Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing an attention level to games.SOLUTION: In a game area PE, a variable winning device 201 including a big winning port 202 is disposed, and when a game ball makes a winning entrance in the big winning port 202, a paying out of the predetermined number of game balls is performed. On a game board 24, flow path forming units 131 and 161 are disposed, the flow path forming units protruding, beyond the front surface of the game board 24, toward the front of the game machine. In the flow path forming units 131 and 161, out ports capable of discharging game balls from the game area PE are provided. The out ports are configured so as to be opened in lateral directions of the game machine in a front view when viewed from the front of the game machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that gaming machines such as pachinko machines provide bonuses, such as the payout of gaming balls, based on the entry of gaming balls into a ball entry means or ball entry section provided in the gaming area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-074175 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, there is a demand for gaming machines that can attract attention to the game.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a gaming machine that can increase attention to the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to A launching means capable of launching a game ball into a game area based on a predetermined launching operation; A ball entry section provided in the game area and into which a game ball can enter; A bonus awarding means for awarding a bonus to a player based on the entry of the game ball into the ball entry section; A discharge section is provided in the game area and capable of discharging game balls from the game area. The discharge section is characterized in that it is configured to open in a lateral direction of the gaming machine when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the attention to the game. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board. [Diagram 5] 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4 showing the variable winning device and its surrounding configuration. [Figure 6] 1A is a front view of the variable winning device and its surrounding structure, and FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C are cross-sectional views of the variable winning device. [Figure 7] An oblique view of the variable winning device and its surrounding structure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of various counters used in lotteries, etc. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing executed by the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a game play control process. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a game state transition process. [Figure 16]A flowchart showing the process of opening and closing the large prize opening. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of a game in a normal game state. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of a game in the opening and closing execution mode. [Figure 19] A front view showing the variable winning device and its surrounding configuration in variant example 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] An oblique view of the shutter in the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 21] 13A is a front view of the variable winning device and its peripheral configuration in the second embodiment, and FIG. 13B and FIG. 13C are cross-sectional views of the variable winning device. [Figure 22] 1A is an oblique view of the variable winning device and its surrounding structure, and FIG. 1B is a plan view showing the rear part of the opening and closing door. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of a game in a normal game state, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of a game in an opening and closing execution mode. [Figure 24] 13A is a front view of the variable winning device and its surrounding structure in the third embodiment, and FIG. [Diagram 25] 1A is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device, and FIG. 1B is a plan view of the opening / closing member and its surrounding structure. [Figure 26] An oblique view of the variable winning device and its surrounding structure. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a distribution table. [Figure 29] 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation start process. [Diagram 30] A flowchart showing the process of opening and closing the large prize opening. [Diagram 31] 13 is a flowchart showing a notification performance control process. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the announcement performance. [Diagram 33]13 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of a game in the opening and closing execution mode. [Diagram 34] A cross-sectional view of the variable winning device in an open state in variant example 1 of the third embodiment. [Diagram 35] A cross-sectional view of the variable winning device in a closed state in the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 36] 1A is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device in the open state A, and FIG. [Figure 37] A cross-sectional view of the variable winning device in open state B. [Figure 38] 1A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the allocation table, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the correspondence between the types of big wins and the opening states of the variable winning devices. [Figure 39] (a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the opening and closing pattern of the variable winning device during one round of play in variant example 1 of the fourth embodiment, and (b) and (c) are explanatory diagrams for explaining other examples thereof. [Diagram 40] An explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between each round and the opening and closing pattern of the variable winning device in variant example 2 of the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 41] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an opening / closing member in a third modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 42] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams for explaining an operation mode of the opening and closing member. [Diagram 43] (a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the jackpot type and the opening state of each round in variant example 4 of the fourth embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the jackpot type and the number of times switching to opening state A in the opening / closing execution mode. [Diagram 44] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the fourth modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 45] FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the jackpot type and the opening state of the 15th round in the fifth variant of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example thereof. [Diagram 46]FIG. 13A is a front view of a variable winning unit and its peripheral configuration in a fifth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning unit. [Figure 47] A cross-sectional view of a variable winning unit. [Figure 48] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an opening / closing member in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. [Figure 50] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation mode of the opening / closing member in an opening / closing execution mode. [Figure 51] 13A is a front view of the variable winning device and its surrounding structure in variant example 1 of the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the opening and closing member. [Figure 52] A cross-sectional view of the variable winning device corresponding to the cross section along line AA in Figure 51(a). [Diagram 53] A cross-sectional view of the variable winning device corresponding to the cross section along line AA in Figure 51(a). [Figure 54] FIG. 13A is a front view of the winning unit and its peripheral configuration in the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 55] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a distribution table. [Figure 56] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of an amusement machine. [Figure 57] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another example of a flow path forming portion. [Figure 58] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another example of a flow path forming portion. [Figure 59] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of an amusement machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <First embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko machine"), which is one type of gaming machine, will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10, and Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an expanded form. Note that Fig. 2 omits the components inside the game area of ​​the pachinko machine 10 for the sake of convenience.

[0010] The pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main body 12 that is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be rotatable forward. The gaming machine main body 12 has an inner frame 13, a front door frame 14 that is disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 that is disposed behind the inner frame 13.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 2, the inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main body 12 is rotatably supported by the outer frame 11 with one of the left and right sides as the support side. A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated forward with one of the left and right sides as the support side. A back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated backward with one of the left and right sides as the support side.

[0012] The gaming machine body 12 is provided with a locking device 16 at its rotating tip, which has the function of locking the gaming machine body 12 so that it cannot be opened relative to the outer frame 11, and also has the function of locking the front door frame 14 so that it cannot be opened relative to the inner frame 13. Each of these locked states is released by using an unlocking key to perform an unlocking operation on a cylinder lock 17 exposed at the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0013] The front door frame 14, which is provided so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame 13, is formed with a window section 61 that allows almost the entire area of ​​a game area, which will be described later, to be viewed from the front. The window section 61 is substantially elliptical in shape, and a window panel 62 is fitted into the window section 61. The window panel 62 is formed of glass so as to be colorless and transparent, but is not limited thereto and may be formed of synthetic resin so as to be colorless and transparent.

[0014] Light-emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the window 61. As part of the various lamps, a display light-emitting unit 63 is provided above the window 61. In addition, on both the left and right sides of the display light-emitting unit 63, speaker units 64 are provided that output sound effects according to the game status.

[0015] Below the window 61 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulge 65 and a lower bulge 66, which bulge toward the front, are arranged vertically side by side. An upper tray 71 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulge 65, and a lower tray 72 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulge 66. The upper tray 71 has the function of temporarily storing game balls dispensed from the dispensing device 96 provided in the back pack unit 15, and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism 53 while aligning them in a row. The lower tray 72 also has the function of storing surplus game balls in the upper tray 71.

[0016] A launch handle 60 is provided to the right of the lower tray 72 in the front door frame 14. By operating the launch handle 60, a game ball is launched toward the game area PE from a game ball launch mechanism 53 provided below the game area PE in the inner frame 13. In this case, by changing the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 60, the launch strength of the game ball launched toward the game area PE, i.e., the momentum of the launch, is changed.

[0017] The play area PE is formed on a game board 24 mounted on the inner frame 13. The structure of the game board 24 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a front view of the game board 24.

[0018] The game board 24 is plate-shaped, and an inner rail section 51 and an outer rail section 52 are attached to its surface (front surface). A game area PE is formed so as to be partitioned by the inner rail section 51 and the outer rail section 52. The inner rail section 51 and the outer rail section 52 also form a guide rail 54 for game balls to the game area PE, and the game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism 53 by the player rotating the launch handle 60 are guided to the upper part of the game area PE by the guide rail 54.

[0019] The guide rail 54 is formed so that its exit portion faces the upper center of the play area PE on one side of the play area PE. Therefore, as the amount of rotation of the launch handle 60 by the player increases, the arrival position of the game ball in the upper part of the play area PE shifts from the side where the exit portion of the guide rail 54 is formed to the opposite side. The exit portion of the guide rail 54 is provided on the left side of the play area PE.

[0020] In the area defined as the play area PE in the game board 24, a plurality of openings of various sizes are formed by router processing, which penetrates in the front-rear direction. Each opening is provided with a general winning opening 31 (see FIG. 5), an upper operating opening (first starting ball entry section) 33, a lower operating opening (second starting ball entry section) 34, a variable winning device 201, a through gate 35, a variable display unit 36, a main display section 43, and a display section for a gadget 44, etc.

[0021] When balls enter the general winning opening 31, the upper operation opening 33, the lower operation opening 34, the through gate 35, and the variable winning device 201, they are detected by the corresponding detection sensors (general winning opening winning sensor 31e, upper operation opening winning sensor 33b, lower operation opening winning sensor 34c, through winning winning sensor 35a, and large winning opening winning sensor 202a). When balls enter the general winning opening 31, the upper operation opening 33, the lower operation opening 34, and the variable winning device 201, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. In this case, when a ball enters the upper operation opening 33, three prize balls are paid out, when a ball enters the lower operation opening 34, two prize balls are paid out, when a ball enters the general winning opening 31, ten prize balls are paid out, and when a ball enters the variable winning device 201, fifteen prize balls are paid out.

[0022] The number of prize balls is arbitrary, and for example, the number of prize balls related to the lower operation port 34 may be greater than the number of prize balls related to the upper operation port 33, or the number of prize balls in both operation ports 33, 34 may be the same. Also, the number of prize balls related to the variable winning device 201 may be less than the number of prize balls related to the operation ports 33, 34, or the same as the number of prize balls in both operation ports 33, 34. However, in order to maintain the advantage of winning in the variable winning device 201, it is preferable that the number of prize balls related to the variable winning device 201 is greater than the number of prize balls related to the operation ports 33, 34. In addition, the number of prize balls related to the general winning port 31 may be the same as or greater than the number of prize balls related to the variable winning device 201. As described later, the general winning opening 31 is a ball entry section that is not related to the game that draws the big win lottery, which is the core of the game, or the game during the big win, and the prize balls based on the balls that enter the general winning opening 31 can be said to play a supplementary role in playing this core game. In that respect, the more prize balls there are related to the general winning opening 31 (or the more likely it is that balls will enter the general winning opening 31), the less balls will be lost in the game that draws the big win lottery, or the more prize balls can be obtained in total.

[0023] In addition, the game board 24 is provided with an outlet, and game balls that do not enter the various winning holes are discharged from the game area PE through the outlet. In addition, the game board 24 is provided with a large number of game nails 38 for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the game balls, and various components (gimmicks) such as windmills are also provided.

[0024] Here, the term "entering" means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and includes not only the mode in which the game ball passes through the opening and is discharged from the game area PE, but also the mode in which the game ball continues to flow down the game area PE without being discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish from the game ball entering the out-hole, the game ball entering the general winning opening 31, the upper operating opening 33, the lower operating opening 34, the through gate 35, or the variable winning device 201 is also expressed as winning. Among the general winning opening 31, the upper operating opening 33, the lower operating opening 34, the through gate 35, and the variable winning device 201, the through gate 35 is configured to return the winning game ball to the game area PE again, while the other winning sections 31, 33, 34, and 201 are configured to guide the winning game ball to the back side of the game board 24 and not return it to the game area PE (not to enter the other winning sections or the out-hole again).

[0025] The variable display unit 36 ​​is provided so as to include the center of the game area PE. The peripheral portion of the variable display unit 36 ​​protrudes forward of the pachinko machine 10 from the surface of the game board 24, and thus the area into which the game balls can flow is divided into multiple areas.

[0026] Specifically, the game area PE is divided into an upper area PE1, which is an area above a predetermined height position of the variable display unit 36, a left side area PE2, which is an area contiguous with the upper area PE1 below and to the left of the variable display unit 36, a right side area PE3, which is an area contiguous with the upper area PE1 below and to the right of the variable display unit 36, and a lower area PE4, which is an area contiguous with each of the left side area PE2 and the right side area PE3 below and below the variable display unit 36.

[0027] Which of these regions PE1 to PE4 the game ball will flow through is determined by the amount of rotation of the launch handle 60, i.e., the launching force of the game ball. Specifically, when the player rotates the launch handle 60 as the first launch operation with a rotation amount in a first range that is equal to or greater than a predetermined rotation amount and less than a reference rotation amount, the launched game ball is more likely to be shot leftward in the upper region PE1 than the center position in the horizontal direction. In this case, the game ball will flow down the game region PE in the order of upper region PE1 → left region PE2 → lower region PE4.

[0028] On the other hand, when the player rotates the launch handle 60 as the second launch operation with a rotation operation amount in the second range that is equal to or greater than the reference rotation amount, the launched game ball is more likely to be shot to the right of the horizontal center position in the upper area PE1. In this case, the game ball flows down in the order of the upper area PE1 → right area PE3 → lower area PE4. In other words, by adjusting the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 60, the player can select whether the game ball will be played on the left route flowing down the left area PE2 or the right route flowing down the right area PE3.

[0029] The reference rotation amount is a rotation operation amount at which the rate at which the game ball flows down the left area PE2 and the rate at which the game ball flows down the right area PE3 are the same or approximately the same, and the predetermined rotation amount is a rotation operation amount at which the launched game ball can pass through the guide rail 54 and enter the game area PE. With a rotation operation amount in the first range, the rate at which the game ball flows down the left area PE2 becomes high, and with a rotation operation amount in the second range, the rate at which the game ball flows down the right area PE3 becomes high.

[0030] The upper actuation port 33 and the lower actuation port 34 are unitized as an actuation port device and installed on the game board 24. Both the upper actuation port 33 and the lower actuation port 34 are open upward. In addition, both actuation ports 33, 34 are arranged in the up-down direction, specifically the vertical direction, with the upper actuation port 33 facing upward. The game ball can reach these upper actuation port 33 and lower actuation port 34 regardless of whether the player is performing the first or second firing operation. The lower actuation port 34 is provided with an electric device 34a as a guide piece (support piece) consisting of a pair of left and right movable pieces.

[0031] The electric role 34a is configured to be switchable between an open state (support state or guide state) that allows the ball to enter the lower operating port 34 and a closed state (non-support state or non-guide state) that makes it more difficult or impossible to enter the lower operating port 34 than in the open state. Here, a supplementary explanation of the electric role 34a will be given.

[0032] The operating port case 33a constituting the upper operating port 33 protrudes forward and is generally trapezoidal when viewed from the front, with the upper side length being smaller than the lower side length. At this time, the upper side length of the operating port case 33a (i.e., the left and right width of the upper operating port 33) is made slightly longer than the diameter of the game ball, and the lower side length is made longer than the distance between the left and right electric role devices 34a when the electric role devices 34a are in the closed state. In addition, the installation interval of both operating ports 33, 34 is adjusted so that the distance between the operating port case 33a and the upper end of the electric role device 34a is slightly shorter than the diameter of the game ball when the electric role device 34a is in the closed state.

[0033] According to the above configuration, when the electric role 34a is closed, the game ball cannot enter the lower operating port 34, but when the electric role 34a is opened, the game ball can enter the lower operating port 34. In particular, when the electric role 34a is in the middle of moving from the closed state to the open state, the operating port case 33a of the upper operating port 33 is approximately trapezoidal as described above, which becomes an obstacle, so that the game ball cannot enter the lower operating port 34 until the electric role 34a is fully opened, and the game ball can enter only when the electric role 34a is almost fully open. In other words, the game ball that falls from above hits the side of the operating port case 33a and bounces outward, and does not enter the lower operating port 34 directly. As a result, when the electric role 34a is opened in a very short time, it is extremely difficult to enter the lower operating port 34, and it is easy to enter the lower operating port 34 only when the electric role 34a is kept open.

[0034] In addition, in addition to the configuration in which the operating port case 33a of the upper operating port 33 is approximately trapezoidal as described above, the operating port case 33a of the upper operating port 33 may be configured in two stages with a narrow upper part and a wide lower part, or a hindering nail may be planted diagonally below the operating port case 33a.

[0035] The variable winning device 201 is installed in the lower area PE4 of the game board 24, more specifically, in the center in the left-right direction at the bottom of the game area PE. The variable winning device 201 has a large winning opening 202 (see FIG. 7(b)) that leads to the back side of the game board 24, and also has an opening / closing door 203 that opens and closes the large winning opening 202. The opening / closing door 203 is normally in a closed state in which game balls cannot or do not easily win, and is switched to a predetermined open state in which game balls can easily win if an internal lottery is won to transition to an opening / closing execution mode (opening / closing execution state).

[0036] Here, the opening and closing execution mode is a mode to which the player is shifted when a big win or a special miss win occurs. The opening and closing execution mode will be described in detail later. The opening and closing execution mode of the variable winning device 201 may be opened repeatedly up to a maximum of multiple rounds (e.g., 15 rounds), with one round being the passage of a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) or the winning of a predetermined number of prizes (e.g., 10 prizes).

[0037] Flow path forming sections 131, 161 are installed on both the left and right sides of the lower area PE4, sandwiching the variable winning device 201. The left flow path forming section 131 forms a game ball flow path through which the game ball that has passed through the left area PE2 can flow down, and the right flow path forming section 161 forms a game ball flow path through which the game ball that has passed through the right area PE3 can flow down. These flow path forming sections 131, 161 are configured to guide the game balls that have flowed down the left area PE2 and the right area PE3 to the variable winning device 201, respectively, and are formed of colorless and transparent or colored and transparent synthetic resin.

[0038] Both of the flow path forming parts 131, 161 protrude from the front of the game board 24 toward the front of the game machine, and their front faces a window panel 62 provided in the front door frame 14. The distance between the front of each of the flow path forming parts 131, 161 and the window panel 62 is narrower than the width of one game ball, so that the game ball cannot pass in front of the flow path forming parts 131, 161. Therefore, each of the flow path forming parts 131, 161 defines a part of the outer edge of the game area PE (more specifically, the outer edge of the lower left and lower right parts of the game area PE). The front part of each of the flow path forming parts 131, 161 is decorated by being given a predetermined shape or coloring.

[0039] The right-side flow passage forming section 161 is provided with a main display section 43 and a display section for a gadget 44. The main display section 43 and the display section for a gadget 44 are provided so as to be exposed from the front surface of the right-side flow passage forming section 161. In other words, the main display section 43 and the display section for a gadget 44 are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the window panel 62 of the front door frame 14, and game balls are prevented from falling in front of both the display sections 43, 44.

[0040] The main display unit 43 is configured with a round display unit RS for displaying the number of rounds in the opening / closing execution mode when the opening / closing execution mode is selected (or when the opening / closing execution mode is entered) as a result of an internal lottery, a first result display unit AS for displaying the result of the internal lottery conducted based on a winning entry into the upper operating port 33, and a second result display unit BS for displaying the result of the internal lottery conducted based on a winning entry into the lower operating port 34.

[0041] The round display unit RS starts displaying the number of rounds when the opening and closing execution mode is started, and stops displaying the number of rounds when the opening and closing execution mode is ended.

[0042] In the first result display unit AS, the winning entry into the upper operating port 33 is used as a trigger to display the varying patterns, and as a result of stopping the varying display, the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning entry into the upper operating port 33 is clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning entry into the upper operating port 33 is a winning result corresponding to a transition to the opening / closing execution mode, a predetermined stop result is displayed in the first result display unit AS, the varying display is stopped, and then the mode transitions to the opening / closing execution mode.

[0043] In the second result display unit BS, the winning of the winning ball into the lower operating port 34 is used as a trigger to display the varying patterns, and as a result of stopping the varying display, the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning ball into the lower operating port 34 is clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning ball into the lower operating port 34 is a winning result corresponding to a transition to the opening / closing execution mode, a predetermined stop result is displayed in the second result display unit BS, the varying display is stopped, and then the mode transitions to the opening / closing execution mode.

[0044] Here, based on a winning entry into any of the operating ports 33, 34, a variable display is started in the corresponding result display unit AS, BS, and a predetermined stop result is displayed and the variable display is stopped, which corresponds to one game round. However, one game round is not limited to the above, and for example, in a configuration in which a single result display unit is provided and the variable display is performed in that single result display unit regardless of whether a winning entry into any of the operating ports 33, 34 occurs, a variable display is started in that single result display unit, and one game round is considered to be a period from when the variable display is started to when the variable display is stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed.

[0045] The display unit 44 for the gambling device is a display unit for displaying the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 35. In this case, the display unit 44 for the gambling device displays the variation of the image triggered by the winning of the through gate 35, and as a result of the stopping of the variation display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 35 is displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the through gate 35 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric role opening state, the display unit 44 for the gambling device displays a predetermined stop result, the variation display is stopped, and then the state transitions to the electric role opening state. In the electric role opening state, the electric gambling device 34a provided in the lower operating port 34 is opened in a predetermined manner.

[0046] The main display unit 43 and the character display unit 44 are constructed of a segment display device having a plurality of segments, but are not limited to this and other display devices such as a liquid crystal display device may also be used.

[0047] The variable display unit 36 ​​is provided with a pattern display device 41 that variably displays (or variably displays or switches between) a pattern, which is a type of picture. The variable display unit 36 ​​is also provided with a center frame 42 that surrounds the pattern display device 41. The upper portion of the center frame 42 extends forward of the pachinko machine 10. This prevents game balls from falling in front of the display screen of the pattern display device 41, and is configured to prevent inconvenience such as a decrease in visibility of the display screen due to falling game balls.

[0048] The pattern display device 41 is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. Note that the pattern display device 41 is not limited to being a liquid crystal display device, and may be other display devices such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT.

[0049] The pattern display device 41 displays patterns arranged, for example, at the top, middle, and bottom, and these patterns are scrolled left and right to display them in a variable manner. In this case, the variable display on the pattern display device 41 is started based on the winning of the upper operation port 33 or the lower operation port 34. That is, when the variable display is performed on the main display unit 43, the variable display is performed on the pattern display device 41 accordingly. Then, for example, in a game round that transitions to a 15-round corresponding opening and closing execution mode in which the opening of the large winning port 202 of the variable winning device 201 is performed 15 times as the opening and closing execution mode, a predetermined combination of patterns is displayed stopped on a preset pay line on the pattern display device 41.

[0050] A first reserved light emitting unit 45 corresponding to the first result display unit AS and the symbol display unit 41 is provided in the upper left part on the front side of the center frame 42. The number of game balls that have entered the upper operation port 33 is reserved up to four, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by lighting the first reserved light emitting unit 45. In addition, a second reserved light emitting unit 46 corresponding to the second result display unit BS and the symbol display unit 41 is provided in the upper right part on the front side of the center frame 42. The number of game balls that have entered the lower operation port 34 is reserved up to four, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by lighting the second reserved light emitting unit 46. As described above, the upper part of the center frame 42 extends forward of the pachinko machine 10, so that the visibility of the first reserved light emitting unit 45 and the second reserved light emitting unit 46 is not hindered by the falling of game balls.

[0051] A third reserved light emitting unit 47 corresponding to the role display unit 44 is provided at the bottom of the center frame 42. The game balls are reserved up to four times after passing through the through gate 35, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by lighting up the third reserved light emitting unit 47. Note that each of the reserved light emitting units 45 to 47 may be configured to be displayed as a part of the symbol display device 41.

[0052] Next, the configuration of the rear side of the gaming machine main body 12 will be described.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, a main control device 81 and a performance control device 82 are mounted on the back surface of the inner frame 13 (specifically, the game board 24).

[0054] The main control device 81 is equipped with a main control board having a function of controlling the main game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is housed in a board box 83 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 83 is equipped with a box base (front case body) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (back case body) covering the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are inseparably connected by a box joint 85 as a separation prevention means (or a connecting means), thereby sealing the board box 83. Since the box base and the box cover are inseparably connected by the box joint 85, the board box 83 is configured to require destruction or partial removal of the board box 83 when opening the internal space of the board box 83. A plurality of box joints 85 are provided on the long side of the board box 83, and at least one of them is used to perform the connecting process.

[0055] The box coupling part 85 may have any configuration as long as it couples the box base and the box cover together in an unopenable manner, but the box base and the box cover are coupled together in an unopenable manner by inserting a locking claw into the long hole that constitutes the box coupling part 85. The coupling process using the box coupling part 85 prevents unauthorized opening after the coupling, and allows early and easy detection of unauthorized opening in the unlikely event of such an occurrence. Even after the box has been once opened, the opening process can be performed again. That is, the coupling process is performed by inserting a locking claw into at least one long hole among the multiple box coupling parts 85. When the board box 83 is opened, for example, when a malfunction occurs in the housed main control board or when inspecting the main control board, the connection part between the box coupling part 85 into which the locking claw is inserted and the other box coupling parts 85 and the connection part between the box body are cut. This separates the box base and the box cover of the board box 83, and the main control board inside can be taken out. When the coupling process is then performed again, a locking claw is inserted into the long hole of the other box coupling part 85. If a history of the opening of the board box 83 is left in the board box 83, it is possible to easily discover that an unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the board box 83.

[0056] A plurality of connecting pieces 86 are provided on one short side of the board box 83 so as to protrude laterally. These connecting pieces 86 correspond one-to-one to a plurality of connectable pieces 87 formed on the mounting base of the main control device 81, and the connecting pieces 86 and the connectable pieces 87 connect the board box 83 to the mounting base.

[0057] In addition, a seal may be attached across the boundary between the box base and the box cover as a trace means for detecting unauthorized opening of the board box 83. In this case, when the seal is peeled off from the attachment point, the adhesive layer of the seal remains on the board box 83, leaving a trace. Furthermore, an IC tag that transmits a response wave including identification information in response to a calling wave of a predetermined frequency may be provided on the seal, and when the seal is peeled off, the antenna of the IC tag may be cut off, making it impossible to transmit the response wave.

[0058] The performance control device 82 is equipped with a performance control board that controls audio and lamp displays, as well as a display control device not shown, in accordance with instructions from the main control device 81, and the performance control board is housed in a board box 84 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

[0059] 3, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 91, to which a dispensing mechanism section 92 and a control device assembly unit 93 are attached. The back pack 91 is made of a transparent synthetic resin, and has a protective cover section 94 that protrudes rearward and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to cover the main control device 81, the performance control device 82, etc. from the rear.

[0060] The payout mechanism 92 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover 94, and includes a tank 95 to which game balls are successively replenished from the island equipment of the game arcade, and a payout device 96 for paying out the game balls stored in the tank 95. The game balls paid out from the payout device 96 are discharged to the upper tray 71 or the lower tray 72 through a payout passage (not shown) provided downstream of the payout device 96. The payout mechanism 92 is also equipped with a back pack board to which a main power source of, for example, 24 volts AC is supplied and which is provided with a power switch for turning the power source on and off.

[0061] In addition, the back pack 91 is provided with an external output terminal 99 on the upper edge side of the rotation axis side of the back pack unit 15. The external output terminal 99 includes an output terminal for outputting a signal when the tank 95 or the like runs out of game balls, an output terminal for outputting a signal every time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, an output terminal for outputting a signal every time a predetermined number of game balls are dispensed, an output terminal for outputting a signal when the gaming machine main body 12 is opened, an output terminal for outputting a signal when the front door frame 14 is opened, and an output terminal for outputting a signal during a state transition such as an open / close execution mode (or while the state is transitioning). Then, a signal regarding the state of the frame side is output to the management control device on the gaming hall side through these output terminals. Note that an output terminal for outputting a signal every time a predetermined number of game balls are dispensed is not necessary in a so-called cash machine.

[0062] The control device aggregate unit 93 includes a payout control device 97 and a power supply and launch control device 98. The payout control device 97 and the power supply and launch control device 98 are stacked in front and behind each other so that the payout control device 97 is located at the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

[0063] The dispensing control device 97 is configured by housing a dispensing control board that controls the dispensing device 96 in a board box. In this case, the board box of the dispensing control device 97 may be provided with the same fraud prevention means as the board box 83 of the main control device 81.

[0064] The power supply and launch control device 98 is configured by housing a power supply and launch control board in a board box, and the board generates and outputs the predetermined power required by various control devices, etc., and also controls the launch of game balls in response to the player's operation of the launch handle 60. In addition, this pachinko machine 10 has a memory retention function for various data, so that in the event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is retained, and when the power is restored, the state at the time of the power outage can be restored.

[0065] <Flow path forming section 131, 161 and variable winning device 201> In this embodiment, the flow path forming units 131, 161, the variable winning device 201, and the related configuration are characteristic. Hereinafter, the flow path forming units 131, 161, the variable winning device 201, and the related configuration will be explained in more detail with reference to Figs. 5 to 7. Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 4 showing the variable winning device 201 and its surrounding configuration in an enlarged manner, Fig. 6(a) is a front view of the variable winning device 201, Figs. 6(b) and 6(c) are cross-sectional views of the variable winning device 201, and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the variable winning device 201 and its surrounding configuration.

[0066] First, the left side flow path forming portion 131 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The left side flow path forming portion 131 is disposed along the inner rail portion 51 in the left portion of the lower area PE4. As already described, the left side flow path forming portion 131 protrudes forward from the front surface of the game board 24, and is configured such that game balls cannot flow down in front of the left side flow path forming portion 131. The upper surface portion 132 of the left side flow path forming portion 131 is a rolling surface on which game balls can roll, and forms a flow path that guides game balls to the left and right central side of the lower area PE4.

[0067] The upper surface portion 132 is formed with a step in the vertical direction, and is divided into a first inclined portion 133 on the upstream side and a second inclined portion 136 on the downstream side. The first inclined portion 133 is inclined downward to the right side when viewed from the front, and forms a left first flow path that guides the game balls that flow down the left side area PE2 toward the left game nail group 134. The left game nail group 134 is composed of a plurality of game nails 38 arranged in a substantially straight line between the first inclined portion 133 and the lower operating port 34 arranged above the variable winning device 201, and forms a guide path that can guide the game balls from the first inclined portion 133 to the lower operating port 34.

[0068] Between the first inclined portion 133 and the left game nail group 134, and at a midpoint of the left game nail group 134, gaps 135 through which one game ball can pass are formed, and game balls can fall through these gaps 135. Below the gap 135, general winning openings 31a and 31b that open upward are arranged, and one game ball can win each of these general winning openings 31a and 31b. Between the gap 135 and the general winning openings 31a and 31b, a plurality of game nails 38 are arranged, and the game balls that fall from the gap 135 are randomly distributed by these game nails 38. For this reason, the game balls that fall from the gap 135 may or may not win the general winning openings 31a and 31b. In this embodiment, two general winning openings 31 are arranged, but the number of general winning openings 31 is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more.

[0069] The second inclined portion 136 is inclined downward to the right side in a front view, and its downstreammost portion (terminal end portion) is open toward the variable winning device 201. The second inclined portion 136 is disposed below the general winning openings 31a, 31b, and forms a left second flow path that guides game balls that do not win in the general winning openings 31a, 31b toward the variable winning device 201.

[0070] Between the second inclined portion 136 and the first inclined portion 133, a first vertical wall portion 137 is formed to form the step and connect both the inclined portions 133, 136. The first vertical wall portion 137 extends in the up-down direction, and between the first vertical wall portion 137 and the general winning opening 31a, a left third flow path through which one game ball can pass is formed. Therefore, when a game ball that has fallen through the gap 135 passes through the left side of the general winning opening 31a, the game ball can reach the second inclined portion 136 through the third flow path.

[0071] In this embodiment, the second inclined portion 136 is continuous with the lower end of the first vertical wall portion 137, and is configured such that there is no escape route for the game balls, such as an outlet, between the connection with the first vertical wall portion 137 and the most downstream portion (the end on the variable winning device 201 side). For this reason, all game balls that have passed through the left third flow path and those that have fallen onto the second inclined portion 136 are led out to the variable winning device 201 side. The rolling surfaces of the game balls on the first inclined portion 133 and the second inclined portion 136 are flat and free of irregularities, allowing the game balls to roll (flow down) smoothly.

[0072] In addition, a plurality of game nails 38 are arranged in the area PE4a between the lower operating port 34 and the variable winning device 201 and in the area PE4b between the left game nail group 134 and the variable winning device 201, and these game nails 38 are laid out so as to guide the game balls that flow into the areas PE4a and PE4b to the variable winning device 201. For this reason, game balls that flow down by the side of the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34, and game balls that fall from the gap 135 and flow into the area PE4b all flow down to the variable winning device 201 side. If the game balls in the areas PE4a and PE4b flow down toward the variable winning device 201, the game nails 38 in these areas may be omitted, or a passage member (guide member) made of synthetic resin may be provided instead of the game nails 38.

[0073] A second vertical wall portion 138 extending downward (toward the inner rail portion 51) is provided at the most downstream portion of the second inclined portion 136. An outlet 141 through which a game ball can enter is provided at the upper portion of the second vertical wall portion 138, and the game ball that enters the outlet 141 is guided to the rear side of the game board 24 and discharged from the game area PE. The outlet 141 opens in the lateral direction (rightward) of the game machine, and is large enough to allow one game ball to pass through.

[0074] The front part of the left side flow path forming part 131 in the outlet 141 and its surrounding area, that is, the front part of the left side flow path forming part 131, at least the part overlapping the outlet 141 and the guide passage that leads the game ball that entered the outlet 141 to the back side of the game board 24 from the front of the game machine, is given a predetermined decoration by plating, seal, etc. and is colored. On the other hand, the second inclined part 136 that becomes the rolling surface of the game ball is not colored in such a way, and the above part has a lower light transmittance than the second inclined part 136. As a result, the opening of the outlet 141 and the flow of the game ball that entered the outlet 141 are not visible or are difficult to see when viewed from the front of the game machine. In other words, the visibility of the outlet 141 is lower than that of other ball entry parts (for example, the variable winning device 201), and it is configured to be difficult to notice.

[0075] In this case, a sign (e.g., "OUT") indicating or clearly indicating the outlet 141 may be provided on the front surface of the left-side flow path forming portion 131 at the outlet 141 and its surrounding area so that players, hall employees, etc. can recognize the existence of the outlet 141. Note that instead of coloring the above-mentioned portion, the above-mentioned portion may be formed from an opaque material or a material having a lower light transmittance than the second inclined portion 136, thereby reducing the visibility of the outlet 141.

[0076] Incidentally, as already explained, the left side flow passage forming portion 131 itself is formed of a transparent synthetic resin and has translucency. Therefore, by disposing a light emitting board equipped with a plurality of light emitting elements capable of emitting light toward the front of the gaming machine or toward the sides of the gaming machine (up and down or left and right) at the rear of the left side flow passage forming portion 131, it is possible to perform a light emitting effect such as brightly illuminating the second inclined portion 136, for example.

[0077] Next, the right side flow passage forming portion 161 will be described. The upper surface portion 162 of the right side flow passage forming portion 161 is a rolling surface on which the game ball can roll, and forms a flow passage that guides the game ball to the left-right center side of the lower area PE4. The upper surface portion 162 of the right side flow passage forming portion 161 is symmetrical to the upper surface portion 132 of the left side flow passage forming portion 131, and has a first inclined portion 163, a second inclined portion 166, and a first vertical wall portion 167.

[0078] The first inclined portion 163 is inclined downward to the left side in front view, and forms a right first flow path that guides the game ball that has flowed down the right area PE3 toward the right game nail group 164. The right game nail group 164 forms a guide path that can guide the game ball to the lower operating port 34, and a gap 165 through which one game ball can pass is formed between the first inclined portion 163 and the right game nail group 164 and at a midpoint of the right game nail group 164. In addition, below the gap 165, the general winning openings 31c, 31d that open upward are arranged, and the game ball that has fallen from the gap 165 can win a prize in the general winning openings 31c, 31d.

[0079] The second inclined portion 166 is inclined downward to the left side in front view, and forms a right-side second flow path that guides the game ball toward the variable winning device 201. The second inclined portion 166 is disposed below the general winning openings 31c, 31d, and guides the game balls that have not won in the general winning openings 31c, 31d to the variable winning device 201. The first vertical wall portion 167 connects the first inclined portion 163 and the second inclined portion 166, and forms a right-side third flow path through which one game ball can pass between the first inclined portion 163 and the general winning opening 31d.

[0080] In this embodiment, the second inclined portion 166 is continuous with the lower end of the first vertical wall portion 167, and is configured such that there is no escape route for the game balls, such as an outlet, between the connection with the first vertical wall portion 167 and the terminal portion (the end portion on the variable winning device 201 side). For this reason, all game balls that have passed through the right-side third flow path and game balls that have fallen onto the second inclined portion 166 are led out to the variable winning device 201 side. The rolling surfaces of the game balls on the first inclined portion 163 and the second inclined portion 166 are flat and free of irregularities, allowing the game balls to roll (flow down) smoothly.

[0081] In the area PE4c between the right-side game nail group 164 and the variable winning device 201, a plurality of game nails 38 are provided to guide the game balls that flow into the area PE4c to the variable winning device 201, and all the game balls that fall from the gap 165 and flow into the area PE4c flow down toward the variable winning device 201. Note that, if the game balls in the area PE4c flow down toward the variable winning device 201, the game nails 38 in the area PE4c may be omitted, or a passage member (guide member) made of synthetic resin may be provided instead of the game nails 38.

[0082] The second vertical wall portion 168 extending downward (toward the inner rail portion 51) is provided at the most downstream portion of the second inclined portion 166. The upper portion of the second vertical wall portion 168 is provided with an outlet 171 for discharging game balls from the game area PE. The outlet 171 opens in the lateral direction (leftward) of the game machine, and is large enough for one game ball to pass through. The height position of the outlet 171 is the same as the outlet 141 of the left side flow passage forming portion 131, and the outlets 141, 171 face each other across the variable winning device 201. In addition, as in the case of the outlet 141, the outlet 171 and the front surface of the right side flow passage forming portion 161 in the vicinity thereof are made opaque, so that the visibility from the front of the game machine is lower than other ball entry portions. Incidentally, in this embodiment, no outlets other than the outlets 141, 171 are provided.

[0083] Next, the variable winning device 201 will be described. As shown in Fig. 6(a), an opening 207 penetrating the game board 24 in the thickness direction is provided at the lowest position of the game board 24. The variable winning device 201 has a plate-shaped base body 211, and is attached to the game board 24 by fitting the base body 211 into the opening 207.

[0084] The distance between the front part 211a of the base body 211 and the window panel 62 is larger than the diameter of a game ball, and a passage part 208 through which the game ball can pass is formed in front of the front part 211a. The passage part 208 is configured with a side wall part 213 consisting of each of the second vertical wall parts 138, 168 of the flow path forming parts 131, 161, and a bottom part 214 consisting of the inner rail part 51, and a large prize winning opening 202 is formed in the upper part of the passage part 208 (see FIG. 7(b)). The large prize winning opening 202 opens upward and has a horizontally long rectangular shape extending left and right in a plan view. The size (width dimension) of the large prize winning opening 202 is large enough to allow multiple game balls to pass through at the same time.

[0085] A through hole 222 is formed in the center of the lower part of the passage part 208, penetrating the base body 211 in the thickness direction. The through hole 222 has a horizontally long, approximately elliptical shape when viewed from the front, and has a size that allows multiple game balls to pass through at the same time. As shown in FIG. 6(b), a ball passage 221 is provided on the back side of the base body 211, and the ball passage 221 communicates with the passage part 208 through the through hole 222. The ball passage 221 extends rearward, and the game ball that reaches the ball passage 221 is guided rearward along the passage bottom surface 221a. A large prize opening winning sensor 202a that detects a game ball that has won in the large prize opening 202 is disposed in the middle position. The large prize opening winning sensor 202a is electrically connected to the main control device 81, and when a game ball passes through the detection area of ​​the large prize opening winning sensor 202a, predetermined detection information (detection signal) is input to the main control device 81. Based on this detection information, the main control device 81 determines whether or not a prize has been won in the large prize opening 202.

[0086] A plate-shaped shutter 216 is disposed as the opening / closing door 203 so as to cover the special winning opening 202. The shutter 216 is configured to be able to slide forward and backward, and can be displaced between a protruding position where it protrudes from the front part 211a of the base body 211 (the front face of the game board 24) toward the front of the game machine, and a retracted position where it retreats rearward from the protruding position and is prevented from protruding toward the front of the game machine.

[0087] When the shutter 216 is in the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 7(b), a receiving area RA capable of receiving the game ball into the large prize opening 202 is formed in the upper part of the passage 208. The receiving area RA is in the same position as the large prize opening 202 in a plan view and has the same shape and size, and the receiving area RA is formed to allow the game ball to enter the large prize opening 202. In addition, in the retracted position, the front end of the shutter 216 is flush with the front part 211a of the base body 211 or is located closer to the rear side of the gaming machine than the front part 211a. This not only allows the game ball to pass in front of the shutter 216 in the retracted position, but also prevents the game ball from getting caught on the boundary between the base body 211 and the shutter 216, ensuring a smooth flow of the game ball.

[0088] On the other hand, when the shutter 216 is in the protruding position, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the shutter 216 covers the large prize opening 202 from above, and the receiving area RA disappears. This causes the variable prize-winning device 201 to enter a closed state, and the entry of game balls into the large prize opening 202 is restricted. Note that it is not necessary to configure the large prize opening 202 so that game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 202 when it is in the closed state, and it may be configured so that game balls can enter the large prize opening 202 to a degree that is more difficult to enter than in the open state. In short, it is sufficient that the ease of entering the large prize opening 202 differs between the open state and the closed state, and the degree of closing or opening is arbitrary.

[0089] Here, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the height positions of the left and right ends 216a, 216b of the shutter 216 are set to positions lower than the second inclined parts 136, 166 of each flow path forming part 131, 161 by at least the size of one game ball. In other words, step parts 204 are formed on both the left and right sides of the shutter 216 so that the left and right ends 216a, 216b of the shutter 216 are lower than the second inclined parts 136, 166 by at least the diameter of the game ball. In these step parts 204, the above-mentioned outlets 141, 171 are arranged in a manner that opens to the shutter 216 side. Therefore, when a game ball rolls on the shutter 216 located at the protruding position, the game ball is guided to the outlets 141, 171 by the shutter 216.

[0090] The shutter 216 is provided with a guide function for guiding game balls to the outlets 141 and 171. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(a), a first shutter inclined portion 217 that slopes downward toward the outlet 141 is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the shutter 216, and a second shutter inclined portion 218 that slopes downward toward the outlet 171 is provided on the right side of the upper surface. These inclined portions 217 and 218 are symmetrical, and game balls that reach the upper surface of the shutter 216 are guided to the outlets 141 and 171 by the inclined portions 217 and 218. It is not necessary to incline the entire shutter 216, and it is sufficient that at least the upper surface portion is inclined.

[0091] The shutter 216 extends in the left-right direction, and more specifically, its left and right ends 216a, 216b are located near the second vertical wall portions 138, 168 of the flow path forming portions 131, 161. The distance between the left and right ends 216a, 216b of the shutter 216 and each outlet 141, 171 is less than the diameter of the game ball, so that the game ball does not fall between the shutter 216 located in the protruding position and each outlet 141, 171. Therefore, all game balls guided by the shutter 216 toward the outlet 141, 171 enter the outlet 141, 171 unless the shutter 216 is displaced to the retracted position during the guidance.

[0092] When the shutter 216 is in the retracted position, the game balls will not enter the outlets 141, 171 as a general rule, except in cases where an event occurs in which the direction of the game balls changes due to contact between game balls.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 6(b) and (c), a variable winning drive unit 219 for driving the shutter 216 is attached to the rear side of the base body 211. The variable winning drive unit 219 has a solenoid as a driving source and a link mechanism as a driving force transmission means for transmitting the driving force from the solenoid to the shutter 216. The solenoid is electrically connected to the main control device 81 and is driven based on a driving signal from the main control device 81. When the solenoid is driven, the shutter 216 retreats from the protruding position to the retracted position, and the variable winning device 201 switches from the closed state to the open state. When the output of the driving signal from the main control device 81 stops, the shutter 216 advances from the retracted position to the protruding position due to the biasing force of the biasing means (spring, etc.), and the variable winning device 201 switches from the open state to the closed state.

[0094] <Electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10> Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0095] The main control board 111 is equipped with an MPU 112. The MPU 112 incorporates a ROM 113 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 112, a RAM 114 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 113, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as random number generators, and the like. It is not essential that the ROM 113 and the RAM 114 are integrated into a single chip for the MPU 112, and each may be integrated into a separate chip. The same applies to the MPUs of control devices other than the main control device 81.

[0096] The MPU 112 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the MPU 112 is connected to a power failure monitoring board 115 and a dispensing control device 97 provided in the main control device 81. In this case, a power supply and launch control device 98 having a function of supplying operating power is connected to the power failure monitoring board 115, and power is supplied to the MPU 112 via the power failure monitoring board 115.

[0097] In addition, various sensors are connected to the input side of the MPU 112. The various sensors include a general winning port winning sensor 31e, an upper operation port winning sensor 33b, a lower operation port winning sensor 34c, a through winning sensor 35a, and a large winning port winning sensor 202a, which detect winnings in the general winning port 31, the upper operation port 33, the lower operation port 34, the through gate 35, and the variable winning device 201. The MPU 112 performs winning judgments (ball winning judgments) in each ball entry section based on the detection results of these various sensors 31e, 33b, 34c, 35a, and 202a. The MPU 112 also executes a lottery for generating a large win based on winnings in the upper operation port 33 and the lower operation port 34, and executes a lottery for generating a support based on winnings in the through gate 35.

[0098] The output side of the MPU 112 is connected to a power failure monitoring board 115, a payout control device 97, a performance control device 82, etc. A prize ball command is output to the payout control device 97 based on the winning judgment result to the prize ball corresponding to the payout of the prize ball.

[0099] Various commands for performance are output to the performance control device 82. Details of these various commands will be explained later. Incidentally, the performance control device 82 is electrically connected to the main control device 81 via a connector unit (connection unit) in which connectors are provided on both ends of a signal line.

[0100] Moreover, the output side of the MPU 112 is connected with the electric role drive unit 34b and the variable winning drive unit 219 as various drive units. The main control board 111 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 112 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits. Specifically, when a transition to the opening / closing execution mode occurs, the MPU 112 executes drive control of the variable winning drive unit 219 so that the large winning port 202 is opened and closed. Also, when the electric role 34a is opened and closed, the MPU 112 executes drive control of the electric role drive unit 34b so that the electric role 34a is opened and closed. Also, during each game, the MPU 112 executes display control of the first result display unit AS or the second result display unit BS in the main display unit 43, and during the opening / closing execution mode of the variable winning device 201, the MPU 112 executes display control of the round display unit RS in the main display unit 43. When the lottery result as to whether or not the electric role 34a is to be opened is to be displayed, the MPU 112 executes display control of the role display unit 44.

[0101] Furthermore, an external output terminal 99 is connected to the output side of the MPU 112, and information on ball entry into various entry areas and lottery results such as big wins are output to the management control device (hall computer HC) on the gaming hall side through this external output terminal 99. This makes it possible for the hall computer HC to grasp the status of the pachinko machine 10.

[0102] The power failure monitoring board 115 relays between the main control board 111 and the power supply and launch control device 98, and also monitors the stable 24V DC voltage output from the power supply and launch control device 98. The payout control device 97 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 96 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 81.

[0103] The power supply and launch control device 98 is connected to a commercial power supply (external power supply) in, for example, an arcade. Based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the power supply and launch control device 98 generates the operating power required for each of the main control board 111, the payout control device 97, etc., and supplies the generated operating power. Incidentally, the power supply and launch control device 98 is provided with a power supply unit for use during power interruption, such as a backup capacitor, and even when the power supply for the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, power for memory retention is supplied from the power supply unit for use during power interruption to the RAM 114 of the main control device 81.

[0104] The power supply and launch control device 98 is responsible for controlling the launch of the game ball launching mechanism 53, and the game ball launching mechanism 53 is driven when a predetermined launch condition is met. In this case, the game ball launching mechanism 53 includes a launch rail extending toward the guide rail 54 of the game board 24, a ball feed device that supplies the game balls stored in the upper tray 71 onto the launch rail, and a solenoid that is an electric actuator that launches the game balls supplied onto the launch rail toward the guide rail 54, and the game balls are launched by supplying a drive signal from the power supply and launch control device 98 to the solenoid.

[0105] Based on various commands input from the main control device 81, the performance control device 82 drives and controls each of the pending light-emitting devices 45 to 47 provided in the variable display unit 36 ​​and the display light-emitting device 63 and speaker device 64 provided in the front door frame 14, and also controls the display control device 212.

[0106] The performance control board 241 provided in the performance control device 82 is equipped with an MPU 242. The MPU 242 includes a ROM 243 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 242, a RAM 244 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 243 are executed, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

[0107] The MPU 242 is provided with an input port and an output port. The main control device 81 is connected to the input side of the MPU 242. From the main control device 81, it receives hold display control commands (hold display control information) such as a shift command and a hold command. It also receives game number control commands (game number control information) such as a variation command, a type command, and a variation end command. It also receives opening and closing execution mode commands (opening and closing execution mode information) such as an opening command, a closing command, an opening command, and an ending command.

[0108] The MPU 242 performs processing for executing various kinds of performances based on various commands received from the main control device 81. The received commands are stored in a command storage area provided in the RAM 244 of the MPU 242. Then, processing such as analyzing the stored commands is performed to execute various kinds of performances. Various table storage areas are provided in the ROM 243 of the MPU 242, and various flag storage areas and various counter areas are provided in the RAM 244 of the MPU 242, and when various kinds of performances are executed, processing using these areas can be performed.

[0109] The output side of the MPU 242 is connected to each of the reservation light-emitting units 45 to 47 provided in the variable display unit 36, the display light-emitting unit 63 and the speaker unit 64 provided in the front door frame 14, and also to the display control device 212.

[0110] The display control device 212 includes a display control board 271 on which an MPU 272 in which a program ROM 273 and a work RAM 274 are integrated into a chip, a video display processor (VDP) 275, a character ROM 276, and a video RAM 277 are mounted.

[0111] The MPU 272 receives hold display control commands (hold display control information) for controlling hold display, game number control commands (game number control information) for displaying the variation of patterns, and opening and closing execution mode commands (opening and closing execution mode information) for displaying moving images during the opening and closing execution mode from the performance control device 82. Then, the MPU 272 analyzes the received commands or performs a predetermined calculation process based on the received commands to control the VDP 275 (specifically, generates internal commands for the VDP 275).

[0112] The program ROM 273 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 272 and fixed value data, and also stores and holds JPEG format image data for the background image.

[0113] The work RAM 274 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, etc. used when various programs are executed by the MPU 272. The work data, flags, etc. are stored in various areas of the work RAM 274.

[0114] The VDP275 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver built into the pattern display device 41. The VDP275 is also called a "drawing chip" because it is made into an IC chip, and its actual form should be described as a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP275 mediates data reading and writing by adjusting the timing of the MPU272, video RAM277, etc., and reads image data to be stored in the video RAM277 from the character ROM276 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the pattern display device 41.

[0115] The character ROM 276 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as designs to be displayed on the design display device 41. This character ROM 276 holds bitmap format image data of various display designs, a color palette table to be referenced when determining the color to be displayed at each dot of the bitmap image, and the like.

[0116] It is also possible to provide a plurality of character ROMs 276 and store image data and the like in each of the character ROMs 276. It is also possible to configure the character ROM 276 to store the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 273.

[0117] The video RAM 277 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the pattern display device 41, and the display contents of the pattern display device 41 are changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 277.

[0118] Here, the display contents of the pattern display device 41 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing individual patterns variably displayed on the pattern display device 41, and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the display screen G of the pattern display device 41.

[0119] As shown in Figures 9(a) to (j), the design, which is a type of picture, is composed of nine main designs each numbered "1" to "9" and a sub-design consisting of a shell-shaped picture. More specifically, the main designs are composed of nine character designs, such as an octopus, each numbered "1" to "9."

[0120] As shown in FIG. 10(a), the display screen G of the symbol display device 41 has three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3, which are upper, middle, and lower rows. Each symbol row Z1 to Z3 is configured by arranging main symbols and sub-symbols in a predetermined order. In detail, in the upper symbol row Z1, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in descending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In other words, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are configured by 18 symbols. In contrast, in the middle symbol column Z2, nine main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, and a main symbol "4" is additionally arranged between the main symbol "9" and the main symbol "1", and one sub-symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. In other words, only in the middle symbol column Z2, ten main symbols are arranged, making up a total of twenty symbols. Then, in the display screen G, the symbols of each of these symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are displayed variably so as to scroll in a predetermined direction with periodicity. Also, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the display screen G is configured so that three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol column, resulting in a total of nine symbols of 3×3 being stopped and displayed.

[0121] In addition, five effective lines, namely, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right downward line L4, and a right upward line L5, are set on the display screen G. Then, the variable display stops in the order of the upper pattern column Z1, the lower pattern column Z3, and the middle pattern column Z2, and when the variable display of all the pattern columns Z1 to Z3 ends in a state where a combination of symbols with the same numbers is formed on any of the effective lines, a big win result is generated and a big win video is displayed.

[0122] In this pachinko machine 10, the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) correspond to "specific symbols", and when a special jackpot result occurs, a combination of the same specific symbols is displayed. Also, the main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to "non-specific symbols", and when a normal jackpot result occurs, a combination of the same non-specific symbols is displayed.

[0123] In addition, the manner in which the patterns are displayed in a variable manner in the pattern display device 41 is not limited to the above and is arbitrary, and the number of pattern rows, the direction of the variable display of the patterns in the pattern rows, the number of patterns in each pattern row, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

[0124] A first hold display area Ga is set on the left side of the lower part of the display screen G, and a second hold display area Gb is set on the right side of the lower part of the display screen G.

[0125] The first reserve display area (non-priority reserve display area) Ga is partitioned and displayed so that unit reserve display areas Ga1 to Ga4, the same number as the maximum number of reserved balls when game balls enter the upper operation port 33, are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Specifically, the maximum number of reserved balls when game balls enter the upper operation port 33 is four, and corresponding to this, the first reserve display area Ga1, the second unit reserve display area Ga2, the third unit reserve display area Ga3, and the fourth unit reserve display area Ga4 are set in the first reserve display area Ga.

[0126] For example, when the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33 is one, a predetermined reserved image is displayed only in the first unit reserved display area Ga1, and when the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33 is four, a predetermined reserved image is displayed in all of the first unit reserved display area Ga1 to the fourth unit reserved display area Ga4.

[0127] Also, the second reserved display area (priority side reserved display area) Gb is partitioned and displayed so that the same number of unit reserved display areas Gb1 to Gb4 as the maximum reserved number when the game ball enters the lower operating port 34 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Specifically, the maximum reserved number when the game ball enters the lower operating port 34 is four, and corresponding to this, the first unit reserved display area Gb1, the second unit reserved display area Gb2, the third unit reserved display area Gb3, and the fourth unit reserved display area Gb4 are set in the second reserved display area Gb.

[0128] For example, if the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the lower operating port 34 is one, a reserved image is displayed only in the first unit reserved display area Gb1, and if the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the lower operating port 34 is four, a reserved image is displayed in all of the first unit reserved display area Gb1 to the fourth unit reserved display area Gb4.

[0129] <Electrical configuration for performing various lotteries using the MPU 112 of the main control device 81> Next, the electrical configuration for performing various lotteries in the MPU 112 of the main control device 81 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0130] The MPU 112 uses various counter information during play to perform a lottery for a jackpot occurrence, settings for the display of the main display unit 43, settings for the performance contents of the pattern display unit 41, settings for the display of the accessory display unit 44, etc. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, the MPU 112 uses a jackpot random number counter C1 used for a lottery for a jackpot occurrence, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the type of jackpot, a reach random number counter C3 used for a lottery for a reach occurrence when the pattern display unit 41 misses and changes, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a change type counter CS for determining the change display time in the main display unit 43 and the pattern display unit 41. Furthermore, the MPU 112 uses an electric accessory opening counter C4 used for a lottery for whether or not the electric accessory 34a of the lower operating port 34 is in an electric accessory opening state.

[0131] Each of the counters C1, C2, C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer 114a set in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 114. In the lottery counter buffer 114a, information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS is stored in a reserved ball storage area 114b, which serves as an acquired information storage means, when a win occurs in the upper actuation port 33 or the lower actuation port 34.

[0132] The reserved ball storage area 114b includes a reserved area RE consisting of a reserved area Ra for the first result display section and a reserved area Rb for the second result display section, and an execution area AE. The reserved areas Ra and Rb each include a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area, and the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variable type counter CS stored in the lottery counter buffer 114a is stored in one of the areas as reserved information according to the winning history of the upper actuation port 33 or the lower actuation port 34. The reserved information corresponds to special information.

[0133] In this case, when winnings occur multiple times consecutively in the upper actuation port 33 or the lower actuation port 34, the first to fourth areas store each numerical information in chronological order in the order of the first area → the second area → the third area → the fourth area. By providing four areas in this way, up to four winning histories of game balls in the upper actuation port 33 or the lower actuation port 34 can be reserved and stored. In addition, the reserved ball storage area 114b is provided with a total reserved number storage area, and information for specifying the number of winning histories reserved and stored in the upper actuation port 33 or the lower actuation port 34 is stored in the total reserved number storage area.

[0134] In addition, the number of items that can be stored on hold is not limited to four and is arbitrary, and may be other multiples such as two, three, or five or more, or may be singular.

[0135] The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first area of ​​the reserve area RE when the changing display of the main display unit 43 begins, and when one game round begins, a win / loss determination is made based on the various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

[0136] Regarding each counter in detail, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of, for example, 0 to 599, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 599). When the jackpot random number counter C1 goes around once, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 114b of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper actuation port 33 or the lower actuation port 34. More specifically, it is stored in the reserved area Ra for the first result display unit of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper actuation port 33, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second result display unit of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the lower actuation port 34.

[0137] The random number value for winning the jackpot is stored as a win / lose table (win / lose information group) in a win / lose table storage area 113a serving as a win / lose information group storage means in the ROM 113. As the win / lose table, a win / lose table for a low probability mode (win / lose information group for low probability) and a win / lose table for a high probability mode (win / lose information group for high probability) are set. In other words, in this pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery modes in the win / lose lottery means. In each win / lose table, the random number value is set so that the probability of winning the jackpot is higher in the win / lose table for the high probability mode than in the win / lose table for the low probability mode.

[0138] In addition, in each lottery mode, any random number value other than the value that results in a jackpot win will result in a losing lottery result.

[0139] The big win type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by one within the range of 0 to 29, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 29). Here, in this embodiment, multiple big win results are set. These multiple big win results are set by providing differences in two conditions: (1) the lottery mode in the winning / losing lottery means after the opening / closing execution mode ends, and (2) the support mode in the electric role 34a of the lower operating port 34 after the opening / closing execution mode ends.

[0140] As the support mode for the electric device 34a of the lower operating port 34, a low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or low-frequency guide state) and a high-frequency support mode (high-frequency support state or high-frequency guide state) are set so that the frequency at which the electric device 34a of the lower operating port 34 is in the open state per unit time is relatively high or low when compared with a situation in which game balls are continuing to be released in a similar manner into the game area PE.

[0141] Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the electric role open state in the electric role open lottery using the electric role open counter C4 is the same (for example, both are 1 / 2), but in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times that the electric role 34a is in the open state when the electric role open state is won is set to be greater than in the low-frequency support mode, and the opening time for one time is set to be longer. In this case, when the electric role open state is won in the high-frequency support mode and the electric role 34a is in the open state multiple times, the closing time from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state is set to be shorter than the opening time for one time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum time to be secured between one electric role open lottery and the next electric role open lottery is set to be shorter than in the low-frequency support mode.

[0142] As described above, in the high frequency support mode, the probability of a winning entry into the lower actuation port 34 is higher than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of a winning entry into the upper actuation port 33 is higher than in the lower actuation port 34, but in the high frequency support mode, the probability of a winning entry into the lower actuation port 34 is higher than in the upper actuation port 33. When a winning entry into the lower actuation port 34 occurs, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, so in the high frequency support mode, the player can play without losing too many balls.

[0143] The configuration for increasing the frequency of the high frequency support mode becoming in the electric role open state per unit time compared to the low frequency support mode is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, a configuration for increasing the probability of winning the electric role open state in the electric role opening lottery. Furthermore, the high frequency support mode and the low frequency support mode may be set by making any one or any combination of the conditions of the number of times, the opening time, and the winning probability different.

[0144] The big win type counter C2 is updated periodically, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 114b of the RAM 114 at the timing when the gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 33 or the lower actuation port 34. More specifically, it is stored in the reserved area Ra for the first result display section of the RAM 114 at the timing when the gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 33, and it is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second result display section of the RAM 114 at the timing when the gaming ball enters the lower actuation port 34.

[0145] The allocation destination of the game result for the big win type counter C2 is stored as an allocation table (allocation information group) in an allocation table storage area 113b serving as an allocation information group storage means in the ROM 113.

[0146] In this embodiment, the types of jackpot results are set to be a normal jackpot result and a probability jackpot result. The normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which, after the open / close execution mode ends, the winning / losing lottery mode becomes a low probability mode and the support mode becomes a low frequency support mode.

[0147] The probability of a jackpot result is a jackpot result in which, after the open / close execution mode ends, the winning / losing lottery mode becomes a high probability mode and the support mode becomes a high frequency support mode. The high frequency support mode continues until the lottery result in the winning / losing lottery becomes a jackpot state and the jackpot state is entered.

[0148] The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to 0 after reaching a maximum value (i.e., 238). The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 114b of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper actuation port 33 or the lower actuation port 34. More specifically, it is stored in the reserved area Ra for the first result display unit of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper actuation port 33, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second result display unit of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the lower actuation port 34. Then, it is determined whether or not to generate a reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of ​​the ROM 113. However, in a game round that transitions to the open / close execution mode, the MPU 112 determines whether or not to generate a reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each game state, but may be set individually according to each game state. For example, the number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display may be set to be larger when the support mode is the high frequency support mode than when the support mode is the low frequency support mode.

[0149] Here, the term "reach display" (reach state) refers to a display state for making a player believe that the game machine is in a variable display state that is likely to result in the special display result after the variable display has started on the pattern display device 41 and before the stop display result is derived and displayed, in a game machine equipped with a pattern display device 41 capable of performing a variable display (or a variable display) of patterns (pictures), and in which the stop display result after the variable display is a special display result during a game round in which the variable winning device 201 is in the open / close execution mode.

[0150] In other words, it is a display state in which the patterns of some of the multiple pattern rows displayed on the display screen of the pattern display device 41 are stopped to display a combination of reach patterns that may result in a jackpot pattern combination corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode, and in this state, the patterns of the remaining pattern rows are displayed in a variable manner.

[0151] More specifically, as a preliminary step to terminating the display of changing patterns, a reach line is formed by displaying a combination of reach patterns which may result in a jackpot combination corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode on a preset effective line within the display screen of the pattern display device 41, and while the reach line is formed, the changing display of the patterns is performed using the final stopped pattern sequence.

[0152] The display contents of FIG. 10 will be specifically described. First, high-speed variable display is started for all the symbol columns Z1 to Z3. In this case, it is impossible or difficult to recognize which symbol is displayed. After that, the variable display mode of the upper symbol column Z1 is switched from high-speed variable display to low-speed variable display in which the player can easily or easily recognize the displayed symbol. Then, as the variable display of the upper symbol column Z1 ends, the variable display mode of the lower symbol column Z3 is switched from high-speed variable display to low-speed variable display. After that, the variable display of the lower symbol column Z3 ends. In this case, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbol with the same number on any of the activated lines L1 to L5. Then, when the variable display of the middle symbol column Z2 switches from high-speed variable display to low-speed variable display and the open / close execution mode occurs, the variable display of the symbols in the middle symbol column Z2 is ended by stopping and displaying the main symbol with the same number as the main symbol forming the reach line on the reach line.

[0153] The reach display includes a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on the background screen while displaying a remaining pattern row with a combination of reach symbols as described above, and a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on almost the entire display screen after reducing or hiding the combination of reach symbols. In addition, when the reach display is being performed or before the reach display, the reach random number counter C3 or other counters may be used to determine whether or not to perform a notice display using a predetermined image such as a predetermined character.

[0154] The variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, 0 to 198, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 198). The variation type counter CS is used in determining the variation display time in the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS of the main display section 43 and the variation display time of the pattern in the pattern display device 41 in the MPU 112. The variation type counter CS is updated once each time a normal process described later is executed, and is also repeatedly updated during the remaining time in the normal process. The variation type counter CS is stored in the reserved ball storage area 114b of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper actuation port 33 or the lower actuation port 34. More specifically, the variation type counter CS is stored in the reserved area Ra for the first result display section of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper actuation port 33, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second result display section of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the lower actuation port 34.

[0155] The electric role opening counter C4 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, 0 to 250, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 250). The electric role opening counter C4 is periodically updated, and is stored in the electric role reserve area 114c of the RAM 114 at the timing when the game ball enters the through gate 35. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not the electric role 34a is controlled to be in the open state based on the stored value of the electric role opening counter C4. For example, if C4=0 to 190, the electric role 34a is controlled to be in the open state, and if C4=191 to 250, the electric role 34a is not controlled to be in the open state.

[0156] In the MPU 112, the variable display time in the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS is determined using the value of the variable type counter CS stored in the execution area AE, and the variable display time table storage area 113c of the ROM 113 is used for the determination. Also, in the MPU 112, the stop results in the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS are determined using the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE, and the stop result table storage area of ​​the ROM 113 is used for the determination.

[0157] <Regarding various processes executed by the main control device 81> Next, a description will be given of timer interrupt processing and normal processing executed by the MPU 112 in the main control device 81 to progress the game. In addition to timer interrupt processing and normal processing, the MPU 112 also executes main processing that is started when the power is turned on and NMI interrupt processing that is started by inputting a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal), but a description of these processes will be omitted.

[0158] <Timer interrupt processing> First, the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 12. This process is started by the MPU 112 periodically (for example, at 2 msec intervals).

[0159] In step S101, a reading process of the various detection sensors is executed. In the reading process, the state of the various detection sensors 31e, 33b, 34c, 35a, 202a is read, and the state of the various detection sensors 31e, 33b, 34c, 35a, 202a is judged to store the detection information. In addition, when the winning of a game ball is detected by the various detection sensors 31e, 33b, 34c, 202a corresponding to the generation of a prize ball, a prize ball command is set to instruct the payout control device 97 to pay out the prize ball. For example, when the winning of the variable winning device 201 is detected by the large winning port winning sensor 202a, a prize ball command is set to instruct the corresponding number of prize balls, that is, 15 prize balls. In the following step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated.

[0160] In the next step S103, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric role opening counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric role opening counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when the counter values ​​reach their maximum values, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values ​​of the counters C1, C2, C3, and C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 114.

[0161] In the next step S104, a winning process for through is executed in association with a winning at the through gate 35. In the winning process for through, if a winning at the through gate 35 has occurred, the value of the electric role release counter C4 updated in the step S103 is stored in the electric role reserve area 114c on the condition that the number of reserved roles stored in the electric role reserve area 114c is less than the upper limit number (for example, "4"). In addition, a process is executed for the performance control device 82 to light up the third reserved light emitting unit 47 corresponding to the number of reserved roles.

[0162] Then, in step S105, the winning process for the actuation port is executed, and then the timer interrupt process is terminated. In the winning process for the actuation port, a prize ball command for paying out a game ball based on the winning of a game ball into either of the actuation ports 33, 34 is set, and information acquisition process is performed to store the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS.

[0163] In the information acquisition process, it is determined whether the game ball has won the upper actuation port 33 (start winning). If the game ball has won the upper actuation port 33, the number of reserved information stored in the first result display unit reserved area Ra is grasped, and the grasped number is set as the first start reserved memory number RaN. On the other hand, if the game ball has not won the upper actuation port 33, it is determined whether the game ball has won the lower actuation port 34 (start winning). If the game ball has won the lower actuation port 34, the number of reserved information stored in the second result display unit reserved area Rb is grasped, and the grasped number is set as the second start reserved memory number RbN. Then, it is determined whether the set start reserved memory number N (RaN or RbN) is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If the start reserved memory number N is less than the upper limit value, the start reserved memory number N of the corresponding result display unit reserved area is updated to be increased by 1. When the first start pending memory number RaN is set, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the fluctuation type counter CS are stored in the first memory area among the empty memory areas of the first result display unit hold area Ra, and when the second start pending memory number RbN is set, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the fluctuation type counter CS are stored in the first memory area among the empty memory areas of the second result display unit hold area Rb. After that, the performance control device 82 executes a process to light up the first hold light emitting unit 45 or the second hold light emitting unit 46 corresponding to the start pending memory number.

[0164] <Normal processing> Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 13. Normal processing is processing that starts after main processing that is started when the power is turned on is executed, and in normal processing, main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing of steps S201 to S206 is executed as regular processing with a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S209 and S210 is executed in the remaining time.

[0165] In normal processing, first, an external signal output process is executed in step S201. In the external signal output process in step S201, output data such as commands set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is sent to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence or absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if a prize ball command is set, it is sent to the payout control device 97. Also, if a performance command is set, it is sent to the performance control device 82.

[0166] Next, in step S202, the fluctuation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​the RAM 114.

[0167] In the next step S203, a game round control process is executed to progress each game round. In this game round control process, a win / loss determination such as a jackpot and a distribution determination of the jackpot type are performed, and the setting of the variable display of the patterns by the pattern display device 41 and the variable display setting in the main display unit 43 are also performed.

[0168] After executing the game number control process in step S203, the process proceeds to step S204, where a game state transition process is executed. This game state transition process transitions the game state to an open / close execution mode, etc. Details of the game number control process in step S203 and the game state transition process in step S204 will be described later.

[0169] In the next step S205, an electric role support process is executed to drive and control the electric role 34a provided in the lower operating port 34. In this electric role support process, an electric role opening lottery is executed to determine whether the electric role 34a is opened or not using numerical information acquired from the electric role opening counter C4 stored in the electric role reservation area 114c of the RAM 114, and if the electric role opening state is selected, an opening and closing process of the electric role 34a is executed. In addition, display control of the role display unit 44 is executed so as to inform the lottery result of the electric role opening lottery.

[0170] After that, in step S206, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 53 is excited once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on the condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply and launch control device 98. This causes the game ball to be launched toward the game area.

[0171] In the next step S207, it is determined whether or not a power outage flag is set in the RAM 114. The power outage flag is set when the occurrence of a power outage is confirmed in the power outage monitoring board 115 and a power outage signal is input from the power outage monitoring board 115 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 112, and is cleared in the next main processing.

[0172] If the power failure flag is not set, the last of the multiple processes that are repeatedly executed is completed, so in step S208, it is determined whether the execution timing of the next normal process has arrived, that is, whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the current normal process. Then, within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the fluctuation type counter CS are repeatedly updated.

[0173] That is, in step S209, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches its maximum value, it is cleared to 0. The updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is then stored in a corresponding area of ​​RAM 114. Also, in step S210, the fluctuation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches its maximum value, it is cleared to 0. The updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is then stored in a corresponding area of ​​RAM 114.

[0174] Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S206 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the big win random number counter C1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the change type counter CS can also be randomly updated.

[0175] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that the power failure flag is set, this means that a power interruption has occurred, and so power failure processing from step S211 onwards is executed. That is, in step S211, the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, and then in step S212, a RAM judgment value is calculated and stored, and after prohibiting access to RAM 114 in step S213, an infinite loop is continued until the power is completely cut off and processing can no longer be executed.

[0176] <Game Play Control Processing> Next, the game play control process in step S203 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0177] In the game play control process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the game is in the open / close execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not an open / close execution mode flag is stored (stored) in the various flag storage area 114e of the RAM 114. The open / close execution mode flag is stored when the game state is transitioned to the open / close execution mode in the game state transition process described later, and is erased when the game state transition process ends the open / close execution mode.

[0178] If the opening and closing execution mode is in progress, the game round control process is terminated without executing any of the processes after step S302, i.e., the game round start process in steps S303 to S305 and the game round progress process in steps S306 to S309. In other words, if the opening and closing execution mode is in progress, a game round will not be started regardless of whether or not a winning has occurred in the operation ports 33 and 34.

[0179] If the opening / closing execution mode is not in effect, then in step S302 it is determined whether the main display unit 43 is displaying a change. Specifically, it is determined whether either the first result display unit AS or the second result display unit BS is displaying a change. This determination is made by determining whether a change display in progress flag is stored in the various flags storage area 114e of the RAM 114. The change display in progress flag is stored when a change display is started for either the first result display unit AS or the second result display unit BS, and is erased when the change display ends.

[0180] If the main display unit 43 is not displaying a variable value, the process proceeds to step S303 to step S305 for starting a game round. In the process for starting a game round, first, in step S303, it is determined whether the common hold number CRN, which is the sum of the start hold memory numbers of the first result display unit AS and the second result display unit BS, is "0". When the common hold number CRN is "0", this means that the start hold memory numbers RaN, RbN are "0" for both the upper actuation port 33 and the lower actuation port 34. Therefore, the game round control process is terminated as it is.

[0181] If the common reserved number CRN is not "0", a data setting process is executed in step S304 to set the data stored in the reserved area Ra for the first result display unit or the reserved area Rb for the second result display unit for variable display, and a variable start process is executed in step S305 to start the variable display in the main display unit 43 and the variable display in the pattern display unit 41, and then this game round control process is terminated. In the variable start process, a win / lose lottery is executed based on the data (reserved information) set in the data setting process, and the stop result is set so that the game round ends with the stop result corresponding to the win / lose lottery result. In addition, the variable display time of the game round to be executed this time is set based on the variable type counter CS, etc. In addition, in the variable start process, a variable command including information on the game result and a type command including information on the variable display time are output and set to the performance control device 82 so that a performance corresponding to the game round to be executed this time is performed. The variable command and type command are transmitted to the performance control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The performance control device 82 transmits the received command to the display control device 212 while maintaining its information format. Upon receiving the command, the display control device 212 executes display control of the symbol display device 41, etc., so as to start the performance of the game round.

[0182] When the main display unit 43 is displaying a variable, the process for game round progression in steps S306 to S309 is executed. In the process for game round progression, first in step S306, it is determined whether the variable display time for the current game round has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the variable display time information stored in the variable display time counter area of ​​the RAM 114 has become "0". The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable start process at the start of a game round. Furthermore, the value of this set variable display time information is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12) is started.

[0183] If the variable display time has not elapsed, a variable display process is executed in step S307. In the variable display process, the display control of the result display section (light emission control of each display segment) is performed so that each display segment in the result display section related to the current game round is turned on and off in a predetermined order, and the game round control process is terminated.

[0184] If the variable display time has elapsed, a variable end process is executed in step S308. In the variable end process, information set based on the result of the winning / losing lottery in the variable start process is specified, and the main display unit 43 is controlled so that a picture corresponding to the information is stopped and displayed on the main display unit 43.

[0185] In the next step S309, a variation end command is set. After that, this game round control process is terminated. The variation end command set in step S309 is sent to the performance control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The performance control device 82 sends the received variation end command to the display control device 212 while maintaining its information form. By receiving the variation end command, the display control device 212 displays the final stop pattern combination in that game round as a finalized display (final stop display).

[0186] <Game state transition processing> Next, the game state transition process in step S204 in the normal process (FIG. 13) will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0187] First, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the game is in the open / close execution mode. If the game is not in the open / close execution mode, the program proceeds to step S402, where it is determined whether or not the timing for the variable display of the image in the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS of one game has ended. If the variable display has not ended, the game state transition process is terminated.

[0188] When the variable display has ended, in step S403, it is determined whether the game result of the current game corresponds to the transition to the open / close execution mode. If the game result does not correspond to the transition to the open / close execution mode, the game state transition process is terminated.

[0189] If the transition corresponds to the opening and closing execution mode, the opening and closing execution mode start process is executed in step S404. In the start process, it is checked whether the variable winning device 201 is in a closed state before the opening and closing execution mode is started. In the opening and closing execution mode start process, an opening period setting process is executed to wait without starting the opening of the variable winning device 201 when the opening and closing execution mode is started. In the opening period setting process, the waiting time information for the opening, which is stored in advance in the ROM 113, is set in the timer counter T provided in the various counter areas 114d of the RAM 114. The value of the timer counter T is decremented by 1 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 2 msec cycle, each time the timer interrupt process is started).

[0190] In the next step S405, as a start process of the round display, the number of rounds in the open / close execution mode to be executed this time (in this embodiment, "15" for any big win result) is controlled to be displayed on the round display section RS in the main display section 43.

[0191] In the next step S406, an opening command is set. This set opening command is sent to the performance control device 82 in step S201 in the normal processing (FIG. 13). The performance control device 82 determines the content of the performance corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the performance is executed. The content of this performance includes the display mode of the pattern display device 41, and this determined display mode is output from the performance control device 82 to the display control device 212 as a display content command. The display control device 212 controls the display of the pattern display device 41 based on the display content command received from the performance control device 82 so that a display (for example, a moving image display) corresponding to the current opening / closing execution mode is performed.

[0192] Then, in step S407, the external signal setting process is executed, and then the game state transition process is terminated. In the external signal setting process, the signal output state of the output terminal for the jackpot signal provided in the external output terminal 99 is set to the jackpot signal output state. As a result, if the output terminal for the jackpot signal is connected to a management control device on the gaming hall side, a jackpot signal is output to the management control device, and the management control device can know that a jackpot has occurred in the pachinko machine 10.

[0193] On the other hand, if the game is in the opening / closing execution mode, an affirmative decision is made in step S401, and the game proceeds to step S408. In step S408, it is determined whether or not the waiting time for the opening has elapsed. If the waiting time for the opening has not elapsed, the game state transition process is terminated. If the waiting time for the opening has elapsed, the big prize opening opening process is executed in step S409. The big prize opening opening process will now be described with reference to the flow chart in FIG.

[0194] First, in step S501, it is determined whether the variable winning device 201 is in an open state and the large winning opening 202 is open. Specifically, this determination is made based on the drive state of the variable winning drive unit 219. If the large winning opening 202 is not open, it is determined in step S502 whether the value of the round counter RC is "0" or not, and in step S503 it is determined whether the value of the timer counter T is "0" or not.

[0195] If the value of the round counter RC is "0" or the value of the timer counter T is not "0", the large prize opening opening process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the round counter RC is not "0" and the value of the timer counter T is "0", the process proceeds to step S504, and the variable prize drive unit 219 is driven to open the variable prize device 201.

[0196] In the next step S505, a process for setting the open time of the round is executed. In the process for setting the open time, "15000" (30 sec), which corresponds to the upper limit open time (upper limit open period) of the round, is input to the timer counter T.

[0197] In the next step S506, a process for setting the upper limit of the number of winning prizes for each round is performed. In the process for setting the upper limit of the number of winning prizes for each round, a process for inputting "10", which corresponds to the upper limit of the number of winning prizes, into the winning counter PC provided in the various counter area 114d of the RAM 114 is performed.

[0198] Then, in step S507, an opening command is set, and this opening / closing process is terminated. This set opening command is sent to the performance control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The performance control device 82 determines the content of the performance corresponding to each round based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the performance is executed.

[0199] If the variable winning device 201 is in the open state in step S501, the process proceeds to step S508, where it is determined whether the value of the timer counter T is "0". If the value of the timer counter T is not "0", it is determined in step S509 whether a game ball has won the variable winning device 201 based on the detection state of the large winning port winning sensor 202a. If no winning has occurred, the opening / closing process is terminated. On the other hand, if a winning has occurred, the value of the winning counter PC is decremented by 1 in step S510, and then it is determined in step S511 whether the value of the winning counter PC is "0", and if it is not "0", the opening / closing process is terminated.

[0200] In step S508, if the timer counter T is "0" and the upper limit release time has elapsed, or in step S511, if the prize counter PC is "0" and the upper limit number of prizes has been won, this means that the round end condition has been met. In such a case, in step S512, the variable prize drive unit 219 is deactivated to close the variable prize device 201.

[0201] In the following step S513, the value of the round counter RC is decremented by 1 to execute update processing of the round counter RC. In the following step S514, it is determined whether the value of the round counter RC is "0" or not.

[0202] If the value of the round counter RC is not "0", step S515 executes a process for setting the closed time between rounds, that is, the time from when the variable winning device 201 is changed from the open state to the closed state until it is changed back to the open state. In the process for setting the closed time, a process for inputting "2000" (4 sec), which corresponds to the waiting time (interval) between rounds, into the timer counter T is executed.

[0203] Thereafter, a close command is set in step S516, and this opening / closing process is terminated. The close command is sent to the performance control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The performance control device 82 determines the content of the performance corresponding to the interval of the round game based on the received close command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the performance is executed.

[0204] If it is determined in step S514 that the value of the round counter RC is "0", an ending start process is executed in step S517. In this start process, an ending waiting time for waiting without starting the next game round for the ending of the opening and closing execution mode is set. Specifically, the waiting time information for the ending pre-stored in the ROM 113 is set in the timer counter T. In this embodiment, the ending waiting time is set to 5 seconds, and in step S517, a process of inputting "2500" into the timer counter T is executed.

[0205] Then, in step S518, an ending command is set, and this opening / closing process ends. The ending command is sent to the performance control device 82 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The performance control device 82 determines the content of the performance corresponding to the end of the opening / closing execution mode based on the received ending command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the performance is executed.

[0206] Returning to the explanation of the game state transition process (FIG. 15), after the large prize opening / closing process is executed in step S409, it is determined in step S410 whether the round counter RC is "0". If the value of the round counter RC is not "0", this game state transition process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the round counter RC is "0", it is determined in step S411 using the timer counter T whether the waiting time for the ending has ended. If the waiting time for the ending has not ended, this game state transition process is terminated. On the other hand, if the waiting time for the ending has ended, the transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode is executed in step S412.

[0207] In the transition process at the end of the open / close execution mode, the winning / losing lottery mode and the support mode are set after the open / close execution mode. Specifically, if the trigger for this open / close execution mode is a guaranteed jackpot result, the game state transitions to a high probability mode and a high frequency support mode after the open / close execution mode ends, and if the result is a normal jackpot result, the game state transitions to a low probability mode and a limited number of low frequency support mode after the open / close execution mode ends.

[0208] Then, in step S413, a process for terminating the display of the round display section RS is executed, and in step S414, a process for terminating the opening and closing execution mode is executed, and then, this game state transition process is terminated. In the process for terminating the opening and closing execution mode, the transition to the opening and closing execution mode and the erasure of various counters and flags used during the opening and closing execution mode are performed.

[0209] <About the game flow> Next, the flow of the game in the normal game state (a game state other than the open / close execution mode) and the open / close execution mode will be described with reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the game in the normal game state, and Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the game in the open / close execution mode.

[0210] First, the flow of the game in the normal game state will be described with reference to Fig. 17. When the game ball that has flown down the left area PE2 (see Fig. 4) reaches the left flow passage forming part 131, the game ball descends along the first inclined part 133 of the left flow passage forming part 131 and is guided toward the left game nail group 134. If the game ball jumps over the gap 135 between the first inclined part 133 and the left game nail group 134, the game ball is guided toward the lower operation port 34 by the left game nail group 134. When the game ball has crossed the left game nail group 134, if the electric role 34a is in an open state, the game ball enters the lower operation port 34, and if the electric role 34a is in a closed state, the game ball falls toward the variable winning device 201 without entering the lower operation port 34.

[0211] On the other hand, when a game ball falls from a gap 135 between the first inclined portion 133 and the left game nail group 134 or a gap 135 provided at a midway position of the left game nail group 134, the game ball is guided to the general winning openings 31a, 31b or above the general winning openings 31a, 31b. When the game ball wins at the general winning openings 31a, 31b, the winning is detected by the general winning opening winning sensor 31e, and a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out. On the other hand, when the game ball that fell from the gap 135 does not win at the general winning openings 31a, 31b, the game ball falls on the second inclined portion 136 of the left flow path forming portion 131 by passing through the left third flow path formed between the first vertical wall portion 137 and the general winning opening 31a or passing between the general winning opening 31a and the general winning opening 31b.

[0212] As already explained, the second inclined portion 136 is configured such that there is no escape route for game balls, such as an outlet, between the connection with the first vertical wall portion 137 and the terminal end (the end on the variable winning device 201 side), and therefore all game balls that fall onto the second inclined portion 136 are guided to the variable winning device 201 side. Then, the game balls that are guided to the variable winning device 201 side fall onto the upper surface of the shutter 216, which is in the protruding position and closing the large winning port 202, and are guided to the outlets 141, 171 by the inclined portions 217, 218 provided on the shutter 216. Here, since the distance between the left and right ends 216a, 216b of the shutter 216 and the second vertical wall portion 138, 168 of the left side flow path forming portion 131 is less than the diameter of the game ball, the game ball rolling on the shutter 216 will not fall between the shutter 216 and the second vertical wall portion 138, 168, and will all enter the outlets 141, 171.

[0213] In addition, in the area PE4b between the left side game nail group 134 and the variable winning device 201, the game nails 38 are arranged so as to guide the game ball that has flowed into the area PE4b to the variable winning device 201. Therefore, even if the game ball that has passed through the gap 135 does not reach the second inclined portion 136, the game ball is guided to the variable winning device 201 and falls onto the shutter 216. Then, as in the above case, the game ball rolls on the shutter 216 and is guided to the outlet 141, 171.

[0214] When a game ball is shot out so as to flow down the right area PE3 (see FIG. 4), and the game ball that has flowed down the right area PE3 reaches the right flow path forming part 161, the game ball is guided toward the right game nail group 164 by the first inclined part 163 of the right flow path forming part 161. In this case, too, when the game ball does not reach the right game nail group 164 or falls from a gap 165 provided at a midway position of the right game nail group 164, the game ball is guided to the general winning openings 31c, 31d or above the general winning openings 31c, 31d.

[0215] Then, the game balls that do not win in the general winning openings 31c, 31d pass through a right third flow path formed between the first vertical wall portion 167 and the general winning opening 31d, or pass between the general winning openings 31c and 31d, and fall onto the second inclined portion 166 of the right flow path forming portion 161. In the second inclined portion 166, there is no escape route for the game balls, such as an outlet, between the connection portion with the first vertical wall portion 167 and the terminal portion (the end portion on the variable winning device 201 side), so all the game balls that fall onto the second inclined portion 166 are guided to the variable winning device 201 side and fall onto the upper surface of the shutter 216.

[0216] In addition, even if a game ball flows into the area PE4c between the right game nail group 164 and the variable winning device 201, it is guided to the variable winning device 201 side by the game nails 38 arranged in the area PE4c and falls onto the upper surface of the shutter 216. Furthermore, a game ball that reaches the vicinity of the upper actuation port 33 and the lower actuation port 34 but does not win either of these actuation ports 33, 34 and flows into the area PE4a is also guided to the variable winning device 201 side and falls onto the upper surface of the shutter 216.

[0217] In this manner, in this embodiment, regardless of whether the gaming balls pass through the left side area PE2 or the right side area PE3, all gaming balls that have not won in the upper actuation port 33, the lower actuation port 34, and the general winning ports 31a to 31d are collected in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 201. When the shutter 216 is in the protruding position and the variable winning device 201 is in the closed state, the collected gaming balls fall onto the shutter 216 and are then guided by the shutter 216 to the outlets 141, 171.

[0218] Next, the flow of the game in the open / close execution mode will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Note that the flow of the game balls that flow down the left side area PE2 and the right side area PE3 until they are collected in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 201 is the same as in the normal game state, so the description will be omitted.

[0219] As already explained, when the mode is switched to the open / close execution mode, the variable winning device 201 is switched from the closed state to the open state, and then the switching control (open / close control) is performed at least once (15 times in this embodiment) to switch the variable winning device 201 from the open state to the closed state. In the open state of the variable winning device 201, the shutter 216 is located at the retracted position, forming an acceptance area RA (see FIG. 7(b)) that can accept game balls into the large winning opening 202, and the entry of game balls into the large winning opening 202 is permitted. On the other hand, in the closed state, the shutter 216 is located at the protruding position, eliminating the acceptance area RA, and the entry of game balls into the large winning opening 202 is restricted.

[0220] Under such a configuration, in this embodiment, the game balls that flow down the second inclined parts 136, 166 of each flow passage forming part 131, 161 and the areas PE4a to PE4c are configured to be collected in the area where the receiving area RA is formed. Therefore, when the shutter 216 is in the retreat position (the variable winning device 201 is in the open state), if the game balls reach the area where the receiving area RA is formed, all of those game balls flow into the receiving area RA and win the big winning opening 202 (flow into the passage part 208). This suppresses the generation of out balls, and makes it possible to efficiently make the game balls win the variable winning device 201.

[0221] On the other hand, when the shutter 216 is in the protruding position (the variable winning device 201 is in the closed state) and the game ball reaches the area where the receiving area RA is formed, the game ball falls onto the shutter 216, as in the normal game state, and is guided to the outlet 141, 171.

[0222] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained.

[0223] Of the game balls flowing down the game area PE, all game balls that have not won in other ball entry sections (upper operating port 33, lower operating port 34, general winning ports 31a to 31d) upstream of the variable winning device 201 are guided to a predetermined area (an area where the receiving area RA is formed). In this case, by the player watching the flow of game balls gathering in the predetermined area, it is possible to give the impression that the variable winning device 201 can efficiently win game balls when the variable winning device 201 is switched to the open state.

[0224] Moreover, by providing the left side flow passage forming portion 131 and the right side flow passage forming portion 161, and configuring the game ball to be guided to the above-mentioned predetermined area regardless of whether the game ball flows down through the left side area PE2 or the right side area PE3, the flow of game balls gathering in the predetermined area can be generated on a daily basis, not limited to special game states such as when hitting from the right. In other words, by the player always seeing the above-mentioned flow, the player is encouraged to be aware that the variable winning device 201 can be efficiently used to win, and the enjoyment of generating the opening and closing execution mode can be enhanced.

[0225] In addition, in this embodiment, when the variable winning device 201 is in a closed state, the game balls guided to the predetermined area are guided to the outlet 141, 171. In this case, the game balls gathered in the predetermined area in the normal game state can be appropriately released outside the game area PE. This prevents the game balls from staying in the predetermined area, and prevents ball clogging in the predetermined area and its surrounding areas. For example, if ball clogging occurs frequently in these areas, there is a concern that the number of opportunities for the game hall staff to clear the ball clogging will increase, which will be annoying for the players, or that a flow of game balls contrary to the design intention will be constructed, but according to this embodiment, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of such inconveniences.

[0226] A left flow path forming section 131 and a right flow path forming section 161 are provided on the left and right sides of the game board 24, and the variable winning device 201 is disposed between these flow path forming sections 131, 161. In this case, a predetermined area for collecting game balls can be set between the flow path forming sections 131, 161, and it becomes possible to collect the game balls in the center of the lower area PE4. As a result, it becomes possible to construct the flow of game balls that collect in the predetermined area in a place that is easily noticeable to the player, compared to when the predetermined area is set in the left corner or right corner of the game board 24, for example. In addition, by positioning the variable winning device 201 between the flow path forming sections 131, 161, the positional relationship of the three can give the player the impression that the game balls are likely to collect in the variable winning device 201 even if the player does not actually see the flow of the game balls, and it becomes possible to suitably stimulate the player's desire to play.

[0227] The first inclined portion 133, 163 is provided in each flow path forming portion 131, 161, and the game balls are guided above the general winning openings 31a to 31d, and then the game balls that do not win at the general winning openings 31a to 31d are guided to the variable winning device 201. For example, if the game balls win at the variable winning device 201 too efficiently, the processing load inside the game machine for winning increases, which may cause a problem in the operation of the game machine. In this respect, in this configuration, the flow of the game balls is constructed so that they approach the general winning openings 31a to 31d and then the variable winning device 201, thereby reducing the number of game balls that reach the variable winning device 201 and preventing the number of winnings at the variable winning device 201 from becoming excessive. At that time, since the general winning openings 31a to 31d are utilized, the frequency of winning at the variable winning device 201 can be reduced while paying out the game balls. Therefore, compared to reducing the frequency of winning into the variable winning device 201 by, for example, guiding the game ball to the outlet, it is easier to gain the player's understanding and it is possible to prevent a decline in motivation to play.

[0228] The outlet 141, 171 is arranged on the side of the shutter 216. In this case, the flow of the game balls on the shutter 216 in the protruding position can be used to guide the game balls to the outlet 141, 171, and the shutter 216 can be used as a guide path to the outlet 141, 171. Moreover, since the distance between the shutter 216 and the outlet 141, 171 is less than the diameter of the game ball, it is possible to prevent the game balls from falling downward between the shutter 216 and the outlet 141, 171. As a result, a separate guide path for guiding the game balls from the shutter 216 to the outlet 141, 171 is not required, and the game ball guide path to the outlet 141, 171 can be simplified.

[0229] <Modification 1 of the First Embodiment> In this modified example, the configuration of the second inclined portions 136, 166 in each flow passage forming portion 131, 161 and the variable winning device 201 is different from that of the first embodiment. The configuration of the second inclined portions 136, 166 and the variable winning device 201 according to this modified example will be described below with reference to Figures 19 and 20. In these figures, the same reference numerals are used for the configurations similar to those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0230] 19, in this modified example, outlets 231, 232 are provided in the second inclined portions 136, 166. Each of the outlets 231, 232 opens upward and allows one game ball to pass through.

[0231] The outlets 231, 232 are provided at the midpoint of the rolling surface of the game balls in the second inclined portion 136, 166, specifically, at the most upstream portion of the second inclined portion 136, 166, that is, at the end portion on the side of the first vertical wall portion 137, 167. For this reason, the game balls that have passed through the third flow paths formed between the first vertical wall portion 137, 167 and the general winning openings 31a, 31d can enter the outlets 141, 171. Incidentally, since the proportion of game balls that flow down the game area PE and flow into the third flow path is small, in this modified example, substantially all (almost all) of the game balls that have not won in the operating openings 33, 34 and the general winning openings 31a to 31d are led to the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 201.

[0232] In this way, by providing the outlets 231, 232 at the midpoint of the second inclined portions 136, 166, the game balls can be discharged from the game area PE in the process of being guided toward the variable winning device 201. Therefore, compared to the above-mentioned first embodiment in which the game balls are uniformly guided toward the variable winning device 201, it becomes difficult to predict the direction of the game balls, and it becomes possible to increase the attention paid to the flow of the game balls.

[0233] In the above modification, the outlets 231, 232 are provided at the most upstream part of the second inclined part 136, 166, but the location of the outlets 231, 232 is not limited thereto, and for example, they can be provided at an intermediate position between the most upstream part and the most downstream part of the second inclined part 136, 166. Incidentally, the closer the outlets 231, 232 are to the most downstream part of the second inclined part 136, 166, the higher the rate at which game balls enter the outlets 231, 232 can be. In other words, the outlets 231, 232 can be used as an adjustment means for adjusting the arrival rate of game balls to the variable winning device 201.

[0234] In the above modification, an outlet is provided in each of the second inclined portion 136 of the left flow path forming portion 131 and the second inclined portion 166 of the right flow path forming portion 161, but an outlet may be provided in only one of the second inclined portions 136, 166. Furthermore, an outlet opening upward may be provided in each flow path forming portion 131, 161 or the first inclined portion 133, 163 of either flow path forming portion, or an outlet opening to the side (to the left / right center side of the lower region PE4) may be provided in the first vertical wall portion 137, 167.

[0235] Next, a description will be given of the variable winning device 201 according to this modified example. As shown in Fig. 20, the variable winning device 201 according to this modified example has a characteristic configuration of the shutter 216.

[0236] In this modified example, the variable winning device 201 is provided with a deceleration means for reducing the moving speed of the game ball when it moves on the shutter 216. Specifically, the upper surface 216c of the shutter 216 is provided with a plurality of convex ribs 215 extending in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the game ball. Each convex rib 215 protrudes upward from the upper surface 216c of the shutter 216 and has a columnar shape with a semicircular cross section that is convex upward. These convex ribs 215 are arranged in a line in the moving direction of the game ball on the shutter 216 (the left-right direction of the game machine), and are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other.

[0237] By providing such a deceleration means, when a game ball is placed on the upper surface portion 216c of the shutter 216, the game ball moving toward the outlet 141, 171 is decelerated, and the stay period of the game ball on the shutter 216 is extended. As a result, when a game ball reaches the shutter 216 during a waiting period (a period during which the variable winning device 201 is in a closed state) between round games, the probability that the next round game will start (the variable winning device 201 will be switched to an open state) before the game ball has crossed the shutter 216 is increased. In other words, not only a game ball that reaches the variable winning device 201 at the timing when the variable winning device 201 is in an open state, but also a game ball that reaches the variable winning device 201 during the waiting period can win a prize in the large winning port 202, and more efficient winning can be expected. In addition, the convex rib portion 215 functions to obstruct the flow of the game ball on the shutter 216, so it can also be called an obstruction portion or an obstacle portion.

[0238] <Second embodiment> In this embodiment, the variable winning device and its peripheral configuration are different from those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the variable winning device 301 and its peripheral configuration according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 21 and 22. Fig. 21(a) is a front view of the variable winning device 301 and its peripheral configuration, (b) and (c) are cross-sectional views of the variable winning device 301, Fig. 22(a) is a perspective view of the variable winning device 301 and its peripheral configuration, and (b) is a plan view showing the rear part 305c of the opening and closing door 305. In these figures, the same symbols are used for the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0239] In this embodiment, the large prize opening 302 of the variable prize-winning device 301 is formed as an opening in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape when viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 21(a). The size (width) of the large prize opening 302 is larger than the size of two game balls when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and is large enough to allow multiple game balls to pass through at the same time. As shown in FIG. 21(c), a ball passage 303 is formed behind the large prize opening 302, which guides the game ball that entered the large prize opening 302 to the back side of the gaming board 24 and then guides it downward. A large prize opening winning sensor 302a that detects the game ball that entered the large prize opening 302 is arranged in the middle of the ball passage 303.

[0240] The variable winning device 201 is provided with a plate-shaped opening / closing door 305 corresponding to the large winning opening 302. The opening / closing door 305 can rotate in the front-rear direction around a rotation axis provided at the lower end of the large winning opening 302. This front-rear rotation allows the door 305 to be displaced between a protruding position (opening position) where it protrudes forward from the front surface of the game board 24 and opens the large winning opening 302, and a retracted position (closing position) where it is prevented from protruding from the front surface of the game board 24 and covers the large winning opening 302.

[0241] As shown in FIG. 21(b), when the opening / closing door 305 is in the retreat position, the opening / closing door 305 covers the large prize opening 302 from the front, restricting the entry of game balls into the large prize opening 302, and the large prize opening 302 is closed in a closed state. At that time, the front surface 305b of the opening / closing door 305 is flush with the front surface of the game board 24 (the front surface 311a of the base body 311 of the variable prize winning device 301) or is located on the rear side of the game machine than the front surface of the game board 24. When the opening / closing door 305 rotates forward from this state and displaces to the protruding position, a receiving area RA capable of receiving game balls is formed in front of the large prize opening 302. The receiving area RA has the same shape and size as the large prize opening 302 when viewed from the front, and the receiving area RA is formed to allow the entry of game balls into the large prize opening 302. This results in an open state in which the large prize opening 302 is opened.

[0242] As shown in FIG. 21(a), the height position of the opening and closing door 305 is set so that the opening and closing door 305 and the outlets 141, 171 formed in each flow path forming portion 131, 161 are arranged side by side. In detail, when the opening and closing door 305 is located in the protruding position, the rear surface portion (ball receiving portion) 305c of the opening and closing door 305 is set to be at a position lower than the second inclined portion 136, 166 of each flow path forming portion 131, 161 by at least one size. In other words, a step portion is formed between the rear surface portion 305c of the opening and closing door 305 and the second inclined portion 136, 166, where the rear surface portion 305c of the opening and closing door 305 is lower than the second inclined portion 136, 166 by at least the diameter of a game ball, and the outlets 141, 171 are arranged in this step portion. With this configuration, when the opening / closing door 305 is in the protruding position, some of the game balls moving on the opening / closing door 305 enter the outlets 141, 171.

[0243] The outlets 141, 171 are open to the opening / closing door 305 side as in the first embodiment, and are large enough to allow one game ball to pass through. The fronts of the outlets 141, 171 and the flow path forming parts 131, 161 in their surrounding areas are made opaque, and are less visible from the front of the game machine than the lower outlet 321 described later.

[0244] As shown in Fig. 22(b), a protrusion 325 is provided on the rear surface 305c of the opening / closing door 305. The protrusion 325 protrudes upward from the rear surface 305c, and is intended to adjust the ease with which game balls moving on the opening / closing door 305 can reach the outlets 141, 171. In other words, the higher the protrusions 325 are made and the more there are, the more difficult it becomes for game balls to reach the outlets 141, 171. By adjusting these when designing the gaming machine, it is possible to adjust the ease with which game balls can escape to the outlets 141, 171, that is, the winning rate of game balls into the big winning port 302.

[0245] In this embodiment, the protrusion 325 is disposed close to the front end 305f of the opening and closing door 305, so that the ease with which the game balls reach the outlet 141, 171 can be adjusted by the so-called laying down when the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. That is, by increasing the laying down (forward tilt degree) of the pachinko machine 10, the game balls can easily pass the front end 305f side of the opening and closing door 305, and are easily influenced by the protrusion 325. In this embodiment, the protrusion 325 is disposed on both the left and right sides of the opening and closing door 305, but it may be disposed only on either the left or right side. The number of the protrusions 325 is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more.

[0246] As shown in Fig. 21(a), the opening / closing door 305 extends in the left-right direction, and more specifically, its left and right ends 305d, 305e (see Fig. 22(b)) are located near the second vertical wall portions 138, 168 of the flow path forming portions 131, 161. The distance between the left and right ends 305d, 305e of the opening / closing door 305 and each outlet 141, 171 is less than the diameter of a game ball, so that the game ball does not fall between the opening / closing door 305 located in the protruding position and each outlet 141, 171.

[0247] As shown in FIG. 21(b), a variable winning drive unit 219 for driving the opening / closing door 305 is attached to the back side of the base body 311. The variable winning drive unit 219 has a solenoid as a driving source and a link mechanism as a driving force transmission means for transmitting the driving force from the solenoid to the opening / closing door 305. The solenoid is electrically connected to the main control device 81 and is driven based on a driving signal from the main control device 81. When the solenoid is driven, the opening / closing door 305 rotates from the retracted position to the protruding position, and the variable winning device 301 switches from the closed state to the open state. When the output of the driving signal from the main control device 81 stops, the opening / closing door 305 returns from the protruding position to the retracted position by the biasing force of the biasing means (spring, etc.), and the variable winning device 301 switches from the open state to the closed state.

[0248] As shown in FIG. 21(a), a lower outlet 321 is disposed below the variable winning device 301. The lower outlet 321 opens forward and has a horizontally long, approximately elliptical shape when viewed from the front. The size (width dimension) of the lower outlet 321 is larger than two game balls when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and is large enough to allow multiple game balls to pass through at the same time. Behind the lower outlet 321, a ball passage 322 is formed to guide the game balls that have entered the lower outlet 321 to the back side of the gaming board 24. In this embodiment, the ball passage 322 corresponding to the lower outlet 321 and the ball passage 303 corresponding to the big winning port 302 are joined together, but the ball passages 322 and 303 may not be joined together.

[0249] <About the game flow> Next, the flow of the game in the normal game state and the opening and closing execution mode will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the game in the normal game state, and Fig. 23(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the game in the opening and closing execution mode. In both the normal game state and the opening and closing execution mode, the flow of the game balls that flow down the left side area PE2 and the right side area PE3 until they are collected in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 301 is the same as in the case of the first embodiment described with reference to Fig. 18, so the description will be omitted.

[0250] First, the flow of the game in the normal game state will be described with reference to Fig. 23(a). In the normal game state, the open / close execution mode is not executed, and the variable winning device 301 continues to be in the closed state. In this state, when the game balls that have passed through the second inclined parts 136, 166 of each flow path forming part 131, 161 and the areas PE4a to PE4c are guided to the variable winning device 301 side, all of these game balls pass in front of the opening / closing door 305 and flow down toward the lower outlet 321. That is, all of the game balls that are gathered in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 301 in the normal game state enter the lower outlet 321 and are discharged from the game area PE.

[0251] Next, the flow of the game in the open / close execution mode will be described with reference to FIG. 23(b). As already described, when the mode is switched to the open / close execution mode, a round game is executed in which the variable winning device 301 is switched from the closed state to the open state, and then the switching control from the open state to the closed state is performed at least once (once in this embodiment), and in the open / close execution mode, such a round game is performed multiple times (15 times in this embodiment). In the open state of the variable winning device 301, the opening / closing door 305 is located at the protruding position, forming an acceptance area RA (see FIG. 21(c)) that can accept the game ball into the large winning opening 302, and the entry of the game ball into the large winning opening 302 is permitted. On the other hand, in the closed state, the opening / closing door 305 is located at the retreat position, and the acceptance area RA disappears, and the entry of the game ball into the large winning opening 302 is restricted.

[0252] In the game area PE, as in the first embodiment, the game balls are configured to be collected in the area where the receiving area RA is formed. Therefore, when the opening and closing door 305 is in the protruding position and the variable winning device 301 is in the open state, all the game balls flow into the receiving area RA when the game balls reach the area where the receiving area RA is formed. The game balls that flow into the receiving area RA in this way fall onto the rear surface 305c of the opening and closing door 305, and then move backward on the rear surface 305c to win the big winning hole 302. Some of the game balls move left and right on the rear surface 305c of the opening and closing door 305. When the game balls go over the protrusion 325, they enter the out hole 141, 171 and are discharged from the game area PE. As already explained, when a game ball enters the big prize opening 302, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15 balls) are paid out, but when a game ball enters the outlet 141, 171, no game balls are paid out.

[0253] On the other hand, when the opening / closing door 305 is in the retracted position and the variable winning device 301 is in the closed state and the game ball reaches the area where the receiving area RA is formed, the game ball passes in front of the opening / closing door 305 and enters the lower outlet 321, as in the normal game state.

[0254] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained.

[0255] Since the configuration is such that all game balls that do not enter the other ball entry sections (upper operating port 33, lower operating port 34, general entry ports 31a to 31d) upstream of the variable entry device 301 are guided to a specified area (the area where the receiving area RA is formed), the same effect as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0256] A lower outlet 321 and outlets 141, 171 are provided, and when the variable winning device 301 is in a closed state, the game ball enters the lower outlet 321, and when the variable winning device 301 is in an open state, the game ball enters the outlets 141, 171. This is expected to have the following effects.

[0257] If the game balls enter the variable winning device 301 too efficiently, it may be biased towards the player and give an advantage, which may cause problems in the operation of the game hall. If such a problem is anticipated at the design stage of the game machine, the flow path of the game balls may be reviewed and the winning rate of the variable winning device 301 may be adjusted. In this case, if the game balls are blatantly guided to the outlet side and the winning rate of the game balls to the variable winning device 301 is reduced, it may cause a decrease in the motivation to play, which is undesirable.

[0258] In this respect, in this embodiment, the above problem is addressed by configuring the outlet for discharging the game balls to be switched depending on the operating state of the variable winning device 301. That is, when the variable winning device 301 is in a closed state, the game balls enter the lower outlet 321, so that in a game state in which the open / close execution mode is not executed, the game balls are discharged through the lower outlet 321. In a game, the period in which the open / close execution mode is not executed tends to be longer and more dominant than the period in which the open / close execution mode is executed, so that by the player regularly seeing the game balls being discharged through the lower outlet 321, the player is promoted to be aware that the lower outlet 321 is the outlet for the game balls, and that the game balls that enter the lower outlet 321 become out balls. In addition, when the variable winning device 301 is in an open state, the game balls are discharged through the outlets 141, 171, which are different from the lower outlet 321, instead of the lower outlet 321. The preconception that the lower outlet 321 is the outlet prevents the player from recognizing that a game ball has been discharged even if the game ball enters the outlet 141, 171. Therefore, game balls that have not won in the variable winning device 301 in the open state can be discharged while making the discharge less noticeable. This makes it possible to adjust the winning rate of game balls in the variable winning device 301 while preventing a decrease in the player's motivation to play.

[0259] Moreover, in this embodiment, the balls enter the outlets 141, 171 via the opening and closing door 305 in the protruding position, so it is possible to maintain the flow of game balls that gathers the game balls in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 301. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the winning rate of game balls in the variable winning device 301 while giving the impression that the game balls are likely to approach the variable winning device 301.

[0260] The visibility of the outlets 141, 171 when viewed from the front (viewed from the front of the gaming machine) is lower than that of the lower outlet 321. In this case, the presence of the outlets 141, 171 is weakened compared to the lower outlet 321, and the player's attention to the outlets 141, 171 is suppressed from increasing. This makes it possible to make the discharge of gaming balls through the outlets 141, 171 even less noticeable.

[0261] In order to emphasize the lower outlet 321 while reducing the presence of the outlets 141, 171, a marking (e.g., "OUT") suggesting or indicating that it is an outlet may be provided around the lower outlet 321, such as to the side of the lower outlet 321, or on a decorative body if one is placed in front of the lower outlet 321. In this way, while no such marking may be provided for the outlets 141, 171, or the marking may be made less noticeable than that for the lower outlet 321 (e.g., by making the marking smaller or fainter).

[0262] The outlets 141, 171 are arranged upstream of the lower outlet 321. In gaming machines, the outlets are often arranged at the bottom (lowest stream part) of the playing area PE, and it is assumed that there are many cases where players play with such a preconceived notion. This configuration makes use of this, and by arranging the outlets 141, 171 upstream of the lower outlet 321, it is possible to prevent players from recognizing the outlets 141, 171 as outlets at first glance.

[0263] The outlet 141, 171 is disposed adjacent to the opening and closing door 305. When the opening and closing door 305 is in the protruding position, if a game ball moving on the rear part 305c of the opening and closing door 305 passes through the opening and closing door 305, the game ball can be quickly inserted into the outlet 141, 171. As a result, it becomes difficult for a player to recognize the flow of the game ball from passing through the opening and closing door 305 to the outlet 141, 171, and the entry of the game ball into the outlet 141, 171 becomes even less noticeable. In addition, by arranging the outlet 141, 171 and the opening and closing door 305 adjacent to each other, the distance between the opening and closing door 305 and the big winning hole 302 can be shortened. As a result, the game ball can be inserted into the outlet 141, 171 while appearing as if it had entered the big winning hole 302, and the discharge can be made less noticeable.

[0264] The distance between the outlet 141, 171 and the opening / closing door 305 is set to be less than the diameter of a game ball. For example, if the game ball falls between the outlet 141, 171 and the opening / closing door 305, the player may visually see the game balls falling from the opening / closing door 305, which may give the player the impression that the game balls are likely to spill. In this respect, the present configuration prevents the game balls from falling between the outlet 141, 171 and the opening / closing door 305, making it difficult for the player to get the impression that the game balls are likely to spill, and thus makes it possible to suitably suppress a decrease in motivation to play.

[0265] In the above embodiment, the game ball cannot enter the lower outlet 321 when it is in the open state, but it may be configured so that the game ball can enter in a range where it is more difficult to enter than when it is in the closed state. Also, in the closed state, the game ball basically cannot enter the outlets 141, 171, but it may be configured so that the game ball can enter in a range where it is more difficult to enter than when it is in the open state.

[0266] <Third embodiment> In this embodiment, the variable winning device and its peripheral configuration are different from the above-mentioned embodiments. Hereinafter, the variable winning device 401 and its peripheral configuration according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 24 to 26. Fig. 24(a) is a front view of the variable winning device 401 and its peripheral configuration, (b) is a cross-sectional view thereof, Fig. 25(a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device 401, (b) is a plan view of the opening / closing member 431 and its peripheral configuration, and Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the variable winning device 401 and its peripheral configuration. In these figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as in the above-mentioned embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted. In Figs. 24(b) and 25(a), the illustration of the left flow path forming part 131 is omitted for convenience.

[0267] As shown in Fig. 24(a), the variable winning device 401 has a plate-shaped base body 411, and the base body 411 is attached to the game board 24 by being fitted into an opening formed at the bottom of the game board 24. As shown in Fig. 24(b), the distance between a front part 411a of the base body 411 and the window panel 62 is larger than the diameter of a game ball, so that the game ball can pass in front of the front part 411a.

[0268] 24(a) and (b), a first winning opening 403 is formed on the upper part of the base body 411 so as to open toward the front of the gaming machine. The first winning opening 403 has a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and its size (width dimension) is larger than the size of two gaming balls when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, allowing multiple gaming balls to pass through at the same time.

[0269] 25(a), a first ball passage 405 is formed behind the first winning opening 403, which guides the game ball that entered the first winning opening 403 to the back side of the game board 24 and then guides it downward. A first large winning opening winning sensor 403a that detects the game ball that entered the first winning opening 403 is disposed midway along the first ball passage 405.

[0270] As shown in Fig. 24(b), a passage 408 through which game balls can pass is formed in front of the base body 411 below the first winning opening 403. The bottom of the passage 408 is partitioned by the inner rail 51, and outlets 441, 442 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the passage 408 (see Fig. 24(a) and Fig. 26(a)). These outlets 441, 442 are provided below the outlets 141, 171 in the second vertical wall parts 138, 168 of the flow path forming parts 131, 161, and all open laterally so as to face the passage 408 side.

[0271] A second winning opening 404 is formed in the center of the lower part of the passage 408 so as to penetrate the base body 411 in the thickness direction. The second winning opening 404 is formed as an opening that opens forward and has a substantially elliptical shape that is long horizontally when viewed from the front, and its size (width dimension) is larger than the size of two game balls when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, allowing multiple game balls to pass through at the same time.

[0272] As shown in Fig. 25(a), a second ball passage 421 is provided on the back side of the base body 411 so as to communicate with the second winning opening 404. The second ball passage 421 extends rearward, and the game ball that has won the second winning opening 404 flows into the second ball passage 421 and is then guided rearward along the passage bottom surface 421a. A second large winning opening winning sensor 404a that detects the game ball that has won the second winning opening 404 is disposed midway along the second ball passage 421.

[0273] In this manner, the variable winning device 401 of this embodiment is provided with two winning openings 403, 404 as winning openings through which the game ball can win, and these winning openings 403, 404 constitute the large winning opening 402. The first large winning opening winning sensor 403a and the second large winning opening winning sensor 404a are electrically connected to the main control device 81, and when the game ball passes through the detection area of ​​each of the large winning opening winning sensors 403a, 404a, predetermined detection information (detection signal) is input to the main control device 81. The main control device 81 determines whether or not a prize has been won in the large winning opening 402 based on this detection information.

[0274] As shown in FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b), the variable winning device 401 is provided with an opening / closing member 431 corresponding to the first winning opening portion 403 and the second winning opening portion 404.

[0275] The opening / closing member 431 includes a first opening / closing plate 432 that opens and closes the first winning opening 403, and is rotatable in the front-rear direction about a rotation axis provided at the lower end of the first winning opening 403. This front-rear rotation allows the first opening / closing plate 432 to be displaced between a protruding position (see Figs. 25(a) and 26(b)) where it protrudes forward from the front surface of the game board 24 (front surface 411a of the base body 411) and a retracted position (see Figs. 24(b) and 26(a)) where it is prevented from protruding from the front surface of the game board 24.

[0276] When the first opening / closing plate 432 is located in the retracted position, the first winning opening 403 is covered from the front by the first opening / closing plate 432, restricting the entry of game balls into the first winning opening 403, and the first winning opening 403 is closed in a closed state. At that time, the front surface 432b of the first opening / closing plate 432 is flush with the front surface of the game board 24 or is located closer to the rear surface of the game machine than the front surface of the game board 24. When the opening / closing member 431 rotates forward from this state and the first opening / closing plate 432 is located in the protruding position, the game ball is permitted to enter the first winning opening 403, and the first winning opening 403 is opened in an open state. Note that it is not necessary to configure the first winning opening 403 so that it is not possible for a game ball to enter the first winning opening 403 in the closed state, and it may be configured so that a game ball can enter the first winning opening 403 to a degree that is more difficult to enter than in the open state.

[0277] As shown in Fig. 26(a), a second opening / closing plate 433 for opening and closing the second winning opening 404 is provided on a front surface 432b of the first opening / closing plate 432. The second opening / closing plate 433 is formed so as to protrude from the front surface 432b of the first opening / closing plate 432 to the front of the gaming machine when the first opening / closing plate 432 is in the retracted position. The depth dimension of the second opening / closing plate 433 (the amount of forward protrusion from the first opening / closing plate 432) is equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball, so that a gaming ball can be placed on the second opening / closing plate 433.

[0278] The second opening / closing plate 433 is integrated with the first opening / closing plate 432, and is configured to rotate back and forth with the rotation of the opening / closing member 431. This rotation back and forth allows the second opening / closing plate 433 to be displaced between a protruding position (see Figs. 24(b) and 26(a)) in which the second opening / closing plate 433 protrudes forward from the front surface (front surface portion 411a of the base body 411) of the game board 24 and its upper surface portion 433b faces upward, and a retracted position (see Figs. 25(a) and 26(b)) in which the protrusion of the second opening / closing plate 433 is suppressed and the upper surface portion 433b is tilted forward.

[0279] The second opening / closing plate 433 extends in the left-right direction, and more specifically, its left and right ends are located near the second vertical wall portions 138, 168 of the flow passage forming portions 131, 161. The depth dimension (projection length from the first opening / closing plate 432) of the second opening / closing plate 433 is set so that the distance (distance) D1 between the front end portion 433a of the second opening / closing plate 433 and the window panel 62 at the projecting position is less than the diameter of the game ball, as shown in FIG. 24(b). Therefore, when the second opening / closing plate 433 is located at the projecting position and the passage portion 408 is covered from above by the second opening / closing plate 433, game balls cannot flow into the passage portion 408 from either the front or the side of the second opening / closing plate 433, and the inflow of game balls into the passage portion 408 is restricted. As a result, the entry of game balls into the second winning opening portion 404 is restricted, and the second winning opening portion 404 is closed in a closed state. It is not necessary that the second winning opening 404 cannot receive a winning ball when it is in the closed state, but it may be configured so that a winning ball is possible to a degree that is more difficult to achieve than when it is in the open state.

[0280] When the second opening / closing plate 433 is in the protruding position, the second opening / closing plate 433 protrudes forward of the gaming machine, so that the gaming ball can be received by the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433. That is, the second opening / closing plate 433 functions not only as an opening / closing portion that opens and closes the second winning opening portion 404, but also as a ball receiving portion that receives the gaming ball. The gaming ball received by the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433 falls downward from the upper surface portion 433b in the process of the second opening / closing plate 433 being displaced from the protruding position to the retreat position, as shown in Figs. 26(a) and (b). This allows the gaming ball to flow into the passage portion 408, and allows the gaming ball to win the second winning opening portion 404. The upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433 is provided with a plurality of convex strip portions 215 (deceleration means), so that the period during which the gaming ball stays on the second opening / closing plate 433 is extended.

[0281] As shown in FIG. 25(a), when the second opening / closing plate 433 is located in the retracted position, the first opening / closing plate 432 is located in the protruding position. In this embodiment, the distance D2 between the upper end 432a of the first opening / closing plate 432 and the window panel 62 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, and the game ball can pass in front of the first opening / closing plate 432. In this case, as shown in FIG. 25(b), the center part 433c of the second opening / closing plate 433 protrudes forward from the first opening / closing plate 432, and the distance between the second opening / closing plate 433 and the window panel 62 becomes narrow, but the left and right sides are located behind the first opening / closing plate 432. In these parts, the distance between the window panel 62 becomes larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the game ball that has passed in front of the first opening / closing plate 432 flows into the passage part 408 through the part.

[0282] In this way, when the second opening / closing plate 433 is switched from the protruding position to the retracted position and during the period when the second opening / closing plate 433 is maintained at the retracted position, the game ball is permitted to enter the second winning opening portion 404, and the second winning opening portion 404 is opened, resulting in an open state. However, the winning of the second winning opening portion 404 by falling from the second opening / closing plate 433 occurs only when the second opening / closing plate 433 is switched from the protruding position to the retracted position, and the winning of the second winning opening portion 404 occurs only when the game ball passes near the window panel 62 during the period when the retracted position is maintained. For this reason, the probability of the game ball entering the second winning opening portion 404 is lower than the probability of the game ball entering the first winning opening portion 403.

[0283] Here, as shown in Fig. 24(a), the second opening / closing plate 433 has a mountain-shaped shape when viewed from the front, and like the shutter 216 according to the first embodiment, it is capable of guiding the game ball received on the upper surface portion 433b to the outlets 141, 171. The positional relationship between the two, such as the height position of the second opening / closing plate 433 relative to the outlets 141, 171 and the distance between the outlets 141, 171 and the second opening / closing plate 433, is similar to the case of the shutter 216 and the outlets 141, 171 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0284] As shown in FIG. 24(b), a variable winning drive unit 419 for driving the opening / closing member 431 is attached to the back side of the base body 411. The variable winning drive unit 419 has a solenoid as a driving source and a link mechanism as a driving force transmission means for transmitting the driving force from the solenoid to the opening / closing member 431. The solenoid is electrically connected to the main control device 81 and is driven based on a driving signal from the main control device 81. When the solenoid is driven, the opening / closing member 431 rotates from a state in which the first opening / closing plate 432 is in the retracted position and the second opening / closing plate 433 is in the protruding position to a state in which the first opening / closing plate 432 is in the retracted position and the second opening / closing plate 433 is in the retracted position, switching from a closed state in which each winning opening portion 403, 404 (large winning opening 402) is closed to an open state in which they are opened. When the output of the drive signal from the main control device 81 stops, the biasing force of the biasing means (such as a spring) returns the opening / closing member 431 to a state in which the first opening / closing plate 432 is in the retracted position and the second opening / closing plate 433 is in the protruding position, switching from the open state to the closed state.

[0285] In this embodiment, since some of the game balls that flow into the passage 408 can be discharged through the outlets 441, 442, a through hole provided in the center of the lower part of the passage 408 functions as the second winning opening 404, but as shown in Fig. 27, the outlets 441, 442 may be omitted and the second winning opening 404 may open upward. In Fig. 27, the second opening / closing plate 433 is not shown in order to make the second winning opening 404 easier to understand.

[0286] Next, the allocation of the jackpot type according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 28. Fig. 28 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the allocation table. The allocation table is a table for allocating the type of the jackpot result based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2, and is stored in the allocation table storage area 113b of the ROM 113 (see Fig. 8).

[0287] As shown in FIG. 28, in the distribution table in this embodiment, the types of jackpot results are set as an explicit 15R special jackpot result (an explicit high-probability game result), an implicit 15R special jackpot result (an implicit high-probability game result or a result resulting in a latent special state), and a 15R normal jackpot result.

[0288] The explicit 15R probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the win / lose lottery mode becomes a high probability mode and the support mode becomes a high frequency support mode after the open / close execution mode ends. The high frequency support mode continues until the lottery result in the win / lose lottery becomes a jackpot state win and transitions to the open / close execution mode. The implicit 15R probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the win / lose lottery mode becomes a high probability mode and the support mode becomes a low frequency support mode after the open / close execution mode ends. The 15R normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the win / lose lottery mode becomes a low probability mode and the support mode becomes a low frequency support mode after the open / close execution mode ends.

[0289] In the case of the non-disclosed 15R variable probability jackpot result, after the end of the open / close execution mode, the winning / losing lottery mode transitions to the high probability mode, but the support mode becomes the low frequency support mode, as in the case of the 15R normal jackpot result. In this way, a gaming state can be created in which the winning / losing lottery mode becomes the high probability mode, even though the support mode of the electric role 34a is the low frequency support mode in common. This makes it possible for the player to be unable or difficult to distinguish between the non-disclosed 15R variable probability jackpot result and the 15R normal jackpot result, and it becomes possible to add the fun of predicting whether the winning / losing lottery mode is the high probability mode or the low probability mode.

[0290] In the distribution table shown in FIG. 28, of the values ​​"0 to 29" of the jackpot type counter C2, "0 to 9" corresponds to an explicit 15R special jackpot result, "10 to 19" corresponds to an implicit 15R special jackpot result, and "20 to 29" corresponds to a 15R normal jackpot result, but the distribution of these numerical values ​​is arbitrary.

[0291] Next, each control process executed by the MPU 112 of the main control device 81 in this embodiment will be described.

[0292] 29 is a flowchart showing the fluctuation start process. This process is executed in step S305 of the game number control process (FIG. 14).

[0293] In the variation start process, first, in step S701, a win / loss determination process is executed to determine whether the reserved information referred to in the current variation start process corresponds to a jackpot win. Specifically, the information for jackpot determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information acquired from the information updated by the jackpot random number counter C1, is grasped. Then, when the win / loss lottery mode is the low probability mode, the win / loss table for the low probability mode stored in the win / loss table storage area 113a of the ROM 113 is referenced to determine whether the above-mentioned grasped information is included in the information corresponding to a jackpot win, and when the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode, the win / loss table for the high probability mode stored in the win / loss table storage area 113a of the ROM 113 is referenced to determine whether the above-mentioned grasped information is included in the information corresponding to a jackpot win.

[0294] In the next step S702, it is determined whether or not the result of the win / loss determination process in step S701 corresponds to a big win. If the result corresponds to a big win, a type determination process is executed in step S703.

[0295] In the type determination process, the type determination information among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information obtained from the information updated by the jackpot type counter C2 is grasped. Also, by referring to the distribution table (FIG. 28) stored in the distribution table storage area 113b of the ROM 113, it is determined whether the above-mentioned grasped type determination information is included in the information corresponding to the probability variable jackpot result.

[0296] In the next step S704, it is determined whether the type of the current jackpot is a jackpot with a probability of winning based on the information identified in the type determination process in step S703. If it is a jackpot with a probability of winning, a stop result setting process for a jackpot with a probability of winning is executed in step S705, and if it is not a jackpot with a probability of winning, a stop result setting process for a normal jackpot is executed in step S706. Also, if it is determined in step S702 that it is not a jackpot win, a stop result setting process for when it is not won is executed in step S707.

[0297] In each stop result setting process of steps S705 to S707, information on the form of the picture to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 43 is specified by referring to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area of ​​the ROM 113, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 114. Also, in steps S705 and S706, information for the MPU 112 to specify that the win / loss determination result of the current game round is a jackpot result (explicit 15R certain variable jackpot flag, non-explicit 15R certain variable jackpot flag, 15R normal jackpot flag) is stored in the various flag storage area 114e of the RAM 114.

[0298] After executing any one of the processes in steps S705 to S707, in step S708, a process for setting the variable display time for performing the variable display is executed. In the following step S709, a variable command and a type command are set. The variable command includes information on the presence or absence of a jackpot, the presence or absence of a reach, and information on the variable display time. In addition, the type command includes information on the game result. In other words, the type command includes information on the game result such as information on the explicit 15R variable jackpot result, information on the non-explicit 15R variable jackpot result, information on the 15R normal jackpot result, and information on the miss result.

[0299] The variation command and type command set in step S709 are sent to the performance control device 82 in step S201 in normal processing (FIG. 13). The performance control device 82 sends the variation command and type command to the display control device 212 while maintaining their information form. The display control device 212 grasps the variation display pattern on the pattern display device 41 in that game round based on the received variation command and type command, and controls the display of the pattern display device 41 so that the grasped variation display pattern is executed. After that, in step S710, the variation display of the pattern is started on the main display unit 43, and then this variation start processing is terminated.

[0300] Fig. 30 is a flow chart showing the special prize opening opening / closing process in this embodiment. Here, the process of steps S801 and S802 shown in Fig. 30 is executed between steps S509 and S510 in the special prize opening opening opening process in Fig. 16. Note that step S509 is for determining whether or not a game ball has entered the variable prize winning device 401 based on the detection state of the special prize opening winning sensors 403a and 404a, and step S510 is for updating the value of the winning counter PC.

[0301] If the result of the determination in step S509 is affirmative, that is, if the entry of a game ball into the variable winning device 401 is detected, in step S801, it is determined whether or not the winning is detected by the second large winning opening winning sensor 404a. If the result of the determination is that the game ball is detected by the second large winning opening winning sensor 404a, in step S802, a second winning opening section command is set, which indicates that the game ball has been detected by the second large winning opening winning sensor 404b, that is, that the game ball has entered the second winning opening section 404. The second winning opening section command set in step S802 is output to the performance control device 82 in the external output process in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 13).

[0302] After execution of step S802 or if a negative judgment is made in step S801, the process proceeds to step S510, where the value of the prize counter PC is decremented by one.

[0303] In this manner, in this embodiment, when a winning ball is detected in the variable winning device 401 (large winning opening 402), it is determined whether the winning ball is a winning ball in the second winning opening section 404. However, the winning counter PC is updated in units of winning balls in the large winning opening 402, without distinguishing between the first winning opening section 403 and the second winning opening section 404. Therefore, when the total number of winning balls in the winning opening sections 403, 404 reaches a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 10 balls. See step S506 in FIG. 16), the variable winning device 401 is switched from the open state to the closed state.

[0304] <Announcement performance control process> Next, the announcement performance control process executed by the MPU 242 of the performance control device 82 will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Fig. 31 is a flowchart showing the announcement performance control process.

[0305] The notification effect control process is a process for performing a notification effect during the execution of the opening / closing execution mode, and is started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec). In the notification effect control process, it is determined whether or not a predetermined execution condition for the notification effect is satisfied, and when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, it controls the pattern display device 41 to execute the notification effect.

[0306] Specifically, first, in step S901, it is determined whether the opening / closing execution mode is being executed. This determination is made based on whether an opening command has been received from the main control device 81. If it is determined that the opening / closing execution mode is not being executed, this notification performance control process is terminated, whereas if it is determined that the opening / closing execution mode is being executed, in step S902, it is determined whether the current jackpot result is a non-explicit variable jackpot result or a normal jackpot result. This determination is made based on the type command from the main control device 81.

[0307] If the result of the judgment is that the current jackpot result is neither a non-explicit variable probability jackpot result nor a normal jackpot result, i.e., it is an explicit variable probability jackpot result, the notification effect control process is terminated. On the other hand, if the current jackpot result is judged to be either a non-explicit variable probability jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, the process proceeds to step S903 to judge whether or not it is during the opening period. If it is judged to be during the opening period, the introduction effect setting process is executed in step S904.

[0308] Here, the introduction performance will be described with reference to Fig. 32(a). The introduction performance is a game performance executed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 41, and is executed as a pre-performance of the announcement performance that clearly indicates whether the game state (lottery mode) after the open / close execution mode ends will be the high probability mode or the low probability mode. In the introduction performance, an egg image 461 with a "?" mark and a warrior character image 462 holding a sword are displayed. Although not shown in the figure, text such as "Something good might happen if you get 20 or more game balls to win in the second winning opening 404..." is also displayed.

[0309] In the introduction performance, a jackpot pattern image 463 is displayed, which shows the main pattern that was stopped and displayed on the pay lines L1 to L5 in the game round that resulted in the jackpot result. In this embodiment, when the result is a non-explicit probability variable jackpot result, the same even number pattern is stopped and displayed on one of the pay lines L1 to L5, as in the case of a normal jackpot result. Therefore, the player cannot tell whether the result is a probability variable jackpot result or a normal jackpot result from the stopped result on the pay lines L1 to L5.

[0310] Furthermore, in the introduction performance, a count image 464 is displayed to indicate the number of winnings in the second winning opening portion 404. In this embodiment, when a winning is detected in the second winning opening portion 404, a display of the warrior character image 462 swinging his sword down toward the egg image 461 is performed, and the number displayed in the count image 464 is counted up. These displays serve as notifications corresponding to the occurrence of a winning in the second winning opening portion 404.

[0311] Returning to the explanation of the notification performance control process in Fig. 31, in step S904 (introduction performance setting process), an output command to the display control device 212 is set so that the introduction performance in Fig. 32(a) is performed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 41. The display control device 212 controls the display of the pattern display device 41 based on the command.

[0312] After execution of step S904 or if a negative judgment is made in step S903, in step S905, it is judged whether or not a notification performance or an end performance, which will be described later, has been executed. If these performances have been executed, the notification performance control process is terminated, whereas if they have not been executed, in step S906, it is judged whether or not a second winning port command has been received from the main control device 81. The second winning port command is output when the main control device 81 detects the entry of a game ball into the second winning port 404, and if the second winning port command has been received, in step S907, the value of the second winning counter SPC is incremented by 1 and updated. The second winning counter SPC is for managing the number of winning balls into the second winning port 404 in the performance control device 82, and is stored in the RAM 244. In addition, in step S907, an output command is set to the display control device 212 so as to update the display of the count image 464 described above.

[0313] After execution of step S907 or if a negative judgment is made in step S906 (if a new second winning port command has not been received), the process proceeds to step S908, where it is judged whether the value of the second winning counter SPC is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (e.g., 20). If it is judged that the value of the second winning counter SPC is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, a notification performance setting process is executed in step S909.

[0314] Here, the notification effect will be described with reference to Fig. 32(b) and (c). The notification effect is a game effect that notifies (indicates) whether the lottery mode after the opening and closing execution mode is ended is a high probability mode or not. When the jackpot result is a non-indicated probability variable jackpot result, that is, when the lottery mode after the opening and closing execution mode is ended is a high probability mode, as shown in Fig. 32(b), an image 465 in which the word "probability variable" appears from a cracked egg is displayed, and a warrior character image 462 that looks happy is displayed. On the other hand, when the jackpot result is a normal jackpot result, that is, when the lottery mode after the opening and closing execution mode is ended is a low probability mode, as shown in Fig. 32(c), an image 466 in which the word "normal" appears from a cracked egg is displayed, and a warrior character image 462 that looks like it is standing still is displayed. By looking at these displays, the player can clearly know whether the lottery mode after the opening and closing execution mode is ended is a high probability mode or a low probability mode.

[0315] Returning to the explanation of the announcement performance control process in Figure 31, in step S909 (announcement performance setting process), an output command is set to the display control device 212 so that the announcement performance of Figure 32(b) or Figure 32(c) is performed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 41 depending on the type of jackpot result.

[0316] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S908 is negative, that is, if the value of the second winning counter SPC is less than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S910, where it is determined whether the current round play is a predetermined round play (for example, the 10th round). If it is determined that the current round play is not the predetermined round play, the notification performance control process is terminated, whereas if it is determined that the current round play is the predetermined round play, the end performance setting process is executed in step S911.

[0317] In the end performance, as shown in FIG. 32(d), an uncracked egg image 461 is displayed, and a dejected warrior character image 462 is displayed. In this case, a "?" is displayed on the egg image 461 so that the player cannot distinguish whether the lottery mode after the opening and closing execution mode ends will be the high probability mode or the low probability mode. In this case, the player continues playing the game without being certain whether the lottery mode will be the high probability mode or the low probability mode after the opening and closing execution mode ends. In step S911 of FIG. 31, an output command to the display control device 212 is set so that the end performance is performed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 41.

[0318] In this manner, in this embodiment, if the number of winning balls entering the second winning opening 404 does not reach the predetermined number by the time the predetermined number of rounds of play ends, a time-out ending effect is displayed. This makes the player strongly desire for a winning ball to be entered into the second winning opening 404 as soon as possible, and a sense of impatience and tension is suitably aroused. This makes it possible to make the game more exciting than when the opening and closing execution mode is merely performed vaguely.

[0319] After step S909 or step S911 is executed, the second winning counter SPC is cleared by inputting "0" in step S912. Then, the notification performance control process is terminated.

[0320] <About the game flow> Next, the flow of the game in the normal game state and the open / close execution mode will be described. In both the normal game state and the open / close execution mode, the flow of the game balls flowing down the left area PE2 and the right area PE3 until they are collected in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 301 is the same as that in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 18, so the description will be omitted.

[0321] First, the flow of the game in the normal game state will be described with reference to FIG. 26(a). In the normal game state, the opening and closing execution mode is not executed, and the variable winning device 401 continues to be in the closed state. The closed state in this case is a state in which the rotation position of the opening and closing member 431 is set so that the first opening and closing plate 432 closes the first winning opening portion 403, and the second opening and closing plate 433 closes the second winning opening portion 404. In this state, as already explained, the second opening and closing plate 433 functions as a ball receiving portion, and is able to receive the game ball flowing down the game area PE. Then, the game ball received by the second opening and closing plate 433 is guided by the second opening and closing plate 433 to the out opening 141, 171 side, and enters the out opening 141, 171. That is, in the normal game state, the game balls collected in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401 enter either the left or right outlet 141, 171, and are discharged from the game area PE.

[0322] Next, the flow of the game in the open / close execution mode will be described with reference to Fig. 33. In Fig. 33, a "reaching ball" means a game ball that has reached the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401.

[0323] When the opening / closing execution mode is entered, a round of play is executed in which the variable winning device 401 is changed from a closed state to an open state, and then switching control to switch to the closed state is performed at least once (once in this embodiment), and in the opening / closing execution mode, such a round of play is performed multiple times (15 times in this embodiment).

[0324] In the open state of the variable winning device 401, the opening and closing member 431 rotates forward (see FIG. 26(b)), and the first winning opening 403 and the second winning opening 404 are opened, respectively, and the winning of the game ball is permitted in each winning opening 403, 404. Therefore, a game ball that reaches the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401 when the variable winning device 401 is in the open state wins either the first winning opening 403 or the second winning opening 404 (timings t1 to t4 in FIG. 33). In this case, as described above, the probability of the game ball winning in the second winning opening 404 is lower than the probability of the game ball winning in the first winning opening 403.

[0325] When the variable winning device 401 is in a closed state, both the first winning opening 403 and the second winning opening 404 are closed, while the second opening / closing plate 433 functions as a ball receiving portion. That is, a game ball that reaches the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401 at a timing of a waiting period (a period during which the variable winning device 401 is in a closed state and waiting for the start of the next round game) set between the previous and next round games falls onto the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433. Then, before the game ball reaches the outlet 141, 171, that is, when the next round game is started under the condition that the game ball is on the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433 (when the variable winning device 401 is switched to the open state again), the game ball falls downward and wins the second winning opening 404 (timings t5 and t6 in FIG. 33).

[0326] In addition, if the game ball on the second opening / closing plate 433 reaches the outlet 141, 171 before the next round of play starts, the game ball is discharged from the game area PE through the outlet 141, 171 without winning the second winning opening section 404. In this respect, in this embodiment, the second opening / closing plate 433 is provided with a convex portion 215 as a deceleration means, and the game ball stays on the second opening / closing plate 433 for a longer period. In other words, the game ball that reaches the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401 during the waiting period is favored so that it is more likely to win the second winning opening section 404.

[0327] The above description is about the waiting period between rounds, but the same applies to a game ball that reaches the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401 during the closed period before the first round is played (the period during which the variable winning device 401 is closed immediately before the start of the first round). In other words, if the first round of play starts with the game ball on the second opening / closing plate 433, the game ball will win in the second winning opening 404.

[0328] In this embodiment, not only when the variable winning device 401 is in an open state, but also when the variable winning device 401 is in a closed state, a game ball that reaches the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401 can win a prize in the variable winning device 401. If the number of winning balls in the second winning opening 404 reaches 20 or more by the time the 10th round of play is completed, a notification effect (FIG. 32) is executed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 41, and a notification corresponding to the lottery mode (play state) after the open / close execution mode is completed is performed.

[0329] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained.

[0330] A second opening / closing plate 433 is provided on the opening / closing member 431, and when the variable winning device 401 is in a closed state, the second opening / closing plate 433 functions as a ball receiving section, and further, when the variable winning device 401 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the game ball received by the second opening / closing plate 433 can enter the second winning opening section 404.

[0331] When the open / close execution mode is executed, it is desirable for the player to efficiently win the big prize opening and to reduce the waste of game balls. For this reason, some players may refrain from shooting game balls at a time when it is difficult to win the big prize opening, so-called "stop shooting". However, if such technical intervention is performed excessively, it will hinder the fairness of the game and is undesirable.

[0332] In this respect, according to the configuration of this embodiment, even if a game ball is shot at a timing when it is difficult for the first winning opening portion 403 to win, it can be made to win the second winning opening portion 404 through the second opening / closing plate 433 (ball receiving portion). This makes it possible to efficiently obtain benefits while suppressing the generation of wasted balls, and can be a configuration that meets the needs of players. Not only that, it can also suppress the rampant practice of stopping shots, which is advantageous in ensuring the fairness of the game.

[0333] Moreover, the game ball received by the second opening / closing plate 433 can enter the second winning opening portion 404, not the first winning opening portion 403. For example, if the game ball falling from the second opening / closing plate 433 is allowed to enter the first winning opening portion 403, the winning destination will be the same as the game ball that enters by opening the first winning opening portion 403, so it may be difficult to identify which route the game ball entered in the pachinko machine 10. In this regard, in this embodiment, the winning destination of the game ball differs between when the game ball enters by dropping from the second opening / closing plate 433 and when the game ball enters without dropping, so it is easy to identify which route the game ball entered in the pachinko machine 10. For this reason, the former case can be made more advantageous than the latter case, and the configuration can be advantageous in evoking a sense of specialness in winning through dropping from the second opening / closing plate 433.

[0334] Also, for example, in a configuration in which a game ball received by the second opening / closing plate 433 (ball receiving section) is made to enter the first winning opening section 403, there is a concern that a game ball heading to the first winning opening section 403 through the ball receiving section and a game ball heading directly to the first winning opening section 403 without going through the ball receiving section will interfere with each other, hindering each winning. In this regard, in the present configuration, the winning opening section that goes through the ball receiving section and the winning opening section that does not go through the ball receiving section are separated, so that the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

[0335] The game ball received by the second opening / closing plate 433 is dropped downward to enter the second winning opening 404. In this case, the game ball on the second opening / closing plate 433 can be guided to the second winning opening 404 by utilizing the forward rotation of the opening / closing member 431, and the configuration can be simplified. In addition, by switching from the closed state to the open state, the game ball received by the second opening / closing plate 433 enters the second winning opening 404 and the ball receiving state of the second opening / closing plate 433 can be reset. As a result, when the variable winning device 401 is returned from the open state to the closed state, it becomes possible to start a new ball receiving operation with no game balls remaining on the second opening / closing plate 433.

[0336] Furthermore, the second winning opening 404 is disposed below the second opening / closing plate 433 and is configured to open upward. In this case, it is possible to make it easier for the game balls that have fallen from the second opening / closing plate 433 to win in the second winning opening 404. Moreover, it is possible to simplify the path of the game balls from the second opening / closing plate 433 to the second winning opening 404, and it is possible to keep the area occupied by the path in the game area PE small compared to when the path is complicated. In other words, it is possible to provide an optimal configuration for a game machine with a limited game area PE.

[0337] When the opening / closing member 431 rotates forward to open the variable winning device 401, the distance D2 between the first opening / closing plate 432 and the window panel 62 is configured to be equal to or greater than the diameter of a game ball. In this case, the game ball passes in front of the first opening / closing plate 432 and can win in the second winning opening 404. In other words, a double win in the first winning opening 403 and the second winning opening 404 can be expected, and compared to a standard game where the only thing to be done is whether or not the game ball will enter one winning opening, it is possible to improve the fun of the game.

[0338] The game ball received by the second opening / closing plate 433 is guided to the outlet 141, 171. In this case, when the opening / closing execution mode is not executed and the variable winning device 401 continues to be in the closed state, the game ball received by the second opening / closing plate 433 can be guided to the outlet 141, 171 and appropriately discharged from the game area PE. This prevents the game ball from staying on the second opening / closing plate 433 and prevents ball clogging on the second opening / closing plate 433 and its surrounding area.

[0339] Furthermore, the outlets 141, 171 are arranged adjacent to the side of the opening / closing member 431. In this case, it is possible to facilitate the lead-out of the game balls from the second opening / closing plate 433 to the outlets 141, 171. In addition, since the distance between the second opening / closing plate 433 and the outlets 141, 171 is short, it is possible to visually confirm whether the game balls remain on the second opening / closing plate 433 or whether the game balls have already entered the outlets 141, 171 without moving one's line of sight, and it is possible to concentrate on the points of interest. This suppresses distraction compared to when various points need to be visually confirmed, and makes it easier for the player to concentrate on the game.

[0340] In addition, the outlet 141, 171 is configured to open to the opening / closing member 431 side. In this case, the momentum of the game ball moving on the second opening / closing plate 433 can be used to smoothly enter the outlet 141, 171, and it is possible to prevent the flow of the game ball from stagnating on the second opening / closing plate 433. Also, since the game ball can be entered into the outlet 141, 171 without changing the moving direction, the lead-out structure of the game ball to the outlet 141, 171 can be simplified.

[0341] When a predetermined number of winning balls are detected in the second winning port 404, a notification effect is executed to notify the player whether the result is a guaranteed jackpot or a normal jackpot, and the player is more advantageous to win the second winning port 404 than the first winning port 403. In this case, not only can the second opening / closing plate 433 receive the game balls to suppress the occurrence of wasted balls, but the subsequent development of the game can be made different depending on whether the game ball wins in the first winning port 403 or the second winning port 404 (whether the game is played with the knowledge of whether the game is in the high probability mode or not, or whether the game is played without any certainty). In other words, which of the winning ports 403, 404 the player will win in becomes a major concern for the player, and it becomes possible to appropriately increase the attention to the game.

[0342] In addition, in other words, the relationship between the first opening / closing plate 432 and the second opening / closing plate 433 in this embodiment can be said to be such that the first opening / closing plate 432 stands or protrudes upward on the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433 when the opening / closing member 431 is in a closed state, and extends in the passage direction of the upper surface portion 433b (direction toward the outlet 141, 171). In this case, the opening / closing member 431 rotates to drop the game balls on the upper surface portion 433b and make them flow down below the opening / closing member 431, while the first opening / closing plate 432 can suppress new game balls from flowing into the opening / closing member 431. This limits the opportunity for game balls to flow down below the opening / closing member 431, and increases the joy when a game ball falls.

[0343] Moreover, the first opening / closing plate 432 is disposed at a distance of at least the diameter of the game ball from the rotation tip of the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433, and more specifically, is disposed at the end portion opposite to the rotation tip on the upper surface portion 433b. Therefore, when the opening / closing member 431 is in the closed position (FIG. 24(b)), the game ball can be placed in front of the first opening / closing plate 432 on the upper surface portion 433b, and when the opening / closing member 431 rotates forward (when it is in the open position of FIG. 25(a)), it is possible to suppress the first opening / closing plate 432 from hindering the fall of the game ball from the upper surface portion 433b. That is, it is possible to satisfactorily achieve both the function of dropping the game ball received on the upper surface portion 433b and the function of preventing further fall of the game ball.

[0344] Furthermore, the first opening / closing plate 432 extends over the entire length of the upper surface portion 433b in the passage direction. In this case, when the opening / closing member 431 is located in the open position, it is possible to prevent the game ball from passing through the side of the first opening / closing plate 432 and flowing into the passage portion 408.

[0345] In addition, when the opening / closing member 431 is in the open position, if a game ball is placed on the first opening / closing plate 432 and the opening / closing member 431 returns to the closed position in this state, the first opening / closing plate 432 may rotate backward with the game ball still placed on it. In this case, the game ball may be caught between the first opening / closing plate 432 and an object behind the first opening / closing plate 432, causing ball pinching. In this regard, in the above configuration, a space portion (the first winning opening portion 403 and the first ball passage 405) capable of accommodating one or more game balls is provided behind the first opening / closing plate 432, making it possible to suppress the occurrence of ball pinching.

[0346] <Modification 1 of the third embodiment> In this modified example, the configuration of the opening / closing member 431 is different from that of the third embodiment. Specifically, the gap between the opening / closing member 431 and the window panel 62 when the opening / closing member 431 is in the open position is narrower than that of the third embodiment. This modified example will be described below with reference to Fig. 34. Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device 401 in the open state. In this figure, the same components as those in the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0347] In this modification, the depth dimension of the first opening / closing plate 432 is set so that the distance D2 between the upper end 432a of the first opening / closing plate 432 and the window panel 62 is less than the diameter of the game ball when the opening / closing member 431 rotates forward from the closed position (FIG. 24(b)) to the open position. For this reason, the game ball cannot pass in front of the first opening / closing plate 432 (opening / closing member 431) and does not flow into the passage 408 below the opening / closing member 431.

[0348] In this manner, in this modified example, even if the opening / closing member 431 rotates forward to a rotation position that opens the first winning opening 403, the second winning opening 404 is not opened, and only the first winning opening 403 is opened. In this case, the chance of winning at the second winning opening 404 can be limited to only when switching from the closed state to the open state, and it is possible to highlight the game of dropping a game ball from the second opening / closing plate 433 to win at the second winning opening 404.

[0349] <Fourth embodiment> In this embodiment, the operating mode of the opening / closing member 431 is different from that of the third embodiment. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 35 to 37. Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device 401 in a closed state, Fig. 36(a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device 401 in an open state A, (b) is a plan view thereof, and Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device 401 in an open state B. In these figures, the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to those of the third embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0350] The variable winning device 401 of this embodiment includes two open states as the open state. Specifically, the open state is an open state A (FIG. 36) in which the second winning opening portion 404 is in an open state, and an open state B (FIG. 37) in which the first winning opening portion 403 is in an open state. These open states A and B are realized by adjusting the rotation amount (rotation angle) of the opening and closing member 431 in the variable winning device 401. As a state other than the open states A and B, a closed state (FIG. 35) in which both the first winning opening portion 403 and the second winning opening portion 404 are in a closed state can be taken, but this closed state is the same as the closed state (FIG. 24(b)) according to the third embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. In the closed state shown in FIG. 35, the distance D1 between the front end portion 433a of the second opening and closing plate 433 and the window panel 62 is less than the diameter of the game ball.

[0351] 36(a) and (b), the open state A allows a game ball to enter the second winning opening 404 while not allowing a game ball to enter the first winning opening 403 by setting the rotation amount of the opening / closing member 431 from the closed state toward the front of the gaming machine as a first rotation amount. That is, the first rotation amount rotates the opening / closing member 431 so that the distance D3 between the upper end 432a of the first opening / closing plate 432 and the window panel 62 and the distance D4 between the left and right ends 433d, 433e of the second opening / closing plate 433 and the window panel 62 are equal to or larger than the diameter of a game ball while restricting the opening degree of the first winning opening 403 within a range in which a game ball cannot enter the first winning opening 403. When the distances D3 and D4 are equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, the game ball flowing down from above the opening / closing member 431 first passes in front of the first opening / closing plate 432 and rests on the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433. The game ball resting on the upper surface portion 433b moves toward the left end portion 433d or the right end portion 433e along the inclination of the upper surface portion 433b, and falls below the opening / closing member 431 through the front areas of the ends 433d and 433e. In this way, a ball passage 471 through which the game ball can pass is formed, and the game ball can win the second winning opening portion 404.

[0352] In addition, if a game ball is placed on the second opening / closing plate 433 immediately before switching from the closed state to the open state A, the game ball will fall downward from the second opening / closing plate 433 during the process of switching to the open state A, and will be able to win through the second winning opening 404.

[0353] As shown in Fig. 37(a), the open state B is a state in which the amount of rotation of the opening / closing member 431 from the closed state toward the front of the gaming machine is set to a second amount of rotation that is greater than the first amount of rotation, thereby allowing a prize to be won in the first winning opening portion 403 while not allowing a game ball to win in the second winning opening portion 404. That is, the second amount of rotation is a state in which the first opening / closing plate 432 opens the first winning opening portion 403 to an extent that allows a game ball to win in the first winning opening portion 403, while rotating the opening / closing member 431 so that the passage portion 408 (see Fig. 24(b)) connected to the second winning opening portion 404 is covered from above by the first opening / closing plate 432. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the first opening / closing plate 432 are set so that when the opening / closing member 431 is rotated to a rotational position which results in the open state B, the distance D5 between the upper end portion 432a of the first opening / closing plate 432 and the window panel 62 is less than the diameter of a game ball.

[0354] Here, since the second amount of rotation causes the forward rotation amount of the opening / closing member 431 from the closed state to be greater than the first amount of rotation, the switching from the closed state to the open state B is performed via the open state A. At that time, the period during which the open state A is maintained is configured to be shorter than the period during which the open state B is maintained (the period during which the open state B is maintained).

[0355] 37(b), if a game ball is on the second opening / closing plate 433 immediately before switching from the closed state to the open state B, the game ball falls downward during the process of switching to the open state B, and can win a prize at the second winning opening portion 404. In other words, when the variable winning device 401 is in the open state B, winning at the second winning opening portion 404 is not permitted, but when switching to the open state B, winning at the second winning opening portion 404 is permitted.

[0356] In this embodiment, the variable winning drive unit 419 is provided with a stepping motor as a drive source. The stepping motor is electrically connected to the main control unit 81 and is driven based on a drive signal from the main control unit 81. Specifically, when a first drive signal is output from the main control unit 81, the opening / closing member 431 is rotated so that the variable winning device 401 is in the open state A, and when a second drive signal is output from the main control unit 81, the opening / closing member 431 is rotated so that the variable winning device 401 is in the open state B. Also, when a return signal is output from the main control unit 81, the opening / closing member 431 is rotated so that the variable winning device 401 is in the closed state.

[0357] Next, the distribution of the big win types according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 38(a). Fig. 38(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a distribution table.

[0358] In the distribution table of this embodiment, two types of results are set as those corresponding to the non-disclosed 15R variable probability jackpot results: non-disclosed 15R variable probability jackpot results A and non-disclosed 15R variable probability jackpot results B. In addition, two types of results are set as those corresponding to the 15R normal jackpot results: normal jackpot results A and normal jackpot results B.

[0359] When the jackpot type is the non-declared 15R variable probability jackpot result A and when the jackpot type is the non-declared 15R variable probability jackpot result B, the symbols displayed on the main display unit 43 are different, but the same symbol combination may be displayed on the symbol display unit 41 (for example, the symbol combination "444" may be displayed in both the non-declared 15R variable probability jackpot result A and the non-declared 15R variable probability jackpot result B). This makes it impossible or difficult to identify which jackpot result is from the symbol combination displayed on the symbol display unit 41, and prevents the player from easily understanding the jackpot type. The same is true for the normal jackpot results A and B, and the symbols displayed on the main display unit 43 are different, but the same symbol combination may be displayed on the symbol display unit 41.

[0360] The results of the explicit 15R special jackpot are the same as those in the allocation table (FIG. 28) of the third embodiment described above.

[0361] Next, the relationship between the big win type and the open state of the variable winning device 401 will be described with reference to Fig. 38(b). Fig. 38(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the corresponding relationship.

[0362] When the jackpot type is the non-specified 15R variable jackpot result A or the 15R normal jackpot result A, the variable winning device 401 is opened in the open state A in the opening and closing execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result. The open state A is for opening the second winning opening 404, and when a game ball enters the second winning opening 404, it is detected by the second winning opening winning sensor 404a as in the case of the third embodiment. Then, when a predetermined number or more of game balls enter the second winning opening 404 during the opening and closing execution mode, the notification performance shown in FIG. 32(b) and (c) is executed, and the lottery mode after the opening and closing execution mode is terminated is notified. This allows the player to clearly know whether the lottery mode after the opening and closing execution mode is the high probability mode or the low probability mode.

[0363] On the other hand, when the jackpot type becomes the non-disclosed 15R variable probability jackpot result B or the 15R normal jackpot result B, the variable winning device 401 is opened in the open state B in the opening and closing execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result. Although winning in the second winning opening portion 404 is expected when switching from the closed state to the open state B, winning in the second winning opening portion 404 is not permitted after the transition to the open state B, so winning in the second winning opening portion 404 is less likely to occur than in the open state A. Therefore, when the jackpot type becomes the non-disclosed 15R variable probability jackpot result B or the 15R normal jackpot result B, the ending performance shown in FIG. 32(d) is more likely to be executed, and the possibility of the player proceeding to the game after the opening and closing execution mode ends without clearly understanding whether the lottery mode is the high probability mode or not increases.

[0364] In this embodiment, the probability of knowing the lottery mode after the opening / closing execution mode is higher, so that the open state A is more advantageous than the open state B. Therefore, the game is more interesting in the hope that the variable winning device 401 will be opened in the open state A, and the interest in the game is preferably increased.

[0365] The open state shown in Fig. 38(b) may be for all rounds played in the open / close execution mode, or may be for some rounds. For example, when the jackpot type is a non-disclosed 15R variable probability jackpot result B or a 15R normal jackpot result B, the variable winning device 401 is opened in the open state B in all rounds played in the open / close execution mode, and when the non-disclosed 15R variable probability jackpot result A or a 15R normal jackpot result A, the variable winning device 401 is opened in the open state A in the rounds played from the 1st round to the 10th round, and the remaining rounds are opened in the open state B.

[0366] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained.

[0367] The open state has a plurality of states, and can be switched to a closed state in which both the first winning opening portion 403 and the second winning opening portion 404 are closed, an open state A in which the second winning opening portion 404 is open, and an open state B in which the first winning opening portion 403 is open. This makes it possible to diversify the winning manner of the game ball and improve the interest, compared to a uniform game in which only a single winning opening is entered. Moreover, since such switching is realized by a single opening / closing member 431, the winning opening portion that is switched to the open state when the opening / closing member 431 operates is not uniquely determined, and it is possible to add the interest of predicting which winning opening portion 403, 404 will be opened. In addition, since it is more advantageous for the player if the game ball enters the second winning opening 404 than the first winning opening 403, the player is greatly interested in whether the opening state is A or B. This is expected to make the player more interested in the behavior of the opening / closing member 431, and it is possible to suitably increase the level of attention to the game.

[0368] The variable winning device 401 is configured to pass through the open state A when switching from the closed state to the open state B. In this case, the behavior of the opening / closing member 431 up to the middle of switching to the open state B can be made to match the behavior of the opening / closing member 431 when switching from the closed state to the open state A. In this case, during the period when the behaviors of the opening / closing member 431 match, it is not clear to the player which of the open states A and B will be in the state. This avoids a situation in which the winning openings 403, 404 that will be in the open state are identified early from the behavior of the opening / closing member 431, and increases the fun of predicting which of the winning openings 403, 404 will be in the open state.

[0369] When switching to open state B via open state A, the period during which the state remains in open state A is shorter than the period during which the state remains in open state B. For example, if the period during which the state remains in open state A is longer than the period during which the state remains in open state B, game balls are more likely to enter the second winning opening 404. As a result, the difference from open state B becomes unclear, and the significance of providing open state B may be lost. In this regard, according to the present configuration, even though the configuration has the game balls passing through open state A, the probability of game balls entering the second winning opening 404 can be kept low, and appropriate differentiation from open state B is possible.

[0370] <Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment> This modification is different from the fourth embodiment in that the open state of the variable winning device 401 is changed during one round of play. This modification will be described below with reference to Fig. 39(a). Fig. 39(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the opening and closing pattern of the variable winning device 401 during one round of play.

[0371] In this modified example, when one round of play is started, first, the variable winning device 401 is switched from a closed state to an open state A (see FIG. 36) in which the second winning opening portion 404 is open. Then, during the one round of play, the variable winning device 401 is switched from the open state A to an open state B (see FIG. 37) in which the first winning opening portion 403 is open. After that, based on the establishment of the end condition of the round of play (the number of winning game balls in the variable winning device 401 reaching a predetermined upper limit number or the opening period reaching a predetermined upper limit period), the variable winning device 401 is switched from the open state B to a closed state, and the round of play ends.

[0372] In this way, since the open state of the variable winning device 401 changes during a round of play, it is expected that the player will carefully watch the behavior of the opening and closing member 431, and it is possible to appropriately increase the attention to the game. In addition, compared to conventional gaming machines in which only whether the variable winning device 401 opens or not, it is possible to diversify the flow of the game balls and the winning mode to the variable winning device 401, making it possible to improve the entertainment value.

[0373] In the above case, the switch from open state A to open state B can be any as long as the maintenance period of open state A (the period during which second winning opening portion 404 is kept open) is secured to a certain extent, but can be performed, for example, based on the number of winning balls entering variable winning device 401 reaching a predetermined number that is less than the upper limit number, based on the execution period of open state A (the period during which second winning opening portion 404 is kept open) reaching a predetermined period that is shorter than the upper limit period, or based on both of these being true.

[0374] Furthermore, when switching from the open state A to the open state B, the variable winning device 401 is shifted from the open state A to the open state B without returning it to the closed state. In this case, the amount of rotation of the opening / closing member 431 until the open state B is reached can be reduced, enabling quick state switching, compared to when the variable winning device 401 is returned to the closed state and then shifted to the open state B, thereby enabling quick state switching. Furthermore, by not intervening in the closed state, the occurrence of wasted balls (occurrence of an event in which a game ball enters the outlet 141, 171) is suppressed, and it becomes possible to efficiently allow game balls to enter the variable winning device 401.

[0375] The change in the open state does not necessarily have to be performed in all rounds in the opening and closing execution mode, and may be performed only in some rounds, as shown in Fig. 39(b). In other words, the change in the open state may be performed in at least some rounds in the opening and closing execution mode.

[0376] 39(c), when the open state of the variable winning device 401 is changed in a plurality of rounds of play, the change pattern of the open state may be made different. In this case, the way in which the open state changes differs depending on the round, which is effective in diversifying the winning modes of the game balls in the variable winning device 401.

[0377] <Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment> This modified example differs from the fourth embodiment and its modified example 1 in that the open state of the variable winning device 401 is changed on a round-by-round basis. This modified example will be described below with reference to Fig. 40. Fig. 40 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between each round and the opening and closing pattern of the variable winning device 401.

[0378] When the open / close execution mode is executed, the variable winning device 401 is opened in the open state A in the first round of play, and in the second round of play, it is opened in the open state B, which is different from the first round. Also, in the third round of play, the variable winning device 401 is opened in the open state A, and in the fourth round of play, it is opened in the open state A, as in the third round.

[0379] In this way, the open state of the variable winning device 401 varies depending on the round, so the winning manner of the game ball into the variable winning device 401 varies depending on the round. This makes it possible to diversify the ways of enjoying the round game and to improve the interest, compared to a case where the same round game is simply repeated as the opening / closing execution mode progresses.

[0380] In the above case, when switching from the first round to the second round, the variable winning device 401 is shifted from the open state A to the open state B without returning it to the closed state. That is, since the round play of the second round is to open the first winning opening portion 403, the closed state of the first winning opening portion 403 is required as a pre-condition, but in this modified example, it is considered that this is achieved by the open state A performed in the round play of the first round (in the open state A, the first winning opening portion 403 is in a closed state (see FIG. 36)), and the variable winning device 401 is shifted to the open state B without returning it to the closed state.

[0381] In this case, the amount of rotation of the opening / closing member 431 until the open state B is reached can be reduced, enabling quick state switching, compared to when the variable winning device 401 is returned to the closed state and then transitioned to the open state B. Also, the open state A of the first round doubles as the waiting period immediately before the start of the second round (the period during which the first winning opening 403 is kept in the closed state and the game waits for the start of the second round of play), so that the first round can be seamlessly transitioned to the second round, or the second round can be started instantly after the end of the first round, eliminating the substantial waiting period or making it extremely short.

[0382] These features make it possible to suppress the occurrence of wasted balls (occurrence of an event in which a game ball enters the out hole 141, 171), and to promote efficient winning into the variable winning device 401. In addition, the opening and closing execution mode can be progressed at a good tempo, and time efficiency during playing can be improved.

[0383] Also, when switching from the second round to the third round, the variable winning device 401 is shifted from the open state B to the open state A without returning to the closed state. This makes it possible to expect the same effect as in the above case.

[0384] <Modification 3 of the fourth embodiment> This modification differs from modifications 1 and 2 of the fourth embodiment in that the open states A and B are switched by switching the rotation direction of the opening / closing member 431 from the closed state. This modification will be described below with reference to Figs. 41 and 42. Fig. 41 is a perspective view of the opening / closing member 431 according to this modification, and Fig. 42 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation mode of the opening / closing member 431. In these figures, the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to those of the above embodiments, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0385] As shown in Fig. 41, in this modification, the second opening / closing plate 483 of the opening / closing member 431 is flat. That is, the second opening / closing plate 483 is configured such that its upper surface portion 483b extends linearly (almost horizontally) in the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. The second opening / closing plate 483 is large enough to cover the passage portion 408 (see Fig. 24(b)) connected to the second winning opening portion 404 from above and close the passage portion 408.

[0386] The opening / closing member 431 can rotate in the front-rear direction around a rotating shaft 431a provided at the lower end of the first opening / closing plate 432, and the first opening / closing plate 432 and the second opening / closing plate 483 rotate integrally with this front-rear rotation. Although not shown in the figures, the game board 24 is provided with flow path forming parts 131, 161 as in the other embodiments, and outlets 141, 171 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the opening / closing member 431.

[0387] Next, the operation of the opening / closing member 431 will be described with reference to Fig. 42. In this modified example, the open state includes an open state A in which the second winning opening portion 404 is open, and an open state B in which the first winning opening portion 403 is open, and it is possible to switch between the closed state, the open state A, and the open state B.

[0388] In the closed state, as shown in FIG. 42(a), the first opening / closing plate 432 covers the first winning opening 403 from the front, and the second opening / closing plate 483 covers the passage 408 from above. This prevents the game balls from winning the first winning opening 403 and the second winning opening 404, and both winning openings 403, 404 are closed. In the closed state, the second opening / closing plate 483 protrudes forward, allowing the game balls flowing down from above to be received by the upper surface 483b of the second opening / closing plate 483. The game balls received by the upper surface 483b move left and right along the upper surface 483b and are guided to the outlets 141, 171.

[0389] As shown in Fig. 42(b), when the opening / closing member 431 rotates forward from the above-mentioned closed state, it becomes the open state B. In the open state B, the first opening / closing plate 432 falls forward, opening the first winning opening portion 403 and allowing the game ball to enter the first winning opening portion 403. In addition, the first opening / closing plate 432 that falls forward covers the passage portion 408 from above, closing the second winning opening portion 404.

[0390] If a game ball is present on the upper surface 483b of the second opening / closing plate 483 when switching from the closed state to the open state B, the game ball falls downward due to the downward rotation of the second opening / closing plate 483 accompanying the forward rotation of the opening / closing member 431, and can win a prize in the second winning opening 404. That is, the game ball on the second opening / closing plate 483 can win a prize in the winning opening (second winning opening 404) on the opposite side to the winning opening (first winning opening 403) that is in the open state when switched to the open state B. In addition, such a winning is not permitted after the switching to the open state B is completed, and is limited to being permitted only during the switching process.

[0391] As shown in Fig. 42(c), when the opening / closing member 431 rotates backward from the closed state, it becomes the open state A. In the open state A, the second opening / closing plate 483 is in an upright position, so that the passage portion 408 is opened upward, and the entry of a game ball into the second winning opening portion 404 is permitted. In addition, the upright second opening / closing plate 483 covers the first winning opening portion 403 from the front, so that the first winning opening portion 403 is in a closed state.

[0392] If a game ball is present on the upper surface 483b of the second opening / closing plate 483 when switching from the closed state to the open state A, the second opening / closing plate 483 rotates toward the first winning opening portion 403, and the game ball is guided to the first winning opening portion 403, making it possible for the game ball to win a prize at the first winning opening portion 403. Such a win is not permitted after the switch to the open state A is complete, and is permitted only during the switching process.

[0393] In this modified example, the second opening / closing plate 483 is flat in order to prevent the game ball on the second opening / closing plate 483 from moving to the left or right end of the second opening / closing plate 483 and spilling out when the game ball is guided toward the first winning opening portion 403. However, as long as such spilling does not occur or is unlikely to occur within a range, the second opening / closing plate 483 may be configured to be inclined toward the outlets 141, 171 as in the fourth embodiment described above.

[0394] As described above, in this modified example, when the opening / closing member 431 rotates forward, it becomes the open state B, and when it rotates backward, it becomes the open state A. This is expected to increase the player's interest in the direction in which the opening / closing member 431 moves, and to make the player pay close attention to the behavior of the opening / closing member 431. This makes it possible to appropriately increase the level of attention to the game. In addition, because the open state A or B corresponds to the movement direction of the opening / closing member 431, the player can easily intuitively grasp which state it is, improving ease of play.

[0395] In the above modified example, when the switching to the open state A is completed, it is not limited to the configuration in which it is impossible for a game ball to enter the first winning opening portion 403, but it may be configured in such a way that it is possible to enter a prize in a range where it is more difficult to enter compared to the second winning opening portion 404. Similarly, when the switching to the open state B is completed, it is not limited to the configuration in which it is impossible for a game ball to enter the second winning opening portion 404, but it may be configured in such a way that it is possible to enter a prize in a range where it is more difficult to enter compared to the first winning opening portion 403.

[0396] <Modification 4 of the fourth embodiment> This modification is based on the modification 3 of the fourth embodiment, and is an improvement on the switching manner to the open state A and B during the open / close execution mode. This modification will be described below with reference to Fig. 43(a). Fig. 43(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the jackpot type and the open state of each round, and Fig. 43(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the jackpot type and the number of times of switching to the open state A in the open / close execution mode.

[0397] In this modified example, even if a game ball enters the second winning hole 404, the notification effect shown in FIG. 32 is not executed (obviously, the introduction effect and the end effect are not executed either), and from the effect image displayed on the display screen G of the pattern display device 41 during the execution of the opening and closing execution mode, it is impossible or difficult to identify whether the lottery mode after the opening and closing execution mode ends will be the low probability mode or the high probability mode. Also, when the opening and closing member 431 is switched to either the open state A or B in one round of play, that state is continued until the end of the round of play. Furthermore, as in the case of the modified example 1 of the third embodiment, the jackpot type in this modified example is set to an explicit 15R variable probability jackpot result, an implicit 15R variable probability jackpot result, and a 15R normal jackpot result (see FIG. 28).

[0398] As shown in FIG. 43(a), in the open / close execution mode when the jackpot type is allocated to the non-specified 15R variable jackpot result, the open / close member 431 is rotated forward to the open state B in the round games of the 1st round to the 4th round and the 10th round to the 15th round, and the open / close member 431 is rotated backward to the open state A in the round games of the 5th round to the 9th round. On the other hand, in the open / close execution mode when the jackpot type is allocated to the 15R normal jackpot result, the open / close member 431 is rotated forward to the open state B in the round games of the 1st round, the 3rd round, the 5th round, and the 7th round to the 15th round, and the open / close member 431 is rotated backward to the open state A in the round games of the 2nd round, the 4th round, and the 6th round.

[0399] In other words, the number of times the variable winning device 401 is switched to open state A differs between when the jackpot type is assigned to an unspecified 15R special jackpot result and when it is assigned to a 15R normal jackpot result; more specifically, in the former case, the number of times it switches to open state A is more than a predetermined number (four times in this modified example), and in the latter case, the number of times it switches to open state A is less than the predetermined number.

[0400] Such control is realized, for example, by the main control device 81 setting the opening mode of the opening / closing member 431 for each round based on information regarding the results of the allocation of jackpot types, such as the acquired value of the jackpot type counter C2 and a flag indicating the results of the allocation of jackpot types.

[0401] The above-mentioned configuration makes it possible to provide an interesting experience in guessing the lottery mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends from the number of times the open / close member 431 switches to the open state A (the behavior of the open / close member 431). This can greatly increase the player's interest in the behavior of the open / close member 431, and can favorably increase the level of attention to the game.

[0402] In this modified example, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the type of jackpot and the number of times to switch to open state A; however, as shown in FIG. 44, when the jackpot type is assigned to an unspecified 15R special jackpot result, the number of times to switch to open state A is more likely to be greater than a specified number, and when the jackpot type is assigned to a normal 15R jackpot result, the number of times to switch to open state A is more likely to be less than the specified number.

[0403] In addition, when the jackpot type is assigned to an unspecified 15R special jackpot result, the number of times that the jackpot switches to open state B may be greater than a predetermined number of times, and when the jackpot type is assigned to a normal 15R jackpot result, the number of times that the jackpot switches to open state B may be less than a predetermined number of times.

[0404] Furthermore, in this modified example, for the sake of convenience, when the opening / closing member 431 is switched to either the open state A or B in one round of play, that state is continued until the end of the round of play, but as in modified example 1 of the fourth embodiment, the opening state of the opening / closing member 431 may be changed during one round of play. In this case, the number of times (total number) of switching to the open state A during the opening / closing execution mode may be different between the case where a non-disclosed 15R certain jackpot result is allocated and the case where a 15R normal jackpot result is allocated, or the number of rounds including switching to the open state A may be different.

[0405] <Fifth Modification of the Fourth Embodiment> This modification is different from the above modification 4 in that the open state of the variable winning device 401 is different between the case where the jackpot type is assigned to the non-specified 15R variable jackpot result and the case where the jackpot type is assigned to the 15R normal jackpot result, for the round game of the predetermined round. This modification will be described below with reference to Figure 45(a). Figure 45(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the jackpot type and the open state of the 15th round.

[0406] In this modified example, in the open / close execution mode when the jackpot type is assigned to a non-specified 15R variable probability jackpot result, the open / close member 431 is rotated backward in the 15th round of round play to be in the open state A. On the other hand, in the open / close execution mode when the jackpot type is assigned to a 15R normal jackpot result, the open / close member 431 is rotated forward in the 15th round of round play to be in the open state B. In both the case of a non-specified 15R variable probability jackpot result and a 15R normal jackpot result, the open / close member 431 is rotated forward in the round play other than the 15th round to be in the open state B.

[0407] This configuration adds to the interest of the player in guessing the lottery mode after the opening and closing execution mode ends from the open state of the variable winning device 401 in the 15th round. This makes it possible to significantly increase the player's interest in the behavior of the opening and closing member 431, as in the case of the above-mentioned modified example 4, and to appropriately increase the attention to the game. In addition, since it is sufficient to pay attention to the behavior of the opening and closing member 431 in a predetermined round, the burden on the player can be reduced compared to the case where all rounds of the game performed in the opening and closing execution mode are the target.

[0408] In this modified example, the predetermined round is the 15th round (final round), but it is not limited to this and can be any round. However, if the player can guess the normal big win result at a relatively early stage of the opening and closing execution mode, he / she may become disappointed and not be able to fully enjoy the remaining opening and closing execution mode, so it is preferable that the predetermined round is a round play at the end of the opening and closing execution mode (the final round or the round play just before that).

[0409] In addition, in this modified example, a predetermined round is one round game, but it may be composed of multiple round games. Furthermore, as in the case of Fig. 45(b), the jackpot type and the opening state in a predetermined round (whether to open state A or B) do not correspond one-to-one, and when the jackpot type is assigned to a non-specified 15R variable jackpot result, the variable winning device 401 may be more likely to be in the open state A in a predetermined round game than when it is assigned to a 15R normal jackpot result.

[0410] <Fifth embodiment> This embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that the variable winning device 401 according to the fourth embodiment is configured as a variable winning unit in which multiple variable winning devices are integrated. This embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 46 and 47. Fig. 46(a) is a front view of the variable winning unit 501 and its surrounding structure, and Fig. 46(b) and Fig. 47 are cross-sectional views of the variable winning unit 501. In these figures, the same symbols are used for the same structures as those in the above embodiments, and their description will be omitted.

[0411] As shown in FIG. 46(a), the variable winning unit 501 has a base body 411 similar to the variable winning device 401 according to the fourth embodiment. An upper large winning opening 505 opening forward is formed in the upper part of the base body 411, and a lower large winning opening 506 opening forward is formed in the lower part of the base body 411. The upper large winning opening 505 and the lower large winning opening 506 have the same configuration as the first winning opening part 403 and the second winning opening part 404 according to the fourth embodiment, and are opened and closed by the opening and closing member 431. In other words, the upper variable winning device 502 is composed of the upper large winning opening 505 and the opening and closing member 431, and the lower variable winning device 503 is composed of the lower large winning opening 506 and the opening and closing member 431.

[0412] The specific operation of the opening / closing member 431 for opening and closing the upper large prize opening 505 and the lower large prize opening 506 is the same as when opening and closing the first prize opening section 403 and the second prize opening section 404 in the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, and as shown in Figures 46(b) and 47(a) and (b), it is possible to switch between a closed state in which both large prize openings 505, 506 are closed, an open state A in which the lower large prize opening 506 is open, and an open state B in which the upper large prize opening 505 is open.

[0413] In the open state B shown in Fig. 47(b), when a game ball enters the upper large prize opening 505, it is detected by the first large prize opening entry sensor 403a provided in the first ball passage 405 behind the upper large prize opening 505. When the entry of a game ball into the upper large prize opening 505 is detected in this manner, a first number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out from the payout control device 97.

[0414] On the other hand, in the open state A shown in FIG. 47(a), when a game ball enters the lower large prize opening 506, it is detected by the second large prize opening entry sensor 404a provided in the second ball passage 421 behind the lower large prize opening 506. When the entry of a game ball into the lower large prize opening 506 is detected in this way, a second number (for example, 15 balls) of game balls that is greater than the first number is paid out from the payout control device 97. That is, in this embodiment, a lot of prize balls can be obtained by having a game ball enter the lower large prize opening 506, and it is more advantageous for a player to have the game ball enter the lower large prize opening 506 than to have the game ball enter the upper large prize opening 505.

[0415] Also, if a game ball is on the second opening / closing plate 433 immediately before switching from the closed state to the open states A and B, the game ball falls downward during the process of switching to the open states A and B, and can win a prize in the lower large prize opening 506. Therefore, in the opening / closing execution mode, it becomes possible for a game ball that has reached the variable prize winning unit 501 during the waiting period (period in which the game is in the closed state) between the previous round game and the next round game to win a prize in the lower large prize opening 506.

[0416] Incidentally, when the open state A is set in the previous round of play and the open state B is set in the next round of play, the open state A may be shifted to the open state B without returning to the closed state, as in the case of the modified example 2 (FIG. 40) of the above-mentioned fourth embodiment. This allows the previous round to be shifted to the next round without interruption, or the next round to start instantly after the previous round ends, and the actual waiting period can be eliminated or made extremely short.

[0417] In this modified example, since the upper variable winning device 502 and the lower variable winning device 503 are treated as separate variable winning devices, for example, when a round game is played in the open state B (a state in which the upper large winning opening 505 is open), the round game ends when the number of winning balls into the upper large winning opening 505 reaches a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 10 balls) or the duration of the open state B reaches a predetermined upper limit period (for example, 30 seconds). Similarly, when a round game is played in the open state A (a state in which the lower large winning opening 506 is open), the round game ends when the number of winning balls into the upper large winning opening 505 reaches the above-mentioned predetermined upper limit number or the duration of the open state B reaches the above-mentioned predetermined upper limit period.

[0418] In this modified example, the notification effect (FIG. 32) based on the winning of a gaming ball into the lower large winning opening 506 may or may not be performed.

[0419] <Modification 1 of the fifth embodiment> This modified example differs from the fifth embodiment in that it does not have the open state A (the state in which the lower large prize opening 506 is open) shown in FIG. 47(a). In this modified example, the open state is only the open state B (the state in which the upper large prize opening 505 is open), and it is configured to be switched between two states, the closed state (FIG. 46(b)) and the open state B. That is, as in the case of the modified example 1 (FIG. 34) of the third embodiment, the chance of winning a game ball into the lower large prize opening 506 is limited only when switching to the open state B. This makes it possible to emphasize the gameplay that is more advantageous for the player as the number of game balls on the second opening / closing plate 433 at the time of the above switching is greater.

[0420] Sixth embodiment This embodiment is based on the third embodiment, and the configuration of the ball receiver in the closed state is improved. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 48 and 49. Figs. 48(a) and 48(b) are perspective views of the opening / closing member 631 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 49 is a side view. In these figures, the same components as those in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. However, in this embodiment, even if a game ball enters the second winning opening 404, no notification performance is executed, and the number of game balls paid out is the same as when a game ball enters the first winning opening 403. That is, the degree of advantage for the player is the same when a game ball enters the first winning opening 403 and when a game ball enters the second winning opening 404.

[0421] As shown in FIG. 48(a), the opening / closing member 631 of this embodiment includes a long plate-shaped movable plate 651. The movable plate 651 is arranged with the left-right direction of the gaming machine as the longitudinal direction, similar to the first opening / closing plate 432 and the second opening / closing plate 433, and is disposed between the first opening / closing plate 432 and the second opening / closing plate 433 in the rotation direction of the opening / closing member 631. A cylindrical shaft portion (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction of the movable plate 651 is provided on one long side portion 652 of the movable plate 651, and the shaft portion is rotatably connected to a bearing portion 653 provided on the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433. That is, as shown in FIG. 49, the movable plate 651 is configured to be rotatable between the first opening / closing plate 432 and the second opening / closing plate 433 around a rotation shaft extending in the same direction as the rotation shaft of the opening / closing member 431. Thereby, the movable plate 651 can be switched between a state in which it overlaps the front surface portion 432b of the first opening / closing plate 432 from the front (FIG. 48(a)), and a state in which it overlaps the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433 from above (FIG. 48(b)). As shown in FIG. 48(b), the movable plate 651 has a size capable of covering substantially the entire upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433. In this embodiment, a drive source such as a solenoid for driving the movable plate 651 is not provided.

[0422] In this embodiment, there are closed states A shown in Fig. 48(a) and closed state B shown in Fig. 48(b) as closed states for closing the first winning opening portion 403 and the second winning opening portion 404. These closed states A and B differ in whether the movable plate 651 overlaps the second opening / closing plate 433 from above or not. Specifically, the closed state A is when the movable plate 651 does not overlap the second opening / closing plate 433, and the closed state B is when they overlap.

[0423] As shown in Fig. 48(a), in the closed state A, the movable plate 651 is in an upright state, so that the first surface portion 654 located on the second opening / closing plate 433 side of the movable plate 651 is exposed forward, and the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433 is exposed upward. In this case, the first surface portion 654 of the movable plate 651 is flush with the front surface portion 411a (the front surface of the game board 24; see Fig. 24(b)) of the base body 411 or is located closer to the rear surface of the game machine than the front surface portion 411a, so that the game ball can pass in front of the first surface portion 654.

[0424] Therefore, in the above case, the upper surface 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433 functions as a ball receiving portion, which is the first mode. The upper surface 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433 is smooth and flat, so that the game ball is less likely to get caught when moving on the upper surface 433b. In addition, the first surface 654 of the movable plate 651 is also smooth and flat, which also suppresses the game ball from getting caught.

[0425] In addition, an engagement portion 656 is provided on the surface portion 655 on the rotation tip side of the movable plate 651 so as to protrude from the surface portion 655 in the rotation radius direction of the movable plate 651. When the movable plate 651 is in the upright position, this engagement portion 656 is adapted to engage with an engaged portion 657 (see FIG. 49) provided on the base body 411 side of the variable winning device 401, thereby making it possible to hold the movable plate 651 in the upright position.

[0426] As shown in FIG. 48(b), in the closed state B, the movable plate 651 is tilted toward the second opening / closing plate 433, so that the front portion 432b of the first opening / closing plate 432 is exposed forward, and the second surface portion 658 located on the first opening / closing plate 432 side of the second opening / closing plate 433 is exposed upward. In this case, the second mode is achieved in which the second surface portion 658 of the movable plate 651 functions as a ball receiving portion. The second surface portion 658 of the movable plate 651 is provided with a plurality of convex rib portions 660 extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the movable plate 651, and these convex rib portions 660 function as deceleration means, similar to the convex rib portions 215 according to other embodiments. That is, when a game ball is placed on the second surface portion 658, the movement of the game ball in the direction toward the outlet 141, 171 is hindered by the convex rib portions 660, and the game ball is decelerated.

[0427] The front surface 432b of the first opening / closing plate 432 is provided with a plurality of grooves 661 corresponding to the protruding portions 660. These grooves 661 are capable of receiving the respective protruding portions 660 when the opening / closing member 631 is in the closed state A.

[0428] Next, the operation of the opening / closing member 631 in the normal game state and the opening / closing execution mode will be described. Although not shown, the game board 24 in this embodiment is also provided with flow path forming parts 131, 161 (see FIG. 5), and the game balls flowing down the game area PE are collected in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401.

[0429] First, the normal game state will be described with reference to Fig. 48(a) and Fig. 49. In the normal game state, the opening and closing member 631 is maintained in a closed state in which the first winning opening portion 403 and the second winning opening portion 404 are closed. In this case, the movable plate 651 is held in an upright position by the engagement between the engaging portion 656 and the engaged portion 657, and the opening and closing member 631 is in a closed state A. In this closed state A, the upper surface portion 483b of the second opening and closing plate 433 functions as a ball receiving portion, so that the game balls gathered in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401 in the game area PE fall onto the upper surface portion 483b of the second opening and closing plate 433 and roll on the upper surface portion 483b. As already explained, since the upper surface 483b is a smooth flat surface, the game ball moves smoothly over the upper surface 483b and is quickly guided to the outlets 141, 171 located on both the left and right sides of the opening / closing member 431.

[0430] Next, the case where the opening and closing execution mode is executed will be described with reference to Fig. 50. Fig. 50 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation state of the opening and closing member 631 in the opening and closing execution mode. Here, for convenience, it is assumed that the variable winning device 401 is opened once in one round of play.

[0431] In the first round of play, first, the opening / closing member 631 is rotated forward from the closed state A described above, and the first winning opening 403 is opened (FIGS. 50(a) and (b)). At this time, the first opening / closing plate 432 presses the movable plate 651 from behind, disengaging the engaging portion 656 from the engaged portion 657, and the movable plate 651 rotates forward together with the opening / closing member 631. After that, when the first opening / closing plate 432 rotates to the open position, the movable plate 651 rotates downward by its own weight. As a result, the movable plate 651 moves away from the first opening / closing plate 432 and comes into contact with the second opening / closing plate 433.

[0432] Thereafter, when the end condition of the round game (the number of winning game balls in the variable winning device 401 reaches a predetermined upper limit number or the open period reaches a predetermined upper limit period) is met, the opening / closing member 631 is rotated in the opposite direction to the above case and returns to the closed state (FIG. 50(c)). At that time, the movable plate 651 rotates together with the opening / closing member 631 so as to lean against the second opening / closing plate 433. As a result, at the time of returning to the closed state, the movable plate 651 overlaps the second opening / closing plate 433 from above, and the closed state of the opening / closing member 631 is switched to the closed state B.

[0433] In the closed state B, since the second surface portion 658 of the movable plate 651 functions as a ball receiving portion, the game balls collected in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401 in the game area PE fall onto the second surface portion 658 of the movable plate 651 and roll on the second surface portion 658. As already described, since the second surface portion 658 is provided with the convex rib portion 660 as a deceleration means, the moving speed of the game ball moving on the second surface portion 658 is decelerated by the convex rib portion 660. Therefore, it takes longer for the game ball to reach the outlet 141, 171 than in the case of the closed state A, and the stay period on the opening and closing member 631 is extended.

[0434] Then, when the second round of play starts, the opening / closing member 631 is rotated forward again and switched from the closed state to the open state (FIG. 50(d)). Accordingly, the game ball on the movable plate 651 falls downward and wins in the second winning opening portion 404. As described above, the closed state B is set in the waiting period immediately before the second round, and the game ball stays on the opening / closing member 631 (movable plate 651) for a long time. Therefore, the probability that the opening / closing member 631 switches to the open state before the game ball on the ball receiving portion reaches the outlet 141, 171 increases, and the probability of the game ball winning in the second winning opening portion 404 increases. In other words, the closed state B is more advantageous to the player than the closed state A.

[0435] Thereafter, when the conditions for ending the round of play are met, the opening / closing member 631 is rotated in the opposite direction again to return to the closed state (FIG. 50(e)). In this case, the state becomes closed state B as in the case of the end of the first round, and the period during which the game ball stays on the opening / closing member 631 (movable plate 651) is lengthened. Thereafter, the same process is repeated until the end of the 14th round.

[0436] When the 15th round of the round game is started, the opening / closing member 631 is rotated backward from the closed state B (FIG. 50(e)) (FIG. 50(f)). As a result, the first winning opening portion 403 is closed by the second opening / closing plate 433, and the second winning opening portion 404 is opened. In this case, the game ball that was on the second surface portion 658 of the movable plate 651 at the start of the backward rotation enters the first winning opening portion 403. In addition, with the backward rotation of the opening / closing member 631, the movable plate 651 falls backward and rotates toward the first opening / closing plate 432. After that, when the end condition of the round game is established, the opening / closing member 631 rotates forward from the state of FIG. 50(f) and returns to the closed state (FIG. 50(g)). In this case, the movable plate 651 rises up together with the first opening / closing plate 432 so as to lean against the first opening / closing plate 432, and thus the state is switched to the closed state A.

[0437] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained.

[0438] It is possible to switch between a case where the upper surface 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433 functions as the ball receiving portion (closed state A) and a case where the second surface portion 658 of the movable plate 651 functions as the ball receiving portion (closed state B), thereby making it possible to change the ease with which the game ball can move in a specified direction (towards the outlet 141, 171) in the ball receiving portion.

[0439] In order to increase the winning efficiency of the game balls into the big winning opening 402 in the open / close execution mode (reducing the number of out balls), it is desirable to reduce the moving speed of the game balls passing through the ball receiving section and lengthen the period during which the game balls stay on the ball receiving section. However, if the ball receiving section is structured to significantly decelerate the game balls, this effect is exerted even in the normal game state, so that the flow of the game balls on the ball receiving section in the normal game state may stagnate, leading to ball clogging in the ball receiving section and its surrounding area. For this reason, it becomes necessary to reduce the degree of deceleration or to configure the game balls so that they do not pass over the ball receiving section in the normal game state, which becomes a constraint in designing the game machine.

[0440] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the ease of movement of the game balls on the ball receiving section can be changed by switching between the closed state A and the closed state B, and the above-mentioned constraints can be alleviated. As a result, in the open / close execution mode, the flow of the game balls on the ball receiving section is stagnated, while in the normal game state, the flow of the game balls on the ball receiving section can be made smooth. Therefore, it is possible to increase the winning efficiency of the game balls into the big winning opening 402 in the open / close execution mode while avoiding affecting the normal game state.

[0441] A movable plate 651 is rotatably disposed between the first opening / closing plate 432 and the second opening / closing plate 433, and the state of the ball receiving section is switched in mechanical interlocking with the switching of the rotation direction of the opening / closing member 631. In this case, the switching control of the opening / closing member 631 (opening / closing control of the variable winning device 401) and the switching control of the ball receiving section can be performed together. This simplifies the control process compared to when these switching controls are performed separately, and makes it possible to reduce the processing load of the main control device 81. Note that "mechanically interlocked" means interlocking without the intervention of an electric actuator.

[0442] The opening / closing member 631 is provided with forward and backward rotation as a transition mode from the closed state to the open state, and when the opening / closing member 631 is rotated forward, the closed state B is reached, and when the opening / closing member 631 is rotated backward, the closed state A is reached. In this case, since the rotation direction of the opening / closing member 631 corresponds to the mode of the closed state, it is considered that a player who is interested in which of the closed states A and B will be reached will pay close attention to the movement of the opening / closing member 631, and it is possible to suitably increase the attention to the game. In addition, by controlling whether the opening / closing member 631 is rotated forward or backward in each round of the opening / closing control, it is possible to control whether the closed state is A or B. This makes it possible to suppress the switching pattern of the closed state from becoming uniform, for example, by alternating between the closed states A and B each time the opening / closing control is performed, and to diversify the pattern of state switching. Furthermore, by rotating the opening / closing member 631 backward in the final round of the opening / closing execution mode, it is possible to start the normal game state after the opening / closing execution mode ends in a state where the opening / closing member 631 is returned to the closed state A. This makes it difficult for game balls to pass through the ball receiving section during normal game play, thereby making it possible to suppress inconveniences such as ball clogging.

[0443] In the above embodiment, only the 15th round (final round) is in the closed state A, and all other rounds are in the closed state B. However, the closed state A may be configured to be used in rounds other than the 15th round. In this case, in order to diversify the rounds in which the closed state B (or the closed state A) is reached, a plurality of jackpot results may be provided as the distribution result of the jackpot type, and the rounds in which the closed state B (or the closed state A) is reached may be changed depending on the jackpot result. For example, in the case of the jackpot result A, the closed state B is reached in each of the 1st to 14th rounds (only the open state A is reached in the 15th round), in the case of the jackpot result B, the closed state B is reached in each of the 1st to 10th rounds (the remaining rounds are in the closed state A), and in the case of the jackpot result C, the closed state A is reached in all rounds. This configuration makes it difficult to know in advance which rounds will be in the closed state A (rounds in which the opening and closing member 631 rotates backward), which can further increase interest in the movement of the opening and closing member 631, and is also effective in preventing the game from becoming monotonous.

[0444] In addition, the manner of the closed state in the open / close execution mode may be different between the case where the lottery mode after the end of the open / close execution mode is the high probability mode and the case where the lottery mode after the end of the open / close execution mode is the low probability mode, and the lottery mode may be suggested by this. In this case, the closed state in a predetermined round in the open / close execution mode may be different between the case where the lottery mode after the end of the open / close execution mode is the high probability mode and the case where the lottery mode after the end of the open / close execution mode is the low probability mode. This not only allows the player to enjoy whether or not the closed state B in which the big prize winning port 402 is likely to win is reached, but also allows the player to enjoy predicting the lottery mode after the end of the open / close execution mode based on which closed state is reached. In this case, in the game round in which the big prize winning is reached or in the open / close execution mode, it is preferable that the display screen G of the pattern display device 41 or the speaker is not notified to suggest or clearly indicate the lottery mode after the end of the open / close execution mode. In addition, when a notification is made, it is preferable that the notification is not made until the above-mentioned predetermined round in the open / close execution mode, including the game round in which the big prize winning is reached, is completed, but is made after the start of the round to be executed next to the round. Also, instead of the lottery mode, a support mode may be suggested after the opening / closing execution mode ends.

[0445] <Modification 1 of the sixth embodiment> In this modified example, the configuration of the opening and closing member is different from that of the sixth embodiment, specifically, it is different in that it is based on the first embodiment. This modified example will be described with reference to Figs. 51 to 53. Fig. 51(a) is a front view of the variable winning device 201 and its surrounding configuration according to this modified example, (b) is a perspective view of the opening and closing member 731, and Figs. 52 and 53 are cross-sectional views of the variable winning device 401 corresponding to the cross section of line AA in Fig. 51(a). In these figures, the same symbols are used for the same configurations as those of the above-mentioned embodiments, and their description will be omitted.

[0446] As shown in Fig. 51 and Fig. 52, the opening / closing member 731 according to this modified example has a plate-shaped shutter portion 732 that covers the special winning opening 202 (see Fig. 7(b)). The upper surface portion 732a of the shutter portion 732 is smooth and flat, similar to the upper surface portion 433b of the second opening / closing plate 433 according to the sixth embodiment. The opening / closing member 731 is configured to be able to slide forward and backward, and can be displaced between a protruding position where it protrudes from the front surface portion 211a of the base body 211 (the front surface of the gaming board 24) toward the front of the gaming machine, and a retracted position where it retracts rearward from the protruding position and is prevented from protruding toward the front of the gaming machine.

[0447] As shown in FIG. 51(b), a support portion 734 is provided on the upper surface portion 732a of the shutter portion 732 so as to stand upward. The support portion 734 is disposed near the rear end portion 732b of the shutter portion 732, and a plurality of extension portions 735 extending forward are provided on the front surface portion 734a of the support portion 734. The length dimension of these extension portions 735 in the front-rear direction is equal, and the front end portion 735a of each of them is located behind the front end portion 732c of the shutter portion 732. As shown in FIG. 51(a), each extension portion 735 has a vertically long rectangular shape when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and is arranged at equal intervals. On the other hand, a plurality of slit portions 737 are formed in the base body 211 so as to correspond to the above-mentioned extension portions 735. Each slit portion 737 penetrates the base body 211 in the thickness direction, and each extension portion 735 can be inserted into each slit portion 737 from the rear of the base body 211.

[0448] In this modified example, there are two closed states for closing the special prize opening 202: closed state A shown in Fig. 52(a) and closed state B shown in Fig. 52(b). These closed states A and B differ in the forward sliding distance (movement distance) of the opening / closing member 731 from the retracted position. Specifically, the sliding distance of closed state B is greater than that of closed state A.

[0449] In the closed state A shown in Fig. 52(a), the front end 735a of each extension portion 735 is flush with the front portion 211a (the front portion of the game board 24) of the base body 211 or is located slightly toward the rear side of the game machine than the front portion 211a. Therefore, in the closed state A, the flow of game balls moving on the upper surface portion 732a of the shutter portion 732 is not or is hardly hindered by the extension portion 735. Also, as already described, since the upper surface portion 732a of the shutter portion 732 is a smooth flat surface, the game balls move smoothly on the upper surface portion 732a and are quickly guided to the outlets 141, 171 arranged on both the left and right sides of the opening / closing member 731.

[0450] On the other hand, in the closed state B shown in Fig. 52(b), the front end 735a of each extension portion 735 protrudes forward from the front surface portion 211a of the base body 211 (the front surface of the game board 24). Therefore, in the closed state B, each extension portion 735 functions as an obstruction portion or an obstacle portion that obstructs the flow of the game ball moving on the upper surface portion 732a of the shutter portion 732, and the game ball is decelerated by these extension portions 735. Therefore, it takes longer for the game ball to reach the outlet 141, 171 than in the case of the closed state A, and the stay period on the opening and closing member 731 is extended.

[0451] In this modified example, the opening / closing member 731 is also maintained in the closed state A in the normal game state, and the game balls collected in the arrangement area of ​​the variable winning device 401 are quickly guided to the outlets 141, 171. On the other hand, in the opening / closing execution mode, the opening / closing member 731 is in the closed state B in each waiting period of the first round to the fourteenth round, and the game balls stay on the opening / closing member 731 for a longer period. Then, the game balls present on the opening / closing member 731 at the start of the next round fall downward as the opening / closing member 731 retreats to the retreat position, as shown in FIG. 53, and enter the big winning port 202. The...

Claims

[Claim 1] A launching means capable of launching a game ball based on a predetermined launching operation; A first ball entry means and a second ball entry means through which the game ball can enter; a movable body that can be switched between a first state in which the game ball cannot or is difficult to enter the first ball entry means and a second state in which the game ball can or is easier to enter the first ball entry means than in the first state; a switching control means for executing switching control to switch the movable body from the first state to the second state and then to the first state in a predetermined case; Equipped with The movable body has a ball receiving means capable of receiving a game ball when the movable body is in at least the first state, The second ball entrance means is disposed in a predetermined area below the ball receiving means, The movable body is configured to be capable of restricting the entry of a game ball into the second ball entry means when the movable body is in the first state, When the movable body is switched from the first state to the second state while a predetermined game ball is received in the ball receiving means, the predetermined game ball in the ball receiving means is configured to flow downward below the ball receiving means, A means for moving the predetermined game ball that has flowed down below the ball receiving means to the second ball entry means in the predetermined area, The predetermined game ball that flows down below the ball receiving means can enter the second ball entry means, In the specific state in which the switching control is executed, there is at least a period of the first state that is a predetermined period of the first state and a period of the specific first state that is different from the period of the first state, A gaming machine characterized in that the period of the predetermined first state and the period of the specific first state are configured to have different lengths.

Images