JP6930191B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Some game machines such as pachinko machines include a game board in which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When the game ball launched from the game ball launching means enters the ball entry portion provided in the game area, a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP-A-2002-78904

In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, for example, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably improving the degree of attention to the game.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above problems will be described.

This onset Ming,
It is a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board in which a gaming area in which a gaming ball flows down is formed.
A planar ball receiving portion provided in the game area where the game ball can stay for a predetermined period of time,
If the subsequent game balls to the ball receiving part in a situation where a game ball remains in the ball receiving part reaches, and the subsequent game balls drained game balls that the remains from the ball reception portion Bei example the replacement unit replaces the game balls for which remains as to stay in the ball receiving part,
The replacement means collides with the remaining game ball when the succeeding game ball reaches the ball receiving portion under the condition that the game ball is staying at the ball receiving portion. It has a guide section that guides you to the position,
When a subsequent game ball guided by the guide unit collides with a game ball staying in the ball receiving portion, the remaining game ball is subjected to the exit portion of the ball receiving portion by the succeeding game ball. It is characterized by being pushed to the side.

It is possible to preferably improve the degree of attention to the game.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is a perspective view which shows the main configuration of a pachinko machine in an unfolded manner. It is a perspective view which shows the main configuration of a pachinko machine in an unfolded manner. It is a front view which shows the structure of the inner frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of the game board unit. It is a perspective view which looked at the game board unit from the back side. It is a rear view which shows the structure of the inner frame. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the back pack unit. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6 showing a variable winning unit and its peripheral configuration. (A) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 11, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 12 (a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 12 (a). (A1) Partial cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 12 (a), (a2) Schematic view showing an enlarged stage of FIG. 13 (a1), (b1) Partial cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 12 (a). FIG., (b2) a schematic view showing an enlarged stage of FIG. 13 (b1), (c1) a partial cross-sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. 12 (a), and (c2) an enlarged stage of FIG. 13 (c1). It is a schematic diagram which shows. It is a schematic diagram which shows the movement of a game ball on a stage. It is a schematic diagram which shows the movement of a game ball on a stage. It is a timing chart which shows the state of change of the game ball which stops. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the contents of various counters used for a winning or failing lottery. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating (a) the winning / failing table for a low probability mode, and (b) explanatory drawing for explaining the winning / failing table for a high probability mode. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating (a) the distribution table for the upper actuating opening, and (b) explanatory drawing for demonstrating the distribution table for the lower actuating opening. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the difference between a high frequency winning mode and a low frequency winning mode. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing executed by the MPU of the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process which is executed by MPU of a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the game state transition process. It is a flowchart which shows the opening and closing process of a big winning opening. It is the schematic which shows the change of the holding ball. It is sectional drawing of the variable winning unit in 2nd Embodiment. It is a vertical sectional view of a variable winning unit. It is a schematic diagram which shows the movement of the game ball in a variable winning unit. (A) A partially enlarged view of a game board unit showing a variable winning device and its peripheral configuration in the third embodiment, and (b) a schematic view showing a distribution probability of game balls. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the difference between a high frequency winning mode and a low frequency winning mode. (A) is a schematic view showing each period, and (b) is a schematic view showing the movement of a game ball. (A) A partially enlarged view of a game board unit showing a variable winning device and its peripheral configuration in the fourth embodiment, and (b) a schematic view showing a distribution probability of game balls. (A) is a schematic view showing each period, and (b) is a schematic view showing the movement of a game ball. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of a game in a special game state.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, referred to as “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 as viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the main configurations of the pachinko machine 10. In FIG. 3, for convenience, the configuration in the gaming area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 is composed of an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and a game machine main portion 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 11 is formed by connecting long frame members on four sides and is formed so as to form a rectangular frame as a whole. By attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. The outer frame 11 is not an indispensable configuration in the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be provided in the island equipment of the game hall or the like.

The game machine main portion 12 is supported by an outer frame 11 in a state where it can be opened and closed. Specifically, the upper support metal fitting 17 is fixed to the connecting portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further below to the connecting portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. A side support metal fitting 18 is provided. A support mechanism is composed of the upper support metal fittings 17 and the lower support metal fittings 18, and the support mechanism causes the game machine main portion 12 to rotate on the left side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the outer frame 11. , The right side is the rotation tip side, and the pachinko machine 10 can be rotated forward (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gaming machine main portion 12 is arranged behind the inner frame 13 as a base body, the front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and the inner frame 13. It is equipped with a back pack unit 15. The inner frame 13 of the main portion 12 of the gaming machine is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can rotate forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side when viewed from the front of the gaming machine.

The front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation tip side when viewed from the front of the gaming machine so that the back pack unit 15 can rotate backward. There is.

(Front door frame 14)
Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 having an outer shape substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. There is. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame body 20 so that almost the entire area of the game area PE, which will be described later, can be visually recognized from the front, and the window portion 21 is the same by the glass unit 22. It is closed from the back side of the front door frame 14.

The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition portion that partitions the holding region of the glass panel 23 back and forth, and both glass panels 23 face each other in the front and rear with the partition portion interposed therebetween. That is, by securing a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, the game area PE is doubly covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23 while avoiding interference between the glass panels 23. It is in a state.

It is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 by using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame body 20. Further, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and crime prevention, it is preferable to use a plurality of glass panels and to face each of the glass panels in the front-rear direction with a predetermined gap in between. Incidentally, it is also possible to use a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of the glass panel.

Light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window portion 21). For example, an annular illumination portion 26 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the peripheral edge of the window portion 21. The annular illumination unit 26 is lit or blinked according to a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. In addition, an error indicator lamp 27 that lights up when a problem such as an error occurs is provided at the center of the annular illumination section 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and further to the left and right of the error indicator lamp section 27, during the payout of prize balls. A illuminating prize ball lamp unit 28 is provided. Further, speaker units 29 for outputting sound effects, BGM, etc. according to the game state are provided at positions close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 28 (see FIG. 3).

Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulging portion 31 bulging toward the front side and a lower bulging portion 32 are vertically arranged side by side. An upper plate 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower plate 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32 (see FIG. 2). The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing the game balls paid out from the payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball launch mechanism described later while arranging them in a row. Further, the lower plate 34 has a function of storing the surplus game balls in the upper plate 33 and a game in which the game balls launched by the game ball launch mechanism do not reach the game area PE (see FIG. 3). When the ball is returned to the player, it has a function as a saucer for storing the discharged game ball.

A game ball launching handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to project toward the front side. By operating the game ball launching handle 41, the game ball is launched from the game ball launching mechanism described later. The rate of fire of the game ball increases as the operation amount (rotation amount) of the game ball launch handle 41 increases, and when this operation amount is adjusted by the player to reach a predetermined amount, the game ball is played. It will reach the region PE. In addition, by adjusting this amount of operation by the player, it is possible to separate the game ball into the right route and the left route, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is formed of synthetic resin and has a front door side upper plate passage leading to the upper plate 33 and a front door side lower plate passage leading to the lower plate 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion that protrudes rearward and is opened upward is formed in the upper corner portion thereof, and the entrance portion of the upper plate passage on the front door side is formed by partitioning the receiving portion to the left and right by a partition wall. A section is formed between the portion and the entrance portion of the lower plate passage on the front door side. The upper plate passage on the front door side and the lower plate passage on the front door side lead to the game ball distribution section described later on the upstream side, and the game balls entering the upper plate passage on the front door side are guided to the upper plate 33 and lower on the front door side. The game ball that has entered the plate passage is guided to the lower plate 34.

On the rotation base end side on the back surface of the front door frame 14, protrusion shafts are provided at the upper end portion and the lower end portion thereof. These protrusion shafts form an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the inner frame 13. In FIG. 5, as in FIG. 3, the configuration in the gaming area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

(Inner frame 13)
The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of an inner frame base body 50 having a substantially rectangular outer shape like the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the inner frame base body 50 is set to be slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. Further, the inner frame base body 50 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame base body 50. A curtain plate is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The curtain plate is arranged below the inner frame base body 50 (specifically, the lower end thereof), and when the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the inner frame base body 50 is placed on the curtain plate. It will be listed. A slight clearance may be provided between the curtain plate and the inner frame base body 50 for the purpose of preventing mutual interference.

Support metal fittings 71 and 72 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 5) on the front surface of the inner frame base body 50. Although not shown, the support metal fittings 71 and 72 have shaft portions, and by inserting the bearing portion provided in the front door frame 14 into these shaft portions, the front door frame with respect to the inner frame 13 is inserted. 14 is rotatably supported.

A locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is provided on the rotating tip side (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame base body 50. The locking device 75 extends vertically along the right end portion (vertical frame member described later) of the inner frame base body 50, and the hook members 76 for the front door are arranged scattered in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) thereof. have. In the inner frame base body 50, slits for projecting the hook receiving member 49 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 to the front side of the inner frame 13 correspond to each front door hook member 76. It is formed in this way. The front door hook member 76 protruding through the slits is locked to the hook receiving member 49 provided on the front door frame 14 in a one-to-one correspondence with each front door hook member 76, thereby locking the front door. The frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened. Further, the locking device 75 has an inner frame hook member 77 extending to the rear side of the inner frame 13. The inner frame hook member 77 is hooked on the hook receiving member 19 fixed to the outer frame 11, so that the gaming machine main portion 12 is locked with respect to the outer frame 11.

A cylinder lock 78 for unlocking the locking device 75 is installed in the inner frame base body 50 (locking device 75). The cylinder lock 78 is provided separately from the locking unit (each hook member 76, 77, interlocking rod, etc.) that constitutes the main part of the locking device 75, and is arranged adjacent to the locking unit. When the key inserted in the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the right (clockwise), the front door frame 14 is unlocked from the inner frame 13, and the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the left (counterclockwise). And the lock of the inner frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is released.

A storage recess 51 for accommodating the game board unit 80 is formed in the central portion of the inner frame base body 50. The accommodating recess is recessed in the rear of the gaming machine according to the outer shape of the gaming board unit 80, and the gaming board unit 80 is fixed to the accommodating recess 51 by a manual lock mechanism in a state of being fitted from the front of the gaming machine. A substantially rectangular window hole 52 is formed at the bottom of the accommodating recess 51, and the rear surface configuration of the game board unit 80 (rear block 80b described later) projects rearward of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 52. .. Almost the entire window hole 52 is covered from the front of the gaming machine by the gaming board unit 80 mounted on the inner frame base body 50.

(Game board unit 80)
The game board unit 80 is provided on the front side of the game area PE on which the game ball flows down and on the back side of the game area forming body 80a and the game area forming body 80a, and various game parts (for example, variable display unit, control) described later are provided. The device, the movable effect mechanism, the decorative member capable of emitting light, etc.) are integrated with the back block 80b, which is mounted on the base body 251. The game area forming body 80a is made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the front surface portion of the back block 80b is visible through the game area forming body 80a.

As described above, the game area PE is covered with the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23). In the glass unit 22, the gap between the rear glass panel 23 and the front surface of the game area forming body 80a is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game ball flowing down the game area PE is the same game area PE. They are arranged so that they are not lined up in the front and back at the same place. As a result, ball clogging in the game area PE is suppressed.

Hereinafter, the game board unit 80 (particularly, various configurations arranged in the game area PE of the game area forming body 80a) will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a front view of the game board unit 80, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game board unit 80 as viewed from the rear.

The game area forming body 80a is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its own thickness direction (front-back direction). As shown in FIG. 6, a general winning opening 81, a variable winning unit, operating openings 83a, 83b, a through gate 84, and the like are arranged in each opening. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 81, the variable winning unit, and the operating ports 83a, 83b, the game ball is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) provided corresponding to each entry portion, and the detection result is used. Based on this, a predetermined number of prize balls (payment of game balls) and other benefits are given to the player. In addition, an out port 89 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game area forming body 80a, and a game ball that has not entered various entry portions or the like is discharged from the game area PE through the out port 89. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish from the entry of the game ball into the out opening 89, the game ball to the general winning opening 81, the variable winning unit (detailed later, the large winning opening), and the operating openings 83a and 83b. The winning ball is also expressed as "winning". In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, dot hatching is provided in the lower right portion of the game area PE in which the variable winning unit is arranged, and the variable winning unit is not shown.

Further, in the game area forming body 80a, a large number of nail members 93 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game ball, and various members (accessories) such as a wind turbine 94 are arranged. Has been done. The flow path of the game ball is differentiated by various configurations of the nail member 93, the windmill 94, and the like, and is adjusted so that the above-mentioned general winning opening 81 and the like are won with an appropriate probability.

A central opening 85 is formed in the center of the game area forming body 80a, and a transparent opening cover 86 is attached so as to cover the central opening 85 from the back side of the game area forming body 80a. A variable display unit 252 or the like belonging to the back block 80b is located behind the central opening 85, and the variable display unit 252 or the like can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine through the central opening 85 (opening cover 86). There is.

Actuating ports 83a and 83b, a through gate 84, and the like are arranged around the central opening 85. The actuating ports 83a and 83b are composed of an upper actuating port 83a arranged below the variable display unit 252 and a lower actuating port 83b arranged directly under the upper actuating port 83a, and particularly the lower actuating port 83a. The (lottery opportunity ball entry section) 83b is provided with an electric accessory 91 as an opening / closing type ball entry assisting device (ball entry assisting means) or an opening / closing member (opening / closing means). The electric accessory 91 includes a movable piece and a solenoid-type drive unit that drives the movable piece, and the position of the movable piece is changed by the drive unit so that the ball enters the lower operating port 83b. It is possible to switch between an open state (auxiliary state) where it is possible or easy, and a closed state (non-auxiliary state) where it is impossible or difficult to enter the ball.

In the game area PE, the through gate 84 is arranged at a position on the upstream side (more specifically, the side of the variable display unit 252) of the lower operating port 83b, and the passage of the through gate 84 of the game ball is used as a trigger. If the lottery is won, the electric accessory 91 is switched from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time.

When a ball enters the upper operating port 83a, three game balls are paid out, and when a ball enters the lower operating port 83b, four game balls are paid out. However, the number of game balls to be paid out is not limited to the above. However, for example, in order to enhance the advantage of the lower operating port 83b over the upper operating port 83a, it is preferable to set a larger number of payouts related to the lower operating port 83b than the number of payouts related to the upper operating port 83a.

Although the details will be described later, the variable winning unit (special winning device or special winning means) is formed with a large winning opening, and a shutter as an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) for opening / closing the large winning opening is provided. It is provided. The shutter can be switched between an open state (accepted state or auxiliary state) in which the game ball can be entered and a closed state (non-accepted or non-assisted state) in which the same ball cannot be entered. Further, the shutter is connected to a variable winning drive unit (specifically, a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game area forming body 80a, and the shutter is normally kept in a closed state and opened / closed in an internal lottery. If you win the transition to the execution mode (open / close execution state) (big hit: when the transition result to the special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state), you can switch to the open state. ing. Regarding the variable winning device, when the shutter is closed, it is difficult to enter the large winning opening, and when it is open, it is easier to enter the large winning opening than when it is closed. It may be configured as follows.

Here, the open / close execution mode is a mode that shifts when a big hit is won. As an opening mode of the variable winning unit in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, a predetermined time (for example, 30 sec or 0.6 sec) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning is set as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds or 2) are set. It is set so that the shutter is repeatedly opened up to the upper limit of the round).

Next, the variable display unit 252 will be supplementarily described. The variable display unit 252 has a symbol display device 253 that variably displays (variates) the symbol by using the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b as a trigger. The symbol display device 253 is configured as a liquid crystal display device provided with a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. On the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, for example, the symbols are displayed side by side in the upper, middle, and lower directions, and these symbols are scrolled in the left-right direction to be displayed in a variable manner. Then, when the jackpot is won, the symbols of the predetermined combination are stopped and displayed on the preset effective line, and the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode (special game state or jackpot). The symbol display device 253 does not necessarily have to be a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix or a 7-segment type display device.

The game area forming body 80a is provided with a center frame 95 so as to surround the central opening 85. The center frame 95 is fixed to the game area forming body 80a (specifically, a plate body) from the front side thereof, and in such a fixed state, the center frame 95 stands up from the front surface of the game area forming body 80a. The gap between the center frame 95 and the glass unit 22 is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. As a result, it is prevented that the game ball flowing down the game area PE collides with the symbol display device 253, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is on the right side of the variable display unit 252 (specifically, the center frame 95). It is roughly divided into a route that detours from the left side and a route that detours from the left side.

A stage portion on which the game ball can roll left and right is formed on the upper surface of the frame portion forming the lower portion of the center frame 95. The game balls flowing in from the inflow ports formed in the left and right left frame portions of the center frame 95 are discharged onto the stage portion through the warp passage also formed in the center frame 95. The stage portion is configured so that the game ball that has reached the stage portion can relatively easily flow into the upper operating port 83a, and the player's attention to the movement of the game ball on the stage portion is improved. Contributes to.

Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, the central opening 85 is covered with the transparent opening cover 86 so that the game ball that has reached the stage portion does not move to the back block 80b (variable display unit 252) side. Is regulated by.

Further, a first holding lamp portion 98a and a second holding lamp portion 98b are provided on the front surface of the frame portion forming the lower portion of the center frame 95. The first holding lamp portion 98a on the left side corresponds to the upper operating port 83a, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the upper operating port 83a is held up to four times, and the number of holdings is increased by lighting the first holding lamp portion 98a. It is supposed to be displayed. The second holding lamp portion 98b on the right side corresponds to the lower operating port 83b, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the lower operating port 83b is held up to four times, and the number of holdings is increased by lighting the second holding lamp portion 98b. Is displayed.

The operating ports 83a and 83b are arranged at positions closer to the central opening 85 (variable display unit 252). Since the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b can be used as a trigger to shift to the special gaming state, the player pays attention to whether or not the operating ports 83a and 83b are won and grasps whether or not to shift to the special gaming state. Therefore, it is considered that attention should be paid to the symbol display device 253. The fact that the operating ports 83a and 83b are provided near the variable display unit 252 is a device for concentrating the points that the player wants to pay attention to around the variable display unit 252.

At the right end of the game area forming body 80a (the rotating tip of the game board unit 80 described later), a game area partition member 99 for partitioning the game area PE is arranged together with the guide rail 100 described later. The game area partition member 99 is provided with a stopper member on which the game ball flying along the main display unit 87 and the guide rail 100 collides with the main display unit 87. The stopper member is a cushioning member arranged near the tip of the guide rail 100, and the game ball that collides with the stopper member flows down the game area PE after its momentum is weakened. That is, the stopper member is provided with a de-energizing function that weakens the momentum of the colliding game ball.

Here, the main display unit 87 will be supplementarily described. The main display unit 87 is embedded in the game area partition member 99, and a part thereof is arranged so as to face the glass unit 22. A main display unit for displaying a predetermined pattern or the like is provided on the facing portions. The main display unit 87 is electrically connected to a main control device described later, and the display content of the main display unit is controlled by the main control device.

The main display unit is for the upper operating port display unit that displays the lottery result based on the winning of the upper operating port 83a, and for the lower operating port that displays the lottery result performed based on the winning of the lower operating port 83b. It has a display unit. In the display unit for the upper operating port, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the upper operating port 83a, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the upper operating port 83a is performed. The result is specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the upper operating port 83a is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the open / close execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the display unit for the upper operating port, and the stop result is predetermined. After the pattern of is displayed, the mode shifts to the above-mentioned open / close execution mode.

In the display unit for the lower operating port, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the lower operating port 83b, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the lower operating port 83b is performed. The result is specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the lower operating port 83b is the winning result corresponding to the big hit, the variable display is stopped on the display unit for the lower operating port, and a predetermined pattern is displayed as the stop result. After that, the mode shifts to the above-mentioned open / close execution mode according to the result.

Here, based on the winning of any of the operating ports 83a and 83b, the variable display is started on the corresponding operating port display unit, and after the pattern corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed, the pattern is stopped. Until the predetermined stop display time (stop display period or final display period) elapses (until the final display ends) while being displayed, it corresponds to one game. However, one game round is not limited to the above contents, and for example, a single display area is provided, and even if any of the operating ports 83a and 83b is won a prize, the single display area is provided. In a configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, the variable display is stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed, and then the final display is completed. It is also possible to set one of the game times.

Further, in addition to the above both display units, the main display unit 87 is provided with a through gate display unit that displays the lottery result based on the winning of the through gate 84. In the through gate display unit, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the through gate 84, and as the stop result of the variation display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 84 is clearly shown. Will be done. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the through gate 84 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric service open state, the predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display unit and the variable display is displayed. After being stopped, it shifts to the electric service open state. In the electric service open state, the electric accessory 91 provided in the lower operating port 83b is opened in a predetermined manner.

Further, in the present embodiment, the number of times the game ball has passed through the through gate 84 is held up to 4 times, but the number of times held is displayed on the main display unit of the main display unit 87. A display unit for the number of holdings is provided.

The main display unit described in detail above can be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and the game ball is prevented from moving in front of these various display units. Therefore, its visibility is guaranteed.

Explaining the configuration of the inner frame 13 again with reference to FIG. 5, a game ball is launched into the game area PE below the game board unit 80 in the inner frame base body 50 based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41. A game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided.

(Game ball launch mechanism 110)
The game ball launch mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball arranged at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines a launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying balls and a base plate 114 on which these various configurations 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as a main configuration, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the inner frame base body 50 to form the same. It is integrated with the inner frame base body 50.

The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in a state of being inclined obliquely so as to be inclined upward toward the game area forming body 80a side. A groove portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section is formed on the launch rail 112, and the front-rear position of the game ball is defined by fitting the game ball into the groove-shaped portion.

At a position closer to the downstream end (that is, the lower end) of the launch rail 112, a ball stopper that holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 to the launch standby position described above is arranged. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream from the ball stopper.

The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply / emission control device described later. The output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion / contraction direction based on the output of the electric signal from the power supply / launch control device, so that the game ball placed in the launch standby position is on the game area forming body 80a side, in detail. Is launched toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the game area forming body 80a.

The guide rail 100 is formed by partitioning the game area PE together with the game area partition member 99 fixed to the game area forming body 80a (specifically, the front surface of the plate body) so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. There is. Further, the guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged so as to face each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the guide passage 103 is formed by the two rails 101 and 102. Has been done. The guidance passage 103 has an entrance portion 104 opened to the tip end side (obliquely downward) of the launch rail 112, and an exit portion 105 located above the game area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the launch rail 112 → the guidance rail 100 (entrance portion 104 → exit portion 105). In the game area forming body 80a, on the front side of the exit portion 105, specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101, a reversion prevention member 106 for preventing the reversion of the game ball that has reached the game area PE into the guidance passage 103. Is attached, and it is suppressed that the game ball that has reached the game area PE first prevents the subsequent launch of the game ball from being hindered.

Each of the rails 101 and 102 constituting the guide rail 100 has an arc shape centered on a substantially central portion of the game area PE. Therefore, the game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is likely to move (slide or roll) along the outer rail 102, that is, while in contact with the outer rail 102, due to the centrifugal force generated by itself. That is, when the game ball is launched so as to deliver the game ball to the game area PE, the area along the outer rail 102 in the guidance passage 103 constitutes a passage area (passage path) through which the game ball substantially passes. However, the region along the inner rail 101 is substantially a region through which the game ball does not pass.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112, the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 diagonally face each other with the lower end edge of the game area forming body 80a interposed therebetween. Is located in. That is, both of the rails 100 and 112 are arranged so that the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are displaced to the left and right in the vicinity of the lower end edge of the game area forming body 80a. As a result, both rails 100 and 112 are brought closer to the lower end edge of the game area forming body 80a, and a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the inlet portion 104 of the guidance rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

A foul ball passage is arranged below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball passage is integrally molded with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns in the guidance passage 103 as a foul ball, the foul ball enters the foul ball passage through the gap. Become. The foul ball passage leads to the lower plate passage on the front door side, and the game ball that has entered the foul ball passage is discharged to the lower plate 34 shown in FIG. As a result, the interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be launched next is suppressed.

A rail cover 107 is provided at the left end of the game area forming body 80a so as to cover the outer rail 102 from the side. The game board unit 80 is often handled as a single unit during manufacturing or maintenance work, and at this time, the outer rail 102 may collide with the game table or the like. The rail cover 107 is a member mounted in view of such circumstances, and is provided with a protective function for preventing the outer rail 102 from being deformed due to the above factors or the like.

In the inner frame base body 50, a through hole is formed on the left side of the launch rail 112 (specifically, the side supporting the front door frame 14) to penetrate the inner frame base body 50 in the front-rear direction. A passage forming member 121 is arranged in the door. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the inner frame base body 50, and has a main body side upper plate passage 122 and a main body side lower plate passage 123. The upstream side of the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 leads to a game ball distribution unit described later. Further, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side upper plate passage 122. A front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side lower plate passage 123.

In the inner frame base body 50, below the passage forming member 121, an opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 is attached. The opening / closing member 124 is urged at a front position for closing the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123, and when the front door frame 14 is opened, each opening / closing member 124 is urged by this urging force. By being in the closed state, the game balls are prevented from falling out from the passages 122 and 123. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the urging force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage communicate with each other, and the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage communicate with each other.

Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (inner frame base body 50 and game board unit 80) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

As shown in FIG. 8, a bearing metal fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (right side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50. A bearing portion 133 is formed on the bearing metal fitting 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. Further, on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50, a plurality of fixing levers 134 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame base body 50 in a closed state are provided.

As described above, the bottom portion of the accommodating recess (game board accommodating portion) 51 in the inner frame base body 50 penetrates in the thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50 and is opened to the back side of the inner frame base body 50. A window hole 52 is formed, and the window hole 52 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by a game board unit 80 housed in the storage recess 51. Various configurations such as a control device are mounted on the back surface of the game board unit 80 (rear block 80b), and these various configurations are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 52. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board unit 80 will be described.

As described above, the back block 80b is attached to the back surface of the game area forming body 80a. The back block 80b has a substantially box-shaped base body 251 open to the game area forming body 80a side, and the base body 251 is fixed to the back surface of the game area forming body 80a to form a game area. The body 80a and the back block 80b are integrated.

The front side of the base body 251 is an arrangement area for a movable effect mechanism, a decorative member capable of emitting light, and the like, and the back side thereof is a control device for controlling various configurations and the variable display unit 252 (design display device). It is the arrangement area of 253).

More specifically, a part of the base body 251 protrudes to the back side of the inner frame base body 50, and the above-mentioned symbol display device 253 (see FIG. 6) and the symbol display device thereof with respect to the protruding portion. A display control device for driving the 253 is attached. The symbol display device 253 and the display control device are arranged so as to be stacked so that the symbol display device is on the front side and the display control device is on the rear side in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50). Further, a notification / effect control device 140 is mounted on the back surface of the base body 251 so as to be located behind the display control device.

The notification / effect control device 140 includes a notification / effect control board that controls voice output, lamp display, and control of the display control device according to instructions from the main control device described later, and the notification / effect control board is transparent. It is housed in a substrate box 141 made of a resin material or the like.

Below the notification / effect control device 140, a main control device unit 160 is provided so as to cover the base body 96 from the rear. The main control device unit 160 has a synthetic resin mounting base 161 fixed to the back surface of the game board unit 80 (specifically, the back block 80b) and a main control device 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. There is. The main control device 162 includes a main control board having a function of controlling the main control of the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a substrate box 163 made of the above.

The substrate box 163 includes a box base (front case body) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (back case body) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are unopenably connected by a box sealing portion 164 as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing portions 164 are provided on the short side portions of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform the sealing process.

Any configuration can be applied to the box sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened, but the box is formed by inserting a locking pin into the locking hole portion constituting the box sealing portion 164. The base and the box cover are combined so that they cannot be opened. The sealing process by the box sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the illegal opening is performed. Even after opening the package, it is possible to perform the sealing process again. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking pin into at least one locking hole of the plurality of box sealing portions 164. When the board box 163 is opened when a defect occurs in the housed main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the connecting portion between the box sealing portion into which the locking pin is inserted and the main body of the board box 163 is formed. To disconnect. As a result, the box base of the board box 163 and the box cover are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If the history of opening the board box 163 is left in the board box 163, it is easy to find out that the illegal opening has been performed by looking at the board box 163.

The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected to each other by a pedestal sealing portion 165 so as not to be opened. Specifically, the pedestal sealing portion 165 has a locking hole portion and a locking pin as in the box sealing portion 164, and the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole portion to form a board box 163. It is designed to be inseparably coupled to the mounting base 161. This makes it easier to grasp the fact when the board box 163 is illegally removed.

The portion of the front surface of the base body 251 facing the lower back surface of the game area forming body 80a corresponds to the game board openings of the general winning opening 81, the variable winning unit 82, and the operating ports 83a and 83b, and is downstream. A collection passage (not shown) that gathers at one place on the side is formed. As a result, all the game balls that have won the general winning opening 81 or the like are gathered below the game board unit 80 via the collection passage. That is, the base body 251 is provided with a function of collecting the game balls that have won prizes in various winning openings.

A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board unit 80, and the game balls gathered below the game board unit 80 are led out into the discharge passage by the collection passage. The out port 89 is also connected to the discharge passage, and the game ball that has not won a prize in any of the winning ports is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 89.

Further, in the base body 251 constituting the back block 80b, as the detection sensor for each of the above-mentioned ball entry portions, a general winning opening detection sensor for detecting the game ball winning in the general winning opening 81 and an operating port 83a , 83b is equipped with a detection sensor for the operating port that detects the game ball, and these various detection sensors constitute a winning detection mechanism. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and detection information (detection signal) is output from each detection sensor to the main control device 162.

Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 9, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201 as a main body of the back pack unit 15, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device collecting unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. ..

The back pack 201 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 10, a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion that protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. It has 212 and. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 252 (see FIG. 9).

The base portion 211 is provided with an external output terminal plate 213. Various output terminals are provided on the external output terminal plate 213, and various signals are output to the management control device (hall computer) on the game hall side through these output terminals. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower hooking pins 214 at the right end portion when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the hooking pins 214 are provided on the inner frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13 by being inserted through the portion 133. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions through which the fixing lever 134 provided in the inner frame 13 is inserted, and the fixed lever 134 is inserted into the insertion portion and hits the base portion 211 from behind. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by being in contact with the inner frame 13.

The payout mechanism portion 202 is arranged on the base portion 211 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism unit 202 is provided with a tank 221 arranged at the uppermost part of the back pack 201 and opened upward, and game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. NS. A tank rail 222 that gently inclines toward the downstream side is connected to the side of the tank 221 and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution section 225 provided on the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224.

The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function for distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to any of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, or the discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is the main body described above. It is formed so that it leads to the upper plate 33 via the side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage, and the outer opening leads to the lower plate 34 via the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage. Has been done.

A discharge passage board and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion back and forth. The discharge passage board is formed with a discharge passage that is open to the rear on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and the open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island equipment of the game hall, etc., and the game ball led out from the above-mentioned collection passage or the like to the discharge passage passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. It is discharged.

The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and the payout control device 242 and the power supply / emission control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged so as to be stacked in the front-rear direction so that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is housed in the board box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box 244. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is cleared.

In the power supply / launch control device 243, the power supply / launch control board is housed in the board box 246. A predetermined power source required by various control devices and the like is generated and output by the power supply / launch control board, and the launch of the game ball is controlled by the player operating the game ball launch handle 41. Specifically, the drive control of the solenoid 111 constituting the game ball launch mechanism 110 and the drive control of the ball feeding device 113 are executed.

Further, the power supply / emission control device 243 is provided with a power supply switch 247. By operating the power switch 247, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched between an on state (on state) and a cutoff state (off state).

Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a storage and holding function for various data, retains the state at the time of a power failure even in the unlikely event of a power failure, and returns to the state at the time of a power failure when recovering from the power failure. You can do it. For example, when the power is shut off in the normal procedure as in the case of the closing of the game hall, the state before the shutoff is stored in memory. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erasing switch 166 provided in the main control device 162, the RAM data is initialized.

These various switches can be operated from the front side of the gaming machine by opening the main portion 12 (inner frame 13) of the gaming machine to expose the back portion of the inner frame 13. On the other hand, in a state where the opening of the game machine main unit 12 is restricted by the locking device 75, these various switches cannot be operated from the front side of the game machine. That is, the above-mentioned various switches are difficult to operate when the game machine main unit 12 is closed, and are operated from the front side of the game machine by a person who does not have a key for the locking device 75 (for example, a cheating person). Is difficult.

In the first embodiment described in detail above, the configuration relating to the variable winning unit arranged in the game board unit 80 (game area forming body 80a) is characteristic. Hereinafter, the configuration relating to the variable winning unit will be supplementarily described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. 11 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6 (front view of the variable winning unit) showing the variable winning unit and its peripheral configuration, FIG. 12 (a) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 (b) is. 12 (a) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line BB, FIG. 12 (c) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 12 (a), and FIG. 13 (a1) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 12 (a). A partial cross-sectional view, FIG. 13 (a2) is a schematic view showing an enlarged stage of FIG. 13 (a1), FIG. 13 (b1) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 12 (a), and FIG. 13 (b2). 13 (b1) is an enlarged schematic view showing the stage of FIG. 13 (b1), FIG. 13 (c1) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line FF of FIG. 12 (a), and FIG. 13 (c2) shows the stage of FIG. 13 (c1). It is a schematic diagram shown in an enlarged manner. Note that, in FIG. 11, for convenience of explanation, dot hatching is provided to a portion of the game area forming body 80a that protrudes from the front surface to the front of the gaming machine, and the portion of the game area forming body 80a that protrudes from the front surface is suppressed. I make a distinction.

The variable winning unit 82 is arranged on the right route in the game area PE, specifically at a position on the right route downstream of the through gate 84 as shown in FIG. 11, and the game ball flowing down the right route is It is configured to reach the variable winning unit 82 via the through gate 84. The variable winning unit 82 includes a variable winning device 310 located below the through gate 84 and having the large winning opening 319 and the shutter 321, and a guide block 300 arranged between the through gate 84 and the variable winning device 310. Are integrated and fixed to the game area forming body 80a in a state of being arranged in the opening formed in the game area forming body 80a (see FIG. 12).

The guide block 300 is formed with a guide passage 301 that guides the game ball that has passed through the through gate 84 to the variable winning device 310. The guide passage 301 has a limited passage width and the like so that a plurality of game balls cannot pass through the same place at the same time. It has a function of adjusting the moving speed so that the moving speed when the game ball moves to the device 310 becomes a predetermined speed, that is, a function of suppressing variation in the moving speed of the game ball supplied to the variable winning device 310.

Specifically, the guide passage 301 has an upstream portion 305 formed so as to form an entrance portion projecting to the front side of the game area forming body 80a and having a downward inclination to the rear, and the inside of the opening of the game area forming body 80a. The middle flow portion 306 extending vertically and the downstream portion 307 forming the exit portion of the guide passage 301 and forming a downward slope toward the center side of the game area PE, the upstream portion 305, the middle flow portion 306, and the like. The boundary portion of the downstream portion 307 is configured to be a crank. The game ball that has flowed into the guide passage 301 is decelerated when moving from the upstream portion 305 to the downstream portion 307, and then reaccelerated when falling along the middle flow portion 306.

The boundary portion between the middle flow portion 306 and the downstream portion 307 is different from the boundary portion between the upstream portion 305 and the middle flow portion 306, and the direction of the passage changes smoothly. Therefore, the game ball accelerated by free fall in the middle stream portion 306 passes through the downstream portion 307 while maintaining its momentum. That is, the moving speed when the game ball moves from the guide passage 301 to the variable winning device 310 is defined to be a predetermined speed by the middle flow portion 306 and the downstream portion 307.

Further, the passage width of the downstream portion 307 is suppressed to a degree slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball, and the game ball reaching the downstream portion 307 is defined so that the moving direction thereof is a predetermined direction. Will move to the variable winning device 310.

The variable winning device 310 includes a housing 311 that has a substantially box shape. In the inner region of the housing 311, a movement path of the game ball toward the grand prize opening is formed. The right wall portion 313 that partitions the internal region of the housing 311 is formed with an inflow port 316 that communicates with the downstream portion 307 (outlet portion) of the guide passage 301. The game ball flowing out from the guide passage 301 (downstream portion 307) flows into the internal region of the housing 311 through the inflow port 316. The game ball that has flowed into the internal region of the variable winning device 310 is divided into one that wins the large winning opening and one that is discharged from the variable winning device 310 as it is without winning the large winning opening.

Here, the internal structure of the variable winning device 310 will be supplementarily described. An insertion portion for the shutter is formed in the back wall portion 314 of the housing 311. The shutter 321 is held so as to be slidable in the thickness direction of the game board unit 80. The shutter 321 is configured to switch between a protruding position protruding into the internal region of the housing 311 through the insertion portion and a retracting position avoiding protruding into the internal region by sliding and moving in the thickness direction. Although not shown, the housing 311 is equipped with a variable winning drive unit (specifically, a solenoid) for driving the shutter 321. The variable winning drive unit is connected to the main control device 162 and operates based on the drive signal from the main control device 162. As a result, the position of the shutter 321 is switched to the protruding position / retracted position.

In the state where the shutter 321 is arranged at the protruding position (the closed state), the internal region of the housing 311 is divided into an upper region and a lower region by the shutter 321. The entrance to the lower area is the above-mentioned large winning opening 319. The large winning opening 319 is open upward and is covered from above by a shutter 321 arranged at a protruding position. As a result, the movement of the game ball from the upper region to the lower region, that is, the inflow to the large winning opening 319 is restricted. On the other hand, in the state where the shutter 321 is arranged in the retracted position (the above-mentioned open state), the movement restriction of the game ball from the upper region to the lower region is released, and the inflow to the large winning opening 319 is allowed.

The shutter 321 has a substantially plate shape, and is arranged so that the plate surface faces up and down. The upper surface of the shutter 321 faces the ceiling of the housing 311 so as to secure a gap dimension larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball, and the bottom surface of the upper region, that is, the rolling surface on which the game ball can roll. Consists of. The above-mentioned inflow port 316 is located on the right wall portion 313 above the shutter 321 which is formed, that is, the portion forming the upper region, and is a game ball guided by the variable winning device 310 in the closed state. Will move (roll) on the shutter 321. An opening (outlet 317) opened in front of the gaming machine is formed in a portion of the front wall portion 315 of the housing 311 above the shutter 321. The game ball rolled on the shutter 321 is configured to flow out from the variable winning device 310 through the outlet 317.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the shutter 321 extends in the same direction (lateral direction) as the guiding direction (the predetermined direction) of the game ball defined by the downstream portion 307 of the guiding passage 301, and its total length (left). The distance dimension between the wall portion 312 and the right wall portion 313) is formed so as to be larger than twice the diameter dimension of the game ball. Specifically, a maximum of 5 game balls can be stopped at the same time in a side-by-side manner, and a maximum of 10 game balls can be stopped at the same time as a whole.

The upper surface of the shutter 321 is curved so that the left and right end portions are slightly higher than the central portion in the lateral direction, and the central portion is the bottom portion (FIG. 12 (b), (C). As a result, the game ball guided by the shutter 321 can swing left and right between the left wall portion 312 and the right wall portion 313. That is, the upper surface of the shutter 321 is a stage on which the game ball can roll. Hereinafter, the upper surface of the shutter 321 will be referred to as a “stage 322”, and a specific configuration of the stage 322 will be described. The width of the outlet 317 is the same as the width of the stage 322, and the game ball on the stage 322 can flow out from any position in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the stage 322 is composed of two areas arranged in a direction intersecting the guiding direction (the predetermined direction) of the game ball by the guiding passage 301. Specifically, it is composed of a first area 331 located on the extension of the guide passage 301 and a second area 332 off the extension, and the first area 331 is on the back side (back wall portion 314 side) and the first. The two areas 332 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction so as to be on the front side (outlet 317) side. The width dimension (depth dimension L) of the guide passage 301 in the parallel arrangement direction is larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball and smaller than twice the diameter dimension D of the game ball.

The first area 331 and the second area 332 communicate with each other in the front-rear direction in the entire left and right areas, and the movement of the game ball between the first area 331 and the second area 332 is permitted. However, as shown in FIG. 13 (1), the stage 322 is provided with a height difference so that the first area 331 is higher than the second area 332, and the second area 332 to the first area 331 are provided. The movement is more difficult than the movement from the first area 331 to the second area 332. As a result, in the stage 322, the flow of the game ball is defined so that the first area 331 is the upstream portion and the second area 332 is the downstream portion.

In order to strengthen the function of regulating the reversion of the game ball from the second area 332 to the first area 331, the former is higher and the latter is lower at the boundary between the first area 331 and the second area 332. A step may be formed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first area 331 is formed so that the distance dimension from the back wall portion 314 to the boundary portion between the two areas 331 and 332 is slightly larger than the radial dimension of the game ball. It is formed so that the height difference between the front and rear is 0 in almost the entire area except for a part close to the left wall portion 312. The gaming ball that has moved from the guide passage 301 to the first area 331 may turn forward of the gaming machine when moving on the first area 331 (specifically, the introduction route EL: the route through which the central portion of the gaming ball passes). It is suppressed and heads toward the left wall portion 312 while moving along the introduction path EL.

The portion of the first area 331 close to the left wall portion 312 is formed so as to be inclined downward to the second area 332 side. The game ball that has reached the left wall portion 312 by moving along the introduction path EL will head toward the first area 331 via this inclined portion (guide portion 335). That is, for the first area 331 (introduction path EL), the guide portion 335 is the most downstream portion (end point).

Incidentally, the guide passage 301 is configured to accelerate the game ball so that the game ball moving along the introduction path EL can reach the left wall portion 312. That is, the predetermined speed is defined so that the game ball can reach the end point of the first area 331 when the game ball guided to the stage 322 advances in the predetermined direction.

As shown in FIGS. 13 (b) and 13 (c), the second area 332 is curved back and forth so that the front and rear end portions are higher than the intermediate portion in the depth direction, and the intermediate portion is curved. It has a gutter shape that extends in the left-right direction as the bottom. The game ball that has flowed into the second area 332 swings left and right along the intermediate portion in a state where the movement in the front-rear direction is suppressed.

The intermediate portion (bottom portion) defines the swing path BL of the game ball in the second area 332 (specifically, the path through which the central portion of the game ball passes). The swing path BL is parallel to the introduction path EL, and the distance dimension from the introduction path EL in a plan view is equal to the radial dimension of the game ball (specifically, slightly larger than the radial dimension). It is configured in. That is, the distance dimension between the swing path BL and the back wall portion 314 in a plan view is configured to be smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball.

Details will be described later, but in the present embodiment, when the subsequent game ball is guided to the stage 322 in a situation where the game ball is swinging along the swing path BL, it swings. The structure is such that the subsequent game ball collides with the game ball inside. The positional relationship between the back wall portion 314 and the introduction path EL and the swing path BL is determined as described above in a device for suppressing collision between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball.

Regarding the second area 332, the intermediate portion (swing path BL) is biased so as to be closer to the front end portion than the rear end portion of the second area 332, and the front portion is closer to the front end portion than the rear end portion. It is formed so that the curvature is smaller. This is a device for suppressing the game ball that has moved from the first area 331 to the second area 332 via the guide unit 335 or the like to cross the swing path BL and flow out from the stage 322 as it is.

In the second area 332, a groove portion 336 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the center in the lateral direction (see FIGS. 12A and 12B). The groove portion 336 connects the swing path BL and the front end portion (outlet 317) of the second area 332, and is inclined forward as shown in FIG. 13 (a2). When the moving speed of the game ball swinging left and right along the swing path BL decreases to the extent that it cannot cross the groove 336, the game ball turns in the direction along the groove 336 (in front of the gaming machine). , It will be separated from the stage 322 through the outlet 317.

Next, the movement of the game ball in the stage 322 will be described with reference to the schematic views of FIGS. 14 and 15.

As shown in FIG. 14 (a), when the game ball is guided to the stage 322 in a situation where the game ball preceding the stage 322 is not stopped (retained), FIG. 14 (a) → FIG. 14 ( As shown in b), the game ball moves along the introduction path EL (back wall portion 314) in the first area 331 of the stage 322 and heads toward the left wall portion 312. As shown in FIG. 14 (b) → FIG. 14 (c), when a game ball moving along the introduction path EL collides with the left wall portion 312, the game ball deenergized by the collision is guided by its own weight 335. Toward the direction of inclination (forward). As a result, the game ball that has completed the introduction path EL moves from the first area 331 to the second area 332.

As shown in FIG. 14 (c) → FIG. 14 (d), the game ball that has moved to the second area 332 heads toward the right wall portion 313 along the swing path BL of the second area 332, and thereafter the left wall. It swings between the portion 312 and the right wall portion 313. The game ball that moves along the swing path BL gradually loses momentum in the swing process, and its swing width becomes smaller. The gaming ball that has become difficult to get over the groove 336 due to a decrease in the moving speed that moves along the swing path BL is caught by the groove 336 and moves forward along the groove 336. As a result, the player leaves the stage 322. In the present embodiment, the period required for the game ball to move from the first area 331 to the second area 332 via the guide unit 335 (the period required to complete the first area 331) is the game. The retention period (retention period), which is longer than the firing cycle (0.6 sec) of the ball and the game ball stays (resides) in the stage 322 (specifically, the second area 332) according to the above-exemplified flow, is also described above. It is longer than the firing cycle (specifically, about 30 sec).

Next, the movement of the game ball when the subsequent game ball is guided to the stage 322 before the game ball swinging in the second area 332 leaves the stage 322 due to its own weight, that is, before the stationary period elapses. Is illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 15A, when the subsequent game ball B2 is supplied to the stage 322 while the game ball B1 is stationary in the stage 322 (specifically, the second area 332), FIG. 15 (a) shows. a) → As shown in FIG. 15 (b), the succeeding game ball B2 heads for the preceding game ball B1. In a state where the preceding game ball B1 is moving along the swing path BL, a part of the game ball B1 protrudes into the first area 331. Further, in a state where the subsequent game ball B2 is moving along the introduction path EL, a part of the game ball B2 protrudes to the second area 332 side. Therefore, the passing of the preceding game ball B1 and the succeeding game ball B2 is avoided.

As shown in FIG. 15B → FIG. 15C, when the preceding game ball B1 and the succeeding game ball B2 collide, the moving directions of the game balls B1 and B2 change due to the collision. .. Specifically, the respective game balls collide with each other in a direction that intersects with the moving direction (the above-mentioned predetermined direction). By offset collision from the opposite side (back side), the preceding game ball B1 deviates from the swing path BL and heads for the outflow port 317, and the succeeding game ball B2 heads for the back wall portion 314.

As shown in FIG. 15C → FIG. 15D, the preceding gaming ball B1 leaves the stage 322 through the outflow port 317, and the succeeding gaming ball B2 bounces from the back wall portion 314 to the front of the gaming machine. Move to 2 area 332. When the succeeding game ball B2 collides with the back wall portion 314, a part of the momentum in the depth direction is absorbed by the back wall portion 314, and the succeeding game ball B2 that bounces back to the second area 332 side It is restrained from crossing the second area 332 and heading for the outlet 317 as it is.

In the present embodiment, the moving speed of the game ball guided from the guide passage 301 to the first area 331 is faster than the moving speed of the game ball swinging in the second area 332. Due to such a speed difference, the momentum toward the left wall portion 312 is likely to remain for the subsequent game ball B2 even after the collision.

As shown in FIG. 15 (d) → FIG. 15 (e), the subsequent game ball B2 that has moved from the first area 331 to the second area 332 by pushing away the preceding game ball B1 stays at the stage 322 as it is. Then, we will wait for the arrival of the next game ball B3. Then, in a situation where the game balls are continuously (continuously) fired toward the right route, one game ball is stopped on the stage 322 while the stopped game balls are replaced at any time. Is maintained.

Here, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 16, the flow of replacement of the game balls will be supplementarily described. At the timing of ta0, the game ball B1 is stopped at the stage 322 (second area 332). When the game ball B2 flows into the stage 322 at the timing of ta1, the game balls B1 and B2 collide with each other at the timing of ta2 immediately after. As a result, the game ball stopped at the stage 322 (hereinafter referred to as the stop target) is replaced from the game ball B1 to the game ball B2.

As shown in the timing of ta1 to the timing of ta3, the number of game balls on the stage 322 temporarily increases to two during the replacement of the game balls. However, the game ball heading for the outlet 317 due to the collision moves so as to cross the second area 332. Regarding the second area 332, the length in the depth direction (front-back direction) is shorter than the length in the predetermined direction (left-right direction), and the movement distance to the outlet 317 is kept short, so that the second area 332 is replaced. The required time required for this has been shortened. Incidentally, when the game balls B1 and B2 collide, the amount of overlap between the two game balls B1 and B2 when viewed in the guiding direction is approximately halved (see FIG. 15B). This is a device for suppressing the movement speed of the game ball B1 from becoming excessively high while suppressing the extension during the required period by shortening the movement distance when the preceding game ball B1 heads for the outflow port 317. be.

When the preceding game ball B1 leaves the stage 322 at the timing of ta3, the target staying on the stage 322 (second area 332) is completely replaced from the game ball B1 to the game ball B2. After that, under the situation where the game ball B2 is stationary, the number of game balls on the stage 322 increases again to 2 at the timing of ta4 when the next game ball B3 is guided on the stage 322. When the next game ball B3 collides with the stopped game ball B2 at the timing of ta5 immediately after that, the stopping target is completely switched from the game ball B2 to the game ball B3 at the timing of the following ta6.

If the subsequent game ball does not reach the stage 322 during the stop period (timing of ta6 to timing of ta9) in which the game ball B3 is stopped alone, the momentum of the game ball B3 is gradually weakened. Then, at the timing of ta9, the stage 322 is separated from the stage 322 through the groove 336 → the outflow port 317. As a result, the number of game balls parked on the stage 322 becomes 0.

When the variable winning device 310 is opened from the timing of ta0 to the timing of ta9, at least one game ball wins the variable winning device 310 regardless of the opening period. Although the details will be described later, in the opening / closing execution mode of the variable winning device 310 shown in the present embodiment, the period during which the variable winning device 310 is switched to the open state is shorter than that of the high frequency winning mode and the high frequency winning mode. A winning mode is provided. In the low-frequency winning mode, the game ball is launched aiming at the right route (variable winning device 310) at the timing before the variable winning device 310 is opened, and the game ball is stopped on the stage 322. , The winning can be generated without severely determining the timing at which the variable winning device 310 is opened. As a result, it is possible to reduce the chance that the player loses the benefit of shifting to the open / close execution mode.

(Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block of FIG.

The MPU 402 is mounted on the main control board 401 provided in the main control device 162. The MPU 402 is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing a ROM 403 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 402 and a control program stored in the ROM 403. It is an element having a built-in RAM 404, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like. It should be noted that a configuration may be configured in which a part of the functions of the MPU 402, for example, the function of the ROM 403 and the function of the RAM 404 are provided as another element.

The MPU 402 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. A power failure monitoring board 405, a payout control device 242, various detection sensors, and the like provided in the main control device 162 are connected to the input side of the MPU 402. A power supply / emission control device 243 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 405, and power is supplied to the MPU 402 via the power failure monitoring board 405.

As a part of various detection sensors, a detection sensor 391a for detecting a prize in the general prize opening 81, a detection sensor 391b for detecting a prize in the variable winning device 310, a detection sensor 391c for detecting a prize in the upper operating port 83a, A detection sensor 391d for detecting the winning of the lower operating port 83b and a detection sensor 391e for detecting the winning of the through gate 84 are connected, and the MPU 402 of the main control device 162 determines the winning of each winning portion (ball winning). Judgment) is performed. Further, in the MPU 402, the jackpot generation lottery is executed based on the winning of the upper operating port 83a and the lower operating port 83b, and the support generating lottery is executed based on the winning of the through gate 84.

A power failure monitoring board 405, a payout control device 242, and a notification / effect control device 140 are connected to the output side of the MPU 402. A prize ball command is output to the payout control device 242, for example, based on the result of winning determination to the prize-winning ball-winning units such as the above-mentioned operating ports 83a and 83b. In this case, the command information storage area 425 of the ROM 403 is referred to when the prize ball command is output. Then, when the winning to the general winning opening 81 is specified, the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output, and when the winning to the variable winning device 310 is specified, 15 game balls are output. The prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the above is output, and when the prize to the upper operating port 83a is specified, the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the three game balls is output, and the prize to the lower operating port 83b is output. If specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls is output.

Various commands such as a change command, a type command, a change end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output from the main control device 162 to the notification / effect control device 140. In this case, the command information storage area 425 of the ROM 403 is referred to when outputting these various commands. Details of these various commands will be described later. Each of the above commands is configured as information on a predetermined number of bytes, and includes various information as information on the predetermined number of bytes.

Further, on the output side of the MPU 402, a variable winning drive unit that opens and closes the shutter 321 of the variable winning device 310, an electric accessory drive unit that opens and closes the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b, and a main display unit 87 are connected. Has been done. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 401, and the MPU 402 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

That is, the drive control of the variable winning drive unit is executed in the MPU 402 so that the variable winning device 310 is opened and closed in the opening / closing execution mode. Further, when the support lottery for the electric accessory 91 is won, the drive control of the electric accessory drive unit is executed in the MPU 402 so that the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed. Further, the MPU 402 executes display control of the main display unit of the main display unit 87.

Further, an external output terminal plate 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU 402, and through this external output terminal plate 213, the management control device (hall computer HC) on the game hall side is informed of the entry into various ball entry sections. Information about lottery results such as jackpots and jackpots is output. This makes it possible for the hall computer HC to grasp the state of the pachinko machine 10 and the like.

The power failure monitoring board 405 relays the main control board 401 and the power supply / emission control device 243, and the power failure monitoring board 405 has a DC stable 24 volt voltage which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply / emission control device 243. The function to monitor is given. The payout control device 242 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 224 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

The power supply / launch control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a playground or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power source, the operating power required for each of the main control board 401, the payout control device 242, etc. is generated, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. do. Further, the power supply / launch control device 243 is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven when a predetermined launch condition is satisfied.

The notification / effect control device 140 is provided with a notification / effect control board on which an MPU is mounted. The MPU is a ROM that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM is executed. A certain RAM and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input / output circuit are built in. It is not essential that the ROM and RAM are integrated into one chip for the MPU, and each may be individually chipped. The MPU of the notification / effect control device 140 drives and controls the lamp units 26 to 28 and the speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 162, and also displays the display control device. It controls 410.

The display control device 410 executes the display control of the symbol display device 253 based on the command input from the notification / effect control device 140. In this case, in the notification / effect control device 140, based on various commands input from the main control device 162, the variation display mode of the symbol in the symbol display device 253 (for example, the presence / absence of reach occurrence and the content of the reach effect) and the symbol The stop display mode (type of combination of symbols to be finally stopped and displayed at the end of the variable display) is determined.

(About various counters)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

The MPU 402 uses various counter information during the game to perform a big hit generation lottery, set the display of the main display unit 87 (main display unit), set the symbol display of the symbol display device 253, and the like. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 18, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for a lottery for generating jackpots, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining a jackpot type such as a probability variation jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, and a symbol display device. The reach random number counter C3 used for the reach lottery when the 253 deviates and fluctuates, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the operation port display unit and the symbol display device of the main display unit 87. The fluctuation type counter CS that determines the fluctuation display time (variation display period) in 253 is used. Further, the electric accessory opening counter C4 used for the lottery as to whether or not the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b is set to the electric service open state is used.

Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time the counter is updated, and the counter returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the lottery counter buffer 431 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 404. The RAM 404 is provided with a holding ball storage area 432 including an upper working port holding area Ra, a lower working port holding area Rb, an execution area AE, and a total holding number storage area. Then, in the reserved ball storage area 432, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are time-series in accordance with the winning history of the game ball to the upper operating port 83a or the lower operating port 83b. It is designed to be stored as a target.

More specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1 has a configuration in which, for example, the jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 599, reaches the maximum value (that is, 599), and then returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operating port 83a or the lower operating port 83b. More specifically, it is stored in the upper operating port holding area Ra of the RAM 404 when the game ball wins in the upper operating port 83a, and is stored in the lower operating port holding area Rb of the RAM 404 when the game ball wins in the lower operating port 83b. Stored in.

The value of the random number that wins the jackpot is stored as a hit / miss table (hit / miss information group) in the hit / miss table storage area 421 as the hit / miss information group storage means in the ROM 403. Here, the contents of the pass / fail table will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. The pass / fail tables include a pass / fail table for the low-probability mode (low-probability pass / fail information group) in FIG. 19 (a) and a pass / fail table for the high-probability mode (high-probability pass / fail information group) in FIG. 19 (b). Is set. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery mode in the winning / losing lottery means.

In the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the low probability mode is referred to in the lottery, as shown in FIG. 19A, the value of the random number that wins the big hit (that is, the winning information) is "7" and There are two of "307". That is, among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 of "0 to 599", "7" and "307" correspond to the jackpot results. On the other hand, under the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the high probability mode is referred to in the lottery, as shown in FIG. 19B, the value of the random number that wins the jackpot (that is, the winning information) is "7. , "36" ... "572", "598". That is, among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 of "0 to 599", "7", "36" ... "572", and "598" correspond to the jackpot results. Incidentally, if the winning probability in the high probability mode is higher than that in the low probability mode, the number and value of the random numbers to be won are arbitrary.

In each lottery mode, the lottery result is out of order except for the value of the random number that wins the big hit.

The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 29, reach the maximum value (that is, 29), and then return to 0. Here, in the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot results are set. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 20, these plurality of jackpot results are (1) an mode of opening / closing control of the variable winning device 310 in the opening / closing execution mode, and (2) a lottery mode in the winning / failing lottery means after the opening / closing execution mode ends. (3) There are differences in the three conditions of the support mode by the electric accessory 91 after the opening / closing execution mode is completed.

Here, as an mode of opening / closing control (winning mode) of the variable winning device 310 in the opening / closing execution mode, a high-frequency winning mode and a low-frequency winning mode are used so that the frequency of winning the variable winning device 310 is relatively high or low. The mode is set. Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 21, in the high frequency winning mode, the variable winning device 310 is opened until 30 seconds (high frequency time) elapses, or the number of winnings in the variable winning device 310 is 10 ( It is continued until the number reaches a predetermined number), and in the low frequency winning mode, the variable winning device 310 is opened until 0.6 sec (low frequency time) elapses, or the number of winnings to the variable winning device 310 is 10 (predetermined number). It will continue until it becomes.

In the pachinko machine 10, when the game ball launch handle 41 is operated by the player, the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven so that one game ball is launched toward the game area PE every 0.6 sec. Be controlled. On the other hand, in the low frequency winning mode, the opening time of the variable winning device 310 is 0.6 sec as described above. That is, the time during which the variable winning device 310 is open in the low-frequency winning mode is the same as the firing cycle of the game ball. Therefore, in the open / close execution mode in which the low-frequency winning mode is applied, winning of the game ball is less likely to occur during the period when the variable winning device 310 is open.

Although the details will be described later, the jackpot result in the present embodiment is roughly divided into a 15R jackpot result and a 2R jackpot result. In the 15R jackpot result, the variable winning device 310 is opened 15 times (high frequency use times) from the start to the end of the open / close execution mode, and the opening / closing mode of the variable winning device 310 is set to the high frequency winning mode. NS. In the 2R jackpot result, the variable winning device 310 is opened twice (the number of times for low frequency use) from the start to the end of the opening / closing execution mode, and the opening / closing mode of the variable winning device 310 is set to the low frequency winning mode. NS.

The number of times the variable winning device 310 is opened and closed in the high-frequency winning mode and the low-frequency winning mode, the opening time limit (or opening limit period) for one opening, and the number of opening limits for one opening are set in the high-frequency winning mode. If the frequency of winning a prize in the variable ball-entry section from the start to the end of the open / close execution mode is higher than in the low-frequency winning mode, the value is not limited to the above value. Optional. However, if the variable winning device 310 is not won in the low-frequency winning mode, the player is given the impression that the privilege that should be originally obtained was not obtained even though the mode was changed to the open / close execution mode. May give. This causes a decrease in motivation to play. In consideration of such circumstances, in the open / close execution mode corresponding to the low frequency winning mode, it is possible to substantially generate a winning while differentiating from the high frequency winning mode. preferable.

As the support mode in the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b, the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b is compared in a situation where the game ball is continuously launched in the same manner with respect to the game area PE. Low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or low-frequency guide state) and high-frequency support mode (high-frequency support state or high-frequency guide state) so that the frequency of opening is relatively high or low per unit time. ) And are set.

Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the electric role open state in the electric accessory open lottery using the electric accessory release counter C4 is the same, but the frequency is high. In the support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 91 is in the open state when the electric accessory open state is won is set more than in the low frequency support mode, and one opening time is set longer. In this case, in the high frequency support mode, when the electric accessory 91 is won in the open state and the electric accessory 91 is opened a plurality of times, it is closed from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state. The time is set shorter than one opening time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum secured time for the next electric accessory opening lottery to be held after one electric accessory opening lottery is set is shorter than that in the low-frequency support mode. Has been done.

As described above, in the high frequency support mode, the probability that the lower operating port 83b will be won is higher than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of winning the upper operating port 83a is higher than that of the lower operating port 83b, but in the high frequency support mode, the lower operating port 83b is more likely than the upper operating port 83a. The probability of winning a prize increases. Then, when a prize is won in the lower operating port 83b, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. Therefore, in the high frequency support mode, the player plays the game while not reducing the number of balls held so much. be able to.

The configuration for increasing the frequency of the high-frequency support mode to be in the electric service open state per unit time is not limited to the above, for example, the electric accessory open lottery. It may be configured to increase the probability of winning the electric service open state in. Further, the high-frequency support mode and the low-frequency support mode may be set by differentiating any one condition or any combination of the number of times, the opening time, and the winning probability.

The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and the game ball is stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the upper operating port 83a or the lower operating port 83b wins a prize. More specifically, it is stored in the upper operating port holding area Ra of the RAM 404 when the game ball wins in the upper operating port 83a, and is stored in the lower operating port holding area Rb of the RAM 404 when the game ball wins in the lower operating port 83b. Stored in.

The distribution destination of the game result for the jackpot type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in the distribution table storage area 422 as the distribution information group storage means in the ROM 403. Then, 15R normal jackpot result, 15R probability variation jackpot result, 2R normal jackpot result, and 2R probability variation jackpot result A and B are set as such distribution destinations. Here, the contents of the distribution table will be described with reference to FIG.

As for the 15R normal jackpot result, after the opening / closing execution mode (corresponding to the high frequency winning mode) ends, the winning / failing lottery mode becomes the low probability mode, and after the support mode shifts, the number of games is the end reference number (specifically, 100 times). It is a big hit result that becomes a high frequency support mode until it becomes. After the end reference number of times has elapsed, the mode shifts to the low frequency support mode. On the other hand, the 15R probability variation jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the winning / failing lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode (high frequency winning mode) ends. The high-frequency support mode continues until the lottery result in the winning / losing lottery becomes a big hit state winning and the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode.

The 2R normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the winning / failing lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the low frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode (corresponding to the low frequency winning mode) ends. On the other hand, the 2R probability variation jackpot result A is a jackpot result in which the winning / failing lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the low frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode (low frequency winning mode) ends. The probability variation jackpot result B is a jackpot result in which the winning / failing lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode (low frequency winning mode) ends.

Here, in the distribution table for the upper operating port, "0 to 9" corresponds to the 15R normal jackpot result, "10 to 19" corresponds to the 15R probability variation jackpot result, and "20 to 24". Corresponds to the 2R normal jackpot result, and "25 to 29" corresponds to the 2R probability variation jackpot result A. On the other hand, in the distribution table for the lower operating port, "0 to 14" corresponds to the 15R normal jackpot result, "15 to 24" corresponds to the 15 probability variation jackpot result, and "25 to 29". Corresponds to the 2R probability variation jackpot result B. That is, compared to the case where the jackpot result is obtained based on the entry into the upper operating port 83a, the case where the jackpot result is obtained based on the entry into the lower operating port 83b is differentiated so as to be advantageous to the player. It has been transformed.

Explaining again with reference to FIG. 18, the reach random number counter C3 has a configuration in which, for example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 238, reaches the maximum value (that is, 238), and then returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operating port 83a or the lower operating port 83b. More specifically, it is stored in the upper operating port holding area Ra of the RAM 404 when the game ball wins in the upper operating port 83a, and is stored in the lower operating port holding area Rb of the RAM 404 when the game ball wins in the lower operating port 83b. Stored in. Then, it is decided whether or not to generate the reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 403.

However, in the game round that shifts to the open / close execution mode, the MPU 402 determines the reach generation regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each game state, but may be set individually according to the game state. For example, when the support mode is the high-frequency support mode, the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display may be set to be larger than that in the low-frequency support mode.

Here, the reach display (reach state) is provided with a symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a) capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture), and the game result is compatible with the open / close execution mode. In the game times that are the game results, in the gaming machine where the stop display result after the variation display can be the special display result, the stop display result after the variation display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) on the symbol display device 253 is started Refers to a display state for making the player think that the special display result is likely to be a variable display state before the derivation display is performed.

In other words, by stopping and displaying some of the symbols among the plurality of symbol sequences displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, a combination of symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode is established. It is a display state in which a combination of possible reach symbols is displayed, and in that state, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol rows.

More specifically, as a pre-stage for ending the variation display of the symbol, a combination of symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode is established on the preset effective line in the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying a combination of possible reach symbols, and in a situation where the reach line is formed, a variable display of symbols is performed by the final stop symbol sequence.

Explaining the display contents on the display screen 253a in more detail, in the state where the variation display of the symbol is first completed in the right symbol column and then the variation display of the symbol is completed in the left symbol column, the symbol hits one of the effective lines. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbols with numbers that make up the combination, and in a situation where the reach line is formed, a variable display of the symbols is performed in the middle symbol row to reach. It becomes a display. Then, when a big hit occurs, the main symbols forming the reach line and the main symbols with the numbers constituting the combination of the hit symbols are stopped and displayed on the reach line, and the fluctuation display of the symbols in the middle symbol row is displayed. Is terminated.

Further, in the reach display, in the state where the combination of the reach symbols is displayed as described above, the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the background screen to reach the reach. Includes those that perform an effect, and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen 253a after reducing or hiding the combination of reach symbols. In addition, when the reach display is performed or before the reach display, it is determined whether or not to perform the notice display using a predetermined image such as a predetermined character by using the reach random number counter C3 or other counters. You may.

The variation type counter CS has a configuration in which, for example, 1 is added in order in the range of 0 to 198, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198), it returns to 0. The variation type counter CS determines in the MPU 402 the variation display time in the display unit for the upper operating port and the display unit for the lower operating port of the main display unit 87 (main display unit) and the variation display time of the symbol in the symbol display device 253. It is used in order to do so. The variation type counter CS is updated once every time the normal process described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer value of the variation type counter CS is acquired at the start of the variation display on the upper operating port display unit and the lower operating port display unit and at the start of the fluctuation of the symbol by the symbol display device 253.

The electric accessory release counter C4 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 250, reach the maximum value (that is, 250), and then return to 0. The electric accessory opening counter C4 is periodically updated, and is stored in the electric service holding area 433 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 84. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b to the open state according to the value of the stored electric accessory opening counter C4. For example, if C4 = 0 to 190, the electric accessory 91 is controlled to the open state, and if C4 = 191 to 250, the electric accessory 91 is not controlled to the open state.

As described above, in the MPU 402, at least the buffer value of the variation type counter CS is used to determine the variation display time in the upper actuating port display unit and the lower actuating port display unit. The variable display time table storage area 423 is used. Further, in the MPU 402, the stop result in the upper operating port display unit and the lower operating port display unit is determined by using the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE. However, in making the determination, the stop result table storage area 424 of the ROM 403 is used.

(About various processes executed by the main controller 162)
Next, the timer interrupt processing and the normal processing executed in order to advance the game in each game time by the MPU 402 in the main control device 162 will be described. In the MPU 402, in addition to the timer interrupt processing and the normal processing, the main processing activated when the power is turned on and the NMI interrupt processing activated by inputting a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal) are executed. , The description of these processes will be omitted.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is periodically (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec) started by the MPU 402 of the main controller 162.

First, in step S101, reading processing of various switches, the various detection sensors 391a to 391e, and the like is executed. That is, the states of various switches and various detection sensors 391a to 391e connected to the main control device 162 are read, and the states of the switches are determined and detection information (for example, winning detection information) is saved.

After that, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404.

In the following step S103, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when the counter values reach the maximum values, they are cleared to 0, respectively. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404. After that, in step S104, the winning process for the operating port accompanying the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b is executed, and further, in step S105, the winning process for the through hole accompanying the winning of the through gate 84 is executed. , Terminates this timer interrupt processing.

(Prize processing for the operating port)
Here, the winning process for the operating port will be described. In the winning process for the operating port, first, whether or not the game ball has won the upper operating port 83a (starting winning) is determined based on the detection state of the detection sensor 391d for the upper operating port 83a. When it is determined that the game ball has won a prize in the upper operating port 83a, a prize ball command for paying out three game balls is set in the payout control device 242.

After that, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the management control device on the game hall side that the game ball has won a prize in the upper operating port 83a, and the game ball is stored in the reserved number storage area of the holding area Ra for the upper operating port. The value is read out and the number of start-holding storages stored in the holding area Ra for the upper operating port is set (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of holding storages for the upper working port).

The process of turning on the first hold lamp unit 98a is executed in accordance with the number of start hold storages changed in this way. Specifically, the process of lighting the number of LEDs corresponding to the current number of winnings among the four LEDs arranged side by side in the first holding lamp unit 98a is performed. For example, when the number of holds is added from "2" to "3" by this prize, the third LED from the left is lit in addition to the two LEDs on the left that have already been lit. After that, information acquisition processing for storing each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is performed, and the main winning process is completed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball has not won the upper operating port 83a, the detection sensor 391e for the lower operating port 83b detects whether or not the game ball has won the lower operating port 83b (starting winning). Judge by state. When it is determined that the game ball has won a prize in the lower operating port 83b, a prize ball command for paying out four game balls is set in the payout control device 242.

After that, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the management control device on the game hall side that the game ball has won a prize in the lower operating port 83b, and the game ball is stored in the reserved number storage area of the lower operating port holding area Rb. The value is read out and the number of start-holding storages stored in the holding area Rb for the lower operating port is set (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of holding storages for the lower working port).

The process of turning on the second hold lamp unit 98b is executed in accordance with the number of start hold storages changed in this way. Specifically, the process of lighting the number of LEDs corresponding to the current number of winnings among the four LEDs arranged side by side in the second holding lamp unit 98b is performed. For example, when the number of holds is added from "2" to "3" by this prize, the third LED from the left is lit in addition to the two LEDs on the left that have already been lit. After that, the same processing as the above-mentioned information acquisition processing is performed, and the main winning process is completed.

In the present embodiment, the holding lamp units 98a and 98b are connected to the notification / effect control device 140. The main control device 162 executes a hold command setting process so that the notification / effect control device 140, which is a control device on the sub side (sub side), recognizes that a prize has been generated in the operation ports 83a and 83b. Information related to the winning destination is given to the hold command, and the notification / effect control device 140 controls the light emission of the hold lamp units 98a and 98b based on the hold command transmitted from the main control device 162.

If the game ball does not win in any of the operating ports 83a and 83b, the main winning process is terminated as it is. The prize ball command set in the winning process for this operating port is transmitted to the payout control device 242 in the external output process (step S201) of the normal process described later, and the hold command is in the same external output process. It is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 140.

(Normal processing)
Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is started when the power is turned on is executed, and in the normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processes of steps S201 to S207 are executed as periodic processes having a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processes of steps S209 and S210 are executed in the remaining time.

In the normal processing, in step S201, the output data such as the timer interrupt processing or the command set in the previous normal processing is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence or absence of the prize ball command is determined, and if the prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 242. Further, when various commands such as a change command, a type command, a change end command, a hold command, and a shift command described later are set, they are transmitted to the notification / effect control device 140. Further, the output is set for the external output terminal plate 213 according to the information set in the external output buffer of the RAM 404.

In the following step S202, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is added by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to 0. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404.

In the following step S203, a game time control process for advancing the game of each game time is executed. In this game time control process, a hit / fail determination such as a big hit and a distribution determination are performed, a symbol variation display is set by the symbol display device 253, and display control of a display unit for an operation port in the main display unit 87 is performed.

After that, in step S204, a game state transition process for shifting the game state is executed. The details will be described later, but by this game state transition process, the game state shifts to the open / close execution mode, the high probability mode, the high frequency support mode, and the like.

In step S205, an electric service support process for driving and controlling the electric accessory 91 provided in the lower operating port 83b is executed. In this electric service support process, in this electric service support process, the electric accessory 91 is set to the open state by using the numerical information acquired from the electric accessory release counter C4 stored in the electric service holding area 433 of the RAM 404. A lottery for opening and closing the electric service is performed, and when the electric service is open, the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed. Further, the display control of the through gate display unit in the main display unit 87 is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electric service opening lottery.

Here, as described above, the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode are set as the support modes by the electric accessory 91, and the game state transition process shifts to one of the support modes. Be told. In this case, if the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 404, the high frequency support mode is set, and if the flag is not set, the low frequency support mode is set.

In the electric service support process, it is determined whether or not the RAM 404 is in the high frequency support mode by determining whether or not the high frequency support flag is set. Then, in the case of the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 91 is in the open state is set more than in the case of the low-frequency support mode, and once the electric accessory 91 is in the open state. Set a long opening time. Further, in the high frequency support mode, when the electric accessory open state is won and the electric accessory 91 is opened a plurality of times, the next open state is started after one open state is completed. The closing time is set to be shorter than the one-time opening time.

By the way, when the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode, the support mode is forcibly set to the low frequency support mode even if the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 404.

In the following step S206, the game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, a predetermined launch condition is provided on the condition that the launch permission signal output from the power supply / launch control device 243 is input based on the launch operation being performed on the game ball launch handle 41. The solenoid 111 of the game ball launching mechanism 110 is excited once during the firing period (for example, 0.6 sec). As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE.

In the following step S207, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is set in the RAM 404. The power failure flag is a flag that is set when the occurrence of a power failure is confirmed on the power failure monitoring board 405 and a power failure signal is input from the power failure monitoring board 405 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 402, and is erased in the next main process.

If the power failure flag is not set, it means that the last processing of the plurality of processes to be repeatedly executed has been completed. Therefore, whether or not the execution timing of the next normal processing has been reached in step S208, that is, the previous normal processing It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is reached. That is, in step S209, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated, and in step S210, the variation type counter CS is updated.

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

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that the power failure flag is set, it means that the power supply has been cut off, so the power failure processing after step S211 is executed. That is, in step S211, the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, then the RAM determination value is calculated and saved in step S212, access to RAM 404 is prohibited in step S213, and then the power supply is completely shut off for processing. Continues an infinite loop until it can no longer be executed.

(Game state transition process)
Next, the game state transition process in step S204 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 24 to 25.

As shown in FIG. 24, in the game state transition process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is in progress. If it is not in the open / close execution mode, the process proceeds to step S302, and it is determined whether or not it is the timing at which the variation display of the pattern on the display unit for the upper operation port or the display unit for the lower operation port of 1 game times is completed. If it is not the timing when the fluctuation display is finished, the game state transition process is finished as it is.

If the variable display has ended, more specifically, if the preset stop display period (interval period: fixed display period) has elapsed since the variable display ended, the process proceeds to step S303. It is determined whether or not the game result of the current game times (the result of the above-mentioned winning / failing lottery) corresponds to the transition to the open / close execution mode. Specifically, in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404, a 15R normal flag (15R normal jackpot result corresponding flag), a 15R probability variation flag (15R probability variation jackpot result correspondence flag), a 2R normal flag (2R normal jackpot result correspondence flag), It is determined whether or not any of the 2R probability variation A flag (2R probability variation jackpot result A correspondence flag) and the 2R probability variation B flag (2R probability variation jackpot result B correspondence flag) is stored. If none of the above flags is stored, the game state transition process is terminated as it is.

When any of the above flags is stored, the start processing of the open / close execution mode is executed in step S304. By the start processing, the operation restriction of the variable winning device 310 (shutter 321) by the lock device is released, and the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 310 (shutter 321) is allowed until the opening / closing execution mode ends.

In step S305, it is determined whether or not the stored jackpot result correspondence flag is for 15R. If an affirmative judgment is made in step S305, "15" is set in the open number counter OC provided in the various counter areas of the RAM 404 in step S306, and in the following step S307, the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404 are set high. Set the frequency winning mode flag. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S305, "2" is set in the open number counter OC provided in each counter area of RAM 404 in step S308, and various flag storage areas of RAM 404 are set in subsequent step S309. Set the low frequency winning mode flag to 435. The open number counter OC functions as a means for grasping the number of times the variable winning device 310 has been opened.

After executing the process of step S307 or step S309, the process proceeds to step S310 to set the opening command. This set opening command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 140 and the display control device 410 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 23). The notification / effect control device 140 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the content of the determined effect is executed. The content of this effect includes a display mode in the symbol display device 253, and the determined display mode is output from the notification / effect control device 140 to the display control device 410 as a display content command. In the display control device 410, based on the opening command received from the main control device 162 and the display content command received from the notification / effect control device 140, the display corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode this time, for example, the display content corresponding to the jackpot The display control of the symbol display device 253 is executed so that the moving image of the character or the like and the background image can be switched. After executing the process of step S310, the external signal setting process is executed in step S311 to end the game state transition process.

Returning to the description of step S310, if it is determined in step S301 that the opening / closing execution mode is in progress, the process proceeds to step S312. In step S312, it is determined whether or not the waiting time for the opening has elapsed. If the waiting time for the opening has not elapsed, the game state transition process is terminated as it is. If the waiting time for the opening has elapsed, the large winning opening opening / closing process is executed in step S313. Here, the opening / closing process of the large winning opening will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Opening and closing of the winning opening)
In the large winning opening opening / closing process, first, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the large winning opening 319 of the variable winning device 310 is open. Specifically, such a determination is made based on the driving state of the variable winning drive unit of the variable winning device 310. If the large winning opening 319 is not open, it is determined in step S402 whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is "0". If an affirmative judgment is made in step S402, the opening / closing process of the main winning opening is terminated as it is.

If a negative determination is made in step S4022, the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, it is determined whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is “0”. The open timer counter TC is a counter that is referred to when grasping the open period and the closing period (interval period) of the large winning opening 319, and the value is set to "1" each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 22) is executed. It is subtracted one by one. If a negative determination is made in step S403, the opening / closing process of the winning opening is terminated.

If the value of the open number counter OC is not "0" and the value of the open timer counter TC is "0", the process proceeds to step S404, and the opening process of the large winning opening is executed. Specifically, the variable winning drive unit is set to the driving state in order to open the large winning opening 319. After that, the processes of steps S405 to S408 are executed as the closing condition setting process (opening setting process) corresponding to the variable winning device 310 (large winning opening 319).

In step S405, it is determined whether or not the high frequency winning mode is supported. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the high-frequency winning mode flag among the high-frequency winning mode flag and the low-frequency winning mode flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. If an affirmative determination is made in step S405, the process proceeds to step S406, and "15000" (corresponding to 30 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S405, that is, if the low-frequency winning mode flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, "300" (corresponding to 0.6 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC.

After executing the process of step S406 or step S407, the process proceeds to step S408. In step S408, "10" is set in the winning counter PC. After executing the process of step S408, an open command indicating that the variable winning device 310 (large winning opening 319) has been opened is set in step S409, and the opening / closing process of the large winning opening is completed. This set release command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 140 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 22). The notification / effect control device 140 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the release based on the reception of the release command, and controls various devices so that the content of the determined effect is executed.

Returning to the description of step S401, if it is determined in step S401 that the large winning opening 319 is being opened, the process proceeds to step S410, and it is determined whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is "0". If the value of the open timer counter TC is not "0", the process proceeds to step S411, and whether or not the game ball has won the big winning opening is determined based on the detection signal from the detection sensor 391b corresponding to the variable winning device 310. do. If no prize has been won, the opening / closing process of the main prize opening is terminated as it is.

If a prize has been won, the output process of the prize command is executed in step S412. The winning command is output to the payout control device 242 and the notification / effect control device 140. The payout control device 242 performs a process of paying out a preset number of game balls based on the receipt of the winning command. In the notification / effect control device 140, when a winning command is issued during the open / close execution mode corresponding to the 15R normal jackpot result or the 15R probability variation jackpot result, it is executed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, for example, in order to teach the winning. Performs processing to change the effect (display content) in the open / close execution mode.

After executing the command output process in step S412, the process proceeds to step S413. In step S413, the value of the winning counter PC is decremented by 1, and in the following step S414, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter PC is "0". finish.

When an affirmative judgment is made in step S414, that is, when the value of the winning counter PC is "0", or when a positive judgment is made in step S410 (that is, it is determined that the value of the open timer counter TC is "0". If), it means that the conditions for closing the large winning opening have been met. In this case, in step S415, the variable winning drive unit is set to the non-driving state in order to close the large winning opening 319.

In the following step S416, the update processing of the open number counter OC is executed. Specifically, when the value of the open number counter OC is not "0", the open number counter OC is decremented by 1, and when the value of the open number counter OC is "0", the open number counter OC is performed. Keep the value of "0".

After that, in step S417, it is determined whether or not the value of the updated open number counter OC is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S417, the process proceeds to step S418, and "500" (corresponding to 1.0 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC. After executing the process of step S418, the closing command is set in step S419, and the opening / closing process of the main winning opening is completed. This set closing command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 140 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 22). When the notification / effect control device 140 receives the closing command, the notification / effect control device 140 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the closing command, and controls various devices so that the content of the determined effect is executed.

Returning to the description of step S417, if it is determined in step S417 that the value of the open number counter OC is "0", the process proceeds to step S420. In step S420, the ending process is executed. In the start process, an ending waiting time for waiting without starting the next game round for the ending of the open / close execution mode is set. Specifically, the waiting time information for the ending stored in advance in the ROM 403 is set in the waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404.

Then, in step S421, after setting the ending command, the opening / closing process of the main winning opening is completed. The set ending command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 140 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 22).

Returning to the description of the game state transition process (FIG. 24), after executing the large winning opening opening / closing process in step S313, it is determined in step S314 whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is "0", and step S315. Determines whether or not the waiting time for the ending has elapsed. If the value of the open number counter OC is not "0" or the waiting time for the ending has not elapsed, the game state transition process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the value of the open number counter OC is "0" and the waiting time for the ending has elapsed, after executing the transition process at the end of the open / close execution mode in step S316, this game End the state transition process.

In the transition process at the end of the open / close execution mode, it is determined whether or not the jackpot result that triggered the open / close execution mode this time is the 15R probability variation jackpot result. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the 15R probability variation flag (15R probability variation jackpot result corresponding flag) is stored in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. When the 15R probability variation flag is stored, the high probability mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. Based on the high-probability mode flag set in this way, the winning / losing table for the high-probability mode will be referred to in the winning / losing lottery in the subsequent game rounds. After that, the high frequency support mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. Based on the high-frequency support mode flag set in this way, in the subsequent electric service support processing, the pass / fail table for the high-frequency support mode is referred to in the support lottery, and the variable display time of the pattern at the time of the support lottery is displayed. It is shortened (specifically set to 2.0 sec), and the period of being in the open state is extended by opening once (specifically set to 5.0 sec).

When the jackpot result that triggered the opening / closing execution mode this time is the 15R normal jackpot result, the high frequency support mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. Based on the high-frequency support mode flag set in this way, in the subsequent electric service support processing, the pass / fail table for the high-frequency support mode is referred to in the support lottery, and the variable display time of the pattern at the time of the support lottery is displayed. It is shortened (specifically set to 2.0 sec), and the period of being in the open state is extended by opening once (specifically set to 5.0 sec). Unlike the case of the above-mentioned probability variation jackpot result, the upper limit of the number of times of support is set for the high frequency support mode that shifts after the normal jackpot result, and the game count counter stored in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404 is set to "100". "Is set. As a result, the high-frequency support mode is maintained until the game is played 100 times after the opening / closing execution mode ends, and when the game reaches "100", the high-frequency support mode is shifted to the low-frequency support mode. ..

When the jackpot result that triggered the opening / closing execution mode this time is the 2R probability variation jackpot results A and B, the high probability mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. Based on the high-probability mode flag set in this way, the winning / losing table for the high-probability mode will be referred to in the winning / losing lottery in the subsequent game rounds. Although the high frequency support mode flag is stored when the 2R probability variation jackpot result B is obtained, the high frequency support mode flag is not stored when the 2R probability variation jackpot result A is obtained. That is, in the case of the 2R probability variation jackpot result B, the support mode of the electric accessory 91 is the high frequency support mode, and in the case of the 2R probability variation jackpot result A, the support mode of the electric accessory 91 is the low frequency support mode. Become.

When the jackpot result that triggered the opening / closing execution mode this time is the 2R probability variation jackpot result B, the high probability mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. Based on the high-probability mode flag set in this way, the winning / losing table for the high-probability mode will be referred to in the winning / losing lottery in the subsequent game rounds. After that, the high frequency support mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. Based on the high-frequency support mode flag set in this way, in the subsequent electric service support processing, the pass / fail table for the high-frequency support mode is referred to in the support lottery, and the variable display time of the pattern at the time of the support lottery is displayed. It is shortened (specifically set to 2.0 sec), and the period of being in the open state is extended by opening once (specifically set to 5.0 sec).

When the jackpot result that triggered the opening / closing execution mode this time is the 2R normal jackpot result, unlike the 15R normal jackpot result, the mode does not shift to the high frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends, and the electric accessory 91 As for the support mode of, the low frequency support mode will be continued. In addition, the lottery mode also shifts to the low probability mode.

In the pachinko machine 10 shown in the present embodiment, two open / close execution modes (a special gaming state corresponding to the high frequency winning mode and a special gaming state corresponding to the low frequency winning mode) are generated in different modes of increasing the number of balls held. By combining these two increasing modes, it is possible to prevent the game progress from becoming monotonous in a game state that is advantageous to the player (a special game state or a normal game state corresponding to a high frequency support mode). Here, with reference to FIG. 26, the flow of the game related to the increase in the number of balls held by the pachinko machine 10 will be supplementarily described. FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing the state of the increase in the number of balls held.

In the special game state corresponding to the high frequency winning mode, substantially 10 balls can be won during the round game. Since 15 game balls are paid out by one prize, about 150 game balls are paid out in one round game. Then, since this round game is repeated 15 times after an interval period of 1 sec, there is a chance that a large number of game balls can be acquired at one time.

On the other hand, in the special gaming state corresponding to the low frequency winning mode, the upper limit of the number of winning balls is the same as the special gaming state corresponding to the high frequency winning mode, but the opening period of the large winning opening 319 is 0.6 sec. Therefore, reaching the upper limit is substantially avoided.

Here, in the variable winning device 310, under the situation where the game balls are continuously fired (at a predetermined firing cycle) to the right route, the game balls are replaced and stopped on the stage 322. More specifically, even if the game balls are periodically fired on the right route, the movement of the game balls varies, which may cause a difference in density between the game balls. In particular, as shown in the present embodiment, when at least a part of the right route is formed by a game nail (see FIG. 6), such a difference in density is likely to occur. In this regard, in the above-mentioned variable winning device 310, the game ball that has reached the stage 322 in advance until the subsequent game ball reaches the variable winning device 310 is stopped on the stage 322. continue. Specifically, as for the staying period in the stage 322, since a sufficient length is secured in consideration of the above-mentioned difference in sparse and dense, the state in which the game ball is stopped on the stage 322 is the subsequent game ball. It avoids being interrupted due to the failure to reach. Therefore, at the timing when the variable winning device 310 switches from the closed state to the open state, at least one game ball is inserted in accordance with the timing, and the opening period is the same length as the firing cycle of the game ball (0. Even if it is 6 sec), it is possible to prevent the round end condition from being satisfied without the occurrence of a ball entering. That is, if the player fires the game ball toward the right route, the player can obtain the privilege (prize ball) in the special game state.

In addition, in the special game state corresponding to the low frequency winning mode (2R probability variation jackpot result A or 2R normal jackpot result open / close execution mode) that occurs mainly under the low frequency support mode, it mainly occurs under the high frequency support mode. The opening period and ending period of the opening / closing execution mode are shorter than those of the special gaming state corresponding to the low frequency winning mode (opening / closing execution mode corresponding to the 2R probability variation jackpot result B). For example, when comparing the opening period, during the opening period in the special game state corresponding to the low frequency winning mode that occurs under the low frequency support mode, the launched game ball flows down the right route to the variable winning device 310. While it is longer than the required period to reach, the opening period in the special gaming state corresponding to the low frequency winning mode that occurs under the high frequency support mode is shorter than the above required period. ..

If the opening period is longer than the required period, even if the game ball is fired after confirming the transition to the special game state, it may be in time for the variable winning device 310 to be opened, but it is usually compatible with the high frequency support mode. Game state-> Special game state corresponding to low-frequency winning mode (open / close execution mode)-> Normal game state corresponding to high-frequency support mode The flow is slowed down. Here, in the normal gaming state corresponding to the high frequency support mode, even if the gaming ball is continuously launched to the right route, the electric accessory 91 supports the entry into the lower operating port 83b and holds the ball. You can play the game while suppressing the decrease of balls. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the continuation of the launch of the game ball. When playing a game in this way, even if the above opening period is shortened, it is possible to avoid reducing the chances of entering the ball due to it, and further, the opening period is shortened, so that it is compatible with the high frequency support mode. The flow of the normal game state → the special game state corresponding to the low frequency winning mode → the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode can be speeded up. This is advantageous in quickly leading to the next jackpot result, and it is possible to greatly increase the number of balls held in a short period of time.

When shifting to the special game state corresponding to the low frequency winning mode, the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed at the game times that triggered the transition to the special game state, and the first round ends. The period until this is done (until the variable winning device 310 returns to the closed state) is the sum (3.6 sec) of the definite display period (2 sec), the opening period (1 sec), and the open period (0.6 sec). The number of game balls that can be launched during this period is 6, and the number of game balls that are paid out by one prize in the variable winning device 310 is 15. Therefore, even if the game ball is fired after the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is displayed, the player can increase the number of balls held by about 9. In addition, since the reduction of the number of balls held is suppressed during the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode, the number of balls held is hardly reduced even if the game balls are continuously fired during the variable display of the symbol. In general, in the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode, as long as the firing operation of the game ball is continued, the number of balls held will increase by passing through the special game state corresponding to the low frequency winning mode.

After the first round is over, the next round will start after an interval period. This interval period is 1 sec, and the open period in the next round is 0.6 sec. That is, the grace period until the closing condition is satisfied in the next round is 1.6 sec. Here, the game ball that has reached the variable winning device 310 during the interval period will be stopped on the stage 322. That is, the game ball that has reached the variable winning device 310 during the interval period does not pass through the variable winning device 310 as it is, but wins the variable winning device 310 in the next round. With such a configuration, at least one prize will be generated in the next round. As a result, the player can further increase the number of balls he has.

According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be expected.

It is preferable to provide a special gaming state corresponding to the high frequency winning mode and a special gaming state corresponding to the low frequency winning mode in order to suppress the monotony of the game. In particular, increasing (clearly) the difference between the high-frequency winning mode and the low-frequency winning mode is advantageous in strengthening the sharpness of the game. Here, it is possible to generate a substantial difference in the number of winnings by providing a difference in the opening period in each mode, but in the low frequency winning mode with a short opening period, it is opened as compared with the high frequency winning mode. The effect of the deviation between the timing and the arrival timing of the game ball becomes remarkable. In other words, if the opening period in the low-frequency winning mode is shortened for the purpose of strengthening the sharpness, there is a high possibility that the round game corresponding to the low-frequency winning mode will end without winning due to the above timing shift. .. Even in the low-frequency winning mode, the variable winning device is opened, which is the same as in the high-frequency winning mode. It is feared that it will be a factor that reduces the willingness to play. This can be an obstacle in improving the degree of attention to the game by using a plurality of winning modes together. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the influence of the above timing shift can be suitably mitigated in generating a prize in the low frequency winning mode. That is, even if the arrival timing of the game ball is slightly different from the opening timing, the winning can be generated. That is, even when the low-frequency winning mode is set so that the opening period is extremely short, at least one winning is generated. As a result, while diversifying the game and strengthening the sharpness, it is possible to preferably avoid that it becomes a factor that causes a decrease in the motivation to play.

In the first place, the opening timing is determined regardless of the movement of the game ball toward the variable winning device. Therefore, it is uncertain whether or not the game ball can reach the opening timing. Further, even if the game ball is fired periodically, the arrival timing of the game ball does not match the above cycle due to variations in movement in the process of reaching the variable winning device. For this reason, if we try to consider the bias of sparse and dense when setting the opening period in consideration of the firing cycle, we go against the idea of shortening the opening period and clarifying the difference from the high frequency winning mode. It will be. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the game ball is stopped at the upstream position of the large winning opening 319, and the stopped game ball wins the large winning opening 319 when the shutter 321 is opened. With this configuration, the influence of the above-mentioned timing deviation can be suppressed.

In order to use the above-mentioned winning assistance, it is sufficient to continuously fire the game ball to the right route, and a complicated operation such as finely switching between firing and non-launching of the game ball is unnecessary. This suppresses the occurrence of inconveniences such as the inability to use assistance due to the skill of the player and the like, and can preferably avoid a decrease in fairness among the players.

Here, when the succeeding game ball reaches the stage portion while the game ball is stopped at the stage 321, the succeeding game ball is stopped so as to be replaced with the preceding game ball. It becomes. Stage 321 is a place where the flow of the game ball is temporarily suppressed, and it is easy to follow the movement of the game ball with the eyes. In such a place, it is possible to improve the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball by making the movement of the game ball novel by giving a relation to the movement of the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball. can.

If the succeeding game ball reaches the stage 321 while the game ball preceding the stage 321 is stopped, the succeeding game ball collides with the preceding game ball. By moving the preceding game ball by this collision, it is possible to promote the replacement of the game ball. Since the preceding game ball heads for the outflow port 317 due to this collision, the game ball to be stopped can be quickly replaced. As a result, it is possible to shorten the period during which the non-stop target game ball is located on the stage 321, that is, the period during which both the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball are located on the stage 321 (overlapping period). Become. This is preferable in order to prevent the above-mentioned winning assistance from acting excessively.

If the behavior of the succeeding game ball is greatly disturbed after the collision with the stopped game ball, there is a high possibility that the succeeding game ball heads for the outflow port 317 as it is. In this case, the replacement of the stop target is not done well. In this respect, as shown in the present embodiment, if the succeeding game ball hits the back wall portion 314 which is the "ball receiving portion" after the collision, the momentum of the succeeding game ball can be weakened. As a result, it is possible to preferably prevent the number of game balls stationary immediately after the collision from becoming zero.

The stage 321 is configured so that the depth dimension is smaller than twice the diameter dimension of the game ball. As a result, it is possible to prevent the collision from being avoided by causing overlap between the passing area of the preceding game ball and the passing area of the succeeding game ball.

The first area 331 (introduction path EL) and the second area 332 (swing path BL) constituting the stage 321 are parallel to each other. According to this configuration, the overlapping range of the passing regions can be secured over a wide area in the longitudinal direction of the stage 321. As a result, even when the timing at which the succeeding game ball reaches the stage 321 varies, the collision between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball can be preferably generated.

Regarding the second area 332 of the stage 321, the game ball is not completely stopped but is stopped while swinging. According to this configuration, it is possible to earn a staying period while avoiding an extremely slow movement speed of the game ball. This is preferable in suppressing the influence of manufacturing errors and the like on the length of the stagnation period and ensuring the above-mentioned collision → replacement function.

The first area 331 and the second area 332 communicate with each other in the entire longitudinal direction of the stage 321, and when the subsequent game ball moves out of the first area 331 due to the occurrence of a collision, the second area 332 remains as it is. It is possible to move to. That is, it is not necessary to complete the first area 331 after the collision. As described above, when the game balls are replaced due to the collision between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball, it is possible to prepare for the arrival of the next game ball → collision → replacement by promptly performing the replacement. can. As a result, it is possible to make it suitable for dealing with the case where the replacement of the stationary objects occurs continuously.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the game ball is stopped on the shutter 321 of the variable winning device 310, but in the present embodiment, the game ball is stopped as a "stop portion" or a "stage portion". One of the features is that the stage is formed separately from the shutter. The variable winning unit 82X shown in the present embodiment is composed of the variable winning device 310X and the guide block 300. However, since the guide block 300 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the variable winning device 310X will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, focusing on the differences from the variable winning device 310 shown in the first embodiment. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning unit 82X, and FIG. 28 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the variable winning unit 82X.

As shown in FIG. 27, a stage 330X is formed in the housing 311X of the variable winning device 310X. The stage 330X is composed of a first area 331X and a second area 332X as in the stage 322 shown in the first embodiment, and is a game of reaching the stage 330X through the guide passage 301 of the guide block 300. The sphere is guided to the first area 331X and moves to the second area 332X through the first area 331X. The first area 331X and the second area 332X are arranged side by side so that the former is located on the back side (back wall portion 314X side) and the latter is located on the front side (outlet 317X side). The movement of the game ball on the stage 330X is the same as the movement of the game ball on the stage 322 when the shutter 321 shown in the first embodiment is in the closed state, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

A bulging portion 318X that bulges from the front surface of the gaming area forming body 80a to the front of the gaming machine is formed in a portion of the housing 311X that is below the stage 330X. A large winning opening 319X opened upward is formed on the upper portion of the bulging portion 318X, and an opening / closing shutter 321X is arranged so as to cover the large winning opening 319X from above. The shutter 321X can be slidably moved in the thickness direction (front-back direction) of the game area forming body 80a, and the shutter 321X can be switched between the open state and the closed state by sliding and moving in the thickness direction. Similar to form.

The game ball that has flowed out from the outlet 317X of the stage 330X falls toward the grand prize opening 319X. When the shutter 321X is in the open state, the game ball falling toward the large winning opening 319X flows into the large winning opening 319X as it is, but when the shutter 321X is in the closed state, the large winning opening 319X The movement of the game ball toward is blocked by the shutter 321X.

The shutter 321X is formed so that its upper surface 322X is inclined downward toward the center side of the gaming machine (operating port 83b side). The gaming ball that has fallen onto the shutter 321X rolls on the shutter 321X toward the center of the gaming machine, and is separated from the variable winning unit 82X.

Here, the game ball flowing out from the stage 330X through the outlet 317X may head diagonally forward due to a collision with a subsequent game ball. In consideration of such circumstances, the left end of the large winning opening 319X and the shutter 321X is located on the left side of the left end of the outlet 317X, and the right end is located on the right side of the right end of the outlet 317X. The width is getting bigger. Therefore, the game ball that is flipped diagonally forward also falls toward the large winning opening 319X (shutter 321X), and the detour of the large winning opening 319X is avoided.

Further, in the configuration in which the game ball on the stage 330X is repelled by the subsequent game ball and heads toward the front of the game machine, the momentum is greater than in the case where the game ball falls from the stage 330X by its own weight. In the bulging portion 318X shown in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the front wall portion extends above the stage 330X. As a result, the game ball leaked from the stage 330X is prevented from jumping over the large winning opening 319X (shutter 321X) and heading toward the glass panel 23.

Next, the flow of winning a prize in the large winning opening 319X in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 29.

As shown in FIG. 29A, when the shutter 321X is in the closed state, the game ball launched to the right route falls to the shutter 321X via the stage 330X. In the stage 330X, the preceding game ball B1 is based on the fact that a predetermined stopping period has elapsed under the situation where the preceding game ball B1 is stopped or a collision with the succeeding game ball B2 has occurred. It will flow out from stage 330X. As shown in the first embodiment, in the situation where the launch of the game ball toward the right route is continued, the subsequent game ball B2 reaches the stage 330X before the predetermined stop period elapses. do. Therefore, the stopped game ball B1 flows out of the stage 330X and heads for the big winning opening 319X based solely on the latter of the above two triggers. Since the timing at which the stopped game ball B1 heads for the large winning opening 319X depends on the succeeding game ball, the subsequent game ball collides with the preceding game ball at the timing when the shutter 321X is released. The game machine will be played in anticipation.

Here, even when the succeeding game ball B2 reaches the stage 330X, there is some variation in the timing at which the preceding game ball B1 and the succeeding game ball B2 collide with each other. Specifically, since the preceding game ball B1 swings in the second area 332X, the collision occurrence timing shifts depending on which position in the second area 332X the preceding game ball B1 is located. It will be. In such a configuration, the player who expects to win the grand prize opening 319X pays attention to the movements of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball, and the shutter 321X, and the game with respect to the movement of the game ball. It can contribute to the improvement of people's attention.

As shown in FIG. 29B, the same is true for the basic movement of the game ball even when the shutter 321X is in the open state. When the shutter 321X is in the open state, the preceding game ball B3 may flow out from the stage 330X during the opening period, so that a prize may be generated in the large winning opening 319X. Therefore, the player who expects to win the grand prize opening 319X pays attention to the movement of the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball, and can contribute to the improvement of the player's attention to the movement of the game ball.

In a gaming machine of a type in which a player is given a privilege (for example, a prize ball) based on a prize in a variable winning device (large winning opening), whether or not a prize is generated in the variable winning device is directed to the variable winning device. It often depends on the movement of the game ball itself. In this regard, in the variable winning unit 82X shown in the present embodiment, since the game ball stopped at the stage 330X heads for the large winning opening 319X when it collides with the subsequent game ball, the game ball is different from the stopped game ball. It is assumed that attention will be paid to both the subsequent game ball. In this way, if the winning or not is determined by the relationship between the game balls, it is possible to realize an unprecedented novel movement of the game balls and contribute to increasing the degree of attention to the game.

<Third embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the variable winning device 310 is opened by shifting to the special gaming state (open / close execution mode). The configuration of the present embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that a plurality of variable winning devices are used in combination as an opening target in the special gaming state. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 30 to 32, the variable winning device and the configuration related thereto in the present embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 30 is a partially enlarged view of the game board unit showing the variable winning device and its peripheral configuration, FIG. 31 is a schematic view showing the relationship between the high frequency winning mode and the low frequency winning mode, and FIG. 32 (a) is related to the game progress. FIG. 32 (b) is a schematic diagram showing each period to be performed, and FIG. 32 (b) is a schematic diagram showing a winning pattern.

As shown in FIG. 30, a first variable winning device 410Y is arranged in the game area PE (specifically, the right route), and is shown in the first embodiment on the downstream side of the first variable winning device 410Y. A variable winning unit 82Y is arranged. In the following description, the variable winning device constituting the variable winning unit 82Y will be referred to as a "second variable winning device 310Y".

The second variable winning device 310Y has a point that the position of the inflow port 317Y connected to the stage 322Y is reversed from that of the variable winning device 310 shown in the first embodiment, and the game ball is stopped at the stage 322Y. The configuration is the same except that the length of the period (set retention period) is different. Incidentally, in FIG. 30, the guide block 300 is not shown.

The first variable winning device 410Y located on the upstream side has a large winning opening 419Y opened in front of the gaming machine and a shutter 421Y capable of switching the large winning opening 419Y between an open state and a closed state. When in the open state, the shutter 421Y projects forward (to the right route) from the front surface of the game area forming body 80a, and the shutter 421Y cuts the flow path of the right route. As a result, the game ball flowing down the right route is guided to the large winning opening 419Y, and cannot move downstream from the first variable winning device 410Y. On the other hand, in the closed state, the game ball flowing down the right route passes in front of the large winning opening 419Y (passes through), and the winning of the large winning opening 419Y is avoided.

The right route is bifurcated downstream of the first variable winning device 410Y. Specifically, the route is branched into a route toward the lower operating port 83b (see FIG. 4) and a route toward the variable winning unit 82. A distribution mechanism 435Y for distributing game balls is arranged at this branching point. The distribution mechanism 435Y can be switched between a first distribution state in which the game balls are distributed to the variable winning unit 82 and a second distribution state in which the game balls are distributed to the lower operating port 83b. The configuration is such that the first distribution state and the second distribution state are alternately switched. That is, the distribution rate to the variable winning unit 82 and the distribution rate to the lower operating port 83b are both halved (see FIG. 30B).

The distribution mechanism 435Y shown in the present embodiment has a configuration in which the weight of the game ball passing through the distribution mechanism 435Y is used to switch between the first distribution state and the second distribution state. However, if the distribution mechanism 435Y can be switched to the first distribution state / second distribution state, the specific configuration thereof is arbitrary, for example, the first distribution state / first using an actuator. The configuration may be such that the two distribution states are switched.

Below the first variable winning device 410Y, a collection passage 431Y for collecting the game balls that have passed through the first variable winning device 410Y is provided, and the game balls collected by the collection passage 431Y use the distribution mechanism 435Y. After that, it is distributed to each of the above routes. The game ball distributed to the variable winning unit 82 side by the distribution mechanism 435Y is guided to the stage 322Y of the second variable winning device 310Y via the guide passage of the guide block.

The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that the low-frequency winning mode and the high-frequency winning mode are set as the winning modes in the special gaming state (opening / closing execution mode). A variable winning device to be opened is associated with each winning mode. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), in the high frequency winning mode, the upstream first variable winning device 410Y is set as an open target, and in the low frequency winning mode, the downstream second variable winning device is set. The device 310Y is set as an opening target.

Further, in the special gaming state, the low frequency winning mode / high frequency winning mode may be switched while the special gaming state is in progress. Specifically, when a 15R probability variation jackpot result or a 15 normal jackpot result is obtained, the winning mode and the opening target change between the first round to the 14th round and the 15th round (final round). More specifically, in the first round to the fourteenth round, the first variable winning device 410Y is the target of opening, and the high frequency winning mode is set as the winning mode. On the other hand, in the 15th round, the second variable winning device 310Y is open and the low frequency winning mode is set as the winning mode. That is, in the 15th round, the winning destination is switched from the first variable winning device 410Y to the second variable winning device 310Y, and the winning mode is also switched from the high frequency winning mode to the low frequency winning mode.

In the low-frequency winning mode, the maximum number of winnings is the same, but a clear difference is set in the opening period of the large winning opening. Specifically, when a game ball is launched to the right route in a predetermined firing cycle (0.6 sec), the actual period (substantial opening period) required for the number of winnings to reach the upper limit is 6 sec or more. It is 7 seconds. In the high-frequency winning mode, the maximum opening period is 30 seconds, which is longer than the actual opening period. Therefore, the number of winnings in the high-frequency winning mode reaches the upper limit. On the other hand, in the low frequency winning mode, the maximum opening period is 1.8 sec, which is shorter than the actual opening period. Therefore, the number of winnings in the low frequency winning mode is less than the upper limit. For the above reasons, in the 15th round, the benefits obtained are less than those in the 1st to 14th rounds.

When the 14th round is completed, the winning of the first variable winning device 410Y is avoided, and the game ball launched on the right route heads for the distribution mechanism 435Y via the collection passage 431Y. As a result, the game ball launched to the right route is divided into one heading toward the lower operating port 83b and one heading toward the second variable winning device 310Y.

The second variable winning device 310Y in the present embodiment has a staying period (setting) assuming that the game ball is stopped at the stage 322Y, specifically, is not forcibly discharged due to a collision with a subsequent game ball. The retention period) is shorter than the substantially open period of the first variable winning device 410Y described above (see FIG. 32 (a)). Specifically, the retention period is set to 4 sec to 5 sec.

Here, the required period for passing through the recovery passage 431Y is 0.6 sec, and the required period for moving from the distribution mechanism 435Y to the stage 322Y is 0.4 sec. That is, the time required for the game ball passing through the first variable winning device 410Y to reach the second variable winning device 310Y is 1 sec. Even if the above-mentioned retention period is added to this required period, for example, for a game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 410Y and reached stage 322 during or before the interval period before the start of the 14th round, the 15th round The stage 322 is separated from the stage 322 by the start timing of the above, that is, the timing when the game ball heading for the second variable winning device 310Y reaches the stage 322 with the end of the 14th round. That is, when the game ball reaches the stage 322 after the end of the 14th round, there is no game ball stopped in advance, and the first variable winning device 410Y is closed for winning the second variable winning device 310Y. It is limited to the game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 410Y after being in the state.

Hereinafter, the flow of winning a prize in the second variable winning device 310Y in the 15th round will be described with reference to FIG. 32 (b). This flow is roughly classified into two according to the state of the distribution mechanism 435Y. Specifically, it is roughly classified into pattern 1 when the distribution mechanism 435Y is in the first distribution state and pattern 2 when the distribution mechanism 435Y is in the second distribution state. .. Regardless of the pattern, the number of winnings to the second variable winning device 310Y is the same.

First, pattern 1 will be described. At the timing of ta0 when the 14th round is completed, there is no game ball on the stage 322Y. The game ball that reaches the distribution mechanism 435Y before the timing of ta1 immediately after that is distributed to the second variable winning device 310Y. The game ball reaches the stage 322 after 0.4 sec. At this timing, the shutter 321Y is maintained in the closed state, and the game ball guided to the stage 322Y is temporarily stopped at the stage 322Y. The distribution mechanism 435Y switches from the first distribution state to the second distribution state as the game balls are distributed to the second variable winning device 310Y side.

When a predetermined interval period (1 sec) has elapsed from the timing of ta0, the shutter 321Y switches from the closed state to the open state. As a result, the game ball stopped at the stage 322 falls to the big winning opening 319. As a result, the first prize is generated.

Immediately after the shutter 321Y is switched to the open state, for example, at the timing of ta2 where 0.6 sec has elapsed from the timing of ta1, the next game ball reaches the distribution mechanism 435Y. At this timing, the distribution mechanism 435Y is in the second distribution state. Therefore, the game ball is distributed to the lower operating port 83b, and the movement to the second variable winning device 310Y side is avoided. The distribution mechanism 435Y switches from the second distribution state to the first distribution state as the game ball is distributed to the lower operating port 83b side.

When the next game ball reaches the distribution mechanism 435Y at the timing of ta3 after the timing of ta2, for example, 1.8 sec from the timing of ta0, the game ball is distributed to the second variable winning device 310Y. Will be. By distributing the game ball to the second variable winning device 310Y side, the distribution mechanism 435Y switches from the first distribution state to the second distribution state.

The game ball distributed to the second variable winning device 310Y reaches the stage 322Y at a timing 0.4 sec after the timing of ta3. Since the shutter 321Y is maintained in the open state at this timing, the game ball flows into the large winning opening 319 as it is. As a result, a second prize is generated.

When the next game ball reaches the distribution mechanism 435Y at the timing of ta4 after the timing of ta3, for example, at the timing when 2.4 sec has elapsed from the timing of ta0, the game ball is distributed to the lower operating port 83b. Movement to stage 322Y is avoided. By distributing the game ball to the lower operating port 83b side, the distribution mechanism 435Y switches from the second distribution state to the second distribution state.

At the timing when 0.4 sec has elapsed from the timing of ta4, that is, the timing when the opening period (1.8 sec) has elapsed from the opening of the second variable winning device 310Y, the shutter 321Y switches from the open state to the closed state. As a result, the subsequent winning of the second variable winning device 310Y is avoided.

In the pattern 1 illustrated above, in many cases, the number of winnings to the second variable winning device 310Y in the 15th round is "2".

Next, pattern 2 will be described. The game ball that reaches the distribution mechanism 435Y at the timing of ta1 after the end of the 14th round, for example, at the timing when 0.6 sec has elapsed from the timing of ta0, is distributed to the lower operating port 83b and moves to the stage 322Y. Is avoided. By distributing the game ball to the lower operating port 83b side, the distribution mechanism 435Y switches from the second distribution state to the first distribution state.

When a predetermined interval period (1 sec) has elapsed from the timing of ta0, the shutter 321Y switches from the closed state to the open state. In pattern 2, when the game ball reaches the stage 322Y via the distribution mechanism 435Y immediately after the first variable winning device 410Y is closed, at least 1 sec elapses. That is, unlike the pattern 1, the shutter 321Y is switched to the open state when the game ball is not stopped on the stage 322Y.

When the next game ball reaches the distribution mechanism 435Y at the timing of ta2 after the shutter 321Y is switched to the open state, for example, at the timing of ta2 1.2 sec after the timing of ta0, the second game ball is described. It will be distributed to the variable winning device 310Y. By distributing the game ball to the second variable winning device 310Y side, the distribution mechanism 435Y switches from the first distribution state to the second distribution state.

The game ball distributed to the second variable winning device 310Y side reaches the large winning opening 319 after 0.4 sec. At this timing, the shutter 321Y is maintained in the open state. Therefore, the game ball guided to the stage 322Y will flow into the large winning opening 319 as it is. As a result, the first prize is generated.

When the next game ball reaches the distribution mechanism 435Y at the timing of ta3 after the timing of ta2, for example, at the timing of ta3 1.8 sec after the timing of ta0, the game ball is distributed to the lower operating port 83b. It will be. By distributing the game ball to the lower operating port 83b side, the distribution mechanism 435Y switches from the second distribution state to the first distribution state.

When the next game ball reaches the distribution mechanism 435Y at the timing of ta4 after the timing of ta3, for example, at the timing when 2.4 sec has elapsed from the timing of ta0, the game ball is distributed to the second variable winning device 310Y. Will be. The game ball will be distributed to the second variable winning device 310Y side. The distribution mechanism 435Y switches from the first distribution state to the second distribution state. The game ball distributed to the second variable winning device 310Y reaches the stage 322Y after 0.4 sec. At this timing, the shutter 321Y is maintained in the open state. Therefore, the game ball guided to the stage 322Y will flow into the large winning opening 319 as it is. As a result, a second prize is generated.

In the above-mentioned pattern 2, in many cases, the number of winnings to the second variable winning device 310Y in the 15th round is "2" as in the pattern 1.

In the present embodiment, if the firing of the game ball is continued even after the end of the 14th round, the number of winnings in the 15th round is 2. As a result, 30 prize balls can be obtained. The number of game balls fired from the end of the 14th round to the end of the 15th round is four. If the return exceeds the investment, the number of balls held will increase. Depending on the variation in the movement of the game balls, the number of prizes may be "1", but even in that case, 15 prize balls can be obtained and the return exceeds the investment. Therefore, the number of balls held increases.

In the present embodiment, in the 15th round, a minimum of "1" and a maximum of "2" are awarded. By generating at least a "1" prize, it is possible to avoid giving the player the impression that the privilege that should have been originally obtained has been missed. Although it is an extremely short period of time, the decline in motivation to play is suppressed by making it possible to obtain benefits by opening the large winning opening 319. Further, it is preferable to suppress the variation in the number of prizes in order to prevent the player and the game hall from suffering an excessive disadvantage and to suppress the deterioration of fairness.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, when the first variable winning device and the second variable winning device are used in combination, when the second variable winning device is opened in the low frequency winning mode, a certain number of winnings are earned while winning a prize. One of the features is that it has been devised to further reduce the variation in numbers. Hereinafter, the configuration according to the above device will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 35, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment. FIG. 33 is a partially enlarged view of the game board unit showing the variable winning device and its peripheral configuration, FIG. 34 (a) is a schematic view showing each period related to the progress of the game, and FIG. 34 (b) is a schematic view showing the winning pattern. , FIG. 35 is a timing chart showing the flow of the game in the special game state.

As shown in FIG. 33A, the main configuration of the game board unit 80Z shown in the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment, and the distribution mechanism 435Z arranged at the branch point of the right route. A part of the configuration according to the above is different from the distribution mechanism 435Y shown in the third embodiment. The distribution mechanism 435Z is divided into a first distribution state in which the game ball reaching the branch point is distributed to the second variable winning device 310Z and a second distribution state in which the game ball reaching the branch point is distributed to the lower operating port 83b. The switching is possible, and when the game ball passes through the distribution mechanism 435Z, the first distribution state / the second distribution state is sequentially switched.

Specifically, it switches to the second distribution state based on the distribution of one game ball to the second variable winning device 310Z side in the first distribution state, and two in the second distribution state. It is configured to switch to the first distribution state based on the continuous distribution of the game ball to the lower operating port 83b side. That is, two-thirds of the game balls that have reached the branch point are distributed to the lower operating port 83b side, one-third to the second variable winning device 310Z side (see FIG. 33B), and to the second variable winning device 310Z. The number of game balls to be guided is decreasing.

Further, the time required for the game ball to reach the stage 322Z of the second variable winning device 310Z from the distribution mechanism 435Z is 0.8 sec, which is also longer than that of the third embodiment. There is.

When the second variable winning device 310Z is opened in the 15th round due to such a change in the distribution rate and the required period, the number of game balls that can reach the second variable winning device 310Z during the opening period is determined. It is limited to about one.

In the stage 322Z shown in the present embodiment, the stop period (set stop period) in which the game ball stays on the stage 322Z is the round opening period (30 sec) in the high frequency winning mode and the high frequency winning mode to the low frequency winning mode. It is set to be longer than the sum with the interval period (1 sec) at the time of transition to. More specifically, when the game balls are continuously fired to the right route as described above, the effective opening period in each round is shortened to 6 sec to 7 sec. It is set to be longer than the sum of the substantially open periods of each of the 1st to 14th rounds and the sum of the interval periods until the start of the 15th round (see FIG. 34 (a)).

In the case of a 15R probability variation jackpot result or a 15R normal jackpot result, a game ball will be fired toward the right route, but in the first to 14th rounds, all of the fired game balls will be the first. The 1 variable winning device 410Y is not won, and some game balls will be spilled during the interval period. The spilled game ball is divided into one heading toward the lower operating port 83b and one heading toward the second variable winning device 310Z. Of these, the game ball heading for the second variable winning device 310Z will be stopped at the stage 322Z, but the game ball will be stopped until the final round while changing the target.

When the 15th round (final round) is started while the game ball is stopped, the stopped game ball falls to the large winning opening 319 as the shutter 321Z is switched to the open state. That is, the winning opportunity will be re-granted in the final round even for the game ball that should have missed the winning opportunity to the first variable winning device 410Y and missed the winning opportunity to the second variable winning device 310Z. This is also preferable in order to secure the occurrence of winning in the low frequency winning mode.

In the present embodiment, the winning patterns in the second variable winning device 310Z are roughly classified into patterns 1 to 6 depending on the presence or absence of a stationary game ball and the state of the distribution mechanism 435Z.

Specifically, as shown in Patterns 1 to 3 of FIG. 34 (b), when the game ball is not parked on the stage 322Z at the timing when the second variable winning device 310Z is opened, the above is described. Such a spill ball relief does not occur. That is, only the game ball that has reached the second variable winning device 310Z after the end of the 14th round will win the second variable winning device 310Z. As described above, 1/3 of the game balls that have passed through the branch point are distributed to the second variable winning device 310Z, and if the game balls continue to be launched to the right route, the second variable Approximately one prize will be generated during the opening period of the prize device 310Z.

On the other hand, as shown in Patterns 3 to 6, when the game ball is stopped at the stage 322Z, the stopped game ball wins a big prize when the second variable winning device 310Z is opened. A prize is won in the mouth 319, and at least one prize is secured. After that, as in the case of Patterns 1 to 3, about one prize is generated, so that more prizes can be expected than in Patterns 1 to 3.

By the start of the 15th round, a plurality of interval periods will be passed. In view of such circumstances, the number of game balls that reach stage 322Z by the start of the 15th round is not always one. For example, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 35, when one game ball is already stopped at the stage 322Z at the start of the 14th round (see the timing of tb1), the interval period of the 13th to 14th rounds. When a game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 410Y reaches the stage 322Z (see the timing of tb2), two game balls may temporarily exist in the stage 322Z, but the timing of tb3 immediately after that. Then, the stopped game ball and the subsequent game ball are exchanged. As a result, the number of stationary game balls becomes one (see the timing of tb3). By maintaining this state until the start timing of the 15th round (see the timing of tb5), one prize is generated with the start of the 15th round. As described above, the interval period from the end of the 14th round to the start of the 15th round is 1 sec, and the game ball passing through the first variable winning device 410Y reaches the second variable winning device 310Z. It takes a longer period than the interval period. Therefore, it is avoided that the situation in which a plurality of game balls temporarily exist on the shutter 321Z as generated at the timing of tb2 overlaps with the start timing of the 15th round. As a result, it is avoided that the relief function becomes excessive.

By providing the high-frequency winning mode and the low-frequency winning mode as the winning modes in the special game state, it is possible to make a difference in the winning of the variable winning device and realize the diversification of the game. However, when it is difficult to win a prize in the low-frequency winning mode, an event may occur in which the winning is not generated even though the variable winning device can be won. This is a factor that gives the player the impression that he / she has missed the privilege (prize ball) that should have been originally obtained, and there is a concern that the motivation for playing may be reduced. In this regard, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, when the second variable winning device 310Y is allowed to win in the low frequency winning mode, the second variable winning device 310Y is switched to the open state. The winning of the second variable winning device 310Y will be assisted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the 15th round from ending with the number of winnings being "0". As a result, it is possible to preferably exert the effect of increasing the degree of attention to the game by diversifying the game.

The excessively strong auxiliary function described above hinders the differentiation between the high-frequency winning mode and the low-frequency winning mode. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, by limiting the number of game balls to be assisted (the number of game balls that can be stopped), it is possible to preferably avoid the occurrence of such inconvenience. Further, such an auxiliary function depends on the arrangement of the shutter 321Y, and the stop function is turned off when the shutter 321Y is opened. That is, the auxiliary function by stopping the spilling ball ends when the second variable winning device 310Y is opened. As a result, it is possible to prevent the auxiliary function from becoming excessive.

In the low-frequency winning mode in which the variable winning device is in the open state for an extremely short period, for example, even if the game ball is launched aiming at the timing when the variable winning device is in the open state, the game ball is launched at the desired timing. Does not always reach the variable winning device. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the game ball that has reached the second variable winning device 310Y in advance is made to stand by on the upstream side of the large winning opening 319, so that the timing shift described above causes the game ball to stand by. It is possible to preferably avoid losing the winning opportunity.

The stopped (standby) game ball is maintained in a state of being placed on the shutter 321Y. Therefore, the stopped game ball immediately falls to the large winning opening 319 as the shutter 321Y switches from the closed state to the open state. As a result, it is possible to prevent the auxiliary function from being effectively exerted even if the period of opening in the low frequency winning mode is shortened. By shortening the period of opening while assisting the winning, it is possible to promote differentiation from the high-frequency winning mode and contribute to strengthening the sharpness of the game.

In the stopped state of the shutter 321Y, even if a new game ball arrives during the stop, the stopped state does not end, but continues thereafter. With such a configuration, the player can enjoy the benefit of the winning assist function simply by continuously firing the game ball to the right route without performing detailed operations of launching / stopping the game ball. In this way, suppressing the complexity of the requirements (operations) for utilizing the auxiliary function is preferable in order to suppress the dependence on the skill of the player and to ensure the fairness among the players.

Further, the game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 410Y is not discharged from the game area PE as it is, but is held until the second variable winning device 310Y is opened, and the first variable winning target is the first variable winning device. When the device 310Y is switched to the second variable winning device 310Y, the second variable winning device 310Y may be won. In this way, by giving the game ball that did not win the first variable winning device 410Y a room for winning the second variable winning device 310Y, the firing operation is postponed according to the movement of the first variable winning device 410Y. Such actions (so-called irregular striking) can be suppressed.

When the game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 410Y is relieved, it is not preferable that the privilege given to the player is excessive. In this respect, if the opening period is shorter than that of the first variable winning device 410Y (it is difficult for winning to occur), and the second variable winning device 310Y is configured to generate a prize, the benefits actually given are excessive. It is possible to suitably increase the satisfaction level of the player while suppressing the occurrence of the problem.

As with the first variable winning device 410Y, the second variable winning device 310Y has a large privilege that can be obtained by winning. Therefore, if the second variable winning device 310Y is opened for a short period of time but no winning is generated, the player may feel uncomfortable. In this regard, if the spilled ball from the first variable winning device 410Y is used to give a privilege based on the winning to the second variable winning device 310Y, the game ball during the interval in the high frequency winning mode Since the consumption can be promoted and the consumption of the game ball can be expected to some extent, it is possible to suppress the excessive action of the auxiliary function.

<Other embodiments>
The content is not limited to the description of each of the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above-described embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above-described embodiments. Further, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or a part of the various configurations shown in each of the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effect to be exerted) of each configuration to be combined is guaranteed. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration consisting of a combination of embodiments, or may be partially or wholly applied in combination.

(1) In the above embodiment, when the succeeding game ball collides with the game ball stopped at the stage 322, the stopped target is switched from the preceding game ball to the succeeding game ball. If the number of game balls staying at the stage 322 can be adjusted to a predetermined number by exchanging the stopping objects, the specific configuration related to the exchange of the game balls may be arbitrarily changed. For example, when the game ball reaches the stage 322, an action unit that acts by the weight of the game ball is provided, and the stopped game ball (preceding game ball) is forcibly discharged from the stage 322 by the movement of the action unit. It is also possible to. In this case, for example, the configuration may be such that the inclination angle of the stage 322 (specifically, the second area 332) toward the outlet 317 is increased by the operation of the action unit.

(2) In the above embodiment, the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball are exchanged to maintain the state in which the game ball is stopped on the stage 322, but the stopped state is maintained. If it is possible, it is not always necessary to limit the number of game balls to be stopped to one. For example, in the case of a configuration in which a plurality of game balls are stopped, it is also possible to maintain a constant number of stopped game balls by exchanging the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball. be.

(3) In the above embodiment, in the second area 332 of the stage 322, the stopped game ball swings. In order to realize the collision between the stopped game ball and the subsequent game ball, it is sufficient if the stopped game ball exists in the position where the collision with the subsequent game ball occurs in the second area 332, and the game is stopped. It is not essential to swing the ball. For example, if the first area 331 and the second area 332 are folded back so as to be inclined in opposite directions, the subsequent game ball can collide with the game ball passing through the second area 332. In this case, it is preferable to make the inclination angle of the second area 332 as small as possible in order to increase the required passage period of the game ball in the second area 332.

(4) In the above embodiment, the first area 331 and the second area 332 constituting the stage 322 are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the guide direction of the game ball defined by the downstream portion 307 of the guide passage 301. However, it is not limited to this. When the first area as the introduction area of the game ball and the second area as the stop area of the game ball are provided side by side, the positional relationship between these areas is arbitrary.

(5) In the above embodiment, the first area 331 and the second area 332 are formed horizontally and are configured to be parallel to each other, but the first area 331 and the second area 332 move the game ball. It does not necessarily have to be parallel when arranging in the direction intersecting the direction. For example, when the first area 331 is curved, the second area 332 may be curved along the same.

(6) In the above embodiment, the stage 322 is horizontally long, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the game ball can be stopped on the stage, the specific shape thereof is arbitrary, and for example, the stage may be configured to have a mortar shape.

The stage 322 is formed to have a size that allows a plurality of game balls to be stopped at the same time, but it is sufficient if the stage is large enough to allow at least one game ball to be stopped.

(7) In the above embodiment, when the succeeding game ball collides with the stopped game ball, the stopped game ball is repelled to the outflow port 317 side. In order to realize the replacement with the succeeding game ball, it is sufficient if the stopped game ball is forcibly discharged from the stage 322 due to the collision with the succeeding game ball, and the stopped game ball is discharged. There is no need to play to the 317 side. However, in order to improve the responsiveness of the replacement of the game balls, it is technically significant that the bounced game balls are directed toward the outlet 317.

(8) In the above embodiment, the succeeding game ball collides with the preceding game ball at a position offset to the back side. This has the technical significance of temporarily directing the subsequent game ball toward the back wall portion 314 after the collision to reduce its momentum. However, as long as it is possible to prevent the subsequent game ball from flowing out of the stage 322 immediately after the collision (without stopping), what kind of collision is generated is arbitrary. For example, the following game ball may collide with the stopped game ball from directly behind.

(9) In the above embodiment, the stationary state at the stage 322 is maintained by exchanging the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball, but the stationary state is maintained by the arrival of the succeeding game ball. In view of the points, it is also possible to extend the staying period of the preceding game ball by the arrival of the succeeding game ball instead of exchanging the stop target. For example, in a configuration in which a stopped game ball gradually moves toward an outlet, the stopped game ball is pushed to the opposite side of the outlet by the arrival of a subsequent game ball, and the subsequent game ball is pushed. It is preferable that the structure is discharged from the stage as it is.

(10) In the above embodiment, the second area 332 is formed in a substantially gutter shape and the weight of the game ball is used to suppress the back-and-forth variation of the movement path in the second area 332. It is also possible to have a configuration that suppresses anteroposterior variation in the movement path of the game ball.

(11) In the above embodiment, the game ball of 1 is stopped in the stage 322, and when the variable winning device is opened, the game ball on the stage 322 is made to win a prize in the large winning opening 319. In the frequency winning mode, the number of winnings is prevented from becoming "0", but the present invention is not limited to this. When the variable winning device is opened for a predetermined period, if the game ball is sent to the second variable winning device every second predetermined period equal to or shorter than that, the movement of the game ball varies. It is possible to prevent the number of winnings in the second variable winning device from becoming "0" due to an increase in sparseness due to such factors. That is, a ball feeding means for sending the game ball to the variable winning device at a predetermined cycle may be provided. For example, it is preferable to make the supply span of the game ball steady by forming a recess in which the game ball can enter in the outer peripheral portion of the circular rotating body and rotating the rotating body periodically.

(12) In the above embodiment, the shutter 321 is formed with the first area 331 and the second area 332, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It suffices that the shutter 321 has at least a configuration corresponding to the second area 332, and a configuration corresponding to the first area 331 may be arranged in a peripheral configuration such as the housing 311. In this case, the rolling surface of the game ball composed of the configuration corresponding to the first area and the second area 332 arranged in the peripheral configuration may be used as the “stage portion”.

(13) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, for example, pachinko machines in which the electric accessory is opened a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of the special device, or a game in a specific area of the special device. The present invention can also be applied to pachinko machines that generate a right when a ball enters and become a big hit, pachinko machines equipped with other accessories, arrange ball machines, and game machines such as sparrow balls.

In addition, a non-ballistic gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction is provided, the reels are started to rotate by inserting medals and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. The present invention also applies to a slot machine that gives a player a privilege such as paying out a medal when a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on an effective line that can be visually recognized from a display window after the reel is stopped. Can be applied.

Further, the gaming machine body supported by the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is provided with a storage unit and a take-in device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are taken in by the take-in device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, which starts the rotation of the reel.

<About the invention group extracted from each of the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing the effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for the sake of easy understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above-described embodiment are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the parentheses or the like.

<Characteristic A group>
The following feature A group is described in that "a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by a player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out and other benefits are given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", "In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to increase the degree of attention to the game, for example." It was made with the problem that the invention is trying to solve.

Features A1. A gaming machine provided with a gaming board (game board unit 80) in which a gaming area (gaming area PE) into which a gaming ball flows down is formed.
A stage portion (stage 322) provided in the game area where the game ball can be stopped, and
When a succeeding game ball arrives at the stage portion while the game ball is stopped at the stage portion, the stopped game ball is discharged from the stage portion and the succeeding game ball is moved to the stage portion. Replacement means for replacing the game balls to be stopped by stopping at the stage portion (a function of guiding the game balls to the first area 331 by the guide passage 301 and a function of stopping the game balls in the second area 332). A gaming machine characterized by being equipped.

According to the feature A1, when the succeeding game ball reaches the stage part while the game ball is stopped at the stage part, the succeeding game ball is replaced with the preceding game ball. It will be stopped. The stage portion is a place where the flow of the game ball is temporarily suppressed, and it is easy to follow the movement of the game ball with the eyes. In such a place, it is possible to improve the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball by making the movement of the game ball novel by giving a relation to the movement of the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball. can.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is "a gaming machine provided with a gaming board (game board unit 80) in which a gaming area (gaming area PE) is formed, and is provided in the gaming area so that a gaming ball can be stopped. A stage portion (stage 322) is provided, and when a subsequent gaming ball reaches the stage portion in a situation where the gaming ball is stopped at the stage portion, the preceding gaming ball flows out from the stage portion. , The gaming machine characterized in that the succeeding gaming ball is configured to stay at the stage portion so as to replace the preceding gaming ball. "

Feature A2. The replacement means is a position where the succeeding game ball collides with the stopped game ball when the succeeding game ball reaches the stage portion in a situation where the game ball is stopped at the stage portion. The gaming machine according to feature A1, characterized in that it has a guide portion (downstream portion 307 of the guide passage 301) for guiding to (first area 331).

According to the feature A2, if the succeeding game ball reaches the stage portion while the game ball preceding the stage portion is stopped, the succeeding game ball collides with the preceding game ball. By moving the preceding game ball by this collision, it is possible to promote the replacement of the game ball.

Feature A3. The guide portion guides the subsequent game ball to a position (first area 331) that collides with a portion of the stopped game ball that is opposite to the outlet portion (outlet 317) of the stage portion. The gaming machine according to feature A2, which is characterized in that.

According to the feature A3, the game balls to be stopped can be quickly replaced. This makes it possible to shorten the period during which the non-stop target game ball is located on the stage portion, that is, the period during which both the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball are located on the stage portion (overlapping period). Become.

Feature A4. A ball receiving portion (back wall portion 314) provided on the side opposite to the outlet portion across the stationary region of the game ball in the stage portion and receiving the game ball facing the side opposite to the exit portion is provided.
3. The feature A3, wherein the ball receiving portion is arranged at a position where the subsequent gaming ball, which is flipped to the side opposite to the exit portion due to a collision with the stationary gaming ball, hits the ball receiving portion. Game machine.

If the behavior of the succeeding game ball is greatly disturbed after the collision with the stopped game ball, there is a high possibility that the succeeding game ball heads for the exit portion as it is. In this case, the replacement of the stop target is not done well. In this respect, as shown in this feature, if the succeeding game ball hits the ball receiving portion after the collision, the momentum of the succeeding game ball can be weakened. This is preferable in suppressing the occurrence of the above inconvenience.

Feature A5. As the movement path of the game ball in the stage portion, a first path (introduction path EL in the first area 331) through which the game ball flowing into the stage portion passes and a first path through which the game ball passing through the first path passes. Two paths (swing path BL in the second area 332) are provided.
The guide unit is configured to guide the game ball to the first path.
The first path and the second path are characterized in that the passing area of the game ball passing through the first path and the passing area of the game ball passing through the second path overlap each other. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature A2 to the feature A4.

According to the feature A5, the passing area of the game ball passing through the first path and the passing area of the game ball passing through the second path overlap. Therefore, when the preceding game ball passes through the second path and the succeeding game ball passes through the first path, both game balls collide with each other. Thereby, the replacement of the game balls shown in the feature A1 can be suitably realized.

In addition, in the combination with the feature A3 and the feature A4, "the first path and the second path are arranged side by side so that the first path is on the exit portion side and the second path is on the ball receiving portion side. It is good.

Feature A6. The first path and the second path are arranged side by side in a direction extending in a predetermined direction and intersecting the predetermined direction.
The gaming machine according to feature A5, wherein the stage portion is configured such that the width dimension in the intersecting direction is smaller than twice the diameter dimension of the gaming ball.

According to the feature A6, the passing regions shown in the feature A5 are overlapped, and it is possible to prevent the collision between the game ball passing through the first path and the game ball passing through the second path from being avoided. .. As a result, the function of replacing the stationary object shown in the feature A1 can be suitably exerted.

Feature A7. The first path extends in the same direction as the guidance direction of the game ball by the guide portion.
The first path and the second path are characterized in that the second path is arranged in a direction intersecting the guide direction so that the second path is on the outlet portion (outlet 317) side of the stage portion. The gaming machine according to A5 or feature A6.

According to the feature A7, when the succeeding game ball reaches the first path while the preceding game ball is passing through the second path, the succeeding game ball is the exit portion of the preceding game ball. It will collide with the opposite part. Due to such a collision, the preceding game ball is repelled to the exit portion, and the game ball to be stopped is smoothly replaced.

Feature A8. The gaming machine according to any one of features A5 to A7, wherein the stage portion is formed so that the first path and the second path are parallel to each other.

If both paths are made parallel as shown in the feature A8, the overlapping portion shown in the feature A5 or the like can be secured in a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the path. As a result, even when the timing at which the succeeding game ball reaches the stage portion varies, it is possible to preferably cause a collision between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball.

Feature A9. The stage portion is described in feature A8, wherein the stage portion is configured so that the game ball passing through the second path can move in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the game ball passing through the first path. Game machine.

According to the feature A9, it is possible to prevent the preceding game ball from escaping from the succeeding game ball and avoiding the collision.

Feature A10. The stage portion is described in any one of the features A5 to A9, wherein the game ball passing through the second path is formed so as to be swingable on the second path. Game machine.

If the staying period of the game ball on the second path is long, it is possible to preferably tolerate the variation in the arrival timing of the subsequent game ball. By swinging (reciprocating) the game ball on the second path, it is possible to earn a staying period while avoiding an extremely slow movement speed of the game ball. This is preferable in suppressing the influence of manufacturing errors and the like on the length of the retention period and ensuring the replacement function shown in feature A1.

Feature A11. The game according to any one of the feature A5 to the feature A10, wherein the stage portion is formed so that the game ball can move from the intermediate position of the first path to the second path. Machine.

In the configuration shown in the feature A11, when the subsequent game ball moves out of the first path due to the occurrence of a collision, it is possible to move to the second path as it is. That is, it is not necessary to complete the first route after the collision. As described above, when the game balls are replaced due to the collision between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball, it is possible to prepare for the arrival of the next game ball → collision → replacement by promptly performing the replacement. can. As a result, it is possible to make it suitable for dealing with the case where the replacement of the stationary objects occurs continuously.

Feature A12. The first route and the second route are arranged side by side.
The feature A5 to the feature A11 is characterized in that the dimension of the overlapping portion in the juxtaposed direction of the first path and the second path is configured to be smaller than the radial dimension of the game ball. The gaming machine described in any one.

In the configuration in which the preceding game ball is forcibly discharged from the stage portion by colliding the following game ball with the preceding game ball (stationed game ball), the dimension of the overlapping portion in the parallel direction is used for the game. By encouraging offset collision or the like by making it smaller than the radial dimension of the ball, it is possible to suppress the momentum of the ejected game ball from becoming excessively strong. Further, for example, when the game ball is swung on the stage portion (second path) as shown in the feature A9, if the momentum of the subsequent game ball becomes excessively weak, the staying period becomes short. When such circumstances are taken into consideration, the configuration shown in this feature has technical significance in forcibly moving the preceding game ball to the exit portion while securing the momentum of the succeeding game ball to some extent.

Feature A13. A variable ball entry unit (variable winning device 310) provided in the game area and capable of switching between an acceptance state in which a game ball can enter and a non-acceptance state in which a game ball cannot enter is provided.
The variable ball entry portion has an opening (large winning opening 319) opened upward and an opening / closing body (shutter 321) that opens and closes the opening.
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A12, wherein the stage portion is formed on the upper surface of the opening / closing body.

According to the feature A13, when the opening / closing body moves from the closed position to the open position while the opening / closing body is stopped on the stage portion, the stopped game ball loses its support and falls into the opening. Since the stationary state is maintained while the game balls are replaced in the stage portion, it is possible to preferably tolerate the uncertainty of the timing at which the opening / closing body moves to the open position. In addition, it is possible to generate a ball entering the opening regardless of the length of the opening period (for example, even if it is extremely short). As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from missing the opportunity to enter the ball.

<Characteristic B group>
The following feature B group is described as "a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed and a gaming ball launching means for launching a gaming ball into the gaming area based on a launching operation by a player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry portion provided in a game area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out and other benefits are given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", "In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to increase the degree of attention to the game, for example." It was made with the problem that the invention is trying to solve.

Feature B1. A gaming machine provided with a gaming board (game board unit 80) in which a gaming area (gaming area PE) into which a gaming ball flows down is formed.
A stage portion (stage 322) provided in the game area and capable of rolling the game ball, and
A guide unit (guidance passage 301) for guiding the game ball to the stage unit is provided.
The guide portion has means (downstream portion 307) that defines the inflow direction when the game ball flows into the stage portion to be a predetermined direction.
As the movement path of the game ball in the stage portion, a first path (introduction path EL in the first area 331) through which the game ball guided to the stage portion by the guide portion passes, and a game that has passed through the first region. A second path through which the ball passes (swing path BL in the second area 332) is provided.
The first path and the second path extend in the predetermined direction and are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and the passing region of the gaming ball passing through the first path and the second path. A gaming machine characterized in that the passing regions of the gaming balls passing through the above-mentioned are overlapped with each other in a predetermined range in the predetermined direction.

According to the feature B1, when the succeeding game ball reaches the stage part while the game ball is passing through the second path of the stage part, the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball collide with each other. Will be done. The stage portion is a place where the flow of the game ball is temporarily suppressed, and it is easy to follow the movement of the game ball with the eyes. In such a place, it is possible to improve the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball by making the movement of the game ball novel by giving a relation to the movement of the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball. can.

Feature B2. The stage portion has a feature B1 in which the first path and the second path are arranged side by side so that the second path is on the outlet portion (outlet 317) side of the stage portion. Described gaming machine.

According to the feature B2, the succeeding game ball collides with the preceding game ball from the side opposite to the exit portion. With such a collision mode, the preceding game ball can be forcibly discharged from the stage portion. As a result, the monotonous movement of the game ball can be suppressed.

Feature B3. A ball receiving portion (back wall portion 314) that is provided on the side opposite to the exit portion with the passing region of the game ball in the stage portion and receives the game ball toward the side opposite to the exit portion is provided. The gaming machine according to feature B2.

According to the feature B3, when the preceding game ball collides with the succeeding game ball, the succeeding game ball is repelled toward the ball receiving portion side. When the subsequent game ball collides with the ball receiving portion, its momentum is weakened and the movement to the exit portion is suppressed. As a result, the preceding game ball can be forcibly discharged from the stage portion due to the collision, while the succeeding game ball can be fixed to the stage portion. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the number of game balls existing in the stage portion while exchanging the game balls existing in the stage portion in the wake of the collision.

Feature B4. In the first route and the second route, the required period required for the game ball to pass through the second route is longer than the required period required for the game ball to pass through the first route. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature B1 to the feature B3.

The timing at which the subsequent game ball reaches the stage portion varies. Therefore, with the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to increase the time until the succeeding game ball arrives and suppress the preceding game ball from being discharged from the stage portion without causing a collision between the game balls. This is preferable in increasing the chance of a change in behavior due to the collision of the game ball.

Feature B5. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B4, wherein the second path is configured so that the gaming ball can swing along the second path.

When the preceding game ball waits for the arrival of the succeeding game ball on the second path, it is possible to preferably tolerate the variation in the arrival timing of the succeeding game ball by earning the period as long as possible. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the game ball swings (reciprocates) on the second path, so that the staying period can be earned while avoiding the extremely slow movement speed of the game ball.

In addition, when swinging on the second path, when the succeeding game ball arrives by making it possible to collide with the succeeding game ball regardless of the position. It is possible to preferably avoid passing through the first path.

Feature B6. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B5, wherein the stage portion is configured such that the first path and the second path are parallel to each other.

If both paths are parallel as shown in feature B6, the overlapping portion shown in feature B1 can be secured in a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the path. As a result, even when the timing at which the succeeding game ball reaches the stage portion varies, it is possible to preferably cause a collision between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball.

Incidentally, the technical idea shown in the feature A group may be applied to the features B1 to B6.

<Characteristic C group>
The following feature C group is described in that "a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed and a gaming ball launching means for launching a gaming ball into the gaming area based on a launching operation by a player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out and other benefits are given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", "In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to increase the degree of attention to the game, for example." It was made with the problem that the invention is trying to solve.

Feature C1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) into which a game ball flows down is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launch mechanism 110) that launches a game ball into the game area at a predetermined cycle (for example, 0.6 sec) based on a player's launch operation.
A stage portion (stage 322) provided in the game area and on which a game ball can be stopped is provided.
The stage portion has a size that allows a first predetermined number of game balls to be stopped.
When a game ball is launched to the stage portion by the game ball launching mechanism, the number of stops adjusting means for adjusting the number of stops at the stage portion to be a second predetermined number smaller than the first predetermined number ( A gaming machine characterized by having a function of guiding a gaming ball to a first area 331 by a guide passage 301 and a function of stopping the gaming ball in the second area 332).

According to the feature C1, when the game balls are continuously launched toward the stage portion, the number of the game balls staying at the stage portion is adjusted to be the second predetermined number. Here, if the first predetermined number of game balls, which is apparently larger than the second predetermined number, can be stopped, an opportunity is provided in the stage portion where the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball coexist. It is possible to give relevance to the movements of the game balls. That is, while the number of game balls on the stage portion is temporarily increased or decreased, the number of stationary game balls is kept constant. By realizing such a novel movement, it is possible to contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

Feature C2. When the number of game balls stopped at the stage portion does not reach the second predetermined number, the stop number adjusting means allows the game balls that have reached the stage portion to stop, and the stage portion. When the number of game balls parked at the stage reaches the second predetermined number and the subsequent game balls reach the stage portion, the subsequent game balls are replaced with the preceding game balls. The gaming machine according to feature C1, wherein the number of stopped gaming balls is limited so as not to exceed the second predetermined number by stopping the balls.

According to the feature C2, when the number of the stopped game balls has reached the second predetermined number, the preceding game balls and the succeeding game balls are exchanged on the stage portion, and as a result, the number of the stopped game balls is reached. Is maintained at the second predetermined number. According to such a movement, it is possible to give a certain relationship between the movement of the preceding game ball and the movement of the succeeding game ball, and it is possible to preferably exert the attention-improving effect shown in the feature C1. can.

Feature C3. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) into which a game ball flows down is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launch mechanism 110) that launches a game ball into the game area at a predetermined cycle based on a player's launch operation, and
A storage unit (stage 322) provided in the game area and capable of storing game balls is provided.
When a predetermined number of game balls are stopped at the stop portion and a subsequent game ball reaches the stop portion, the succeeding game ball is replaced with the preceding game ball at the stop portion. Avoidance means for avoiding the number of stopped game balls exceeding the predetermined number by stopping at (the function of guiding the game balls to the first area 331 by the guide passage 301 and the game balls in the second area 332). A gaming machine characterized by having a function to stop the game.

According to feature C3, when the number of game balls stopped at the stop has reached a predetermined number, the preceding game balls and the subsequent games are based on the fact that the succeeding game balls have reached the stop. The sphere will be replaced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the number of stationary game balls from exceeding a predetermined number. That is, when the game balls are continuously fired at the stop portion, the number of stops is kept constant while the stop targets are exchanged while the number of game balls on the stage portion temporarily increases or decreases. By realizing such a novel movement, it is possible to contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

Incidentally, the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature B group may be applied to the feature C1 to the feature C3.

<Feature D group>
The following feature D group is described in that "a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry portion provided in a game area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out and other benefits are given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", "In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to increase the degree of attention to the game, for example." It was made with the problem that the invention is trying to solve.

Feature D1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) into which a game ball flows down is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launch mechanism 110) that launches a game ball into the game area at a predetermined cycle based on a player's launch operation, and
It is provided in the game area and is provided with a stop portion (stage 322) on which the game ball can be stopped.
The stopped portion is maintained in the stopped state when a subsequent game ball reaches the stopped portion under the condition that a predetermined number of game balls are stopped at the stopped portion. A gaming machine characterized in that the period is extended.

According to the feature D1, when the succeeding game ball reaches the stopped portion in the stopped state, the timing at which the stopped state ends is delayed. That is, the period during which the stationary state is maintained changes depending on whether or not the subsequent game ball arrives. Realizing such an unprecedented novel movement can contribute to increasing the degree of attention to the game.

Feature D2. When the period in which the stopped state is maintained is extended by the arrival of the succeeding game ball during the stopped state, the following game ball is replaced with the stopped game ball to reach the stopped portion. The gaming machine according to feature D1, wherein the number of stationary gaming balls is configured to remain at the predetermined number.

According to the feature D2, the number of stationary game balls does not increase even if the subsequent game balls arrive. When the chances of reaching the game ball increase due to the extension of the period, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the stop portion by avoiding the increase in the number of the game balls at rest. This is advantageous in suppressing a decrease in the degree of freedom of arrangement of the configuration shown in feature D1.

Feature D3. The stationary portion has a configuration in which the stationary state is maintained for a predetermined period when the stationary state is reached.
A configuration in which the extension occurs so that the stopped state is newly maintained for the predetermined period based on the subsequent game ball reaching the stopped portion under the stopped state. The gaming machine according to the feature D1 or the feature D2, which is characterized in that.

According to the feature D3, when the stopped state is reached, the game ball reaches the stopped portion before the predetermined period elapses, so that the stopped state is maintained for a further predetermined period from there. .. In this way, if the extension function is configured to have a substantial upper limit, the player who wants to maintain the stationary state is expected to reach the subsequent game ball as the predetermined period elapses. Can be done. It should be noted that the configuration shown in this feature is also preferable in order to prevent the extension function from becoming excessive (for example, the inconvenience that the stationary state is not released forever).

Incidentally, the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature C group may be applied to the feature D1 to the feature D3.

<Feature E group>
The following feature E group is described as "In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a lottery or a special game as to whether or not to shift to a special game state, for example, triggered by entering a ball entering a starting ball portion provided in a game area. There is a lottery for whether or not the gaming state after the state is advantageous to the player. In this type of gaming machine, a variable ball entry unit provided in the gaming area due to the transition to the special gaming state. The entry into the ball is facilitated, and a predetermined number of gaming balls may be paid out based on the entry into the variable entry section. In recent years, the variable entry section is switched in the special gaming state. As a mode, a gaming machine has been proposed in which the diversification of the game is realized by setting the first switching mode and the second switching mode in which the expectation of entering the variable ball entry portion is lower than that of the first switching mode. (For example, see Patent Document 1). ”However, in the type of gaming machine in which the first switching mode and the second switching mode are set as described above, the variable in the second switching mode is used. Since the expectation of entering the ball into the ball entry section is lower than that of the first switching mode, there is a concern that the player may be likely to feel a loss if the ball is not successfully entered in the second switching mode, for example. This can be an obstacle to increasing the degree of attention to the game due to the diversification of the game. "

Feature E1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) into which a game ball flows down is formed, and a game ball that launches a game ball into the game area at a predetermined cycle based on a player's firing operation. A gaming machine equipped with a launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110).
A variable ball entry unit (variable winning device 310) provided in the game area and capable of switching between an acceptance state in which a game ball can enter and a non-acceptance state in which entry is not possible.
A switching means (main control device 162) for switching the variable ball entry unit between the acceptance state and the non-acceptance state, and
It is provided with a privilege granting means (payout device 224) for granting a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the variable ball entry unit.
As the switching mode by the switching means, the first switching mode (opening / closing mode by the high frequency winning mode) and the second switching mode (low frequency) in which the period in which the variable ball entry portion is in the receiving state is shorter than that of the first switching mode. Opening and closing mode depending on the winning mode) is set,
At least in a situation where the gaming ball continues to be launched toward the variable ball entry section, when the variable ball entry section is switched to the receiving state in the second switching mode, the variable ball entry section is supplied to the variable ball entry section. A gaming machine characterized by being provided with ball entry assisting means (guide block 300 and stage 322) for assisting ball entry.

According to the feature E1, by providing the first switching mode and the second switching mode as the switching mode by the switching means, it is possible to make a difference in the ball entering the variable ball entry portion and realize the diversification of the game. However, when it is difficult to enter the ball in the second switching mode, an event may occur in which the ball does not enter even though the variable entry portion can be entered. This causes the player to have the impression that he / she has missed the privilege (for example, the prize ball) that should be originally obtained, and there is a concern that the motivation for playing may be reduced. In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, if entry into the variable entry section is permitted in the second switching mode, entry is assisted when the variable entry section switches to the receiving state. It will be. As a result, it is possible to prevent the acceptance state from ending with the entry ball being "0". As a result, it is possible to preferably exert the effect of increasing the degree of attention to the game by diversifying the game.

Feature E2. The ball entry assisting means is characterized in that when the variable ball entry portion is switched to the acceptance state in the second switching mode, game balls exceeding a predetermined number are excluded from the target of the assistance. The gaming machine according to the feature E1.

The excessively strong auxiliary function shown in the feature E1 hinders the differentiation between the first switching mode and the second switching mode. Therefore, as shown in this feature, by defining the number of game balls to be assisted, it is possible to preferably avoid the occurrence of such inconvenience.

Feature E3. The game according to feature E1 or feature E2, wherein the variable ball-entry portion switches from the non-accepting state to the receiving state in the second switching mode, so that the assist by the ball-entry assisting means is terminated. Machine.

The excessively strong auxiliary function shown in the feature E1 hinders the differentiation between the first switching mode and the second switching mode. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the assist is terminated when the variable ball entry portion is in the receiving state, the occurrence of such an inconvenience can be suitably avoided.

Feature E4. The variable ball entry portion is arranged at an opening (large winning opening 319) opened upward and a position that covers the opening in the non-accepting state and does not cover the opening in the receiving state. Has an opening / closing body (shutter 321) arranged in
The ball entry assisting means places the gaming ball that has reached the variable ball entry portion in the non-accepting state of the variable ball entry portion at a predetermined position on the upstream side of the opening (second area 332). ), And when a subsequent game ball arrives in a situation where the game ball is waiting at the predetermined position, the number of waiting game balls does not exceed the predetermined number and is in a standby state. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature E1 to the feature E3, which is characterized in that the structure maintains the above.

In the second switching mode in which the variable entry portion is in the acceptance state for a short period of time as shown in the feature E1, for example, even if the game ball is launched aiming at the timing when the variable entry portion is in the acceptance state. The game ball does not always reach the variable entry part at the desired timing. In this regard, as shown in this feature, by configuring the game ball that has reached the variable ball entry portion in advance at a predetermined position on the upstream side of the opening, the ball entry opportunity is increased due to the above-mentioned timing shift. It can be preferably avoided from being lost. Further, if it is possible to collect game balls by such a function, it is not preferable that the number of balls entered becomes excessive. In this regard, as shown in this feature, by limiting the number of game balls that can stand by to a predetermined number, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Regarding the "predetermined number" shown in this feature, when the variable ball entry section is in the receiving state in the second switching mode under the condition that the game ball is launched toward the variable ball entry section. , It is preferable that the number is equal to or less than the number of game balls that can be entered.

Feature E5. The gaming machine according to feature E4, wherein the gaming ball waiting at the predetermined position is configured to be placed on the opening / closing body.

According to the feature E5, the waiting game ball is maintained in a state of being placed on the opening / closing body. Therefore, the opening / closing body moves with the switching from the non-accepting state to the accepted state, so that the stopped game ball immediately falls into the opening. This makes it possible to shorten the period of acceptance in the second switching mode. By shortening the period of receiving the ball while assisting the ball entering, it is possible to promote differentiation from the first switching mode and contribute to strengthening the sharpness of the game.

Feature E6. The ball entry assisting means has a stop portion (stage 322) provided on the opening / closing body and capable of stopping the game ball, and a guide portion (guidance passage 301) for guiding the game ball to the stop portion. The gaming machine according to feature E5, which is configured so that the stopped state is continued when a subsequent gaming ball is guided by the guide unit in a situation where the gaming ball is stationary. ..

According to the feature E6, even if a new game ball reaches the stop portion while the game ball is stopped, the stopped state is not terminated by this, and the stopped state is continued thereafter. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the requirements (operations) for exerting the ball entry assist function from becoming complicated.

Feature E7. The stop portion is formed so that the game ball guided to the stop portion moves to the outlet portion (outlet 317) of the stop portion by its own weight and flows out from the outlet portion, and the game ball flows out in this flow. It is configured so that the period of stay when doing so is a predetermined period.
In the ball entry assisting means, when a subsequent game ball is guided by the guide unit in a situation where the game ball is stopped at the stop portion, the stopped game ball is separated from the stop portion and at the same time. The gaming machine according to feature E6, wherein the following gaming balls are configured to be stopped at the stopping portion so that the stopping targets are exchanged.

When the staying period at the stopping portion is determined to some extent as shown in the feature E7, the stopping period is substantially extended by replacing the game balls before the stopping period elapses. In this way, if the ball entry assist function having a finite period is configured to be extended by the subsequent game ball, the benefit of the ball entry assist function cannot be obtained by a simple operation of continuing the firing of the game ball. It is possible to suppress the formation of gaps.

Feature E8. The guide unit is characterized in that, when the game ball is stopped at the stop portion, the subsequent game ball is guided to a position where the game ball collides with the stopped game ball. The gaming machine according to feature E7.

According to the feature E8, when the succeeding game ball collides with the stopped game ball, the discharge of the stopped game ball from the stopped portion can be promoted. This is a preferable configuration for keeping the number of game balls stopped by replacing the game balls, for example, as shown in feature E6.

Feature E9. The guide portion moves to a position (first area 331) where the gaming ball stopped at the stop portion collides with a portion opposite to the outlet portion (outlet 317) of the stop portion. The gaming machine according to feature E8, which is characterized in that it is configured to guide the player.

According to the feature E9, the game ball to be stopped can be quickly replaced. This makes it possible to shorten the period during which the non-stop target game ball is located on the stage portion, that is, the period during which both the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball are located on the stage portion (overlapping period). Become. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the function of assisting ball entry from acting excessively.

Feature E10. A ball receiving portion (back wall) provided on the side opposite to the outlet portion (outlet 317) of the stop portion across the stop region of the game ball in the stop portion and receiving the game ball toward the opposite side of the outlet portion. With part 314)
The feature E8 or feature E9 is characterized in that the ball receiving portion is arranged at a position where the subsequent game ball, which is flipped to the side opposite to the exit portion due to the collision with the preceding game ball, hits the ball receiving portion. Described gaming machine.

If the behavior of the succeeding game ball is greatly disturbed after the collision with the stopped game ball, there is a high possibility that the succeeding game ball heads for the exit portion as it is. In this case, the replacement of the stop target is not done well. In this respect, as shown in this feature, if the succeeding game ball hits the ball receiving portion after the collision, the momentum of the succeeding game ball can be weakened. This is preferable in suppressing the occurrence of the above inconvenience.

Incidentally, the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature D group may be applied to the features E1 to E10.

<Characteristic F group>
The following feature F group is "Some game machines such as pachinko machines are equipped with a game board in which a game area is formed. A game ball launched based on a player's launch operation is in the game area. By winning a prize in the provided operating port, etc., the player is given benefits such as a winning / failing lottery as to whether or not to shift to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, and paying out the game ball. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). In the special gaming state, for example, the variable ball entry section (variable ball entry section) is switched between the closed state and the open state a plurality of times. The variable ball entry section is open. A game ball that has reached the variable entry section in the state is allowed to enter the variable entry section, and when the variable entry section is in the open state, the variable entry section is allowed to enter. Regarding the background technology that the game ball that has reached the above-mentioned is prevented from entering the variable ball entry section, "In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, the configuration related to the entry into the variable ball entry section" There is still room for improvement. ”The invention was made with the problem to be solved.

Features F1. A gaming machine provided with a gaming board (game board unit 80) in which a gaming area (gaming area PE) into which a gaming ball flows down is formed.
A variable ball entry unit (for example, variable winning devices 310, 410Y) provided in the game area and capable of switching between an acceptance state in which a game ball can enter and a non-acceptance state in which entry is not possible.
A switching control means (main control device 162) for switching the variable ball entry unit between the acceptance state and the non-acceptance state, and
When the variable ball-entry unit is in the non-accepting state, the gaming ball whose entry is avoided by reaching the variable ball-entry unit is described as described after the variable ball-entry unit is in the receiving state. A gaming machine characterized in that it is provided with a guidance means (guidance block 300 or stage 322) for guiding the variable ball entry portion when the acceptance state is reached again after the non-acceptance state.

According to feature F1, a game ball that has not entered due to passing through the variable entry section is guided to the variable entry section when the variable entry section changes from the accepted state to the non-accepted state to the accepted state. May be done. In this way, if the game ball launched aiming at the timing when the variable ball entry section switches from the non-accepted state to the accepted state reaches the variable ball entry section early, the game ball is given an opportunity to enter the ball again. With the configuration, it is possible to preferably prevent the player from performing an act of forcing the player to continue the firing operation of the game ball and suspending the firing operation due to the movement of the variable ball entry portion (so-called irregular striking).

Feature F2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) into which a game ball flows down is provided, and a received state in which the game ball can enter the game area and a non-accepted state in which the game ball cannot enter the game area. It is a gaming machine provided with a variable ball entry unit (variable winning devices 310Y, 410Y) that can be switched to.
As the variable ball entry section, the first variable ball entry section (first variable winning device 410Y) and the game ball that has passed through the first variable ball entry section without entering the first variable ball entry section reach. It has a second variable ball entry unit (second variable winning device 310Y) provided at a position to be used.
When the target to be in the receiving state switches from the first variable ball-entry portion to the second variable ball-entry section, the first variable ball-entry section is moved before the first variable ball-entry section is in the receiving state. Guidance means (guidance) for guiding the passed game ball to the entrance portion (large winning opening 319) of the second variable entry portion based on the change of the second variable entry portion from the non-acceptance state to the acceptance state. A gaming machine characterized by having a block 300 and a stage 322Y).

According to the feature F2, the first variable is for a game ball in which entry is avoided by passing through the first variable entry section while the first variable entry section is in the non-accepting state. When the ball entry section is in the accepting state → both variable ball entry sections are in the non-acceptance state → the second variable ball entry section is in the acceptance state, the player may be guided to the second variable ball entry section. For example, when the game ball launched aiming at the timing when the first variable ball entry section switches from the non-accepted state to the accepted state reaches the first variable ball entry section earlier, the second variable ball entry section is applied to the game ball. If the configuration is such that the opportunity to enter the ball again is given to the target, the player is urged to continue the launch operation of the game ball, and the action of suspending the launch operation by the movement of the variable entry portion (so-called irregular striking) is performed. This can be suitably suppressed.

Feature F3. The gaming machine according to feature F2, wherein the second variable ball-entry unit is set so that the acceptance period in the acceptance state is shorter than that of the first variable ball-entry unit.

As shown in the feature F2, when the game ball that has passed through the first variable ball entry portion is relieved, it is not preferable that the privilege given to the player is excessive. In this regard, if the configuration is such that the ball enters the second variable ball entry section, which is less likely to occur than the first variable ball entry section, the benefits actually given will be excessive. While suppressing it, the satisfaction level of the player can be suitably increased.

Feature F4. The guiding means is provided between the entrance portion of the first variable entry portion (large winning opening 419Y) and the entrance portion of the second variable entry portion (large winning opening 319), and the first variable entry portion is provided. It has a stop portion (stage 322Y) in which a gaming ball that has passed through the first variable entry portion can be stopped without entering the ball portion, and the second variable entry portion is said to be in the non-accepting state. The gaming machine according to feature F2 or feature F3, wherein the gaming ball stopped at the stopping portion is guided to the entrance portion of the second variable entering portion by switching to the receiving state.

As shown in this feature, the game ball that has passed through the first variable ball entry section is temporarily stopped at the stop section, and the stopped game ball moves the second variable ball entry section from the non-accepting state. If the configuration is such that the ball is guided to the entrance portion of the second variable ball entry portion when switching to the receiving state, the technical idea shown in the feature F2 can be suitably embodied.

Feature F5. The stop portion is configured such that the game ball stopped at the stop portion flows out from the stop portion after a predetermined stop period elapses.
The predetermined retention period is the sum of the acceptance period in which the first variable ball entry section is in the acceptance state and the interval period when the opening target is switched from the first variable ball entry section to the second variable ball entry section. The gaming machine according to feature F4, which is characterized in that it is set to be longer than.

As shown in this feature, if the game ball flows out from the stop after a certain period of time (predetermined stop period) has passed from the start of the stop, the flow of the game ball is stagnant in the game area. Can be suitably suppressed. Further, the predetermined stop period is set to be longer than the sum of the acceptance period and the interval period of the first variable ball entry unit. Therefore, when the first variable ball entry section is in the non-accepting state and the game ball that has passed through the first variable ball entry section is rescued, the game ball reaches the opening of the second variable ball entry section. Since the stop is continued, it is possible to prevent the ball from flowing out from the stop without waiting for the opening of the second variable ball entry portion. In addition, it is a factor that causes confusion for the player to target the game ball that has passed through the first variable ball entry section before switching from the first variable ball entry section to the second variable ball entry section to be opened. become. In this respect, as shown in this feature, if the length of the staying period is defined corresponding to the opening period of the first variable ball entry portion, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature F6. The second variable ball entry portion covers the entrance portion (large winning opening 319) opened upward and the entrance portion in the non-acceptance state so that the ball cannot enter the entrance portion and is in the acceptance state. Has an opening / closing body (shutter 321Y) that allows a ball to enter the entrance portion by retracting from the entrance portion.
The upper surface of the opening / closing body constitutes the retaining portion.
The gaming machine according to feature F4 or feature F5, wherein the stopping portion is configured so that the gaming ball cannot be stopped by switching from the non-accepting state to the accepted state.

According to the feature F6, the game ball that has passed through the first variable entry portion and reached the second variable entry portion is stopped on the upper surface (stop portion) of the opening / closing body constituting the second variable entry portion. It becomes. When the second variable entry ball is switched from the non-acceptance state to the acceptance state, the game ball stopped on the opening / closing body loses its support and falls to the entrance portion, and enters the second variable entry portion. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the guiding means from hindering the entry of the ball into the second variable entry portion after the second variable entry portion is in the receiving state. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress that the presence of the guiding means becomes a factor that makes it difficult to enter the second variable ball entry portion.

Feature F7. The opening / closing body is formed on the upper surface of the opening / closing body in a size capable of retaining a first predetermined number of game balls.
The guide means is characterized in that the number of game balls staying on the upper surface of the opening / closing body is limited to be smaller than the first predetermined number. The gaming machine described in F6.

In the variable ball entry portion, it is preferable to enlarge the entrance portion to some extent. Here, if the game ball can be stopped until the stop portion is full, there is a concern that the relief function will be excessive and the variable entry portion will be hindered from increasing in size. In this respect, as shown in this feature, by limiting the number of game balls to be stopped so as to be smaller than the upper limit, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature F8. It is equipped with a game ball launching means (game ball launch mechanism 110) that launches a game ball at a predetermined cycle based on a player's launch operation.
The guide means is configured to limit the number of game balls staying on the upper surface of the opening / closing body to a second predetermined number.
The second predetermined number is set to be smaller than the number of gaming balls that reach the second variable ball entry section during the opening period when the second variable ball entry section is opened. The gaming machine according to the feature F6 or the feature F7.

The number of game balls that can substantially enter the second variable ball entry portion depends on the firing cycle and the opening period of the game balls. Therefore, the above-mentioned relief is provided by defining a second predetermined number so as to be smaller than the number of game balls that reach the second variable entry portion during the opening period (for example, the number obtained by dividing the opening period by the firing cycle). It is possible to suppress the excessive action of the function.

In addition, the technical idea shown in the feature F3 to the feature F8 may be applied to the feature F1.

Further, the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature E group may be applied to the feature F1 to the feature F8.

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

Pachinko game machine: An operating means operated by a player (game ball launching handle 41), a game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operating means (game ball launching mechanism 110), and the launching thereof. A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides a game ball to a predetermined game area and each game part (nail member 93, etc.) arranged in the game area are provided, and a predetermined passage portion (general) of each of the game parts is provided. A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a gaming ball passes through a winning opening 81, etc.).

Revolving gaming machine such as a slot machine: Equipped with a variable display means that displays a variable display of a symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols and then displays the final stop display of the symbol sequence, and the symbol changes start due to the operation of the starting operation means. A special game that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stopping operation means or the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

Ball-using belt-type gaming machine: Equipped with a variable display means that displays the symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displays the symbol sequence in the final stop. A special gaming state (bonus) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means or the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. A throwing device that is provided with a ball tray to generate a game, etc. A gaming machine configured so that the operation of the starting operation means becomes effective when the gaming ball is thrown in.

10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 80 ... Game board unit as a game board, 80a ... Game area forming body, 82 ... Variable winning unit, 83a, 83b ... Actuating port, 110 ... Game ball launch as a game ball launching means Mechanism, 162 ... Main control device as switching means, 224 ... Payout device as privilege granting means, 243 ... Power supply / launch control device, 300 ... Guide block constituting guide unit, 301 ... Guide passage, 307 ... Downstream part, 310 ... Variable winning device as a variable ball entry part, 311 ... Housing, 314 ... Back wall part as a ball receiving part, 316 ... Inflow port, 317 ... Outlet as an outlet part, 319 ... Large winning port as an opening , 321 ... Shutter as an opening / closing body, 322 ... Stage part or stage as a stop part, 331 ... First area, 332 ... Second area, 410 ... Variable winning device, BL ... Swing path, EL ... Introduction path, PE … Game area.

Claims (2)

It is a gaming machine equipped with a gaming board in which a gaming area in which a gaming ball flows down is formed.
A planar ball receiving portion provided in the game area where the game ball can stay for a predetermined period of time,
If the subsequent game balls to the ball receiving part in a situation where a game ball remains in the ball receiving part reaches, and the subsequent game balls drained game balls that the remains from the ball reception portion Bei example the replacement unit replaces the game balls for which remains as to stay in the ball receiving part,
The replacement means collides with the remaining game ball when the succeeding game ball reaches the ball receiving portion under the condition that the game ball is staying at the ball receiving portion. It has a guide section that guides you to the position,
When a subsequent game ball guided by the guide unit collides with a game ball staying in the ball receiving portion, the remaining game ball is subjected to the exit portion of the ball receiving portion by the succeeding game ball. A gaming machine characterized by being pushed to the side. The gaming machine according to claim 1 Ru pachinko machines der.

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