JP7097626B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine provided with a variable ball entry device.

Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, for example, there is a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine having a period of a specific gaming state in which the variable ball entry device changes between an open state and a closed state.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-700 (Page 4, FIG. 1)

However, in the case of the conventional example having such a configuration, there are the following problems.

That is, the conventional gaming machine has a problem that the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state cannot be sufficiently shortened.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably shortening the time required for the entire period of a specific gaming state.

The present invention has the following configuration in order to achieve such an object.

That is, the invention according to claim 1 is
The launching means to launch the game ball,
A game board having a game area in which a game ball launched by the launch means flows down, and a game board.
A starting ball entry means capable of entering a game ball flowing down the game area, and
A variable ball entry device that can be changed into a first state in which a game ball flowing down the game area is easy to enter and a second state in which a game ball is more difficult to enter than in the first state.
A lottery capable of generating a specific gaming state advantageous to the player by repeatedly operating the variable ball entry device in the first state and the second state with the ball entering the starting ball entry means as an opportunity. And lottery means to do
A means for controlling a variable display of identification information that causes a player to visually recognize the result of a lottery by the lottery means, and a means for controlling the variable display.
When the result of the variation display is a specific result for generating the specific gaming state, a means for generating the specific gaming state and a means for generating the specific gaming state.
Equipped with
The variable ball entry device rolls a game ball in a predetermined region provided on the variable ball entry device in the second state in the specific gaming state until the next state is reached. In the first state, it is configured so that almost all the game balls flowing down the specific area including the predetermined area of the game area can be entered.
Downstream of the variable ball entry device is provided with a constantly open opening through which a game ball that has rolled in the predetermined region in the second state can enter, and at least by entering the opening. It is characterized in that the player is provided with a ball entry means in which a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

[Action / Effect] According to the invention of claim 1, the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state can be preferably shortened.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably shortening the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko machine of Example 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of a pachinko machine. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the symbol display device, FIG. 5A shows a state in which the main decorative symbols are aligned, and FIG. 5B shows a state in which the sub-decorative symbols are aligned. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing by a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st symbol variation processing. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation start processing. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows the NMI interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing by a payout control device. It is a flowchart which shows the payout control process. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball control process. It is a flowchart which shows the ball lending control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main processing executed by the CPU of a sub-control device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the normal process executed by the CPU of a sub-control device. It is a perspective view of the first variable prize-winning apparatus, FIG. 20A shows a state in which a main body case is attached, and FIG. 20B shows a state in which a plate portion is removed from the main body case. It is a front view of the 1st variable prize-winning apparatus, FIG. 21A shows a state in which a main body case is attached, and FIG. 21B shows a state in which a plate portion is removed from the main body case. 21A is a sectional view taken along line AA of the first variable winning device shown in FIG. 21A, FIG. 22A shows a closed state of the first variable winning device, and FIG. 22B shows a first variable winning device. Indicates the open state of the device. It is a perspective view of an opening / closing door and a drive part. FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the first variable winning device shown in FIG. 21A, and is particularly a diagram showing a stop portion. It is an exploded perspective view of the 1st variable winning apparatus seen from the front side of a gaming machine. It is an exploded perspective view of the 1st variable winning apparatus seen from the rear side of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the opening and closing process of a big prize opening. It is a perspective view explaining the opening and closing operation of an opening / closing door, FIG. 28A shows a closed state before a big hit state, and FIG. 28B shows an open state of the first round of the big hit state. It is a perspective view explaining the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door following FIG. 28, FIG. 29A shows the closed state after the first round, and FIG. 29B shows the open state after the second round. .. It is a timing chart which shows the opening / closing timing of an opening / closing door and the detection timing of a game ball. It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine which concerns on Example 2. FIG. FIG. 32 (a) is a perspective view of the third variable winning device according to the second embodiment, FIG. 32 (a) shows a state in which the main body case is attached, and FIG. 32 (b) shows a state in which the plate portion of the main body case is removed. It is a flowchart which shows the ordinary electric accessory opening / closing process which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the opening / closing timing of an opening / closing door and the detection timing of a game ball. 6 is a timing chart showing the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door, the detection timing of the game ball, and the display timing of the third symbol display device according to the third embodiment. It is a perspective view explaining the movement of the game ball in the 3rd variable winning apparatus, FIG. 36 (a) shows the 1st open state, and FIG. 36 (b) is after the end of the 1st open. Indicates a closed state. FIG. 37 (a) is a perspective view illustrating the movement of the game ball in the third variable winning device following FIG. 36, FIG. 37 (a) shows the first half of the second open state, and FIG. 37 (b) is the second. The latter half of the open state of the second time is shown. FIG. 38 (a) is a perspective view illustrating the movement of the game ball in the third variable ball entry device following FIG. 37, FIG. 38 (a) shows the closed state after the end of the second opening, and FIG. 38 (b) shows the closed state. , The first half of the third open state is shown. FIG. 39 (a) is a perspective view illustrating the movement of the game ball in the third variable ball entry device following FIG. 38, FIG. 39 (a) shows the latter half of the third open state, and FIG. 39 (b) is the third. The closed state after the completion of the third opening is shown. 6 is a timing chart showing the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door, the detection timing of the game ball, and the display timing of the third symbol display device according to the fourth embodiment. 6 is a timing chart showing the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door, the detection timing of the game ball, and the display timing of the third symbol display device according to the fifth embodiment. It is a perspective view of the 1st variable winning apparatus which concerns on a modification, FIG. 42 (a) shows the stop state of the stop part, and FIG. It is a perspective view of the 1st variable winning apparatus which concerns on another modification, FIG. 43 (a) shows the stop state of the stop part, and FIG. 43 (b) shows the stop state of the stop part.

The present specification also discloses the following inventions relating to gaming machines and the problems to be solved by the inventions.

Unless otherwise specified in the following embodiments, the directions of up / down / left / right and front / back (or back / front) will be described with reference to a state in which the game board is viewed from the front, that is, a front view of the game board.

In addition, the term "entry" in the present specification means the entry of the game ball into the entry opening where the game ball can enter, and the entry of the game ball into the entry opening where the prize ball can be paid out. That is, it means that both "winning" and the entry of a game ball into the entrance where the prize ball cannot be paid out are included.

<First task>
[Background Technique] Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, for example, a gaming board having a launching device for launching a gaming ball, a gaming board having a gaming area in which the gaming ball launched by the launching device flows down, and a gaming area of this gaming board. A variable ball entry device that can be changed to an open state in which a game ball flowing down is easy to enter, and a closed state in which a game ball is harder to enter than in the open state, and a game ball that has entered the variable ball entry device. Based on the ball entry detection, a lottery is performed to generate a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player, and based on the result of this lottery, the player is made to visually recognize the establishment / non-establishment of the transition to the above-mentioned specific gaming state. There are gaming machines such as pachinko machines that execute variable display of identification information.

In this type of gaming machine, the ease of entering a game ball flowing down a gaming area into the variable ball entry device changes depending on whether the variable ball entry device is in the open state or the closed state. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-700 (Page 4, FIG. 1))

[Problem to be solved] However, in the case of the conventional example having such a configuration, there are the following problems.
That is, in the conventional gaming machine, the ease of entering the variable ball entering device of the gaming ball flowing down the gaming area changes in this way, so that the variable ball entering device can be used during the period of being variable to the above-mentioned open state. The reached game ball is easy to enter the variable ball entry device, but the game ball that reaches the variable ball entry device during the period of being variable to the closed state described above enters the variable ball entry device. It's getting harder. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the time from the occurrence of one incoming ball detection to the occurrence of the next incoming ball detection, and it is also difficult to shorten the variation display time of the identification information based on the one incoming ball detection. There's a problem.

The following reasons can be considered as the reason why it is difficult to shorten the variable display time. That is, even if the fluctuation display time based on one ball entry detection is set short, it may take a long time until the next ball entry detection occurs. In this case, after the end of the variation display based on one ball entry detection, there may be a lot of free time in which the variation display is not executed until the variation display based on the next ball entry detection is started. When such free time becomes long, the player feels bored. Therefore, it is difficult to set a short fluctuation display time based on ball entry detection.

Even if it is difficult to shorten the variable display time, there are the following problems when the variable display time is set longer. That is, while the variation display is being executed, even if the ball entry detection occurs in the variable ball entry device, the variation display based on the ball entry detection is suspended. An upper limit is set for the number of pending fluctuation displays based on ball entry detection, for example, four. Therefore, if the variable display time is set to be long, the hold tends to accumulate, but there is a problem that the ball entry detection exceeding the upper limit is not held and becomes a waste ball.

The following invention according to (A1) has been made in view of such circumstances, and can suitably shorten the variation display time of the identification information based on the ball entry detection and is unlikely to generate waste balls. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine.

[Means for Solving Problems] The invention described in (A1) below has the following configuration in order to achieve such an object.

(A1) A launching means for launching a game ball,
A game board having a game area in which a game ball launched by the launching means flows down, and
A variable ball entry device that can be changed into a first state in which a game ball flowing down the game area is easy to enter and a second state in which a game ball is more difficult to enter than in the first state.
A ball entry detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the variable ball entry device, and
A lottery means for performing a lottery to generate a specific gaming state advantageous to the player based on the ball entry detection by the ball entry detection means, and
Based on the result of the lottery by the lottery means, the execution control means for causing the player to visually recognize the establishment / non-establishment of the transition to the specific gaming state, and the execution control means for executing the variable display of the identification information.
Equipped with
The variable ball entry device is configured so that almost all game balls flowing down a specific area of the game area can be entered.
When two or more gaming balls are continuously entered into the variable ball entry device, the execution control means displays a predetermined variation of two or more based on the ball entry detection of the ball entry detection means. A gaming machine characterized in that it is controlled to be executed continuously at time intervals.

According to the invention described in (A1) above, the variable ball entry device enters almost all game balls flowing down a specific area in the game area. When two or more game balls are continuously entered into the variable ball entry device, the execution control means displays two or more fluctuations based on the ball entry detection of the ball entry detection means at predetermined fixed time intervals. Run continuously. That is, since almost all the game balls flowing down a specific area of the game area enter the variable ball entry device, the game balls that have entered the variable ball entry device are continuously entered at regular time intervals. The ball is detected at. As a result, the variable display of the identification information is continuously executed at a predetermined fixed time interval in accordance with a fixed ball entry detection timing of the ball entry detection means. As a result, the variation in the time from the occurrence of one incoming ball detection to the occurrence of the next incoming ball detection is reduced, so even if the variation display of the identification information is continuously executed at regular time intervals. It is possible to reduce the possibility that there will be a lot of free time during which the variation display is not executed until the variation display based on the next ball entry detection is started after the end of the variation display based on one ball entry detection. Further, since it is not necessary to set the variable display time to a long time, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ball entry detection will not be held and the ball will be wasted because the upper limit of the number of held balls is exceeded.

Further, if the time interval in which the game ball flowing down the specific area of the game area is detected by the ball entry detection means is known, the time interval of the variation display of the identification information can be known accordingly. When designing a new gaming machine, it is possible to set the time interval for displaying the variation of the identification information from the time interval for detecting the incoming ball. That is, in the case of a gaming machine of a type in which the time interval for ball entry detection is long, it is possible to adjust the time interval for variable display to be long in advance. On the contrary, in the case of a gaming machine of a type in which the time interval for ball entry detection is short, it is possible to adjust the time interval for variable display to be short accordingly. As a result, regardless of whether the time interval of the fluctuation display is adjusted to long or short, the fluctuation display is displayed between the end of the fluctuation display based on one incoming ball detection and the start of the variable display based on the next incoming ball detection. There is no unnecessary free time that is not executed, and there is no need to set the variable display time longer because there is no need to worry that the ball entry detection will not be held and the ball will be wasted because the upper limit of the number of holds is exceeded.

Further, even when the fluctuation display is held based on the ball entry detection, the fluctuation display including the holding portion is continuously executed at regular time intervals, so that the holding of the fluctuation display is unlikely to accumulate. In addition, even if the hold of the variable display is accumulated, the variable display of the hold is continuously executed at regular time intervals and is consumed one after another, so that the upper limit of the number of holds is exceeded and the variable display is held. Is hard to collect. Therefore, since it is possible to execute almost all fluctuation display based on the ball entry detection of the game ball that has flowed down a specific area of the game area and entered the variable ball entry device, wasteful balls are less likely to occur and the tempo is good. It becomes possible to advance the game.

Therefore, the variation display time of the identification information based on the ball entry detection can be suitably shortened, and waste balls are less likely to occur. As a result, it becomes possible to proceed with the game at a good tempo.

(A2) In the gaming machine according to (A1) above,
The gaming machine, characterized in that the constant time interval is the same as or shorter than the time interval of two consecutive ball entry detections detected by the ball entry detection means.

According to the invention described in (A2) above, the fixed time interval in which the variable display of the identification information is performed is the same as or shorter than the time interval of two consecutive incoming ball detections. The sphere detection timing and the variation display timing of the identification information are almost synchronized. This makes it possible to proceed with the game at a better tempo.

(A3) In the gaming machine according to (A1) or (A2) above.
The launching means can launch a predetermined number of game balls to the specific area within a predetermined time.
When a predetermined number of game balls are launched by the launching means within a predetermined time, the variable ball entry device can enter substantially all of the predetermined number of game balls flowing down the specific area. A gaming machine characterized by being a thing.

According to the invention described in (A3) above, almost all the game balls that are fired in a predetermined number within a predetermined time and flow down a specific area of the game board enter the variable ball entry device, so that the player can enter the variable ball for a predetermined time. Almost all the game balls flowing down a specific area of the game board can be put into the variable ball entry device only by firing a predetermined number of game balls inside. Therefore, the player can advance the game at a good tempo without losing the game balls unnecessarily while firing a predetermined number of game balls within a predetermined time.

(A4) In the gaming machine according to the above (A1) to (A3).
The launching means includes an operation unit operated by a player, a launch unit for launching a game ball, and a motor or solenoid that operates the launch unit based on the operation of the operation unit.
The variable ball entry device generally covers the predetermined number of game balls flowing down the specific area when the motor or solenoid operates so that the flight distance of the game balls launched by the launching portion is maximized. A gaming machine characterized by being able to enter all balls.

According to the invention described in (A4) above, when the player operates the operation unit so that the flight distance of the game ball launched by the launch unit is maximized, a predetermined area of the game board is flown down. Since almost all of the number of game balls enter the variable ball entry device, the player simply operates the operation unit so that the flight distance of the game ball launched by the launch unit is maximized. Almost all the balls can be put into the variable ball entry device. Therefore, even a player who is unfamiliar with the operation of the launching means can proceed with the game at a good tempo without losing the game ball unnecessarily.

(A5) In the gaming machine according to the above (A1) to (A4).
The gaming board is characterized in that a gaming component is provided which collides with a gaming ball flowing down in the specific area and changes the flowing direction of the gaming ball to the direction of the variable ball entry device.

According to the invention described in (A5) above, the game board is provided with a game component that collides with a game ball flowing down in a specific area and changes the flow direction of the game ball toward the variable ball entry device. Therefore, the player can put almost all the launched game balls into the variable ball entry device without paying special attention to the arrangement of the game parts arranged on the game board. Therefore, even a player who lacks knowledge about how to arrange the game parts can advance the game at a good tempo without losing the game ball unnecessarily.

(A6) In the gaming machine according to the above (A1) to (A5).
The variable ball-entry device has an entry portion where a game ball can enter, an open state in which the game ball can easily enter the entry portion, and a game ball enters the entry portion rather than the open state. It has an opening / closing operation member that opens / closes in a difficult closed state.
The variable ball-entry device is substantially in front of all the gaming balls flowing down the specific area of the gaming area, regardless of whether the opening / closing operation member is in the open state or the closed state during the specific gaming state. A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured so that it can be inserted into the entry ball section.

According to the invention described in (A6) above, the variable ball entry device covers a specific area of the game area regardless of whether the opening / closing operation member is in the open state or the closed state during the period of the specific gaming state. Since it is configured so that almost all the game balls that flow down can enter the ball entry portion, the variable entry ball can be entered when the launched game ball is in either the open state or the closed state of the opening / closing operation member. Even if the device is reached, all the game balls that have reached the variable ball entry device can be entered into the ball entry portion of the variable ball entry device. Therefore, even if the launch timing of the game ball is not taken into consideration, the game ball is not lost unnecessarily, and the game can be advanced at a good tempo.

(A7) In the gaming machine according to (A6) above,
The execution control means opens the opening / closing operation member in an open state in response to the establishment of the first condition, which is an advantageous specific gaming state for the player, and either the first predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number of balls are entered. The opening / closing operation member is closed, and after a second predetermined time set shorter than the first predetermined time has elapsed, the game of returning the opening / closing operation member to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times.
In the variable ball-entry device, during the period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball in contact with the opening / closing operation member in the closed state is the opening / closing operation moving member. It is provided with a stop portion that is stopped until it is returned to the open state, and when the opening / closing operation member is returned to the open state, the stopped game ball is discharged toward the entry portion. A gaming machine featuring.

According to the invention described in (A7) above, the opening / closing operation member is opened in accordance with the establishment of the first condition that is advantageous to the player in the specific gaming state, and the first predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number of inputs are made. Based on at least one of the spheres, the opening / closing operation member is closed, and after a second predetermined time set shorter than the first predetermined time elapses, the game of returning the opening / closing operation member to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times. .. Since the variable ball entry device includes a stop portion, the game ball in contact with the open / close operation member in the closed state is stopped until the open / close operation member is returned to the open state during such a specific gaming state. Then, when the opening / closing operation member is returned to the open state, the stationary game ball can be discharged toward the ball entry portion. As a result, as described above in (A6), even if the launch timing of the game ball is not taken into consideration, the game ball is not unnecessarily lost and the game can be preferably advanced at a good tempo.

<Second issue>
[Background Technique] Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, for example, a gaming board having a gaming area in which a gaming ball can flow down is provided, and a ball entry section in which a gaming ball can enter and a gaming ball in the entry section. There are gaming machines such as pachinko machines equipped with a variable ball-entry device having an open state in which it is easy to enter a ball and an opening / closing operation member that operates in a closed state in which a game ball is more difficult to enter in the open state than in this open state. This type of gaming machine imparts a predetermined gaming value when the result of a lottery performed when the ball enters the starting port is a winning in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player. For this predetermined game value, for example, the opening / closing operation member is opened for the first predetermined time, and the opening / closing operation member is closed based on the lapse of the first predetermined time or the arrival of a predetermined number of balls. After the lapse of the second predetermined time, which is shorter than the first predetermined time, the game of returning the opening / closing operation member to the open state is performed a plurality of times, and a predetermined game value is given to the ball entering the ball entry portion. do. The above-mentioned opening / closing operation member includes a member that is in an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the ball entry portion by continuously opening the opening / closing operation member during the first predetermined time, or an opening / closing operation member during the first predetermined time. By opening and closing the ball multiple times, there are some that open the ball so that the game ball can easily enter the ball. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-700 (Page 4, FIG. 1))

[Problem to be solved] However, in the case of the conventional example having such a configuration, there are the following problems.
That is, in the conventional gaming machine, even if the gaming ball is launched during the period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the opening / closing operation is performed when the gaming ball reaches the variable ball entry device. When the member is in the closed state, the gaming ball cannot enter the ball entry portion. Therefore, there is a problem that the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state cannot be further shortened.

Further, conventionally, as a method of trying to shorten the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state, there is a case where the closed state time provided during the open state in the specific gaming state is shortened or eliminated. In such a method, the game ball that entered the ball entry portion during the previous open state period remains as a remaining ball at the end of the open state period, and is detected during the next open state period. There was something. Since such a situation impairs the interests of the player, it is difficult to shorten the time between the open state and the closed state in the specific gaming state, and the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state is still sufficiently short. The problem remains that it cannot be done.

The following invention according to (1) has been made in view of such circumstances, and preferably shortens the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can be played.

[Means for Solving Problems] The invention according to (1) below has the following configuration in order to achieve such an object.

(1) A game board having a specific game area in which a game ball can flow down, and
Opening and closing movement between the entry part where the game ball can enter, the open state where the game ball easily enters the entry part, and the closed state where the game ball is harder to enter the entry part than the open state. Equipped with a variable ball entry device having an opening / closing operation member
The opening / closing operation member is opened according to the establishment of the first condition, which is an advantageous gaming state for the player, and the opening / closing operation is performed based on at least one of the first predetermined time elapse or a predetermined number of balls. A gaming machine that repeats a game in which a member is closed and a second predetermined time set shorter than the first predetermined time elapses, and then the opening / closing operation member is returned to the open state a predetermined number of times.
The variable ball entry device is
During the period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the gaming ball in contact with the opening / closing operation member in the closed state is returned to the open state until the opening / closing operation member is returned to the open state. A gaming machine comprising a pachinko machine configured so that when a pachinko / pachislot machine is stopped for a while and the opening / closing operation member is returned to the open state, the pachinko / pachinko ball being stopped is discharged toward the ball entry part.

According to the invention described in (1) above, there is an entry portion where a game ball can enter, an open state in which the game ball can easily enter the entry portion, and a game ball in the entry portion rather than this open state. A variable ball entry device having an opening / closing operation member that opens / closes in a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the ball opens the opening / closing operation member in an open state in accordance with the establishment of the first condition, which is a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player. The opening / closing operation member is closed based on at least one of the elapse of the first predetermined time or a predetermined number of balls, and after the second predetermined time set shorter than the first predetermined time elapses, the opening / closing operation member The game of returning to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times. In the variable ball entry device, during the period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball in contact with the open / close operation member in the closed state returns the open / close operation moving member to the open state. It is stopped until it is stopped, and when the opening / closing operation member is returned to the open state, the stopped game ball is provided with a stop portion configured to be discharged toward the entry portion.

As a result, during the period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball in contact with the opening / closing operation member in the closed state is until the opening / closing operation moving member is returned to the open state. It is stopped at the stop. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the ball entry portion when the opening / closing operation member is returned to the open state. Therefore, even a gaming ball that reaches the variable ball entry device at the timing when the opening / closing operation member is in the closed state, which could not be entered into the ball entry section with the conventional gaming machine, enters the ball entry section. Can be made to. Therefore, it is possible to suitably shorten the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state.

In addition, whether or not the player generates the specific gaming state more times than the conventional gaming machine even at the same time because the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state is shortened. Since there is a possibility of getting a lottery opportunity, it is possible to enhance the fun of the game.

Further, conventionally, as a method of trying to shorten the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state, there is a case where the time provided between the open state and the closed state in the specific gaming state is shortened or eliminated. In such a method, the game ball that entered the ball entry portion during the previous open state period remains as a remaining ball at the end of the open state period, and is detected during the next open state period. There was something. Since such a situation impairs the interests of the player, it is difficult to shorten the time between the open state and the closed state in the specific gaming state, and the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state is still sufficiently short. Couldn't. However, by providing the variable ball entry device according to the invention according to (1) above, the game ball is stopped at the stop portion during the time between the open state and the closed state in the specific game state. , It does not remain as a residual ball in the ball entry portion, and the stationary ball can be used to detect it during the next open state period. As a result, the remaining balls can be appropriately processed without a predetermined time between the open state and the closed state in the specific gaming state, and the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state is suitably shortened. be able to.

(2) In the gaming machines described in (A7) and (1) above,
The ball entry portion is a first ball entry area where the game ball can enter, and a second ball entry area which is a region where the game ball can enter and is provided at a position different from the first ball entry area. And have
The opening / closing operation member changes the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area into an open state and a closed state by opening / closing operation.
The pachinko machine opens and closes the gaming ball that comes into contact with the opening / closing operation member in an attempt to enter the first ball entry region during the period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state. A gaming machine characterized in that it stays while the operating member is in the closed state, and when the opening / closing operating member is returned to the open state, it is discharged toward the second ball entry region.

According to the invention described in (2) above, the ball entry portion has a first ball entry area and a second ball entry area provided at a position different from the first ball entry area. The opening / closing operation member changes the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area into an open state and a closed state. During the period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that comes into contact with the opening / closing operation member in an attempt to enter the first ball entry region is kept in the closed state while the opening / closing operation member is in the closed state. Stop at the stop. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the second ball entry region when the opening / closing operation member is returned to the open state.

In this respect, in the conventional gaming machine, even when the gaming ball reaches the variable ball entry device while the opening / closing operation member is in the open state, all the reached gaming balls enter the ball entry section. Sometimes I couldn't. That is, when the game ball reaches the variable ball entry device continuously during the period when the opening / closing operation member is in the open state, all the game balls that have reached the variable ball entry device are made to enter the ball entry portion. It takes time, and some of the game balls that have reached the variable ball entry device may overflow outside the variable ball entry device.

On the other hand, with the configuration as described in (2) above, the game ball that has reached the variable ball entry device enters the first ball entry region while the opening / closing operation member is initially in the open state. The ball is possible, but the game ball does not enter the second ball entry area because the game ball is not stopped at the stop portion. Next, while the opening / closing operation member is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped at the stop portion without entering the first ball entry area or the second ball entry area. Next, while the opening / closing operation member is in the open state, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area, and when the game ball is stopped at the stop portion, the stopped game ball is the second. It is possible to enter the ball entry area. Next, while the opening / closing operation member is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped at the stop portion again without entering the first ball entry area or the second ball entry area. Next, when the opening / closing operation member is returned to the open state, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area again, and if the game ball is stopped at the stop portion, the game is stopped. The ball can enter the second entry area. After that, the opening / closing operation member operates to open / close until a predetermined number of times is reached.

As described above, except for the first time, the game ball that has reached the variable ball entry device can enter the ball from both the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area while the opening / closing operation member is in the open state. Therefore, even when the game ball continuously reaches the variable ball entry device during the period in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that has reached the variable ball entry device is placed in the first ball entry area. Since it is possible to enter the ball from the second entry area as well, the game ball that has reached the variable entry device can be quickly entered into the entry portion. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time loss caused by the game ball reaching the variable ball entry device overflowing to the outside of the variable ball entry device, so that the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state. The time required for the entire period of the gaming state can be preferably shortened.

In addition, the entry area where the game ball flowing down the game area when trying to enter the ball entry section is about to enter and the entry area where the game ball stopped at the stop portion is about to enter are the same. Since they are provided at different positions in the ball section, the game ball that has flowed down the game area collides with the game ball stopped at the stop section, and some of the game balls cannot enter the entry section. The risk is reduced. As a result, the time loss caused by the collision between the game balls and the inability to enter the ball during the period when the opening / closing operation member changes to the open state is reduced, so that the time required for the entire period of the specific game state is preferable. Can be shortened to.

(3) In the gaming machine described in (2) above,
The first ball entry area and the second ball entry area are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the game area in the front view of the game board.
The pachinko machine is characterized in that the stop portion is located between the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area.

According to the invention described in (3) above, the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the game area when viewed from the front of the game board. The stop is located between the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area. Therefore, while the opening / closing operation member is in the closed state, the game ball in contact with the opening / closing operation member can be smoothly stopped at the stop portion, and the game ball stopped at the stop portion can be smoothly stopped at the second entry area. Can be sent to. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required to end the gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

(4) In the gaming machine according to (2) or (3) above,
The first ball entry area is arranged so that the height of the game area in the vertical direction is higher than that of the second ball entry area in the front view of the game board.
The pachinko machine is characterized by having a down guide portion for guiding the game ball in the downward direction from the first entry region to the second entry region.

According to the invention described in (4) above, the first ball entry area is arranged so that the height of the game area in the vertical direction is higher than that of the second ball entry area in the front view of the game board. The stop portion has a down guide portion that guides the game ball in the downward direction from the first entry region to the second entry region. Therefore, the stopped game ball is vigorously guided from the first ball entry area to the second ball entry area. As a result, even if the game balls are fired one after another toward the first ball entry area during the period when the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state, the game balls stopped inside the variable ball entry device are clogged. The risk is reduced.

(5) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (2) to (4) above.
The variable ball entry device forms a stop passage for guiding the game ball from the first ball entry area to the second ball entry area while changing the traveling direction of the game ball stopped at the stop portion. A gaming machine characterized by having a passage forming portion.

According to the invention described in (5) above, the game ball stopped at the stop portion is changed from the first entry region to the second entry ball while the traveling direction is changed by the stop passage formed at the passage forming portion. You will be guided to the area. Therefore, by changing the traveling direction of the game ball in the stop portion, the game ball is stopped as compared with the case where the game ball is guided from the first entry area to the second entry area without changing the traveling direction. The time can be set longer.

(6) In the gaming machine according to (5) above,
The passage forming portion is at least a back-facing guide portion that guides the game ball from the front side to the back side of the board surface of the game board and a front-facing guide portion that guides the game ball from the back side to the front side of the board surface of the game board. A gaming machine characterized by being combined with a guide unit.

According to the invention described in (6) above, the passage forming portion includes at least a back-facing guide portion that guides the game ball from the front side to the back side of the board surface of the game board, and the passage forming portion that guides the game ball to the board surface of the game board. Since it is formed by the combination of the front-facing guide that guides from the back side to the front side, the stop time of the game ball can be freely set by the combination of the back-facing guide, the back-side guide, and the front-facing guide. Can be designed.

(7) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (2) to (6) above.
The stopping portion is a gaming machine including a deceleration portion that slows down the speed of a gaming ball guided from the first entry region to the second entry region.

According to the invention described in (7) above, the speed of the game ball stopped at the stop portion is reduced by the deceleration portion when guided from the first entry region to the second entry region, so that the opening / closing operation is performed. It is possible to secure a second predetermined time for the member to be in the closed state.

(8) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (2) to (7) above.
The variable ball entry device has a first ball entry detection unit that detects the entry of a game ball into the first ball entry area, and a second entry that detects the entry of a game ball into the second ball entry area. Equipped with a ball detector
A gaming machine characterized in that the first detection unit and the second detection unit are arranged directly below the first ball entry region and the second ball entry region, respectively.

According to the invention described in (8) above, the first ball entry detection unit for detecting the ball entry of the game ball into the first ball entry region is disposed directly below the first ball entry region, and is the second entry. The second ball entry detection unit for detecting the entry of the game ball into the ball region is arranged directly below the second ball entry region. Therefore, even when the stationary state is released and the ball entering the first ball entry area and the ball entering the second ball entry area occur consecutively at the same time, the ball is jammed in the ball entry portion. It is possible to reduce the reduction and the detection time.

(9) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (A1) to (A7) and (1) to (8).
The game board is provided with an image display device for displaying a special game video that operates a predetermined character image during the period of the specific game state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state.
The gaming area is a region narrower than the horizontal width of the image display device, and is a left narrow region formed on the left lateral side of the image display device and a right formed on the right lateral side of the image display device. Has a narrow area and
The variable ball entry device is arranged either below the left narrow region or the left narrow region, or below the right narrow region or the right narrow region. A featured gaming machine.

According to the invention described in (9) above, the gaming region has a left width narrow region and a right width narrow region narrower than the width of the image display device, and the left width narrow region is the left lateral side of the image display device. The right narrow region is formed on the right lateral side of the image display device. The variable ball entry device is disposed either below the left narrow region or the left narrow region, or below the right narrow region or the right narrow region. Therefore, as many game balls as possible fired at the variable ball entry device can be entered into the ball entry portion of the variable ball entry device. That is, when the variable ball entry device is arranged in the center of the game area, the game ball flowing down the game area flows down by colliding with a game member such as a nail or a windmill arranged in the game area. The direction is changed and it often comes off from the ball entry part of the variable ball entry device. On the other hand, when the variable ball entry device is arranged in the left narrow area or the right narrow area of the game area, the game ball flowing down the game area may be affected by the above-mentioned game member. Since the flow direction changes only within the width of the left narrow region and the right narrow region, it is easy to enter the ball into the ball entry portion of the variable ball entry device. This also applies when the variable ball entry device is arranged below the left narrow region or below the right narrow region. Therefore, it is possible to suitably shorten the time required for the entire period of the specific gaming state in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state.

(10) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (A7), (1) to (9).
The pachinko machine is characterized in that its upper portion is covered with a covering portion.

According to the invention described in (10) above, since the upper part of the stop portion is covered by the cover portion, it is possible to prevent the game ball flowing down the game area from colliding with the game ball stopped at the stop portion. can do.

(11) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (A7), (1) to (10).
The stop portion is operated in a stopped state in which the game ball can be stopped and a stop release state in which the stopped state is released and the stopped game ball is discharged toward the entry portion.
The game is characterized in that the stop portion is operated in a stopped state when the opening / closing operation member is operated in the closed state, and is operated in a stop release state when the opening / closing operation member is operated in the open state. Machine.

According to the invention described in (11) above, when the opening / closing operation member is operated in the closed state, the stationary portion is operated in the stationary state in which the game ball can be stopped, and the opening / closing operation member is operated in the open state. In that case, the stopped state is released and the stopped game ball is discharged toward the entry portion. Therefore, when the opening / closing operation member is operated in the open state, the stationary game ball is forcibly discharged. As a result, it is possible to quickly switch between the stationary state and the next open state.

(12) In the gaming machine according to (11) above,
The opening / closing operation member is provided with the retaining portion on the upper surface thereof.
The pachinko machine is characterized in that when the open / close operation member is operated in the closed state, the stop portion is in the stopped state, and when the open / close operation member is operated in the open state, the stop is released.

According to the invention described in (12) above, the opening / closing operation member is provided with a stop portion on the upper surface thereof, and the stop portion is in the stop state when the opening / closing operation member is operated in the closed state, and the opening / closing operation member is opened. When it is operated in the state, it will be in the detention release state. Therefore, it is possible to switch between the stopped state and the stopped state of the game ball only by operating the opening / closing operation member. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and reduce the size of the variable ball-entry device having a function of stopping the game ball as much as it is not necessary to provide a member for stopping the game ball.

(13) In the gaming machine according to at least one of (A7), (1) to (12).
The opening / closing operation member is an advancing / retreating member capable of advancing / retreating back and forth.
The advancing / retreating member opens the ball entry portion by retreating to the back side from the board surface of the game board, and closes the ball entry portion by advancing toward the front side from the board surface of the game board. It's a thing
The pachinko machine is characterized in that the pachinko machine is configured to stop a gaming ball that has passed over the advancing / retreating member in a closed state.

According to the invention described in (13) above, the opening / closing operation member is an advancing / retreating member capable of advancing / retreating back and forth. When the advancing / retreating member retracts to the back side from the board surface of the game board, the ball entry portion is opened, and when the advancing / retreating member advances to the front side from the board surface of the game board, the ball entry portion is closed. The game ball that has passed over the closed advancing / retreating member is stopped at the stop. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the vertical width in the variable ball entry device required for the open and closed states, as compared with the configuration in which the ball entry portion is opened or closed by the rotation of the opening / closing operation member. can. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the variable ball entry device having a function of stopping the game ball.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming board 30 of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a back view of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. 5A and 5B are explanatory views showing the display contents of the third symbol display device, FIG. 5A shows a state in which the main decorative symbols are aligned, and FIG. 5B shows a state in which the sub-decorative symbols are aligned. ..

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and is fixed to a game island of a game hall (hall), and one side portion (for example, the front surface) of the outer frame 11. An inner frame 12 that is openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 11 with the left side portion in view) as an opening / closing axis, and an inner frame using one side portion (for example, the left side portion in front view) of the inner frame 12 as an opening / closing axis. It is provided with a front frame set 14 that can be freely opened and closed with respect to 12.

The outer frame 11 is formed of a wooden plate material in a rectangular shape as a whole when viewed from the front, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a machine screw. In the present embodiment, for example, the outer dimension of the outer frame 11 in the vertical direction is 809 mm (inner dimension 771 mm), and the outer dimension in the left-right direction is 518 mm (inner dimension 480 mm). The outer frame 11 may be made of a light metal such as resin or aluminum.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inner frame 12 is roughly divided into a lower plate unit 13 attached to the lowermost portion thereof and an opening / closing in the vertical direction on the left side of the inner frame 12 in a range above the lower plate unit 13. It includes a front frame set 14 that can be opened and closed with the axis as the axis, and a game board 30 (see FIG. 2) that can be detachably attached to a resin base (not shown) having a rectangular outer shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower plate unit 13 is fixed to the inner frame 12 by fasteners such as screws. On the front side of the lower plate unit 13, a lower plate 15, a ball pulling lever 17, a game ball launch handle 18, and a sound output port 24 are provided. The lower plate 15 as a ball receiving plate is provided in a substantially central portion of the lower plate unit 13, and the game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower plate 15. The ball pulling lever 17 is for pulling out the game ball in the lower plate 15, and by moving the ball pulling lever 17 to the left side in FIG. 1, a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the lower plate 15 is opened and the lower side is opened. The game ball stored in the plate 15 can be pulled out downward through the opening portion on the bottom surface of the lower plate 15. The game ball launching handle 18 is arranged so as to project to the right side of the lower plate 15 and to the front side. In response to the operation of the game ball launching handle 18 by the player, the game ball is driven toward the game board 30 described later by the game ball launching device 38. The game ball launching device 38 is composed of, for example, a game ball launching handle 18 and a launching device 229 (see FIG. 4). The sound output port 24 is an output port for outputting sound from a speaker provided in or on the back of the lower plate unit 13.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 is attached to the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable, and like the inner frame 12, an opening / closing shaft extending vertically to the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 is provided. It can be opened to the front side with the axis as the axis.

As shown in FIG. 1, an upper plate 19 as a tray for a game ball is integrally provided at the lower portion of the front frame set 14 (upper position of the lower plate 15 described above). Here, the upper plate 19 is a ball receiving plate for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them toward the game ball launching device 38 while arranging them in a row. Further, the front frame set 14 is formed with a substantially elliptical window portion 101 so that most of the game area 30a (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30 can be visually recognized from the outside. Specifically, the window portion 101 is a frame body having a substantially elliptical shape in which the substantially central portion on the left and right sides is curved relatively gently as compared with the upper and lower sides, and the center is hollow. A glass plate 137 having a substantially elliptical shape is attached to the hollow portion of the above. This glass plate 137 has a double glass structure. The substantially central portion of the window portion 101 may be linear, and the glass plate 137 may also be adapted to the shape. Further, the glass plate 137 is not limited to glass, and any material thereof may be used as long as it is a transparent plate having a predetermined strength.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 is provided with a frame button 20 (effect button) for receiving an operation instruction (for example, a pressing instruction) by a player at a position on the lower left side of the upper plate 19. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame button 20 is connected to the sub control device 262. For example, when a predetermined operation valid condition is satisfied, the operation of the frame button 20 becomes effective, and by pressing the frame button 20, the screen display of the third symbol display device 42 may be changed, or the output sound may be changed. Players can actively participate in the game by changing the lamp display.

In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around the window portion 101 (for example, a corner portion) on the front side thereof. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect during the game by controlling the change of the light emitting mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. For example, an annular illuminated portion 102 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically on the peripheral edge of the window portion 101, and the central portion of the annular illuminated portion 102 and the uppermost portion of the pachinko machine 10 are provided. Similarly, a central illumination unit 103 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided. In the pachinko machine 10, the central illumination unit 103 functions as a jackpot lamp and lights up or blinks at the time of a jackpot to notify that a jackpot is in progress. In addition, a prize ball lamp 105 that lights up while paying out the prize ball and an error display lamp 106 that lights up when a predetermined error occurs are provided on the left and right sides of the central illumination unit 103. Further, a small window 107 made of transparent resin is provided so as to be adjacent to the lower end portion of the annular illumination portion 102 so that a part of the inner frame 12 surface, the game board 30 surface, and the like can be visually recognized. Since the predetermined portion of the small window 107 is flat, the certificate stamp or the like attached to the lower right corner of the game board 30 can be suitably read by the machine from the flat portion of the small window 107.

Further, a ball lending operation unit 120 is arranged below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123. When the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, the game ball can be rented according to the operation. It will be done. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on the information recorded on the card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as the remaining amount is present on the card or the like. Will be done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of the card or the like inserted in the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays the balance information of the card or the like. A pachinko machine, a so-called cash machine, in which a game ball is directly lent to an upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without going through a card unit does not require a ball lending operation unit 120. Therefore, a decorative sticker or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. As a result, it is possible to standardize the ball lending operation unit between the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 is made of a square-shaped plywood, and the peripheral portion thereof is attached in a state of being in contact with the back side of the resin base (not shown) of the inner frame 12. The game area 30a, which is a substantially central portion on the front surface side of the 30, is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the window portion 101 (glass plate 137) shown in FIG. 1 having a substantially circular shape of a resin base.

Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 has a general winning opening 31, a first variable winning device 32a, a second variable winning device 32b, a first starting opening 33a, 33b (for example, an operating chucker), a second starting opening 34 (for example, a through gate), and the like. It is equipped with a variable display device unit 35 and the like. These general winning openings 31, first variable winning device 32a, second variable winning device 32b, first starting openings 33a, 33b (for example, operating chucker), second starting opening 34 (for example, through gate), variable display device. The units 35 and the like are arranged in each through hole formed by router processing in the game board 30, and are attached from the front side of the game board 30 by wood screws or the like. A game ball enters the above-mentioned general winning opening 31, variable winning device 32, and first starting openings 33a, 33b, and the winning ball is detected by a detection switch (winning opening switch, count switch, operating port switch) described later. Then, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15) based on the output of the detection switch. As described above, a working port switch (passage detection switch) is provided at the first starting port 33a on the upper side, and the ball entering the first starting port 33a is detected by the working port switch. It has become like. Further, a working port switch (passage detection switch) is also provided in the second starting port 33b on the lower side, and the ball entering the second starting port 33b is detected by the working port switch. .. That is, in either case of entering the game ball into the first starting port 33a or entering the game ball into the second starting port 33b, it is still a starting prize.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and a game ball that has not entered various winning devices or the like is passed through the out port 36 to a ball discharge path (not shown). You will be guided to the direction. A large number of nails are planted on the game board 30 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game ball, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill 37 are arranged.

The variable display device unit 35 passes through the first symbol display device 40 and the second start port 34, which variablely display the first symbol (for example, a special symbol), triggered by winning a prize in the first start ports 33a and 33b. The second symbol display device 41 that variablely displays the second symbol (for example, a normal symbol) and the third symbol (for example, a decorative symbol) are variablely displayed with the winning of the first starting ports 33a and 33b as triggers. A third symbol display device 42 is provided. The first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol are identifications that allow the player to identify whether or not the result of the variable display of the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol is in a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player, respectively. Information.

The first symbol display device 40 is, for example, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) two-color light emitting type LEDs (light emitting diodes) 40a and 40b, and a hold indicating the number of hold of variable display in the LEDs 40a and 40b. It is equipped with a lamp 40c. The number of times the game ball has passed through the first starting ports 33a and 33b is held up to four times, and the number of times held is lit and displayed by the holding lamp 40c. The hold lamp 40c may be configured to hold display or the like on a part of the display screen of the third symbol display device 42. The LEDs 40a and 40b can emit light in red and blue, for example. The first symbol display device 40 alternately changes the emission color of each of the LEDs 40a and 40b to generate a variable display state of the first symbol (in this embodiment, the emission color aspect of each of the LEDs 40a and 40b). For example, in the case of a light emitting mode in which both LEDs 40a and 40b are stopped in a blue light emitting state, it indicates that the first special gaming state (for example, a normal jackpot state) has been won. Further, in the case of the light emitting mode in which the LED 40a stops in the blue light emitting state and the LED 40b stops in the red light emitting state, it indicates that the second special gaming state (for example, the time saving big hit state) has been won. Further, in the case of the light emitting mode in which both the LEDs 40a and 40b are stopped in the red light emitting state, it indicates that the third special gaming state (for example, the probabilistic jackpot state) has been won. Further, in the case of the light emitting mode in which the LED 40a is stopped in the red light emitting state and the LED 40b is stopped in the blue light emitting state, it indicates that the LED 40a is out of the light emitting state (it was rejected in the special gaming state).

As the first symbol display device 40, a single LED of a type capable of emitting light of at least three colors may be adopted, and the first symbol may be emitted by alternately emitting light of each color. When the LED stops in the light emitting state of the first color, it shows a probable change jackpot, when the LED stops in the light emitting state of the second color, it shows a normal jackpot, and the LED emits the third color. When stopped in the state, it may indicate a time-saving jackpot, and when the LED stops in the light emitting state of the fourth color, it may indicate a disconnection.

The second symbol display device 41 includes a display unit 41a on which, for example, "○" is drawn for the second symbol, a display unit 41b on which, for example, "x" is drawn for the second symbol, and a holding lamp 41c. The display symbol (ordinary symbol) by, for example, the display units 41a and 41b fluctuates every time the game ball passes through the second starting port 34, and when the variation display stops at a predetermined symbol, the lower third The starting port 33b of No. 1 is configured to be in an operating state (open) for a predetermined time. The number of times the game ball has passed through the second starting port 34 is held up to four times, and the number of times held is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 41c. The display units 41a and 41b have an LED (light emitting diode) inside, and are configured to be variablely displayed by switching the light emission (or lighting of the lamp) of the LED.

The third symbol display device 42 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by the display control device 45 described later. On the third symbol display device 42, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 described later, three decorative symbol rows L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right are displayed. Each decorative symbol row L, M, R is composed of a plurality of decorative symbols, and these decorative symbols are variably displayed on the third symbol display device 42 so as to be scrolled for each decorative symbol row L, M, R. It has become so. Further, the third symbol display device 42 can also display a special game moving image in which an image of a predetermined character or the like is operated during a period in which the opening / closing operation member changes between the open state and the closed state. In the present embodiment, the third symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) includes, for example, a large liquid crystal display having a size of 9.3 inches. In the variable display device unit 35, a center frame 47 is arranged so as to surround the third symbol display device 42. The above-mentioned third symbol display device 42 corresponds to the image display device in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b are normally in a closed state in which the game ball cannot be won or is difficult to win, and the game ball wins at the time of a big hit. It is operated repeatedly in an easy open state and a normal closed state. In this way, the state in which either the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable ball entry device 32b is repeatedly operated between the open state and the normal closed state at the time of a big hit is a special gaming state (for example, a big hit state). ), And a large number of game balls enter (win) in the variable winning device 32, and a large amount of game balls are paid out for the winning, so that the gaming state is advantageous for the player. There is.

More specifically, when the game ball wins a prize for the first start ports 33a and 33b, the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are variablely displayed, and the display of the LEDs 40a and 40b after the fluctuation is stopped is preset. A special gaming state occurs when the combination of light emitting modes is achieved.

In the present embodiment, when either the normal jackpot state or the probabilistic jackpot is won, the first variable winning device 32a is in a predetermined open state so that the game ball can easily win a prize. It is configured. Specifically, in the first variable winning device 32a, the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a is set a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) with the passage of a predetermined time or a predetermined number of winnings in the open state as one round. That is, 16 rounds) It is repeatedly opened. Further, the second variable winning device 32b is configured so that when the time-saving jackpot is won, the large winning opening 32B is in a predetermined open state and the game ball is easily won. Specifically, the second variable winning device 32b is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times (for example, eight times, that is, eight rounds) less than the number of times the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a is opened.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 is equipped with a rail unit 50 for guiding the game ball launched from the game ball launcher 38 (see FIG. 3) to the upper part of the game board 30. The game ball launched by the rotation operation of the game ball launch handle 18 is guided to a predetermined game area 30a through the ball guide passage 49 described later of the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 is made of a ring-shaped resin molded product (for example, one molded by adding fluororesin), and has an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 integrally formed with inner and outer doubles. .. The inner rail 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except for about 1/4 above, and the outer rail 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side portion) faces the inner rail 51. In such a case, the guide rail is formed by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and the ball guide passage 49 is formed by the portions where the rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other at a predetermined interval (the portion on the left side when facing the rail). .. The ball guide passage 49 is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape in which the front side is open.

A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip end portion (upper left portion in FIG. 2) of the inner rail 51. As a result, the situation in which the game ball once guided from the ball guide passage 49 between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 to the upper part of the game board 30 returns to the inside of the ball guide passage 49 can be prevented. It has become. Further, the return rubber 54 is attached to the outer rail 52 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the game ball (upper right portion in FIG. 2: a portion corresponding to the tip end portion of the outer rail 52). Therefore, the game ball launched with a momentum equal to or higher than a predetermined value hits the return rubber 54 and is repelled. On the inner surface of the outer rail 52, a sliding plate 55 as a long stainless steel metal band is provided to make the flight of the game ball smoother, that is, to reduce the frictional resistance of the game ball. It is attached.

Further, an arc-shaped flange 56 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rail unit 50 so as to project outward from the surroundings when viewed from the front. The flange 56 constitutes a mounting surface for the game board 30. When the rail unit 50 is attached to the game board 30, the flange 56 is in contact with the game board 30, and in that state, screws or the like are inserted into a plurality of through holes formed in the flange 56 to insert the game board. The rail unit 50 is fastened to the 30.

Further, in the present embodiment, the upper, lower, left and right ends of the rail unit 50 are formed substantially linearly (flatly) when viewed from the front. That is, the flange 56 is cut off at each of the upper, lower, left, and right ends of the rail unit 50 so that the rail diameter can be expanded in a finite region of the pachinko machine 10, that is, the gaming region 30a on the gaming board 30 can be expanded. It has become.

At the entrance of the ball guide passage 49 between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, a convex portion 57 is formed so as to close a part of the ball guide passage 49. The convex portion 57 is provided in a substantially vertical direction from the inner rail 51 to the lower end of the rail unit 50, and a foul ball that does not reach the game area 30a and flows back in the ball guide passage 49 is provided in the inner frame 12. It serves to guide the ball passage (not shown). The lower right corner and the lower left corner of the game board 30 are spaces for attaching stickers (S1, S2 in FIG. 2) such as certificate stamps (for example, the serial number is written) and plates. In order to secure this attachment space, notches 58 and 59 are formed in the flange 56. By attaching stickers such as certificate stamps (S1 and S2 in FIG. 2) to the lower right corner and the lower left corner of the game board 30, the game board 30 and the certificate stamp can be given uniqueness.

Next, the game area 30a of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the game area 30a is divided into substantially circular sections by the inner peripheral portions (inner and outer rails) of the rail unit 50, and particularly in the present embodiment, the game area 30a is divided on the board surface of the game board 30. The gaming area 30a is configured to be much larger than the conventional one. In the present embodiment, the distance from the uppermost point of the outer rail 52 to the lower part of the game board 30 is 445 mm (58 mm longer than the conventional product), and the distance from the far left position of the outer rail 52 to the far right position of the inner rail 51. The distance is 435 mm (50 mm longer than the conventional product). Further, the distance from the far left position of the inner rail 51 to the far right position of the inner rail 51 is 418 mm.

In the present embodiment, the gaming area 30a is viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, except for the area of the guide rail which is a parallel portion of the inner and outer rails 51 and 52 among the areas surrounded by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52. It is an area. Therefore, since the guide rail portion is not included in the game area 30a, the limit position on the left side of the game area 30a is specified not by the outer rail 52 but by the inner rail 51. Similarly, the right limit position of the gaming area 30a is specified by the inner rail 51. Further, the lower limit position of the game area 30a is specified by the lower end position of the game board 30. Further, the upper limit position of the game area 30a is specified by the outer rail 52.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the width of the game area 30a (maximum width in the left-right direction) is 418 mm, and the height of the game area 30a (maximum width in the vertical direction) is 445 mm.

Although disclosure of detailed drawings is omitted, game balls are supplied to the game ball launcher 38 one by one from the ball outlet on the front frame set 14 side (the ball outlet leading from the most downstream portion of the upper plate 19). ..

Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 10 has various control boards arranged vertically and horizontally or stacked back and forth on the back surface (actually, the back surface of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30). Further, a game ball supply device (pain mechanism unit 352) for supplying the game ball, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In the present embodiment, various control boards are separately mounted on two mounting bases to form two control board units, and the control board units are individually mounted on the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. ing. In this case, the main control device 261 and the sub control device 262 shown in FIG. 4 to be described later are mounted on one of the mounting bases to form a unit, and the payout control device 311 and the launch control device 312 shown in FIG. 4 to be described later are mounted. And the power supply device 313 is mounted on the other mounting base to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit is referred to as "first control board unit 201", and the latter unit is referred to as "second control board unit 202".

Further, the payout mechanism portion 352 and the protective cover are also integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally referred to as a back pack. Therefore, the unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203” here. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

The first control board unit 201, the second control board unit 202, and the back pack unit 203 are configured so that they can be attached to and detached from each unit without using any tools, and in addition to this, a support shaft portion is partially provided. It is provided so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. This is also a device for making it possible to easily confirm the hidden configuration and the like even if the units 201 to 203 and other configurations are arranged one on top of the other.

Further, on the back surface of the game board 30, a prize detection mechanism for detecting the passage of a game ball such as various prize openings is provided. Specifically, a winning opening switch is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning opening 31 on the front side of the game board 30, and a counting switch is provided on the variable winning device 32. The count switch is a switch for counting winning balls. Further, operating port switches are provided at positions corresponding to the first starting ports 33a and 33b, respectively, and the entry of the game ball into the first starting ports 33a and 33b is detected by the operating port switch. A gate switch is provided at a position corresponding to the second starting port 34, and the passage of the game ball to the second starting port 34 is detected by the operating port switch. ing.

The winning port switch and the gate switch are connected to a board surface connection board (not shown) through electrical wiring (not shown), and the board surface connection board is further connected to a main control board 261a (see FIG. 4) in a main control device 261 described later. ing. Further, the count switch is connected to the large winning opening relay terminal board (not shown), and the large winning opening relay terminal board (not shown) is also connected to the main control board 261a. On the other hand, the operation port switch is directly connected to the main control board 261a without going through the relay board.

The first variable winning device 32a is provided with a large winning opening solenoid 432, which will be described later, for opening the large winning opening 32A, and the second variable winning device 32b opens the large winning opening 32B, although not shown. A large winning opening solenoid is provided for this purpose. Further, the first starting port 33b on the lower side is provided with a working port solenoid for opening the electric accessory.

The detection results detected by the winning detection mechanism are taken into the main control board 261a in the main control device 261 described later, and the payout command (of the game ball) according to the winning situation each time is taken from the main control board 261a. The number of payouts) is transmitted to the payout control board 311a. Then, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by the output of the payout control board 311a. In such a case, a conventional method (so-called evidence ball method) in which the game balls that have won in various winning openings are once collected in a winning ball processing device, and the existence of the winning balls is confirmed one by one by the winning ball processing device and then paid out. ), In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the winning of the game ball is electrically detected for each of the various winning openings and the payout is immediately performed (that is, the winning ball processing device is abolished in the present pachinko machine 10). is doing). Therefore, even if there are a large number of game balls to be paid out, the payout can be carried out as soon as possible. However, the conventional "evidence ball method" may be applied to the present invention.

The first control board unit 201 has a substantially L-shaped mounting base (not shown), and a main control device 261 and a sub control device 262 are mounted on the mounting base. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 261 includes a CPU 501 that controls the main control, a ROM 502 that stores a game program, a RAM 503 that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, and various devices. Main control including input / output port 505 for communication, random number generator used for various lottery (not shown), clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization (not shown), etc. A substrate 261a is provided, and the main control substrate 261a is housed in a substrate box 263 (encapsulating means) made of a transparent resin material or the like. The substrate box 263 includes a box base having a substantially rectangular cuboid shape and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are unopenably connected by a sealing unit (sealing means), whereby the substrate box 263 is sealed.

As the sealing unit as a sealing means, any configuration can be applied as long as the box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner, but in this embodiment, for example, five sealing members are connected. By inserting a locking claw into the elongated hole of this sealing member, the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened. The sealing process by the sealing unit prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed, and once opened. It is possible to open and seal again later. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into the elongated hole of at least one of the five sealing members constituting the sealing unit (not shown). Then, when the substrate box 263 is opened due to a defect of the housed main control board 261a or the like, the connection between the sealing member into which the locking claw is inserted and the other sealing member is cut off. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claw is inserted into the elongated hole of the other sealing member. If the history of opening the board box 263 is left in the board box 263, it can be easily found that the illegal opening has been performed by looking at the board box 263.

Further, the sub control device 262 includes, for example, a CPU 551 that controls voice and lamp display and control of the display control device 45 according to an instruction from the main control board 261a in the main control device 261, and other ROM 552, RAM 552, bus line 554, and the like. A sub-control board 262a including an input / output port 555 and the like is provided, and the sub-control board 262a is housed in a board box (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. A power supply relay board (not shown) is mounted on the sub control device 262, and power supplied from the power supply board described later is supplied to the sub control device 262 and the display control device 45 via the power supply relay board (not shown). It is designed to be output to.

The second control board unit 202 has a horizontally long mounting base (not shown), on which a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a power supply device 313, and a card unit connection board (not shown) are mounted. ing. The payout control device 311 includes a CPU that is the center of control, a control board including other ROMs, RAMs, various ports, etc., the launch control device 312 includes a launch control board, and the power supply device 313 is a power supply. It is equipped with a control board. The payout control board 311a of the payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and rented balls. Further, the launch control board of the launch control device 312 controls the launch device 229 (see FIG. 4) according to the operation of the game ball launch handle 18 by the player, and the power supply board of the power supply device 313 controls various control devices and the like. The required predetermined power supply voltage is generated and output. The launcher 229 includes various types such as a mechanical launching component that launches a game ball by hitting it with a launching pestle that operates according to the drive of a launch motor, and an electromagnetic launching component that launches a game ball by generating an electromagnetic field. Can be adopted. The card unit connection board (not shown) is electrically connected to the ball lending operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown), and the player takes in the command of the ball lending operation and pays it out. It is output to the control device 311. The card unit connection board 314 is not required for a cash machine in which a game ball is directly lent to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without going through a card unit.

The payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection board (not shown) are each housed in a board box (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the payout control device 311, as in the main control device 261 described above, the box base and the box cover constituting the board box (wrapping means) are unopenably connected by the sealing unit (sealing means), whereby the board is unopenable. The box is sealed.

The payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch (not shown). For example, when the state return switch (not shown) is pressed when a payout error occurs such as a ball jam in the payout motor section, the payout motor 358a (see FIG. 4) is slowly rotated in the forward direction to clear the ball jam (normal state). (Return to) is planned.

Further, the power supply monitoring board 261b is provided with a RAM erasing switch 323. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function so that it can maintain the state at the time of power failure even in the unlikely event of a power failure, and can return to the state at the time of power failure when recovering from the power failure (recovery). It has become. Therefore, if the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, when the hall is closed), the state before the power is turned off is stored in memory. Therefore, if you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, turn on the power while pressing the RAM erase switch 323. It is decided to put it in.

Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the back pack unit 203 integrates a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism portion 352.

The back pack unit 203 is provided with a tank 355 opened upward at the uppermost portion thereof, and the game balls supplied from the island equipment (game island equipment) of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 having two horizontal rows of ball passages and gently sloping downward toward the downstream side is connected, and further, a case rail 357 is vertically connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. Are concatenated. A payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are appropriately paid out according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor 358a. Then, the game ball paid out from the payout device 358 is supplied to the upper plate 19 through a payout passage (not shown) or the like.

Further, the tank rail 356 is provided with a vibrator 360 for adding vibration to the tank rail 356. For example, the vibrator 360 is fastened to and attached to the tank rail 356 with, for example, two screws. Further, the vibrator 360 does not come into surface contact with the tank rail 356, but comes into contact with the two screw portions, so that the vibration generated by the vibrator 360 is more effectively transmitted to the tank rail 356. ing. Therefore, if a ball jam occurs near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is driven to eliminate the ball jam.

A payout relay board (not shown) that relays a signal of a payout command from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358 is installed in the payout mechanism unit 352, and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power supply from the outside is installed. is set up. For example, an AC 24V main power supply is supplied to the power switch board 382 via a voltage converter, and the power is turned on or off by the switching operation of the power switch 382a.

The payout mechanism portion 352 from the tank 355 to the payout passage (not shown) is all molded of a conductive resin material (for example, a conductive polycarbonate resin) and is grounded at a part thereof. As a result, the generation of noise due to the charging of the game ball is suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 3, an inner frame open detection switch 388 for detecting that the inner frame 12 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12. When the inner frame 12 is opened, it is output from the inner frame open detection switch 388 to the computer in the hall (inside the pachinko shop).

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 10 includes a main control device 261, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub control device 262, a display control device 45, a power supply device 313, and the like. Hereinafter, these devices will be described in detail individually.

The main control device 261 of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer which is an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 is a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. A certain RAM 503 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are built in.

The RAM 503 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 313 to hold (back up) data even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and various data and the like are temporarily stored in the RAM 503. It has a memory and an area for it.

That is, when the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the normal process of FIG. 8 to be described later until the end, that is, until the RAM access prohibition in step S216 is completed. Therefore, the RAM 503 only needs to store and retain the contents of the counter buffer and the holding ball storage area when the power is turned off (including when a power failure occurs. The same applies hereinafter), and powers the state of the pachinko machine 10 when the power is turned on again. It can be restored to the state before cutting. Specifically, RAM 503 has a dedicated backup area for storing values such as registers and I / O for game information during normal processing when the power is turned off (including when a power failure occurs. The same applies hereinafter). There is no need to install it in. The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to input a power failure signal S1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, when the power is turned off due to a power failure or the like. Upon occurrence, the power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing) shown in FIG. 13 is immediately executed.

An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 having the ROM 502 and the RAM 503 built therein via a bus line 504 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 includes a RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub control device 262, a first symbol display device 40, a second symbol display device 41, and other switches not shown. Etc. are connected. Further, the main control device 261 has a function of controlling the variation display of the first symbol in the first symbol display device 40 and the variation display of the second symbol in the second symbol display device 41.

Further, the payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout motor 358a. The CPU 511, which is an arithmetic unit, includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program and fixed value data executed by the CPU 511, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

Similar to the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 described above, the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 313 and data can be retained (backed up) even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off. The RAM 513 is provided with a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data and the like.

The RAM 513 stores and holds information on the state at the time of power off so that the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. That is, the storage retention of the RAM 513 is executed when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt processing (see FIG. 13) and the steps S1015 and S1016 (see FIG. 15) in the latter half of the payout control processing, and conversely, the storage information of the RAM 513 is restored. Is executed in the power recovery process when the power is turned on.

An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 containing the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 via a bus line 514 composed of an address bus and a data bus. A main control device 261, a launch control device 312, a payout motor 358a, and the like are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, the launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch device 229, and the launch device 229 is permitted to be driven when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the launch control device 312 includes a card unit connection signal S4 from the payout control device 311 (a signal output when the above-mentioned card unit is connected to the pachinko machine 10) and a player. The touch detection signal S5 output when the game ball launch handle 18 is touched, and the launch stop switch 18a for stopping the launch provided on the game ball launch handle 18 are output when the launch stop switch 18a is not operated. The launch permission signal S7 is output to the main control device 261 on condition that all of the launch maintenance signals S6 are input.

That is, the firing permission state is in the period when the firing permission signal S7 is ON (high level), and the firing permission state is in the firing permission state during the period when the firing permission signal S7 is OFF (low level). That is, the main control device 261 is on the launch rail and the launch control signal S8 (pulse signal) that controls the launch solenoid that launches the game ball during the period when the input launch permission signal S7 is ON (high level). The ball feed control signal S9 (pulse signal) that controls the ball feed solenoid that feeds the game ball is repeatedly output to the launch control device 312 at a predetermined repetition cycle. The launch control device 312 drives and controls the launch device 229 based on the launch control signal S8 and the ball feed control signal S9, and launches the game ball with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the game ball launch handle 18. On the contrary, the main control device 261 does not output the launch control signal S8 and the ball feed control signal S9 to the launch control device 312 during the period when the input launch permission signal S7 is OFF (low level), and the launch device does not output. The game ball is not fired by 229.

The display control device 45 controls the variable display of the third symbol (decorative symbol) in the third symbol display device 42. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and a bus line 530, 531. And have. The output of the sub control device 262 is connected to the input of the input port 527, and the CPU 521, the ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the image controller 526 are connected to the input port 527. Further, an output port 529 is connected to the image controller 526 via a bus line 531 and a third symbol display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device, is connected to the output of the output port 529.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the decorative symbol display on the third symbol display device 42 based on various commands in which various commands from the main control device 261 are edited and transmitted by the sub control device 262. The ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, and the work RAM 523 temporarily stores the work data and flags used when the various programs are executed by the CPU 521. It is a memory for.

The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the third symbol display device 42, and by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524, the display contents of the third symbol display device 42 are changed. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as decorative symbols displayed on the third symbol display device 42. The image controller 526 adjusts the timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, and the output port 529 to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing. It is to be displayed on the symbol display device 42.

Further, the power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying electric power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10. The power supply unit 541 supplies the operation power required for each of the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 through a power supply path (not shown). As an outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in an AC 24-volt power supply supplied from the outside, and uses a + 12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, a + 5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, and the like. It is generated, and these + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply, and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. An operating power source (+ 12V power source, + 5V power source, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 261 includes a main control board 261a and a power supply monitoring board 261b separate from the main control board 261a in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. .. The power supply monitoring board 261b includes a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors a power failure due to a power failure or the like, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 that is connected to the RAM erase switch 323.

The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal S1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of AC 24 volts with the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when the voltage becomes less than 24 volts for, for example, more than 20 milliseconds. , The power failure signal S1 is output to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. By the output of the power failure signal S1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the power failure time processing (NMI interrupt processing in FIG. 13).

In addition, even after the time when the AC 5 volt monitored by the power supply unit 541 becomes less than 5 volts exceeds 20 milliseconds, the power supply unit 541 has a sufficient time to execute the power failure processing. It is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure processing.

The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit for taking in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clearing the backup data of the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs the RAM erase signal S2 to the main control board 261a. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed (including turning on the power due to the elimination of a power failure), the data of the RAM 503 is cleared in the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 is the main control device. When the initialization command from 261 is received, the data in RAM 513 is cleared.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 5, three decorative symbol rows L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right are set in the third symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device), and the decorative symbol rows L, Three decorative symbols, an upper decorative symbol, a middle decorative symbol, and a lower decorative symbol, are displayed in a variable manner for each of M and R. In the present embodiment, the third symbol is a main decorative symbol SZ with numbers "0" to "9", and a sub-decorative symbol FZ of a plurality of types (for example, ●, ▲, ■, etc.). The main decorative symbols SZ are displayed in ascending or descending order of numbers, and the sub-decorative symbols FZ are arranged between the main decorative symbols SZ to form a series of decorative symbol rows L, M, and R. ing. Then, the main decorative symbol SZ and the sub-decorative symbol FZ are displayed in a variable manner from top to bottom, for example, with periodicity.

In such a case, in the left decorative symbol row L, the above series of decorative symbols are displayed in descending order (that is, in the order in which the number of the main decorative symbol SZ decreases), and in the middle decorative symbol row M and the right decorative symbol row R, the same is true. The series of decorative symbols are displayed in ascending order (that is, in order in which the number of the main decorative symbol SZ increases). Then, the variable display is stopped in the order of the left decorative symbol row L → the right decorative symbol row R → the middle decorative symbol row M, and at the time of the stop, the five effective lines on the third symbol display device 42, that is, the upper line L1 and the middle line L2. , The lower line L3, the right-up line L4, and the left-up line L5 can align the main decorative symbol SZ or the sub-decorative symbol FZ in a predetermined combination.

Specifically, the third symbol display device 42 usually hits a jackpot state or shortens the time based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting ports 33a and 33b and the determination result of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261. A predetermined identification information variation display effect (variation display effect of the third symbol) is performed to notify the success or failure of the jackpot state or the probability variation jackpot state. By displaying on the display screen of the third symbol display device 42 a definite display of a state in which the main decorative symbols SZ (third symbols) are aligned with, for example, even-numbered symbols, the player is shown to win the normal jackpot state. Further, the main decorative symbol SZ (third symbol) is aligned with, for example, odd-numbered symbols on the display screen of the third symbol display device 42 (the main decorative symbol SZ of "1" is aligned with the line L5 shown in FIG. 5A). By displaying the confirmation of the state), the player is shown to win the odd-numbered jackpot state. In addition, a definite display of the state in which the sub-decorative symbols FZ are aligned on the display screen of the third symbol display device 42 (the state in which the sub-decorative symbols FZ of "●" are aligned in the line L2 shown in FIG. 5 (b)) is to be confirmed. Then, the player is shown the winning of the short-time jackpot state. Then, if the main decorative symbol SZ and the sub-decorative symbol FZ are arranged in a combination of the jackpot symbols, the third symbol display device 42 displays the special game video as a jackpot.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses a random number related to the operation of the accessory and another random number used for the game to draw a lottery for the first symbol display device 40 (big hit lottery: first). The big hit lottery of symbols) and the setting of symbol display, the lottery of the second symbol display device 41 (the winning lottery of the second symbol), the setting of the symbol display, and the decorative symbol (third symbol) of the third symbol display device 42. A lottery related to variable display and its setting will be performed.

Specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, as a random number related to the operation of the accessory, as shown in FIG. 6, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery of the first symbol display device 40 and the first random number counter. The jackpot symbol counter C2 used for selecting the jackpot symbol of the symbol display device 40, the initial value random number counter CINI1 used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the second symbol display device 41 used for the winning lottery. The two symbol random number counter C4 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 used for setting the initial value of the second symbol random number counter C4 are used.

Further, in the pachinko machine 10, as other random numbers used for the game, as shown in FIG. 6, in order to roughly specify the type of the variation pattern when selecting the variation pattern of the decorative symbol of the third symbol display device 42. The stop pattern selection counter C3 used for selecting the stop pattern of, the variation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 used for selecting the variation pattern of the decorative symbol of the third symbol display device 42, and the outlier symbol of the second symbol display device 41. The second symbol out-of-symbol symbol counter C5 used for selection is used. Each of the above-mentioned counters is composed of a program executed by the CPU 501.

For example, "stop pattern 0" indicates a complete deviation variation pattern group consisting of a plurality of types of complete deviation variation patterns, and "stop pattern 1" is a front-back deviation reach variation pattern group consisting of a plurality of types of anteroposterior reach variation patterns. The "stop pattern 2" indicates a group of reach fluctuation patterns other than the front-back deviation, which consists of a plurality of types of reach fluctuation patterns other than the front-back deviation, and the "stop pattern 3" indicates a group of reach fluctuation patterns other than the front-back deviation, and the "stop pattern 3" consists of a plurality of types of normal jackpot fluctuation patterns. The normal jackpot fluctuation pattern group is shown, the "stop pattern 4" is a time-saving jackpot fluctuation pattern group consisting of a plurality of types of time-saving jackpot fluctuation patterns, and the "stop pattern 5" is a plurality of types of probabilistic jackpot fluctuations. It shows a group of probabilistic jackpot fluctuation patterns consisting of patterns.

For all of these counters C1 to C5, CINI1 to CINI2, CS1 to CS3, "1" is added to the previous value (hereinafter referred to as "update") each time the counter is updated, and after reaching the maximum value, it becomes "0". It is a return loop counter. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG. Further, the RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas), and each of these areas has a first starting port 33a. , Each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 is stored in time series according to the winning history of the game ball to 33b.

Each of the above-mentioned counters will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of, for example, "0" to "738", reach the maximum value (that is, "738"), and then return to "0". In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The ss and the initial value random number counter CINI1 are loop counters similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 738), are updated once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later, and are usually described later. It is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the process (see FIG. 8). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later in this embodiment), and the RAM 503 is held at the timing when the game ball wins the first start ports 33a and 33b. It is stored in the sphere storage area.

The hit value of the jackpot random number counter C1, that is, the number of random numbers that become jackpots is set in two types, one at low probability and the other at high probability, and the number of random numbers that become jackpot at low probability is two. The value is "350,700", and the number of random numbers that are big hits at high probability is 14, and the value is "50,101,160,209,257,310,361,418,480". , 517,578,635,677,730 ". In addition, the high probability time refers to a state in which a jackpot is achieved by a predetermined probability fluctuation symbol and the subsequent jackpot probability is increased as an added value, that is, a so-called "probability change", which is a normal time (low probability time). Refers to the time when it is not in such a probabilistic state.

The jackpot symbol counter C2 is the final symbol after the fluctuation display of the first symbol display device 40 (consisting of the two LEDs 40a and 40b) at the time of the jackpot (in this embodiment, the fluctuation display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b). It determines the light emission state). In this embodiment, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of, for example, "0" to "5", reach the maximum value (that is, "5"), and then return to "0". There is. The jackpot symbol counter C2 is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later) as in the case of the jackpot random number counter C1 described above, and the game ball is set to the first start ports 33a and 33b. It is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing of winning a prize. For example, when the jackpot random number counter C1 is a jackpot and the values of the jackpot symbol counter C2 are "0" and "4", both LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 are stopped in a blue light emitting state. , Usually shows the winning of the jackpot state. Further, when the jackpot random number counter C1 is a jackpot and the values of the jackpot symbol counter C2 are "1" and "3", the LED 40a stops in the blue light emitting state and the LED 40b stops in the red light emitting state, which shortens the time. Shows the winning of the jackpot state. Further, when the jackpot random number counter C1 is a jackpot and the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is "2", both LEDs 40a and 40b stop in the red light emitting state, indicating winning in the probability variation jackpot state. When the jackpot random number counter C1 is off, both LEDs 40a and 40b are stopped in the off state regardless of the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2, indicating the disconnection.

Further, the stop pattern selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of, for example, "0" to "238", reach the maximum value (that is, 238), and then return to "0". In the present embodiment, the stop pattern selection counter C3 causes the decorative symbol to reach on the third symbol display device 42, and then the final stop decorative symbol is shifted by one to the front and back of the reach decorative symbol to stop. Similarly, after the reach occurs, the final stop decorative symbol stops at a position other than the front and back of the reach decorative symbol, and the "reach other than the front and rear deviation" and the "complete deviation" where the reach does not occur are drawn. For example, C3 = 0 to 201 corresponds to complete deviation, C3 = 202 to 208 corresponds to front-rear out-of-reach, and C3 = 209 to 238 corresponds to non-front-rear reach. The lottery (reach lottery) content of the stop pattern selection counter C3 is whether the pachinko machine 10 has a low probability or a high probability, and the fluctuation time shortening function of the first symbol display device 40 is not activated. It may be set individually depending on whether it is activated, how many balls are reserved for operation at the start of fluctuation of the first symbol, and the like. The stop pattern selection counter C3 is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later), and the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 is reached at the timing when the game ball wins the first start ports 33a and 33b. Stored in.

Further, among the three variable type counters CS1 to CS3, the variable type counter CS1 is added one by one in order within the range of, for example, "0 to 198", and after reaching the maximum value (that is, "198"), "0". The variation type counter CS2 is configured to return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, "240") by adding 1 in order within the range of "0 to 240", for example. The variable type counter CS3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of, for example, "0 to 162", reach the maximum value (that is, "162"), and then return to "0". In the following description, the variation type counter CS1 will be appropriately referred to as a “first variation type counter”, the variation type counter CS2 may be referred to as a “second variation type counter”, and the variation type counter CS3 may be appropriately referred to as a “third variation type counter”. ..

The first variation type counter CS1 determines a rough variation pattern group of decorative symbols such as the reach type of the decorative symbol (third symbol) such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and the type of complete deviation. .. Here, for example, it is assumed that the stop pattern selection counter C3 has a value indicating "stop pattern 1" (that is, a value indicating a front-rear reach deviation pattern group), and the first variation among the front-back out-of-reach fluctuation pattern group. It is assumed that the fluctuation pattern of the normal reach group (consisting of a plurality of normal reach of different types) is determined by the type counter CS1.

Subsequently, one more variation pattern from the variation pattern group thus determined by the first variation type counter CS1 is determined by the second variation type counter CS2. Here, for example, it is assumed that one type of normal reach from the normal reach group is determined by the second variable type counter CS2. It should be noted that a plurality of different types of normal reach can be realized by giving a difference such as a difference in the elapsed time until the final stop decorative symbol (for example, the middle decorative symbol in the present embodiment) stops after the reach occurs. Can be mentioned.

Further, subsequently, the third variation type counter CS3 determines which time the variation time addition is set in one variation pattern thus determined by the second variation type counter CS2. For example, as the addition time, when the decorative symbol (third symbol) of the intermediate decorative symbol row on the third symbol display device 42 stops slipping, the decorative symbol of the intermediate decorative symbol row slips after that. The additional time, which is the time until the stop display is displayed, can be mentioned. In this way, the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 can be used to determine a more detailed decorative pattern variation mode. That is, by combining these fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3, it is possible to easily realize a wide variety of fluctuation patterns.

It should be noted that the symbol variation mode can be determined only by the first variation type counter CS1, the symbol variation mode can be determined only by the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2, or the first variation type counter CS1 and the stop symbol can be determined. It is also possible to determine the symbol variation mode in combination with the above, or to determine the symbol variation mode in combination with the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2 and the stopped symbol.

The variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated once every time the normal processing described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal processing. Then, the buffer values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired when the fluctuation pattern is determined at the start of the fluctuation of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 40. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, since the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired at the start of fluctuation of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 40, it is not necessary to store them in the reserved ball storage area. , It is only necessary to sequentially update and store it in the counter buffer.

The size and range of each of the above-mentioned counters are merely examples and can be arbitrarily changed. However, it is desirable that the sizes of the jackpot random number counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are all different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the second symbol random number counter C4 is used for the lottery of the second symbol of the second symbol display device 41. The second symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter in which, for example, 1 is sequentially added in the range of "0" to "250", and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250), the counter returns to "0". The second symbol random number counter C4 is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later), and is acquired when the game ball passes through either the left or right second start port 34. The number of random numbers to be won is 149, and the range is "5 to 153".

In particular, when the second symbol random number counter C4 makes one round, the initial value at that time is read as the initial value of the second symbol random number counter CINI2. The initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is a loop counter similar to the second symbol random number counter C4 (value = 0 to 250), and is updated once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later. , It is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal processing (see FIG. 8) described later. The second symbol random number counter C4 is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 11) described later in this embodiment), and the second RAM 503 is set at the timing when the game ball passes through the second starting port 34. 2 Stored in the symbol hold storage area.

That is, the RAM 503 also has a second symbol hold storage area, which is an area different from the hold ball storage area, and has one execution area for the second symbol and four hold areas for the second symbol (second symbol). A second symbol hold storage area (1st to 4th areas for symbol hold) is provided, and each of these areas has a second symbol holding history according to the winning history of the game ball to the second starting port 34. 2 Each value of the symbol random number counter C4 is stored in time series.

Further, the second symbol out-of-symbol symbol counter C5 is updated once every time the second symbol control process of the normal process in FIG. 8, which will be described later, is executed once, and the value thereof is the second symbol out-of-symbol symbol of the counter buffer. The second symbol counter C5, which was updated and acquired in the buffer and was updated and acquired in the second symbol out-of-symbol symbol buffer when stored in the second symbol holding ball storage area of the second symbol random number counter C4, is also the second symbol. It is stored in the hold ball storage area. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the value of the second symbol random number counter C4 is unsuccessful, "x" is drawn based on the value of the second symbol out-of-symbol symbol counter C5 in the second symbol holding ball storage area. The display unit 41b is lit and displayed. It should be noted that the second symbol variation display result may be performed based only on the second symbol random number counter C4 without providing the second symbol off symbol counter C5. That is, if the second symbol random number counter C4 is won, the display unit 41a on which "○" is drawn is lit and displayed, and if it is not selected, the display unit 41b on which "x" is drawn is lit and displayed.

Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 17. The processing of the CPU 501 is roughly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (at a cycle of 2 msec in this embodiment), and a power failure to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). There is an NMI interrupt process that is activated by inputting a signal. For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process, and this process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, for example, every 2 msec.

In FIG. 11, first, in step S601, the reading process of various winning switches is executed. That is, the state of various switches (excluding the RAM erasing switch 323) connected to the main control device 261 is read, the state of the switch is determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is saved.

After that, in step S602, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 are updated. Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (“738” in the present embodiment), it is cleared to “0”, and the initial value second symbol random number counter is used. CINI2 is incremented by 1 and cleared to "0" at the time of 1 increment after the counter value reaches the maximum value ("250" in this embodiment). Then, the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503 (see FIG. 6).

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in the subsequent step S603, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are each incremented by 1, and their counter values are the maximum values (“738”, “4”, respectively in the present embodiment, respectively. Clear to "0" at the time of 1 increment after reaching "250"). Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503 (see FIG. 6).

After that, as shown in FIG. 11, in step S604, the start winning process associated with winning the first starting ports 33a and 33b is executed. Explaining this start winning process by the flowchart of FIG. 12, in step S701, whether or not the game ball has won a prize in the first start openings 33a and 33b is determined by the detection information of the operation port switch. When it is determined that the game ball has won a prize in the first starting openings 33a and 33b, in the following step S702, the number N of balls on hold for operation of the first symbol display device 40 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). Determine if it exists. The process proceeds to step S703 on condition that the first starting ports 33a and 33b have won a prize and the number of operation-reserved balls N <4, and the number of operation-reserved balls N is incremented by one.

Further, in the following step S704, a random number related to the winning of the first symbol is acquired. Specifically, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 updated in step S603 are set to the first of the free storage areas of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG. Store in the area of.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in the following step S605, the launch control process is executed. Specifically, in the launch control process, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the launch control signal S8 and the ball feed control when the launch permission signal S7 from the launch control device 312 is ON, as shown in FIG. The signal S9 is output to the launch control device 312, and the game ball launch control is performed by the launch device 229. After performing the firing control process in this way, the CPU 501 temporarily ends the timer interrupt process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing NMI interrupt processing, and this processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off due to a power failure or the like. By this NMI interrupt, the state of the main control device 261 when the power is turned off is stored in the backup area of the RAM 503.

That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal S1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control during execution and starts the NMI interrupt process of FIG. The NMI interrupt process of FIG. 13 is stored in the ROM 502 of the main controller 261. During a predetermined time after the power failure signal S1 is output, power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the processing of the main control device 261 can be executed, and the NMI interrupt processing is executed within this predetermined time.

In the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 13, in step S801, the power cutoff occurrence information is set in the backup area. In this embodiment, the information on the occurrence of power failure is flagged and stored in the backup area.

Next, the main process will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the main process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. This main process is started by resetting when the power is turned on.

First, in step S101, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the initial setting process accompanying the power-on. Specifically, a predetermined predetermined value is set in the stack pointer. Further, in step S102, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 waits for the control device on the sub side (sub control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to be in an operable state, for example, for about 1 second, for weight processing. To execute. In the following step S103, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 permits RAM access.

After that, the data backup process is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided on the power supply monitoring board 261b is pressed (ON), and if it is off, the process proceeds to step S105, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step S105. If there is, the process proceeds to step S113. In the following step S105, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the power cutoff occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 503 (whether or not the power cutoff occurrence information flag is set). Further, in step S106, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 calculates the RAM determination value, and in the following step S107, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 matches the RAM determination value with the RAM determination value saved when the power is turned off. Whether or not, that is, the effectiveness of the backup is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. It is also possible to determine the effectiveness of the backup based on whether or not the keywords written in the predetermined area of the RAM 503 are correctly stored.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall is open for business, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erasing switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on, the process proceeds to the initialization process of the RAM 503 (step S113 or the like). Similarly, when the power cutoff occurrence information is not set or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.), the used RAM area is cleared and the RAM 503 is initialized (step). Move to S113 etc.). That is, in step S113, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 clears the used area of the RAM 503 to "0" and executes the initialization process of the RAM 503.

In the following step S114, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a payout initialization command. As described above, the payout initialization command is output to the payout control device 311 when the main control device 261 is initialized.

Further, in step S115, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a command at the time of turning on the power to the sub control board 262a. This command at the time of turning on the power includes a command for determining the model of the pachinko machine, and the model can be determined based on the command content on the sub side such as the sub control board 262a or the display control device 45. You can do it.

Further, in step S116, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the initial setting of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit). In step S117, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets interrupt permission and shifts to a normal process (see FIG. 8) described later.

On the other hand, when the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, the power is restored on condition that the power cutoff occurrence information is set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Execute the process (process when the power is cut off and restored). That is, in step S108, the power cutoff occurrence information is cleared. In step S109, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a payout return command to the payout control device 311 and instructs the payout control device 311 to start payout control. Although the details will be described later, when the payout control device 311 receives the payout return command from the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 returns and starts the payout control.

In step S110, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a command for causing the control device on the sub side to be duplicated in the gaming state when the power is turned off, and in step S111, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 is CTC (Counter). / Timer Circuit) Initial setting is executed. Further, in step S112, interrupt permission is set, and then the process proceeds to normal processing (see FIG. 8) described later. For example, even if the power is cut off in the middle of the normal processing, the power is turned off after the final step of the normal processing (step of "RAM access prohibited" shown in FIG. 8) is executed. Will be executed from step S201, which is the first step of normal processing.

Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this 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 S210 and S211 are executed in the remaining time.

In FIG. 8, first, in step S201, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 performs an external output process of transmitting output data such as a command updated in the previous process to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence / absence of prize detection information is determined, and if there is prize detection information, a prize ball payout command corresponding to the number of acquired game balls is transmitted to the payout control device 311. Further, since the decorative symbol (third symbol) is also variablely displayed by the third symbol display device 42 in conjunction with the first symbol variation display (variation display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b) of the first symbol display device 40. However, when displaying the variation of the first symbol of the first symbol display device 40, a variation pattern designation command, a decorative symbol designation command, a total stop command (confirmation command), and the like are transmitted to the sub control device 262 in the external output processing.

In this pachinko machine 10, at the start of fluctuation of the first symbol, the external output of normal processing is performed in the order of variation pattern specification command → effect command (command for specifying change of variation time, etc.) → decorative symbol specification command. A predetermined number of commands (for example, three) are sent each time a process is performed (that is, three commands are sent every 4 msec), and a total stop command is sent at the timing when the fluctuation time elapses. Further, after the fluctuation of the first symbol is started, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of each external output processing of the normal processing is performed in the order of the fluctuation pattern designation command → → effect command → decorative symbol designation command (that is, 3 every 4 msec). The command may be sent one by one, and the all stop command may be sent at the timing when the fluctuation time elapses.

The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern of a decorative symbol (third symbol) that is variablely displayed on the third symbol display device 42. The variation pattern designation command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262, and is transmitted from the sub control device 262 to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 so as to display and execute the variation pattern of the decorative symbol based on the transmitted variation pattern designation command.

The decorative symbol designation command is a command for designating whether the variable display effect of the decorative symbol (third symbol) on the third symbol display device 42 is a normal jackpot, a time-saving jackpot, a probabilistic jackpot, or a miss. .. The decorative symbol designation command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262, and is transmitted from the sub control device 262 to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 controls the display of the third symbol display device 42 so that the display result of the variation pattern of the decorative symbol is the result corresponding to the transmitted decorative symbol designation command.

The all stop command is a command for instructing the stop of the variable pattern of the decorative symbol (third symbol) that is variablely displayed on the third symbol display device 42. The all stop command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262, and is transmitted from the sub control device 262 to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 so as to stop and display the variation pattern of the decorative symbol based on the transmitted all-stop command.

Further, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sends a fluctuation pattern designation command and an effect command (command for designating a change of the fluctuation time, etc.) to the sub control device 262 in the external output process (step S201) of the normal process. May be sent. That is, it is determined which time the fluctuation time addition (addition time due to the above-mentioned sliding effect of the decorative symbol) is set based on the value of the fluctuation type counter CS3, and such addition time is appropriately set to the sub control device 262. Directing commands are used to indicate. Therefore, after the variation of the first symbol starts, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of each external output process of the normal process is performed in the order of the variation pattern specification command → the effect command → the decorative symbol specification command (that is, 3 every 4 msec). A command may be sent, and a full stop command may be sent at the timing when the fluctuation time elapses.

Next, in step S202, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the update of the variation type counters CS1 to CS3. Specifically, the variable type counters CS1 to CS3 are incremented by 1 respectively, and when the counter values reach the maximum value (198, 240, 162 in the present embodiment) and then 1 increment is performed, "0" is obtained. Clear to. Then, the updated values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area shown in FIG. 6 of the RAM 503.

In the following step S203 of FIG. 8, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 reads the prize ball counting signal, the payout abnormality signal, and the lower plate full tank signal received from the payout control device 311. After that, in step S204, the first symbol variation processing for displaying the variation of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 40 is executed. By this first symbol variation processing, a jackpot determination and a setting of a variation pattern of the first symbol are performed. However, the details of the first symbol variation processing will be described later.

After that, in step S205, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 opens or closes the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a or the large winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b in the case of a big hit state. Executes the opening and closing process of the big winning opening. The explanation will be given by taking the large winning opening 32A as an example. That is, the large winning opening 32A is opened in each round of the big hit state, and whether the maximum opening time of the large winning opening 32A has elapsed or whether the specified number of game balls have won in the large winning opening 32A for each round. judge. Then, when any of these conditions is satisfied, the opening of the large winning opening 32A in that round is stopped and closed, and if there is a remaining round, the opening of the large winning opening 32A is repeatedly executed for the remaining number of rounds. The same applies to the large winning opening 32B.

Further, in step S206, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the display control of the second symbol by the second symbol display device 41. Briefly, on condition that the game ball has passed through the second starting port 34, the second symbol random number counter C4 is acquired each time, and the display units 41a and 41b of the second symbol display device 41 are used. The variation display of the second symbol is carried out. Then, the lottery of the second symbol is carried out by the value of the second symbol random number counter C4, and when the second symbol is in the winning state, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 is the first lower side as shown in step S207. The first starting port 33b is opened by opening the starting port 33b for a predetermined time. Although the explanation is omitted, the second symbol random number counter C4 is also updated by the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 11, like the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3. ing.

Further, in step S208, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the power cutoff occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 503 (whether or not the power cutoff occurrence information flag is set). If the power-off occurrence information is not set, the process proceeds to step S209, and if the power-off occurrence information is set, the process proceeds to step S212.

After that, in step S209, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the previous normal process. Then, within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process, the initial value random number counter CINI1, the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are repeatedly updated (steps S210 and S211). ). That is, in step S210, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 are updated. Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is incremented by 1, and the counter value is cleared to "0" when the counter value reaches the maximum value ("738" in the present embodiment) and then incremented by 1. Then, the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. Similarly to this, the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is incremented by 1, and cleared to "0" when the counter value reaches the maximum value ("250" in this embodiment) and then incremented by 1. do. Then, the update value of the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

Further, in step S211, the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated (similar to the step S202). Specifically, the variable type counters CS1 to CS3 are incremented by 1, and the counter values are incremented by 1 after reaching the maximum value (“198”, “240”, “162” in the present embodiment). Clear each to "0". Then, the updated values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S207 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and varies. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 using the remaining time, the initial value random number counter CINI1 (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) and the initial value Value The second symbol random number counter CINI2 (that is, the initial value of the second symbol random number counter C4) can be updated at random.

Further, when the power cutoff occurrence information is set in step S208 and the process proceeds to step S212, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets interrupt prohibition. Subsequently, in step S213, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a power cutoff notification command indicating that the power supply has been quickly cut off to another control device. Subsequently, in step S214, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 stops the output of the control signal. Subsequently, in step S215, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 calculates the RAM determination value and stores it in the backup area. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Subsequently, in step S216, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 prohibits RAM access. After that, it goes into an infinite loop in case the power is completely cut off and the process cannot be executed.

Next, the first symbol variation process in step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 9, in step S401, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the jackpot is currently being hit. The jackpot includes a special game displayed on the third symbol display device 42 at the time of the jackpot and a predetermined time after the end of the special game. In the following step S402, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the variation display of the first symbol is being performed by the first symbol display device 40. Then, if the jackpot is not performed and the fluctuation display of the first symbol is not performed, the process proceeds to step S403, and the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 has the number N of operation pending balls of the first symbol display device 40 larger than "0". Determine if not. At this time, if the jackpot is in progress or the number of balls on hold for operation N is "0", this process is terminated as it is.

Further, if it is neither during the big hit nor during the fluctuation display of the first symbol and the number of balls on hold for operation N> 0, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 subtracts "1" from the number N of balls on hold. In step S405, a process of shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the hold 1st to 4th areas of the hold ball storage area to the execution area side, and is a process of sequentially shifting the hold 1st area → execution area, hold 2nd area →. The data in each area is shifted such as the hold 1st area, the hold 3rd area → the hold 2nd Uria, the hold 4th area → the hold 3rd area, and so on.

After that, in step S406, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the fluctuation start process. Here, the fluctuation start process will be described in detail using the flowchart of FIG. 10. In step S501, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 is set to the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. Whether it is a big hit or not is determined based on it. Specifically, whether or not it is a jackpot is determined based on the relationship between the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the mode at that time (whether it is a probabilistic state or a normal state), and as described above, at the time of normal low probability. Of the numerical values "0" to "738" of the jackpot random number counter C1, "350,700" is the winning value (2 pieces), and when the probability is high, "50,101,160,209,257,310,361,418," 480,517,578,635,677,730 "is the winning value (14 pieces).

When the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines that the jackpot is a jackpot, in step S502, the jackpot symbol corresponding to the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area, that is, the first symbol display. Whether it is a blue lighting display of both LEDs 40a and 40b indicating a normal jackpot, or a combination lighting display of a blue lighting of the LED 40 indicating a time saving jackpot and a red lighting of the LED 40b, which are displayed by the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the device 40, or a probable variable jackpot. A stop symbol (stop display) is obtained, which is either a red lighting display of both LEDs 40a and 40b indicating the above, or a combination lighting display of the red lighting of the LED 40 indicating a normal jackpot and the blue lighting of the LED 40b. That is, the jackpot symbol corresponding to the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is obtained based on the table (not shown) showing the correspondence between the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the symbol.

Next, in step S503, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines a fluctuation pattern (big hit effect pattern) at the time of a big hit. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 does not use the stop pattern selection counter C3, but instead uses the values of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the values of the variable type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503. Check in order and determine the fluctuation pattern.

That is, whether the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is displayed by the normal jackpot "stop pattern 3" based on the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2, or the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is a time-saving jackpot. It is determined whether the display is performed by the "stop pattern 4" or the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is displayed by the "stop pattern 5" of the probability variation jackpot. The types of the "stop pattern 3" to the "stop pattern 5" determined in this way are further determined based on the value of the first variable type counter CS1. That is, a rough variation pattern group of decorative symbols such as a reach type of decorative symbols (third symbol) such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc. is determined. Subsequently, one variation pattern is determined based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2 from the variation pattern group of the rough decorative symbols determined in this way. For example, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, the elapsed time until the final stop decorative symbol (medium decorative symbol in the present embodiment) stops after the reach occurs is set to a predetermined time, and the finer decorative symbol is set. Determine the variation mode. In the case of a jackpot, the following relationships, that is, the relationship between the numerical value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the stop pattern, the relationship between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the variation pattern, and the numerical value of the second variation type counter CS2. The relationship with the stop symbol time is predetermined for each by a table for jackpots and the like.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S501 that the hit is not a big hit, in step S504, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 has a different color from the off-design, that is, the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40. Set to the stop symbol to display the stop.

Next, in step S505, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines a variation pattern (disengagement effect pattern) at the time of disconnection, and sets the deviation variation pattern in the variation pattern designation command. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 confirms the values of the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 in that order, and determines the variation pattern. decide.

That is, based on the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3, after the reach of the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is generated, the final stop decorative symbol is shifted by one before and after the reach decorative symbol to stop. "Stop pattern 1", which is "Stop pattern 2" which is "Reach other than front and back" where the final stop decorative symbol stops at a position other than before and after the reach decorative symbol, and "Completely off" where reach does not occur. It is determined which stop pattern is to be used, which is "stop pattern 0". For example, when the determined stop pattern is, for example, "stop pattern 1" which is the front-rear out-of-reach reach, normal reach and super reach from the front-back out-of-reach fluctuation pattern group based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. For example, a variation pattern in which the reach type of the decorative symbol (third symbol) is specified is determined, and a rough variation pattern group of the decorative symbol is determined. Here, it is assumed that the normal reach is decided. Subsequently, one variation pattern is further determined based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2 from the normal reach variation pattern group of the rough decorative pattern determined in this way. For example, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, the elapsed time until the final stop decorative symbol (medium decorative symbol in the present embodiment) stops after the reach occurs is set to a predetermined time, and the finer decorative symbol is set. Determine the variation mode. In the case of deviation, the following relationships, that is, the relationship between the numerical value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the stop pattern, the relationship between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the variation pattern, and the numerical value of the second variation type counter CS2. The relationship between the stop symbol time and the stop symbol time is pre-defined by a table or the like for disengagement.

In the present embodiment, as one of the above-mentioned tables for deviation, for example, at a low probability, in the state of the fluctuation time shortening function of the first symbol display device 40, at the start of fluctuation of the first symbol. Some are adopted when the number of pending operations of the first symbol is "0", and when the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 is "0 to 201", it corresponds to no reach (completely off), and " "202-208" corresponds to the front-rear reach, and "209-238" corresponds to the reach other than the front-rear reach.

Subsequently, in step S506, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines the effect time addition, that is, the determination of the addition of the effect time of the jackpot variation pattern determined in step S503 or the deviation variation pattern determined in step S505. conduct. More specifically, based on the value of the variable type counter CS3, the decorative symbol (third symbol) of the intermediate decorative symbol row on the third symbol display device 42 stops slipping, and the effect time is increased (the middle decoration). A variation pattern is determined, including an increase in the time it takes for the decorative symbol in the symbol sequence to slip and appear to stop.

Further, in step S507, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 issues a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the jackpot variation pattern determined in step S503, or a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the deviation variation pattern determined in step S505. Set.

Subsequently, in step S508, when the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 has passed through steps S502 and S503, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a decorative symbol designation command corresponding to the jackpot symbol of the first symbol display device 40 determined in step S502. Then, when the steps S504 and S505 have been passed, the decorative symbol designation command corresponding to the out-of-order symbol of the first symbol display device 40 determined in step S504 is set.

Subsequently, in step S509, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets the effect time addition designation command corresponding to the effect time addition determined in step S506, and ends this process.

Returning to the description of FIG. 9, if step S402 is YES, that is, if the variation display of the first symbol is in progress, the process proceeds to step S407, and the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the variation time of the first symbol has elapsed. To determine. The fluctuation time of the first symbol is determined based on the fluctuation pattern and the effect time addition determined as described above using FIG. 10, that is, the fluctuation time of the first symbol is determined according to the fluctuation pattern of the first symbol. The fluctuation time of is determined, and when the fluctuation time elapses, step S407 is positively determined. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S408, and if the fluctuation time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S409.

Then, in step S408, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 updates the variation display of the first symbol on the first symbol display device 40. That is, the variable display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40 is continued, and this process is terminated.

On the other hand, in step S409, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 stops the variation display of the first symbol, and sets the stop symbol of the first symbol to the display symbol. That is, when the normal jackpot is determined in step S502 of FIG. 10, after the fluctuation display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40, both the LEDs 40a and 40b are lit in blue and the normal jackpot is displayed. Is shown. When the time saving jackpot is determined, after the fluctuation display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40, the LED 40 is lit in blue and the LED 40b is lit in red to indicate the time saving jackpot. When the probability variation jackpot is determined, after the fluctuation display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40, both LEDs 40a and 40b are lit in red to indicate the probability variation jackpot, and in step S504 of FIG. When it is determined that the symbol is out of alignment, after the fluctuation display of the two LEDs 40a and 40b of the first symbol display device 40, the LED 40 is lit in red and the LED 40b is lit in blue to indicate the deviation.

Subsequently, in step S410, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a total stop command for instructing the stop of the variation pattern of the decorative symbol (third symbol) that is variablely displayed on the third symbol display device 42. After that, this process ends.

Next, the payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the main process of the payout control device 311, and this main process is started by resetting when the power is turned on.

First, in step S901, the initial setting process accompanying the power-on is executed. Specifically, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets the stack address and the interrupt mode. Further, in step S902, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 permits RAM access, and in step S903, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets the external interrupt vector.

After that, in step S904, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not the power cutoff occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 513. Further, in step S905, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 calculates the RAM determination value, and in the following step S906, whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value saved when the power is turned off, that is, the backup is effective. Determine the sex. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of RAM 513. It is also possible to determine the effectiveness of the backup based on whether or not the keywords written in the predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly stored.

Subsequently, in step S907, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 performs the initial setting of the RAM 513 at the time of power recovery. Specifically, when the main control device 261 is initialized, a payout initialization command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 is the payout initial from the main control device 261. Upon receiving the conversion command, the RAM 513 is initially set at the time of power recovery in this step S907. That is, the RAM area is initialized, and the control of paying out the game ball is started.

Therefore, when the RAM erasing switch 323 is pressed (ON) when the power is turned on, the main control device 261 is initialized, and the payout initialization command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311. Therefore, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 performs the initialization process of the RAM 513 based on the payout initialization command from the main control device 261.

Subsequently, in step S908, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 performs the initial setting of the peripheral device of the CPU 511. Specifically, the CPU peripheral device is a timer control device called a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit), and the CTC is set to a predetermined value to generate a timer interrupt every 2 milliseconds (ms).

Subsequently, in step S909, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets the interrupt permission and shifts to the payout control process described later.

On the other hand, when the power cutoff occurrence information is not set in step S904, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) in step S906, the payout control device 311 also similarly. The CPU 511 clears the entire area of the RAM 513 to "0" (step S910), and performs an initialization process (step S911).

Next, the flow of the payout control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 15, in step S1001, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 acquires and stores a command from the main control device 261. Here, as the command to be stored, 15 types of prize ball commands (15 types of prize ball commands for instructing 1 to 15 payouts) and a payout control start to the payout control device 311 are instructed. There are 17 types of commands, including a payout return command for the purpose and a payout initialization command for instructing the payout initialization to the payout control device 311.

In step S1002, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not the payout permission has been received. That is, it is determined whether or not the payout return command or the prize ball command has been received. Further, in step S1003, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 checks the state return switch (not shown) and executes the state return operation when it is determined that the state return operation has started.

After that, in step S1004, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 executes the setting of the lower plate full tank state or the lower plate full tank release state according to the change in the state of the lower plate 15. That is, when the lower plate 15 is full, the lower plate 15 is determined by the detection signal of the lower plate full switch, and when the lower plate is full, the lower plate full state is set and the lower plate is not full. , Execute the setting of the lower plate full tank release state.

Further, in step S1005, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 executes the setting of the state without the tank ball or the state without the tank ball according to the change in the state of the tank ball. That is, the state without a tank ball is determined by the detection signal of the switch without a tank ball, the setting of the state without a tank ball is executed when there is no tank ball, and when the state without a tank ball disappears, the state without a tank ball is released. Perform the settings.

After that, in step S1006, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not there is a state of notifying, and if there is a state of notifying, the 7-segment LED provided in the payout control device 311 notifies.

In steps S1007 to S1009, the prize ball payout process is executed. In this case, if the prize balls cannot be paid out and the total number of prize balls stored in step S1001 is not "0" (both steps S1007 and S1008 are NO), the process proceeds to step S1009 and the prize ball control process ( FIG. 16), which will be described later, is started. If the prize balls cannot be paid out or the total number of prize balls is 0 (YES in any of steps S1007 and S1008), the process proceeds to the process of paying out the prize balls.

After that, in steps S1010 to S1012, the ball rental payout process is executed. In this case, if the ball lending cannot be paid out and the ball lending request from the card unit is received (NO in step S1010, YES in S1011), the process proceeds to step S1012 and the ball lending control process (described later). FIG. 17) is started. Further, if the ball lending is not payable or the ball lending request is not received (YES in step S1010 or NO in S1011), the subsequent vibe motor control (step S1013) is executed.

In step S1013, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 executes control (vibe motor control) of the vibrator 360 (see FIG. 3). After that, in step S1014, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not a power failure has occurred. If a power failure occurs, the process proceeds to step S1015, and if not, the process returns to step S1001. In step S1015, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets the power-off occurrence information, and in step S1016, the RAM determination value is created. After that, it goes into an infinite loop in case the power is completely cut off and the process cannot be executed.

Here, in the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 16, in step S1101, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the payout of the prize ball. In the following step S1102, it is determined whether or not the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1103, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process, the payout motor 358a is stopped, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S1104, and it is determined from the detection result of the payout count switch whether or not the game ball is normally counted. If the count of the game balls is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1105, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process, the payout motor 358a is stopped, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

Further, if the count of the game balls is normal, the process proceeds to step S1106, and it is determined whether or not the count number of the game balls by the payout count switch reaches the total number of prize balls and the payout is completed. If the payout is completed, the payout motor 358a is stopped in step S1107, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

Further, in the ball lending control process shown in FIG. 17, in step S1201, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the payout of the lending ball. In the following step S1202, whether or not the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal is determined based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1203, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process, the payout motor 358a is stopped, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S1204, and whether or not the game ball is normally counted is determined by the detection result of the payout count switch. If the count of the game balls is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1205, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the retry process, the payout motor 358a is stopped, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

Further, if the count of the game balls is normal, the process proceeds to step S1206, and it is determined whether or not the count number of the game balls by the payout count switch reaches a predetermined number of rented balls (25 pieces) and the payout is completed. If the payout is completed, the payout motor 358a is stopped in step S1207, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

The above NMI interrupt process is also executed in the payout control device 311, and the state of the payout control device 311 when the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like is stored in the backup area of the RAM 513 due to the NMI interrupt. Similarly, power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the processing of the payout control device 311 can be executed for a predetermined time after the power failure signal S1 is output. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal S1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the control during execution. The NMI interrupt process shown in FIG. 13 is started. The contents are as described with reference to FIG.

Next, the main process and the normal process of the sub control device 262 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the main process executed by the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262, and this main process is started by resetting at the time of turning on the power. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal process executed by the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262.

First, in step S1301, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 executes the initial setting process accompanying the power-on. Specifically, port setting (port I / O switching and initial value output), timer setting (1 millisecond interval timer, liquid crystal command strobe output timer), and interrupt setting (subcommand strobe interrupt) are performed. ..

Further, in step S1302, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 determines whether or not the power cutoff process is incomplete. Specifically, whether or not the various lamps (annular illumination unit 102, central illumination unit 103, etc.) of the front frame set 14 of the pachinko machine 10 are all turned off and the speaker is in a mute state. Determine. Then, if the power cutoff process is not completed, the process proceeds to step S1304, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1303.

Subsequently, in step S1303, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 determines whether or not the RAM of the sub control device 262 is destroyed, and if it is destroyed, the process proceeds to step S1304, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1307. .. In step S1304, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs a RAM area read / write check of the sub control device 262. Then, in step S1305, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 determines whether or not the RAM of the sub control device 262 is normal. If the RAM of the sub control device 262 is normal, the process proceeds to step S1306, and if it is abnormal, the process proceeds to step S1311. In step S1306, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 writes the RAM destruction check data for each area of the RAM 553, and sets the RAM destruction check data for determining that the data is destroyed if there is a read abnormality.

Then, in step S1307, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 determines whether or not the power is turned on after the power is turned off. If the power is turned on after the power is turned off, the process proceeds to step S1308, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1309.

In step S1308, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 clears the RAM area other than the unprocessed RAM area. Specifically, the unprocessed RAM area is an area for storing information that causes a problem in the system when the data is cleared, and is an area of information that is desired to be retained except when the RAM area is destroyed. For example, a subcommand reception buffer, power-on information, and the like can be mentioned. When the power of the main control device 261 is turned off and the sub control device 262 is reset (when the power cutoff notification command is received from the main control device 261), the RAM area other than the unprocessed RAM area is cleared.

In step S1309, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 sets the interrupt permission. In step S1310, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 sets the initial value of the RAM of the sub control device 262, and shifts to the normal process shown in FIG.

In step S1311, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 notifies the RAM abnormality and enters an infinite loop. For example, notification such as turning on a predetermined lamp unconditionally can be mentioned.

As shown in FIG. 19, in step S1401, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 determines whether or not 1 ms or more has elapsed from the start of normal processing. If 1 ms or more has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1402, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1410.

In step S1402, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs the lamp output process. Specifically, the lamp output is performed according to the variation pattern effect of the decorative symbol (third symbol) on the third symbol display device 42.

In step S1403, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 gives a power-on notification. Specifically, a power-on command is used to notify for 30 seconds.

In step S1404, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs a customer waiting effect. Specifically, the title / still image is switched. That is, a so-called demo screen is displayed.

In step S1405, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs the hold quantity display update process of the first symbol change. Specifically, since this hold quantity display update process is a process for displaying the hold lamp 40c of the first symbol display device 40 also in the third symbol display device 42, the first symbol display device 40. In the case of a pachinko machine that displays only with the hold lamp 40c, this process is not necessary.

In step S1406, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs frame button input monitoring / effect processing. Specifically, this frame button input monitoring / effect processing is for performing a model-specific effect by pressing the frame button 20 in a pachinko machine provided with a frame button 20 that can be pressed by the player. Therefore, in a pachinko machine that does not have such a frame button 20, this process is not necessary.

In step S1407, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs the lamp editing process. Specifically, the process of editing the lamp lighting pattern corresponding to (synchronizing) the variation pattern effect of the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is performed.

In step S1408, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs sound editing / output processing. Specifically, a process of ringing a sound corresponding to (synchronized with) the variation pattern effect of the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is performed.

In step S1409, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs the liquid crystal display effect execution management process. Specifically, time management or the like for synchronizing the lamp, the sound, and the liquid crystal display (the variation pattern effect of the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42) is performed.

In step S1410, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 performs a process of updating the value of a random number for determining the variation pattern of the decorative symbol to be performed by the third symbol display device 42 and the effect of the voice lamp. Specifically, this random number takes a value of, for example, "0" to "32767", and returns to "0" when the upper limit value "37268" is reached.

In step S1411, when the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 receives a command from the main control device 261, the CPU 551 performs a process corresponding to each command.

Specifically, when the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command from the main control device 261, the CPU 551 converts the fluctuation pattern designation command into a command and transmits the command to the display control device 45. The fluctuation pattern specification command may be output as it is. Further, when the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 receives the decoration special symbol designation command from the main control device 261, the CPU 551 transmits the decoration special symbol designation command and the advance notice effect command to the display control device 45. As this notice command, for example, the presence or absence of the appearance of a school of fish as a notice can be mentioned. Further, when the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 receives the total stop command (confirmation command) from the main control device 261, the CPU 551 transmits the total stop command to the display control device 45 as it is.

In step S1412, the CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 determines whether or not the RAM of the sub control device 262 is destroyed. If the RAM is not destroyed, the process returns to step S1401, and if the RAM is destroyed, an infinite loop is entered.

In the display control device 45, the decoration to be performed by the third symbol display device 42 based on each command (variation pattern designation command, decoration special symbol designation command, notice effect command, all stop command) from the sub control device 262. The image generation control of the fluctuation pattern of the pattern is performed. Specifically, the display control device 45 executes an image generation process for the decorative symbol variation pattern in the third symbol display device 42, and generates, for example, an image at a frame rate of 30 (30 images per second). By storing those generated images in a video RAM 524 (for example, a frame buffer) and appropriately displaying them on the third symbol display device 42, decorative symbol variation display on the third symbol display device 42 is realized. ing.

Next, the configuration of a further characteristic portion of the pachinko machine 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 25.

20A and 20B are perspective views of the first variable winning device 32a, FIG. 20A shows a state in which the main body case 400 is attached, and FIG. 20B shows a state in which the plate portion 402 is removed from the main body case 400. show. 21 is a front view of the first variable winning device 32a, FIG. 21A shows a state in which the main body case 400 is attached, and FIG. 21B shows a state in which the plate portion 402 is removed from the main body case 400. show. 22 is a sectional view taken along line AA of the first variable winning device 32a shown in FIG. 21 (a), FIG. 22 (a) shows a closed state of the first variable winning device 32a, and FIG. 22 (b). ) Indicates the open state of the first variable winning device 32a. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the opening / closing door 410 and the drive unit 430. FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along line BB of the first variable winning device 32a shown in FIG. 21 (a), and is particularly a diagram showing a stop portion 450. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the first variable winning device 32a seen from the front side of the gaming machine. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the first variable winning device 32a seen from the rear side of the gaming machine. In addition, other drawings such as FIG. 2 are also referred to as necessary.

First, the positional relationship of the first variable winning device 32a within the game area 30a will be described.

In the game area 30a, the third symbol display device 42 is arranged at a position slightly above the central portion, and a left width narrow area narrower than the width of the third symbol display device 42 is arranged on the left side of the third symbol display device 42. 30a1 is formed, and a right width narrow region 30a2 narrower than the width of the third symbol display device 42 is formed on the right side of the third symbol display device 42.

The first variable winning device 32a is arranged immediately below the right narrow narrow region 30a2, and the second variable winning device 32b is arranged in the right narrow narrow region 30a2 above the first variable winning device 32a. That is, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b are arranged in the right narrow region 30a2 and its vicinity. As a result, more game balls are fired toward the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b than when the game balls are located below the third symbol display device 42, and the first variable winning device 32a and the first variable winning device 32a and the second. 2 The variable winning device 32b is won.

That is, when the variable winning device provided with the large winning opening is arranged below the center of the game area 30a as in the conventional example, the game ball flowing down the game area 30a is arranged upstream from the variable winning device. By colliding with a game member such as a nail or a windmill to be installed, it often changes to a flow direction in which it is difficult to enter the variable winning device. For example, a game ball that collides with the above-mentioned game member may change its course and flow down in the direction in which the general winning opening is arranged. On the other hand, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b are arranged in the right narrow region 30a2 and its vicinity. In particular, the first variable winning device 32a has a width that closes the vicinity of the exit of the right width narrow region 30a2, and is easy to accept the game ball coming out of the right width narrow region 30a2. Further, the game board 30 prevents the game ball flowing down the game area 30a from flowing into the stage 48a from the inflow portion 48b provided on the right side of the center frame 47 near the exit of the right narrow region 30a2. A nail is planted along the inflow portion 48b provided on the right side of the above, so that the game ball flowing down the game area 30a can easily enter the first variable ball entry device 32a. .. Further, even if the game ball that is launched into the right narrow region 30a2 and flows down the right narrow region 30a2 collides with a game member such as a nail on the way, the flow direction is only within the width of the right narrow region 30a2. Since it does not change, it is easy to win a prize in the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b.

Further, in the conventional example, the variable winning device provided with the large winning opening is arranged below the center of the game area 30a, and the general winning opening is arranged diagonally above the left side and diagonally above the right side, so that the game area 30a is arranged. The game ball flowing down may collide with a nail, a windmill, or the like to change the direction of travel, and may enter the general winning opening before reaching the large winning opening of the variable winning device. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the first variable winning device 32a is arranged on the upstream side of the general winning opening 31, and the game ball is moved in a direction other than the first variable winning device 32a by a nail or a windmill. Since the flow direction is not changed, there is no possibility that the game ball flowing down the game area 30a will enter the general winning opening 31 before reaching the first variable winning device 32a. Further, since the general winning opening 31 is also provided on the downstream side of the first variable winning device 32a, there is a possibility that the game ball that did not win the first variable winning device 32a will also win the general winning opening 31. Has been done. As a result, the behavior of the game ball that has passed without winning the first variable winning device 32a can also attract the player's interest.

Next, the configuration of the first variable winning device 32a will be described. The first variable winning device 32a can be roughly divided into a main body case 400 in which the large winning opening switches 223a, 223b and the like are housed, a back surface side member 420 attached so as to close the back surface side of the main body case 400, and a large winning opening. It is composed of an opening / closing door 410 that opens / closes 32A, and a drive unit 430 that drives the opening / closing door 410 into an open state and a closed state. The large winning opening switches 223a and 223b correspond to the first ball entry detection unit and the second ball entry detection unit in the present invention.

The main body case 400 includes a plate portion 402 formed of a transparent resin material located on the frontmost side of the first variable winning device 32a, a frame-shaped member 403 protruding from the plate portion 402 toward the back surface side, and the like. It is a case member provided with a covering portion 404 that protrudes toward the back surface side at least at intervals so that a game ball can pass above the frame-shaped member 403.

The frame-shaped member 403 has a ball inflow portion 406 that forms an opening through which a game ball flowing down the game region 30a can flow in by closing the back surface side thereof with the back surface side member 420, and a game that has flowed into the ball inflow portion 406. A guide that guides the game ball that has entered the first entry region 412a and the second entry region 412b, the first entry region 412a, and the second entry region 412b that form an opening through which the ball can enter. In order to let the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b forming the passage, and the game ball that did not enter the first entry area 412a and the second entry area 412b flow out to the game area 30a. A ball outflow portion 407 that forms an opening is provided. Further, the frame-shaped member 403 contains the first storage portions 424a and 223b in which the large winning opening switches 223a and 223b for detecting the game ball passing through the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b are housed. Two storage portions 424b are formed. The above-mentioned first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b constitute the large winning opening 32A. It should be noted that FIGS. 20 and 21 show a state in which the large winning opening 32A is closed by the opening / closing door 410.

The back surface side member 420 has a back surface side plate portion 421 attached to the game board 30. There is a gap between the plate portion 421 on the back surface side and the plate portion 402 of the main body case 400 described above so that the game ball can pass through. The back side plate portion 421 has a switch insertion hole h1 for inserting the large winning opening switches 223a and 223b, and a ball passage hole h2 for passing a game ball on the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b. Further, a stop ball passage hole h3 for passing a game ball stopped in the stop portion 450, which will be described later, and a door insertion hole h4 into which the opening / closing door 410 is inserted are formed. Further, the back surface side plate portion 421 includes a first rear guide passage portion 422a, a first rear guide passage portion 423a, a second rear guide passage portion 423b, and the like connected to the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b of the main body case 400. It is provided so as to protrude toward the back surface side. Further, the back surface side plate portion 421 is provided with a passage forming portion i1 forming a stop passage 451 for passing a game ball stopped at the stop portion 450 on the front side and the rear side of the stop ball passage hole h3. The above-mentioned stop portion 450 corresponds to the stop portion in the present invention, and the above-mentioned stop passage 451 corresponds to the down guide portion in the present invention.

The stop passage 451 guides the game ball from the first entry area 412a to the second entry area 412b while changing the traveling direction of the game ball stopped at the stop portion 450 toward the downstream side. Is. The stop passage 451 is a game guided by the backward guide portions 451a and 451c and the backward guide portions 451a and 451c that guide the game ball flowing into the stop portion 450 from the front side to the back side of the board surface of the game board 30. The front-facing guide portions 451b and 451d that guide the ball from the back side to the front side of the board surface of the game board 30 are alternately connected. That is, the stop passage 451 is a passage having a shape like connecting two U-shaped passages. By configuring the stop portion 450 with the stop passage 451 it is possible to set a long stop time of the game ball in the limited space of the stop portion 450. Further, the staying time of the game ball is determined by changing the inclination angle of each of the passage portions 451a to 451d constituting the stop passage 451, the entire inclination angle of the stop passage 451 and the bending angle of the passage portions 451a to 451d. Can be decided at the time of. Once the stop time of the game ball is determined, the interval time between each round in the jackpot state can be determined by the length corresponding to the stop time. Specifically, the interval time is determined to be the same as or slightly longer than the dwell time. For example, in this embodiment, the stop time when the game ball is passed through the stop passage 451 with the first variable ball entry device 32a placed horizontally is 5 seconds, so that the interval time is the stop time. It is determined to be shorter than 3 seconds.

The opening / closing door 410 is in a closed state in which the first entry area 412a and the second entry area 412b of the large winning opening 32A of the main body case 400 are closed at least to the extent that the game ball cannot enter, and the game ball enters. It opens and closes in the open state where the ball can be opened. Specifically, the opening / closing door 410 is retracted to the back side of the door insertion hole h4 to open the large winning opening 32A, and is advanced to the front side of the door insertion hole h4 to close the large winning opening 32A. Will be. With this configuration, the first variable winning device 32a has a smaller vertical width than the variable winning device in which the large winning opening is opened and closed by the rotation of the door member as in the conventional example.

The opening / closing door 410 is a horizontally long plate-shaped member extending from the upper part of the first ball entry area 412a to the upper part of the second ball entry area 412b in front view, and is a horizontally long plate-shaped member extending from the first ball entry area 412a side to the second ball entry area 412b. It is formed so as to descend to the left toward the side. Further, the opening / closing door 410 is formed so that the first ball entry region 412a side is substantially the same height as the ball inflow portion 406 and the second ball entry region 412b side is substantially the same height as the ball outflow portion 407. ing. As a result, the game ball that has flowed in from the ball inflow section 406 is likely to flow into the stop passage 451 from the opening / closing door 410, and the game ball that has passed through the stop passage 451 is likely to flow out from the ball outflow section 407. Further, the opening / closing door 410 is connected to the drive unit 430 on the rear end side.

The drive unit 430 has a large winning opening solenoid 432 that applies power for operating the opening / closing door 410, and a conversion mechanism 440 that converts the power applied by the large winning opening solenoid 432 into a force that moves the opening / closing door 410 back and forth. And have.

The large winning opening solenoid 432 is a movable piece 434 that is displaced to the first position P1 shown in FIG. 22 (a) and the second position P2 shown in FIG. 22 (b) retracted to the back side of the first position P1. Equipped with.

On the back surface side of the above-mentioned back surface side member 420, a guide frame 439 having a solenoid accommodating portion 437 accommodating the rear side of the large winning opening solenoid 432 and a door accommodating portion 438 accommodating the opening / closing door 410, and a guide frame 439. A termination frame 470 located at the rear end of the first variable winning device 32a in the back direction is attached to the rear side. The large winning opening solenoid 432 housed in the solenoid accommodating portion 437 is attached to the back surface side member 420 with the front end fixed by the fixing plate 436.

The conversion mechanism 440 is provided on a rotating main body portion 444 that rotates as a rotating shaft 442 in a direction orthogonal to the advancing / retreating direction of the movable piece 434 in a substantially horizontal direction, and on the base end side of the rotating main body portion 444. , The opening / closing door 410 in a state of being locked to the locking portion 446 locked to the movable piece 434 and the locking hole formed at the rear portion of the opening / closing door 410 provided at the tip of the rotating main body portion 444. It is provided with an extrusion portion 448 that pushes forward and backward.

The drive unit 430 retracts the movable piece 434 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, so that the rotation main body unit 444 rotates backward. At this time, the extruded portion 448 of the rotating main body portion 444 pushes the opening / closing door 410 backward, so that the opening / closing door 410 retracts to the back side and becomes an open state, making it difficult for the game ball to stop. On the contrary, the drive unit 430 advances the movable piece 434 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, so that the rotation main body unit 444 is rotated forward. At this time, the extruded portion 448 of the rotating main body portion 444 pushes the opening / closing door 410 forward, so that the opening / closing door 410 advances toward the front side and becomes a closed state, so that the game ball can be stopped.

The first variable winning device 32a described above corresponds to the variable ball entry device in the present invention, the large winning opening 32A described above corresponds to the ball entry portion in the present invention, and the opening / closing door 410 described above corresponds to the opening / closing operation in the present invention. Corresponds to a member.

Next, the large winning opening opening / closing process will be described with reference to FIG. 27. The large winning opening opening / closing process includes an opening / closing process of the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a and an opening / closing process of the large winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a large winning opening opening / closing process.

As described above with reference to FIG. 8, the large winning opening opening / closing process corresponds to the large winning opening opening / closing process (step S205) in the normal processing performed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261.

In step S1501, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the jackpot random number counter C1 is a jackpot. If it is a big hit, the process proceeds to step S1502, and if it is off, this process ends.

In step S1502, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the jackpot random number counter C2 has won either the normal jackpot state or the probabilistic jackpot state. If either the normal jackpot state is won or the probability variable jackpot state is won, the process proceeds to step S1503, and if none of these is the case, the process proceeds to step S1511.

In step S1503, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the drive unit 430 so as to open the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a, and starts timing the opening time by the timer function. One round is started by opening the large winning opening 32A.

If there is a ball entering the first entry area 412a constituting the large winning opening 32A between step S1503 and step S1504, the game ball is detected by the first large winning opening switch 223a and is large. When there is a ball entering the second entry area 412b constituting the winning opening 32A, the game ball is detected by the first large winning opening switch 223b.

In step S1504, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects whether or not a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have been won in the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a, and is opened to the maximum by the timer function. Detects whether time has passed (eg, 30 seconds). If a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a, or if the timed by the timer function has passed the maximum opening time, the process proceeds to step S1505, and the first variable winning device If a predetermined number of game balls have not yet been won in the large winning opening 32A of 32a, or if the time counting by the timer function has not passed the maximum opening time, step S1504 is repeated.

In step S1505, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the drive unit 430 so as to close the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a, stops the time counting by the timer function, and proceeds to step S1507. .. One round ends by closing the large winning opening 32A.

In step S1506, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 keeps the large winning opening 32A closed for a predetermined time (3 seconds in this embodiment) during each round. It controls the drive unit 430.

In step S1507, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the 16-round game set as the normal jackpot state or the probabilistic jackpot state has been completed, and if the 16-round game is completed, the present process is terminated. If the game of 16 rounds has not been completed, the process returns to step S1503, and steps S503 to S1507 are repeated.

In step S1511, when it is determined in step S1502 that neither the normal jackpot state nor the probabilistic jackpot state is obtained, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the jackpot random number counter C2 has won the time-saving jackpot state. judge. If the player wins the time-saving jackpot state, the process proceeds to step S1512, and if the player does not win the time-saving jackpot state, it is determined that the player is out of the game and the process ends.

In step S1512, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the large winning opening solenoid so as to open the large winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, and starts timing the opening time by the timer function. One round is started by opening the large winning opening 32B.

If there is a ball entering the large winning opening 32B between step S1512 and step S1513, the game ball is detected by the large winning opening switch for the large winning opening B.

In step S1513, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects whether or not a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have been won in the large winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, and is opened to the maximum by the timer function. Detects whether time has passed (eg, 30 seconds). If a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the large winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, or if the timed by the timer function has passed the maximum opening time, the process proceeds to step S1514, and the second variable winning device If a predetermined number of game balls have not yet been won in the large winning opening 32B of 32b, or if the time counting by the timer function has not passed the maximum opening time, step S1513 is repeated.

In step S1514, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the large winning opening solenoid so as to close the large winning opening 32B of the second variable winning device 32b, and stops the time counting by the timer function, and in step S1515. move on. One round ends by closing the large winning opening 32B.

In step S1515, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 keeps the large winning opening 32B closed for a predetermined time (3 seconds in this embodiment) during each round. Controls the drive unit for the large winning opening 32B.

In step S1516, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the eight rounds of the game set as the time-saving jackpot state have been completed, and if the eight rounds of the game are completed, the present process is terminated. If the eight rounds of the game have not been completed, the process returns to S1510 and steps S1512-1516 are repeated.

The above-mentioned normal jackpot state or probability variation jackpot state corresponds to the specific gaming state of the present invention, and winning the normal jackpot state or winning the probability variation jackpot state corresponds to the first condition of the present invention. Further, the winning of the above-mentioned 10 game balls corresponds to the predetermined number of winning balls of the present invention, and the above-mentioned maximum opening time of 30 seconds corresponds to the first predetermined time of the present invention. Further, the time of 3 seconds for closing the above-mentioned big winning opening 32A corresponds to the second predetermined time of the present invention, and 16 rounds set as the above-mentioned normal big hit state or probable variable big hit state are the predetermined number of times of the present invention. Corresponds to. The predetermined number of balls entered, the maximum opening time, the second predetermined time, and the predetermined number of times of the present invention are determined according to the game content and the game value, and are not limited to the above-mentioned contents.

Next, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 410 in the first variable winning device 32a will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29.

28 is a perspective view illustrating the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 410, FIG. 28A shows a closed state before the jackpot state is reached, and FIG. 28B shows an open state in the first round of the jackpot state. Is shown. 29 is a perspective view illustrating the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 410 following FIG. 28, FIG. 29A shows a closed state after the first round, and FIG. 29B shows a closed state after the second round. Indicates the open state of. Note that FIGS. 28 and 29 are views obtained by removing the plate portion 402 from the main body case 400, as in FIG. 20 (b).

First, the first variable winning device 32a in the normal gaming state before the start of the normal jackpot state or the probabilistic jackpot state will be described. In this normal gaming state, the large winning opening solenoid 432 is in a non-operating state, and the opening / closing door 410 is in a state in which the first entry area 412a and the second entry area 412b of the large winning opening 32A are closed. .. In this state, the game ball flowing down the game area 30a can flow into the first variable winning device 32a from the ball inflow section 406, but the game ball flowing in from the ball inflow section 406 wins a prize in the large winning opening 32A. do not do. That is, the game ball flowing in from the ball inflow portion 406 passes over the opening / closing door 410 and enters the stop passage 451. The game ball that has passed through the stop passage 451 passes over the opening / closing door 410 and flows out. It is again discharged from the unit 407 to the game area 30a located outside the first variable winning device 32a. As a result, even in a normal gaming state, a sufficient flow path of the gaming ball exiting the right narrow narrow region 30a2 is secured.

When a normal big hit state or a probable variable big hit state is won by a lottery based on the entry into the first starting ports 33a and 33b, the big winning opening solenoid 432 is in the operating state, and the opening / closing door 410 is the first of the big winning openings 32A. The ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b are opened. In the first round of the jackpot state, the game ball is not normally stopped at the stop portion 450, so that the game ball flowing in from the ball inflow portion 406 enters only the first entry area 412a. The game ball that has entered the first entry area 412a is detected by the first large winning opening switch 223a deployed immediately below the game ball.

When the number of incoming balls detected by the first large winning opening switch 223a reaches a predetermined number or the maximum opening time elapses, the open / close door 410 is returned to the closed state. During the time when the opening / closing door 410 is closed (3 seconds in this embodiment), the game ball flowing in from the ball inflowing portion 406 passes over the opening / closing door 410 and is stopped at the stopping portion 450. That is, the game ball that has passed over the opening / closing door 410 flows into the stop passage 451 and is stopped at the stop portion 450 until it finishes passing through the stop passage 451. In this way, when the number of game balls stopped at the stop portion 450 increases, it becomes possible to enter the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a during the period in which the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. The number of game balls increases. By increasing the number of game balls that can enter the big winning opening 32A during one round in the big hit state, the time required for the entire big hit state (for example, if the big hit state continues up to 16 rounds, 16 The time it takes to finish the round) can be shortened. That is, conventionally, as a method of shortening the time required for the entire jackpot state, the interval time between rounds may be shortened or eliminated. In such a method, the game ball that entered the big winning opening during the previous round may remain as a remaining ball at the end of the round, and the winning may be detected during the next round. Since such a situation impairs the profit of the player, it is difficult to shorten the interval time between rounds, and it is not possible to sufficiently shorten the time required for the entire jackpot state. However, by providing the first variable ball entry device 32a according to the present embodiment, since the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 451 during the interval time, it may remain as a remaining ball in the large winning opening 32A. Instead, the stopped ball can be used to detect the winning in the next round. As a result, it is possible to appropriately shorten the time required for the entire jackpot state while appropriately processing the remaining spheres by taking advantage of the interval time.

The game ball that has flowed into the stop passage 451 is first guided in the order of the back facing guide portion 451a, the front facing guide portion 451b, the back facing guide portion 451c, and the front facing guide portion 451d. While the game ball that first flows into the stop passage 451 passes through the stop passage 451, the open / close door 410 is kept closed. Then, after the game ball that first flows into the stop passage 451 finishes passing through the stop passage 451, the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state again. The timing at which the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state is at least the timing until the game ball that first flows into the stop passage 451 finishes passing through the stop passage 451 and enters the second entry area 412b. It is preferable in design that the game ball that has flowed into the stop passage 451 is returned to the open state immediately before the game ball has passed through the stop passage 451. Since the passing mode of the game ball entering and exiting the front and back of the game board 30 is visually recognized by the player via the transparent plate portion 402, it is necessary to add fun to the game in the jackpot state. Can be done.

While the opening / closing door 410 is in the open state, it is detected that a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have been won in the large winning opening 32A, or the maximum opening time (for example, 30 seconds) is detected by the timer function. ) Has passed, the process proceeds to the second round.

In the second round, the game ball that has passed through the stop passage 451 can enter the second ball entry area 412b while the opening / closing door 410 is in the open state. Further, since the first ball entry area 412a is opened at the same time as the opening of the second ball entry area 412b, the game ball flowing in from the ball inflow section 406 can enter the first ball entry area 412a. In this way, after the second round, when the opening / closing door 410 is opened, the game ball that has been stopped at the stop portion 450 and the ball that has newly flowed into the first variable winning device 32a are the big winning openings. It is possible to enter the ball at different points of 32A at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of game balls that enter the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a during the period when the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state.

Further, by providing a stop 450 in the first variable winning device 32a so that the inflowing game ball can be entered at different points of the big winning opening 32A, each of the normal big hit state and the probable variable big hit state. In a round, it is possible to shorten the time required for each round when the game balls that have entered the large winning opening 32A are counted to 10 balls and then move to the next round. This point will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a timing chart showing the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door 410 and the detection timing of the game ball.

In this description, the time required from the time when the game ball flowing down the game area 30a flows into the ball inflow portion 406 of the first variable winning device 32a to the time when it is detected by the first large winning opening switch 223a is 1 second. Further, it is assumed that a game ball enters the ball inflow portion 406 of the first variable winning device 32a at 1-second intervals immediately after the start of each round in which the opening / closing door 410 is opened.

In the first round, the entry of 10 balls is detected only by the first large winning opening switch 223a. This is because, in the first round, there is usually no game ball stopped at the stop portion 450, so even if the large winning opening 32A is in the open state, there is no game ball that enters the second entry area 412b. Is. After the first big winning opening switch 223a detects the entry of the tenth ball, the big winning opening 32A is closed and the first round ends. Therefore, the time required for the first round is 1 second x 10 balls = 10 seconds.

Immediately after the first round is completed and the large winning opening 32A is closed, the game ball is stopped at the stopping portion 450, and the large winning opening 32A is closed (3 seconds in this embodiment). It is assumed that three game balls are stopped at intervals of one second. After the closing time of the large winning opening 32A has elapsed, the large winning opening 32A is opened again and the second round is started.

In the second round, since the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 450, the game ball can enter the second ball entry area 412b at the same time as the first ball entry area 412a. However, in this embodiment, since the stop time is longer than the interval time, the stop ball is actually entered into the second entry area 412b from the timing after the opening of the second entry area 412b. Become. About 2 seconds after the start of the second round, three game balls enter the second entry area 412b at intervals of 1 second. The first large winning opening switch 223b detects three game balls that have entered the second entry area 412b. Immediately after the opening of the large winning opening 32A, the game balls that have flowed into the ball inflow portion 406 enter the first ball entry area 412a at intervals of 1 second. The first large winning opening switch 223a detects seven game balls that have entered the first entry area 412a. After the first big winning opening switch 223a finishes detecting the seventh game ball, the big winning opening 32A is closed again, and the second round ends. Therefore, the time required for the second round is 1 second x 7 balls = 7 seconds. This is because the number of game balls to be detected by the first special winning opening switch 223a is reduced by three balls detected by the first large winning opening switch 223b, that is, by the number of stationary balls.

Immediately after the second round is completed and the large winning opening 32A is closed, the game ball is stopped at the stopping portion 450, and the large winning opening 32A is closed (3 seconds in this embodiment). It is assumed that four game balls are stopped at intervals of one second. After the closing time of the large winning opening 32A has elapsed, the large winning opening 32A is opened again and the third round is started.

Even in the third round, since the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 450, the game ball can be entered in the second entry area 412b at the same time as the first entry area 412a. About 2 seconds after the start of the third round, the game balls stopped at the stop portion 450 are continuously entered into the second entry area 412b by four game balls. The first large winning opening switch 223b detects four game balls that have entered the second entry area 412b. Immediately after the opening of the large winning opening 32A, the game balls flowing into the ball inflow portion 406 enter the first ball entry area 412a with six game balls at 1-second intervals. The first large winning opening switch 223a detects six game balls that have entered the first entry area 412a. After the first big winning opening switch 223a finishes detecting the sixth game ball, the big winning opening 32A is closed again, and the third round ends. Therefore, the time required for the third round is 1 second x 6 balls = 6 seconds. This is because the number of game balls to be detected by the first large winning opening switch 223a is smaller than that in the second round because the number of game balls stopped at the stop portion 450 has increased.

After that, if there is a game ball stopped at the stop portion 450 until the 16th round is completed, the round can be completed in a shorter time than the time required for the first round without the stop.

On the other hand, in the variable winning device of the conventional example, when the normal jackpot state or the probabilistic jackpot state of 16 rounds is performed, the same winning and detection mode as the first round of this embodiment continues until the 16th round. That is, the game ball wins in the big winning opening having only one winning area, and the game ball winning in the big winning opening is detected by one big winning opening switch. Therefore, it is not possible to shorten the time required for the second and subsequent rounds. Therefore, the time to finish the normal jackpot state and the probabilistic jackpot state of 16 rounds tends to be longer than that of the present embodiment.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the large winning opening 32A in which the game ball can enter and the open state in which the game ball can easily enter the large winning opening 32A and the open state are more than the open state. The first variable winning device 32a having an opening / closing door 410 that opens and closes in a closed state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the big winning opening 32A is either a winning in a normal jackpot state or a winning in a probable change jackpot state. Accordingly, the opening / closing door 410 is opened, and the opening / closing door 410 is closed based on the lapse of the maximum opening time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls). After a short closing time (3 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed, the game in the jackpot state in which the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 rounds). In the first variable winning device 32a, the game ball that comes into contact with the open / close door 410 in the closed state is returned to the open state during the jackpot state in which the open / close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. It is provided with a stop portion 450 configured to be stopped until the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state, and the stopped game ball is discharged toward the large winning opening 32A.

As a result, during the jackpot state in which the open / close door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that comes into contact with the open / close door 410 in the closed state has an interval time until the open / close door 410 is returned to the open state. It is stopped at the inter-stationary section 450. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the large winning opening 32A when the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state. Therefore, it is a gaming ball that reaches a variable winning device such as a large winning opening device at a timing when an opening / closing operation member such as an attacker is in a closed state, which could not be entered into the large winning opening with a conventional gaming machine. Can also be entered into the large winning opening 32A. Therefore, the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state in which the opening / closing door 410 changes from the open state to the closed state (for example, if the jackpot state continues up to 16 rounds, the time required to complete the 16 rounds) should be shortened. Can be done.

In addition, as the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state is shortened, the player can draw a lottery to determine whether or not to generate the jackpot state more times than the conventional gaming machine even at the same time. Since there is a possibility of getting an opportunity, it is possible to enhance the fun of the game.

Further, conventionally, as a method of trying to shorten the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state, there is a case where the interval time between rounds is shortened or eliminated. In such a method, the game ball that entered the big winning opening during the previous round may remain as a remaining ball at the end of the round, and the winning may be detected during the next round. Since such a situation impairs the interests of the player, it is difficult to shorten the interval time between rounds, and it is not possible to sufficiently shorten the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state. However, by providing the first variable ball entry device 32a according to the present embodiment, since the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 451 during the interval time, it may remain as a remaining ball in the large winning opening 32A. Instead, the stopped ball can be used to detect the winning in the next round. As a result, the remaining spheres can be appropriately processed without providing an interval time, and the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state can be suitably shortened.

Further, the large winning opening 32A has a first ball entry area 412a and a second ball entry area 412b provided at a position different from the first ball entry area 412a. The opening / closing door 410 changes the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b into an open state and a closed state. During the period when the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that comes into contact with the opening / closing door 410 while trying to enter the first ball entry region 412a is placed in the stop portion 450 while the opening / closing door 410 is in the closed state. Stop. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the second entry area 412b when the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state.

In this respect, in the conventional gaming machine, even when the gaming ball reaches a variable winning device such as a large winning opening device while the opening / closing operation member such as an attacker is in the open state, all the games reached. In some cases, the ball could not enter the big prize opening. That is, when the game balls reach the variable winning device continuously during the period when the opening / closing operation member is in the open state, all the game balls that have reached the variable winning device are entered into the large winning opening. It takes time, and some of the game balls that reach the variable winning device may overflow out of the variable winning device.

On the other hand, the gaming ball that has reached the first variable winning device 32a by being configured like the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment is a gaming ball while the opening / closing door 410 is open in the first round. Can enter the first ball entry area 412a, but the game ball does not enter the second ball entry area 412b because the game ball is not stopped at the stop portion 450. Next, while the opening / closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped at the stop portion 450 without entering the first ball entry area 412a or the second ball entry area 412b. Next, while the opening / closing door 410 is open in the second round, the game ball can enter the first entry area 412a, and if the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 450, it is stopped. The game ball can enter the second entry area 412b. Next, while the opening / closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped at the stop portion 450 again without entering the first ball entry area 412a or the second ball entry area 412b. When the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state in the next third round, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area 412a again, and if the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 450, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area 412a. , The stopped game ball can enter the second entry area 412b. In the subsequent rounds, the opening / closing door 410 opens and closes until a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) is reached.

In this way, except for the first round, the game ball that has reached the first variable winning device 32a is both from the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b while the opening / closing door 410 is in the open state. It is possible to enter the ball. Therefore, even if the game ball continuously reaches the first variable winning device 32a during the period in which the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that has reached the first variable winning device 32a is the first. Since the ball can be entered from both the first entry area 412a and the second entry area 412b, the game ball that has reached the first variable winning device 32a can be quickly entered into the large winning opening 32A. As a result, the time loss caused by the game ball reaching the first variable winning device 32a overflowing to the outside of the first variable winning device 32a can be reduced, so that the opening / closing door 410 can be opened and closed. It is possible to suitably shorten the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state that changes to.

Further, the entry area where the game ball flowing down the game area when trying to enter the large winning opening 32A is about to enter, and the entry area where the game ball stopped at the stop portion 450 is about to enter are Since the game balls are provided at different positions in the same large winning opening 32A, that is, at the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b, the game ball that has flowed down the game area and the game ball that is stopped at the stop portion 450. It is possible to reduce the possibility that a part of the game balls will not be able to enter the large winning opening 32A due to a collision with the ball. As a result, the time loss caused by the collision between the game balls and the inability to enter the ball during the period when the opening / closing door 410 is changed to the open state is reduced, so that the opening / closing door 410 is in the open state and the closed state. The time required for the entire changing jackpot state can be suitably shortened.

Further, the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the game area in the front view of the game board 30. The stop 450 is located between the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b. Therefore, while the opening / closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball in contact with the opening / closing door 410 can be smoothly stopped at the stop portion 450, and the game ball stopped at the stop portion 450 can be smoothly entered into the second position. It can be sent toward the spherical region 412b. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required to end the gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

Further, the first ball entry area 412a is arranged so that the height of the game area in the vertical direction is higher than that of the second ball entry area 412b when viewed from the front of the game board, and the stop portion 450 is arranged so as to be higher than the second ball entry area 412b. It has a stop passage 451 that guides the game ball in the downward direction from the ball region 412a to the second entry region 412b. Therefore, the stopped game ball is vigorously guided from the first ball entry area 412a to the second ball entry area 412b. As a result, even if the game balls are fired one after another toward the first entry area 412a during the period when the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game is stopped inside the first variable winning device 32a. The risk of jamming the ball is reduced.

Further, the game ball stopped at the stop portion 450 is guided from the first entry region 412a to the second entry region 412b while the traveling direction is changed by the passage forming portion i1 of the stop passage 451. Therefore, by changing the traveling direction of the game ball in the stop portion 450, the game ball is guided from the first ball entry area 412a to the second ball entry area 412b without changing the traveling direction. The staying time of the game ball can be set longer.

Further, the passage forming portion i1 of the stop passage 451 guides the game ball from the front side to the back side of the board surface of the game board 30 and the game ball on the back side of the board surface of the game board 30. Since it is formed by a combination of the back guide portion 451b and the front guide portion 451c that guides the game ball from the back side to the front side of the board surface of the game board 30, the back guide portion 451a and the back guide portion 451b are formed. Depending on how it is combined with the front-facing guide portion 451c, the staying time of the game ball can be freely designed.

Further, the first large winning opening switch 223a for detecting the entry of the game ball into the first entry area 412a is arranged directly below the first entry area 412a, and the game ball into the second entry area 412b. The first large winning opening switch 223b for detecting the entry of the ball is arranged directly below the second entry area 412b. Therefore, even when the stationary state is released and the ball entering the first ball entry area 412a and the ball entering the second ball entry area 412b occur consecutively at the same time, the ball enters the large winning opening 32A. It is possible to reduce the ball clogging and the detection time.

Further, the game area 30a has a left narrow area 30a1 and a right narrow area 30a2 narrower than the horizontal width of the third symbol display device 42, and the left narrow area 30a1 is the left lateral side of the third symbol display device 42. The right narrow region 30a2 is formed on the right lateral side of the third symbol display device 42. The first variable winning device 32a is arranged either below the left narrow region 30a1 or the left narrow region 30a1, or below the right narrow region 30a2 or the right narrow region 30a2. .. Therefore, as many game balls as possible fired toward the first variable winning device 32a can be entered into the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a. That is, when the first variable winning device 32a is arranged in the center of the game area 30, the game ball flowing down the game area collides with a game member such as a nail or a windmill arranged in the game area. As a result, the flow direction is changed, and it often deviates from the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a. On the other hand, when the first variable winning device 32a is arranged in the left narrow region 30a1 or the right narrow region 30a2 of the game area, the game ball flowing down the game area is affected by the above-mentioned game member. Even if the ball is received, the flow direction changes only within the lateral width of the left narrow region 30a1 and the right narrow region 30a2, so that it is easy to enter the large winning opening 32A of the first variable winning device 32a. This also applies when the first variable winning device 32a is arranged below the left narrow region 30a1 or below the right narrow region 30a2. Therefore, it is possible to suitably shorten the time required for the entire period of the jackpot state in which the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state.

Further, since the upper portion of the stop portion 450 is covered by the cover portion 404, it is possible to prevent the game ball flowing down the game area from colliding with the game ball stopped at the stop portion 450.

Further, the opening / closing door 410 is an advancing / retreating member capable of advancing / retreating back and forth. When the advancing / retreating member retracts to the back side from the board surface of the game board 30, the large winning opening 32A is opened, and when the advancing / retreating member advances to the front side from the board surface of the game board 30, the large winning opening 32A is closed. The game ball that has passed over the advancing / retreating member in the closed state is stopped at the stopping portion 450. Therefore, the vertical width in the first variable winning device 32a required to be in the open and closed states is smaller than that in the configuration in which the large winning opening 32A is opened and closed by the rotation of the opening / closing door 410. can do. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the first variable winning device 32a having a function of stopping the game ball.

Next, the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 33. FIG. 31 is a front view of the gaming board 30 of the pachinko machine 10 according to the second embodiment. 32 is a perspective view of the third variable winning device 32c according to the second embodiment, FIG. 32 (a) shows a state in which the main body case 400 is attached, and FIG. 32 (b) shows a plate portion 402 of the main body case 400. Indicates the state excluding. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a normal electric accessory opening / closing process according to the second embodiment.

Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the third variable winning device 32c configured in the same manner as the first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment is arranged below the right width narrow region 30a2 as in the first embodiment. However, the third variable winning device 32c has a third starting opening 33c instead of the large winning opening 32A. Further, in the first embodiment, the second symbol display device 41 variablely displays the second symbol as a normal symbol triggered by winning a prize in the second starting port 34, but in the second embodiment, the second symbol is displayed. The device 41 variablely displays the second symbol as a special symbol triggered by the winning of the third starting port 33c, and the third symbol display device 42 also uses the winning of the third starting port 33c as a trigger to display the decorative symbol. The third symbol of is displayed in a variable manner. Further, in the second embodiment, the ordinary symbol display device 43 having the display units 43a and 43b for variablely displaying the ordinary symbol triggered by the detection of passage to the second starting port 34b is provided as one of the variable display device units 35. ing. Further, the hold display unit 43c indicating the number of hold numbers (up to 4 times) of the variable display on the display units 43a and 43b is displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 42. When the result of the variation display of the normal symbol is correct, the third start port 33c is displaced from the closed state to the open state as described later, and the result of the variation display of the normal symbol is off. The third starting port 33c remains closed. The second starting port 34a provided in the first embodiment is not provided in the game board 30 of the second embodiment. Further, below the third symbol display device 42, the first starting ports 33a and 33b were provided in the first embodiment, but in the second embodiment, the first starting port 33 having no moving member such as a blade is provided. Only provided. Triggered by winning a prize in the first starting port 33, the first symbol as a special symbol is variablely displayed in the first symbol display device 40, and the third symbol as a decorative symbol is variablely displayed in the third symbol display device 42. Will be done.

Further, in the second embodiment, the fourth variable winning device 32d has a large winning opening 32D and is arranged below the first starting opening 33. Further, the fourth variable winning device 32d opens and closes the door member provided in the big winning opening 32D in any of the normal big hit state, the probable variable big hit state, and the time-saving big hit state. When the result of the variation display of the first symbol and the third symbol described above is the winning of the jackpot state, the door member provided in the jackpot 32D shifts to the jackpot state in which the door member is displaced between the open state and the closed state. .. Further, a fifth variable winning device 32e having a large winning opening 32E is provided downstream of the third starting opening 33c. When the result of the variation display of the second symbol and the third symbol described above is the winning of the jackpot state, the door member provided in the jackpot 32E shifts to the jackpot state in which the door member is displaced between the open state and the closed state. .. The fifth variable winning device 32e may adopt the same jackpot state as the fourth variable winning device 32d, adopts a different jackpot state, or adopts the same jackpot state but makes the game value given to the player different. You may do it. The contents common to the first embodiment in other configurations are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the corresponding description of the first embodiment shall be referred to.

The positional relationship of the ball entry parts in the game area 30a will be described. In the game area 30a, a second starting port 34b (through gate) is arranged in the right narrow area 30a2. Below the exit of the right narrow region 30a2, a third variable winning device 32c having a third starting port 33c is arranged. A fifth variable winning device 32e is provided at the lower left of the exit of the third variable winning device 32c, and a fourth variable winning device 32d is provided at the lower left of the fifth variable winning device 32e and below the first starting port 33. It has been done.
The arrangement position of the third variable winning device 32c is the same as that of the first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment. Further, below the first starting openings 33a and 33b, a fourth variable winning device 32d having a large winning opening 32D is arranged.

Next, the configuration of the third variable winning device 32c will be described.

The third variable winning device 32c has a third starting port switch 461a for detecting entry into the first entry region 412a constituting the third starting opening 33c, and a second entry constituting the third starting opening 33c. It is provided with a third start port switch 461b for detecting entry into the ball region 412b. Further, it is the same as the first embodiment in that the third variable winning device 32c is provided with an opening / closing door 410 for opening / closing the third starting port 33c, a solenoid for applying power for operating the opening / closing door 410, and the like. ..

The third variable winning device 32c has eight times with the fourth variable winning device 32d when the result of the big hit lottery performed with the ball entering the first starting port 33 is the winning of the short-time big hit. The third starting port 33c can be opened and closed a predetermined number of times in a time-saving state performed after the end of the round game.

As the time saving state, a state in which a game ball is easily entered into the third variable winning device 32c is adopted. Specifically, when the time is shortened, the variation display time of the second symbol (ordinary symbol) performed by the second symbol display device 41 triggered by the entry of the right narrow region 30a2 into the second start port 34b. Is short, and when the variation display of the second symbol (ordinary symbol) is a hit, the third starting port 33c is opened for a longer time than in the normal state. Specifically, the third starting port 33c is opened once in, for example, 0.1 seconds by the opening operation of the opening / closing door 410 when the fluctuation display of the second symbol is a hit in the normal state. In the time saving state, when the fluctuation display of the second symbol is a hit, the operation of opening the opening / closing door 410 for 3 seconds and then closing the opening / closing door 410 for 1 second is repeated three times. As a result, in the normal state, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the third start port 33c, so that the game ball is launched aiming at the first start port 33, but in the time-saving state, the third start port 33c When the game ball enters the third start port 33c, the fluctuation display of the first symbol and the third symbol is suspended, so that the fluctuation display of the first symbol and the third symbol is performed one after another. It will be displayed. In the time-saving state of the second embodiment, the "time-saving state" in which the time-saving state is continued from the occurrence of the time-saving jackpot until the variation display of the first symbol and the third symbol is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) is performed. It is adopted.

Therefore, in the time-saving state, the player makes a right-handed shot aiming at the right-width narrow area 30a2 so that the game ball driven into the game area 30a faces the third variable winning device 32c. Further, even when a big hit state occurs as a result of the variable display of the second symbol and the third symbol in the time saving state, the player so that the game ball driven into the game area 30a heads toward the fifth variable winning device 32e. Makes a right-handed strike. In the normal gaming state or the jackpot state in which the time saving state is not generated, the player narrows the left width so that the gaming ball driven into the gaming area 30a faces the first starting port 33 or the fourth variable winning device 32d. Aim at the area 30a1 and shoot a game ball to the left. If the result of the jackpot lottery performed when the ball enters the first starting port 33 is a winning in the normal jackpot state or a winning in the probabilistic jackpot state, the fourth variable winning device 32d will perform 16 times. Round game is executed.

Further, the third variable winning device 32c includes a stop portion 452 composed of a stop passage 453 having a shorter overall length than the stop passage 451 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the stop passage 453 is a game ball guided by the back-facing guide portion 452e and the back-facing guide portion 452e on the back side of the board surface of the game board 30 and on the downstream side in parallel with the board surface. It is provided with one combination of the back side guide portion 452f for guiding the game board and the front side guide portion 452 g for guiding the game ball guided by the back side guide unit 452f from the back side to the front side of the board surface of the game board 30. .. That is, the stop passage 453 of the first embodiment is composed of two U-shaped passages, but the stop passage 452 is composed of one U-shaped passage. In this embodiment, the stop time when the game ball is passed through the stop passage 453 with the third variable winning device 32c placed horizontally is 2 seconds, so that the above-mentioned interval time is longer than this stop time. Is also determined in a short second.

Next, the ordinary electric accessory opening / closing process according to the second embodiment will be described.

In the ordinary electric accessory opening / closing process according to the second embodiment, when the lottery of the ordinary symbol performed by the passage of the game ball to the second starting opening 34b in the time saving state is successful, the third starting opening This is a process for opening and closing 33c. As described above with reference to FIG. 8, the ordinary electric accessory opening / closing process corresponds to the ordinary electric accessory opening / closing process (step S207) in the normal process performed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261.

In step S1601, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not there is a ball entry detection to the second start port 34b or whether or not the number of holdes due to the passage detection at the second start port 34b is 1 or more. .. If there is detection of a ball entering the second starting port 34b, or if the number of reserved balls is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S1602, and if it is less than 1, that is, 0, the present process is terminated. If the number of holds is 1 or more and the process proceeds to step S1602, the number of holds is reduced by 1.

In step S1602, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the value of the second symbol jackpot random number counter C4 is won. If it is won, the process proceeds to step S1603, and if it is not won, the main process is terminated. In the time saving state, the winning probability of the lottery of ordinary symbols may be changed from 99% to 100% high probability. As a result, if a lottery of ordinary symbols based on the passage detection at the second starting port 34b is performed, almost all the lottery results will be won.

In step S1603, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the drive unit 430 so as to open the third start port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c, and starts timing the opening time by the timer function. .. For example, the opening time is determined to be 3 seconds in the short time state. By winning the lottery for the second symbol, which is triggered by the detection of the passage of one ball to the second starting port 34b, the opening / closing door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c repeats opening / closing operations a total of three times. It is configured as follows. This step S1603 corresponds to one of them.

When a game ball enters the third start port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c between step S1603 and step S1604, the third start port switch 461a and the third start port switch 461b are used. Detects the entry of the game ball. Based on the detection of the ball entering the third starting port 33c, the variation display of the second symbol and the third symbol is started, or if the variation display of the second symbol and the third symbol is in progress, the ball entry is concerned. Minutes are put on hold.

In step S1604, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects whether or not a predetermined number (for example, 3 balls) of game balls have been won in the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c, and the third It is determined whether or not the maximum opening time (for example, 3 seconds) of the starting port 33c has elapsed. If a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the third starting port 33c, or if the maximum opening time has passed, the process proceeds to step S1605, and the predetermined number of game balls have not yet been won in the third starting port 33c. If there is no such case or if the predetermined maximum opening time has not elapsed, this step S1604 is repeated until the maximum opening time elapses.

In step S1605, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 controls the drive unit 430 so as to close the third start port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c, and stops the time counting by the timer function, and steps S1606. Proceed to.

In step S1606, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 keeps the third starting port 33c closed for a predetermined time (1 second in this embodiment) for closing the opening / closing door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c. The drive unit 430 is controlled in such a manner.

In step S1607, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c has completed the third opening operation. If the third open operation is completed, this process is terminated. If the third opening operation has not been completed, the process returns to step S1604, and the processes from step S1604 to step S1607 are repeated until the third rotation is completed.

In this way, the opening / closing door 410 is in the open state by providing the stop portion 452 in the third variable winning device 32c so that the inflowing game ball can enter at different points of the third starting port 33c. It is possible to increase the number of game balls entering the third starting port 33c in a predetermined time (3 seconds). This point will be described with reference to FIG. 34. FIG. 34 is a timing chart showing the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door 410 and the detection timing of the game ball.

In this description, as in the first embodiment, the time required from the time when the game ball flowing down the game area 30a flows into the ball inflow portion 406 of the third variable winning device 32c until it is detected by the third start port switch 461a. Is set to 1 second. Further, as in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the game ball enters the ball inflow portion 406 of the third variable winning device 32c at 1-second intervals immediately after the opening / closing door 410 is opened.

In the first opening, the entry of three balls is detected only by the third start port switch 461a. Since there is no game ball stopped at the stop portion 452 until the time-saving jackpot state occurs as in the first embodiment, even if the third start port 33c is in the open state, the ball enters the second entry area 412b. This is because there is no game ball to play. Immediately after the third start port switch 461a detects the entry of the third ball, the third start port 33c is closed and the first opening is completed. The opening time in the first opening is approximately 3 seconds.

Immediately after the first opening is completed and the third starting port 33c is closed, the game ball is started to be stopped at the stopping portion 452, and the closing time of the third starting port 33c (this implementation). It is assumed that two game balls are continuously stopped at the stop portion 452 during (1 second in the example). After the closing time of the third starting port 33c has elapsed, the third starting port 33c is opened again, and the second opening is started.

In the second opening, immediately after the third starting port 33c is opened, two game balls that have flowed into the ball inflow portion 406 flow into the first ball inflow region 412a. The third start port switch 461a detects two game balls that have entered the first ball entry region 412a. The game ball stopped at the stop portion 452 enters the second entry area 412b about 1 second after the second opening. That is, the game ball enters the third starting port 33c in the order of the first entry region 412a, the second entry region 412b, and the first entry region 412a. Immediately after the third start port switch 461a detects the second ball (that is, the third ball in total) that has entered the first ball entry area 412a, the third start port 33c is closed and the second time. The opening of is finished. The opening time in the second opening is approximately 2 seconds. In some cases, the second game ball stopped at the stop portion 452 may enter the second entry area 412b before the third start opening 33c is closed. In such a case, in the second opening, a total of four game balls may enter, which is larger than the number of entering balls (3 balls) during the first opening.

After the second opening is completed, two game balls are stopped in succession. In the third opening, as in the second opening, the game ball that has flowed into the ball inflow section 406 immediately flows into the first ball inflow area 412a immediately after the start of entry into the second entry area 412b. do. The third start port switch 461a detects two game balls that have entered the first ball entry region 412a. The game ball stopped at the stop portion 452 enters the second entry area 412b about 1 second after the third opening. Immediately after the third start port switch 461a detects the second ball (that is, the third ball in total) that has entered the first ball entry area 412a, the third start port 33c is closed and the third time. The opening of is finished. The opening time in the third opening is also approximately 3 seconds. After that, if there is a game ball stopped at the stop portion 452 until the time reduction state of cutting the number of times is completed, the result of the variation display of the normal symbol triggered by the detection of the passage of the game ball to the second starting port 34b. Each time there is a hit, the opening of the third starting port 33c can be completed a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) in a shorter opening time than the first opening without stopping. As a result, the time required for the entire time saving state can be shortened. For example, if the time is shortened, the time required to complete a predetermined number of times, such as 100 times, can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a game having a good tempo in a short time state.

On the other hand, in the conventional start-and-ball device, when the result of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is a hit, the opening time (approximately 3 seconds) similar to the first opening described above is a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times). )Continue. That is, the game ball wins a prize at the start opening having only one entry area, and the game ball winning at the start opening is detected by one start opening switch. Therefore, it is not possible to shorten the opening time in the second and subsequent opening. Therefore, the time required for the entire time saving state tends to be longer than that in the present embodiment.

The above-mentioned third variable winning device 32c corresponds to the variable ball entry device in the present invention, and the above-mentioned third starting port 33c corresponds to the ball entry portion in the present invention. Further, the above-mentioned time saving state corresponds to the specific gaming state in the present invention, and the hit of the above-mentioned variation display result of the normal symbol corresponds to the first condition of the present invention. Further, the maximum opening time of 3 seconds of the above-mentioned third starting port 33c corresponds to the first predetermined time of the present invention, and the number of three balls entering the above-mentioned third starting port 33c is the predetermined number of the present invention. Corresponds to the entry of the ball. Further, the closing time of 1 second of the above-mentioned third starting port 33 corresponds to the second predetermined time of the present invention, and 100 times of the above-mentioned time-saving state of cutting the number of times corresponds to the predetermined number of times of the present invention. Further, the above-mentioned stop portion 452 corresponds to the stop portion in the present invention. The first predetermined time, the predetermined number of balls, the second predetermined time, and the predetermined number of times of the present invention are determined according to the game content and the game value, and are not limited to the above-mentioned contents.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment, the third starting port 33c where the game ball can enter and the open state where the game ball can easily enter the third starting port 33c. The third variable winning device 32c, which has an opening / closing door 410 that opens and closes in a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the third starting port 33c in the open state, has the first symbol and the third symbol from the occurrence of the time saving jackpot. The opening / closing door 410 is opened for the first predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) until the fluctuation display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) and in response to the entry into the second starting port 34b. Then, based on the passage of the first predetermined time or the predetermined number of balls (for example, three balls), the opening / closing door 410 is closed and the second predetermined time set shorter than the first predetermined time (in this embodiment). After 1 second) has elapsed, the game in the time-saving state of returning the opening / closing door 410 to the open state (opening / closing operation three times in this embodiment) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). In the third variable winning device 32c, during the period when the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball in contact with the opening / closing door 410 in the closed state is until the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state. A stop portion 452 is provided so that when the stop is stopped and the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state, the stopped game ball is discharged toward the third start port 33c.

As a result, during the period of the time saving state in which the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that comes into contact with the opening / closing door 410 in the closed state is stopped until the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state. It will be stopped at 452. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the third starting port 33c when the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state. Therefore, even a gaming ball that reaches the variable winning device at the timing when the winning guide door is closed, which could not be entered into the starting opening with the conventional gaming machine, enters the third starting opening. Can be made to. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the entire period of the time saving state in which the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. For example, if the time is shortened, the time required to complete a predetermined number of times, such as 100 times, can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a game having a good tempo in a short time state.

In addition, since the time required for the entire period of the time saving state is shortened, the player may be able to obtain the opportunity of lottery of ordinary symbols more times than the conventional gaming machine even at the same time. Because there is, it is also possible to enhance the fun of the game.

Further, as a method of trying to shorten the time required for the entire period of the time saving state, a method of shortening or eliminating the closed state time (interval time) provided between the open states in the time saving state can be considered. In such a method, a game ball that has entered a variable winning device having a starting port during the previous open state period remains as a remaining ball at the end of the open state period, and during the next open state period. It is considered that winning may be detected. Since such a situation impairs the interests of the player, it is difficult to shorten the interval time provided between the open states in the time-saving state, and it is possible to sufficiently shorten the time required for the entire period of the time-saving state. It is thought that it cannot be done. However, by providing the third variable winning device 32c according to the present embodiment, the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 452 during the interval time, so that the game ball remains as a remaining ball in the third starting port 33c. There is no such thing, and the stationary ball can be used to detect the winning in the next open state period. As a result, the remaining spheres can be appropriately processed without providing an interval time, and the time required for the entire period of the time saving state can be suitably shortened.

Further, the third starting port 33c has a first ball entry region 412a and a second ball entry region 412b provided at a position different from the first ball entry region 412a. The opening / closing door 410 changes the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b into an open state and a closed state. During the time-saving period in which the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game ball that comes into contact with the opening / closing door 410 in an attempt to enter the first entry area 412a is stopped while the opening / closing door 410 is in the closed state. Stop at section 452. The stopped game ball is discharged toward the second entry area 412b when the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state.

In this respect, in the conventional gaming machine, even if the gaming ball reaches a variable winning device such as a starting winning device while the opening / closing operation member such as a blade is in the open state, all the reaching gaming balls are reached. May not be able to enter the starting port. That is, when the game balls reach the variable winning device continuously during the period when the winning guide door is open, it takes time for all the game balls that have reached the variable winning device to enter the starting port. Some of the game balls that have reached the variable winning device may overflow outside the variable winning device.

On the other hand, by configuring the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment, the game ball continuously passes through the second starting port 34b, so that the opening / closing door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c can be opened. When the opening / closing operation is continuously performed, the game ball that has reached the third variable winning device 32c can enter the first ball entry area 412a while the opening / closing door 410 is in the first open state. However, since the game ball is not stopped at the stop portion 452, the game ball does not enter the second entry area 412b. Next, while the opening / closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped at the stop portion 452 without entering the first ball entry area 412a or the second ball entry area 412b. Next, while the opening / closing door 410 is in the second open state, the game ball can enter the first entry area 412a, and if the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 452, it is stopped. The game ball can enter the second entry area 412b. Next, while the opening / closing door 410 is in the closed state, the game ball can be stopped at the stop portion 452 again without entering the first ball entry area 412a or the second ball entry area 412b. Next, while the opening / closing door 410 is in the third open state, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area 412a again, and if the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 452, the game ball can enter the first ball entry area 412a again. The stopped game ball can enter the second entry area 412b. After that, the opening / closing door 410 opens / closes until the passage to the second starting port 34b is detected and the variation display of the first symbol and the third symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) from the occurrence of the time saving jackpot. Operate.

In this way, except for the first opening, the game ball that has reached the third variable winning device 32c is also from the first entry area 412a to the second entry area 412b while the opening / closing door 410 is in the open state. You can also enter the ball from. Therefore, even if the game ball continuously reaches the third variable winning device 32c during the period of the time saving state in which the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state, the game that reaches the third variable winning device 32c. Since the ball can be entered from both the first entry area 412a and the second entry area 412b, the game ball that has reached the third variable winning device 32c is quickly entered into the third start opening 33c. be able to. As a result, the time loss caused by the game ball reaching the third variable winning device 32c overflowing to the outside of the third variable winning device 32c can be reduced, so that the opening / closing door 410 can be opened and closed. It is possible to shorten the time required for the entire period of the time saving state that changes to.

Further, the entry area where the game ball flowing down the game area to enter the third start port 33c tries to enter, and the entry area where the game ball stopped at the stop portion 452 tries to enter. Is provided at different positions (first ball entry area 412a and second ball entry area 412b) in the same third start port 33c, so that the game ball and the stop portion 452 that have flowed down the game area are stopped. The possibility that some of the game balls will not be able to enter the third start opening 33c due to the collision with the game balls that have been made is reduced. As a result, the time loss caused by the collision of the game balls during the opening time of the third variable winning device 32c and the inability to enter the ball is reduced, so that the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state. It is possible to shorten the time required for the entire period of the time saving state.

Further, the third start port switch 461a for detecting the entry of the game ball into the first entry area 412a is arranged directly below the first entry area 412a, and the game ball enters the second entry area 412b. The third start port switch 461b for detecting the incoming ball is arranged directly below the second incoming ball region 412b. Therefore, even when the stationary state is released and the ball entering the first ball entry area 412a and the ball entering the second ball entry area 412b occur continuously at the same time, the third start port 33c It is possible to reduce the ball clogging inside and the detection time.

Further, the second starting port 34b is arranged in the right width narrow region 30a2, and the third variable winning device 32c is arranged below the right width narrow region 30a2. Therefore, as many game balls as possible fired toward the third variable winning device 32c can be entered into the second starting port 34b and the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c. That is, when the third variable winning device 32c is arranged in the center of the game area, the game ball flowing down the game area 30a collides with a game member such as a nail or a windmill arranged in the game area 30a. By doing so, the flow direction is changed, and the ball enters a ball entry port such as another general winning opening, and often deviates from the starting opening of the variable winning device. On the other hand, when the third variable winning device 32c is arranged below the right narrow region 30a2 of the gaming region, the gaming ball flowing down the gaming region 30a is affected by the above-mentioned gaming member. Since the flow direction changes only within the width of the right narrow region 30a2, it is easy to enter the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the entire period of the time saving state in which the opening / closing door 410 changes between the open state and the closed state.

Next, the pachinko machine 10 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 35 and other drawings. FIG. 35 is a timing chart showing the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door 410 of the third embodiment, the detection timing of the game ball, and the display timing of the third symbol display device 42. It should be noted that this timing chart shows the timing of occurrence in a gaming state in which a prize is more likely to occur in the third starting port 33c than in a normal gaming state in a time saving state or other probable change state similar to that of the second embodiment. It is a thing. The pachinko machine 10 of the third embodiment has the same configuration and playability of the gaming board 30 as the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment, and other basic configurations are the same as the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment. .. However, some configurations are configured as supplementary explanations in this embodiment.

First, the description of the game ball launching device 38 is supplemented with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The following description is also common to the game ball launching device 38 provided in the pachinko machines 10 of the first and second embodiments. The game ball launching device 38 can launch a predetermined number of game balls in a specific area of the game area 30a within a predetermined time. The game ball launching handle 18 constituting the game ball launching device 38 has an operation unit operated by the player. Further, the launching device 229 constituting the game ball launching device 38 has a launching portion for launching the game ball, a motor or a solenoid for operating the launching portion based on the operation of the operating portion, and the like. The game ball launcher 38 is configured to be able to launch, for example, up to 100 game balls per minute. The number of launches of the game ball can be adjusted as appropriate.

Next, the description of the game board 30 will be supplemented with reference to FIG. 31. The game board 30 is provided with a game component that collides with a game ball flowing down a specific area of the game area 30a and changes the flow direction of the game ball to the direction of the third variable winning device 32c. The specific area of the game area 30a is, for example, the right narrow area 30a2 of the game area 30a as described in Examples 1 and 2. This game component is planted along the inflow portion 48b provided on the right side of the center frame 47, as described in Examples 1 and 2, and the game ball flowing down the game area 30a is the third variable winning prize. It is a nail row configured so that a game ball can easily enter the device 32c.

The third variable winning device 32c is configured so that almost all the game balls flowing down the right narrow region 30a2 can be entered. More specifically, when the game ball launching device 38 launches a predetermined number of game balls within a predetermined time, the third variable winning device 32c substantially all of the predetermined number of game balls flowing down the right narrow region 30a2. It is configured so that it can be entered.

Specifically, the third variable winning device 32c makes a right-handed shot in which the player shoots a game ball aiming at the right narrow region 30a2, and the flight distance of the game ball launched by the launching portion is maximized. In addition, it is configured so that almost all of the predetermined number of game balls flowing down the right narrow region 30a2 can be inserted.

The first reason that almost all the balls can be entered is that the game ball needs to be launched with a certain force. This is because, in a situation where the operation of the game ball launching handle 18 by the player is not stable, the first few game balls launched may not reach the third variable winning device 32c. The second reason is that, depending on the arrangement of the nails planted on the game board 30, even if the game ball is launched with a constant force, one of the game balls flowing down a specific area of the game area 30a. This is because the unit may not enter the third variable winning device 32c. In addition, if the game ball reaches the third variable winning device 32c during the period until the third starting port 33c is first opened in the time saving state, the game ball does not win the third starting port 33c. Because there are things like that.

The third variable winning device 32c is configured in the same manner as the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment. Further, other members are also configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

The CPU 501 of the main control device 261 is based on the ball entry detection of the third start port switch 461a and the third start port switch 461b when two or more game balls are continuously entered into the third variable winning device 32c. The third symbol display device 42 controls to continuously execute two or more variable displays of the third symbol at predetermined fixed time intervals.

As will be described later, the two or more variable display of the third symbol is continuously executed at regular time intervals after the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 452 of the third variable winning device 32c. Therefore, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 constantly displays two or more fluctuations of the third symbol based on whether or not the game ball stopped at the stop portion 452 is detected to enter the third start port switch 461b. It may be provided with a determination function for determining whether or not to execute continuously at the time interval of. Alternatively, in order for the two or more variable displays of the third symbol to be continuously executed at regular time intervals, the player performs a certain operation such as right-handed striking, and the launching portion of the launching device 229 is constant. It is necessary to launch the game ball with force. Therefore, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 may have a determination function of determining whether or not the game ball is launched with a constant force, such as by detecting the number of balls launched within a predetermined period.

Next, with reference to FIG. 35, the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door 410, the detection timing of the game ball, and the display timing of the third symbol display device 42 in the first opening of the third starting port 33c will be described. As in the second embodiment, the variation display of the second symbol in the second symbol display device 41 is also performed in synchronization with the variation display of the third symbol in the third symbol display device 42. Only the variable display of 3 symbols is described.

The passage detection S1 of the operation port switch represents the timing at which the passage is detected by the operation port switch when the game ball passes through the second start port 34b. t1, t2, t3, ... Indicates each passage detection timing of the operation port switch. In FIG. 35, the time interval ta of each passage detection timing is shown as a fixed time interval, but even if the game ball is launched at a constant timing, the game ball flowing down the game area 30a is a nail or the like. The time interval ta of each passage detection timing is not always constant due to the difference in the way of jumping when in contact with. In addition, there are cases where the game ball does not pass through the second starting port 34b (for example, timings t4, t8, t11) due to the difference in the jumping method of the game ball, so the time interval ta of each passage detection timing is not possible. It can be said that it is a regular time interval. However, at a minimum, the board surface of the game board 30 is formed so that one or more game balls pass through the second start port 34b until the end of one opening period of the third start port 33c. It is what has been done.

The normal symbol display S2 represents the timing of the variation display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display device 43 when the lottery of the normal symbol is performed based on the passage detection of the game ball by the operation port switch. The normal symbol display S2 indicates that ON is in the variable display of the normal symbol, and OFF indicates that the variable display is not performed. Since the normal symbol display S2 is not performed while the third start port 33c is open, the variable display of the normal symbol during this period is suspended.

The operation S3 of the third start port solenoid represents the operation timing of the third start port solenoid 433 that operates the open / close door 410. In the operation S3 of the third start port solenoid, OFF indicates the closed state of the opening / closing door 410, and ON indicates the open state of the opening / closing door 410. In this explanation, since the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery in the time saving state is set to a high probability of, for example, 99%, the winning of the normal symbols occurs continuously, and the opening of the third starting port 33c is constant. It shows the case where it occurs at time intervals.

The ball entry detection S4 of the third start port switch 461a and the ball entry detection S5 of the third start port switch 461b represent the ball entry detection timings of the third start port switch 461a and the third start port switch 461b, respectively. The third symbol display S6 is a variation display of the third symbol in the third symbol display device 42 when a lottery of the third symbol is performed based on the ball entry detection of the third start port switch 461a and the third start port switch 461b. It represents the timing. In the third symbol display S6, ON indicates that the variation display of the third symbol is in progress, and OFF indicates that the variation display is not performed.

When the result of the lottery of the normal symbol based on the passage detection of the game ball by the operation port switch at the timing t1 is a hit, the third start port solenoid 33 opens the open / close door 410 at the timing immediately before the timing t3. It operates so as to be displaced, and operates so as to displace the opening / closing door 410 in the closed state at the timing immediately before the timing t6. The closed state of the opening / closing door 410 is continued until the timing immediately before the timing t7. The first opening time tb of the opening / closing door 410 is 3 seconds as in the second embodiment. Further, the closing time td of the opening / closing door 410 is set to 1 second for the first time and the subsequent times as in the second embodiment.

At the timing t3, the third start port switch 461a detects the entry of the first game ball. After that, at the timing t4, the third start port switch 461a detects the entry of the second game ball, and at the timing t5, the third start port switch 461a detects the entry of the third game ball. When the player launches the game ball by hitting right, the time interval te at which the game ball is detected as entering the third start port switch 461a is a 1-second interval as in the second embodiment.

In the first opening, since the game ball is not stopped at the stop portion 452, there is no ball entry detection by the third start port switch 461b. However, at the timing t6 immediately after the opening / closing door 410 is closed, the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 452. The timing of the start of stopping is indicated by a broken line in the ball entry detection S5 of the third start port switch 461b. The stop time tf at the stop portion 452 is set to 2 seconds as in the second embodiment.

In the third symbol display device 42, the first variable display of the third symbol based on the detection of the entry of the first game ball is started at the timing t3, and the third symbol of the first ball is started before the timing t4 arrives. Fluctuation display ends. After that, at the timing t4, the second variation display of the third symbol based on the detection of the entry of the second game ball is started, and the second variation display of the third symbol ends before the timing t5 arrives. Further, at the timing t5, the third variation display of the third symbol based on the detection of the entry of the third game ball is started, and the third variation display of the third symbol ends before the timing t6 arrives. After the third symbol variation display is completed, at timing t6, the ball entry detection by the third start port switches 461a and 461b does not exist, so that the variation display of the third symbol is not performed.

The variation display time tg from the start to the end of the variation display of the third symbol is set to 0.8 seconds. When the player is firing the game ball by hitting right, the ball entry detection timing of the third start port switches 461a and 461b is a fixed time interval, so that the variable display is adjusted to the fixed ball entry detection timing. The time is set. In this embodiment, the variation display is executed at a time interval (0.8 seconds time) 0.2 seconds shorter than the time interval (1 second) of the ball entry detection of the third start port switch 461a. Since the variable display time may be determined according to the time interval for detecting the incoming ball of the start port switch 461a, the variation display time is not limited to the above time interval. For example, if 100 game balls are fired in one minute and the third start port switch 461a detects ball entry at intervals of 0.6 seconds, the variable display time tg is set as a time interval of, for example, 0.4 seconds. It is also possible to display variations.

Since the variation display of the third symbol is executed in an extremely short time in this way, only the result of the variation display of the third symbol is continuously displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 42. Of course, there may be a process of slightly changing the third symbol. In these cases, it is conceivable to omit the reach effect even when the reach in which the two third symbols are aligned is established.

Next, the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door 410 and the detection timing of the game ball in the second opening of the third starting port 33c will be described.

If the result of the lottery of any of the ordinary symbols based on the passage detection of the game ball by the operation opening switch at the timings t2 to t5 is a hit, the second opening of the third starting opening 33c is performed. That is, the third start port solenoid 33 operates so as to displace the open / close door 410 to the open state when the timing at which the closing time of the first third start port 33c ends (the timing immediately before the timing t7) arrives. do.

At the timing t7, the third start port switch 461a detects the entry of the first game ball, and at the timing t8, the third start port switch 461a detects the entry of the second game ball.

The game ball stopped at the stop portion 452 at the timing t6 during the first closing time is detected by the third start port switch 461b at the timing t8 during the second opening time. When the third game ball is detected by the third start port switch 461b at the timing t8, the third start port solenoid 33 displaces the opening / closing door 410 in the closed state at the timing immediately before the timing t9. That is, the opening time ct of the opening / closing door 410 after the second time is 2 seconds as in the second embodiment. At the timing t9 immediately after the opening / closing door 410 is closed, the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 452.

Next, the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door 410 and the detection timing of the game ball in the third opening of the third starting port 33c will be described. Since the third opening of the third starting port 33c is basically the same as the second opening of the third starting port 33c, only the main points will be described.

If the result of the lottery of any of the ordinary symbols based on the passage detection of the game ball by the operation port switch at the timings t3 to t8 is a hit, the third start port 33c is opened for the third time. That is, the third start port solenoid 33 operates so as to displace the open / close door 410 to the open state when the timing at which the closing time of the second third start port 33c ends (the timing immediately before the timing t10) arrives. do.

At the timing t10, the third start port switch 461a detects the entry of the first game ball, and at the timing t11, the third start port switch 461a detects the entry of the second game ball.

The game ball stopped at the stop portion 452 at the timing t9 during the second closing time is detected by the third start port switch 461b at the timing t11 during the third opening time. When the third game ball is detected by the third start port switch 461b at the timing t11, the third start port solenoid 33 displaces the opening / closing door 410 in the closed state at the timing immediately before the timing t12. At the timing t12 immediately after the opening / closing door 410 is closed, the game ball is stopped at the stop portion 452. After that, until the end timing of the time saving state of the number of cuts arrives or the big hit state occurs as a result of the lottery of the third symbol, as long as the passage to the operation port switch is detected and the normal symbol lottery is won, the third symbol The opening of the starting port is repeated at the same timing.

Next, the timing of the variation display of the third symbol in the second and subsequent opening of the third starting port 33c will be described.

In the third symbol display device 42, the first variation display of the third symbol based on the detection of the entry of the first game ball by the third start port switch 461a is started at the timing t7, and before the timing t8 arrives. The variation display of the third symbol of the first ball ends. At the timing t8, the second variation display of the third symbol based on the detection of the entry of the second game ball by the third start port switch 461a is started, and the second third symbol is displayed before the timing t9 arrives. The fluctuation display ends. Next, at the timing t8, the third start port switch 461b detects the entry of the third game ball, but at the timing t8, the second variation display of the third symbol is performed. Therefore, the third variation display of the third symbol based on the detection of the entry of the third game ball by the third start port switch 461b at the timing t8 is suspended. The variable display of the reserved portion is started at the timing t9 after the second variable display of the third symbol is completed. The third variation display of the third symbol ends before the timing t10 arrives.

At the timing t10, since there is a third ball entry detection during the opening of the third starting port 33c, the variation display of the third symbol is performed. After that, the variation display of the third symbol in the third and subsequent opening of the third starting port 33c is performed in the same manner as the timing t7 to the timing t9. That is, the variation display of the third symbol in the second and subsequent opening of the third starting port 33c is in accordance with the constant ball entry detection timing of the third starting port switches 461a and 461b, and the fixed time interval th, th, It is executed continuously by th, .... In particular, in this embodiment, the start port switch 461a is continuously executed at a time interval (0.8 seconds time) 0.2 seconds shorter than the time interval (1 second) for ball entry detection. In addition, if the time interval ti in which the variation display is not performed because the stationary ball does not exist in the first opening of the third start port 33c is also taken into consideration, the variation display of the third symbol is the third start port 33c. It is also possible to execute continuously at a fixed time interval th, th, th, ti, th, th, th, ... From the first opening.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 36 to 38, the movement of the game ball in the third variable winning device 32c according to the third embodiment will be described. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the movement of the game ball in the third variable winning device 32c, FIG. 36 (a) shows the first open state, and FIG. 36 (b) shows the first open state. Shows the closed state after the opening of. 37 is a perspective view illustrating the movement of the game ball in the third variable winning device 32c following FIG. 36, FIG. 37 (a) shows the first half of the second open state, and FIG. 37 (b). ) Indicates the latter half of the second open state. FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating the movement of the game ball in the third variable ball entry device 32c following FIG. 37, and FIG. 38 (a) shows a closed state after the end of the second opening. 38 (b) shows the first half of the third open state. 39 is a perspective view illustrating the movement of the game ball in the third variable ball entry device 32c following FIG. 38, and FIG. 39 (a) shows the latter half of the third open state, and FIG. 39 (a) shows. b) shows the closed state after the end of the third opening.

The game balls B1 to B12 shown in FIGS. 36 to 39 are detected by the game ball or the operation port switch whose passage is detected by the operation port switch at the timings t1 to t12 in the passage detection S1 of the operation port switch shown in FIG. 35. Although it was not, it corresponds to a game ball that reaches the third variable winning device 32c. Further, the game balls B1 to B12 are a part of the game balls continuously fired by right-handed striking.

See FIG. 36. Since the lottery result of the normal symbol based on the passage detection by the operation port switch of the game ball B1 was won, the opening / closing door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c is opened as shown in FIG. 36 (a). During the opening time of the first open state, the game balls B1, B2, and B3 flow into the third variable winning device 32c from the ball inflow portion 406, and continuously enter the first ball entry region 412a (that is, the first ball inflow region 412a). The ball enters the starting port 33c) of No. 3, and the ball is detected by the third starting port switch 461a. Based on the ball entry detection by the third start port switch 461a, the variation display of the third symbol is executed and ends during the opening time of the third start port 33c. The result of the variable display is off.

After the variation display of the third symbol based on the ball entry detection of the game ball B3 is completed, the opening / closing door 410 of the third starting port 33c is closed as shown in FIG. 36 (b). During the closing time of this closed state, the game ball B4 flows into the third variable winning device 32c from the ball inflow portion 406, passes over the opening / closing door 410, and is stopped at the stop portion 452.

Next, refer to FIG. 37. Since the lottery result of the normal symbol based on the passage detection by the operation port switch of the game ball B2 is won, the third variable winning device 32c is shown in FIG. 37 (a) after the closing time of the opening / closing door 410 is completed. The opening / closing door 410 is opened. Immediately after the opening of the second open state, the game ball B5 flows into the third variable winning device 32c from the ball inflow portion 406 and enters the first ball entry region 412a (that is, the third start port 33c). Then, the ball entry is detected by the third start port switch 461a. Based on the ball entry detection by the third start port switch 461a, the variation display of the third symbol is executed and the process ends. The result of the variable display is off. At this time, the game ball B4 is located near the center of the stop portion 452, and remains stopped at the stop portion 452. As shown in FIG. 37B, the game ball B6 flows into the third variable winning device 32c following the ball entry of the game ball B5, and the first ball entry area 412a (that is, the third start port 33c). ), And the ball is detected by the third start port switch 461a. Based on the ball entry detection by the third start port switch 416a of the game ball B6, the variation display of the third symbol is executed and ends. The result of the variable display is off. Next, almost at the same time when the game ball B6 enters the first ball entry area 412a, the game ball B4 finishes stopping at the stop portion 452 and the second ball entry area 412b (that is, the third start port 33). ), And the ball is detected by the third start port switch 461b. At the time of ball entry detection by the third start port switch 461b, the variation display based on the ball entry detection of the game ball B6 is executed, so that the variation display based on the ball entry detection of the game ball B4 is suspended. Since there was a detection of three balls entering the third starting port 33c during the opening time of the third variable winning device 32c, the opening time of the second third starting port was completed and the opening / closing door was opened and closed. 410 closes. During the closing time after the opening time of the opening / closing door 410 ends, the variation display based on the ball entry detection of the game ball B4 is executed, and the process ends. The result of the variable display is off.

Next, refer to FIG. 38. After the variation display of the third symbol based on the ball entry detection of the game ball B4 shown in FIG. 37 (b) is completed, the opening / closing door 410 of the third starting port 33c is closed as shown in FIG. 38 (a). The door. During the closing time in this closed state, the game ball B7 flows into the third variable winning device 32c from the ball inflow portion 406, passes over the opening / closing door 410, and is stopped at the stop portion 452.

Since the lottery result of the normal symbol based on the passage detection by the operation port switch of the game ball B3 is won, the opening / closing door 410 of the third variable winning device 32c is opened as shown in FIG. 38 (b). Immediately after the opening of the third open state, the game ball B8 flows into the third variable winning device 32c from the ball inflow portion 406 and enters the first ball entry region 412a (that is, the third start port 33c). Then, the ball entry is detected by the third start port switch 461a. Based on the ball entry detection by the third start port switch 461a, the variation display of the third symbol is executed and the process ends. The result of the variable display is off. At this time, the game ball B7 is located near the center of the stop portion 452, and remains stopped at the stop portion 452.

Next, refer to FIG. 39. Following the entry of the game ball B8 shown in FIG. 38 (b), the game ball B9 flows into the third variable winning device 32c as shown in FIG. 39 (a), and the first ball entry region 412a ( That is, the ball enters the third start port 33c) and is detected by the third start port switch 461a. Based on the ball entry detection by the third start port switch 416a of the game ball B9, the variation of the third symbol is displayed and the game ends. The result of the variable display is off. Next, almost at the same time when the game ball B9 enters the first ball entry area 412a, the game ball B7 finishes stopping at the stop portion 452, and the 32nd ball entry area 412b (that is, the third start port 33). ), And the ball is detected by the third start port switch 461b. At the time of ball entry detection by the third start port switch 461b, the variation display based on the game ball B9 entry detection is executed, so that the variation display based on the game ball B7 entry detection is suspended. Since there was a detection of three balls entering the third starting port 33c during the opening time of the third variable winning device 32c, the opening time of the second third starting port was completed and the opening / closing door was opened and closed. 410 closes. During the closing time after the opening time of the opening / closing door 410 ends, the variation display based on the ball entry detection of the game ball B7 is executed, and the process ends. The result of the variable display is off.

After the variation display of the third symbol based on the ball entry detection of the game ball B7 is completed, the opening / closing door 410 of the third starting port 33c is closed as shown in FIG. 39 (b). During the closing time in this closed state, the game ball B10 flows into the third variable winning device 32c from the ball inflow portion 406, passes over the opening / closing door 410, and is stopped at the stop portion 452.

As described above, the game balls launched by hitting right at regular time intervals during the time saving state may or may not pass through the second starting port 34b, but in the end, almost all the game balls. Wins the third starting port 33c. Since the variation display based on the winning detection is executed one after another, it is unlikely that the ball entry detection amount exceeding the upper limit of the number of pending balls will be wasted. This state will continue until the lottery result of the third symbol is the winning of the big hit state and the big hit state occurs.

Here, the case where the result of the lottery of the second symbol and the third symbol is the winning of the big hit state is supplemented. When the result of the lottery of the second symbol and the third symbol is the winning of the big hit state, the big winning opening of the fifth variable winning device 32e provided downstream of the third starting opening 33c is the same as in the second embodiment. It shifts to the jackpot state where 32E opens and closes. Even in this jackpot state, the player fires the game ball by hitting right, so that almost all the game balls flowing down the right width narrow region 30a2 pass through the third variable winning device 32c. Therefore, it is considered that the third variable winning device 32c displaces the opening / closing door 410 in the closed state during the jackpot state to facilitate the game ball flowing down the right narrow region 30a2 to pass through the third variable winning device 32c. Will be.

In this way, when the player launches the game ball by hitting right, almost all the predetermined number of game balls flowing down the right narrow region 30a2 enter the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c. Since the balls are balled, the predetermined number of game balls are continuously detected at the third starting port 33c at regular time intervals te. As a result, the variation display of the third symbol is continuously executed at a constant time interval th, th, th, ... In accordance with a constant ball entry detection timing of the third start port switches 461a, 461b. As a result, the variation in the time from the occurrence of one incoming ball detection to the occurrence of the next incoming ball detection is reduced, so that the variation display of the third symbol is displayed at regular time intervals th, th, th, ... Even if it is executed continuously in, there is a reduced risk that the variation display will not be executed after the end of the variation display based on one incoming ball detection and before the start of the variable display based on the next incoming ball detection. Will be done. Further, since it is not necessary to set the variable display time tg to a long time, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ball entry detection will not be held and the ball will be wasted because the upper limit of the number of held balls is not held.

Further, if the time interval te at which the game ball flowing down the right narrow region 30a2 is detected at the third starting port 33c when the player is launching the game ball by hitting right is known, it is possible to use it. At the same time, the time interval th of the variation display of the third symbol can be known. In the case of newly designing a gaming machine, the time interval th of the variation display of the third symbol can be set from the time interval te of the ball entry detection. That is, in the case of a gaming machine of a type having a long time interval te for ball entry detection, it is possible in advance to adjust the time interval th of the variation display to be long accordingly. On the contrary, if the gaming machine is of a type in which the time interval te for ball entry detection is short, it is possible to adjust the time interval th of the variation display to be short accordingly. As a result, regardless of whether the time interval th of the variation display is adjusted to long or short, the variation display is performed between the end of the variation display based on one ball entry detection and the start of the variation display based on the next ball entry detection. There is no unnecessary free time that is not executed, and there is no need to set the variable display time tg longer because there is no concern that the ball entry detection will not be held and the ball will be wasted because the upper limit of the number of holds is exceeded. Further, as a result, it becomes possible to advance the game at a good tempo while the player is firing the game ball by hitting right.

The game ball launching device 38 described above corresponds to the launching means of the present invention, the third variable winning device 32c described above corresponds to the variable ball entering device, and the third starting port switches 461a and 461b described above correspond to the launching means of the present invention. It corresponds to the ball entry detection means, and the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 described above corresponds to the lottery means and the execution control means of the present invention. Further, the above-mentioned opening / closing operation member 410 corresponds to the opening / closing operation member of the present invention, and the above-mentioned stop portion 452 corresponds to the above-mentioned stop portion of the present invention.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the third embodiment, the third variable winning device 32c enters almost all the game balls flowing down the right narrow region 30a. The CPU 501 of the main control device 261 has two or more third symbols based on the ball entry detection of the third start port switches 461a and 461b when two or more game balls are continuously entered into the third variable winning device 32c. The variable display of is continuously executed at a predetermined fixed time interval th. That is, since almost all the game balls flowing down the right narrow region 30a enter the third variable winning device 32c, the game balls entering the third variable winning device 32c are continuous at regular time intervals te and tf. The ball entry is detected by the third start port switches 461a and 461b. As a result, the variation display of the third symbol is continuously executed at a predetermined constant time interval th in accordance with the constant ball entry detection timing of the third start port switches 461a and 461b. As a result, the variation in the time from the occurrence of one incoming ball detection to the occurrence of the next incoming ball detection is reduced, so that the variation display of the third symbol is continuously executed at a fixed time interval th. However, it is possible to reduce the possibility that there will be a lot of free time during which the variation display is not executed after the variation display based on one ball entry detection is completed and before the variation display based on the next ball entry detection is started. Further, since it is not necessary to set the variable display time tg to a long time, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ball entry detection will not be held and the ball will be wasted because the upper limit of the number of held balls is not held.

Further, if the time intervals te and tf at which the game ball flowing down the right narrow region 30a is detected by the third start port switches 461a and 461b are known, the time interval th of the variation display of the third symbol is known. I also understand. In the case of newly designing a gaming machine, the time interval th of the variation display of the third symbol can be set from the time intervals te and tf of the ball entry detection. That is, in the case of a gaming machine of a type having a long time interval te for ball entry detection, it is possible in advance to adjust the time interval th of the variation display to be long accordingly. On the contrary, if the gaming machine is of a type in which the time interval te for ball entry detection is short, it is possible to adjust the time interval th of the variation display to be short accordingly. As a result, regardless of whether the time interval th of the variation display is adjusted to long or short, the variation display is performed between the end of the variation display based on one ball entry detection and the start of the variation display based on the next ball entry detection. There is no unnecessary free time that is not executed, and there is no need to set the variable display time tg longer because there is no concern that the ball entry detection will not be held and the ball will be wasted because the upper limit of the number of holds is exceeded.

Further, even if the fluctuation display based on the detection of the ball entering the third starting port 33c occurs, the fluctuation display is continuously executed at regular time intervals including the fluctuation display of the reserved portion, so that the fluctuation display is displayed. Holds are hard to accumulate. In addition, even if the hold of the variable display is accumulated, the variable display of the hold is continuously executed at regular time intervals and is consumed one after another, so that the upper limit of the number of holds is exceeded and the variable display is held. Is hard to collect. Therefore, since it is possible to execute almost all the fluctuation display based on the ball entry detection of the game ball that has flowed down a specific area in the game area and won the third variable winning device 32c, wasteful balls are less likely to occur and the tempo. It becomes possible to advance the game well.

Therefore, the variation display time tg of the third symbol based on the ball entry detection by the third start port switches 461a and 461b can be suitably shortened, and waste balls are less likely to be generated. In addition, as a result, it becomes possible to proceed with the game at a good tempo.

Further, since the constant time interval th in which the variation display of the third symbol is performed is the same interval as or shorter than the time interval te of two consecutive incoming ball detections, the incoming ball detection timing and the third symbol The fluctuation display timing of is almost synchronized. This makes it possible to proceed with the game at a better tempo.

Further, since almost all the game balls that are fired within a predetermined time and flow down the right narrow region 30a2 enter the third variable winning device 32c, the player fires a predetermined number of game balls within a predetermined time. Almost all the game balls flowing down the right narrow region 30a2 can be entered into the third variable winning device 32c just by doing so. Therefore, the player can advance the game at a good tempo without losing the game balls unnecessarily while firing a predetermined number of game balls within a predetermined time.

Further, when the player operates the operation unit of the game ball launching handle 18 so that the flight distance of the game ball launched by the launching unit of the launching device 229 is maximized, a predetermined number of flows down the right narrow region 30a2. Since almost all of the game balls of the above are entered into the third variable winning device 32c, the player operates the game ball launching handle 18 so that the flight distance of the game ball launched by the launching portion of the launching device 229 is maximized. Almost all of the launched game balls can be entered into the third variable winning device 32c simply by operating the unit. Therefore, even a player who is unfamiliar with the operation of the game ball launching device 38 can proceed with the game at a good tempo without losing the game ball unnecessarily.

Further, since the game board is provided with game parts such as a nail row that collides with the game ball flowing down the right narrow region 30a2 and changes the flow direction of the game ball to the direction of the third variable winning device 32c. , The player can put almost all the launched game balls into the third variable winning device 32c without paying special attention to the arrangement of the game parts such as the nail row arranged on the game board. .. Therefore, even a player who lacks knowledge about how to arrange game parts such as nail rows can not lose the game ball unnecessarily and can proceed with the game at a good tempo. ..

Further, in the third variable winning device 32c, regardless of whether the opening / closing door 410 is in the open state or the closed state during the period of the specific gaming state, almost all the gaming balls flowing down the right narrow region 30a are entered. Since it is configured so that the ball can be entered into the third variable winning device 32c, even if the launched game ball reaches the third variable winning device 32c in either the open state or the closed state of the opening / closing door 410. All the game balls that have reached the 3 variable winning device 32c can be entered into the winning portion of the 3rd variable winning device 32c. Therefore, even if the launch timing of the game ball is not taken into consideration, the game ball is not lost unnecessarily, and the game can be advanced at a good tempo.

Further, according to the result of the lottery of the normal symbol based on the passage detection of the game ball by the operation port switch, the opening / closing door 410 is opened and the opening / closing time tb of the opening / closing door 410 (3 in this embodiment). The closing time td of the opening / closing door 410 (this embodiment) is set to be shorter than the opening time tb of the opening / closing door 410 by closing the opening / closing door 410 based on the lapse of (seconds) or at least one of three balls entering. Then, after 1 second) has elapsed, the game of returning the opening / closing door 410 to the open state is repeated until the end timing of the time-saving state of cutting the number of times is reached. Since the third variable winning device 32c includes a stop portion 452, the game ball in contact with the open / close door 410 in the closed state is returned to the open state until the open / close door 410 is returned to the open / close door 410 during such a specific game state. When the door 410 is returned to the open state after being stopped for a while, the stopped game ball can be discharged toward the entry portion. As a result, as described above, it is possible to proceed with the game at a good tempo without losing the game ball unnecessarily without considering the launch timing of the game ball.

Next, the pachinko machine 10 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 40. FIG. 40 is a timing chart showing the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door 410 of the fourth embodiment, the detection timing of the game ball, and the display timing of the third symbol display device 42. The pachinko machine 10 of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration and playability of the gaming board 30 as the pachinko machine 10 of the third embodiment, and other basic configurations are the same as those of the pachinko machines 10 of the first and second embodiments. ing. Hereinafter, the differences from the pachinko machine 10 of the third embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, the opening time of the third starting port 33c in which the third starting port solenoid S3 is ON is, for example, a fixed time of 3 seconds. The CPU 501 of the main control device 261 detects whether or not 10 game balls have been won in the third starting port 33c of the third variable winning device 32c, and the maximum opening time of the third starting port 33c is 3. Determine if a second has passed. Since it is difficult for the third variable winning device 32c to win 10 game balls in 3 seconds, the maximum opening time of the third starting port 33c of 3 seconds is always secured for 3 seconds.

By setting so that the maximum opening time of the third starting port 33c of 3 seconds is always secured, the hold based on the passage detection of the operating port switch is likely to be accumulated. Specifically, the passage detection of the actuating port switch at the timing t1 is digested by the normal symbol display at the timing t1 as well. The passage detection of the actuating port switch at the timing t2 is also digested by the normal symbol display at the timing t2. The passage detection of the actuating port switch at the timing t3 is suspended because the timing t3 is in the normal symbol lottery winning state (that is, the opening state of the third starting port 33c). At the timing t4, there is no passage detection of the actuating port switch. At the timing t5, the passage detection of the actuating port switch is suspended as in the timing t3 (number of pending switches: 2). At the timing t6, since the open state of the third starting port 33c is completed, the reserved portion at the timing t3 is consumed (number of reserveds: 1). The passage detection of the actuating port switch at the timing t6 is suspended (number of pending switches: 2). The passage detection of the actuating port switch at the timing t7 is suspended because the third starting port 33c is in the open state (number of pending operations: 3). At the timing t8, there is no passage detection of the actuating port switch. At the timing t9, the passage detection of the actuating port switch is suspended as in the timing t7 (number of suspensions: 4). In this way, at the time when the second open state of the third start port 33c is completed, four holds based on the passage detection of the operation port switch are accumulated.

Compare with the case of Example 3 shown in FIG. 35. In the third embodiment, the timing t1 to the timing t7 are the same as in the present embodiment, but the third starting port 33c is the third based on the detection of the third ball entering the third starting port 33c at the timing t8. The second open state is completed. That is, the second opening time of the third starting port 33c is only 2 seconds. Therefore, in the third embodiment, since there is no hold based on the passage detection of the actuating port switch at the timing t9 of the present embodiment, the number of holdes for the passage detection of the actuating port switch at the end of the second open state (3). The number) is less than the number of reservations (4) in this embodiment.

As a result, in the present embodiment, the hold based on the passage detection of the actuating port switch is set to be more likely to be accumulated as compared with the third embodiment, so that the method of jumping when the game ball flowing down the game area 30a comes into contact with a nail or the like. Even if it becomes difficult to pass through the second starting port 34b due to differences or the like, it is possible to make it difficult to interrupt the hold that triggers the opening state of the third starting port 33c. Further, even if there is some error in the board surface design of the game area 30a, the hold based on the passage detection of the operation port switch is set to be easily accumulated, so that the hold based on the passage detection of the operation port switch is accumulated due to the error. It is less difficult. This facilitates the board surface design of the game board 30.

Further, in this embodiment, since the maximum opening time of 3 seconds is secured even in the second and subsequent open states of the third starting port 33c, the hold based on the ball entry detection of the third starting port switch 461a is accumulated. Although it is easy, as in the third embodiment, the reserved portion is easily digested. For example, at the timing t9, during the opening time of the third start port 33c, a hold is generated based on the ball entry detection of the third start port switch 461b, but the hold is in the closed state of the third start port 33c. It is digested at the timing t10. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of waste balls exceeding the upper limit of the number of holdings and realize a game with a good tempo until the next big hit occurs in the time saving state.

Further, depending on the design of the board surface of the game board 30, it is conceivable that five or more game balls enter during the opening time of the third start port 33c for 3 seconds. Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration is provided so that the hold based on the ball entry detection of the third starting port 33c does not exceed the upper limit (4 pieces). For example, when the number of holds reaches the upper limit, in order to digest the hold, the change display of the hold is digested at a time interval shorter than the time interval th of the normal change display of the third symbol. Can be mentioned. In this case, it is conceivable to display only the result of the variable display. If the number of holds does not reach the upper limit, the variable display may be executed again at a fixed time interval th.

Next, the pachinko machine 10 of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 41. FIG. 41 is a timing chart showing the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing door 410 of the fifth embodiment, the detection timing of the game ball, and the display timing of the third symbol display device 42. The pachinko machine 10 of the fifth embodiment has the same configuration and playability of the gaming board 30 as the pachinko machines 10 of the third and fourth embodiments, and the other basic configurations are the same as the pachinko machines 10 of the first and second embodiments. It is configured. Hereinafter, the differences from the pachinko machines 10 of Examples 3 and 4 will be described.

In Examples 3 and 4, almost all the game balls that are fired by right-handed hitting and flow down the right-width narrow region 30a2 enter the third starting port 33c in all the open states in the 100-time cut time reduction state. However, in this embodiment, in the time-saving state of cutting 100 times, in the time-saving state up to a predetermined number of times, almost all the game balls that are fired by right-handed hit and flow down the right narrow region 30a2 The ball is set to enter the third starting port 33c, but in a time-saving state after a predetermined number of times, even if the ball is shot to the right narrow region 30a2 by right-handed hitting, the game ball flows down the right narrow region 30a2. Is set so that the number of cases where the ball does not enter the third starting port 33c is greater than the time saving state up to a predetermined number of times.

Such a setting is, for example, a case where the opening time of the third starting port 33c is not constant in the time saving state after a predetermined number of times. Specifically, for example, in the time saving state from the first time to the 50th time, the opening time of the third starting port 33c is set to a fixed time (3 seconds) as in the fourth embodiment. In the time saving state from the 51st time to the 100th time, the opening time is set to 1 second in addition to the opening time set to 3 seconds.

FIG. 41 is assumed to show a part of the time saving states from the 51st time to the 100th time, for example, the time saving state from the 51st time to the 53rd time. In the 51st and 53rd time reduction states, the opening time is set to 3 seconds, respectively, but in the 52nd time reduction state, the opening time is set to 1 second. Therefore, the game balls B1, B2, and B3 that have been detected to pass through the operation port switch at the timings t1, t2, and t3 are detected to enter the ball at the third start port 33c during the 51st opening time. The game ball that reaches the third variable winning device 32c without passing through the operation port switch at the timing t4 is stopped at the stop portion 452 during the closing time after the 51st opening time, but the stop portion 452 is stopped. At the timing t8 at which the stop is completed, since it is the closing time after the end of the 52nd opening time, the ball does not enter the third starting port 33c (second entry area 416b) and is thirdly variable from the ball outflow portion 407. It flows out of the winning device 32c. Therefore, at the timing t8, there is a time interval ti in which the variation display of the third symbol is not performed.

In this way, it is possible to increase the types of the time saving state by making a difference in the ease of entering the third starting port 33c at the predetermined number of times within the time saving state. The type of such a time saving state may be determined by the type of the time saving jackpot state (for example, the type of the third symbol). By increasing the types of time saving states, it is possible to improve the interest of the player with respect to the lottery result indicating the occurrence of the time saving jackpot state.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified as follows.

[1] The first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment and the third variable winning device 32c of the second to fifth embodiments are provided with an opening / closing door 410, and by opening and closing the opening / closing door 410, a game ball can be played. It was changed to an open state where it is easy to enter and a closed state where it is harder for the game ball to enter than the open state. The configuration may be changed to a second state in which it is more difficult for the game ball to enter than in the first state. For example, a passage in which a game ball that has reached the first variable winning device 32a or the third variable winning device 32c is guided to the large winning opening 32A or the third starting port 33c, and the game ball is placed in the stop portion 450 or the stop portion 452. A configuration is conceivable in which a switching unit for switching between the guided passage and the guided passage is provided. That is, the state in which the switching unit is switched so as to guide the game ball to the large winning opening 32A or the third starting port 33c corresponds to the first state, and the switching unit causes the game ball to the stop portion 450 or the stop portion 452. The state switched to induce corresponds to the second state. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (A1) above.

[2] In Examples 1 to 5, the open / close door 410 in the closed state is contacted so that almost all the game balls flowing down the specific area of the game area 30a of the game board 30 can enter. The game ball is stopped at the stop 450 or the stop 452 until the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state, and when the opening / closing door 410 is returned to the open state, the stopped game ball is the big winning opening 32A. A game ball that flows down a specific area of the game area 30a of the game board 30 by the structure as described above in [1] has been adopted. It is also possible to realize a configuration in which almost all of the balls can be inserted. In this case, the game ball is stopped while the switching unit is switched to the second state, and when the switching portion is returned to the first state, the stopped game ball is directed toward the large winning opening 32A or the third starting opening 33c. It is conceivable to configure it so that it is discharged. The description regarding this modification is also applicable to, for example, the configuration of (A6) or (A7) above.

[3] The large winning opening 32A of Example 1 and the third starting opening 33c from Example 2 to Example 5 are located in two entry regions, a first entry region 412a and a second entry region 412b. Although it was partitioned, it may be one entry area. The game ball that has entered this one entry area is guided and detected in two directions inside. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (1) above.

[4] The first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b from Example 1 to Example 5 are arranged side by side on the left and right, but may be arranged separately on the upper and lower sides. .. In this case, the stop portions 450 and 452 are located between the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b, which are vertically arranged separately. The description regarding this modification is also applicable to, for example, the configurations (2) and (3) above.

[5] The first ball entry area 412a from Example 1 to Example 5 is arranged so that the height of the game area 30a in the vertical direction is higher than that of the second ball entry area 412b. The second ball entry area 412b may be arranged so as to be higher than the first ball entry area 412a. Further, the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b may be at the same height. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (4) above.

[6] The first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment and the third variable winning device 32c from the second to the fifth embodiment provided the passage forming portion i1, but stopped without the passage forming portion i1. The game ball may be guided from the first entry area 412a to the second entry area 412b while changing the traveling direction of the game ball stopped by the unit 450. For example, as will be described later, the retaining portions 450 and 452 are formed on the front side of the board surface of the game board 30. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (5) above.

[7] The shapes of the stop passages 451 and 453 are not limited to those described in the first to fifth embodiments, and for example, the front side and the back side of the board surface of the game board 30 are alternately moved in and out. It may be another passage having a different shape. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (6) above.

[8] The first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment and the third variable winning device 32c from the second to the fifth embodiment change the traveling direction of the game ball stopped at the stopping portions 450 and 452. The game ball was guided from the first ball entry area 412a to the second ball entry area 412b, but the game ball was guided from the first ball entry area 412a to the second ball entry area 412b without changing the traveling direction. It may be configured to guide. For example, the game ball is stopped only on the front side of the board surface of the game board 30. In the case of such a configuration, it is desirable that the stop portions 450 and 452 are provided with a deceleration portion that slows down the speed of the game ball guided from the first entry region 412a to the second entry region 412b. For example, the deceleration portion may have an uneven surface or a friction surface. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (7) above.

[9] The first large winning opening switch 223a and the first large winning opening switch 223b of the first embodiment, and the third starting port switch 461a and the third starting port switch 451b of the second to fifth embodiments are the first. Although it is provided directly below the ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b, it may be provided in, for example, the first rear guide passage portion 423a or the second rear guide passage portion 423b on the back side of this. .. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (8) above.

[10] The first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment is arranged below the right narrow narrow region 30a2, and the second variable winning device 32b is arranged in the right narrow narrow region 30a2, but the first variable The winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b may be arranged in other areas of the game area 30a. For example, the first variable winning device 32a may be arranged in the right narrow area 30a2, may be arranged in or below the left narrow area 30a1, and may be arranged below the third symbol display device 42. It may be placed closer to the position. The same applies to the third variable winning device 32c and the fourth variable winning device 32d from the second embodiment to the fifth embodiment. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (9) above.

[11] Although the upper portions of the anchoring portions 450 and 452 of Examples 1 and 2 are covered with the covering portion 404, the upper portion of the retaining portions 450 may not be covered with the covering portion 404. .. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (10) above.

[12] After the closing time of the opening / closing door 410 from the first to the fifth embodiment has elapsed, the game ball that has passed through the stopping portions 450 and 452 is configured to enter the second entry area 412b. However, after the lapse of time in the closed state of the opening / closing door 410, the game ball may be forcibly ejected from the stop portion 450 to enter the second entry area 412b. Hereinafter, the stop portion 450 having a configuration in which the game ball is forcibly discharged from the stop portion 450 is particularly referred to as a stop portion 450A. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (11) above.

An example of a configuration in which a stopped game ball is forcibly discharged will be described with reference to FIG. 42. 42 is a perspective view of the first variable winning device 32a according to the modified example, FIG. 42 (a) shows the stationary state of the stationary portion 450A, and FIG. 42 (b) shows the stationary state of the stationary portion 450A. .. In FIG. 42B, the stopped portion 450A in the stopped state is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the stopped portion 450A in the stopped state is shown by a broken line and a solid line.

The stop unit 450A is operated in a stopped state in which the game ball can be stopped and a stop release state in which the stopped state is released and the stopped game ball is discharged toward the second entry area 412b. The stop portion 450A is operated in the stopped state when the open / close door 410 is operated in the closed state, and is operated in the stop release state when the open / close door 410 is operated in the open state. Therefore, when the opening / closing door 410 is operated in the open state, the stopped game ball is forcibly discharged. As a result, it is possible to quickly switch between the stationary state and the next open state.

Specifically, the retaining portion 450A is configured to be separable from the back surface side member 420. Further, the stop portion 450A is configured to move forward and backward in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 410. The advance / retreat operation of the stop portion 450A is realized, for example, by a configuration performed in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 410 by the large winning opening solenoid 432. Specifically, a member such as the rotating main body portion 444 shown in FIG. 22 is realized by moving the passage forming portion i1 forward and backward at the same time as the opening / closing door 410. In addition to the large winning opening solenoid 432, a solenoid for advancing and retreating the passage forming portion i1 may be provided. When the opening / closing door 410 is opened and the stopping portion 450A is released from the state where the opening / closing door 410 is closed and the game ball is stopped at the stopping portion 450A, the opening / closing door 410 is stopped at the stopping portion 450A. The game ball falls on the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403 (the surface of the upper surface of the frame-shaped member 403 located between the first ball entry area 412a and the second ball entry area 412b). Such an action is realized by forming an insertion hole (not shown) for inserting the retaining portion 450A into the back wall portion i2 of the passage forming portion i1 of the back surface side member 420. That is, when the opening / closing door 410 retracts and the stop portion 450A is switched to the stop release state, the game ball stopped at the stop portion 450A is pushed out to the back wall portion i2 and falls on the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403. It is configured in. The game ball that has fallen on the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403 is guided to the second ball entry region 412b by utilizing the inclination of the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403. As a result, the same effect as that of the first variable winning device 32a according to the first embodiment is obtained. Further, this configuration can also be applied to the third variable winning device 32c from the second embodiment to the fifth embodiment.

[13] Although the opening / closing door 410 and the stopping portion 450 are separately provided in the first variable winning device 32a, the opening / closing door 410 and the stopping portion 450 may be configured as one member. Hereinafter, the opening / closing door 410 integrally formed with the stop portion 450 is referred to as an opening / closing door 411. Further, the portion of the opening / closing door 411 corresponding to the stop portion 450 is particularly referred to as a stop portion 454. An example in which the opening / closing door 410 and the retaining portion 450 are configured as one member will be described with reference to FIG. 43. FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the first variable winning device 32a according to another modification, FIG. 43 (a) shows a stopped state of the stop portion 454, and FIG. 43 (b) shows a stop state of the stop portion 454. Is shown. In FIG. 43B, the open / close door 411 having the stop portion 454 in the stopped state is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the open / close door 411 having the stop portion 452 in the stopped state is shown by a broken line and a solid line. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (12) above.

Specifically, the opening / closing door 411 functions as a stop portion 454 except for the upper part of the first ball entry area 412a and the upper part of the second ball entry area 412b. When the opening / closing door 411 is advanced and operated in the closed state, the stop portion 454 is in the stop state. When the opening / closing door 411 is retracted and operated in the open state, the stop portion 454 is in the stop release state. Also in this modification, an insertion hole (not shown) for inserting the stop portion 454 is formed in the back wall portion i2 of the passage forming portion i1 of the back surface side member 420. When the opening / closing door 411 is moved forward and backward, the stop portion 454 passes through the insertion hole and is switched between the stop state and the stop release state. When the stop portion 454 is switched to the stop release state, the game ball stopped at the stop portion 454 is pushed out to the back wall portion i2, falls on the upper surface 403a of the frame-shaped member 403, and is guided to the second entry region 412b. Will be done. As a result, the same effect as that of the first variable winning device 32a according to the first embodiment is obtained. Therefore, the game ball can be switched between the stopped state and the stopped state by simply moving the opening / closing door 411 forward and backward. Moreover, since it is not necessary to provide a member for stopping the game ball as a member separate from the opening / closing door, the number of parts of the first variable winning device 32a having a function of stopping the game ball is reduced and the size is reduced. can. It should be noted that this configuration can also be applied to the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment.

[14] The opening / closing door 410 from Example 1 to Example 5 is an advancing / retreating member that can advance / retreat back and forth, but may be a rotating door that rotates between an open state and a closed state. The description regarding this modification can be applied to, for example, the configuration of (13) above.

[15] Although the game board 30 of the first embodiment is provided with two first variable winning devices 32a and two second variable winning devices 32b, it may be configured to provide only the first variable winning device 32a. .. In this case, in the first variable winning device 32a, a predetermined round of gaming is performed in a special gaming state such as a normal jackpot state, a probabilistic jackpot state, or a time-saving jackpot state. It should be noted that this time-saving jackpot state corresponds to the specific gaming state in the present invention.

[16] In the second to fifth embodiments, the first starting port 33 is provided as a starting port that triggers the variation display of the first symbol and the third symbol, but the first starting port 33 is provided. There may be a configuration in which only the third starting port 33c is provided. In this configuration, for example, in a normal state, when the passage of the second starting port 34a or 34b is detected, a lottery is performed by the second symbol, and when the lottery is won, the third starting port 33c is 1. When the ball is opened once (for example, for 1 second) and an incoming ball is detected while the third starting port 33c is open, the fluctuations of the first symbol and the third symbol are changed if the first symbol and the third symbol are not displayed. When the display is started and the first symbol and the third symbol are suspended, the variable display of the first symbol and the third symbol is not started and the ball entry detection is suspended. In the time saving state, the third starting port 33c is opened for, for example, for 3 seconds, and closed for 1 second, and the process is repeated three times. By making the distance between the second starting port 33b and the third starting port 33c wider than that in the second embodiment, the timing from the detection of passage of the second starting port 33b to the opening of the third starting port 33c. May be adjusted appropriately.

[17] In the first variable winning device 32a of the first embodiment, the first large winning opening switch 223a and the first large winning opening switch 223b are provided, but the configuration uses a common large winning opening switch. It doesn't matter. Further, in the third variable winning device 32c of the second embodiment, the third start port switch 461a and the third start port switch 461b are provided, but a common start port switch may be used. .. As such a configuration, for example, in the first embodiment, the first front guide passage portion 422a and the second front guide passage portion 422b are merged on the downstream side to form one passage, and one is formed at a predetermined position of the passage. It is conceivable that two large winning openings switches will be provided. Similarly, in the second to fifth embodiments, it is conceivable that one start port switch is provided at a predetermined position in one passage merged on the downstream side.

[18] The present invention may be carried out on various types of gaming machines (for example, first-class, third-class, etc.), or on pachinko machines of a type different from the above-mentioned examples. For example, once a big hit is made, a pachinko machine (commonly known as a two-time right item or a three-time right item) that raises the expected value of the big hit until multiple (for example, two or three times) big hits occur. It may be carried out as.). Further, after the jackpot symbol is displayed, the pachinko machine may be in a special gaming state on condition that the ball is won in a predetermined area. Further, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that is in a special gaming state when the ball enters a predetermined winning opening. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, it may be implemented as various game machines that use a game ball such as an arrange ball type pachinko machine or a sparrow ball.

[19] The embodiments for carrying out the invention, the inventions described in Examples 1 to 5 and the above-mentioned modified examples are appropriately changed, replaced, deleted or combined as long as they do not conflict with each other. It is also possible to make such a configuration.

As described above, the present invention is suitable for gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

30 ... Game board 30a ... Game area 30al ... Left width narrow area 30ar ... Right width narrow area 32A ... Large winning opening 32a ... 1st variable winning device 32b ... 2nd variable winning device 32c ... 3rd variable winning device (variable winning ball) Device)
32d ... 4th variable winning device 33c ... 3rd starting port (ball entry part)
34b ... Second starting port 38 ... Game ball launcher (launching means)
42 ... 3rd symbol display device 223a ... 1st big winning opening switch 223b ... 1st big winning opening switch 261 ... Main control device (lottery means, execution control means)
404… Covering part 410… Opening / closing door (opening / closing operation member)
412a ... 1st ball entry area 412b ... 2nd ball entry area 461a ... 3rd start port switch (ball entry detection means)
461b ... Third start port switch (ball entry detection means)
450 ... Stop 451 ... Stop passage (downward guidance)
452 ... Stop (stop)
501 ... CPU (lottery means, execution control means)
i1 ... Passage forming part

Claims (1)

A launching means to launch a game ball,
A game board having a game area in which a game ball launched by the launch means flows down, and a game board.
Starting ball entry means that allows a game ball flowing down the game area to enter, and
A variable ball entry device that can be changed into a first state in which a game ball flowing down the game area is easy to enter and a second state in which a game ball is more difficult to enter than in the first state.
A lottery capable of generating a specific gaming state advantageous to the player by repeatedly operating the variable ball entry device in the first state and the second state with the ball entering the starting ball entry means as an opportunity. And lottery means to do
A means for controlling a variable display of identification information that causes a player to visually recognize the result of a lottery by the lottery means, and a means for controlling the variable display.
When the result of the variation display is a specific result for generating the specific gaming state, a means for generating the specific gaming state and a means for generating the specific gaming state.
Equipped with
The variable ball entry device rolls a game ball in a predetermined region provided on the variable ball entry device in the second state in the specific gaming state until the next state is reached. In the first state, it is configured so that almost all the game balls flowing down the specific area including the predetermined area of the game area can be entered.
Downstream of the variable ball entry device is provided with a constantly open opening through which a gaming ball that has rolled in the predetermined region in the second state can enter, and at least by entering the opening. A gaming machine characterized in that a player is provided with a means of entering a ball in which a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

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