Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of increasing interest.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 10 includes: first ball entry means that has a ball entry unit in which a game ball moving in a game area that the game ball shot by shooting means is guided can enter, and second ball entry means. The first ball entry means includes guide means that can change the state between a guided state in which a game ball moving at the lateral side of the ball entry unit is guided to the ball entry unit and a non-guided state in which a game ball moving at the lateral side of the ball entry unit is not guided to the ball entry unit. The Pachinko game machine is provided with open interlocking means that brings the guide means in the non-guided state to be in the guided state, mechanically interlocking with the game ball that has entered the second ball entry means. In addition, the Pachinko game machine is provided with: a second guided passage in which a passing game ball may enter the second ball entry means and a second unguided passage in which a passing game ball may not enter the second ball entry means; and specified number of times distribution means that alternately repeats guiding a game ball to the second guided passage for a first specified number of times and guiding a game ball to the second unguided passage for a second specified number of times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a pachinko machine is known as a type of gaming machine. A pachinko machine is a machine in which a game is played using a gaming ball, and the pachinko machine is provided with a gaming area in which the gaming ball can move, and the gaming ball is launched by a launching means and guided to the gaming area.

[0003] Additionally, some pachinko machines are equipped with a specific ball entry means having a specific area into which a game ball moving within the game area can enter, and when a game ball that enters such a specific area enters a special ball entry means within the same area, a game state advantageous to the player is created (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-197312 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, gaming machines are constantly being required to incorporate new configurations and the like to provide new entertainment value.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve entertainment value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The gaming machine of the present invention is A launching means capable of launching a game ball; and a ball entry means having a ball entry section into which the game ball launched by the launching means can enter; The ball entry means is configured to be capable of providing an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player based on the entry of the game ball into the ball entry means, The ball entry means is configured to include a guide means capable of changing between a guide state in which the game ball moving around the periphery of the ball entry means is guided to the ball entry means and a non-guiding state in which the game ball is not guided, A trigger means is provided for changing the state of the guiding means to a state in which the possibility of the guiding means being in the guiding state is increased when a predetermined number of game balls reach the guiding means, The advantageous state can be established even if the guiding means is not in the guiding state, a teaching means for teaching that the possibility of the guiding means being in the guiding state is increased, The state in which the possibility of causing the guiding means to be in the guiding state is increased may end without the game ball being guided to the ball entrance portion by the guiding means, A means for terminating the state when a game ball reaches the trigger means during a period in which the possibility of the guiding means being in the guiding state is increased; Means for taking a notification mode corresponding to the guidance state of the guidance means and The present invention is characterized by the following features. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve interest. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine of a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Diagram 3] An oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Figure 4] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 6] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 9] This is a schematic front view of the first starting winning device, etc., with the blade members in the closed position. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first starting winning device, etc., with the blade members in the closed position. [Figure 11] This is a schematic front view of the first starting winning device, etc., with the blade members in the open position. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first starting winning device, etc., with the blade members in the open position. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic front view for explaining the operation of the blade member. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a central unit ball detection process. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a central unit ball detection process. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an error detection process. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the first ball scoring process. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a blade confirmation process. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view showing a central unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the internal structure of the specified number of times sorting device. [Figure 22] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, one embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machine") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 3 etc., a pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 as a fixed frame constituting the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 as a game board mounting frame is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. For convenience, Fig. 3 omits game components (game nails, accessories, etc.) arranged on the game board 30 surface, a glass unit 137 attached to the front frame 14, etc.

[0012] As shown in Figure 6, etc., the outer frame 11 is configured such that the upper side frame component 11a and the lower side frame component 11b are made of wooden boards, and the left side frame component 11c and the right side frame component 11d are made of extruded aluminum alloy material, and these frame components 11a to 11d are assembled together into a rectangular frame shape as a whole by detachable fasteners such as screws.

[0013] An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left-side frame component 11c, respectively (see FIG. 1). The upper and lower parts of the inner frame 12 are rotatably supported by the upper hinge 81 and the lower hinge 82, allowing the inner frame 12 to be opened and closed. The inner frame 12 and the like are housed in a space formed inside the outer frame 11.

[0014] Further, the right-side frame component 11d is formed with an extending wall portion 83 that protrudes from the vicinity of its rear end in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall portion 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to a locking device 600 (see FIG. 6) provided on the rear side of the right side of the inner frame 12 from the rear side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84, 85 to which a locking member of the locking device 600 is engaged are provided on the front side of the extending wall portion 83. Further, a pressing portion 86 that abuts against an inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later is provided on the lower receiving portion 85 to protrude toward the inside of the outer frame 11.

[0015] Furthermore, a resin-made front panel decoration 87 is attached to the lower frame component 11b. An upwardly protruding rib 88 is integrally formed on the inner part of the upper surface of the front panel decoration 87. This makes it difficult for a gap to form between the front panel decoration 87 and the inner frame 12.

[0016] 3, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with this opening / closing axis as its axis. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 38 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed in the center of the resin base 38.

[0017] Also, a front frame 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so as to be able to open and close. Like the inner frame 12, the front frame 14 is designed to be able to open forward about an opening and closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The front frame 14 may be configured so as to be openably supported directly on the outer frame 11, rather than via the inner frame 12. In this embodiment, the inner frame 12 (and the outer frame 11) correspond to the gaming machine main body, and the front frame 14 corresponds to the door member.

[0018] The front frame 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 when closed. A substantially elliptical window 101 is formed in the center of the front frame 14. This makes it possible to view the game board 30 attached to the rear surface of the inner frame 12 from the outside (the front of the pachinko machine 10) through the window 101 of the front frame 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed structure of the game board 30 will be described later.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a lower tray 15 is provided at the center of the lower part of the front side of the front frame 14, and game balls paid out from a lower payout outlet 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. In addition, a ball removal lever 25 for discharging game balls from the lower tray 15 is provided on the front side of the lower tray 15.

[0020] A game ball launching handle (hereinafter referred to as "handle 18") is provided on the right side of the lower tray 15 as a launching operation means protruding toward the front. The handle 18 is provided with a rotating operation body 18a as a rotatable operation part, and is provided with a touch sensor as a touch detection means capable of detecting touch of the handle 18 by a human hand and a variable resistor as an operation amount detection means for detecting the operation amount of the operation part of the handle 18 at a position not shown. When the handle 18 is rotated clockwise, the game ball is launched by the launching device 60, which will be described in detail later, with a strength corresponding to the rotation operation amount. The handle 18 is also provided with a stop lever 18b as a launch stop operation means that can be pressed by the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 18. When the stop lever 18b is pressed, the launching of game balls by the launching device 60 is prohibited even if the handle 18 is being held. Therefore, the handle 18 can be rotated while prohibiting the launch of game balls, or the launch of game balls can be temporarily stopped while gripping the handle 18.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, an upper tray 19 capable of storing game balls dispensed from an upper payout opening 17 is provided above the lower tray 15. The upper tray 19 also guides the game balls (temporarily) stored in the upper tray 19 toward a launching device 60, which will be described later, while aligning them in a line. When the upper tray 19 is full of game balls, the game balls to be dispensed are guided to the lower tray 15 via a lower tray connecting passage 71 and a lower payout opening 16, which will be described later.

[0022] On the upper surface of the upper tray 19 (to the right of the storage section) are provided a loan switch 121, a return switch 122, a ball removal button 123, and a balance display section 124. In an amusement hall or the like, when a gaming card with a balance is inserted into a CR unit arranged on the (left) side of the pachinko machine 10, the loan switch 121 is operated, and loan balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 in response to the operation. On the other hand, the return switch 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card inserted into the CR unit. Also, the balance display section 124 displays the remaining balance of the card inserted into the CR unit.

[0023] Furthermore, the ball removal button 123 is configured to be able to protrude from the top surface of the upper tray 19, and is always biased by a biasing means (not shown) in the direction of protruding from the top surface of the upper tray 19. When the ball removal button 123 is pressed, the space between the upper tray 19 and the lower tray 15 is opened, and the game balls stored in the upper tray 19 are guided to the lower tray 15.

[0024] In addition, a performance button 125 and a cross button 126 are provided on the upper surface (in front of the storage section) of the upper tray 19 as a performance operation means. An LED is built into the performance button 125, and by pressing the performance button 125 or the cross button 126, a corresponding performance is performed or the performance content is changed in the decorative pattern display device 42 described later.

[0025] Moreover, light-emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the front of the front frame 14. The light-emitting means change and control the light-emitting state in response to changes in the game state, etc., and serve to enhance the presentation effect during the game. For example, a circular illumination section 102 incorporating a light-emitting means such as an LED is provided around the periphery of the window section 101. Also, error display lamps 104 that light up when a specified error occurs are provided on both sides of the circular illumination section 102. Note that a number of fine through-holes are formed in the upper parts of the error display lamps 104 of the circular illumination section 102 in correspondence with the speakers SP (see FIG. 3) provided on the rear of the front frame 14.

[0026] A glass unit 137 is attached to the rear side of the front frame 14. The glass unit 137 is not a conventional pair of rectangular glass sheets attached separately to the front and rear as a front and rear pair, but is round overall and is attached after assembly.

[0027] Next, the inner frame 12 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As described above, the game board 30 is attached to the inner frame 12 in a state where it abuts against the back side of the resin base 38 behind the window hole 39. Therefore, a roughly central portion of the front surface of the game board 30 is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39.

[0028] Also, attached to the lower front part of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), i.e., below the window hole 39, are a launching device 60 as a launching means, and a launching rail 61 that guides the game ball immediately after it is launched by the launching device 60. In this embodiment, a solenoid-type launching device is used as the launching device 60. Furthermore, above the launching device 60, a ball feeding device 63 is provided that guides the game balls guided from the upper tray 19 to the launch position of the launching device 60 one ball at a time by the drive of a built-in drive means (e.g., a solenoid).

[0029] Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. On the game board 30, a general winning device 31, a variable winning device 32 as an advantageous state winning means, a first start winning device 33a as a first winning means, a second start winning device 33b, a through gate 34 as a guide trigger means, a central unit 401, and the like are arranged. A game ball launched by the launching device 60 is guided to an area (game area) between the front surface of the game board 30 and the rear surface of the glass unit 137. Various winning holes such as the general winning device 31, the variable winning device 32, the start winning devices 33a, 33b are configured so that a game ball moving in the game area can enter (win), and when a game ball enters these various winning holes, detection is performed by the corresponding detection switch, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 or the lower tray 15. The various winning devices and the central unit 401 are disposed in through holes formed in the game board 30 and attached with screws or the like.

[0030] In this embodiment, three game balls are paid out when the start winning devices 33a and 33b win, ten game balls are paid out when the general winning device 31 wins, and fifteen game balls are paid out when the variable winning device 32 wins. In addition, even if a game ball passes through the through gate 34, which the game ball passes through but does not enter (it is not discharged to the back side of the game board 30), the game ball is not paid out. Although the details will be described later, in this embodiment, the general winning device 31 and the through gate 34 are configured so that game balls moving in the game area can always enter or pass through, whereas the first start winning device 33a is configured so that only game balls that have passed through the central unit 401 can enter, and the second start winning device 33b and the variable winning device 32 are configured so that their states can be changed between an open state in which game balls can enter and a closed state in which game balls cannot enter.

[0031] In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an outlet 36 corresponding to the bottom of the game area, and game balls that do not win in various winning ports such as the general winning device 31 are discharged to the outside of the game area through this outlet 36. In addition, a large number of game nails are planted on the game board 30 to appropriately distribute and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various game members (apparatus) such as windmills are arranged. The game board 30 of this embodiment is made of transparent resin such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate. Furthermore, the game board 30 is decorated by directly printing on the front and back of the game board 30, or by installing decorative apparatus behind the game board 30.

[0032] A central unit 401 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area. The central unit 401 includes a housing 402 that forms (partitions) a first specific area 403 into which game balls moving (flowing down) in the game area can enter. A ball entrance opening 404 is provided on the upper left side of the housing 402, which serves as an entrance for game balls moving in the game area to enter the first specific area 403. The ball entrance opening 404 is always in a state in which game balls can enter, but is configured relatively narrow, and the game board 30 is configured (the arrangement of game nails) such that, for example, of 250 game balls shot at the ball entrance opening 404, about 2 to 4 balls will enter the ball entrance opening 404.

[0033] 4, for the sake of convenience, illustration of passages (a first unguided passage 406 and a second unguided passage 431 described later) for discharging game balls to the outside of the game area in the central unit 401 is appropriately omitted. Also, the ease of game balls entering the first specific area 403 can be appropriately changed for each model.

[0034] The basic gameplay of this embodiment is to aim at making the game ball that has passed through the first specific area 403 enter the first start winning device 33a installed below the central unit 401. When the game ball enters the first start winning device 33a, a winning / losing lottery is held with a 10 / 10 probability of winning, and if the winning / losing lottery is won, a jackpot state occurs in which the variable winning device 32 is opened, which is an advantageous state.

[0035] However, not all game balls that enter the first specific area 403 enter the first start winning device 33a, but the first specific area 403 includes a first guide passage 405 through which a passing game ball may enter the first start winning device 33a, and a first unguided passage 406 through which a passing game ball may not enter the first start winning device 33a. The first specific area 403 also includes a first distribution device 407 that guides all game balls that enter the first specific area 403 through a ball entry opening 404 and distributes the game balls to the first guide passage 405 and the first unguided passage 406 at a specific ratio, a second distribution device 408 that guides game balls that pass through the first distribution device 407 and go through the first guide passage 405, and distributes the game balls to the first guide passage 405 and the first unguided passage 406 at a specific ratio, and a third distribution device 409 that guides the game balls that pass through the first distribution device 407 and go through the first guide passage 405, and distributes the game balls to the first guide passage 405 and the first unguided passage 406 at a specific ratio. A third distribution device 409 is provided which guides game balls that have passed through the second distribution device 408 and via the first guide passage 405 and distributes the game balls at a specific ratio to the first guide passage 405 and the first unguided passage 406, and a fourth distribution device 410 is provided which guides game balls that have passed through the first distribution device 407 and via the first unguided passage 406 and distributes the game balls at a specific ratio to the second guide passage 430 and the second unguided passage 431 described below.

[0036] In this embodiment, only the game ball that has passed through the third distribution device 409 can enter the first start winning device 33a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first distribution means is composed of the first distribution device 407, the second distribution device 408, and the third distribution device 409. Note that in this embodiment, if the game ball is guided to the fourth distribution device 410 side by the first distribution device 407, the game ball is not likely to enter the first start winning device 33a, so the passage from the first distribution device 407 to the fourth distribution device 410 and the subsequent passages are also the first unguided passage 406. In contrast, for example, in the case where there is a passage for guiding game balls from the fourth distribution device 410 to the third distribution device 409, the passage from the first distribution device 407 to the fourth distribution device 410 and the passage from the fourth distribution device 410 to the third distribution device 409 also become the first guide passage 405. For convenience, FIG. 4 omits illustration of the first non-guiding passage 406 through which game balls that are guided to the outside of the game area by the first distribution device 407 and the second distribution device 408 are guided.

[0037] In addition, the first distribution device 407, the second distribution device 408, the third distribution device 409, and the fourth distribution device 410 of this embodiment are substantially round-shaped, and are configured to have three circular holes at equal positions near the center through which game balls can pass (fall) one at a time. Then, the game balls guided to the distribution devices 407-410 rotate several times in the area on the outer side of the holes, and then fall into one of the three holes. Note that the location to which each hole of each distribution device 407-410 leads will be described later.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game area (hereinafter referred to as the "second specific area 411") in which the first start-up winning device 33a is installed below the central unit 401 is configured to allow only game balls that have passed through the third distribution device 409 to enter, and on the left and right sides of the first start-up winning device 33a, there is provided a partition section 412 (in this example, configured by arranging multiple game nails in a continuous vertical manner) that prevents game balls moving in the area of ​​the game area located to the left of the central unit 401 (hereinafter referred to as the "left side area") and the area located to the right of the central unit 401 (hereinafter referred to as the "right side area") from entering the second specific area 411.

[0039] The first start winning device 33a of this embodiment includes a first ball entry section 414 into which a game ball moving in the second specific area 411 can enter, and a pair of left and right blade members 415 as guide means (guide sections) provided on both the left and right sides of the first ball entry section 414. The blade members 415 are tongue-shaped and configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction, and are configured to be displaceable between a closed position (non-guiding state) extending upward from the rotation axis and an open position (guiding state) in which the blade members 415 are inclined from the closed position to the opposite side to the first ball entry section 414. When the blade members 415 are in the open position, the first start winning device 33a is configured to be in an open state in which a game ball moving to the side of the first ball entry section 414 is guided to the first ball entry section 414 by the blade members 415. On the other hand, by setting the blade members 415 to the closed position, the first start winning device 33a is set to the closed position that restricts the game ball moving along the side of the first ball entry section 414 from entering the first ball entry section 414. However, even when the blade members 415 are set to the closed position, the distance between the pair of blade members 415 is slightly wider than the diameter of the game ball, so that the game ball can enter the first start winning device 33a (first ball entry section 414).

[0040] Further, in the second specific area 411, a third distribution center discharge passage 417 that guides the game ball between the pair of blade members 415 in the closed position, and a third distribution side discharge passage 418 as a conditional first guide passage that guides the game ball to a position guided to the first ball entrance part 414 side by the blade members 415 in the open position are provided. As will be described in detail later, the game ball that has passed through the third distribution device 409 is guided (reaches) to the third distribution center discharge passage 417 or the third distribution side discharge passage 418. When the game ball is guided (passes) by the third distribution center discharge passage 417, the game ball enters the first start winning device 33a regardless of whether the blade members 415 are in the open position or the closed position.

[0041] On the other hand, when the game ball is guided (passed) by the third distribution side discharge passage 418, if the blade member 415 is in the closed position, the game ball does not enter the first start winning device 33a, but if the blade member 415 is in the open position, the game ball is guided by the blade member 415 and enters the first start winning device 33a (first ball entry section 414). In other words, the third distribution side discharge passage 418 is a conditional first guide passage 405 that is the first guide passage 405 when the blade member 415 is in the open position and the first non-guiding passage 406 when the blade member 415 is in the closed position. In this embodiment, the third distribution center discharge passage 417 corresponds to the specific passing position, and the third distribution side discharge passage 418 corresponds to the conditional specific passing position.

[0042] In this embodiment, of the three holes provided in the first distribution device 407, one is a constant guide hole portion 421 (constant guide portion) that leads to the second distribution device 408 and guides the game balls to the second distribution device 408, another is a first discharge hole portion 422 that discharges the game balls outside the game area, and the remaining one is an auxiliary hole portion 423 that leads to the fourth distribution device 410 and guides the game balls to the fourth distribution device 410.

[0043] Of the three holes provided in the second distribution device 408, one is a constant guide hole portion 421 (constant guide portion) that leads to the third distribution device 409 and guides the game balls to the third distribution device 409, and the remaining two are second discharge hole portions 424 that discharge the game balls outside the game area.

[0044] Of the three holes provided in the third distribution device 409, one is a constant guide hole 421 (constant guide part) that leads to the third distribution center discharge passage 417 and allows the game ball to enter the first start winning device 33a even when the blade member 415 is in the closed position, and the remaining two are conditional guide hole parts 425 (conditional guide parts) that lead to the third distribution side discharge passage 418 and allow the game ball to enter the first start winning device 33a when the blade member 415 is in the open position, but cannot allow the game ball to enter the first start winning device 33a when the first start winning device 33a is in the closed position. In this embodiment, the third distribution device 409 constitutes a guide change distribution means.

[0045] In addition, in the second specific area 411, in order to prevent the game balls guided to the constant guide hole portion 421 of the third distribution device 409 from being guided to the third distribution side discharge passage 418, or the game balls guided to the conditional guide hole portion 425 from being guided to the third distribution center discharge passage 417, a partition wall portion 426 is provided as a partition means separating the third distribution center discharge passage 417 and the third distribution side discharge passage 418. In particular, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the game balls moving through the third distribution center discharge passage 417 from falling out of the third distribution center discharge passage 417, or the game balls moving through the third distribution side discharge passage 418 from falling out of the third distribution side discharge passage 418, the partition wall portion 426 is provided on both sides of each of the third distribution center discharge passage 417 and the third distribution side discharge passage 418.

[0046] In addition, the central unit 401 of this embodiment is provided with a second type non-electric device operating port 427 as a second ball entry means through which the game ball moving in the first specific area 403 can enter. In this embodiment, only game balls that have passed through the fourth distribution device 410 can enter the second type non-electric device operating port 427. In other words, of the three holes provided in the fourth distribution device 410, one is a fourth guide hole 428 that leads to the second type non-electric device operating port 427 and allows the game ball to enter the second type non-electric device operating port 427, and the remaining two holes are fourth discharge hole 429 that discharges the game ball to the outside of the game area.

[0047] In this embodiment, the fourth distribution device 410 and the first distribution device 407 constitute the second distribution means. The first specific area 403 also includes a second guide passage 430 through which the passing game ball may enter the second type non-electric device operation port 427, and a second non-guidance passage 431 through which the passing game ball may not enter the second type non-electric device operation port 427. In other words, the passage from the ball entrance opening 404 in the first specific area 403 to the first sorting device 407 is the second guide passage 430 which also serves as the first guide passage 405, and the passage from the first sorting device 407 (auxiliary hole section 423) to the fourth sorting device 410 and the passage up to the second type non-electric device operating port 427 to which a game ball that has entered the fourth guide hole section 428 of the fourth sorting device 410 is guided are also the second guide passage 430, and the other passages in the first specific area 403 (the passage to which a game ball that has entered the fourth discharge hole section 429 of the fourth sorting device 410 is guided, the passage to which a game ball that has entered the constant guide hole section 421 or the first discharge hole section 422 of the first sorting device 407 is guided, etc.) are the second non-guide passages 431. For the sake of convenience, FIG. 4 omits the illustration of the second unguided passage 431 through which the gaming balls that are guided to the outside of the gaming area by the fourth distribution device 410 are guided.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first start-up winning device 33a is configured so that the blade member 415 is not opened and closed electrically, but is mechanically linked to the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric device operating port 427 to be brought to the open position, and is mechanically linked to the game ball that has entered the first start-up winning device 33a to be brought to the closed position (a so-called second type non-electric device).

[0049] 9, the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a, when in the closed position, includes a guide edge portion extending in a substantially vertical direction (when viewed from the front), an outer upper edge portion inclined downward from the upper end of the guide edge portion toward the outside of the first start winning device 33a, and an outer lower edge portion inclined downward from the lower end of the outer upper edge portion toward the inside of the first start winning device 33a (a substantially triangular blade portion bulging outward from the first start winning device 33a), and a base portion 434 connected to the lower end of the blade portion 433. In addition, the base portion 434 in this embodiment has a side portion that is flush with the guide edge portion of the blade portion 433 and a side portion that is flush with the outer lower edge portion of the blade portion 433.

[0050] A pair of front and rear shafts, a first shaft 435 and a second shaft 436, are provided respectively at the lower part of blade portion 433 and at approximately the center in the up-down direction of base portion 434. In this example, the tip side (blade portion 433 side) of blade member 414 is heavier than the base side (base portion 434) of blade member 414, centered around first shaft portion 435.

[0051] In contrast, as shown in Figure 14, the first start-up winning device 33a has a roughly plate-shaped base plate portion (not shown) that is fixed in face-to-face contact with the front surface of the game board 30, and a cover portion 438 (see Figure 4) that covers the front of the base portion 434 of the blade member 415, which is provided with a hole-like or groove-like guide portion 439 formed in the shape of the katakana character "I" (the shape of the upper side of the letter T slanting downward to the left) corresponding to the right-hand blade member 415 of the pair of blade members 415 when viewed from the front, and a guide portion 439 that is a left-right inverted shape of the guide portion 439 corresponding to the right-hand blade member 415 is provided to the left-hand blade member 415 of the pair of blade members 415 when viewed from the front.

[0052] 9 and 13 (solid lines), when the blade member 415 is in the closed position, the first shaft portion 435 and the second shaft portion 436 of the blade member 415 are stored in a vertically aligned manner relative to the guide portion 439. At this time, the lower surface side of the second shaft portion 436, the first shaft portion 435, and the left and right side surfaces of the second shaft portion 436 are supported by abutting against the guide portion 439, respectively, so that the posture of the blade member 415 in the closed position is maintained.

[0053] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 11 and 13 (dotted lines), when the blade member 415 is in the open position, the first shaft portion 435 and the second shaft portion 436 of the blade member 415 are stored so as to be aligned diagonally to the left and right of the guide portion 439 (the first shaft portion 435 is on the upper side and on the outside). At this time, the lower surface sides of the first shaft portion 435 and the second shaft portion 436 and the inner side of the first start winning device 33a of the second shaft portion 436 are supported by abutting against the guide portion 439, respectively, so that the posture of the blade member 415 in the open position is maintained.

[0054] In this embodiment, the area sandwiched between a pair of blade members 415 and covered at the front by a cover portion 438 is the first ball entry portion 414, and a game ball that enters the first ball entry portion 414 is discharged outside the game area via a winning ball discharge portion 440 provided on the base plate portion of the first start-up winning device 33a.

[0055] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the machine is equipped with a lower plate having a substantially flat shape, and a pair of side plate portions extending from both sides of the lower plate portion at an outward angle and upward, a push-up member 441 arranged relative to the upper surface of each side plate portion and the base portion 434 of each blade member 415 so as to face each other vertically, and a lever member 443 extending in the front-to-back direction from a position directly below the push-up member 441 to an interlocking passage 442 through which a game ball that has entered the second type non-electric device operating port 427 is guided and passes, and having an axis portion at the midpoint.

[0056] When the blade member 415 is in the closed position and a game ball enters the second type non-electric role operating port 427, the game ball falls onto the upper surface of the rear part of the lever member 443 via the interlocking passage 442. As a result, instead of the rear part of the lever member 443 descending, the front part of the lever member 443 rises, and the push-up member 441 is lifted by the front part of the lever member 443, as shown in Fig. 12. When the push-up member 441 is lifted, each blade member 415 is pressed upward by the inner surfaces of the pair of inclined left and right side plate parts of the push-up member 441, and the pair of blade members 415 are displaced upward and rotated so as to open outward, with the first shaft part 435 and the second shaft part 436 of the blade member 415 being guided by the guide part 439. Furthermore, when the underside of the first shaft portion 435 abuts the lower edge of the guide portion 439, the blade member 415, whose center of gravity is closer to the tip than the first shaft portion 435, tilts outward around the first shaft portion 435, and the front portion of the lever member 443 and the push-up member 441 descend until the push-up member 441 no longer pushes up the blade member 415.Then, the first shaft portion 435 comes into sliding contact with the lower edge of the guide portion 439, and the second shaft portion 436 comes into approximate sliding contact with the upper edge of the guide portion 439, while the blade member 415 is displaced toward the central portion of the first start-up winning device 33a to a position where the lower edge of the second shaft portion 436 and the central side edge of the first start-up winning device 33a abut against and are supported by the guide portion 439, and the blade member 415 is placed in the open position. Furthermore, when the game ball that has fallen to the rear of the lever member 443 is discharged from the upper position of the lever member 443, the push-up member 441 and the front part of the lever member 443 descend and return to the reference position.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 11, when the blade members 415 are in the open position and the game ball is guided to the first ball entry section 414 by the blade members 415, the game ball is placed across the roots 434 of the pair of blade members 415, and the weight of the game ball displaces the second shaft portion 436 provided at the roots 434 of the pair of blade members 415 outward from the first start winning device 33a. By displacing the second shaft portion 436 outward from the first start winning device 33a, the lower surface side of the second shaft portion 436 is not supported by the guide portion 439, and the second shaft portion 436 is displaced downward along the guide portion 439, and the first shaft portion 435 is also displaced downward along the guide portion 439 while being displaced inward from the first start winning device 33a. As described above, the pair of blade members 415 are displaced downward and rotated to close inward, and are set to the closed position. In this embodiment, the game ball is not guided to the winning ball discharge section 440 provided on the base plate section of the first start winning device 33a until the attitude of the pair of blade members 415 is displaced from the open position to the closed position side.

[0058] In this embodiment, the inner bottom surface of the push-up member 441 is configured to guide the game ball that has entered the first start winning device 33a (first ball entry section 414) to the winning ball discharge section 440, but for example, a protrusion that protrudes inward from the base section 434 of the blade member 415 may be provided, and the protrusions of the pair of blade members 415 may guide the game ball to the winning ball discharge section 440. In this embodiment, the push-up member 441 and the lever member 443 constitute the opening interlocking means. Furthermore, the base section 434 of the blade member 415 constitutes the closing interlocking means.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the first start winning device 33a is provided with a start winning switch (referred to as the "first winning ball detection switch 224a" in this example) as a first ball detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the first start winning device 33a (the first winning ball section 414, and thus the winning ball discharge section 440). When a game ball is detected by the first ball detection switch 224a, a winning / losing lottery is held to determine whether or not a jackpot state will be generated, and a variable display is performed on the special display device 43a, which will be described later. When the winning / losing lottery results in a jackpot state, the jackpot state is granted.

[0060] In addition, the second type non-electric device operation port 427 is provided with a second ball entry detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the second type non-electric device operation port 427, and a second ball entry detection switch 446 as a linked ball detection means.

[0061] Furthermore, the central unit 401 (first specific area 403) is provided with a first guide passage 405 from the ball entrance opening 404 of the central unit 401 to the first distribution device 407, a first distribution ball entrance detection switch 448 which detects a game ball that has entered the first distribution device 407, and a second distribution ball entrance detection switch 448 which is provided in the first guide passage 405 from the constant guide hole portion 421 of the first distribution device 407 to the second distribution device 408, and which detects a game ball that has entered the second distribution device 408. 449, a third distribution ball entry detection switch 450 is provided in the first guide passage 405 from the constant guide hole portion 421 of the second distribution device 408 to the third distribution device 409, which detects a game ball that has entered the third distribution device 409, and a fourth distribution ball entry detection switch 451 is provided from the auxiliary hole portion 423 of the first distribution device 407 to the second guide passage 430 (first non-guide passage 406) of the fourth distribution device 410, which detects a game ball that has entered the fourth distribution device 410.

[0062] In addition, the central unit 401 is provided with a first distribution discharge detection switch 452 for detecting game balls guided from the first discharge hole portion 422 of the first distribution device 407 to the first unguided passage 406 leading to the outside of the game area, a second distribution discharge detection switch 453 for detecting game balls guided from the second discharge hole portion 424 of the second distribution device 408 to the first unguided passage 406 leading to the outside of the game area, and a third distribution center discharge passage 417 for detecting a continuous guide of the third distribution device 409. There are provided a third distribution center discharge detection switch 454 which detects game balls guided by the hole portion 421, a third distribution side discharge detection switch 455 which is provided in the third distribution side discharge passage 418 and detects game balls guided by the conditional guide hole portion 425 of the third distribution device 409, and a fourth distribution discharge detection switch 456 which detects game balls guided from the fourth discharge hole portion 429 of the fourth distribution device 410 to the second unguided passage leading to the outside of the game area.

[0063] The first ball entry detection switch 224a corresponds to the first ball entry detection means, and the second ball entry detection switch 446 corresponds to the second ball entry detection means. The first distribution ball entry detection switch 448, the second distribution ball entry detection switch 449, and the third distribution ball entry detection switch 450 correspond to the first guide detection means. The first distribution ball entry detection switch 448 and the fourth distribution ball entry detection switch 451 correspond to the second guide detection means. In addition, in this embodiment, since all game balls that enter the first specific area 403 are guided to the first distribution device 407, the first distribution ball entry detection switch that detects all game balls that enter the first specific area 403 constitutes the specific area ball entry detection means.

[0064] In addition, the second distribution ball entry detection switch 449, the third distribution ball entry detection switch 450, the third distribution center discharge detection switch 454, and the third distribution side discharge detection switch 455 when the blade member 415 is in the open position correspond to the first guidance detection means. Furthermore, the first distribution discharge detection switch 452, the fourth distribution ball entry detection switch 451, the second distribution discharge detection switch 453, and the third distribution side discharge detection switch 455 when the blade member 415 is in the closed position correspond to the first unguided detection means. The fourth distribution ball entry detection switch 451 corresponds to the second guidance detection means. In addition, the second distribution ball entry detection switch 449, the first distribution discharge detection switch 452, and the fourth distribution discharge detection switch 456 correspond to the second unguided detection means. In addition, the first sorting discharge detection switch 452, the second sorting discharge detection switch 453, the third sorting side discharge detection switch 455 when the blade member 415 is in the closed position, and the fourth sorting discharge detection switch 456 correspond to the discharge detection means. Furthermore, the various ball entry detection switches and various discharge detection switches provided in the central unit 401 constitute the passing detection means.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in correspondence with the interlocking passage 442 through which the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric role operation port 427 is guided, an interlocking state changing device 461 is provided as an interlocking state changing means for changing the state between an interlocking permissive state in which the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric role operation port 427 reaches a lever member 443 that interlocks the blade member 415 of the first start-up winning device 33a and interlocks the lever member 443, and an interlocking restricted state in which the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric role operation port 427 does not pass through the lever member 443.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 10, the interlocking state change device 461 includes a switching unit 463 that can be displaced between an allowance position where the horizontal hole portion 462 formed in the side wall of the interlocking passage 442 is closed to allow the passage of the game ball through the interlocking passage 442 and a restriction position where the interlocking passage 442 is closed by protruding into the inside of the interlocking passage 442 and opening the horizontal hole portion 462, and the switching solenoid 464 that displaces the switching unit 463. The surface of the switching unit 463 on the upstream side of the interlocking passage 442 is inclined toward the upstream side of the interlocking passage 442 toward the tip side in the protruding direction, and the game ball that abuts against the switching unit 463 in the restriction position is guided to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the horizontal hole portion 462 without reaching the lever member 443 (in the case of a configuration in which the game balls are circulated only inside the pachinko machine 10, the game balls are guided to a storage portion where they are stored until they are used as game balls to be shot, etc.).

[0067] In this embodiment, the switching solenoid 464 is in the permitted position when it is in an excited state, and in the restricted position when it is in a non-excited state (the plunger is displaced toward the interlocking passage 442 side by the action of the spring). Therefore, at least when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, the switching solenoid 464 is in the non-excited state and displaced to the restricted position, and the interlocking state changing device 461 is in the interlocking restricted state.

[0068] In this embodiment, an open position detection sensor 465 is provided as a guide state grasping means capable of grasping that the first start-up winning device 33a is in an open state (that the blade member 415 is in an open position) (see Figs. 4 and 14). In this embodiment, a detection piece portion (not shown) is provided as an associated member connected to the first shaft portion 435 of the blade member 415 on the rear side of the base plate portion of the first start-up winning device 33a, and when the first start-up winning device 33a is in an open state, the detection piece portion of the right blade member 415 is detected by the open position detection sensor 465.

[0069] The second start winning device 33b is disposed in the right side area of ​​the game area. The second start winning device 33b is provided with a pair of rotatably displaceable blade members 37 adjacent to both the left and right sides of the ball entry section (start winning hole) of the second start winning device 33b through which the game ball can enter. In this embodiment, when the blade members 37 are in a closed position extending up and down, there is no room for the game ball to pass between the tip of the blade member 37 and the game nail provided above the second start winning device 33b, and the second start winning device 33b is in a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter. On the other hand, by displacing the blade members 37 to an open position where they open outward, a gap is secured between the blade members 37 and the game nails through which the game ball can pass, and the second start winning device 33b is in an open state in which the game ball is permitted to enter and the blade members 37 guides the game ball moving to the side of the second start winning device 33b to the start winning port of the second start winning device 33b. The second start winning device 33b in this embodiment is configured to be electrically opened and closed by a solenoid (not shown).

[0070] The variable winning device 32 is provided below the second start winning device 33b. The variable winning device 32 includes a large winning opening leading to the rear of the game board 30, a shutter for opening and closing the large winning opening, a large winning opening solenoid for operating the shutter, and a count switch 223 for detecting a game ball that has entered the large winning opening. The variable winning device 32 (large winning opening) is switched between a closed state and an open state by controlling the driving of the large winning opening solenoid and opening and closing the shutter.

[0071] The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state where game balls cannot enter, and in a jackpot state, is in an open state where game balls can enter. The large prize shutter of the variable winning device 32 in this embodiment is pivotally supported at its lower edge along the lower edge of the large prize opening, and when the variable winning device 32 is in a closed state, the large prize shutter extends up and down to block the large prize opening, allowing game balls to pass in front of the large prize shutter. On the other hand, when the variable winning device 32 is in an open state, the large prize shutter rotates forward and extends back and forth (the upper surface is slightly inclined downward toward the rear), and the game balls that have flowed down in front of the large prize opening are received by the back surface (upper surface) of the large prize shutter and guided to the large prize opening.

[0072] Furthermore, in the jackpot state (and time-saving mode), the game ball is launched toward the right-hand side area of ​​the game area, whereas in the normal game state in which the game ball is made to enter the first specific area 403 of the central unit 401, since the ball entry opening 404 of the central unit 401 is located on the upper left side of the central unit 401 as described above, the game ball is launched toward the left-hand side area of ​​the game area.

[0073] A through gate 34 is disposed above the second start winning device 33b. The through gate 34 is configured so that game balls flowing down the game area can pass through it one by one. As will be described in detail later, the through gate 34 is provided with a through gate switch 225 capable of detecting game balls passing through the through gate 34.

[0074] When the through gate switch 225 detects a game ball, a ball entry support lottery is held to determine whether the second start winning device 33b should be opened or not, and a variable display is displayed on the normal symbol display device 41 to inform the result of the ball entry support lottery. If the ball entry support lottery is won, the second start winning device 33b is opened for a specified time after the variable display ends.

[0075] In this embodiment, the blade member 37 of the second start winning device 33b is opened relatively frequently, and there is a "high ball entry state" in which it becomes easier to make the game ball enter the second start winning device 33c, and a "low ball entry state" in which the blade member 37 is opened less frequently than in the high ball entry state. Hereinafter, the low ball entry state is referred to as the "normal mode", and the high ball entry state is referred to as the "time-shortened mode". In addition, a "low probability state" in which a jackpot is won at a predetermined probability in a win / lose lottery, and a "high probability state" in which a jackpot is won at a higher probability than in the low probability state in a win / lose lottery may be provided, and a "high probability mode" in which the high probability state and the high ball entry state, and a "latent probability mode" in which the high probability state and the low ball entry state may be provided (when there is a high probability state and a low probability state, the low probability state and the low ball entry state may be referred to as the "normal mode", and the low probability state and the high ball entry state may be referred to as the "time-shortened mode").

[0076] In addition, examples of the high ball entry state include (1) a state in which the variable display time in the normal pattern display device 41 is shorter than in the low ball entry state, (2) a state in which the opening time in which the second start winning device 33b is opened upon winning one ball entry support lottery is longer than in the low ball entry state (such as increasing the opening time of one second start winning device 33b or increasing the number of openings of the second start winning device 33b that is opened for a specified time), (3) a state in which the specified number of game balls that can be entered per opening of the second start winning device 33b is greater than in the low ball entry state, and (4) a state in which the winning probability of the ball entry support lottery is higher than in the low ball entry state. The high ball entry state in this embodiment employs the above configurations (1), (2), and (4). Of course, the high ball entry state is not limited to this, and any one of the configurations (1) to (4) or any combination of these configurations (1) to (4) may be employed as the "high ball entry state". This makes it easier for game balls to win the second start winning device 33b more frequently, increasing the number of times the winning / losing lottery is executed, and creating a good ball holding state in which the reduction in the number of balls held by the player is suppressed.

[0077] In addition, the variation time of the normal symbol display device 41 of this embodiment is either 10 minutes, 9 minutes, or 8 minutes in the low ball entry state, and 1 second in the high ball entry state. The opening time of the second start winning device 33b is 0.2 seconds in the low ball entry state, and 3 seconds in the high ball entry state. The winning probability of the winning support lottery is 1 / 20 in the low ball entry state, and 1 / 2 in the high ball entry state.

[0078] In addition, the types of big wins in this embodiment include a 15-round electric support big win (hereinafter referred to as "15RS") and a 15-round normal big win (hereinafter referred to as "15RN"). In "15RS" and "15RN," the big win state ends after the variable winning device 32 is opened for 30 seconds or 10 game balls enter the variable winning device 32 after the variable winning device 32 is opened, and this is repeated 15 times.

[0079] In addition, after the end of the "15RS" jackpot state, the mode transitions to the "time-saving mode", and after the end of the "15RN" jackpot state, the mode transitions to the "normal mode". Furthermore, in this embodiment, the normal mode and the time-saving mode continue until the jackpot state occurs (an upper limit on the number of times the special display devices 43a and 43b are displayed for the time-saving mode may be set). In addition, in this embodiment, if the player obtains the right to the jackpot state in the normal mode (wins the lottery), the mode always becomes "15RS". However, there is an upper limit on the number of consecutive jackpots (the number of times the time-saving mode is granted after the jackpot state), and in this embodiment, if the jackpot state occurs twice in a row (with the time-saving mode in between), the mode transitions to the normal mode (the jackpot next to the "15RS" is "15RN").

[0080] 4, adjacent to the upper right part of the substantially elliptical game area, the first special display device 43a as a special display means for performing a variable display to inform the result of the winning / losing lottery performed in response to the entry of a game ball into the first start winning device 33a, the second special display device 43b as a special display means for performing a variable display to inform the result of the winning / losing lottery performed in response to the entry of a game ball into the second start winning device 33b, and the normal pattern display device 41 as a normal display means for performing a variable display to inform the result of the ball entry support lottery performed based on the passage of a game ball into the through gate 34 are provided so as to be visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10. In this embodiment, the first special display device 43a, the second special display device 43b, and the normal pattern display device 41 are directly displayed and controlled by the main control device 261 as the main control device described later.

[0081] The first special display device 43a is composed of four LEDs (first special lamps). When a game ball enters the first start winning device 33a, the first special display device 43a switches the display (variable display) of the first special lamp. Hereinafter, the variable display based on the game ball entering the first start winning device 33a is also referred to as the "first variable display."

[0082] The second special display device 43b is composed of four LEDs (second special lamps). The second special display device 43b is configured to switch (change) the display of the second special lamp when the game ball enters the second start winning device 33b. Hereinafter, the change display based on the game ball entering the second start winning device 33b is also referred to as the "second change display."

[0083] In addition, after the first special display device 43a and the second special display device 43b display the variable display for a predetermined time, the variable display is stopped based on the result of the winning / losing lottery. In other words, the lighting state (combination of the lit special lamps) when the variable display stops corresponds to various results of the winning / losing lottery, and the lighting state when the variable display stops definitely displays the result of the winning / losing lottery, that is, "jackpot" or "loss."

[0084] Furthermore, the first special display device 43a and the second special display device 43b also indicate the type of big win, i.e., "15RS" or "15RN", depending on the lighting mode (stop mode) at which they are stopped. Also, there are not one but multiple stop modes of the first special display device 43a and the second special display device 43b that indicate various big win types or misses, and one of them is selected and displayed.

[0085] In this embodiment, the probability of winning the jackpot is 10 / 10 in both the winning / losing lottery triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first start winning device 33a and the winning / losing lottery triggered by the entry of a game ball into the second start winning device 33b, and the type of jackpot to be won is determined according to the game state (game mode). However, the system may be configured so that there are cases where the winning / losing lottery does not win, or the system may be configured so that the jackpot is always awarded without the winning / losing lottery. In addition, the system may be configured so that the winning probability of the winning / losing lottery can be selected and set from among 1 / 10, 1 / 12, and 1 / 14 by operating the inside or rear side of the pachinko machine 10 (inner frame 12), or the winning probability is 1 / 24 in a low probability state and 1 / 10 in a high probability state. Furthermore, the system may be configured so that the type of jackpot is selected from among multiple types by lottery.

[0086] The stopped display on the first special display device 43a and the second special display device 43b is configured to be maintained for a specified time, and the next variable display can be started after the specified time has elapsed (after the variable interval). Furthermore, if the next variable display is not performed even after the specified time has elapsed after the stopped display on the first special display device 43a or the second special display device 43b, the first special display device 43a or the second special display device 43b is configured to switch from a lighting state indicating the result of the win / lose lottery to a lighting state indicating a standby state in which no variable display is being performed. The lighting state indicating the result of the win / lose lottery may be configured to be maintained as it is.

[0087] In addition, when a game ball enters the start winning device 33a, 33b during the variable display on the special display device 43a, 43b, the variable display corresponding to the ball entry can be reserved and stored, and a first reserved display device and a second reserved display device can be provided as a reserved display means for indicating that the variable display has been reserved and stored. For example, the first reserved display device and the second reserved display device can be each configured to be reserved and stored up to four times (the number of times that can be reserved and stored can be changed for each model), and the first reserved display device and the second reserved display device are each configured with two LEDs (first reserved lamp, second reserved lamp), and when the first variable display is reserved once, the first reserved lamp on the left side (inner circumference side of the game area) lights up, when the first variable display is reserved twice, the first reserved lamps on the left and right sides light up, when the first variable display is reserved three times, the first reserved lamp on the left side flashes and the first reserved lamp on the right side lights up, and when the first variable display is reserved four times, the first reserved lamps on the left and right sides flash. In a configuration capable of retaining and storing the variable display of the special display devices 43a, 43b, if a new game ball enters the start winning device 33a, 33b during a jackpot state, the variable display of that ball is also retained, and the first reserved display device and the second reserved display device are directly display-controlled by the main control device 261, which serves as the main control means described later.

[0088] The normal pattern display device 41 is composed of two LEDs (normal pattern lamps). In addition, in the normal pattern display device 41, for example, the normal pattern lamp on the right side (outer circumference of the game area) is flashed (displayed variably) when the game ball passes through the through gate 34. After the variable display is performed for a predetermined time on the normal pattern display device 41, the variable display is stopped based on the result of the ball entry support lottery. In other words, the lighting state (combination of lit normal pattern lamps) when the variable display is stopped corresponds to various results of the ball entry support lottery, and the result of the ball entry support lottery is definitively displayed depending on the lighting state when the variable display is stopped. For example, lighting both the left and right normal pattern lamps indicates a "win", and lighting only the left normal pattern lamp indicates a "lose".

[0089] In addition, when a game ball passes through the through gate 34 during a variable display in the normal pattern display device 41, the variable display corresponding to the passage may be configured to be reserved and stored, and a normal reserve display device may be provided to indicate that the variable display has been reserved and stored. For example, the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41, which is performed based on the passage of a game ball through the through gate 34, may be configured to be reserved and stored up to four times (the number of times that can be reserved and stored can be changed for each model), and the normal reserve display device may be configured to be composed of two LEDs (normal reserve lamps), and when one variable display of the normal pattern display device 41 is reserved, the normal reserve lamp on the left side (inner circumference side of the game area) is lit, when two times are reserved, the normal reserve lamps on the left and right are lit, when three times are reserved, the normal reserve lamp on the left side flashes and the normal reserve lamp on the right side is lit, and when four times are reserved, the normal reserve lamps on the left and right are flashed. In a configuration capable of retaining and storing the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41, if a new game ball passes through the through gate 34 during a jackpot state, the variable display of that ball is also retained, and the normal reserved display device is directly display-controlled by the main control device 261, which serves as the main control means described later.

[0090] At the bottom of the left side area, along the periphery of the game area, a general winning device 31 is disposed. The general winning device 31 protrudes forward from the front part of the game board 30, and has a winning hole on the upper side through which game balls can always win.

[0091] In addition, a rail 50 consisting of an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52 is attached to the game board 30, and guides the game balls launched from the launching device 60 to the upper part of the game board 30. As a result, the game balls launched in response to the rotation of the handle 18 are guided through the launching rail 61 and the rail 50 into the game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137.

[0092] A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip portion (upper left in FIG. 4) of the inner rail component 51. This prevents a game ball that has been guided from the rail 50 into the play area from returning back into the rail 50. In addition, a return rubber 54 is attached to approximately the tip portion (upper right in FIG. 4) of the outer rail component 52. A game ball that is launched with a force greater than a predetermined value hits the return rubber 54 and is returned, for example, toward approximately the center of the game board 30.

[0093] In this embodiment, the outer rail component 52 ends at the upper right part of the game board 30, and the inner rail component 51 ends at the lower right part of the game board 30. Therefore, the game area is defined by the rail 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, since the game ball shot out by the launching device 60 may flow back along the rail 50 until it passes through the return ball prevention member 53, the parallel portion of the inner and outer rail components 51, 52 is excluded from the game area.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the rear side of the front frame 14, below the window portion 101. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower tray communication passage 71 that connects the dispensing mechanism 352 described below to the lower dispensing outlet 16 of the lower tray 15, and an upper tray communication passage 73 that connects the dispensing mechanism 352 to the upper tray 19.

[0095] Furthermore, a launching ball passage 74 is provided that connects the upper tray 19 and the ball delivery device 63 and guides the game balls stored in the upper tray 19 to the ball delivery device 63. The launching ball passage 74 (which may be downstream of the upper tray 19) is provided with a communication hole (not shown) that communicates with the lower tray communication passage 71, and an upper tray shutter (not shown) that opens and closes the communication hole is provided. The upper tray shutter is normally biased toward a closed position that closes the communication hole by a biasing means (not shown). Furthermore, the upper tray shutter is configured to be linked to the ball removal button 123, and to be displaced to an open position that opens the communication hole when the ball removal button 123 is pressed.

[0096] 4, there is a gap of a predetermined distance between the launch rail 61 provided on the front side of the inner frame 12 and the rail 50 (outer rail component 52), and the ball passage unit 70 of the front frame 14 is formed with a foul ball passage 72 that guides game balls that have fallen through the gap to the lower tray 15. As a result, if a game ball launched from the launch device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and travels back up the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball is discharged to the lower tray 15 via the foul ball passage 72.

[0097] 2, the lower tray 15 is formed with a discharge port 15a through which game balls stored in the lower tray 15 can be discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10, and is provided with a lower tray shutter 15b for opening and closing the discharge port 15a. The lower tray shutter 15b is always biased toward a closed position side that closes the discharge port 15a by a biasing means (not shown). Furthermore, the lower tray shutter 15b is configured to work in conjunction with the ball removal lever 25 (for example, connected or integrally formed), and is configured to be displaced to an open position that opens the discharge port 15a when the ball removal lever 25 is pressed (to the left).

[0098] In addition, the lower tray 15 is equipped with a holding means (not shown) capable of holding the lower tray shutter 15b in the open position, and the ejection port 15a can be maintained in an open state even if the player does not continue to press the ball removal lever 25. Note that an example of the holding means is a configuration in which the ball removal lever 25 is fully pressed toward the open position to engage with a predetermined portion on the ball removal lever 25 and the lower tray shutter 15b side, and the ball removal lever 25 is again fully pressed toward the open position from the engaged state to release the engaged state.

[0099] Also, the reference numeral 67 in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 denotes a payout passage for guiding the game balls paid out by the payout mechanism 352 described later to the front of the inner frame 12, and is divided into a passage leading to the upper tray communication passage 73 (upper tray 19) and a passage leading to the lower tray communication passage 71 (lower tray 15). A shutter 68 is provided below the payout passage 67, and when the front frame 14 is open, the shutter 68 protrudes forward by the biasing force of a spring or the like to almost close the outlet of the payout passage 67. When the front frame 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end of the inlet side of the lower tray communication passage 71. The inlets (ball inlet portions) of the lower tray communication passage 71 and the upper tray communication passage 73 are adjacent to each other, and when the front frame 14 is closed, the inlets and the payout passage 67 are separated by a predetermined distance, allowing the game balls to pass through the gap between them. Therefore, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray connecting passage 73 become full of game balls, the game balls to be paid out will flow toward the lower tray connecting passage 71 (overflowing into the entrance side of the lower tray connecting passage 71) and be paid out through the lower tray connecting passage 71 to the lower tray 15.

[0100] In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) that detects game balls located in the lower tray communication passage 71. The presence of the full detection switch makes it possible to know that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls (the lower tray 15 is full of game balls and game balls are stuck in the lower tray communication passage 71). In this embodiment, based on the game balls being continuously detected for a predetermined time by the full detection switch, an error notification is controlled to inform the user that the lower tray 15 is full using a display or sound on the decorative pattern display device 42. Note that when the retention of game balls in the lower tray communication passage 71 is eliminated and the game balls are no longer detected by the full detection switch (when they are not detected for a predetermined time), the error notification state is released.

[0101] Next, the rear structure of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Figures 5, 6, etc. On the rear of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged vertically and horizontally, with some parts overlapping front to back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) that supplies game balls, a resin protective cover, etc. are attached. The payout mechanism and protective cover are integrated into one unit, and since the resin part is generally sometimes called the back pack, this unit will be referred to as the "back pack unit 203" here.

[0102] First, the rear structure of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, a resin frame cover 213 that covers the rear of the central unit 401 (see Fig. 4) is provided on the rear side of the central unit 401 (see Fig. 4) that is disposed corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30 and protrudes rearward. In addition, a sub-control device 262 is housed in a transparent resin board box 262a on the rear side of the frame cover 213 and is detachably attached. An LED control board that drives LEDs and the like built into the central unit 401 is provided inside the frame cover 213.

[0103] Below the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning device 31, the variable winning device 32, and the starting winning devices 33a, 33b, etc. from behind. The back frame set 215 is equipped with a ball recovery mechanism (not shown) for recovering the game balls that have won in the various winning holes. The game balls recovered by this ball recovery mechanism are guided to a discharge passage section 217, which will be described later, and are discharged from a discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

[0104] In this embodiment, the back frame set 215 also functions as a mounting base for the main control device 261. More specifically, the board box 263 on which the main control device 261 is mounted is rotatably supported by the back frame set 215 and can be opened toward the rear.

[0105] The main control device 261 is housed in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 comprises a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing member. The board box 263 connected by the sealing member is configured so that it cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left behind. This makes it easy to discover whether the board box 263 has been tampered with.

[0106] In addition, the game board 30 is provided with ball entry detection switches corresponding to various winning ports such as the general winning device 31, which detect game balls that have entered the various winning ports. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a general winning switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning device 31, and a count switch 223 is provided at the variable winning device 32. In addition, a first ball entry detection switch 224a and a second start winning switch 224b are provided at the first start winning device 33a and the second start winning device 33b. Furthermore, a through gate switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the through gate 34.

[0107] Although not shown, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board that is electrically connected to the general winning switch 221, the count switch 223, and the through gate switch 225 via a cable connector. This first board relay board relays between the general winning switch 221, etc., and the main control device 261, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector. In contrast, the first start winning switch 224a and the second start winning switch 224b are directly connected to the main control device 261 via a connector cable without going through a relay board.

[0108] The detection results detected by the various ball entry detection switches are input to the main control device 261. Then, the main control device 261 transmits a payout command (number of game balls to be paid out) according to the winning situation at each time to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out based on the output signal from the payout control device 311 (except when detected by the through gate switch 225).

[0109] In addition, although not shown, the back surface of the game board 30 is provided with a large prize opening solenoid for opening the large prize opening of the variable prize device 32, a solenoid for opening and closing the blade member 37 of the second start prize device 33b, etc. Furthermore, the back frame set 215 is also provided with a second board relay board (not shown) that relays these solenoids and motors to the main control device 261.

[0110] Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the back pack unit 203 is an integrated unit of a resin-molded back pack 351 and a payout mechanism 352 for game balls. The back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable on the left side (right side in Fig. 5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened backwards around an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, an external terminal board 240 is provided on the upper left part (upper right part in Fig. 5) of the back pack unit 203.

[0111] The external terminal board 240 is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals for relaying various information transmissions to the hall computer of the gaming hall, etc. For convenience, no reference numerals are attached, but for example, a terminal for outputting information regarding the current gaming state (jackpot state, probability change mode, etc.), a terminal for outputting information regarding the opening of the front frame 14 and the inner frame 12 detected by the opening detection switches 91 and 92 described later, a terminal for outputting information regarding various error states such as ball entry error, lower tray full error, tank ball no error, and payout error, and a terminal for outputting information regarding the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control device 311 are provided.

[0112] The back pack 351 is integrally molded from, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes toward the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right sides and the top are closed and only the bottom is open, and is large enough to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in this embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 is configured to also cover the upper and right parts (the left part in FIG. 5) of the board box 263. As a result, when the back pack unit 203 is in the closed state, the sealing member provided on the right part of the board box 263 and the terminal part (board side connector) provided along the upper edge part of the main control device 261 are covered.

[0113] The payout mechanism 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, above the protective cover 354, a tank 355 is provided with an opening on the upper side, and the tank 355 is successively replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. Below the tank 355, a tank rail 356 having, for example, two horizontal rows of ball passages and gently inclining toward the downstream side is connected, and a case rail 357 is connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are appropriately paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are then supplied to the upper tray 19, etc.

[0114] In addition, the dispensing mechanism 352 is provided with a dispensing relay board 381 that relays a dispensing command signal from the dispensing control device 311 to the dispensing device 358, and a power switch board 382 that takes in a main power source from the outside. The power switch board 382 is supplied with a main power source of, for example, 24V AC via a voltage converter, and the power is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

[0115] Below the back pack unit 203 (board box 263), a lower frame set 251 is provided, which is pivoted on the left side (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12 and can be opened backward. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage section 217 into which the game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism described above flow, and a discharge chute (not shown) for discharging the game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is formed at the most downstream part of the discharge passage section 217. That is, the game balls that have won in each winning port of the general winning device 31 etc. are collected through the ball collection mechanism of the back frame set 215, and are further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217. The out port 36 is also connected to the discharge passage section 217, and game balls that have not won in any winning port are also discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute. In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured as separate entities and can be opened and closed independently, but the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 may also be formed integrally.

[0116] 5, the power supply / launch control device 310, the dispensing control device 311, and the CR unit connection board 314 are stacked front to back and removably attached to the back side of the lower frame set 251. The power supply / launch control device 310 includes a launch control circuit 312 and a power supply circuit 313, and is housed in a board box 313a and fixed to the back side of the lower frame set 251.

[0117] The dispensing control device 311 is housed in a board box 311a and fixed to the rear side of the board box 313a (power supply / launch control device 310). The board box 311a housing the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a sealing member, similar to the board box 263 housing the main control device 261 described above, so that evidence that the board box 311a has been opened remains.

[0118] In addition, the CR unit connection board 314 is housed in a board box 314a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (power supply / launch control device 310). Each of the board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a is made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the inside can be seen.

[0119] In addition, the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321 that protrudes outward from the base box 311a. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed in the event of a dispensing error, such as a ball jam in the dispensing motor, the dispensing motor is rotated forward and backward to eliminate the ball jam (return to the normal state).

[0120] Furthermore, the power supply circuit 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the board box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, and in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is retained, and when the power is restored (power is restored), the state before the power outage is restored. Therefore, when the power is cut off in the normal procedure (for example, when the game hall closes), the state before the power outage is stored and retained, so if you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, turn on the power while pressing the RAM erase switch 323.

[0121] 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the rear side of the right side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 has a cylinder lock 700 (see FIG. 1, etc.) exposed on the front side of the front frame 14, and the inner frame 12 can be unlocked by inserting a key into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 700 and turning it in one direction, and the front frame 14 can be unlocked by turning it in the other direction. In this embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

[0122] As described above, the right frame component 11d of the outer frame 11 has an extended wall portion 83 formed thereon that covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the rear side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). This makes it difficult to insert a wire or the like from the rear side of the outer frame 11 and operate the locking device 600 with the wire or the like. As a result, it is possible to improve defensive performance. Furthermore, the extended wall portion 83 is configured to cover the right end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 5) of the rear pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the rear side, and when the inner frame 12 is in the closed state, the rear pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 4, a front frame open detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame 14 is provided at the lower right of the front side of the inner frame 12 (to the right of the launching device 60), and as shown in FIG. 5, an inner frame open detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided at the lower right of the rear side of the inner frame 12 (lower left in FIG. 5). The front frame open detection switch 91 and the inner frame open detection switch 92 each have a detection unit that can be protruded and retracted from the switch main body, and the front frame open detection switch 91 is provided so that the detection unit faces forward, and the inner frame open detection switch 92 is provided so that the detection unit faces backward. When the detection unit is in a state where it protrudes from the switch main body, it outputs an ON signal to the main control device 261, and when the detection unit is pressed toward the switch main body and retracted into the switch main body, it outputs an OFF signal to the main control device 261. In other words, when the front frame 14 is closed, the detection portion of the front frame open detection switch 91 is pressed by the back surface of the front frame 14, turning it to the OFF state, and when the front frame 14 is opened, the detection portion returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the detection portion of the inner frame open detection switch 92 is pressed by the pressing portion 86 integrally formed with the receiving portion 85 of the outer frame 11, turning it to the OFF state, and when the inner frame 12 is opened, the detection portion returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state.

[0124] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 as the main control means is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is a calculation device. The CPU 501 has a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 502 are executed, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit built in. However, the CPU, ROM, and RAM may not be integrated into a single chip, and each function may be integrated into a chip.

[0125] The RAM 503 includes a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the CPU 501 are stored, a working area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored, and a backup area 503a.

[0126] In addition, the RAM 503 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply circuit 313, and all data stored in the stack area, working area, and backup area 503a is backed up.

[0127] The backup area 503a is an area for storing values ​​of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc. at the time of power off (including the time of power off, same below) so that the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power off when the power is turned on again in the case where the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned on (including the power on when the power is turned on due to the recovery of the power outage, same below). Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 described later when the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like, and when a power outage occurs, a power outage process (NMI interrupt process) is immediately executed.

[0128] Note that as long as data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, and data stored in the work area is not backed up.

[0129] The CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 is connected to an input / output port 505 via a bus line 504 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 is connected to a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub-control device 262, the first and second special display devices 43a and 43b, and a normal symbol display device 41, which will be described later. With this configuration, the special display devices 43a and 43b and the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by the main control device 261.

[0130] In addition, for convenience, various relay boards and the like are not shown, but the input / output port 505 is connected to various detection switches such as the general winning switch 221, count switch 223, first ball entry detection switch 224a, second start winning switch 224b, through gate switch 225, various detection switches of the central unit 401, and various detection switches such as the open position detection sensor 465, various boards such as the power supply / launch control device 310, payout control device 311, and sub-control device 262, and various electrical components such as solenoids for opening and closing the variable winning device 32 and second start winning device 33b (blade member 37). In other words, the main control device 261 is provided with multiple terminal sections (board side connectors) for connecting connectors of various cable connectors, and the input / output port 505 is composed of these terminal sections and the like.

[0131] The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) as a sub-control means includes a CPU 551 which is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 552 which stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 551, a RAM 553 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 552, an input / output port 554, a bus line 555, and also includes various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown). The RAM 553 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

[0132] The input / output port 554 is connected to the CPU 551, the ROM 552, and the RAM 553 via the bus line 555, and is also connected to the display control device 45. Furthermore, the input / output port 554 is connected to the speaker SP, the performance button 125, the cross button 126, the circular illumination unit 102, the error display lamp 104, and the like.

[0133] The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 executes effects such as lamps and sounds based on a command signal transmitted from the main control device 261. As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second special display devices 43a and 43b controlled by the main control device 261 inform the player that a jackpot has been won, and the illumination device and sound output device (speaker SP) controlled by the sub-control device 262 perform effects in accordance with the variable display of special symbols on the special display devices 43a and 43b.

[0134] The payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511, which is a calculation device, includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[0135] The RAM 513 of the dispensing control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the CPU 511 are stored, a working area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored, and a backup area 513a.

[0136] The RAM 513 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving backup voltage from the power supply circuit 313 even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all data stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a is backed up. Note that as long as data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and backup area 513a may be backed up, and data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

[0137] The backup area 513a is an area for storing values ​​of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc., at the time of power off in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power off when the power is turned on again in the case where the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like. Writing to this backup area 513a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and the restoration of each value written in the backup area 513a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned on. Note that, like the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SK1 is input to the CPU 511, an NMI interrupt processing as a power outage processing is immediately executed.

[0138] The working area is provided with a payout permission flag that sets permission for the payout control device 311 to pay out winning balls, a command reception flag that is set when a command sent from the main control device 261 is received, and a command buffer in which commands sent from the main control device 261 are stored.

[0139] The payout permission flag is a flag that sets the payout permission of prize balls, and is turned on when a specific command that permits the payout of prize balls is transmitted from the main control device 261 and the specific command is received, and is turned off when the initial setting process or the state before the power supply is cut off is restored. In this embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command that instructs the initial process of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command that instructs the payout of prize balls, and a payout return command that is transmitted when the main control device 261 is powered back on.

[0140] The command reception flag is a flag that checks whether the dispensing control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received. Like the dispensing permission flag, it is turned off when the initial setting process is performed or the state is returned to before the power was cut off, and is also turned off when the received command is judged by the command judgment process.

[0141] The command buffer is configured as a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands sent from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a specified storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area, and when commands have been stored in all of the storage area, the command is updated by returning to the beginning of the storage area. Therefore, when a command is stored or read, the storage pointer and read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and commands are stored and read based on the respective pointers.

[0142] An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and RAM 513 via a bus line 514 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 515 is connected to a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a power supply / launch control device 310 (launch control circuit 312), a payout device 358, a CR unit connection board 314, etc.

[0143] The CR unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball lending operation section (lending switch 121 and return switch 122) on the front of the pachinko machine 10, the CR unit control device of the CR unit (card reader unit, ball lending unit) located to the side of the pachinko machine 10 in an amusement hall, etc., and the payout control device 311.

[0144] Although the loan switch 121, the return switch 122, and the balance display unit 124 are mounted on the pachinko machine 10, they are substantially included in the CR unit since they are components related to the operation of loaning game balls by the CR unit. Also, although the CR unit connection board 314 is mounted on the pachinko machine 10, they are substantially included in the CR unit since they electrically connect between the CR unit control device and the loan switch 121, the return switch 122, and the balance display unit 124, and between the CR unit control device and the payout control device 311.

[0145] Then, when information on the ball lending operation by the player to the ball lending operation unit or the button provided on the main body of the CR unit is input to the CR unit control device, and the balance of the game value is stored in a card, which is a recording medium (game value medium) inserted in the CR unit, the balance of the card is subtracted, and a lending request signal for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtraction is output to the payout control device 311. The recording medium of the CR unit is not limited to the card type, and may be a coin type or a stick type.

[0146] In addition, the dispensing control device 311 is configured to periodically (e.g., every 2 msec) output a CR unit connection signal indicating that the CR unit connection board 314 and the CR unit are electrically connected to the launch control circuit 312 of the power supply / launch control device 310.

[0147] The launch control circuit 312 of the power supply / launch control device 310 permits or prohibits the launch of game balls by the launch device 60. The launch control circuit 312 is electrically connected to the handle 18, the payout control device 311, and the main control device 261. The launch control circuit 312 is configured to be able to input, from the handle 18, a dial position signal from a variable resistor indicating the rotation operation amount (rotation angle) of the handle 18 (rotation operation body 18a), a touch signal from a touch sensor indicating that the player is touching the handle 18, and a launch switch signal indicating that the player is not operating the stop lever 18b. The launch control circuit 312 is also configured to be able to input, from the payout control device 311, a CR unit connection signal indicating that the CR unit connection board 314 and the CR unit are electrically connected.

[0148] The launch control circuit 312 outputs a launch state signal to the main control device 261 on condition that the touch signal, the launch switch signal, and the CR unit connection signal are input, and the main control device 261 outputs a launch permission signal and a ball feed signal to the launch control circuit 312 on condition that the launch state signal is input. When the launch state signal is input, the main control device 261 outputs a launch permission signal at 0.6 second intervals.

[0149] Furthermore, the launch control circuit 312 is configured to drive the ball sending device 63 and send the game ball to the launch position when a ball sending signal is input. Note that the ball sending device 63 may be provided with a preparation ball detection sensor capable of detecting whether or not a game ball is present at the launch position, and the ball sending device 63 may be configured not to be driven (the game ball is not sent to the launch position even if a ball sending signal is received) when the preparation ball detection sensor detects that a game ball is already present at the launch position.

[0150] Furthermore, the launch control circuit 312 is configured to drive the launch device 60 (launch solenoid) on the condition that the touch signal, launch switch signal, CR unit connection signal, (dial position signal), and launch permission signal are input. This causes the game ball set at the launch position to be shot out by the launch device 60 with a strength based on the dial position signal.

[0151] In addition, the power supply circuit 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power supply interruptions due to power outages or the like, and a RAM erasure switch circuit 543 that is connected to the RAM erasure switch 323.

[0152] The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control device 261, the dispensing control device 311, etc. through a power supply path not shown. In summary, the power supply unit 541 takes in an externally supplied 24-volt AC power supply, generates a +12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, a +5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, etc., and supplies these +12V power supply, +5V power supply, and backup power supplies to the main control device 261, the dispensing control device 311, etc. Note that operating power is supplied to the various switches, motors, etc. through the control devices to which they are connected.

[0153] The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of 24 volts DC, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and when this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred and outputs the power failure signal SK1 to the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311. By outputting this power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing).

[0154] In addition, the power supply unit 541 is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute the power failure processing, even after the voltage of the DC stable 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure processing.

[0155] The RAM clearing switch circuit 543 is a circuit that receives the switch signal of the RAM clearing switch 323 and clears the backup data of the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM clearing switch 323 is pressed, the RAM clearing switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM clearing signal SK2 to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM clearing switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to recovery from a power outage), the data of the RAMs 503, 513 of the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 are cleared.

[0156] Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In this embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 as the main control means performs a lottery using various counter information when playing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a win / loss random number counter C1 as a win / loss random number generating means used for a win / loss lottery to determine whether or not a big win state is generated, a type determination counter C2 used for determining the big win type (type lottery), a variation selection counter C3 used for determining the type (variation time, etc.) of the variable display of the special display devices 43a and 43b, an initial value random number counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the win / loss random number counter C1, a normal pattern random number counter C4 used for a ball entry support lottery to determine whether or not the second start winning device 33b is opened, and a normal pattern variation selection counter C5 used for determining the type (variation time) of the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41 are used.

[0157] Counters C1, C2, C3, CINI, C4, and C5 are loop counters that add 1 to the previous value each time they are updated, and after reaching their upper limit, return to the lower limit, 0. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 (except for random number initial value counter CINI).

[0158] In addition, when the variable display of the special display device 43a, 43b and the normal pattern display device 41 can be reserved and stored, the RAM 503 is provided with a special variable reserve area as a reserve storage means in which the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the variable selection counter C3 are stored, and a normal variable reserve area in which the value of the normal pattern random number counter C4 is stored. Furthermore, when the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41 can be reserved and stored four times, the normal variable reserve area has four reserve areas (reservation 1 to reserve 4 areas) and one execution area, and the value of the normal pattern random number counter C4 is stored in chronological order in accordance with the passing history of the game ball to the through gate 34 in each reserve area of ​​the normal variable reserve area.

[0159] In addition, when the first and second variable displays can each be reserved and stored four times, the special variable reserve area has eight reserve areas (reservation 1 to reserve 8 areas) and one execution area. In each reserve area of ​​the special variable reserve area, the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the variable selection counter C3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of the game balls in the first start winning device 33a (the first winning port 332 and the second winning port 333) and the second start winning device 33b.

[0160] Then, when the variable display starts, a process is performed to shift the data (variable information) stored in the special variable reservation area. This data shift process is a process to shift the data stored in the first to eighth reserved areas of the special variable reservation area to the execution area side in order, and the data in each reserved area is shifted from the first reserved area to the execution area, the second reserved area to the first reserved area, the third reserved area to the second reserved area, and the fourth reserved area to the third reserved area. Then, the variable display is set based on the variable information stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable reservation area, and the set variable display is started. Note that a first variable flag and a second variable flag are provided in each reserved area and execution area to indicate whether the stored variable information corresponds to the first variable display or the second variable display, and in the data shift process, the settings of the first variable flag and the second variable flag are also shifted.

[0161] To explain each counter in detail, the win / loss random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of, for example, 0 to 9, and returns to 0, which is the lower limit value as the opening value, after reaching the upper limit value (i.e., 9) as the closing value. Usually, when the win / loss random number counter C1 goes around once, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the win / loss random number counter C1. The initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter (value = 0 to 9) similar to the win / loss random number counter C1, and is updated once for each timer interruption and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. On the other hand, the win / loss random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once for each timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 is stored in the win / loss random number counter buffer. Then, when the game ball wins the first start winning device 33a or the second start winning device 33b, the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 stored in the win / loss random number counter buffer is stored in the special variable area.

[0162] The special variable area in this embodiment is a storage area (like an execution area of ​​the special variable pending area when the variable display is reserved) that stores counter values ​​and the like referenced when performing various controls such as a winning / losing lottery and setting the variable display of the special display devices 43a and 43b based on the entry of game balls into the first start winning device 33a and the second start winning device 33b. When the variable display of the special display devices 43a and 43b ends, the stored information of the special variable area is erased or allowed to be overwritten.

[0163] In this embodiment, the number of values ​​of the winning / losing random number counter C1 that result in a big win is 10, and the values ​​are "0 to 9." In other words, when a game ball enters the start winning device 33a or 33b, the winning / losing lottery has a 100% probability of winning.

[0164] The type determination counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 4, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 4). In addition, the ROM 502 is provided with a first type determination table and a second type determination table that are referenced when determining which jackpot type the value of the type determination counter C2 corresponds to. When a jackpot is won in the win / lose lottery, the first type determination table is referenced in the normal mode, and the second type determination table is referenced in the time-saving mode. When the first type determination table is referenced, if the value of the type determination counter C2 is "0 to 4", "15RS" is selected. When the second type determination table is referenced, if the value of the type determination counter C2 is "0 to 4", "15RN" is selected.

[0165] The type determination counter C2 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the type determination counter C2 is stored in the type determination counter buffer. Then, when the game ball wins the first start winning device 33a or the second start winning device 33b, the value of the type determination counter C2 stored in the type determination counter buffer is stored in the special variable area of ​​the RAM 503.

[0166] In addition, the type determination counter C2 and the processing related thereto may be omitted, and the jackpot in the normal mode may simply be set to "15RS" and the jackpot in the time-saving mode may simply be set to "15RN".

[0167] The variation selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 19, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 19). In this embodiment, the variation selection counter C3 is configured to determine the variation time of the variation display of the special display devices 43a and 43b and the content of the performance associated with the variation display. The ROM 502 is provided with a first variation judgment table and a second variation judgment table that are referenced when determining which variation type the value of the variation selection counter C3 corresponds to. When a jackpot is won in a win / lose lottery, a variation count counter that counts how many times the variation display of the special display devices 43a and 43b has been performed since the end of the previous jackpot state is checked, and if it is 1 time, the first variation judgment table is referenced, and otherwise the second variation judgment table is referenced. When the first variation judgment table is referenced, if the value of the variation selection counter C3 is "0 to 19", a first special jackpot teaching performance (relatively long and relatively flashy) is selected. When the second variation judgment table is referred to, if the value of the variation selection counter C3 is "0 to 16", a normal jackpot instruction performance is selected, and if the value of the variation selection counter C3 is "17 to 19", a second special jackpot instruction performance (shorter and less showy than the first special jackpot instruction, but more showy and longer than the normal jackpot instruction performance) is selected. If a configuration is adopted in which the winning probability of the winning / losing lottery can be changed by a specific operation (by a person related to the game hall, etc.), a variation judgment table may be prepared for each corresponding selection probability, and the ratio of the selected performances may be different.

[0168] The variable selection counter C3 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the variable selection counter C3 is stored in the variable selection counter buffer. Then, when the game ball wins the first start winning device 33a or the second start winning device 33b, the value of the variable selection counter C3 stored in the variable selection counter buffer is stored in the special variable area of ​​the RAM 503.

[0169] In addition, the normal symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by 1 within the range of, for example, 0 to 99, and returns to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 99). The normal symbol random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired when the game ball passes through either the left or right through gate 34. The number of random numbers that are winning in the low ball entry state is 5, and the range is "0 to 4". On the other hand, the number of random numbers that are winning in the high ball entry state is 50, and the range is "0 to 49". That is, in this embodiment, a low ball entry support judgment table that is referred to in the entry support lottery in the low ball entry state and a high ball entry support judgment table that is referred to in the entry support lottery in the high ball entry state are prepared for the ROM 502.

[0170] The normal symbol random number counter C4 is periodically updated, and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is stored in the normal symbol random number counter buffer. Then, when the game ball passes through the through gate 34, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 stored in the normal symbol random number counter buffer is stored in the special variable area of ​​the RAM 503.

[0171] In addition, the normal symbol variation selection counter C5 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by one within the range of, for example, 0 to 29, and returns to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 29). The variation selection counter C5 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired when the game ball passes through either the left or right through gate 34. In this embodiment, the normal symbol variation selection counter C5 determines the variation time of the normal symbol display device 41. The ROM 502 is provided with a first normal symbol variation judgment table and a second normal symbol variation judgment table that are referenced when determining which variation type the value of the normal symbol variation selection counter C5 corresponds to.

[0172] When the player wins the ball entry support lottery, the first normal map fluctuation judgment table is referenced in normal mode, and the second normal map fluctuation judgment table is referenced in time-saving mode. When the first normal map fluctuation judgment table is referenced, if the value of the normal map fluctuation selection counter C5 is "0 to 15", a 10-minute fluctuation time is selected, if the value is "16 to 24", a 9-minute fluctuation time is selected, and if the value is "25 to 29", an 8-minute fluctuation time is selected. When the second normal map fluctuation judgment table is referenced, if the value of the normal map fluctuation selection counter C5 is "0 to 29", a 1-second fluctuation time is selected.

[0173] The normal map variation selection counter C5 is periodically updated, and the value of the normal map variation selection counter C5 is stored in the normal map variation selection counter buffer. Then, when the game ball passes through the through gate 34, the value of the normal map variation selection counter C5 stored in the normal map variation selection counter buffer is stored in the special variation area of ​​the RAM 503.

[0174] As described above, in this embodiment, the ball entrance opening 404 of the central unit 401 is provided in the left side area of ​​the game area, and the through gate 34 is provided in the right side area of ​​the game area. Therefore, in the normal mode of play in which the game ball is made to enter the central unit 401 and enter the first start winning device 33a, the game ball does not basically pass through the through gate 34, and therefore, it is possible to practically eliminate a situation in which the second start winning device 33b is opened in the normal mode, and the game ball enters there and a big win state occurs (in the normal mode of this example, even if the game ball passes through the through gate 34, the second start winning device 33b may open for only 0.2 seconds with a probability of 1 / 20 once every 8 to 10 minutes, and it is very disadvantageous for the player to launch the game ball into the right side area in the normal mode). Note that the size, range, type (number), etc. of each counter used in the above lottery and determination are merely examples and can be changed arbitrarily.

[0175] Next, among the control processes executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261, the control processes related to the central unit 401 and the first start winning device 33a will be described with reference to the flowchart. Note that the following processes are started periodically (for example, at 2 msec intervals).

[0176] First, the central unit 401 and the central unit ball detection process for grasping the game ball that has entered the first start winning device 33a will be described with reference to Figs. 15 and 16. In step S101, it is determined whether or not the first ball entry detection switch 224a of the first start winning device 33a has been detected. If the result of step S101 is affirmative, in step S102, a first ball entry detection flag is set to ON, indicating that the first ball entry detection switch 224a has been detected (that a game ball has entered the first start winning device 33a). After step S102, the process proceeds to step S111, which will be described later.

[0177] If the result of step S101 is negative, then in step S103, it is determined whether or not the second ball entry detection switch 446 of the second type non-electric accessory operating port 427 has been detected. If the result of step S103 is negative, the process proceeds to step S111, which will be described later.

[0178] On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step S103, a second ball entry detection flag is set to on in step S104, indicating that the second ball entry detection switch 446 has detected a game ball (that a game ball has entered the second type non-electric device operating port 427).

[0179] Next, in step S105, it is determined whether the value of the remaining ball counter, which counts the number of game balls present in the central unit 401 (first specific area 403), and the value of the fourth distribution incoming ball counter, which counts the number of game balls present in the fourth distribution device 410, are both greater than or equal to "1".

[0180] If the result of the determination in step S105 is affirmative, in step S106, a second ball entry monitoring timer is set (for example, a value equivalent to 3 seconds) to grasp the time from when the game ball is detected by the second ball entry detection switch 446 to when the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a is set to the open position. Furthermore, in step S107, the remaining ball counter and the value of the fourth distribution ball entry counter are decremented by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step S111 described later.

[0181] Furthermore, if a negative judgment is made in step S105, that is, if it is judged that a game ball is not present in the first specific area 403, or if it is judged that a game ball is not present in the fourth distribution device 410, and it is judged that a game ball has entered the second type non-electric device operation port 427, a route abnormality flag is set to ON in step S108, indicating that the game ball is suspected of having entered the second type non-electric device operation port 427 via an illegal route.

[0182] In the next step S109, the error display lamp 104 is turned on, and other illumination parts such as the annular illumination part 102 are set to the corresponding mode, and an error information signal is output to the hall computer of the game hall via the external terminal board 240, and the game is interrupted (the game is not allowed to proceed while maintaining the stored information (no new storage is performed)). In particular, in the error processing of this embodiment, the switching solenoid 464 of the interlocking state change device 461 is set to a non-excited state. As a result, the switching part 463 of the interlocking state change device 461 protrudes into the interlocking passage 442, and the passage of the interlocking passage 442 is made impossible, while the game ball that has moved through the interlocking passage 442 is discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 without reaching the lever member 443.

[0183] The configuration for clearing the error state (a state in which play has been interrupted) can be set appropriately for each model, for example, by turning the power of the pachinko machine 10 off and on, by operating the RAM clearing switch 323, by turning the power off and on while operating the RAM clearing switch 323, or by providing a dedicated operating unit for clearing the error state on the rear side of the inner frame 12, etc.

[0184] After step S109, this process (central unit ball detection process) is terminated. Note that an error notification section (which may be composed of multiple lamps or a 7-segment display device) capable of notifying the type of error that has occurred may be provided on the rear side of the inner frame 12.

[0185] Furthermore, after step S102 or step S107, or if a negative judgment is made in step S103, in step S110, it is judged whether or not the first distribution ball entry detection switch 448 has been detected. If a positive judgment is made in step S110, in step S111, the values ​​of the first distribution ball entry counter, which counts the number of game balls present in the first distribution device 407, and the remaining ball counter are each incremented by "1". As described above, in this embodiment, a game ball that enters the central unit 401 (first specific area 403) is always detected by the first distribution ball entry detection switch 448 and is guided to the first distribution device 407.

[0186] After step S111, or if a negative judgment is made in step S110, in step S112, it is judged whether or not the second distribution ball entry detection switch 449 has been detected. If a positive judgment is made in step S112, in step S113, the value of the second distribution ball entry counter, which counts the number of game balls present in the second distribution device 408, is incremented by "1". Furthermore, in step S114, the value of the first distribution ball entry counter is decremented by "1".

[0187] After step S114, or if a negative judgment is made in step S112, in step S115, it is judged whether or not the third distribution ball entry detection switch 450 has been detected. If a positive judgment is made in step S115, in step S116, the value of the third distribution ball entry counter, which counts the number of game balls present in the third distribution device 409, is incremented by "1". Furthermore, in step S117, the value of the second distribution ball entry counter is decremented by "1".

[0188] In addition, the remaining ball counter and the first to fourth sorting ball counters of this embodiment are configured to be able to take negative values.

[0189] After step S117, or if a negative judgment is made in step S115, in step S118, it is judged whether or not the fourth distribution winning ball detection switch 451 has been detected. If a positive judgment is made in step S118, in step S119, the value of the fourth distribution winning ball counter is incremented by "1". Furthermore, in step S120, the value of the first distribution winning ball counter is decremented by "1".

[0190] After step S120, or if a negative judgment is made in step S118, in step S121, it is judged whether or not the first distribution discharge detection switch 452 has been detected. If a positive judgment is made in step S121, in step S122, the values ​​of the remaining ball counter and the first distribution entry ball counter are each decremented by "1".

[0191] After step S122, or if a negative judgment is made in step S121, in step S123, it is judged whether or not the second distribution discharge detection switch 453 has been detected. If a positive judgment is made in step S123, in step S124, the values ​​of the remaining ball counter and the second distribution entry ball counter are each decremented by "1".

[0192] After step S124, or if a negative judgment is made in step S123, in step S125, it is judged whether or not the third distribution center discharge detection switch 454 has been detected. If a positive judgment is made in step S125, in step S126, the values ​​of the remaining ball counter and the third distribution incoming ball counter are each decremented by "1".

[0193] In the next step S127, a third center discharge flag is set to ON, which indicates that the third distribution center discharge detection switch 454 has detected the ball. Furthermore, in step S128, a first ball entry monitoring timer is set (for example, a value equivalent to one second is set) to grasp the time from when the game ball is detected by the third distribution center discharge detection switch 454 (or the third distribution side discharge detection switch 455) to when the game ball is detected by the first ball entry detection switch 224a.

[0194] After step S128, or if a negative judgment is made in step S125, in step S129, it is judged whether or not the third distribution side discharge detection switch 455 has been detected. If a positive judgment is made in step S129, in step S130, the values ​​of the remaining ball counter and the third distribution incoming ball counter are each decremented by "1".

[0195] In the next step S131, a third side discharge flag is set to ON, which indicates that detection has been performed by the third distribution side discharge detection switch 455. Furthermore, in step S132, the first ball entry monitoring timer is set (for example, a value equivalent to 1.5 seconds is set).

[0196] After step S132, or if a negative judgment is made in step S129, in step S133, it is judged whether or not the fourth distribution discharge detection switch 456 has been detected. If a positive judgment is made in step S133, in step S134, the values ​​of the remaining ball counter and the fourth distribution entry ball counter are each decremented by "1".

[0197] After step S134, or if a negative judgment is made in step S133, this process is terminated. The function of counting the game balls in the first specific area 403 using the remaining ball counter and various detection switches corresponds to the remaining ball grasping means. Furthermore, the function of counting the game balls in the fourth distribution device 410 using the fourth distribution ball counter and various detection switches corresponds to the second corresponding remaining ball grasping means.

[0198] Next, the error detection process for grasping fraudulent activities and the like will be described with reference to Fig. 17. First, in step S201, it is determined whether or not vibration of the pachinko machine 10 has been detected based on detection information from a vibration detection sensor (not shown) attached to the rear side of the game board 30 as a vibration detection means.

[0199] If the result of step S201 is affirmative, then in step S202, it is determined whether the value of the remaining ball counter is equal to or greater than "1." If the result of step S202 is affirmative, that is, if vibration occurs in the pachinko machine 10 when a gaming ball is present in the first specific area 403, then in step S203, a vibration error flag is set to ON, indicating that there is a suspicion that the player has attempted to affect the gaming ball moving in the first specific area 403 by shaking the pachinko machine 10.

[0200] Then, in step S204, error processing is performed, and then this processing ends. The error processing is basically a common processing, and similar to the error processing in step S109 of the central unit ball detection processing, an error notification in the pachinko machine 10, interruption of the game, and an error notification to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 are performed.

[0201] Furthermore, if a negative judgment is made in step S202, i.e., if vibration is detected but no game ball is present in the first specific area 403, or if a negative judgment is made in step S201, in step S205, it is judged whether or not magnetism has been detected based on detection information from magnetic detection sensors (not shown) that serve as magnetic detection means provided at multiple locations on the game board 30 (including the central unit 401).

[0202] If a negative judgment is made in step S202, error processing is not performed because it is possible that, for example, a person at the amusement hall has opened or closed the front frame 14 or the inner frame 12, or a player has come into contact with the pachinko machine 10 when sitting down in a chair placed in front of the pachinko machine 10 or standing up.

[0203] If the result of the affirmative determination in step S205 is affirmative, in step S206, a magnetic error flag is set to ON, indicating that the player is suspected of using a magnet or the like to affect the gaming ball moving in the first specific area 403. After step S206, the error process in step S204 is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0204] If a negative judgment is made in step S205, in step S207, it is judged whether or not a door open flag indicating that the front frame 14 or the inner frame 12 is open is set on. The door open flag is set on when either the front frame 14 or the inner frame 12 is in an open state based on the detection information of the front frame open detection switch 91 and the inner frame open detection switch 92.

[0205] If the answer in step S207 is YES, then in step S208, the door open flag is set to OFF. Furthermore, in step S209, it is determined whether or not the blade members 415 are in the closed position based on the detection information of the open position detection sensor. If the answer in step S209 is YES, then in step S210, a blade monitoring flag is set to ON, which indicates that the blade members 415 are being monitored when at least one of the front frame 14 and the inner frame 12 is open.

[0206] After step S210, or if a negative judgment is made in step S207 or step S209, in step S211, it is judged whether or not a door closed flag indicating that both the front frame 14 and the inner frame 12 are closed is set on. The door closed flag is set on when both the front frame 14 and the inner frame 12 are closed based on the detection information of the front frame open detection switch 91 and the inner frame open detection switch 92.

[0207] If the answer in step S211 is YES, then in step S212, the door close flag is set to OFF. Furthermore, in step S213, it is determined whether the blade monitoring flag is set to ON. If the answer in step S213 is YES, then in step S214, it is determined whether the blade member 415 is in the open position.

[0208] If the answer is YES in step S214, then in step S215, a door open error flag is set to ON, indicating that the blade member 415 may have been improperly set to the open position while at least one of the front frame 14 and the inner frame 12 is open. Then, in step S204, error processing is performed, and this process is terminated.

[0209] If a negative decision is made in step S211, step S213, or step S214, it is determined in step S216 whether or not the values ​​of the remaining ball counter and the first to fourth distribution ball counters are negative.

[0210] If the result of the positive judgment in step S216 is positive, in step S217, it is suspected that game balls have been illegally put into the first specific area 403, and a multi-ball error monitoring flag is set to ON, which indicates that the first ball entry detection switch 224a of the first start winning device 33a and the second ball entry detection switch 446 of the second type non-electric role operation port 427 are likely to detect the game illegally. In the next step S218, a multi-ball error monitoring timer that measures the time from when the multi-ball error monitoring flag is set to ON is set (for example, a value equivalent to 60 seconds is set). In addition, when setting the multi-ball error monitoring timer, it may be configured to grasp the area (distribution device 407-410) in which the game balls exist, and set a value equivalent to the time corresponding to the most upstream area among the areas in which the game balls exist (for example, 60 seconds for the first distribution device 407, 20 seconds for the third distribution device 409).

[0211] After step S218, or if a negative determination is made in step S216, it is determined in step S219 whether or not the multiple ball error monitoring flag is set to ON. If a negative determination is made in step S219, this process is terminated.

[0212] On the other hand, if the answer is positive in step S219, then in step S220 it is determined whether the first ball scoring detection flag or the second ball scoring detection flag has been set to on. If the answer is positive in step S220, then in step S221 a multi-ball error flag is set to on, indicating that there is a suspicion of improper detection by the first ball scoring detection switch 224a or the second ball scoring detection switch 446. Then, in step S204, error processing is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0213] If the result of step S220 is negative, the multi-ball error monitoring timer is decremented by "1" in step S222. In the following step S223, it is determined whether the value of the multi-ball error monitoring timer is "0." If the result of step S223 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S223 is positive, the multi-ball error monitoring flag is set to OFF in step S224, and then the process ends.

[0214] Furthermore, if a positive judgment is made in step S216, the multi-ball error flag may be set to ON to perform error processing. If this configuration is adopted, the multi-ball error monitoring flag, the multi-ball error monitoring timer, and the processing of step S219, etc. are omitted.

[0215] Next, the first ball entry process performed based on the game ball entering the first start winning device 33a will be described with reference to FIG. 18. First, in step S301, it is determined whether the first ball entry detection flag is set to ON. If the result of the positive determination in step S301 is affirmative, it is determined in step S302 whether the value of the first ball entry monitoring timer is greater than "0". If the result of the positive determination in step S302 is that one second has not yet elapsed since the third distribution center discharge detection switch 454 was detected, or 1.5 seconds have not yet elapsed since the third distribution side discharge detection switch 455 was detected, in step S303, the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the variable selection counter C3 are stored in the special variable area.

[0216] In the next step S304, a win / loss determination process is performed. That is, a win / loss lottery is performed to determine whether or not a jackpot state is generated based on the value of the win / loss random number counter C1. In this embodiment, when a win / loss lottery is performed, a win is guaranteed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a win / loss lottery is performed, a type lottery is performed to determine a jackpot type based on the value of the type determination counter C2. In this embodiment, when a jackpot is generated in the normal mode, "15RS" is selected, and when a jackpot is generated in the time-saving mode, "15RN" is selected. In addition, in this embodiment, in the win / loss determination process, a variation pattern (variation time) of the special display devices 43a and 43b is selected based on the value of the variation selection counter C3.

[0217] In the next step S305, the first ball-entering detection flag is set to OFF. Furthermore, in step S306, the first ball-entering monitoring timer is reset (for example, the value is set to "0"), and in step S307, the third center ejection flag and the third side ejection flag are turned OFF, and then this process is terminated.

[0218] Also, if the result of step S302 is negative, that is, if the first ball-entering detection switch 224a has been detected but more than 1 second has passed since the third distribution center discharge detection switch 454 was detected, or more than 1.5 seconds have passed since the third distribution side discharge detection switch 455 was detected, or if the third distribution center discharge detection switch 454 and the third distribution side discharge detection switch 455 have not been detected (the first ball-entering monitoring timer has not been set), a time error flag indicating that the first ball-entering detection switch 224a may have been made to perform an illegal detection is set to ON in step S308. After that, error processing is performed in step S309, and then this process is terminated.

[0219] If the result of step S301 is negative, then in step S310, it is determined whether or not at least one of the third center discharge flag and the third side discharge flag is set to on. If the result of step S310 is negative, then this process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S310 is positive, then in step S311, the first ball entry monitoring timer is decremented by "1".

[0220] In the next step S312, it is determined whether the value of the first ball entry monitoring timer is "0". If the result of step S312 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S312 is positive, the process ends after setting the third center discharge flag and the third side discharge flag to off in step S313.

[0221] Next, the blade confirmation process for monitoring the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a will be described with reference to Fig. 19. First, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the blade member open flag indicating that the blade member 415 is in the open position is set to ON. If the result of the determination in step S401 is negative, in step S402, it is determined whether or not the blade member 415 is in the open position based on the detection information of the open position detection sensor 465.

[0222] If the result of step S402 is positive, then in step S403, the blade member open flag is set to ON. In the following step S404, it is determined whether the value of the second ball entry monitoring timer is greater than "0". If the result of step S404 is positive, that is, if three seconds have not yet elapsed since the game ball was detected by the second ball entry detection switch 446, then in step S405, the second ball entry detection flag is set to OFF. Furthermore, in step S406, the second ball entry monitoring timer is reset (for example, the value is set to "0").

[0223] Next, in this embodiment, in step S407, the switching solenoid 464 of the interlocking state changing device 461 is de-energized. As a result, even if a game ball enters the second type non-electric role operating port 427, the game ball does not reach the lever member 443, and the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a is not in the open position. Then, this process is terminated.

[0224] Furthermore, if a negative judgment is made in step S404, that is, if the blade member 415 is set to the open position but more than three seconds have already passed since the second ball entry detection switch 446 was detected, or if the second ball entry detection switch 446 has not been detected (the second ball entry monitoring timer has not been set), then in step S408, an interlocking error flag is set to ON, indicating that the blade member 415 may have been illegally set to the open position. Then, in step S409, error processing is performed, and this process is terminated.

[0225] If the result of step S402 is negative, then in step S410, it is determined whether the second goal detection flag is set to on. If the result of step S410 is negative, then the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S410 is positive, then in step S411, the value of the second goal monitoring timer is decremented by "1."

[0226] In the next step S412, it is determined whether the value of the second ball entry monitoring timer is "0". If the result of the positive determination in step S412 is that a ball has entered the second type non-electric role operation port 427 based on the detection information of the second ball entry detection switch 446 (the second ball entry detection flag is on), but the blade member 415 has not been opened for more than three seconds, a ball passage error flag is set to on in step S413, indicating that there is a possibility of ball clogging in the second type non-electric role operation port 427 to the interlocking passage 442, or that the second ball entry detection switch 446 has detected an improper ball. Then, in step S414, an error process is performed, and the process is terminated.

[0227] Also, if the result of step S412 is negative, in step S415, it is determined whether the value of the second ball entry monitoring timer is a value corresponding to the timing when 0.1 seconds have elapsed since the detection of the second ball entry detection switch 446 (for example, "1449" indicating that the remaining time is 2.9 seconds). If the result of step S415 is negative, this process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the result of step S415 is positive, in step S416, the switching solenoid 464 of the interlocking state change device 461 is excited. As a result, the game ball that enters the second type non-electric role operation port 427 and passes through the interlocking passage 442 reaches the lever member 443 and displaces the lever member 443, so that the blade member 415 in the closed position can be displaced to the open position via the lever member 443 and the push-up member 441. After step S416, this process ends.

[0228] As described above, when error processing is performed, the switching solenoid 464 is set to a non-excited state. In this embodiment, when error processing is released, the switching solenoid 464 remains in a non-excited state. Also, as described above, the switching solenoid 464 is returned to a non-excited state by the blade member 415 being set to the open position within a specified time, so in this embodiment, the switching solenoid 464 is configured to be in an excited state only between 0.1 seconds and a maximum of 3 seconds after the second ball entry detection switch 446 is detected.

[0229] If the answer in step S401 is YES, then in step S417, it is determined whether or not the blade members 415 are in the open position based on the detection information of the open position detection sensor 465. If the answer in step S417 is YES, then the process ends. On the other hand, if the answer in step S417 is NO, then in step S418, the blade member open flag is turned off, and then the process ends.

[0230] Also, although the illustration of the flow chart is omitted, in this embodiment, in the initial setting process performed when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, it is determined whether or not the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a is in the open position based on the detection information of the open position detection sensor 465. Therefore, if the blade member 415 is in the closed position, the initial setting process is continued as is, whereas if the blade member 415 is in the open position, a startup error flag indicating that the blade member 415 is in the open position when the power is turned on is set to on, and error processing is performed.

[0231] As described above in detail, in the first embodiment, the first start winning device 33a, which becomes available when a game ball that has entered the first specific area 403 of the central unit 401 passes through the first distribution device 407, the second distribution device 408, and the third distribution device 409, is provided with a blade member 415 that is set to an open position in conjunction with a game ball that has entered the second type non-electric device operating port 427 and is set to a closed position in conjunction with a game ball that has entered itself (the first start winning device 33a). When the blade member 415 is in the closed position, the game ball enters the first start winning device 33a only when the game ball enters the constant guide hole portion 421, which is one of the three holes provided in the third distribution device 409. On the other hand, when the blade member 415 is in the open position, the game ball will enter the first start-up winning device 33a not only when the game ball enters the constant guide hole portion 421 out of the three holes provided in the third distribution device 409, but also when the game ball enters the remaining two conditional guide hole portions 425.

[0232] Therefore, by opening the vane member 415 of the first start winning device 33a, the probability of the game ball entering the first start winning device 33a can be increased. Therefore, by having the game ball enter the first specific area 403 the next time, there is a great chance of the game ball entering the first start winning device 33a. In other words, there is a great chance of winning a big win state, in other words, a state in which the probability of the big win state occurring is increased (a so-called state like a probability fluctuation state), and the player's motivation to play can be greatly increased. As a result, more variations can be added to the game, and interest can be improved.

[0233] In addition, in this embodiment, the vane member 415 of the first start winning device 33a is configured to open in conjunction with the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric device operating port 427, so that the player can enjoy the behavior of the game ball in the first specific area 403 for a longer period of time by praying for the game ball to enter the first start winning device 33a, and even if there is no longer a possibility that the game ball will enter the first start winning device 33a, the player can continue to pray for the game ball to enter the second type non-electric device operating port 427. Therefore, the time period during which the game ball's behavior can be enjoyed can be increased, and fatigue can be suppressed.

[0234] Furthermore, by providing the first to fourth sorting devices 407 to 410 in the first specific area 403, it is possible to limit the movement path of the game ball in the first specific area 403 to some extent (making the game ball's behavior easier to understand for the player), while also concentrating the points where the game ball's behavior can be seen while ensuring a random element. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the game ball's behavior in the first specific area 403 while adding a sense of contrast, and it is possible to further increase the interest in the game ball's behavior.

[0235] In addition, in the third distribution device 409 as the guide change distribution means, when the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a is in the open position, the game ball that has arrived at the third distribution device 409 can be guided (entered) into the first start winning device 33a not only when it is guided by the constant guide hole portion 421 but also when it is guided by the conditional guide hole portion 425. Therefore, the value of the blade member 415 being in the open position can be increased, and the above-mentioned effect of increasing the willingness to play by setting the blade member 415 in the open position is further achieved. Note that the third distribution device 409 of this embodiment is provided with only the constant guide hole portion 421 and the conditional guide hole portion 425. Therefore, the value of the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a being in the open position can be further increased, and the effect of increasing the willingness to play by setting the blade member 415 in the open position is more prominent.

[0236] Furthermore, when the game ball enters the auxiliary hole portion 423 of the first distribution device 407 and is guided to the second type non-electric device operation port 427 side, the game ball is guided to the fourth distribution device 410. The fourth distribution device 410 is provided with a fourth guide hole portion 428 that guides (allows the game ball to enter) the second type non-electric device operation port 427, and a fourth discharge hole portion 429 that discharges the game ball to the outside of the game area without leading it to the second type non-electric device operation port 427. Therefore, if the game ball enters the auxiliary hole portion 423 in the first distribution device 407, a simple gameplay in which the game ball always enters the second type non-electric device operation port is avoided. Therefore, it is possible to further diversify the behavior of the game ball in the first specific area 403.

[0237] In addition, detection switches are provided to detect game balls entering and being discharged from the first to fourth distribution devices 407-410, making it possible to grasp the number of game balls entering and being discharged from the first to fourth distribution devices 407-410. This allows the game balls in the first specific area 403 to be managed reliably, and makes it possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as illegally entering game balls into the first specific area 403 or causing the first ball entry detection switch 224a to make a false detection by using a wire, radio waves, or the like. Also, although not mentioned in the above embodiment, it is possible to change the state of the illumination of the distribution devices 407-410 in which a game ball is present, to perform effects and instructions corresponding to the opening of the blade member 415 based on the detection of the second ball entry detection switch 446 (such effects and instructions are not performed if the blade member 415 is already in the open position), and to perform effects and instructions corresponding to the start of a jackpot state based on the detection of the first ball entry detection switch 224a (first start ball entry detection switch).

[0238] In addition, in a normal game state where the aim is for the game ball to enter the first specific area 403 of the central unit 401, the game ball is shot to the left side area of ​​the game area, whereas in a jackpot state (and in a time-saving mode), the game ball is shot to the right side area of ​​the game area where the variable winning device 32 (and the through gate 34 and the second start winning device 33b) are provided. Therefore, for example, in a jackpot state, it is possible to prevent the game ball from entering the first specific area 403 of the central unit 401, and therefore the first start winning device 33a, in vain.

[0239] Furthermore, a partition wall portion 426 is provided to separate a third distribution center discharge passage 417 to which a game ball that has entered the constant guide hole portion 421 of the third distribution device 409 is guided, and a third distribution side discharge passage 418 to which a game ball that has entered the conditional guide hole portion 425 of the third distribution device 409 is guided. Therefore, even if the first start winning device 33a (the blade member 415) does not have a complex and relatively large configuration, it is possible to prevent a game ball from entering the first start winning device 33a from the third distribution side discharge passage 418 when the blade member 415 is in the closed position, while reliably allowing a game ball that has passed through the third distribution side discharge passage 418 to enter the first start winning device 33a when the blade member 415 is in the open position.

[0240] In this embodiment, a linkage state change device 461 is provided to switch the destination of the linkage passage 442 to which the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric role operation port 427 is guided, and by setting the linkage state change device 461 to the linkage restriction state (setting the switching part 463 of the linkage state change device 461 to the restriction position protruding into the linkage passage 442), the blade member 415 in the closed position will not be set to the open position even if the game ball is allowed to enter the second type non-electric role operation port 427. Therefore, for example, by setting the linkage state change device 461 to the linkage restriction state when there is a possibility of fraud or when no game is being played, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts such as fraudulently setting the blade member 415 to the open position. As a result, the crime prevention of the first start winning device 33a equipped with the blade member 415 can be improved.

[0241] In this embodiment, the interlocking state changing device 461 can change its state to the interlocking permitted state when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is on, and is in the interlocking restricted state when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is off. In other words, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is off, it is difficult to electrically detect fraud using various sensors, etc., and it is difficult to notice fraud, but by setting the interlocking state changing device 461 to the interlocking restricted state, it is possible to prevent, for example, an act of putting a game ball into the second type non-electric device operating port 427 and leaving the blade member 415 in the open position when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is off outside the business hours of the game hall.

[0242] Also, the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a is mechanically linked to the game ball moving through the linking passage 442 via the push-up member 441 and the lever member 443, and is displaced to the open position. Therefore, even if the power is on and various sensors are used to monitor for fraud, if a game ball enters the second type non-electric role operating port 427, the lever member 443 and the push-up member 441 will link with the game ball and move the blade member 415 from the closed position to the open position.

[0243] In this regard, if the interlocking state change device 461 is in the interlocking restriction state, it is possible to prevent the interlocking of the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric accessory operation port 427 with the lever member 443 and the push-up member 441. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is on, the entire period is not set to the interlocking permission state, but the period during which the interlocking permission state is set to 0.1 seconds to 3 seconds after the detection of the second ball entry detection switch 446. Therefore, even when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is on, by shortening the period during which the interlocking state change device 461 is in the interlocking permission state as much as possible, the effect of preventing the illegal act of illegally putting the blade member 415 in the closed position into the guiding state (inserting something other than a game ball into the second type non-electric accessory operation port 427, allowing a game ball to flow into the interlocking passage 442 from the middle of the passage in a configuration in which the game ball can flow into the interlocking passage from the middle of the passage, etc.) is further enhanced.

[0244] In addition, in this embodiment, when vibration is detected when a game ball is present in the first specific area 403, when magnetism is detected, when the blade member 415 is in the open position when the power is turned on, when the blade member 415 that was in the closed position when the front frame 14 or the inner frame 12 was opened was in the open position when the front frame 14 or the inner frame 12 was closed, when there should be no game ball in the first specific area 403 (the value of the remaining ball counter is "0" or less), the first ball entry detection switch 224a or the second ball entry detection switch 224b is activated. When the detection switch 446 is detected, when the first ball entry detection switch 224a is detected after 1 second has elapsed since the detection of the third distribution center discharge detection switch, or after 1.5 seconds has elapsed since the detection of the third distribution side discharge detection switch, and when the blade member 415 is set to the open position after 3 seconds has elapsed since the detection of the second ball entry detection switch 446, the game is interrupted, a corresponding notification is made, and an error process is performed to set the interlocking state change device 461 to the interlocking restricted state. Therefore, the effect of preventing fraudulent acts of illegally changing the blade member 415 from the closed position to the open position is further enhanced.

[0245] In addition, by performing the vibration detection, it is possible to prevent an act of intentionally vibrating the pachinko machine 10 to manipulate the behavior of the game ball in the first specific area 403, while eliminating the impact caused when a person related to the game hall where the pachinko machine 10 is installed performs maintenance on the inside and back of the pachinko machine 10 with the power turned on and then returns it to its original state (such as closing the front frame 14 or the inner frame 12), or the impact caused when a player unintentionally bumps into the pachinko machine 10 when sitting down on a chair in front of the pachinko machine 10 or standing up. By performing the magnetic detection, it is possible to prevent an act of intentionally vibrating the pachinko machine 10 to manipulate the behavior of the game ball in the first specific area 403. By detecting when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, it is possible to prevent the blade member 415 from being improperly set to the open position when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and game play from starting in that state even after the power is turned on, as well as to prevent the blade member 415 from being forgotten to be set to the closed position at the end of business on the previous day at the game hall, and starting business in that state the next day.

[0246] By detecting before and after the opening of the front frame 14 and the inner frame 12, it is possible to grasp that the front frame 14 and the inner frame 12 are in the open state and the blade member 415 is in the open position illegally, and it is possible to prevent the game from being resumed as it is. By checking for an abnormality regarding the number of game balls in the first specific area 403, it is possible to grasp the presence of game balls that have been illegally entered into the first start winning device 33a or the second type non-electric role operating port 427, and it is possible to prevent the game from being continued as it is. By checking whether the detection of the first ball entry detection switch 224a was performed within a specified time after the game ball was discharged from the third distribution device 409, it is possible to grasp that the game ball has illegally entered the first start winning device 33a without passing through the first specific area 403 (the third distribution device 409), and it is possible to prevent the game from being continued as it is. By checking whether the blade member 415 has been set to the open position within a specified time from the detection of the second ball entry detection switch 446, it is possible to know that the blade member 415 may have been set to the open position in a manner different from the normal manner in which the game ball enters the second type non-electric device operating port 427 and the blade member 415, which is in the closed position, is set to the open position, and it is possible to prevent the game from continuing in that state.

[0247] Also, when the second ball entry detection switch 446 detects a game ball in a situation where it is not possible to confirm that the game ball has passed through the first distribution device 407 and the fourth distribution device 410 (when either one of the remaining ball counter and the fourth distribution ball entry counter is equal to or less than "0"), an error process is performed. In this way, by checking the route of the game ball detected by the second ball entry detection switch 446, it is possible to know whether the game ball that entered the first specific area 403 entered the second type non-electric device operating port 427 normally. Therefore, the effect of improving the crime prevention of the first start winning device 33a equipped with the blade member 415 is more reliably achieved.

[0248] Furthermore, in the interlocking restricted state, the interlocking state changing device 461 is configured to project the switching unit 463 into the interlocking passage 442, prevent the game ball from reaching the lever member 443, and guide the game ball out of the game area. Therefore, for example, in a case where the switching unit 463 in the restricted position comes into contact with the lever member 443 to prevent the displacement of the lever member 443, it is possible to prevent the switching unit 463 and the lever member 443 from being damaged while preventing the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric role operating port 427 from being interlocked with the lever member 443 (and thus the blade member 415).

[0249] In addition, in this embodiment, an open position detection sensor 465 capable of detecting that the blade member 415 is in the open position is provided. This allows the blade member 415 to be detected as being in the open position even in a configuration in which the blade member 415 is mechanically linked to the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric device operating port 427 via the push-up member 441 and the lever member 443. This allows the state of the blade member 415 to be monitored, and allows the blade member 415 to be detected as being fraudulently set to the open position, and allows the player to be informed in an easy-to-understand manner that the blade member 415 has been set to the open position. As a result, it is possible to improve crime prevention and performance. Also, basically, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is on, it is possible to know whether the blade member 415 is in the open position by directly detecting the blade member 415, which is more accurate than knowing the state (posture) of the blade member 415 by, for example, saying that the blade member 415 should be in the open position because it was moved by control, and it is possible to reliably know the state of the blade member 415 when the power is on, even if the power is off. Therefore, it is possible to deal with fraudulent acts such as putting the blade member 415 in the open position when the power is off, or forcibly putting the blade member 415 in the open position even though there is no electrical processing to put the blade member 415 in the open position.

[0250] Furthermore, the open position detection sensor 465 is configured to detect a detection piece portion (not shown) connected to the first shaft portion 435 of the right-side blade member 415 when the detection piece portion is set to the open corresponding position (positioned when the blade member 415 is set to the open position). Therefore, compared to the case where the state of the blade member 415 is grasped (estimated) based on the detection of the first ball entry detection switch 224a and the second ball entry detection switch 446 that detect the game ball that has entered the first start winning device 33a or the second type non-electric role operation port 427, the state of the blade member 415 can be grasped more reliably and accurately by directly confirming the blade member 415. In addition, by using the open position detection sensor 465 in combination with each detection switch of the central unit 401 as described above, more rigorous countermeasures against fraud can be taken.

[0251] Furthermore, the blade members 415 are provided in a pair, and since the pair of blade members 415 displace synchronously with each other, the open position detection sensor 465 can determine that the pair of blade members 415 are in the open position by checking the operation of the right-side blade member 415.

[0252] In addition, the third distribution device 409 of this embodiment includes a constant guide hole portion 421 that guides the game ball to the first start winning device 33a regardless of whether the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a is in the open position or the closed position, and a conditional guide hole portion 425 that guides the game ball to the outside of the game area without allowing it to enter the first start winning device 33a when the blade member 415 is in the closed position, and guides it to the first start winning device 33a when the blade member 415 is in the open position. Therefore, the guide destination of the game ball of the conditional guide hole portion 425 of the third distribution device 409 changes depending on whether the blade member 415 is in the open position or the closed position. In other words, it is possible to provide a novel gameplay in which the path of the game ball desired by the player in the first specific area 403 (the third distribution device 409) changes depending on the state of the blade member 415. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the gameplay and increase the variety of the gameplay (suppressing boredom), and as a result, it is possible to increase interest, etc.

[0253] Second embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 20 and other figures, focusing on the characteristic parts. In the specific area 802 of the central unit 801 of this embodiment, a first distribution device 803 to which game balls entering the first specific area 802 are guided, a second distribution device 804 to which game balls passing through the first distribution device 803 are guided, a third distribution device 805 to which game balls passing through the second distribution device 804 are guided, a fourth distribution device 806 to which game balls passing through the third distribution device 805 are guided, a fifth distribution device 807 to which game balls passing through the first distribution device 803 are guided, a first start winning device 808, and a second type non-electric accessory operating port 810 are provided.

[0254] The first start winning device 808 of this embodiment is provided with a blade member 809 only on the left side, and no blade member 809 is provided on the right side. The blade member 809 is opened in conjunction with a game ball that has entered the second type non-electric role operating port 810, and is closed in conjunction with a game ball that has entered the first start winning device 808. When a game ball enters the first start winning device 808, a big win state occurs after a win / lose lottery, as in the first embodiment.

[0255] The first distribution device 803 has four holes, which consist of one constant guide hole 811 that guides game balls to the second distribution device 804, one auxiliary hole 812 that guides game balls toward the fifth distribution device 807, and two first discharge holes 813 that discharge game balls outside the game area.

[0256] The second sorting device 804 is provided with three holes, which are composed of one constant guide hole 811 that guides game balls to the third sorting device 805, one bypass hole 814 that guides game balls to the fourth sorting device 806, and one second discharge hole 815 that discharges game balls to the outside of the game area. Although not shown in the figure, the passage for game balls connecting the bypass hole 814 of the second sorting device 804 and the fourth sorting device 806 corresponds to the bypass passage.

[0257] The third distribution device 805 has three holes, which are composed of a constant guide hole 811 that guides the game ball to the fourth distribution device 806, a conditional guide hole 816 that discharges the game ball outside the game area when the blade member 809 of the first start winning device 808 is in the closed position and allows the game ball to enter the first start winning device 808 when the blade member 809 is in the open position, and a third discharge hole 817 that discharges the game ball outside the game area.

[0258] The fourth distribution device 806 has three holes, which consist of one constant guide hole 811 that allows the game ball to enter the first start winning device 808 both when the blade member 809 of the first start winning device 808 is in the open position and when it is in the closed position, and two fourth discharge hole portions 818 that discharge the game ball outside the game area.

[0259] Also, a winning hole instruction light emitting unit 819 is provided so as to surround the conditional guide hole unit 816 of the third allocating device 805 and the constant guide hole unit 811 of the fourth allocating device 806, and is turned on by a light emitting means (three-color LED) built into the third allocating device 805 and the fourth allocating device 806. In other words, if a game ball enters the constant guide hole unit 811 of the fourth allocating device 806, the ball will always enter the first start winning device 808, and a big win state will occur. In this embodiment, the winning hole instruction light emitting unit 819 of the fourth allocating device 806 is always turned on in white.

[0260] In contrast, when the blade member 809 is in the open position, if the game ball enters the conditional guide hole portion 816 of the third distribution device 805, the game ball is guided by the blade member 809 in the open position and enters the first start winning device 808. On the other hand, when the blade member 809 is in the closed position, even if the game ball enters the conditional guide hole portion 816 of the third distribution device 805, the game ball is discharged outside the game area without entering the first start winning device 808. In this embodiment, when the blade member 809 is in the open position, the winning hole teaching light emitting portion 819 of the third distribution device 805 emits red light, and when the blade member 809 is in the closed position, the winning hole teaching light emitting portion 819 of the third distribution device 805 is in a non-light emitting state.

[0261] In this embodiment, a specified number of times allocating device 821 is provided as a specified number of times allocating means in a passage connecting the first allocating device 803 and the fifth allocating device 807. As shown in Fig. 21, the specified number of times allocating device 821 includes an entrance passage section 822 to which game balls that have passed through the first allocating device 803 are guided, a feed member 824 that is installed in an allocating area 823 to which game balls that have passed through the entrance passage section 822 are guided and rotates in a counterclockwise direction in Fig. 21, a safe hole 825 that is provided in connection with the lower left of the allocating area 823 and guides the entered game balls to the fifth allocating device 807, and an out hole 826 that is provided in connection with the rear of the lower left of the allocating area 823 and discharges the entered game balls to the outside of the playing area.

[0262] The feed member 824 includes a shaft portion 827 extending in the front-rear direction, and four feed plate portions 828 extending from the shaft portion 827 in the centrifugal direction and disposed at equal positions. Three of the four feed plate portions 828 are curved in the clockwise direction at their tip ends. The remaining one of the four feed plate portions 828 extends linearly in the centrifugal direction of the shaft portion 827 in a front view, and a blocking plate portion 831 is provided in a region between the feed plate portion 828 and the feed plate portion 828 adjacent to the feed plate portion 828 on the clockwise side (hereinafter, this region is referred to as a "safe feed region 829", and the region between the other feed plate portions 828 is referred to as an "out feed region 830") so as to connect the rear edge portions of the feed plate portions 828 together.

[0263] Furthermore, there are provided a stopper 833 that prevents the feed member 824 from being displaced in the counterclockwise direction, a release switch 834 that is provided in the inlet passage portion 822 and that releases the function of the stopper 833, a lock switch 835 that returns the stopper 833 to a functional state, and a positioning portion 836 that regulates the clockwise displacement (reverse movement) of the feed member 824.

[0264] The stopper 833 is provided at a position slightly to the left below the shaft portion 827 of the feed member 824 so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the sorting area 823, and is configured to be able to abut against the counterclockwise direction surface of the feed plate portion 828. When the counterclockwise direction surface of a predetermined feed plate portion 828 abuts against or is close to the stopper 833, the position of the outlet of the entrance passage portion 822 coincides with the safe sending area 829 and any one of the three out sending areas 830, and the game ball discharged from the outlet of the entrance passage portion 822 flows into the safe sending area 829 or any one of the three out sending areas 830.

[0265] When a game ball enters the entrance passage 822, the game ball operates a release switch 834 provided near the exit of the entrance passage 822, and the stopper 833 retreats to the outside of the distribution area 823. This allows the feed member 824 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0266] When a game ball is received in the safe sending area 829 or the out sending area 830 of the sending member 824, the weight of the game ball causes the sending member 824 to rotate and displace in the counterclockwise direction. In the middle of the rotational displacement of the sending member 824, a lock switch 835 is operated by a predetermined sending plate part 828, and the stopper 833 is made to protrude into the sorting area 823. As a result, when the predetermined sending plate part 828 abuts against the stopper 833, further rotational displacement of the sending member 824 in the counterclockwise direction is restricted. The stopper 833 may be configured to be mechanically linked to the release switch 834 and the lock switch 835, or the release switch 834 and the lock switch 835 may be configured to ...

[0267] The positioning portion 836 is provided so as to be able to appear and disappear in the front and rear of the sorting area 823, has a generally triangular plate shape whose forward protruding length gradually increases in the counterclockwise direction, and is maintained in a state protruding into the sorting area 823 by a spring. Then, slightly before a given feed plate portion 828 abuts against the stopper 833, another feed plate portion 828 passes in front of the positioning portion 836 in such a manner as to push the positioning portion 836 outward (rearward) of the sorting area 823 against the spring of the positioning portion 836. When the other feed plate portion 828 passes in front of the positioning portion 836, the given feed plate portion 828 abuts against the stopper 833, and the positioning portion 836 returns to a state protruding into the sorting area 823. As a result, even if the feed member 824 attempts to rotate clockwise, the clockwise surface of the feed plate portion 828 abuts against the positioning protrusion 836, so that further displacement in the clockwise direction is restricted.

[0268] In addition, when a game ball that has passed through the entrance passage 822 is received in the safe sending area 829 of the sending member 824, the weight of the game ball rotates the sending member 824 90 degrees counterclockwise and stops (due to the action of the stopper 833, etc.), and the safe sending area 829 and the safe hole 825 coincide (communicate). As a result, the game ball received in the safe sending area 829 enters the safe hole 825. The game ball received in the safe sending area 829 is prevented from entering the out hole 826 by the blocking plate 831 provided in the safe sending area 829.

[0269] On the other hand, when a game ball that has passed through the entrance passage 822 is received in the out-feed area 830 of the feed member 824, the weight of the game ball rotates the feed member 824 90 degrees counterclockwise and stops (due to the action of the stopper 833, etc.), and the out-feed area 830 and the out hole 826 coincide (communicate). As a result, the game ball received in the out-feed area 830 enters the out hole 826 while being restricted from moving toward the safe hole 825 by the curved shape of the tip of the feed plate 828.

[0270] In this embodiment, as described above, the feed member 824 is provided with one safe feed area 829 and three out feed areas 830, and each time a game ball enters the specified number of times allocating device 821, the feed member 824 rotates by 90 degrees to sequentially change the safe feed area 829 and the out feed area 830 that match the safe hole 825 or the out hole 826. In other words, the specified number of times allocating device 821 is configured to alternately repeat guiding a game ball to the fifth allocating device 807 only once and discharging the game ball to the outside of the game area only three times, and is configured to guide one of every four game balls that enter the specified number of times allocating device 821 to the fifth allocating device 807. In this embodiment, a state in which the safe feed area 829 of the feed member 824 is connected to the inlet passage portion 822 corresponds to a passing state, and a state in which the out feed area 830 of the feed member 824 is connected to the inlet passage portion 822 corresponds to a non-passing state.

[0271] 22, a display plate 837 is provided on the front side of the feed member 824 as a number interlocking means. The display plate 837 is made of a transparent plate-like body with numbers written on the front side. In this embodiment, the character "0" is written on the display plate 837 that blocks a part of the front of the safe feed area 829, the character "1" is written on the display plate 837 that blocks a part of the front of the out-feed area 830 located adjacent to the safe feed area 829 on the counterclockwise side, the character "3" is written on the display plate 837 that blocks a part of the front of the out-feed area 830 located adjacent to the safe feed area 829 on the clockwise side, and the character "2" is written on the display plate 837 that blocks a part of the front of the remaining out-feed area 830. In this embodiment, a lamp (not shown) capable of irradiating light is provided in the portion of the sorting area 823 adjacent to the entrance passage section 822, so that the numbers in the areas of the safe send area 829 and the out send area 830 that are connected to the entrance passage section 822 are easier to see than the numbers in the other areas.

[0272] The fifth distribution device 807 has two holes, which are composed of a fifth guide hole 838 that allows the game ball to enter the second type non-electric device operating port 810, and a fifth return hole 839 that guides the game ball to the third distribution device 805.

[0273] As described above, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, by setting the vane member 809 of the first start winning device 808 in the open position, the probability of the game ball entering the first start winning device 808 can be increased, and a great chance of the game ball entering the first start winning device 808 is created. In other words, a great chance of winning a big win state is created, in other words, a state in which the probability of the big win state occurring is increased (a so-called state like a probability fluctuation state), and the player's motivation to play can be greatly increased. As a result, more variations can be added to the game, and interest can be improved.

[0274] Incidentally, in order to set the blade member 809 to the open position, it is necessary to make the game ball enter the second type non-electric accessory operating port 810, and in order to make the game ball enter the second type non-electric accessory operating port 810, it is necessary to make the specified number of times allocating device 821 in the passing state (a state in which the safe sending area 829 of the sending member 824 is connected to the entrance passage part 822) guide the game ball to the fifth allocating device 807 side. Here, the specified number of times allocating device 821 alternates between a state in which the game ball is guided to the fifth allocating device 807 only once and a state in which the game ball is discharged outside the play area only three times, and if the specified number of times allocating device 821 is caused to discharge the game ball outside the play area only three times, the specified number of times allocating device 821 can be made to guide the game ball to the fifth allocating device 807 next time.

[0275] Therefore, by setting the specified number of times distribution device 821 in a passing state, the probability of the game ball entering the second type non-electric device operating port 810 can be increased, and it becomes a big chance to make the game ball enter the second type non-electric device operating port 810. In other words, it becomes a big chance to set the blade member 809 of the first start winning device 808 to the open position, and it can greatly increase the willingness to play. As a result, it is possible to add more intonation to the game, and it is possible to improve the interest, etc.

[0276] In addition, the specified number of times allocating device 821 is configured to discharge the entered game ball outside the play area three times, and then guide the next entered game ball to the fifth allocating device 807. For this reason, not only is it switched between a passing state in which the game ball may be allowed to enter the second type non-electric device operating port 810 and a non-passing state in which the game ball cannot be allowed to enter the second type non-electric device operating port 810, but also, regarding the non-passing state, depending on the remaining number of times until it becomes a passing state, for example, between a state where there are still multiple times remaining and a state where there is only one remaining time (preparation state), it is possible to differentiate the expectation of the game ball entering the second type non-electric device operating port 810. As a result, it is possible to add more intonation to the game, and to improve the interest, etc.

[0277] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specified number of times allocating device 821 guides the game ball to the fifth allocating device 807, and the fifth allocating device 807 guides the game ball to the second type non-electric accessory operating port 810 or the third allocating device 805. Therefore, without increasing the probability of the game ball entering the second type non-electric accessory operating port 810, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being discharged outside the game area in the specified number of times allocating device 821, and to avoid a situation where the game ball is completely wasted even if it enters the specified number of times allocating device 821 when the blade member 809 is already in the open position (there is a possibility that the game ball will be guided to the third allocating device 805). Therefore, the effect of improving the interest is further achieved by providing the specified number of times allocating device 821.

[0278] In addition, in the specified number of times allocating device 821, a display panel 837 is provided on the front side of the sending member 824, which changes the visual state according to the remaining number of times (second specified number) that game balls are to be inserted into the specified number of times allocating device 821 before the safe sending area 829 of the sending member 824 is in a state of communicating with the entrance passage portion 822. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp how many more game balls need to be inserted into the specified number of times allocating device 821 before the game ball is guided to the fifth allocating device 807. Therefore, even if the specified number of times allocating device 821 is directly visually recognized, it is possible to eliminate a situation in which it is difficult to understand when the game ball will be guided to the fifth allocating device 807, and the remaining number of times can be used reliably as one guideline for game strategy, such as playing with the game ball being guided to the fifth allocating device 807 as a familiar goal, or changing the progress of the game according to the remaining number of times until the game ball is guided to the fifth allocating device 807.

[0279] Also, the second type non-electric device operating port 810 is configured to allow a ball to enter only when it is guided to the fifth distribution device 807 by the specified number of times distribution device 821. This increases the value of the specified number of times distribution device 821, and makes it possible to generate interest in the state of the specified number of times distribution device 821 and the behavior of the game balls on the specified number of times distribution device. This increases the motivation to play when the safe sending area 829 of the sending member 824 is in communication with the entrance passage 822, or when only one more game ball needs to enter the specified number of times distribution device 821 before the state is reached.

[0280] Furthermore, in the specific area 802, there exists a route for a game ball that can enter the first start winning device 808 without passing through the specified number of times distribution device 821. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which, for example, even if the blade member 809 is already in the open position, a game ball that has entered the specific area 802 is always guided to the second type non-electric role operating port 810 side every specified number of times.

[0281] In addition, a winning hole instruction light emitting unit 819 is provided around the conditional guide hole portion 816 of the third distribution device 805, and when the blade member 809 of the first start winning device 808 is in the closed position and the game ball enters the conditional guide hole portion 816, and is discharged outside the game area, the corresponding hole selection instruction light emitting unit 819 is in a non-illuminating state, whereas when the blade member 809 is in the open position and the game ball enters the conditional guide hole portion 816, and the game ball enters the first start winning device 808 as if picked up by the blade member 809, the corresponding hole selection instruction light emitting unit 819 is in a red light emitting state. Therefore, the conditional guide hole portion 816, whose guide destination changes depending on the situation, can be made to stand out and instruct, suggest, emphasize, etc. that the conditional guide hole portion 816, whose guide destination changes depending on the situation, is in a state of guiding the game ball to the first start winning device 808. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player from missing what would be a happy moment when the game ball is guided to the conditional guide hole portion 816, which is in a state where it can be guided to the first start winning device 808 by the wing member 809 in the open position.

[0282] In this embodiment, a conditional guide hole section 816 is provided in the third distribution device 805 provided upstream of the specific area 802 from the fourth distribution device 806. In other words, when the blade member 809 of the first start winning device 808 is in the closed position, the game ball that has reached the third distribution device 805 reaches the fourth distribution device 806 through the constant guide hole section 811 of the third distribution device 805, and enters the first start winning device 808 only when the ball enters the constant guide hole section 811 of the fourth distribution device 806. On the other hand, when the vane members 809 are in the open position, if a game ball is made to enter the conditional guide hole portion 816 of the third allocator 805, the game ball can be made to enter the first start winning device 808, skipping the fourth allocator 806, and the third allocator 805, which is not the allocator most downstream of the specific area 802, has a chance to make the game ball enter the first start winning device 808 directly. This makes it possible to change the expectation of the ball entering the first start winning device 808 relative to the third allocator 805, and the balance of the expectation of the ball entering among the multiple allocators, and the game playability can be changed more significantly by changing the state of the vane members 809. In this embodiment, when the vane member 809 is in the open position, the expected rate of winning in the third allocating device 805 is higher than that in the fourth allocating device 806 (two of the three holes in the fourth allocating device 806 are misses, whereas one of the three holes in the third allocating device 805 is a win to the first start winning device 808, one is a guide to the fourth allocating device 806, and one is a miss). Therefore, the effects of diversifying the playability and increasing interest become more pronounced.

[0283] Furthermore, the second distribution device 804 is provided with a bypass hole 814 that guides the entered game ball to the fourth distribution device 806 without passing through the third distribution device 805. This makes the effects of diversifying the gameplay and increasing interest more pronounced. In particular, as described above, in this embodiment, the conditional guide hole portion 816 is provided in the third distribution device 805, which the game ball that enters the bypass hole portion 814 does not reach, so that when the blade member 809 is in the closed position, the player is happy that the game ball enters the bypass hole portion 814 of the second distribution device 804 and is carried to the fourth distribution device 806, but when the blade member 809 is in the open position, when the game ball enters the bypass hole portion 814 of the second distribution device 804, the game ball does not reach the third distribution device 805, so the player is not happy. In this way, the game playability can be greatly changed by the change in the state of the blade member 809. Therefore, the game playability can be made deeper, and interest can be improved.

[0284] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example.

[0285] (a; First start winning device) (a-1; the partner with which the wing member is linked) In the above embodiment, the wing member 415 of the first start-up winning device 33a is configured to be changed from the closed position to the open position in conjunction with the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric device operating port 427, and to be changed from the open position to the closed position in conjunction with the game ball that has entered the first start-up winning device 33a, but it may also be configured to be changed from the closed position to the open position in conjunction with the game ball that has entered the first start-up winning device 33a, and to be changed from the open position to the closed position in conjunction with the game ball that has entered the first start-up winning device 33a.

[0286] In addition, in the case where the vane member 415 is configured to open in conjunction with the game ball that enters the first start winning device 33a in the closed state, there is a chance to generate the next big win state (to obtain the big win state continuously) not long after the end of the big win state, and for example, when a relatively large amount of game value can be obtained with the big win state, a relatively large increase in game value can be expected. Therefore, it is possible to greatly increase the expectation of the player when the big win state occurs, and also to allow the player to enjoy a special sense of elation when playing with the vane member 415 in the open position.

[0287] The configuration of the "guide means" that can guide the game ball moving on the side of the first ball entry section 414 of the first start winning device 33a to the first ball entry section 414 is not limited to the "wing member 415", and may be, for example, a shutter that can appear and disappear from the game board 30 into the game area, or may be configured to include a guide section that can guide the game ball moving on the side of the first ball entry section 414 to the first ball entry section 414 side, and a switching section that is provided above the guide section and can change between a state that allows the game ball to fall into the guide section and a state that prevents the game ball from falling into the guide section. In addition, the "side of the first ball entry section 414" refers to an area adjacent to the first ball entry section 414, and depending on the configuration of the guide means, it may be not only the left or right side, but also the front.

[0288] The second type non-electric accessory operating port 427 is provided in the first specific area 403, but may be provided outside the first specific area 403 (an area where the game ball that has flowed in has no chance of reaching the first start winning device 33a). In the second embodiment, the game ball reaches the fifth distribution device 807 by entering the auxiliary hole portion 812 four times in the first distribution device 803 in the specific area 802, and reaches the second type non-electric accessory operating port 810 with a probability of 1 / 2 (the fifth distribution device 807 may be omitted), but the second type non-electric accessory operating port 810 and the specified number distribution device 821 may be provided outside the specific area 802. However, it is preferable to configure the game ball so that the game ball also enters the specified number distribution device 821 by shooting the game ball aiming at the first start winning device 808.

[0289] In addition, the game ball that enters the second type non-electric role operation port 427 is configured to link with the wing member 415 of the first start-up winning device 33a, but for example, a distribution means may be provided that can guide the game ball that enters the second type non-electric role operation port 427 to the lever member 443 side or a side other than the lever member 443 (it may be guided to an outlet from the game area, or another first start-up winning device may be provided in the first specific area 402 to guide the game ball alternately or randomly). (a-2; the blade member is electrically operated) Also, in the above embodiment, the first start-up winning device 33a is configured to be opened and closed mechanically in conjunction with the game ball that has entered the first start-up winning device 33a or the second type non-electric device operating port 427, but it may also be configured to be opened and closed electrically (a solenoid or motor or the like is provided as a driving means for opening and closing the blade member 415, and the driving means is driven and controlled by a control means such as the main control device 261).

[0290] For example, instead of the second type non-electric device operating port 427 of the above embodiment, a second ball entry device as a guidance trigger means through which a gaming ball moving in the first specific area 403 can enter (or can be configured to pass through) is provided, and a second ball entry device detection switch as a guidance trigger detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball that has entered the second ball entry device is provided, and based on the detection of the second ball entry device detection switch, the main control device 261 as a guidance determination means, guidance waiting time determination means, and guidance time determination means performs a ball entry support lottery to determine whether or not to open the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a, and in the ball entry support lottery In the event of a win, the waiting time until the blade members 415 are set to the open position (a normal variable display means for displaying the result of the scoring support lottery may be provided, and when the scoring support lottery is held, a variable display for a predetermined period of time may be displayed on the normal variable display means, and when the variable display stops and the result of the scoring support lottery is displayed, the blade members 415 may be set to the open position, in which case the time of the variable display corresponds to the waiting time), as well as a guidance time for which the blade members 415 are kept in the open position may be determined, and after the waiting time has elapsed, the blade members 415 are set to the open position for only the guidance time.

[0291] Furthermore, a guide means including a display means such as a liquid crystal display device or a movable accessory may be provided to derive a performance of whether or not the blade member 415 is in the open position during the waiting time. In this case, the performance can be further enhanced in relation to the behavior of the game ball in the first specific area 403. The second ball entry device as the guide means may be provided outside the first specific area 403.

[0292] Also, for example, a semi-transparent cover (which may be a prism plate or a light guide plate) may be provided in front of the blade member 415 of the first start winning device 33a, or a lamp that irradiates light toward the cover may be provided, thereby reducing the visibility of the blade member 415 and increasing interest in the guidance presentation means. In addition, a presentation operation means operable by the player (the presentation button 125 of the above embodiment may be used, or a presentation operation means using a button, lever, sensor, etc. that can detect a predetermined operation of the player may be provided instead of or in addition to the presentation button 125) may be provided, and a presentation using the presentation operation means as a presentation by the guidance presentation means (for example, the presentation content changes depending on whether the presentation operation means is operated or not, and the operation of the presentation operation means is used as a trigger to transition to the next presentation) may be derived.

[0293] The through gate 34 as a guide trigger means through which the game ball moving in the game area can (enter or) pass, and the through gate switch 225 as a guide trigger detection means for detecting the game ball that has passed through the through gate 34 are provided, and the guide determination means (such as a lottery function of the main control device 261) may perform a ball entry support lottery as a guide lottery for whether or not to open the blade member 415 based on the detection of the through gate switch 225, and may determine that the blade member 415 is to be opened if the ball entry support lottery is won. The through gate 34 may be provided outside the first specific area 403 and the second specific area 411 in the game area, or may be provided in the first specific area 403 or the second specific area 411.

[0294] Furthermore, with regard to the winning hole instruction light emitting unit 819 provided around the conditional guide hole portion 816 of the third sorting device 805 of the second embodiment, when the blade member 809 of the first start winning device 808 is electrically driven and has an upper limit on the opening time (for example, a maximum of 6 seconds), a guidance determination means (main control device 261) is provided which determines to open the blade member 809 in consideration of the time it takes for the game ball guided to the conditional guide hole portion 816 to reach the first start winning device 808, and when it is determined by the guidance determination means to open the blade member 809, after a first specified time (for example, 30 seconds; even if a new game ball is made to enter the specific area 802, the game ball will not enter the first start winning device 808 in the first specified time). The blade members 809 may be configured to be in the open position for only a second specified time (e.g., six seconds) after the game ball guided to the conditional guide hole portion 816 reaches the blade members 809 in the open position (if there are no troubles), and the visible state of the winning hole instruction light emitting portion 819 may be configured to change depending on whether the game ball guided to the conditional guide hole portion 816 reaches the blade members 809 in the open position (if there are both possibilities that the blade members 809 are in the open position and that the blade members 809 are in the closed position when the game ball guided to the conditional guide hole portion 816 reaches the blade members 809), or the like. For example, when the time required for the game ball to move from the conditional guiding section to the guiding means is approximately 2.5 seconds, if the time remaining until the guiding means closes is 3 seconds or more, the guiding mode changing means, which is set to the light-emitting state by the three-color LED, may be configured to emit blue light, if the time remaining is between 3 seconds and 2.5 seconds or more, the guiding mode changing means emits yellow light, and if the time remaining is less than 2.5 seconds, the wing member 809 may be turned off. It is possible to open the wing member 809 multiple times based on one winning of the ball entry support lottery.

[0295] In addition, when the blade member 809 of the first start winning device 808 is electrically driven and an interval is provided between the time when the winning ball support lottery is performed as to whether the blade member 809 is opened or not and the time when the blade member 809 is opened based on the result of the winning ball support lottery (when the normal pattern display device 41 is changed to a variable display), a guide presentation means (a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a movable role, etc.) capable of deriving a presentation as to whether the blade member 809 is opened or not during that time (standby time) may be provided. In this case, the presentation can be further enhanced in relation to the behavior of the game ball in the specific area 802.

[0296] (a-3; Behavior when a gaming ball enters the first start-up winning device) In the above embodiment, when a gaming ball enters the first start-up winning device 33a, a winning / losing lottery is held, and the winning / losing lottery is won with a 100% probability. However, for example, the winning / losing lottery may be configured so that there are cases where the winning / losing lottery results in a winning or losing outcome (for example, a 1 / 3 chance of winning, or a 65535 / 65536 chance of winning, etc.), or there may be no winning / losing lottery, and when a gaming ball enters the first start-up winning device 33a, the right to generate a jackpot state is obtained (or the state is changed to a state where the right to generate a jackpot state is obtained; a movable guiding means that guides the gaming ball to a special winning device where the right to generate (continue) a jackpot state is obtained by allowing the gaming ball to enter the special winning device is movable after a certain period of time).

[0297] Furthermore, the structure of the game area other than the central unit 401 is not particularly limited, and the through gate 34 and the second start winning device 33b may be omitted, and the time-saving mode may be omitted.

[0298] (a-4; Covering means) In the above first embodiment, a front cover may be provided as a covering means for covering the front of the blade member 415 as the guide means of the first start winning device 33a (whether the blade member 415 is in the open position or the closed position). In this case, it is possible to prevent an act of illegally changing the blade member 415 in the closed position to the open position by directly applying force (by hooking a finger, wire, etc.) without having to insert a game ball into the second type non-electric role operating port 427. Therefore, in cooperation with the interlocking state changing device 461 that can prevent the passage of game balls in the interlocking passage, it is possible to more reliably prevent an act of illegally changing the blade member 415 in the closed position to the open position.

[0299] The front cover may be configured by expanding the cover portion 438 of the above embodiment. The front cover may be configured to reduce the visibility of the play area behind the glass unit 137, within a range where the blade member 415 is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10. When this configuration is adopted, the value of the guide state instruction means of the above second embodiment is further enhanced, and when a performance is performed as to whether the blade member 415 is opened or not, the interest in such a performance can be further enhanced.

[0300] (a-5; Structure of the Blade Members 1) In the first embodiment, the blade members 415 in the closed position cannot be displaced to the open position simply by applying a force toward the open position (left and right direction) (the blade members 415 are displaced to the open position by displacing them upwards), but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. However, in order to enhance the crime prevention effect of preventing the act of illegally displacing the blade members 415 in the closed position to the open position, it is desirable to adopt a configuration in which the blade members 415 are not easily displaced to the open position. For example, the pair of blade members 415 in the closed position may be configured to be displaced to the open position side by displacing them to the open position side simultaneously or almost simultaneously (the pair of blade members 415 may be provided at the lower sides thereof with fitting portions that are approximately fitted to each other when in the open position, and fitting is impossible unless they are displaced to the open position side almost simultaneously).

[0301] (a-6; Structure of the blade member 2) In the above embodiment, the opening interlocking means (push-up member 441 and lever member 443) that interlocks the blade member 415 of the first start-up winning device 33a with the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric device operating port 427 is configured to be displaceable between a reference position and an operating position that displaces the blade member 415, which is in the closed position, to the open position, and is configured to displace from the reference position to the operating position in conjunction with the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric device operating port 427 to set the blade member 415 to the open position, and then automatically return to the reference position; however, the posture of the push-up member 441 and the lever member 443 may be maintained in the operating position until a game ball enters the first start-up winning device 33a and the blade member 415, which is in the open position, is returned to the closed position.

[0302] The configuration of the opening interlocking means is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, the lower ends of the pair of blade members 415 may be configured to be interlocked (connected) with each other. More specifically, for example, among the hinge members in which a pair of plate-like bodies are rotatably connected with each other, one plate-like body may be connected to the lower side of one blade member 415 so as to be rotatably displaceable, and the other plate-like body may be connected to the lower side of the other blade member 415 so as to be rotatably displaceable. In this case, the pair of blade members 415 can be displaced synchronously without fail, and a situation in which only one of them is set to the open position can be prevented. In addition, when a shutter that can appear and disappear from the game area in front of the game board 30 is adopted instead of the blade member 415 as a guide means capable of guiding the game ball to the first ball entry portion 414 of the first start winning device 33a, the multiple shutters may be connected to each other so as not to be displaceable relative to each other.

[0303] Also, an operation detection means (sensor) may be provided for detecting boost member 441 or lever member 443 in the actuated position, and if open position detection sensor 465 detects that blade member 415 has been set to the open position and there is no detection information from the operation detection means, control corresponding to an error state may be performed. In this case, it is possible to detect that blade member 415 has been set to the open position by applying force directly to blade member 415 without interlocking boost member 441 and lever member 443, thereby improving crime prevention.

[0304] In addition, although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, a stopper that restricts the displacement of the lever member 443 beyond a specified amount when the game ball moving through the interlocking passage 442 collides with the lever member 443, or a support part for supporting the lever member 443 at a reference position may be provided. Also, by interposing a cushioning material (rubber sheet, etc.) at the part of the lever member 443 that collides with the game ball, it is possible to configure the lever member 443 so that the mechanical energy of the game ball (energy based on the potential energy due to the height difference) is transmitted to the lever member 443 more efficiently while suppressing damage to the lever member 443 (it is possible to make the ball strike harder to ensure the displacement of the blade member 415, or to adopt a larger blade member 415). The lever member 443 and the push-up member 441 are assumed to be made of a resin material like the blade member 415, but metal wires or the like may be embedded in them to increase their strength.

[0305] (a-7: Open position detection sensor) In the above embodiment, a detection piece (not shown) connected to the first shaft portion 435 of the right-side blade member 415 is provided, and when the blade member 415 is in the open position, the detection piece is detected by the open position detection sensor 465, so that it is possible to know that the blade member 415 is in the open position, but the present invention is not particularly limited to such a configuration. For example, an accompanying member that is separate from the blade member 415 but interlocks with the guide means may be provided, and the accompanying member that is in the open corresponding position where the blade member 415 is in the open position may be detected by the open position detection sensor 465. Also, for example, the blade member 415 itself that is in the open position may be detected by the open position detection sensor 465. Furthermore, for example, the open position detection sensor 465 may be configured to be able to detect the blade member 415 in the closed position, and it may be possible to know that the blade member 415 is in the open position by confirming that the open position detection sensor 465 does not detect the blade member 415.

[0306] It is preferable to configure the device so that it can grasp that the blade member 415 is in a half-open position. That is, a closed position detection sensor may be provided as a non-guiding detection means for detecting (the detection piece of) the blade member 415 in the closed position, in addition to the open position detection sensor 465 as the guiding detection means. That is, the blade member 415 is in a half-open state that is not detected by the open position detection sensor 465, and the pachinko machine 10 judges that the blade member 415 is closed (it is in a state where it is judged to be normal when it is normal to be closed), but it is possible to grasp the occurrence of a situation in which a game ball that has entered the conditional guide hole portion 425 of the third distribution device 409 may enter the first start winning device 33a in a manner that pushes the blade member 415 open once. Furthermore, when it is detected that the blade member 415 is half-open, an error state may be generated, or it may be determined whether the blade member 415 is normal, open or closed, and the game balls parked at a predetermined position on the back side of the pachinko machine 10 may be made to flow into the interlocking passage 442 when the blade member 415 is opened, and when the blade member 415 is closed, in the above embodiment, a specific passage may be provided on the back side of the game board 30, and a mechanism may be provided for interlocking the blade member 415 with the game ball moving through the specific passage and closing it, and then the game balls may be made to flow into the specific passage.

[0307] In addition, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple blade passage detection sensors that detect the forward passage of blade member 415 are provided between a position corresponding to blade member 415 in the open position and a position corresponding to blade member 415 in the closed position, and the position of blade member 415 is determined based on the detection and disappearance of the multiple blade passage detection sensors and the order of detection by the multiple blade passage detection sensors.

[0308] In addition, while the blade member 415 is in the open state, a signal corresponding to the blade member 415 being in the open state may be continuously output to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 (hall computer), or when the blade member 415 is in the open state and when the blade member 415 is in the closed state, a corresponding signal may be output to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Also, in an error state in which the blade member 415 is in the open position when it should not be in the open position (a state in which there is no ball entry into the second type non-electric role operating port 427 after the ball has entered the first start winning device 33a), or in a situation in which fraudulent activity is suspected, it is desirable to perform an error process to suspend the game, and to allow the game to be resumed after a person in the game hall confirms that there is no abnormality in the game.

[0309] (b; Other structures of the central unit) (b-1; Correspondence between the visual appearance of each area of ​​the first specific region and the presence or absence of game balls in that area) Although not specifically mentioned in the above first embodiment, the visual appearance of the first allocation device 407, the second allocation device 408, the third allocation device 409, and the fourth allocation device 410 may be configured to be changeable based on the values ​​of the remaining ball counter, the first allocation entering ball counter, the second allocation entering ball counter, the third allocation entering ball counter, and the fourth allocation entering ball counter. For example, when the remaining ball counter value is "0", the visual recognition state of the first allocating device 407, the second allocating device 408, the third allocating device 409, and the fourth allocating device 410 is set to "Pattern 1 (e.g., relatively dark brightness)", and the first allocating device 407, the second allocating device 408, the third allocating device 409, and the fourth allocating device 410 corresponding to the first allocating entering ball counter, the second allocating entering ball counter, the third allocating entering ball counter, and the fourth allocating entering ball counter with a value of "1" are set to "Pattern 2 (e.g., relatively dark brightness)". The visual appearance of the first allocation device 407, the second allocation device 408, the third allocation device 409, and the fourth allocation device 410 corresponding to the first allocation scoring ball counter, the second allocation scoring ball counter, the third allocation scoring ball counter, and the fourth allocation scoring ball counter with a value of "2 or more" may be "Pattern 3 (e.g., the light color changes)."

[0310] In this case, it is possible to improve the performance. The change in the visual appearance is not particularly limited, and examples of the change include a configuration in which the light emitting mode of the light emitting means provided corresponding to each of the allocating devices 407-410 changes, a change in the visual appearance of a movable role object provided corresponding to each of the allocating devices 407-410 changes, and a case in which a transparent display device is provided in front of the central unit 401, in which the visual appearance of the display unit of the display device changes. The configuration for changing the visual appearance of the allocating devices 407-410 based on information on the presence of game balls in the first specific area 403 (detection information of various detection switches) corresponds to the allocating visual appearance changing means.

[0311] (b-2; Utilization of each detection switch of the central unit 401) The method of using the detection information of each detection switch of the central unit 401 is not particularly limited, and can be changed appropriately for each model. Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, it may be configured to be able to derive a corresponding sound effect or a performance by a change in a dedicated visual recognition mode based on the detection of the detection switch. It is also possible to make the derived performance different depending on the combination of detection information. For example, when the first ball entrance detection switch 224a is detected, the performance instructing that a jackpot state occurs may be different between the case where there is detection information of the third distribution center discharge detection switch 454 and the case where there is detection information of the third distribution side discharge detection switch 455, or a discharge record flag indicating the occurrence of each discharge detection switch may be provided, and when the first ball entrance detection switch 224a is detected with all discharge record flags set to on, the performance during the jackpot state may be different from the other cases.

[0312] (b-3: Entrance of the central unit) In the above embodiment, the central unit 401 has one entrance (ball entry opening 404) to the first specific area 403, but it may be provided in multiple places. For example, in the first embodiment, the central unit 401 may be configured to have a first entrance that guides the player to a route that increases the arrival rate of the game ball to the third distribution device 409 and a second entrance that guides the player to a route that increases the entry rate of the game ball to the second type non-electric accessory operation port 427, so that the player can choose between them. In this case, the player can select which entrance to aim at, and the game can be expanded. In addition, the game may be configured so that a game ball that enters the first entrance may enter the second type non-electric accessory operation port 427, or a game ball that enters the second entrance may enter the first start winning device 33a.

[0313] Furthermore, an opening / closing member that is opened when a predetermined lottery is won may be provided at the entrance of the first specific area 403. For example, a first start winning device without a blade member (a small winning state in which the opening / closing member is opened in a winning / losing lottery based on a ball entering the first start winning device) is provided at a position where a game ball moving in the left side area of ​​the game area can enter, and a special winning device with a blade member that is opened in conjunction with a game ball that entered the second type non-electric role operation port 427 is provided at the position of the first start winning device 33a in the above embodiment, a 16-round jackpot state is granted based on a ball entering the special winning device (continued from the second round onwards), and a transition to a probability variable mode is made after the jackpot state ends, and a 16-round jackpot state is granted when a winning / losing lottery in the probability variable mode that is won in 1 / 32 based on a ball entering the second start winning device in the right side area is won, and a transition to a normal mode is made after the jackpot state ends.

[0314] (b-4) In the above embodiment, the internal structure of the central unit 401, for example, the number, arrangement, and connection of the distribution devices, is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed for each model. However, the internal structure of the central unit 401 is also configured so that the behavior of the game balls until they are discharged from the game area can be visually confirmed by the player. For example, in the above embodiment, each distribution device is configured not to be displaced, but (at least when the game balls are present in the first specific area 403) a dish-shaped member provided with a plurality of holes (constant guide hole portion 421, discharge hole portion, etc.) may be configured to operate at a constant speed and in a constant pattern, or in a specified distribution device, a movable portion capable of changing the traveling direction of the game balls may be configured to operate at a constant rhythm.

[0315] (c; interlocking mechanism with the blade member, and mechanism for switching the interlocking state) The configuration for interlocking the game ball moving through the interlocking passage 442 with the blade member 415, and the configuration for interlocking the game ball that has entered the first start winning device 33a with the blade member 415 are not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. The configuration of the interlocking state change device 461 is also not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the interlocking state change device 461 may be configured to restrict the displacement of the lever member 443 and the push-up member 441 in the reference position in the interlocking restricted state. In this case, by setting the interlocking state change device 461 to the interlocking restricted state, the lever member 443 or the push-up member 441 is held in the reference position, so that it becomes impossible to use the lever member 443 and the push-up member 441 to open the blade member 415. Therefore, for example, when there is a possibility of fraud or when no game is being played, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts such as fraudulently setting the blade members 415 to the open position by setting the interlocking state-changing device 461 to the interlocking restricted state. Note that an interlocking cover member that covers the interlocking state-changing device 461 may be provided to prevent acts such as fraudulently operating the interlocking configuration to set the blade members 415 to the open position or forcibly changing the interlocking state-changing device 461 from the interlocking restricted state to the interlocking permitted state.

[0316] Furthermore, a misdeed ball storage means may be provided to guide and store the game balls prevented from reaching the lever member 443 by the interlocking state changing device 461 in the interlocking restricted state. In this case, a trace of the misdeed ball can be left, which can be used for crime prevention measures and responses after the discovery of misdeeds. Furthermore, the misdeed ball storage means may be configured so that the stored game balls can be seen from the outside, and the stored game balls cannot be taken out unless a predetermined trace (a crimping mechanism may be provided, or a detection switch capable of detecting the stored game balls is provided, and the detection information of the detection switch is stored and stored in the pachinko machine 10 or output to the outside of the pachinko machine 10, etc.) is left. In addition, the misdeed ball storage means may store a plurality of game balls one by one in such a way that the order in which they were stored can be known (there may be a plurality of storage sections, and some of the game balls stored in the storage sections become part of the passage for the following game balls).

[0317] (d; Setting of error state) In the above embodiment, the trigger for interrupting the game, issuing a corresponding notification, and performing the error processing for putting the interlocking state changing device 461 into the interlocking restricted state is not particularly limited, and can be changed for each model. For example, (in the case of a design in which about one in 50 balls enters the first specific area 403), when a first specified number (e.g., 10 balls) or more of game balls are detected by the first distribution ball detection switch 448 in one minute, when a second specified number (e.g., 5 balls) or more of game balls are detected by the first distribution ball detection switch 448 in five seconds, the error processing may be performed. In this case, it is possible to grasp that there is a possibility that an illegal operation of placing game balls in the first specific area 403 is being performed, and a confirmation operation or the like can be performed.

[0318] The content of the error processing is not particularly limited, and can be changed appropriately for each model. Furthermore, the content of the error processing may be configured to differ depending on the type of error.

[0319] (e; Guidance state teaching means) In the above embodiment, an open / closed display member may be provided as a guidance state teaching means that is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 and can be switched between an open display (guidance response mode) indicating that the blade member 415 is in the open position and a closed display (non-guidance response mode) indicating that the blade member 415 is in the closed position. The specific configuration of the open / closed display member is not particularly limited, and for example, when the open position detection sensor 465 detects that the blade member 415 is in the open position, a corresponding solenoid is excited to display the open state. In this way, by providing the open / closed display member, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the blade member 415 is not noticed to be in the open position.

[0320] Also, it is desirable to provide the opening / closing display member as close as possible to the ball entrance opening 404 of the central unit 401, and for example, the opening / closing display member may be provided at a position corresponding to the upstream side of the first specific area 403 from the first distribution device 407. In other words, in this embodiment, the first start winning device 33a (wing member 415), the second type non-electric role operating port 427, and the ball entrance opening 404 are provided relatively far apart from each other. For this reason, if a player is distracted by the game balls attempting to enter the ball entry opening 404 or the behavior of the game balls at the first distribution device 407, the player may not notice when the game ball enters the second type non-electric device operation opening 427 and the blade member 415 is set to the open position (particularly when multiple distribution devices are installed, there is a greater possibility that the player will be watching the behavior of the game balls at the distribution devices and miss the game ball entering the second type non-electric device operation opening 427).

[0321] In this regard, by providing the open / close indicator member corresponding to the most upstream side of the first specific area 403, the change in state of the open / close indicator member can be sufficiently seen by the player even if the player is viewing the first sorting device 407 and the like on the upstream side of the first specific area 403. This makes it easier for the player to notice that the blade members 415 have been set to the open position. Therefore, the player can fully enjoy a relatively uplifting game while being aware that the blade members 415 are in the open position, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player stops playing without noticing that the blade members 415 are in the open position.

[0322] In addition, it is preferable that the open display of the open / close display member is in a mode that easily reminds the player that the blade member 415 is in the open position (e.g., switching between "open" and "closed"). In addition, a means for instructing that the open display member and the blade member 415 are related may be provided. For example, a configuration may be made in which a plurality of light-emitting means are provided between the open / close display member and the blade member 415, and the plurality of light-emitting means flash sequentially in conjunction with the open display of the open / close display member. In addition, a role that imitates the shape of the blade member 415 may be used as the open / close display member. Furthermore, the open / close display member may be provided in the vicinity of the ball entrance opening 404. In this case, a game can be played in which the game ball is launched toward the ball entrance opening 404 while keeping in mind that the blade member 415 is in the open position.

[0323] (f;Add linkage) (f-1: Guidance state teaching means) The device is provided with a guidance state teaching means (for example, a movable device in which the characters visible to the player are switched between "open" and "closed") that can be switched between a guidance corresponding mode indicating that the blade member 415 is in the open position and a non-guidance corresponding mode indicating that the blade member 415 is in the closed position, an open additional interlocking means that comes into contact with the game ball after the lever member 443 (and thus the blade member 415) is interlocked and sets the guidance state teaching means to the guidance corresponding mode, and a closed additional interlocking means that interlocks with the game ball that has entered the first start winning device 33a in which the blade member 415 is in the open position and sets the guidance state teaching means to the non-guidance corresponding mode. (a signboard unit having the word "OPEN" on the front and the word "CLOSED" on the back is provided on the upper end of a shaft that can rotate around an axis extending in the vertical direction, and a switching push-out valve that can appear and disappear is provided on the lower end of the shaft between an open passage through which a game ball that has passed through the interlocking passage is guided and a closed passage through which a game ball that has entered the first start-up winning device 33a is guided, and a game ball passing through the open passage presses the switching push-out valve, causing the shaft and the signboard unit to rotate so that the word "OPEN" becomes visible, and a game ball passing through the closed passage presses the switching push-out valve, causing the shaft and the signboard unit to rotate so that the word "CLOSED" becomes visible).

[0324] In this case, the state of the guide state teaching means can be mechanically switched by using the game balls discharged outside the pachinko machine 10 in association with the wing member 415 being in the open position and the wing member 415 being in the closed position. Therefore, the state of the wing member 415 can be reliably taught without electrical control.

[0325] In addition, a decorative movable member may be provided that is linked with the game ball that has entered the second type non-electric accessory operating port 427. However, it is preferable that the linkage mechanism for the decorative movable member is provided downstream of the lever member 443 so that there is no influence of the linkage between the game ball moving through the linkage passage 442 and the lever member 443.

[0326] (f-2; The second start winning device is a second type non-electric device) In the above first embodiment, the second start winning device 33b may be configured as a non-electric device that is not electrically operated, but is opened in conjunction with a game ball entering the first start winning device 33a, and is closed in conjunction with a game ball entering the second start winning device 33b. In this case, the variable display of the special display devices 43a and 43b can be reserved and stored for one time, and the big win state is started by the ball entering the first start winning device 33a, and the second start winning device 33b is opened. When a game ball enters the second start winning device 33b that is opened, the variable display of the special display device 43b is reserved and stored for one time, and the second start winning device 33b is closed. After the big win state ends, the reserved variable display of the special display device 43b is performed (the winning lottery is won with a 100% probability as in the above embodiment), and the big win state starts after the fluctuation stops. In this case, it is possible to generate two big win states without a configuration that gives a time-saving mode after the big win state based on the ball entering the first start winning device 33a.

[0327] (f-3; Wing member also at the second type non-electric role operation port) In the above first embodiment, the second type non-electric role operation port 427 may also be provided with an opening / closing member similar to the first start-up winning device 33a, and the wing member of the second type non-electric role operation port 427 may be configured to be set to the open position in conjunction with a game ball that enters a specified operation port (for example, the first start-up winning device 33a). In this case, a state in which the ease of a game ball entering the second type non-electric device operating port 427 can be different can be provided. For example, in conjunction with a game ball that has entered the first start winning device 33a, the blade member of the second type non-electric device operating port 427 is opened, and in the state in which the blade member is opened, a game ball that has entered the fourth discharge hole portion 429 (which may be one or both) of the fourth distribution device 410 also enters the second type non-electric device operating port 427 (which may be configured to always enter, or which may or may not enter). In this case, after a game ball enters the first start winning device 33a and a jackpot state occurs once, the second type non-electric device 427 is opened, making it easier for the first start winning device 33a to be opened, and thus increasing the expectation of the next jackpot occurrence.

[0328] (g; destination of the specified number of times allocation device) In the above second embodiment, the game ball is guided to the fifth allocation device 807 by the specified number of times allocation device 821 in the passing state, but the fifth allocation device 807 may be omitted and the game ball may be guided to the second type non-electric device operation port 810. In addition, in the fifth allocation device 807, there may be an allocation that discharges the game ball outside the game area, and there may be no allocation that guides the game ball to the third allocation device 805 (a passage where the game ball may enter the first start winning device 808). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the game ball cannot reach the second type non-electric device operation port 810 unless it passes through the specified number of times allocation device 821, but the game ball may be configured to enter the second type non-electric device operation port 810 without passing through the specified number of times allocation device 821 (with a relatively low probability). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the specified number of times distribution device 821 alternates between a state in which the game ball is guided to the fifth distribution device 807 only once and a state in which the game ball is discharged outside the game area only three times, but the rate at which the game ball is guided is not particularly limited, and for example, it may alternate between a state in which the game ball is guided to the fifth distribution device 807 only twice and a state in which the game ball is discharged outside the game area only six times.

[0329] For example, the specified number of times sorting device 821 may guide the game ball to three or more destinations. For example, when the number of times the game ball has been guided is the specified number of times (4 times, 0 times remaining), the game ball is guided to the second type non-electric device operating port 810, and when there are three times remaining until the specified number of times and when there is only one time remaining, the game ball is discharged outside the game area, and when there are two times remaining, the game ball is guided to a newly prepared general winning port.

[0330] (h; remaining number grasping means) In the above second embodiment, the device may be provided with a phase grasping device (sensor, etc.) capable of grasping the current rotational phase of the feed member 824 of the specified number distribution device 821, a phase difference grasping function (memory area, calculation function, etc.) capable of grasping the difference between the reference phase of the feed member 824 at which the safe feed area 829 of the feed member 824 communicates with the entrance passage portion 822, and the current phase, and a display device capable of displaying specified information, and may be configured to display information on how many more times the game balls need to enter the specified number distribution device 821 until the safe feed area 829 of the feed member 824 communicates with the entrance passage portion 822 (a state in which the game balls are guided to the fifth distribution device 807 by the specified number distribution device 821). In this case, various controls can be performed according to the remaining number of times until the game ball is guided to the fifth distribution device 807, and game guidance such as an explanation of the status of the specified number of times distribution device 821 and presentation according to the remaining number of times can be performed. Therefore, a smoother game progress can be achieved.

[0331] In addition, the configuration for instructing the remaining number of times until the specified number of times allocating device 821 guides the game ball to the fifth allocating device 807 is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. For example, if a three-color LED is provided as the number of times linking means, and the first specified number of times that the specified number of times allocating device 821 guides the game ball to the fifth allocating device 807 and the second specified number of times that the specified number of times allocating device 821 discharges the game ball to the outside of the game area are each set to two times, the LED emits blue light when the second specified number of times remaining is two, emits red light when the second specified number of times remaining is one, flashes yellow when the second specified number of times remaining is zero (the first specified number of times remaining is two), and flashes white when the first specified number of times remaining is one, it becomes easier for players to notice that the state (state, posture, direction, position, etc.) of the specified number allocating device 821 changes every time it guides a game ball, and the performance can be improved. Therefore, the effect of adding a rhythm to the game and improving the willingness to play is more reliably achieved. In addition, in the case of a configuration in which a game ball that entered the specified number of times allocating device 821 is guided to the fifth allocating device 807 multiple times in succession, a first remaining number teaching means for teaching the remaining number of times that the game ball that entered the specified number of times allocating device 821 will be guided to the fifth allocating device 807 may be provided. In this case, it is easy to grasp how many more times the specified number of times allocating device 821 can guide the game ball to the fifth allocating device 807, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the game ends without taking advantage of the opportunity.

[0332] (i; Change in appearance of the specified number of times allocating device) In the above second embodiment, a state interlocking means may be provided in the specified number of times allocating device 821 or in its vicinity, which changes the visual appearance of the specified number of times allocating device 821 when the blade member 809 of the first start winning device 808 is in the open position and when it is in the closed position. In other words, after the blade member 809 is in the open position, even if a game ball is inserted into the second type non-electric role operation port 810, there is no change in the blade member 809. Therefore, for example, by making the visual appearance of the specified number of times allocating device 821 as inconspicuous as possible (for example, by dimming the lighting), it is possible to not draw much attention to the movement of the game ball to the second type non-electric role operation port 810 side (when the game ball is guided to the third allocating device 805 by the fifth allocating device 807, a corresponding performance may be performed relatively flashily). That is, it is possible to make it easier to recognize that there is no action of opening the blade member 809 to the open position even if a ball enters the second type non-electric role operation port 810, and to make it difficult for a player to witness an undesirable situation such as game balls entering the second type non-electric role operation port 810 twice. On the other hand, when the blade member 809 is in the closed position, the specified number of times allocation device 821 is made relatively conspicuous, increasing the attention to the specified number of times allocation device 821, and ensuring that the player can enjoy the playability related to the specified number of times allocation device 821.

[0333] (j) Although not specifically mentioned in the second embodiment, the allocating device 803-807 may be provided with an allocating visual mode changing means (such as a light emitting device, a movable accessory, a display device, etc.) capable of changing the visual mode of each allocating device 803-807, and an allocating ball entering detection means (such as the allocating ball entering detection switches 448-451 in the first embodiment) capable of detecting game balls entering each allocating device 803-807. In this case, it is possible to enhance the visibility of the player who follows the behavior of the game balls in the specific area 802 with his eyes, improve the performance, etc., by making the allocating devices 803-807 with game balls (and the allocating devices 803-807 that may be guided next) stand out and making the allocating devices 803-807 with no game balls look less appealing.

[0334] (k; Game board) In the above embodiment, the game board 30 is made of transparent resin, but it may be made of opaque material or partially made of transparent resin. However, when the game ball is moved once to the rear side of the game board 30 and then returned to the front side of the game board 30, the game board is configured so that the entire path on the way thereto is visible.

[0335] (l) In the above embodiment, data exchange (so-called mobile-linked play) may be performed between the pachinko machine 10 and a server operated by a gaming machine manufacturer or the like via a communication mobile terminal owned by the player. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a two-dimensional code including the current game information is displayed on the liquid crystal display device when the mobile-linked play is ended, and the player reads the two-dimensional code with a mobile communication terminal and accesses the server with the mobile communication terminal, the game information is transmitted to the server, the pachinko machine 10 may be equipped with a fluctuation counter that counts the number of fluctuations of the special display devices 43a and 43b, a jackpot counter that counts the number of occurrences of various jackpot states, etc., and the two-dimensional code displayed on the liquid crystal display device at the end of the mobile-linked play may be configured to include information indicating the values ​​of the various counters. Furthermore, the two-dimensional code may also include information on the total number of game balls shot, the type of derived performance and the number of times, the number of times the player operated the performance button 125 during the button performance, etc. In this case, the gaming machine manufacturer can grasp the gaming situation. The counter value may be erased by being converted into a two-dimensional code, but may be stored otherwise (even when the power is turned off).

[0336] (m) In the above embodiment, the probability of winning, the number of types of winning, the opening and closing pattern of the variable winning device 32 for each type of winning are not particularly limited, and can be set appropriately for each machine. In addition, a state of high probability and low ball entry state ("latent mode") may be provided. Furthermore, the winning state in which the potential mode is given may not be a winning state in which an increase in game balls is expected (so-called "jackpot with ball output"), but a winning state in which the variable winning device 32 is opened for a short time, the number of winning rounds is small, and an increase in game balls is hardly expected (so-called "jackpot without ball output"). For example, the variable winning device 32 may be opened for 0.4 seconds as one round, and the winning state may be configured to end after the round is repeated twice. In addition, a small winning state (a winning state with a predetermined probability when the jackpot state does not occur) in which the variable winning device 32 is opened and closed in the same pattern as the winning state in which the potential mode is given may be provided. In this case, since it becomes difficult to tell whether the potential mode has been granted, it is possible to implement a presentation or the like that suggests whether the potential mode has been granted or not.

[0337] (n) In the above embodiment, the number of the variable winning device 32 is one, but two may be provided. Furthermore, the arrangement and number of the first start winning device 33a, the second start winning device 33b, the through gate 34, the variable winning device 32, etc. are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately arranged for each model.

[0338] (o) The present invention may be embodied as a pachinko machine of a type different from the above embodiment. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a pachinko machine having a specific area into which a game ball moving in the game area can enter, a variable ball entry means having a movable means (opening / closing member) that can be changed between an open state that allows a ball to enter the specific area and a closed state that prohibits a ball from entering the specific area, a specific ball entry means and a non-specific ball entry means into which a game ball that has entered the specific area can enter, a specific ball entry detection means (condition establishment detection means) that detects a game ball that has entered the specific ball entry means, a special start means that is provided outside the specific area into which a game ball moving in the game area can enter, a special start detection means that detects a game ball that has entered the special start means, and a main control means that controls the opening and closing of the variable ball entry means, and when a game ball enters the specific area, a control means that determines whether the game ball will enter the specific ball entry means or the non-specific ball entry means, In this case, the player is given a predetermined number of game values ​​(game balls), and the main control means, based on the detection of the special start detection means, performs a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a small win state in which the variable ball entry means is opened once or multiple times for a first time, or the variable ball entry means is opened for a second time longer than the first time, or a big win state in which a predetermined number of game balls enter the variable winning means opened is regarded as one round, and this is repeated a predetermined number of times, and if a small win is won in the lottery, a small win state is generated, and if a big win is won in the lottery, or if the specific ball entry detection means is detected in the small win state, a big win state is generated. When this configuration is adopted, the guide means may guide the game ball to the specific ball entry means.

[0339] In addition, in the above embodiment, game balls are paid out as game value to the upper tray 19 and the lower tray 15 into which the player can insert and remove game balls. However, for example, the game balls launched by the launching device 60 and guided to the game area may be circulated and used inside the pachinko machine (alternatively, a device for cleaning the game balls may be interposed), and the game balls may not be able to be removed by the player (from the front side of the pachinko machine 10). In other words, while the configuration related to the tank 355 to which the game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are replenished becomes unnecessary, a mechanism for bringing the game balls discharged from the game area to the launching device 60 (ball sending device 63) (a storage section for game balls, a mechanism for sending the game balls from the storage section to the launching device 60; it may also serve as a storage section, or the game balls may be sent basically only by the height difference, or the game balls may be sent by an electric sending device), and a configuration for discharging or filling the game balls from the pachinko machine for maintenance or movement of the game balls and the pachinko machine is provided. In addition, in the mechanism for bringing the game balls discharged from the game area to the launching device 60 (ball sending device 63), a configuration is provided in which the game balls (corresponding number) are led out to a position where the game balls can be seen by the player, like the upper tray 19 in the above embodiment, and the game balls on the upper tray 19 cannot be touched by the player (they are covered with a transparent plate-like body or the like).

[0340] [Note] The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below.

[0341] Means A. Conventionally, as a type of gaming machine, for example, a pachinko machine is known. A pachinko machine is a machine in which a game is played using a gaming ball, and the machine is provided with a gaming area in which the gaming ball can move, and the gaming ball launched by a launching means is guided to the gaming area.

[0342] Additionally, some pachinko machines are equipped with a specific ball entry means having a specific area into which a game ball moving within the game area can enter, and when a game ball that enters such a specific area enters a special ball entry means within the same area, a game state advantageous to the player is created (see, for example, JP 11-197312 A).

[0343] Meanwhile, gaming machines are constantly being required to incorporate new configurations and the like to provide new entertainment value.

[0344] The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve entertainment value.

[0345] Means A-1. A game area to which the game ball launched by the launching means is guided; A specific area into which a game ball moving through the game area can enter; A first ball entry means having a ball entry section into which a game ball moving in the specific area can enter, and a second ball entry means, A configuration in which an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player is given based on the entry of a game ball into the first ball entry means, The first ball entry means includes a guide means capable of changing between a guide state in which the game ball moving beside the front ball entry portion of the first ball entry means is guided to the ball entry portion and a non-guiding state in which the game ball is not guided; A gaming machine characterized by having an opening interlocking means which mechanically interlocks with a gaming ball that has entered the first ball entry means or the second ball entry means to change the guiding means, which is in the unguided state, to the guiding state.

[0346] According to the means A-1, by setting the guiding means of the first ball entry means in the guiding state, it is possible to increase the probability of the game ball entering the first ball entry means. Therefore, by having the game ball enter the specific area the next time, it becomes a great chance to have the game ball enter the first ball entry means. In other words, it becomes a great chance to obtain an advantageous state, in other words, a state in which the probability of the advantageous state occurring is increased (a so-called state like a probability fluctuation state), and it is possible to greatly increase the willingness to play. As a result, it is possible to add more variety to the game, and it is possible to improve interest, etc.

[0347] In addition, when the opening interlocking means is configured to be interlocked with the game ball that has entered the first ball entry means, it is a chance to generate the next advantageous state (to acquire advantageous states consecutively) not long after the end of the advantageous state, and for example, when a relatively large amount of game value can be acquired with the advantageous state, a relatively large increase in game value can be expected. Therefore, it is possible to greatly increase the expectation of the player when an advantageous state occurs, and also to allow the player to enjoy a special sense of elation when playing a game in which the guidance means is in the guidance state.

[0348] The configuration of the "guide means" is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a configuration that can rotate around a rotation axis extending forward and backward on both sides of the ball entry section (an opening and closing member that can be displaced between a guiding position where a game ball moving along the side of the ball entry section can be guided toward the ball entry section, and a non-guiding position that prevents the game ball from entering the ball entry section from the side of the previous ball entry section), or a configuration that can change its state between a state where it protrudes into the game area and a state where it retracts from the game area, or a configuration that includes a guide section that can guide a game ball moving along the side of the ball entry section toward the ball entry section, and a switching section that is provided above the guide section and can change its state between a state that allows the game ball to fall into the guide section and a state that prevents the game ball from falling into the guide section.

[0349] In addition, ``to the side of the front entry portion of the first entry means'' refers to the area adjacent to the entry portion, and if the guiding means displaces in a direction including left and right when it is changed from a non-guiding state to a guiding state, it will be to the left and right sides, and if it displaces in a direction including the front, it will be to the front.

[0350] Means A-2. The gaming machine described in Means A-1, characterized in that the opening interlocking means interlocks a gaming ball that has entered the second ball entry means with the guidance means, which is in the unguided state, and puts the guidance means into the guidance state.

[0351] According to the means A-2, the player can enjoy the behavior of the game ball in the specific area for a longer period of time by praying for the game ball to enter the first ball entry means, and even if the game ball has no chance of entering the first ball entry means, the player can still pray for the game ball to enter the second ball entry means. Therefore, the time period during which the game ball's behavior can be enjoyed can be increased, and fatigue can be suppressed.

[0352] Means A-3. The first ball entry means is configured so that a game ball can be entered into the front ball entry section of the first ball entry means even when the guiding means is in the unguided state; The specific region is a first guide passage through which a passing game ball may enter the first ball entry means; a first unguided passage through which a passing game ball has no possibility of entering the first ball entry means; A first distribution means is provided for distributing game balls to the first guide passage and the first unguided passage at a specific ratio, the specific area includes a conditional first guidance passage which is set as the first guidance passage when the guidance means is in the guidance state, and which is set as the first unguided passage when the guidance means is in the unguided state, The gaming machine described in means A-1 or A-2, characterized in that the first distribution means is equipped with a guidance change distribution means having a constant guidance section that guides the gaming ball to the first guide passage through which a passing gaming ball has the possibility of entering the first ball entry means, regardless of whether the guidance means is in the guidance state or the non-guiding state, and a conditional guidance section that guides the gaming ball to the conditional first guide passage.

[0353] According to the method A-3, by providing the first distribution means, the moving path of the game ball in the specific area can be limited to some extent, and by providing the first distribution means, the points where the game ball's behavior can be shown can be concentrated while securing a random element. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the behavior of the game ball in the specific area while adding a sharpness, and it is possible to further increase interest in the behavior of the game ball.

[0354] In addition, in the guidance change distribution means, when the guidance means is in the guidance state, the game ball that has reached the guidance change distribution means can be guided to the first ball entry means side not only when it is guided by the constant guidance section, but also when it is guided by the conditional guidance section. Therefore, the value of the guidance means being in the guidance state can be increased, and the above-mentioned action effect of increasing the willingness to play by having the guidance means in the guidance state is further achieved.

[0355] In addition, the game ball that has reached the guidance change distribution means may be guided to the constant guidance section or the conditional guidance section. In this case, when the guidance means is in the guidance state, the guidance change distribution means does not guide the game ball to the first unguided passage, which is undesirable for the player, and the game ball can be reliably advanced toward the first ball entry means. Therefore, the value of the guidance means being in the guidance state can be further increased, and the effect of increasing the player's motivation to play by the guidance means being in the guidance state is more prominent. On the other hand, the guidance change distribution means may be provided with a miss guidance section that guides the game ball to the first unguided passage (and the second unguided passage) regardless of whether the guidance means is in the guidance state or the unguided state. In this case, the game ball's behavior in the guidance change distribution means can be greatly enjoyed even when the guidance means is in the guidance state.

[0356] Means A-4. A gaming machine described in Means A-3, characterized in that part of the first unguided passage includes a second guide passage through which a passing gaming ball may enter the second ball entry means, and a second unguided passage through which a passing gaming ball may not enter the second ball entry means.

[0357] According to the means A-4, even if the game ball is guided to the first unguided passage, it may be guided to the second guide passage. Furthermore, the second unguided passage is also provided in the first unguided passage, and a simple game in which the game ball enters the second ball entry means when the game ball does not enter the first ball entry means is avoided. Therefore, it is possible to further diversify the behavior of the game ball in the specific area.

[0358] In addition, it may be possible to provide "a first entrance guided to the first guide passage and a second entrance guided to the second guide passage of the first unguided passage as the entrances to the specific area." In this case, the player can select which entrance to aim at, and the gameplay can be expanded. In addition, the first guide passage also includes a second guide passage (before the branch to the second ball entry means of the first guide passage) and a second unguided passage (the entire passage where a passing game ball has no possibility of entering the second ball entry means).

[0359] Means A-5. A second distribution means is provided for distributing game balls to the second guide passage and the second non-guide passage at a specific ratio; The gaming machine described in means A-4 is characterized in that a second guide detection means for detecting gaming balls guided to the second guide passage and a second unguided detection means for detecting gaming balls guided to the second unguided passage are provided in correspondence with the second distribution means.

[0360] According to the means A-5, it is possible to quickly teach or produce a performance as to whether or not the game ball has been guided to the second guide passage. Also, in a configuration that can grasp that the guide means is in the guide state, it is possible to determine whether or not the state change of the guide means is due to the ball entering the second ball entry means normally.

[0361] Means A-6. A first guide detection means for detecting a game ball guided to the first guide passage and a first unguided detection means for detecting a game ball guided to the first unguided passage are provided in correspondence with the first distribution means; The gaming machine described in means A-4 or A-5 is characterized in that it is equipped with an allocation visual mode change means that can change the visual mode of the first allocation means and the second allocation means based on detection by the first guidance detection means, the first uninformed detection means, the second guidance detection means, and the second uninformed detection means.

[0362] According to the means A-6, for example, the distribution means where the game ball is present (and the subsequent distribution means) are illuminated, when the guiding means is in the unguided state, the second ball entrance means and the distribution means immediately preceding it are illuminated, and when the guiding means is in the guiding state, the second ball entrance means and the second distribution means provided in the second guide passage of the first unguided passage are darkened, thereby improving the presentation, etc. Also, by providing the first guidance detection means and the first unguided detection means, it is possible to teach or present whether the game ball has been guided to the first guide passage.

[0363] In addition, examples of the "distribution visual recognition mode changing means" include lighting, movable props (movable decorations, etc.), and a transparent display device placed in front of the play area.

[0364] Means A-7. A first ball entry detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the first ball entry means; A second ball entry detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the second ball entry means; A discharge detection means (the first unguided detection means and the second unguided detection means) for detecting game balls guided to the first unguided passage and the second unguided passage; A gaming machine described in any of means A-4 to A-6, characterized in that it is equipped with a remaining ball grasping means for grasping the number of gaming balls present in the specific area based on detection information from the first ball entry detection means, the second ball entry detection means, and the discharge detection means.

[0365] According to the means A-7, it is possible to grasp ball jams in a specific area, and to grasp fraudulent acts such as illegally putting game balls into a specific area.

[0366] In addition, the remaining ball grasping means may be provided with a second corresponding remaining ball grasping means for grasping the number of game balls present in the first unguided passage and the second guide passage. In this case, it is possible to identify where in the specific area the cheating may have occurred.

[0367] Means A-8. A closing interlocking means for mechanically interlocking with the game ball that has entered the first ball entry means to change the guiding means from the guiding state to the non-guiding state; and an advantageous state ball entry means for allowing a game ball moving in the game area (outside the specific area) to enter the game area when the advantageous state is established, A gaming machine described in any of means A-1 to A-7, characterized in that in the gaming area, at least a portion of the range in which a gaming ball is launched with the aim of landing in the advantageous state ball landing means and the range in which a gaming ball is launched with the aim of landing in the specific area do not overlap.

[0368] According to means A-8, in an advantageous state where a ball can enter the advantageous state ball entry means, it is possible to prevent the waste of a game ball entering a specific area, and ultimately the first ball entry means (particularly in a configuration in which the guiding means of the first ball entry means is set to a guiding state when a game ball enters the first ball entry means, the guiding state of the guiding means may be set to an advantageous state, and in that case, if the game ball enters the first ball entry means, the guiding means will be set to a non-guiding state, which is a very large disadvantage).

[0369] Means A-9. A gaming machine described in any of means A-1 to A-8, characterized in that it is provided with a partition means that separates a specific passing position where a passing gaming ball enters the first ball entry means whether the guiding means is in the guiding state or the unguided state, from a conditional specific passing position where a passing gaming ball enters the first ball entry means in the guiding state of the guiding means, but where a passing gaming ball cannot enter the first ball entry means in the unguided state of the guiding means.

[0370] According to means A-9, even without making the first ball entry means complex and relatively large in configuration, it is possible to prevent a game ball from entering the first ball entry means from a conditional specific passing position when the guiding means is in an unguided state, while reliably allowing a game ball that has passed through the conditional specific passing position to enter the first ball entry means when the guiding means is in a guiding state.

[0371] Means B. Conventionally, as a type of gaming machine, for example, a pachinko machine is known. A pachinko machine is a machine in which a game is played using a gaming ball, and the machine is provided with a gaming area in which the gaming ball can move, and the gaming ball launched by a launching means is guided to the gaming area.

[0372] Additionally, some pachinko machines are equipped with a specific ball entry means having a specific area into which a game ball moving within the game area can enter, and when a game ball that enters such a specific area enters a special ball entry means within the same area, a game state advantageous to the player is created (see, for example, JP 11-197312 A).

[0373] Meanwhile, gaming machines are constantly being required to incorporate new configurations and the like to provide new entertainment value.

[0374] The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve entertainment value.

[0375] Means B-0. A game area to which the game ball launched by the launching means is guided; A specific area into which a game ball moving through the game area can enter; A first ball entry means capable of changing between an open state in which a game ball moving in the specific area can or easily enters the ball entry and a closed state in which a game ball cannot or has difficulty entering the ball entry; A special area (a specified number of times allocation device) into which a game ball moving through the game area or the specific area can enter; A gaming machine characterized in that the first ball entry means may be put into the open state by causing the gaming ball to reach the special area a specified number of times or more.

[0376] According to the means B-0, it is possible to provide a game feature in which the player's operation brings the player closer to the award of the bonus (and gradually approaches the award of the bonus), such as by getting the game ball to reach the special area multiple times and getting the bonus of opening the first ball entry means. Therefore, the player can enjoy the game with more empathy, for example, feeling a greater sense of elation when the player gets closer to the award of the bonus. In addition, since the bonus is not awarded if the number of times the game ball reaches the special area is less than the specified number of times, the time period during which the player can feel elated and the opportunities for the performance can be increased, and the game feature can be improved. As a result, the interest can be increased.

[0377] Means B-1. A game area to which the game ball launched by the launching means is guided; A first ball entry means having a ball entry section into which a game ball moving in the game area can enter, and a second ball entry means, A configuration in which an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player is given based on the entry of a game ball into the first ball entry means, The first ball entry means includes a guide means capable of changing between a guide state in which the game ball moving beside the front ball entry portion of the first ball entry means is guided to the ball entry portion and a non-guiding state in which the game ball is not guided; An opening interlocking means is provided for mechanically interlocking with the game ball that has entered the second ball entry means to change the guide means from the non-guiding state to the guiding state, a second guide passage through which a passing game ball may enter the second ball entry means; a second blind passage through which a passing game ball has no possibility of entering the second ball entry means; A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming machine is configured to be able to change between a passing state in which the gaming ball is guided to the second guide passage and a non-passing state in which the gaming ball is guided to the second unguided passage, and is provided with a specified number of times allocation means that alternately repeats guiding the gaming ball to the second guide passage a first specified number of times and guiding the gaming ball to the second unguided passage a second specified number of times.

[0378] According to the means B-1, by setting the guiding means of the first ball entry means to the guiding state, the probability of the game ball entering the first ball entry means can be increased, and it becomes a great chance to make the game ball enter the first ball entry means. In other words, it becomes a great chance to obtain an advantageous state, in other words, a state in which the probability of the advantageous state occurring is increased (a so-called state like a probability fluctuation state), and it can greatly increase the willingness to play. As a result, it is possible to add more variety to the game, and it is possible to improve the interest, etc.

[0379] Incidentally, in order to put the guiding means into the guiding state, it is necessary to cause the game ball to enter the second ball entry means, and in order to cause the game ball to enter the second ball entry means, it is necessary to cause the specified number of times distribution means in the passing state to guide the game ball to the second guide passage side. Here, the specified number of times distribution means alternately repeats a state in which the game ball is guided to the second guide passage a first specified number of times and a state in which the game ball is guided to the second unguided passage a second specified number of times, and if the specified number of times distribution means is caused to guide the game ball to the second unguided passage a second specified number of times, the next time, it can be caused to cause the specified number of times distribution means to guide the game ball to the second guide passage.

[0380] Therefore, by setting the prescribed number of times distribution means to a passing state, the probability of the game ball entering the second ball entry means can be increased, and it becomes a great chance to make the game ball enter the second ball entry means. In other words, it becomes a great chance to set the guiding means of the first ball entry means to a guiding state, and it can greatly increase the willingness to play. As a result, it is possible to add more variety to the game, and it is possible to improve the interest, etc.

[0381] In addition, the second ball entrance means may be configured to be reachable only when the game ball is guided to the first guide passage by the specified number of times distribution means. In this case, the effect of providing the specified number of times distribution means is more reliably achieved.

[0382] Means B-2. A gaming machine described in means B-1, characterized in that the second specified number of times is a plurality of times.

[0383] According to the means B-2, not only is it possible to switch between a passing state where the game ball can be put into the second ball entry means and a non-passing state where the game ball cannot be put into the second ball entry means, but also, in the non-passing state, depending on the remaining number of times of the second specified number, for example, between a state where there are still a plurality of times remaining of the second specified number and a state where there is only one time remaining of the second specified number (preparation state), it is possible to differentiate the expectation of putting the game ball into the second ball entry means. As a result, it is possible to add more variety to the game, and to improve the interest, etc.

[0384] It should be noted that "the first specified number of times may be a plurality of times." For example, the game ball guided to the second guide passage by the specified number of times distribution means may reach a distribution means that distributes the game ball to the second guide passage and the second unguided passage. In this case, it is possible to add interest to the behavior of the game ball after being distributed to the second guide passage by the specified number of times distribution means without increasing the rate of balls entering the second ball entry means and avoiding a configuration in which the game ball is always guided to the second unguided passage by the specified number of times distribution means.

[0385] Means B-3. A gaming machine described in means B-1 or B-2, characterized in that there is a route for a gaming ball to enter the first ball entry means without passing through the specified number of times distribution means.

[0386] According to means B-3, for example, even if the guiding means is already in the guiding state, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a game ball heading toward the first ball entry means is guided to the distribution means a specified number of times each time, and the game ball is guided to the second ball entry means side every specified number of times.

[0387] Means B-4. A gaming machine described in any one of means B-1 to B-3, characterized in that it is provided with a remaining number grasping means capable of grasping the remaining number of the first specified number and the second specified number.

[0388] According to the means B-4, various controls can be performed according to the remaining number of the first specified number and the second specified number, and game guidance such as an explanation of the status of the specified number allocation means and presentation according to the remaining number can be performed. Therefore, a smoother game progress can be achieved.

[0389] Means B-5. A gaming machine described in any of means B-1 to B-4, characterized in that the specified number allocation means or a number linkage means in its vicinity is provided with a visual confirmation mode in accordance with the remaining number of the second specified number (and the remaining number of the first specified number).

[0390] According to the means B-5, for example, by providing a "second remaining number teaching means for teaching the remaining number of the second specified number" as the number of times linking means, it is possible to easily grasp how many more game balls need to be inserted into the specified number of times distribution means to guide the game ball to the second guide passage. Also, for example, by providing a "first remaining number teaching means for teaching the remaining number of the first specified number" as the number of times linking means, it is possible to easily grasp how many more times the specified number of times distribution means can guide the game ball to the second guide passage. Therefore, even if the specified number of times distribution means is directly visually recognized, it is possible to eliminate a situation in which the first specified number and the second specified number are not fully understood, and it is possible to reliably use the remaining number of the first specified number and the second specified number as one guideline for game strategy, such as playing with the remaining number of the second specified number set to "0" as a familiar goal, or changing the progress of the game depending on the remaining number of the second specified number.

[0391] Furthermore, for example, if a three-color LED is provided as the number-of-times interlocking means, and the first and second specified numbers are each two, and the LED emits blue light when the second specified number is two remaining, emits red light when the second specified number is one remaining, flashes yellow when the second specified number is zero remaining (the first specified number is two remaining), and flashes white when the first specified number is one remaining, it becomes easier for players to notice that the state (state, posture, direction, position, etc.) of the specified-number-of-times allocating means changes every time the game ball is guided, and the presentation can be improved. Therefore, the effect of adding a rhythm to the game and increasing the player's motivation to play is more reliably achieved.

[0392] Means B-6. A gaming machine described in any of means B-1 to B-5, characterized in that the specified number of times allocation means or its vicinity is provided with a state linkage means which changes the visible state of the specified number of times allocation means when the guidance means is in the guidance state and when the guidance means is in the non-guidance state.

[0393] According to the means B-6, even if a game ball enters the second ball entry means after the guiding means is in the guiding state, there is no change in the guiding means. Therefore, for example, the visual appearance of the specified number of times distribution means can be made as inconspicuous as possible (for example, by dimming the lighting), so that the player does not pay much attention to the movement of the game ball to the second ball entry means. In other words, it is possible to make it easier to recognize that a ball entering the second ball entry means does not have the effect of putting the guiding means in the guiding state, and to make it difficult for the player to witness a situation that is not very favorable for the player, such as a game ball entering the second ball entry means twice. On the other hand, when the guiding means is in the unguiding state, the specified number of times distribution means can be made relatively conspicuous to increase the attention to the specified number of times distribution means, and the player can reliably enjoy the gameplay related to the specified number of times distribution means.

[0394] Means B-7. A gaming machine described in any of means B-1 to B-6, characterized in that a gaming ball guided to the second guide passage by the specified number of times distribution means always enters the second ball entry means.

[0395] According to means B-7, it is possible to create a situation in which, when a game ball reaches the distribution means a specified number of times, the game ball always enters the second ball entry means and the guiding means is put into a guiding state, thereby adding greater excitement to the game.

[0396] Means B-8. A gaming machine described in any of means B-1 to B-6, characterized in that the gaming ball guided to the second guide passage by the specified number of times distribution means is guided to a second distribution means which distributes the gaming ball to the second guide passage and the second non-guided passage at a specific ratio.

[0397] According to the means B-8, the number of times the specified number of distribution means is used can be increased without significantly changing the probability of the game ball entering the second ball entry means, thereby reducing the proportion of balls being guided to the second unguided passage by the specified number of distribution means.

[0398] Means B-9. A gaming machine described in any of means B-1 to B-6, characterized in that the gaming ball guided to the second guide passage by the specified number of times distribution means is guided to a second distribution means which distributes the gaming ball to the second guide passage and the first guide passage at a specific ratio.

[0399] According to the means B-9, the same effect as the above-mentioned means B-8 is achieved. Furthermore, according to this means, when the guiding means is already in the guiding state, it is possible to prevent the game ball from entering the specified number of times distribution means in a completely wasteful manner (there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the first ball entry means). Therefore, the effect of increasing the interest by providing the specified number of times distribution means is further achieved.

[0400] Means B-10. A gaming machine described in any of means B-1 to B-9, characterized in that the second ball entry means is configured to allow a ball to enter only when it is guided to the second guide passage by the specified number of times distribution means.

[0401] According to the means B-10, the value of the specified number of times distribution means can be increased, and interest can be increased by the state of the specified number of times distribution means and the behavior of the game balls involved in the specified number of times distribution means.

[0402] Furthermore, it may also be stated that "the game area has a specific area into which a game ball moving through it can enter, and the first ball entry means and the second ball entry means are configured to allow a game ball moving through the specific area to enter, and the second guide passage, the second unguided passage (corresponding to means B-3; the first guide passage, the first unguided passage, corresponding to means B-8; the second distribution means), and the specified number of distri...

Claims

[Claim 1] A launching means capable of launching a game ball; and a ball entry means having a ball entry section into which the game ball launched by the launching means can enter; The ball entry means is configured to be capable of providing an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player based on the entry of the game ball into the ball entry means, The ball entry means is configured to include a guide means capable of changing between a guide state in which the game ball moving around the periphery of the ball entry means is guided to the ball entry means and a non-guiding state in which the game ball is not guided, A trigger means is provided for changing the state of the guiding means to a state in which the possibility of the guiding means being in the guiding state is increased when a predetermined number of game balls reach the guiding means, The advantageous state can be established even if the guiding means is not in the guiding state, a teaching means for teaching that the possibility of the guiding means being in the guiding state is increased, The state in which the possibility of causing the guiding means to be in the guiding state is increased may end without the game ball being guided to the ball entrance portion by the guiding means, A means for terminating the state when a game ball reaches the trigger means during a period in which the possibility of the guiding means being in the guiding state is increased; A gaming machine comprising: a means for taking a notification mode corresponding to the guidance state of the guidance means.

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