the sphere effect execution timer 2162b-4 to determine the elapsed time since the rotating body 2153 received the sphere from the storage unit (or the elapsed time since the start of driving). ), And whether the game ball that has entered the third game ball passage 2158 reaches the second opening 2158b of the third game ball passage 2158 with reference to the section passage scheduled time reference table 2162c-2-1. Estimate whether or not. In the case of Yes in step 6786, it is presumed that the game ball in the third game ball passage 2158 has moved to the pseudo start port β _y side, so in step 6788 and step 6790, the partition state update means 2162c-3 The “partition 5 game ball presence flag” in the state temporary storage means 2162c-1 is turned off and the “partition 5 state updating flag” is turned off. In the case of No in step 6786, the process proceeds to the next process (error management process 6300). This completes the state update process for the section 5.

  Next, FIG. 24 shows an error management process, which is a characteristic process of the present invention, related to the subroutine of step 6300 in FIG. First, Steps 6302 to 6316 are provisional error flag setting processing relating to Section 2, Section 4, and Section 5. Here, as described above, with regard to the sections 1 and 3, since the driving abnormality can be recognized by the detection means (for example, a sensor) attached to the driving means, it is immediately determined whether or not an error has occurred in these sections. it can. However, since the section 2, section 4 and section 5 are not provided with an abnormality detection means, it is necessary to determine whether an error such as a ball clogging has occurred based on the situation. Therefore, the possibility of “Maybe an error has occurred in the section” is flagged as a “provisional error flag”. Therefore, first, in Step 6302, the provisional error flag control unit 2162d-1 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage unit 2162g, and determines whether or not the “discharge confirmation waiting flag” is off. In the case of Yes in step 6302, in step 6304, the temporary error flag control means 2162d-1 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g, and determines whether or not the “ball effect execution flag” is on. judge. In the case of Yes in Step 6304, in Step 6306, the temporary error flag control means 2162d-1 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and turns on the “discharge confirmation waiting flag”. Next, in Step 6308, the provisional error flag control unit 2162d-1 refers to the ball effect device side sensor state temporary storage unit 2161c and determines whether or not the discharge confirmation signal from the out ball discharge detection sensor 2159a has been received. To do. In the case of Yes in step 6308, in step 6312, the provisional error flag control means 2162d-1 refers to the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and grasps the current ball effect route, and then the error related information temporary storage means 2162d- 4, the temporary error flags of all sections related to the current ball production route are turned off. This is because the fact that the discharge has been confirmed confirms that no error has occurred in all the sections related to the current ball production route. In step 6316, the temporary error flag control means 2162d-1 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and turns off the “discharge confirmation waiting flag”. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 6308, in step 6310, the temporary error flag control means 2162d-1 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and determines whether or not the “ball effect execution flag” is off. Determine. In the case of Yes in step 6310, that is, in the situation where the ball effect is finished without confirming the discharge, in step 6314, the temporary error flag control means 2162d-1 refers to the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g. After grasping the current ball effect route, the temporary error flags of all the sections related to the current ball effect route in the error-related information temporary storage means 2162d-4 are turned on, and the process proceeds to step 6316. This is because it is determined that an error has occurred in one of the sections related to the current ball production route because the discharge confirmation cannot be taken. Thus, the provisional error flag setting process regarding the partition 2, the partition 4, and the partition 5 is completed.

  Next, in steps 6138 to 6334, error management processing is executed. First, in step 6318, the error flag control means 2162d-2 refers to the ball effect device side sensor state temporary storage means 2161c and determines whether or not an abnormality signal has been received from the abnormality detection sensor of the rotating body driving means 2153b. . In the case of Yes in step 6318, in step 6320, the error flag control unit 2162d-2 turns on the error flag related to the partition 1 in the error related information temporary storage unit 2162d-4, and the process proceeds to step 6324. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 6318, in step 6322, the error flag control unit 2162 d-2 turns off the error flag related to the partition 1 in the error related information temporary storage unit 2162 d-4 and proceeds to step 6324. Next, in Step 6324, the error flag control unit 2162d-2 refers to the ball effect device side sensor state temporary storage unit 2161c, and has received an abnormality signal from the abnormality detection sensor of the sorting rotating body driving unit 2157b. Determine. In the case of Yes in step 6324, in step 6326, the error flag control unit 2162d-2 turns on the error flag related to the section 3 in the error related information temporary storage unit 2162d-4, and the process proceeds to step 6330. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 6324, in step 6328, the error flag control unit 2162 d-2 turns off the error flag related to the section 3 in the error related information temporary storage unit 2162 d-4 and proceeds to step 6330. Next, in step 6330, the error flag control means 2162d-2 acquires provisional error flag information of all sections (sections 2, 4, 5) of the error related information temporary storage means 2162d-4, and then determines an error determination table. 2162d-2-1 is used to estimate whether an error has occurred in any of the sections (sections 2, 4, 5). The error flag related to the corresponding section in the storage unit 2162d-4 is turned on. Next, in Step 6332, the ball clogging error control means 2162d determines whether or not the error flag is turned on in any section. In the case of Yes in step 6332, in step 6334, the ball clogging error control means 2162d adds 1 as the error count of the corresponding section in the error counter 2162d-5. Although not shown in this flowchart, it is assumed that the number of errors is added only once at the timing when the error is turned on from off. This is the end of the error management process.

  Next, in steps 6336 to 6342, error elimination processing is executed. First, in step 6336, the error handling control unit 2162d-3 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage unit 2162g, and determines whether or not the “symbol changing flag” is off. That is, the following processing is executed at a timing when there is no problem in symbol change and the error elimination processing may be executed. In the case of Yes in step 6336, in step 6338, the error handling control unit 2162d-3 refers to the error related information temporary storage unit 2162d-4 to grasp the section where the error has occurred, and The corresponding ball effect device drive control means 2162b-3 is controlled to execute a ball clogging elimination measure. For example, when an error has occurred in the section 1, the rotating body drive control means 2162b-3-1 rotates the rotating body 2153 in small increments clockwise and counterclockwise, and particularly with the storage hole 2153a. The game ball sandwiched between other members (for example, the storage unit 2151 and the first game ball passage 2154) can be removed. When an error has occurred in the section 2, the first game ball passage swing control means 2162b-3-3 rocks the first game ball passage 2154 so that the first game ball passage 2154 is clogged. You can remove the game balls. When an error has occurred in the section 3, the sorting rotator drive control means 2162b-3-2 rotates the sorting rotator 2157 in small increments clockwise and counterclockwise. The game balls sandwiched between 2157a and other members (for example, the first game ball passage 2154, the second game ball passage 2156, and the third game ball passage 2158) can be removed. When an error has occurred in the section 4, the second game ball passage swing control means 2162b-3-4 rocks the second game ball passage 2156 so that the second game ball passage 2156 is clogged. You can remove the game balls. When an error has occurred in the section 5, the third game ball passage swing control means 2162b-3-5 rocks the third game ball passage 2158 so that it is clogged in the third game ball passage 2158. You can remove the game balls. In step 6340, the error flag control unit 2162d-2 refers to the ball effect device side sensor state temporary storage unit 2161c and determines whether or not the discharge confirmation signal from the out ball discharge detection sensor 2159a has been received. In the case of Yes in Step 6340, in Step 6342, the error flag control means 2162d-2 turns off the error flag related to the section where the current clogging elimination measure is taken in the error related information temporary storage means 2162d-4, and next Shifts to the process (display control process 6500 during special game). If NO in step 6302, the process proceeds to step 6306. If NO in step 6304, the process proceeds to step 6318. If NO in step 6332 and step 6340, the next process (display control during special game) is performed. Move to processing 6500).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the display control process during special game according to the subroutine of step 6500 in FIG. First, in step 6502, the effect control means 2162 refers to the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g and determines whether or not the “special game flag” is off. In the case of Yes in step 6502, in step 6504, the effect control means 2162 refers to the main side information temporary storage means 2161a and determines whether or not a special game start signal has been received from the main control device 1000 side. In the case of Yes in step 6504, in step 6506 and step 6508, the effect control means 2162 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g to turn on the “special game flag” and the image effect device 2140. The jackpot start display is done above. In step 6510, the effect control means 2162 sequentially displays the number of rounds and the number of winnings on the image effect device 2140 based on the game information sequentially transmitted from the main control device 1000 side in step 1623. In step 6512, the effect control means 2162 refers to the main-side information temporary storage means 2161a and determines whether or not a special game end signal has been received from the main controller 1000 side. In the case of Yes in step 6512, in step 6514, the effect control means 2162 performs a jackpot end display on the image effect device 2140. In step 6516, the effect control means 2162 accesses the flag area of the effect related information temporary storage means 2162g, turns off the “special game flag”, and proceeds to the next process (step 6004). If NO in step 6502, the process proceeds to step 6510. If NO in steps 6504 and 6512, the process proceeds to the next process (step 6004).

Next, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. Although the pachinko gaming machine according to the best mode has a wide variety of actions, most of the actions have been described in the column of the structure, function and processing of the ball effect device. Only the change in the state of the game ball in will be described. Here, FIG. 26 shows a predetermined ball effect {the storage release timing is 10 seconds after the symbol variation, and the rotation direction of the sorting rotator 2157 is counterclockwise (in Table 4, hit time, special diagram variation time 30 seconds, acquisition) 7 is a timing chart showing a change in the gaming state of each section accompanying the movement of the game ball when the random number value 250)} is executed. Accordingly, the diagram will be described in time series. First, 10 seconds after the start of symbol variation, the rotating body 2153 of the ball effect device 2150 rotates counterclockwise by one rotation. By this operation, the game ball presence flag of the section 1 is turned on at the time when the storage hole 2153a of the rotating body 2153 is expected to reach 12:00 a predetermined time after the rotation starts (in the figure, “reserved” The game ball moves from the head to the rotating body ”when indicated by an arrow). However, the fact that the game ball presence flag is on does not mean that the flag is turned on after the presence of the game ball is confirmed by a sensor or the like, but the driving start timing of the rotary body 2153 and the rotary body The point is that the flag is turned on under the assumption that a game ball is present in consideration of the expected time when the storage hole 2153a of 2153 reaches the storage portion 2151 and the like. Then, two seconds after the timing at which it is estimated that the game ball has moved from the storage unit 2151 to the rotating body 2153, it is estimated that the game ball has moved from the rotating body 2153 to the first game ball passage 2154, and the game in the section 1 While the ball presence flag is turned off, the game ball presence flag of section 2 is turned on. Similarly, it is estimated that the game ball has moved from the first game ball passage 2154 to the sorting rotator 2157 after 3.5 seconds from the timing at which it is estimated that the game ball has moved from the storage unit 2151 to the rotary body 2153. While the game ball presence flag of section 2 is turned off, the game ball presence flag of section 3 is turned on. Similarly, after 4 seconds from the timing when it is estimated that the game ball has moved from the storage unit 2151 to the rotating body 2153, it is estimated that the game ball has moved from the sorting rotating body 2157 to the third game ball passage 2158, and the section 3 While the game ball presence flag is turned off, the game ball presence flag of the section 5 is turned on. Then, it is estimated that the game ball has moved from the third game ball passage 2158 to the pseudo start port β _y after 4.3 seconds from the timing at which it is estimated that the game ball has moved from the storage unit 2151 to the rotating body 2153, and the section 5 Turn off the game ball presence flag. In this way, at the time of the ball effect, it is possible to determine in which section the game ball is present without providing detection means such as a sensor in each section.

  According to the best mode, in a ball game machine having a ball effect mechanism capable of executing a mechanical effect using a specific game ball that is not involved in a game for paying out a prize ball, a plurality of sections in which the mechanical effect is executed. Presence of intrusion into the section, and intrusion timing and discharge timing in the case of intrusion for each, whether a specific game ball is present or not in the section Or, it is provided with a partition state estimation means for estimating a partition state as to whether it is an unknown state, and temporarily stores the estimation information by the partition state estimation means, and when the mechanical effect is executed, the estimation information is Since it is configured to update over time, even if the previous game ball remains or an abnormality such as a ball clogging error occurs in any section, the `` usable route It is possible to improve the execution frequency of the ball production because it is possible to determine the next game ball and to further improve the execution frequency of the ball production. There is also an effect that it becomes possible to take correspondence.

  In addition, there is an out-port at the most downstream of all sections, and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred if it is not possible to confirm that the game ball has passed through the out-port after the scheduled ball production time has passed. Compared to the abnormality determination method, it is possible to achieve a very simple configuration.

  Furthermore, since each section is provided with means for normalizing the abnormality when an abnormality occurs, it is estimated that the abnormality has occurred by the abnormality occurrence section estimation means without taking measures for the entire ball effect mechanism as in the past. It is possible to normalize the abnormality in a pinpoint manner only in the divided sections.

  Furthermore, since it further includes an abnormal number storage means for accumulating and storing the abnormal number for each section, with respect to a section that is likely to cause an abnormality such as a ball clogging error, an effect is provided on a game route that does not use the section. By taking measures such as exchanging members related to the section at an appropriate time, there is an effect that it is possible to execute the optimum performance to the maximum.

  Further, since the mechanical effect is executed in the sections other than the section in which it is estimated that an abnormality has occurred, the execution result of the ball effect can be improved even when there is an abnormality. There is an effect that it becomes possible.

2150 Sphere effect device 2159 Out sphere effect region out port 2159a Out sphere discharge detection sensor 2162c-1 Compartment state temporary storage means 2162c-2 Compartment state estimation means 2162c-3 Compartment state update means 2162d Sphere clog error control means 2162d-2 Error flag Control means 2162d-3 Error handling control means 2162d-4 Error related information temporary storage means 2162d-5 Error counter

Claims (1)

In a ball game machine having a ball effect mechanism capable of executing a mechanical effect using a specific game ball not involved in a prize ball payout game,
The ball production mechanism
A plurality of sections in which specific game balls enter and mechanical effects are executed;
For each of the plurality of sections, the presence / absence of intrusion into the section and the intrusion timing and discharge timing in the case of the intrusion are predicted, and whether or not a specific game ball exists in the section Partition state estimation means for estimating a partition state of whether it is a state or an unknown state;
For each of the plurality of partitions, a partition state temporary storage unit that manages the partition state estimated by the partition state estimation unit;
Partition state update means for sequentially updating the partition state in the partition state temporary storage means according to the movement of the specific game ball when a mechanical effect is executed with the specific game ball ;
Provided at the most downstream of the plurality of sections, and an outlet for discharging a specific game ball from the ball directing mechanism;
A specific game ball discharge detecting means for detecting discharge of the specific game ball from the outlet;
After a mechanical performance using a specific game ball is executed, if the discharge of the specific game ball is not detected by the specific game ball discharge detection means even after the specific game ball discharge scheduled time has passed, an abnormality has occurred. An abnormality determining means for determining;
An abnormality that temporarily stores information indicating that an abnormality may have occurred in a section where an abnormality may have occurred based on the mechanical performance performed this time when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred by the abnormality determination means A possibility storage section information temporary storage means;
Anomaly occurrence partition estimation means for estimating in which partition an abnormality has occurred based on the information temporarily stored in the abnormality occurrence possibility partition information temporary storage means;
Have
An error occurs if it is not possible to identify which section the anomaly has occurred based on the section estimated by the anomaly section estimation unit after a certain mechanical effect using the specific game ball has been executed The ball and ball game machine is configured to execute a further mechanical effect after the certain mechanical effect is executed .

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