Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing interest in a game by improving identification performance of a game state.SOLUTION: In a game hall, a number of Pachinko machines 10 and a hall computer HC for managing them are provided. In the Pachinko machines 10, an external terminal board 240 for outputting various kinds of pieces of information toward the hall computer HC from a main control device is provided. The external terminal board 240 includes a second terminal for outputting predetermined identification information for showing that a current game state is either during a jackpot state or a high-support mode. During a predetermined period after completion of the high-support mode, specific identification information in an output mode differing from an output mode of the predetermined identification information is outputted from the second terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3-41

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A pachinko machine, which shoots a game ball into a game area to play a game, has been known as a type of gaming machine. Gaming machines such as pachinko machines offer various entertainments to players (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-31769 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional gaming machines are desired to be more entertaining.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: a winning / losing lottery means for executing a winning / losing lottery based on the determination by the determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined lottery condition is met that the predetermined lottery condition is met; A variable display means for displaying a variable display for a predetermined period based on the result of the winning / losing lottery; a specific game execution means for executing a specific game state after the end of a specific variable display that displays a specific display result that is executed when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a specific result; A performance execution means for performing a variable performance using a plurality of performance elements during the variable display for the predetermined period; With regard to a specific presentation element selected by a player from among the plurality of presentation elements, an input means is provided for allowing a player to determine and input a value for an output mode of the specific presentation element, The value for the output mode is a value that the player can select and input from a plurality of values, This gaming machine is a specific display means for executing a specific display corresponding to the input of the predetermined value determined by the player; a predetermined output value setting means that can be executed after the specific display is executed, The predetermined output value setting means can set a value for the output mode of the specific performance element to be used when the performance execution means executes the variable performance, the predetermined output value setting means is configured to set, as the value of the output mode, a specific value that is different from the first value and the second value and that is stored in advance in a storage means, even if a first value has been input by a player or a second value that is different from the first value has been input; The gist of the predetermined output value setting means is that if a value identical to the specific value has been input by the player, the predetermined output value setting means sets a value identical to the specific value input by the player. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the player. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1-1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 1-2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 1-3] This is an oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Figure 1-4]This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame, game board, etc. [Figure 1-5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 1-6] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, back pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 1-7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 1-8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 1-9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 1-10] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 1-11] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 1-12] 10 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 1-13] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 1-14] 10A is a flowchart showing the first pass / fail judgment process, FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the second pass / fail judgment process, and FIG. 10C is a flowchart showing the time-saving pass / fail judgment process. [Figure 1-15] 10 is a flowchart showing a type determination process. [Figure 1-16] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 1-17] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 1-18] 10 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 1-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 1-20] A flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 1-21] A flowchart showing the special diagram 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 1-22] 10 is a flowchart showing a second special display control process. [Figure 1-23]A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 1-24] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 1-25] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 1-26] 10 is a flowchart showing a specific prize winning process. [Figure 1-27] 10 is a flowchart showing an end setting process. [Figure 1-28] 10 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Figure 1-29] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 1-30] 10 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 1-31] 10 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 1-32] A flowchart showing the start-up prize section control processing. [Figure 1-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 1-34] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 1-35] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 1-36] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 1-37] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 1-38] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 1-39] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 1-40] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 1-41] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 1-42] 10 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 1-43] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 1-44] 10 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 1-45] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 1-46] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 1-47] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 1-48] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 1-49] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 1-50] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 1-51] 10(a) and 10(b) are time charts for explaining the flow of variable displays in the first special pattern display device, the second special pattern display device, and the performance display device. [Figure 2-1] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2-2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 2-3] An oblique view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [Figure 2-4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame, game board, etc. [Figure 2-5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 2-6] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, back pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 2-7] FIG. 2 is a front view of the variable display unit. [Figure 2-8] FIG. 10 is a front view of the variable display unit with the prop unit appearing. [Figure 2-9] (a) is a diagram showing the movable props and up / down drive mechanism in a standby state, and (b) is a diagram showing the movable props and up / down drive mechanism in an operating state. [Figure 2-10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 2-11]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 2-12] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 2-13] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 2-14] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 2-15] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 2-16] 10 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Figure 2-17] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 2-18] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 2-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 2-20] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the lottery mode flag, the support mode flag, the game state identification counter, and the game state determination value. FIG. [Figure 2-21] 10 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 2-22] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 2-23] 10 is a flowchart showing the setting process at the end of fluctuation. [Figure 2-24] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 2-25] 10 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 2-26] 10 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing device control process. [Figure 2-27] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 2-28] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 2-29] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 2-30] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 2-31] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 2-32] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative symbols. FIG. [Figure 2-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 2-34] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 2-35] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 2-36] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. [Figure 2-37] 10 is a flowchart showing the display setting process during a win. [Figure 2-38] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Figure 2-39] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Figure 2-40] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Figure 2-41] 10A is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a complete miss occurs. [Figure 2-42] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs under normal conditions. [Figure 2-43] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Figure 2-44] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a normal state. [Figure 2-45] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) when a jackpot occurs. [Figure 2-46] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) during chance mode. FIG. [Figure 2-47] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during gold mode. [Figure 2-48]10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) during the roulette effect. FIG. [Figure 2-49] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) when a hold display change process is performed. [Figure 2-50] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the rotor and other components in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 2-51] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 2-52] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the rotor and other components in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 2-53] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 2-54] A cross-sectional view of line KK in Figure 2-50. [Figure 2-55] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a performance using a rotating body. [Figure 2-56] 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the role object performance setting process. [Figure 2-57] This is a flowchart showing part of the special effect setting process, which is a continuation of Figure 2-56. [Figure 2-58] 10A is a diagram showing the configuration of a device performance pattern determination table for "end", and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the configuration of a device performance pattern determination table for "until next time". [Figure 2-59] 10 is a flowchart showing the reel appearance setting process. [Figure 2-60] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a reel appearance operation control table. [Figure 2-61] This is an operation process diagram for explaining the operation mode of the reel appearance operation. [Figure 2-62] A diagram showing the configuration of a reel appearance operation control table according to another embodiment. [Figure 2-63] FIG. 10 is an operational process diagram for explaining the operational modes of the reel appearance operation according to another embodiment. [Figure 2-64] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional reel appearance operation control table. [Figure 3-1] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 3-2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 3-3] An oblique view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [Figure 3-4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame, game board, etc. [Figure 3-5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 3-6] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, back pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 3-7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 3-8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 3-9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 3-10] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 3-11] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 3-12] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 3-13] 10 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Figure 3-14] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 3-15] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 3-16] 10 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 3-17] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the lottery mode flag, the support mode flag, the game state identification counter, and the game state determination value. FIG. [Figure 3-18] 10 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 3-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 3-20] 10 is a flowchart showing the setting process at the end of fluctuation. [Figure 3-21]A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 3-22] 10 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 3-23] 10 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing device control process. [Figure 3-24] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 3-25] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 3-26] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 3-27] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 3-28] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 3-29] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative symbols. FIG. [Figure 3-30] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 3-31] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 3-32] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 3-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. [Figure 3-34] 10 is a flowchart showing the display setting process during a win. [Figure 3-35] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Figure 3-36] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Figure 3-37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Figure 3-38] 10A is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a complete miss occurs. [Figure 3-39] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs under normal conditions. [Figure 3-40]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Figure 3-41] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of an amusement hall in which pachinko machines are installed. [Figure 3-42] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of one pachinko machine configured via a hall computer and its corresponding game data display device. [Figure 3-43] Schematic diagrams for explaining the display content displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of a game data display device, where (a) is a diagram showing an example of the display content in normal display mode, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the display content in active display mode, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the display content in performance display mode. [Figure 3-44] 10 is a flowchart showing the jackpot signal 1 output process. [Figure 3-45] 10 is a flowchart showing a jackpot signal 2 output process. [Figure 3-46] (a) is a timing chart for explaining the change in the output state of conventional jackpot signals 1 and 2, and (b) and (c) are timing charts for explaining the change in the output state of jackpot signals 1 and 2 in this embodiment. [Figure 3-47] This is a diagram for explaining the decorative patterns displayed on the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit). [Figure 3-48] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) on the "normal stage" in "normal mode." [Figure 3-49] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) on the "lively stage" in "normal mode." [Figure 3-50] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the "slightly lively stage" in "normal mode." [Figure 3-51] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the ``zone entry stage'' of ``normal mode.'' [Figure 3-52]10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the "chance mode." [Figure 3-53] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in "gold mode." [Figure 3-54] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in "dark mode." [Figure 3-55] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during the opening performance. FIG. [Figure 3-56] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during a round. [Figure 3-57] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the ending performance. FIG. [Figure 3-58] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a demonstration performance. FIG. [Figure 3-59] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the ``normal reach'' performance. [Figure 3-60] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the "Super Reach" effect. [Figure 3-61] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the "special reach" effect. [Figure 3-62] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) during the roulette effect. FIG. [Figure 4-1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 4-2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 4-3] This is an oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Figure 4-4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame, game board, etc. [Figure 4-5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4-6]This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, back pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 4-7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4-8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 4-9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 4-10] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 4-11] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 4-12] 10 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 4-13] A flowchart showing the third start-up winning process. [Figure 4-14] A flowchart showing the second start winning processing. [Figure 4-15] A flowchart showing the first start winning processing. [Figure 4-16] 10A is a flowchart showing the first correct / incorrect judgment process, FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the second correct / incorrect judgment process, and FIG. 10C is a flowchart showing the third correct / incorrect judgment process. [Figure 4-17] 10(a) is a flowchart showing a first type determination process, and FIG. 10(b) is a flowchart showing a second type determination process. [Figure 4-18] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 4-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 4-20] 10 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 4-21] 10 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 4-22] A flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 4-23] A flowchart showing the special diagram 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 4-24]10 is a flowchart showing a second special display control process. [Figure 4-25] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 4-26] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 4-27] 10 is a flowchart showing a third special display control process. [Figure 4-28] A flowchart showing the third variable display setting process. [Figure 4-29] A flowchart showing the special chart 3 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 4-30] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 4-31] 10 is a flowchart showing a specific prize winning process. [Figure 4-32] 10 is a flowchart showing an end setting process. [Figure 4-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Figure 4-34] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 4-35] 10 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 4-36] 10 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 4-37] A flowchart showing the start-up prize section control processing. [Figure 4-38] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 4-39] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 4-40] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 4-41] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 4-42] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 4-43] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 4-44]10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 4-45] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 4-46] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 4-47] 10 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 4-48] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 4-49] 10 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 4-50] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-51] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-52] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-53] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-54] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-55] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-56] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-57] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-58] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-59] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-60] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 4-61] 10 is a timing chart for explaining changes in the output states of jackpot signals 1 and 2. [Figure 5-1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 5-2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 5-3] This is an oblique view of a pachinko machine showing the inner frame and front frame in an open state. [Figure 5-4]This is a front view of a pachinko machine with the front frame removed. [Figure 5-5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the pachinko machine. [Figure 5-6] This is an oblique view of a pachinko machine showing the inner frame and back pack unit etc. in an open state. [Figure 5-7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 5-8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display control device. [Figure 5-9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 5-10] 10 is a flowchart showing a start-up process performed by the main control device. [Figure 5-11] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 5-12] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 5-13] 10 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 5-14] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 5-15] 10A is a flowchart showing the first correct / incorrect judgment process, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the second correct / incorrect judgment process. [Figure 5-16] 10(a) is a flowchart showing a first type determination process, and FIG. 10(b) is a flowchart showing a second type determination process. [Figure 5-17] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether a miss is within reach. [Figure 5-18] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 5-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 5-20] 10 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 5-21] A flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 5-22] A flowchart showing the special diagram 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 5-23] 10 is a flowchart showing a notification command setting process. [Figure 5-24] 10 is a flowchart showing a second special display control process. [Figure 5-25] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 5-26] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 5-27] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 5-28] 10 is a flowchart showing a specific prize winning process. [Figure 5-29] 10 is a flowchart showing an end setting process. [Figure 5-30] 10 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Figure 5-31] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 5-32] 10 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 5-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 5-34] A flowchart showing the start-up prize section control processing. [Figure 5-35] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 5-36] 10 is a flowchart showing the startup process of the dispensing control device. [Figure 5-37] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 5-38] 10 is a flowchart showing the command determination process of the dispensing control device. [Figure 5-39] 10 is a flowchart showing a startup process of the sub-control device. [Figure 5-40] 10 is a flowchart showing main processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 5-41] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 5-42] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 5-43] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 5-44] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 5-45] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 5-46] 10 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 5-47] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 5-48] 10 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 5-49] 10 is a flowchart showing a notification display setting process. [Figure 5-50] 10 is a flowchart showing a main process of the display control device. [Figure 5-51] 10 is a flowchart showing a command interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 5-52] 10 is a flowchart showing V interrupt processing of the display control device. [Figure 5-53] 10 is a flowchart showing a display content setting process of the display control device. [Figure 5-54] 10 is a flowchart showing a drawing process of the display control device. [Figure 5-55] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display data table. [Figure 5-56] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in a display data table. [Figure 5-57] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in the additional data table. [Figure 5-58] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a drawing list. [Figure 5-59] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the break-even period and the like. [Figure 5-60] A diagram for explaining the decorative patterns displayed on the performance display device. [Figure 5-61] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device, where (a) shows the pattern change display during normal times, and (b) shows the pattern change display during the break-even period. [Figure 5-62] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (normal reach effect). [Figure 5-63] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (super reach effect). [Figure 5-64] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (special reach effect). [Figure 5-65] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (miss stop mode). [Figure 5-66] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (start of re-changing performance). [Figure 5-67] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (spiral re-variation performance). [Figure 5-68] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (small win stop mode). [Figure 5-69] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (start of re-lottery effect). [Figure 5-70] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (a showdown effect of a re-lottery effect). [Figure 5-71] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (small win confirmation stop mode after the re-lottery effect has ended). [Figure 5-72] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a display mode of an effect display device, in which (a) is a diagram showing a big win opening effect, and (b) is a diagram showing a big win round effect. [Figure 5-73] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the display mode of the display device, where (a) is a diagram showing a small win notification display before the break-even period, (b) is a diagram showing a small win notification display during the break-even period, and (c) is a diagram showing a small win notification display after the break-even period. [Figure 5-74] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (rush stage effect). [Figure 5-75] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (battle stage effect). [Figure 5-76]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (lucky chance stage effect). [Figure 6-1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 6-2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 6-3] This is an oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Figure 6-4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame, game board, etc. [Figure 6-5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 6-6] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, back pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 6-7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 6-8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 6-9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 6-10] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 6-11] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 6-12] 10 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 6-13] A flowchart showing the second start winning processing. [Figure 6-14] A flowchart showing the first start winning processing. [Figure 6-15] 10A is a flowchart showing the first correct / incorrect judgment process, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the second correct / incorrect judgment process. [Figure 6-16] 10(a) is a flowchart showing a first type determination process, and FIG. 10(b) is a flowchart showing a second type determination process. [Figure 6-17] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 6-18] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 6-19]10 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 6-20] 10 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 6-21] A flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 6-22] A flowchart showing the special diagram 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 6-23] 10 is a flowchart showing a second special display control process. [Figure 6-24] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 6-25] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 6-26] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 6-27] 10 is a flowchart showing an end setting process. [Figure 6-28] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 6-29] 10 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 6-30] 10 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 6-31] A flowchart showing the start-up prize section control processing. [Figure 6-32] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 6-33] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 6-34] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 6-35] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 6-36] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 6-37] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 6-38] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 6-39]10 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 6-40] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 6-41] 10 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 6-42] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 6-43] 10 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 6-44] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a production display device for normal stage production. [Figure 6-45] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of an effect display device for a jackpot effect. [Figure 6-46] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device for rush stage performance. [Figure 6-47] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device for battle stage performance. [Figure 6-48] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a production display device for a lucky stage production. [Figure 6-49] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second operation unit (cross key). [Figure 6-50] 10 is a flowchart showing a menu selection process. [Figure 6-51] 10 is a flowchart showing a language setting process. [Figure 6-52] 10 is a flowchart showing a volume setting process. [Figure 6-53] 10 is a flowchart showing a luminance setting process. [Figure 6-54] 10A is a diagram showing a menu screen, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a language setting screen. [Figure 6-55] 10A is a diagram showing a volume setting screen, FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a brightness setting screen, and FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a performance customization screen. [Figure 6-56] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a game history screen. [Figure 6-57] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a communication system between a pachinko machine and a mobile terminal. [Figure 6-58] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an NFC module on a pachinko machine side. [Figure 6-59] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an NFC module. [Figure 6-60] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the BT module. [Figure 6-61] FIG. 1(a) is a front view showing the portable terminal, and FIG. 1(b) is a rear view showing the portable terminal. [Figure 6-62] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile terminal. [Figure 6-63] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the mobile terminal side. [Figure 6-64] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side. [Figure 6-65] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the exchanges that take place between the pachinko machine and the mobile terminal. [Figure 6-66] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing performed on the mobile terminal side during BT communication connection. [Figure 6-67] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing performed on the pachinko machine (sub-control device) side during BT communication connection. [Figure 6-68] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for disconnecting a BT communication connection performed on the mobile terminal side. [Figure 6-69] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of disconnecting the BT communication connection performed on the pachinko machine (sub-control device) side. [Figure 6-70] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-71] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-72] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-73] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-74] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-75] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-76] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-77] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-78] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-79] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-80] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-81] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-82] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the mobile terminal side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-83] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-84] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-85] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-86] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-87] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-88] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-89] 10 is a flowchart showing a performance customization process. [Figure 6-90]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a BGM setting screen. [Figure 6-91] 10A is a diagram showing a BGM setting screen during symbol fluctuation, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a BGM setting screen during a big win. [Figure 6-92] 10 is a flowchart showing a character setting process. [Figure 6-93] 10A is a diagram showing a character setting screen, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a main character setting screen. [Figure 6-94] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a girl character setting screen. [Figure 6-95] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a background setting screen. [Figure 6-96] 10 is a flowchart showing a background setting process. [Figure 6-97] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a preview performance setting screen. [Figure 6-98] 10 is a flowchart showing a preview performance setting process. [Figure 6-99] A figure showing a super reach effect setting screen. [Figure 6-100] 10 is a flowchart showing a reliability setting process. [Figure 6-101] 10A is a diagram showing a reliability setting screen, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a state in which an input completion display has been displayed. [Figure 6-102] 10 is a flowchart showing an appearance rate setting process. [Figure 6-103] 10A is a diagram showing an appearance rate setting screen, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a state in which an input completion display has been displayed. [Figure 6-104] 10 is a flowchart showing a reach effect setting process. [Figure 6-105] 10 is a flowchart showing the preview performance execution setting process. [Figure 6-106] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a plurality of reach effect tables. [Figure 6-107] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a user correspondence area (custom information storage area). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] A pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") 10 according to a first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention (pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment) has a first counting function unit as the first counting means of the present invention, a second counting function unit as the second counting means of the present invention, a subtraction function unit as the subtraction means of the present invention, an information setting function unit as the information setting means of the present invention, a performance execution function unit as the performance execution means of the present invention, an update function unit as the update means of the present invention, a continuation function unit as the continuation means of the present invention, and a specific response display execution function unit as the specific response display execution means of the present invention.

[0011] The "predetermined game state" may be any game state in which the second game operation can be performed, and as long as it can realize the gist of the present invention, it may be, for example, a normal state, a small win state advantageous to the player, or a normal state for a predetermined period that can be executed after the end of a predetermined lottery right reserved up to a predetermined number during that period, a big win state advantageous to the player, or a normal state for a predetermined period that can be executed after the end of a predetermined lottery right reserved up to a predetermined number during that period, a time-saving state with ball entry support in which the variable display time is shorter than that in the normal state and game balls can or easily enter a predetermined ball entry means, or a predetermined state during that period. It may be any state, such as a normal state for a predetermined period that can be executed after the end of a predetermined lottery based on the right to hold a predetermined lottery with a maximum number of reserved balls, a time-shortened state without ball entry support in which the variable display time is shorter than the normal state and the game balls cannot or have difficulty entering the predetermined entry means, a normal state for a predetermined period that can be executed after the end of a predetermined lottery based on the right to hold a predetermined lottery with a maximum number of reserved balls, a high-probability state in which the lottery probability is higher than in the normal state, or a normal state or time-shortened state for a predetermined period that can be executed after the end of a predetermined lottery based on the right to hold a predetermined lottery with a maximum number of reserved balls, etc.

[0012] The "first counting means" may be anything that can count based on a numerical value set in response to the second game operation, and may be anything that can realize the gist of the present invention, such as RAM as an electrical storage area, a counter set in a buffer, an area consisting of multiple addresses, a pointer, a mechanical counting device, etc.

[0013] Of course, the "subtraction means" may be anything as long as it is capable of subtracting the numerical information set therein and is capable of realizing the gist of the present invention.

[0014] The "subtraction condition" may be any condition that causes a numerical value set in the first counting means to be subtracted based on the condition being met, and may be any condition that can realize the gist of the present invention, such as the second game rotation operation stopping, the second game rotation operation being confirmed as having stopped, or a predetermined period of time having passed since the second game rotation operation was stopped.

[0015] The "specific condition" may be any condition that generates a corresponding specific game state when the condition is met, and may be any condition that can achieve the gist of the present invention. The condition may be any condition, such as a game ball entering a specific winning area, a lottery being held based on the ball entering at a predetermined probability and resulting in a predetermined result, a predetermined number of lottery rights being reserved and a predetermined result being achieved for the reserved right, a player performing a predetermined operation on a predetermined operating means, a lottery being held based on the operation at a predetermined probability and resulting in a predetermined result, multiple game balls entering a specific winning area, a predetermined game action being performed, a predetermined period of time having elapsed, a predetermined effect being performed a predetermined number of times, a predetermined count value reaching an upper limit, etc.

[0016] The "second counting means" may be any means capable of counting based on a set numerical value, and may be any means capable of realizing the gist of the present invention, such as a RAM as an electrical storage area, a counter set in a buffer or the like, an area consisting of multiple addresses, a pointer, a mechanical counting device, etc. The numerical information stored therein may be any means, such as numerical information corresponding to the number of games played, numerical information corresponding to the number of miss variations executed, numerical information corresponding to the number of reach variations executed, numerical information corresponding to the establishment of multiple game conditions, numerical information corresponding to time information for a predetermined period, numerical information corresponding to a predetermined number of game balls used in a game, numerical information corresponding to the number of game balls that entered a predetermined ball entry means, numerical information corresponding to the number of operations of a predetermined operation means, numerical information corresponding to the number of game balls that have been paid out, etc.

[0017] Of course, the "information setting means" and "updating means" may be any means capable of setting or updating the numerical information, and may be any means capable of realizing the gist of the present invention. Also, the "specific correspondence display executing means" may be any means capable of executing specific correspondence displays corresponding to the numerical information, and may be any means capable of realizing the gist of the present invention, such as animation display, character display, icon display, still image display, etc.

[0018] The "update condition" may be any condition that updates the numerical value set in the second counting means based on the condition being fulfilled, and may be anything, such as the game operation stopping, the stop of the game operation being confirmed, a predetermined period of time having passed since the game operation stopped, the game operation ending, the game operation starting, the start condition of the game operation being fulfilled, a predetermined time having passed, a predetermined number of game balls being fired or paid out, a predetermined number of game balls entering a predetermined ball entry means, or a predetermined operation means being operated a predetermined number of times, as long as the gist of the present invention can be realized.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1-3 etc., the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be able to open and close. However, for the sake of convenience, Figure 1-3 does not show game components (nails, accessories, etc.) arranged on the surface of the game board 30, a glass unit 137 attached to the front frame 14, etc.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1-6, etc., the outer frame 11 has an upper frame component 11a and a lower frame component 11b made of wooden boards, and a left frame component 11c and a right frame component 11d made of extruded aluminum alloy material, and these frame components 11a to 11d are assembled together into a rectangular frame shape as a whole using detachable fasteners such as screws.

[0021] An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left-side frame-constituting portion 11c, respectively (see FIG. 1-1). 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 other components are housed in a space formed inside the outer frame 11.

[0022] The right-side frame-constituting portion 11d has an extending wall portion 83 formed thereon 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. 1-6) 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. 1-5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 1-3, the front side of the extending wall portion 83 is provided with a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84, 85 that engage with a locking member of the locking device 600. Furthermore, the lower receiving portion 85 has a pressing portion 86 that protrudes toward the inside of the outer frame 11 and abuts against an inner-frame-opening detection switch 92 (described later).

[0023] A resin decorative panel 87 is attached to the lower frame component 11b. An upwardly protruding rib 88 is integrally formed on the innermost part of the top surface of the decorative panel 87. This makes it less likely that a gap will form between the decorative panel 87 and the inner frame 12.

[0024] 1-3, 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 around this opening / closing 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.

[0025] A front frame 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so as to be able to open and close. Similar to the inner frame 12, the front frame 14 is designed to be able to open forward around an opening and closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The front frame 14 may also be configured so as to be openably supported directly on the outer frame 11, rather than via the inner frame 12.

[0026] The front frame 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and in the closed state covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12. A substantially oval window 101 is formed in the center of the front frame 14. This makes it possible to view the game board 30 (play area) attached to the rear surface of the inner frame 12 from the outside through the window 101 of the front frame 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. Details of the game board 30 will be described later.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1-1 etc., a lower tray 15 is provided as a ball receiving tray at the center of the lower part of the front side of the front frame 14, and gaming balls discharged from the lower payout outlet 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. In addition, a ball removal lever 25 for discharging gaming balls from the lower tray 15 is provided on the front side of the lower tray 15.

[0028] A game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as the "handle") 18 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 15 as an operating means that protrudes forward. The handle 18 is provided with a rotation operation unit 18a that can be rotated by the player, a touch sensor (not shown) that can detect when the handle 18 is touched by a hand, and a variable resistor (not shown) for detecting the amount of operation of the rotation operation unit 18a. With this configuration, when the rotation operation unit 18a is rotated clockwise, a game ball is launched by a launching device 60, which will be described later, with a strength that corresponds to the amount of rotation operation.

[0029] The handle 18 is also provided with a stop lever 18b that can be pressed with the thumb of the right hand holding the rotation operation unit 18a. 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. This makes it possible to rotate the rotation operation unit 18a while prohibiting the launching of game balls, or to temporarily stop the launching of game balls while holding the handle 18.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1-2, an upper tray 19 capable of storing game balls is provided above the lower tray 15. The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray that temporarily stores game balls paid out from the upper payout opening 17 and guides them in a line toward the launching device 60. Game balls paid out when the upper tray 19 is full of game balls are guided to the lower tray 15 via a lower tray connecting passage 71 and the lower payout opening 16, which will be described later.

[0031] A loan switch 121, a return switch 122, and a balance display unit 124 are provided on the upper surface of the front edge of the upper tray 19. Typically, in gaming halls and the like, a CR unit (not shown) is located on the left side of the pachinko machine 10. When the loan switch 121 is operated with a gaming card with a balance inserted into the CR unit, 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. Furthermore, the balance display unit 124 displays the balance of the card inserted into the CR unit.

[0032] Furthermore, a ball ejection button 123 is provided on the top surface of the front edge of the upper tray 19. The ball ejection button 123 is configured to be retractable and is always biased upward by a biasing means (not shown). With this configuration, when the ball ejection button 123 is pressed, the space between the upper tray 19 and the lower tray 15 is opened, and the gaming balls stored in the upper tray 19 are guided to the lower tray 15. In other words, by operating the ball ejection button 123, the player can transfer the gaming balls in the upper tray 19 to the lower tray 15 at any time.

[0033] In addition, a performance button 125 and a cross button 126 are provided on the upper surface of the front edge of the upper tray 19. By operating the performance button 125 or the cross button 126, a predetermined performance is performed or the display content is changed on the performance display device 42, which will be described later.

[0034] Light-emitting means such as various lamps are provided on the front of the front frame 14. These light-emitting means change and control their light emission modes in response to changes in the game state, etc., and serve to enhance the presentation effects during play. For example, an illumination unit 102 incorporating an illumination unit such as an LED is provided around the periphery of the window 101. Error display lamps 104 that light up in the event of a specified error are also provided on both sides of the illumination unit 102. The upper part of the illumination unit 102 is formed with a number of fine through-holes that correspond to the speaker SP (see Figures 1-3) provided on the back of the front frame 14.

[0035] 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 panes attached separately at the front and rear, but is round overall and is attached as an assembly.

[0036] Next, the inner frame 12 will be described with reference to Figures 1-4. As described above, the game board 30 is attached to the inner frame 12 behind the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached with its peripheral edge abutting the back side of the resin base 38. Therefore, approximately the center of the front part of the game board 30, which becomes the play area, is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 in the resin base 38.

[0037] Furthermore, at the lower front portion of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), i.e., below the window hole 39, there are attached a launching device 60 as a launching means, and a launching rail 61 that guides the game balls immediately after they are 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, there is provided a ball feeding device 63 that guides the game balls guided from the upper tray 19 to the launch position of the launching device 60 one by one.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the game board 30 (play area) will be described with reference to Figures 1-4. A rail 50 is attached to the game board 30, which guides game balls launched from the launching device 60 to the upper part of the game board 30. As a result, game balls launched in response to the rotation of the handle 18 are guided into the play area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137 via the launch rail 61 and the rail 50. The rail 50 consists of an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52.

[0039] A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip portion (upper left in Fig. 1-4) 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 the approximate tip portion (upper right in Fig. 1-4) of the outer rail component 52. This causes a game ball that is launched with more than a predetermined force to hit the return rubber 54 and be returned, for example, toward the approximate center of the game board 30.

[0040] In this embodiment, the outer rail component 52 ends at the upper right of the gaming board 30, and the inner rail component 51 ends at the lower right of the gaming board 30. Therefore, the gaming 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 gaming balls shot out by the launching device 60 may flow back up the rail 50 until they pass through the return ball prevention member 53, the parallel portions of the inner and outer rail components 51, 52 are excluded from the gaming area.

[0041] The game area is provided with a left general winning section 31A, a right general winning section 31B, a first variable winning device (big win variable winning device) 32A as a first special variable winning means, a second variable winning device (small win variable winning device) 32B as a second special variable winning means, a first start winning section 33WA as a first start winning means, a second start winning section 33WB as a second start winning means, a through gate 34 as a trigger winning means, a variable display unit 35, etc. These will be explained in detail below.

[0042] A variable display unit 35 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area, and a first start winning section 33WA is disposed below the variable display unit 35.

[0043] The variable display unit 35 is provided with a performance display device 42 as a performance display means for performing various display performances, and a center frame 47 is provided to surround the performance display device 42. The center frame 47 has a frame shape with an opening formed in the center, and the display section of the performance display device 42 can be seen through the opening.

[0044] A stage portion 770 on which the game ball can roll is provided on the upper surface of the lower edge of the center frame 47. A guide groove 774 that slopes gently downward toward the front is formed in the center of the stage portion 770. As shown in FIG. 1-4, when the center frame 47 is disposed on the game board 30, the guide groove 774 is located directly above the first start winning portion 33WA.

[0045] A ball passage (warp flow path) 775 that allows game balls to pass through is formed inside the left side of the center frame 47. The inlet of the ball passage 775 opens to the left side of the center of the left side of the center frame 47 (the side facing the game board 30). On the other hand, the outlet of the ball passage 775 opens to the right side of the lower end of the left side of the center frame 47 (the side facing the stage portion 770). This ball passage 775 can guide game balls flowing down the surface of the game board 30 onto the stage portion 770 inside the center frame 47.

[0046] A gaming ball guided onto the stage portion 770 via the ball passage 775 or the like rolls on the stage portion 770, and then falls from the front edge of the stage portion 770 onto the surface of the gaming board 30, or is discharged onto the surface of the gaming board 30 via the guide groove 774. Of these, a gaming ball discharged via the guide groove 774 has a relatively high probability of entering the first start winning portion 33WA.

[0047] The first start winning section 33WA is provided so as to protrude forward from the front part of the game board 30, and a winning opening (first start winning opening) that can always receive game balls is opened on the upper side of the first start winning section 33WA. In addition, a first start winning switch 224a that can detect game balls that have entered through the first start winning opening is provided at a position corresponding to the first start winning section 33WA.

[0048] Under this configuration, when a game ball enters the first start winning section 33WA and the game ball is detected by the first start winning switch 224a, a first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) is held to determine whether or not a jackpot state will be generated, and a variable display is made on the first special pattern display device 43A described below.

[0049] In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning section 33WA and is detected by the first start winning switch 224a, this corresponds to the "first start condition being met," and when a variable display is made on the first special pattern display device 43A based on this, this corresponds to the "first game operation," and the "first execution means" is constituted by the functions of the main control device 261, which will be described later and which controls these.

[0050] A first variable winning device 32A is disposed below the first start winning section 33WA. The first variable winning device 32A includes a large prize opening 32Aa into which game balls can enter, a large prize opening shutter 32Ab that opens and closes the large prize opening 32Aa, a large prize opening solenoid (not shown) that drives the large prize opening shutter 32Ab to open and close, and a large prize opening count switch 222 that can detect game balls that have entered the large prize opening 32Aa.

[0051] Under this configuration, the first variable winning device 32A is normally in a closed state in which the large prize opening shutter 32Ab closes the large prize opening 32Aa along the top and bottom, and game balls flowing down the game area cannot enter the large prize opening 32Aa. Also, in this closed state, game balls can flow down in front of the large prize opening shutter 32Ab.

[0052] On the other hand, when a jackpot state occurs, the first variable winning device 32A tilts forward with the large winning opening shutter 32Ab pivoting around its lower side, and enters an open state in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter the large winning opening 32Aa. In this embodiment, the "first opening / closing control means" is constituted by the function of the main control device 261 that controls the opening and closing of the first variable winning device 32A when a jackpot state occurs.

[0053] In the left area of ​​the gaming area (below and to the left of the variable display unit 35), multiple left general winning sections 31A are arranged along the periphery of the gaming area. The left general winning sections 31A are provided to protrude forward from the front of the gaming board 30, and above them are winning openings (general winning openings) through which gaming balls can always enter. In addition, a left general winning switch 221a is provided in a position corresponding to the left general winning section 31A, which can detect gaming balls that enter through the general winning openings.

[0054] In the right area of ​​the gaming area (to the right of the variable display unit 35), a through gate 34 is provided, through which gaming balls flowing down the area can pass one by one. The through gate 34 is provided with a through gate switch 225 that can detect gaming balls passing through it. In this embodiment, the left area of ​​the gaming area constitutes the first area, and the right area of ​​the gaming area constitutes the second area.

[0055] Then, when a gaming ball passes through the through gate 34 (when a gaming ball is detected by the through gate switch 225), a start ball entry support lottery is held to determine whether or not the second start ball entry section 33WB will be opened, and a variable display is displayed on the normal pattern display device 41, which will be described later, to inform the player of the result of the start ball entry support lottery. Here, if the start ball entry support lottery is won, the second start ball entry section 33WB will be opened for a specified time after the variable display ends.

[0056] Furthermore, in the right area of ​​the gaming area (to the right of the variable display unit 35), a right general winning section 31B is arranged in an area downstream of the through gate 34. The right general winning section 31B is provided so as to protrude forward from the front part of the gaming board 30, and a winning opening (general winning opening) that can always receive gaming balls is opened above it. In addition, a right general winning switch 221b that can detect gaming balls that have entered through the general winning opening is provided in a position corresponding to the right general winning section 31B.

[0057] In addition, a second start winning section 33WB is disposed downstream of the right general winning section 31B below the right area of ​​the game area (below the right of the variable display device unit 35). The second start winning section 33WB in this embodiment is a variable winning device that changes state between an open state where a game ball can enter and a closed state where a game ball cannot enter.

[0058] In detail, the second start winning section 33WB comprises a second start winning opening 33WBa through which a game ball can enter, a pair of left and right blade members 33WBb as opening and closing members provided on both the left and right sides of the second start winning opening 33WBa, a start winning opening solenoid (not shown) that drives the pair of blade members 33WBb to open and close, and a second start winning switch 224b that can detect a game ball that has entered the second start winning opening 33WBa.

[0059] The pair of blade members 33WBb are each pivotally supported and are normally maintained in a closed position (closed state) close to each other. An entry prevention member 145 is provided directly above the second start winning section 33WB to prevent game balls from entering between the pair of blade members 33WBb in the closed state. As a result, the second start winning section 33WB is normally in a closed state in which game balls flowing down the game area cannot enter the second start winning opening 33WBa.

[0060] On the other hand, when a predetermined opening condition is met as described later, the pair of blade members 33WBb are rotated and displaced so that their tips move away from each other to an open position (open state). As a result, a gap through which the game ball can pass is formed between the entry prevention member 145 and the tip of each blade member 33WBb, and the second start winning section 33WB is in an open state in which the game ball flowing down the game area can enter the second start winning port 33WBa.

[0061] Under this configuration, when a gaming ball enters the second start winning section 33WB that is in the open state and the gaming ball is detected by the second start winning switch 224b, a first winning lottery (big win lottery) to determine whether or not a big win state will occur, a second winning lottery (small win lottery) to determine whether or not a small win state will occur, etc. are held, and a variable display is performed on the second special symbol display device 43B described later. In other words, the second winning lottery (small win lottery) is held only when a gaming ball enters the second start winning section 33WB.

[0062] In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the second start winning section 33WB and is detected by the second start winning switch 224b, this corresponds to the "establishment of the second start condition," and when a variable display is made on the second special pattern display device 43B based on this, this corresponds to the "second game rotation operation," and the "second execution means" is constituted by the functions of the main control device 261, which will be described later and which controls these.

[0063] Furthermore, the function of the main control device 261 that generates a big win state as the first special game state constitutes the "first special game state generating means," and the function of the main control device 261 that generates a small win state as the second special game state constitutes the "second special game state generating means." Of these, the function of the main control device 261 that generates a big win when a game ball enters the specific ball entry section 320c, which will be described later, constitutes the "specific ball entry section first special game state generating means."

[0064] Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, a jackpot triggered by a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA or the second start winning section 33WB may be referred to as a "direct hit jackpot." Also, the variable display triggered by a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA will be referred to as the "first variable display," and the variable display triggered by a ball entering the second start winning section 33WB will be referred to as the "second variable display." Also, the variable time of the first variable display will be referred to as the "first variable time," and the variable time of the second variable display will be referred to as the "second variable time."

[0065] A second variable winning device 32B is disposed in the lower right area of ​​the game area (lower right of the variable display device unit 35) downstream of the second start winning section 33WB.

[0066] The second variable winning device 32B is provided so that a part of it protrudes forward from the front part of the game board 30, and a ball entry opening 320b for allowing a game ball to enter the internal area 320a is formed on the upper surface of the protruding part. In this embodiment, the front cover member (reference number omitted) of the second variable winning device 32B is made of a transparent member, allowing the player to see the internal area 320a.

[0067] In addition, the second variable winning device 32B is equipped with an opening / closing member 318 that opens and closes the ball entry opening 320b, and a solenoid (not shown) that opens and closes the opening / closing member 318, and is configured to be able to change its state between an open state in which game balls flowing down the game area can enter the internal area 320a and a closed state in which game balls flowing down the game area cannot enter the internal area 320a by driving and controlling the solenoid to open and close the opening / closing member 318.

[0068] In this embodiment, the second variable winning device 32B is normally maintained in a closed state, and is configured to be able to change to an open state when a small win state, which will be described later, occurs. Note that in this embodiment, the "second opening / closing control means" is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that controls the opening and closing of the second variable winning device 32B when a small win state occurs.

[0069] The opening / closing member 318 is provided so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction. The upper surface of the opening / closing member 318 is inclined downward from right to left, and when the opening / closing member 318 is in the closed position and the ball entrance opening 320b is closed, the upper surface of the opening / closing member 318 becomes a guide path that guides the gaming ball to the left (towards the center of the gaming board 30).

[0070] Here, a deceleration means for decelerating the gaming balls rolling along the guideway (for example, a configuration in which multiple protrusions are formed alternately on the front and rear walls of the guideway) may be provided, which allows more gaming balls to enter the internal area 320a when a small win occurs.

[0071] When the opening / closing member 318 is normally in the closed position, the game ball rolls from right to left on the top surface (guideway) of the opening / closing member 318, falls from the left end onto the surface of the game board 32, and flows down toward the first variable winning device 32A.

[0072] On the other hand, when the opening / closing member 318 is retracted to the open position and the ball entry opening 320b is opened, game balls flowing down the game area or game balls rolling on the guideway can enter the internal area 320a.

[0073] The internal area 320a of the second variable winning device 32B is equipped with a ball entry count switch 223a capable of detecting all game balls that enter the internal area 320a along a predetermined flow path, a specific ball entry section (V entry area) 320c into which game balls detected by the ball entry count switch 223a can enter, a specific ball entry detection switch (V entry switch) 223b that detects game balls that have entered the specific ball entry section 320c, an opening / closing valve 319 that can open and close the specific ball entry section 320c, a solenoid (not shown) that opens and closes the opening / closing valve 319, a non-specific ball entry section 320d into which game balls that do not enter the specific ball entry section 320c are guided, and a non-specific ball entry detection switch 223c that detects game balls that have entered the non-specific ball entry section 320d.

[0074] The on-off valve 319 is pivotally supported and configured to be displaceable between a closed position that restricts entry of the ball into the specific ball entry section 320c and an open position that allows entry of the ball into the specific ball entry section 320c.

[0075] Under this configuration, when a gaming ball that has entered the internal area 320a flows down to the position of the specific ball entry section 320c, if the on-off valve 319 is in the open position and the specific ball entry section 320c is in an open state, the gaming ball will fall into the specific ball entry section 320c.

[0076] On the other hand, when a gaming ball that has entered the internal area 320a flows down to the position of the specific ball entry section 320c, if the opening / closing valve 319 is in the closed position and the specific ball entry section 320c is in a closed state, the gaming ball will not fall into the specific ball entry section 320c, but will pass over the opening / closing valve 319 and be guided to the non-specific ball entry section 320d.

[0077] When a small win state occurs, if the game ball that entered the internal region 320a of the second variable winning device 32B enters the specific ball entry section 320c, a big win state occurs in which the first variable winning device 32A is set to an open state. Hereinafter, a big win that occurs as a result of a game ball entering the specific ball entry section (V winning region) 320c (V entry) may also be referred to as a "V entry big win."

[0078] In this embodiment, the specific ball entry section 320c of the second variable winning device 32B is basically in an open state, and in a small winning state in which the ball entry opening 320b of the second variable winning device 32B is open, when one game ball enters the specific ball entry section 320c and the game ball is detected by the specific ball entry detection switch 223b, the on-off valve 319 is controlled to a closed state, and game balls guided onto the specific ball entry section 320c thereafter are guided to the non-specific ball entry section 320d. A game ball that enters the non-specific ball entry section 320d is detected by the non-specific ball entry detection switch 223c provided in the non-specific ball entry section 320d.

[0079] When the total number of balls detected by the specific ball entry detection switch 223b and the non-specific ball entry detection switch 223c reaches four, the second variable winning device 32B, which is opened in the small win state, closes the ball entry opening 320b with the opening / closing member 318, and the device is placed in a closed state where game balls cannot enter. The specific ball entry section 320c and the non-specific ball entry section 320d are configured to merge below, and game balls that flow into the internal area 320a of the second variable winning device 32B through the merged discharge passage are discharged to the back side of the game board 30.

[0080] In this embodiment, during the period when a small win state occurs and the ball entry opening 320b of the second variable winning device 32B is open, the device is designed so that an average of about four game balls can enter the second variable winning device 32B. When a game ball is allowed to enter the second variable winning device 32B, the game ball is designed to always (almost 100%) enter the specific ball entry section 320c. Therefore, except when the player does not shoot a game ball or does not hit with the right hand, if the player hits with the right hand, there is an almost 100% probability that the game ball will enter the specific ball entry section 320c and a big win will occur.

[0081] As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins) one of the various winning sections such as the general winning sections 31A, 31B, the variable winning devices 32A, 32B, the start-up winning sections 33WA, 33WB, etc., it is detected by various winning switches, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or lower tray 15).

[0082] In this embodiment, 10 game balls (prize balls) are paid out if the ball enters the left general winning section 31A, 3 if the ball enters the right general winning section 31B, 15 if the ball enters the first variable winning device 32A (large winning port 32Aa), 5 if the ball enters the second variable winning device 32B (specific winning section 320c or non-specific winning section 320d), 3 if the ball enters the first start winning section 33WA, and 3 if the ball enters the second start winning section 33WB.

[0083] Additionally, the gaming board 30 is provided with an outlet 36 corresponding to the bottom of the gaming area, and gaming balls that do not win in the various winning sections such as the general winning sections 31a, 31b are discharged outside the gaming area (to the back side of the gaming board 30) through this outlet 36. Additionally, the gaming board 30 is provided with various components such as numerous nails and windmills to appropriately distribute and adjust the falling direction of the gaming balls.

[0084] Here, various game states in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment will be explained. First, the types of jackpots in this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, the jackpot types are set as "15-round jackpot", "8-round jackpot", and "4-round jackpot".

[0085] Hereinafter, a "15-round jackpot" will be referred to as a "15R jackpot" and will be abbreviated to "15RS" in the drawings. Similarly, an "8-round jackpot" will be referred to as an "8R jackpot" and will be abbreviated to "8RS" in the drawings. Furthermore, a "4-round jackpot" will be referred to as a "4R jackpot" and will be abbreviated to "4RS" in the drawings.

[0086] In the jackpot state of "15R jackpot", the jackpot opening operation is repeated 15 times (15 rounds). Note that the "jackpot opening operation" refers to, for example, a single opening / closing operation from when the large prize opening shutter 32Ab of the first variable prize winning device 32A is switched from a closed state to an open state until it is closed on the condition that the specified time of 30 seconds has elapsed or the specified number of eight game balls has entered the first variable prize winning device 32A (same below).

[0087] In the jackpot state of "8R jackpot", the jackpot opening action is repeated eight times (8 rounds), and in the jackpot state of "4R jackpot", the jackpot opening action is repeated four times (4 rounds).

[0088] However, as will be described in detail later, for the "V winning jackpot" according to this embodiment, the small winning state in which the second variable winning device 32B is in the open state corresponds to the first round, so the "jackpot opening operation (opening of the first variable winning device 32A)" is reduced by one round. In other words, when a "15R jackpot" occurs due to a "V winning jackpot", the "jackpot opening operation" is set to "14 times", when an "8R jackpot" occurs, the "jackpot opening operation" is set to "7 times", and when a "4R jackpot" occurs, the "jackpot opening operation" is set to "3 times".

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the allocation of the jackpot type awarded in the case of winning the hit / miss lottery differs depending on whether the gaming ball enters the first start winning section 33WA or the second start winning section 33WB. If the hit / miss lottery triggered by the ball entering the first start winning section 33WA is won, the jackpot is allocated to either a "15R jackpot" or a "4R jackpot" (except during the time-saving B mode, which will be described later). Also, if the hit / miss lottery triggered by the ball entering the second start winning section 33WB is won, the jackpot is allocated to either a "15R jackpot," an "8R jackpot," or a "4R jackpot."

[0090] Next, the start ball entry support state relating to the second start winning section 33WB will be explained. In this embodiment, the start ball entry support state is switched between a "high ball entry state (high support state)" in which the blade members 33WBb of the second start winning section 33WB are opened relatively frequently, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning section 33WB, and a "low ball entry state (low support state)" in which the blade members 33WBb are opened less frequently than in the "high ball entry state," making it more difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning section 33WB.

[0091] Examples of the "high ball entry state" include: (1) a state in which the variable display time of the normal symbol display device 41 is shorter than in the "low ball entry state," (2) a state in which the opening time (prescribed time) of the second start entry section 33WB per opening is longer than in the "low ball entry state," (3) a state in which the prescribed number of game balls that can enter per opening of the second start entry section 33WB is greater than in the "low ball entry state," (4) a state in which the second start entry section 33WB is opened more times per winning of the start entry support lottery than in the "low ball entry state," and (5) a state in which the probability of winning the start 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 (5). Of course, the "high ball entry state" is not limited to these, and may employ any one of configurations (1) to (5), or any combination of configurations (1) to (5).

[0092] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the start ball entry support lottery is won, the second start ball entry section 33WB opens 0.2 seconds x 2 times in the "low ball entry state" and 1.8 seconds x 2 times in the "high ball entry state." This makes it easier for game balls to enter the second start ball entry section 33WB more frequently in the "high ball entry state."

[0093] In this embodiment, the "high ball entry state" corresponds to the "first auxiliary state that makes it easier for the second starting condition to be met," and the "low ball entry state" corresponds to the "second auxiliary state that makes it difficult for the second starting condition to be met," and the "auxiliary means" is constituted by the blade members 33WBb of the second starting winning section 33WB and the functions of the main control unit 261 that drives and controls these.

[0094] Next, various game states (various game modes) when the variable display of the special symbol display devices 43a and 43b is performed will be described.

[0095] In this embodiment, the game modes that are the predetermined game states are configured to be switched between three game modes: "normal mode," "variable time shortening mode with starting ball entry support (hereinafter referred to as "time shortening A mode")," and "variable time shortening mode without starting ball entry support (hereinafter referred to as "time shortening B mode")."

[0096] In the "normal mode", the special pattern display devices 43A and 43B change their display at normal times in a "normal change state", and the starting goal support state changes to a "low goal state".

[0097] In "Time-saving A mode," the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B change to a "change time shortened state" in which the change display is performed for a shorter time than normal, and the start-goal-winning support state changes to a "high-goal-winning state." In addition, the "normal change state" and the "change time shortened state" can be switched by changing the change time determination table, as described below.

[0098] The "Time-saving A mode" is a game mode that is granted after the end of the jackpot state, and ends when the variable display on the special pattern display devices 43A, 43B (mainly the second variable display on the second special pattern display device 43B) is performed a predetermined number of times, and then the game transitions to the "normal mode."

[0099] In this embodiment, regardless of whether a "15R jackpot," "8R jackpot," or "4R jackpot" occurs, a predetermined number of "time-saving A mode" events are granted after the jackpot state ends. Specifically, after the end of a "15R jackpot" or "8R jackpot," a "time-saving A mode" event with a duration of 7 variable display events is granted, and after the end of a "4R jackpot," a "time-saving A mode" event with a duration of 1 variable display event is granted.

[0100] In the "time-saving B mode," the variable display of the special symbol display devices 43A, 43B is performed for a shorter time than normal, resulting in a "variable time-saving state," and the start-goal-goal support state is a "low-goal-goal state." In this embodiment, the state set in the "time-saving B mode" corresponds to a specific game state.

[0101] "Time-saving B mode" is a game mode that is granted when the player wins the third win / lose lottery (time-saving win lottery) held during "normal mode" based on the ball entering the second start-up winning section 33WB, and ends when the variable display on the special pattern display devices 43A, 43B (mainly the first variable display on the first special pattern display device 43A) has been performed a predetermined number of times, after which the game transitions to "normal mode."

[0102] However, as described above, in "normal mode" and "time-saving B mode," the start ball entry support state for second start ball entry section 33WB is not a "high ball entry state," but a "low ball entry state" in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter second start ball entry section 33WB, so a small win state based on the result of the second win / lose lottery (small win lottery) does not actually occur. Even if a small win state does occur, as will be described later, the small win opening operation of second variable winning device 32B in "normal mode" and "time-saving B mode" is only two 0.1-second openings, so it is actually difficult for a game ball to enter second variable winning device 32B.

[0103] In addition, although details will be described later, in this embodiment, various display effects corresponding to the current game state (game mode) are performed on the effect display device 42. For example, there are a "normal stage effect" that is performed based on a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA in the "normal mode," a "battle stage effect" that is performed when the "time-saving A mode" whose duration is equivalent to one variable display is granted, a "rush stage effect" that is performed when the "time-saving A mode" whose duration is equivalent to seven variable displays is granted, a "continuation chance stage effect" that can be performed after the "time-saving A mode (battle stage effect or rush stage effect)" ends, and a "lucky stage effect" that is performed based on a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA when the "time-saving B mode" is granted.

[0104] As shown in Figure 1-4, on the outside of the upper right corner of the game area, there are provided a normal pattern display device 41 as a normal display means for displaying the results of the start ball entry support lottery which is held based on the passage of the game ball through the through gate 34, a first special pattern display device 43A as a first special display means for displaying the results of the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) which is held in response to the ball entering the first start ball entry section 33WA, and a second special pattern display device 43B as a second special display means for displaying the results of the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery), second win / loss lottery (small win lottery) and third win / loss lottery (time-saving win lottery) which are held in response to the ball entering the second start ball entry section 33WB, all of which are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0105] The normal symbol display device 41 is composed of two LEDs (normal symbol lamps). In the normal symbol display device 41, for example, the right normal symbol lamp flashes (variable display) when a gaming ball passes through the through gate 34. Then, after the variable display is performed for a predetermined time on the normal symbol display device 41, the variable display is stopped based on the results of the start-going ball support lottery. In other words, the lighting state when the variable display stops (the combination of lit normal symbol lamps) is associated with various results of the start-going ball support lottery, and the lighting state when the variable display stops definitively displays the results of the start-going ball support lottery. For example, lighting both the left and right normal symbol lamps indicates a "win," and lighting only the left normal symbol lamp indicates a "lose."

[0106] The first special symbol display device 43A is composed of four LEDs (first special symbol lamps). In the first special symbol display device 43A, when a ball enters the first start winning section 33WA, the first special symbol lamp is switched to display (first variable display).

[0107] Then, after a specific game state occurs in which the first variable display, which is a specific game, is displayed for a predetermined time on the first special symbol display device 43A, the first variable display is stopped based on the result of the first win / lose lottery (jackpot lottery). In other words, the lighting state when the first variable display stops (the combination of the lit special symbol lamps) and the various results of the first win / lose lottery (jackpot lottery) are associated, and the lighting state when the first variable display stops definitively displays the result of the first win / lose lottery (jackpot lottery), that is, "jackpot" or "miss."

[0108] The second special symbol display device 43B is composed of four LEDs (second special symbol lamps). In the second special symbol display device 43B, when a ball enters the second start winning section 33WB, the second special symbol lamp is switched to display (second variable display).

[0109] Then, after a specific game state occurs in which the second variable display, which is a specific game, is displayed for a predetermined time on the second special symbol display device 43B, the second variable display is stopped based on the results of the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery), the second win / loss lottery (small win lottery), or the third win / loss lottery (time-saving win lottery). In other words, the lighting state (combination of lit special symbol lamps) when the second variable display stops corresponds to the various results of the first to third win / loss lotteries, and the lighting state when the second variable display stops definitively displays the results of the first to third win / loss lotteries, i.e., "jackpot," "small win," "time-saving win," or "miss." In this embodiment, the stopping of the second variable display corresponds to the establishment of a predetermined update condition, and winning a "time-saving win" corresponds to the establishment of a specific condition.

[0110] Furthermore, the first special pattern display device 43A and the second special pattern display device 43B also indicate the type of jackpot (whether it is a "15R jackpot," "8R jackpot," or "4R jackpot") depending on the lighting mode (stop mode) that they stop. Also, the second special pattern display device 43B also indicates the type of time-saving win (whether it is a "30-time time-saving win," "40-time time-saving win," or "50-time time-saving win") depending on the lighting mode (stop mode) that they stop. Note that there are not just one but multiple stop modes for the special pattern display devices 43A and 43B that indicate various types of jackpots, small wins, various types of time-saving wins, and misses, and one of these is selected and displayed as a stop.

[0111] Furthermore, the stationary display on the first special pattern display device 43A and the second special pattern display device 43B is maintained for a specified time, and after the period (variation interval) has elapsed, the next variable display can be started.

[0112] Furthermore, if the next variable display is not performed even after a specified time has passed after the first special pattern display device 43A or the second special pattern display device 43B has stopped displaying, the first special pattern display device 43A or the second special pattern display device 43B is configured to switch from a lighting mode indicating the result of the win / loss lottery to a lighting mode indicating a standby state in which no variable display is being performed.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a game ball enters the first start winning section 33WA, which satisfies a specific condition or an update condition, during the execution of the first variable display, the first variable display corresponding to the ball is reserved and stored, and the reserved and stored first variable display is started after the stopped display of the first variable display currently being executed. Similarly, if a game ball enters the second start winning section 33WB, which satisfies a specific condition or an update condition, during the execution of the second variable display, the reserved and stored second variable display is started.

[0114] In addition, when a game ball passes through the through gate 34 during the variable display on the normal pattern display device 41, the variable display corresponding to the passage is reserved and stored, and after the variable display currently being executed is stopped, the reserved and stored variable display is started.

[0115] In this embodiment, adjacent to the normal symbol display device 41, the first special symbol display device 43A, and the second special symbol display device 43B, there are provided a normal hold display device 44 indicating that the variable display of the normal symbol display device 41 is reserved and stored, a first hold display device 46A as a first hold display means capable of notifying or suggesting that the first variable display is reserved and stored (having the right to execute the first variable display), and a second hold display device 46B as a second hold display means capable of notifying or suggesting that the second variable display is reserved and stored (having the right to execute the second variable display). In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 43A, the second special symbol display device 43B, the first hold display device 46A, the second hold display device 46B, the normal symbol display device 41, and the normal hold display device 44 are directly display-controlled by a main control device 261 as a main control means described later.

[0116] The normal reserve display device 44 is composed of two LEDs (normal reserve lamps). In this embodiment, it is configured to be able to reserve and store up to four variable displays of the normal symbol display device 41, which are performed based on the passage of a gaming ball through the through gate 34. For example, when one variable display of the normal symbol display device 41 is reserved, the normal reserve lamp on the left is lit, when two variable displays are reserved, the normal reserve lamps on the left and right are lit, when three variable displays are reserved, the normal reserve lamp on the left flashes and the normal reserve lamp on the right is lit, and when four variable displays are reserved, the normal reserve lamps on the left and right flash. Furthermore, when a new gaming ball passes through the through gate 34 during a jackpot state, the variable displays for that number may also be reserved.

[0117] The first hold display device 46A is composed of two LEDs (first hold lamps). In this embodiment, it is configured to be able to hold and store up to four first variable displays based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning section 33WA. For example, when one first variable display is held, the left first hold lamp lights up, when two first variable displays are held, the left and right first hold lamps light up, when three first variable displays are held, the left first hold lamp flashes and the right first hold lamp lights up, and when four first variable displays are held, the left and right first hold lamps flash. When multiple first variable displays are held and stored, the first variable displays are consumed sequentially in the order in which they were held and stored (starting with the first one held).

[0118] The second reserve display device 46B is composed of two LEDs (second reserve lamps). In this embodiment, it is configured to be able to reserve and store up to four second variable displays based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning section 33WB. For example, when one second variable display is reserved, the second reserve lamp on the left lights up, when two second variable displays are reserved, the second reserve lamps on the left and right lights up, when three second variable displays are reserved, the second reserve lamp on the left flashes and the second reserve lamp on the right flashes, and when four second variable displays are reserved, the second reserve lamps on the left and right flash. When multiple second variable displays are reserved and stored, the second variable displays are consumed sequentially in the order in which they were reserved and stored (starting with the first one).

[0119] In addition, if a new game ball enters the start winning section 33Wa, 33Wb during the jackpot state, the corresponding variable display is also reserved. However, in this embodiment, as will be described later, in the jackpot state, a "right hit" is performed, and since it is relatively easy for a game ball to enter the second start winning section 33WB provided at the lower position in the right area of ​​the game area, basically, after the jackpot state ends, the second variable display is reserved and stored.

[0120] As described above, basically, the first varying display triggered by a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the first start winning section 33WA and is consumed in the order in which they entered, and the second varying display triggered by a ball entering the second start winning section 33WB is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the second start winning section 33WB and is consumed in the order in which they entered. However, if both the first varying display triggered by a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA and the second varying display triggered by a ball entering the second start winning section 33WB are on hold (if one or more first hold lamps and one or more second hold lamps are on), the second varying display triggered by a ball entering the second start winning section 33WB is consumed preferentially. In other words, the first variable display triggered by a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA will not be displayed unless all second variable displays triggered by a ball entering the second start winning section 33WB have been consumed. For example, if one first reserve lamp of the first reserve display device 46A is lit, and a game ball enters the second start winning section 33WB and one second reserve lamp of the second reserve display device 46B is lit, the first variable display triggered by the ball entering the first start winning section 33WA will be postponed, and the second variable display triggered by the ball entering the second start winning section 33WB will be displayed first.

[0121] Furthermore, the performance display device 42 of the variable display device unit 35 is configured by a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display section, and the display content is controlled by a sub-control device 262 and a display control device 45, which will be described later. That is, in the performance display device 42, auxiliary display content is determined by the sub-control device 262 based on commands from the main control device 261 so as to correspond to the results displayed on the special pattern display devices 43A, 43B, etc., and the display is performed by the display control device 45, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the performance display device 42 and the sub-control device 262 and display control device 45, which control it, constitute a "specific correspondence display execution function unit."

[0122] The effect display device 42 is configured to be able to execute an effect change display (decorative pattern change display) as a change-compatible effect display that matches the change display by the first special pattern display device 43A and the second special pattern display device 43B.

[0123] For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1-45, the performance display device 42 has three pattern display areas: top, middle, and bottom (top pattern display area, middle pattern display area, bottom pattern display area), and multiple types of decorative patterns (patterns numbered 1 to 9) are displayed (displayed in a changing manner) in each pattern display area, and then the decorative patterns are displayed in a stopped state in each pattern display area in order (for example, top pattern display area → bottom pattern display area → middle pattern display area).

[0124] Then, when the occurrence of a jackpot state is confirmed by the main control device 261, a display corresponding to the jackpot is made on the first or second special pattern display device 43A, 43B, and decorative patterns are displayed stopped in a combination corresponding to the jackpot on the performance display device 42 (for example, the same decorative patterns are displayed stopped in a line on a predetermined effective line in the upper pattern display area, middle pattern display area, and lower pattern display area), and the jackpot state begins.

[0125] Also, when decorative symbols are displayed in a combination corresponding to a jackpot, as a preliminary step, for example, the same decorative symbols are displayed stopped on a predetermined effective line in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area. In this way, the state in which the same symbols are displayed stopped on a predetermined effective line in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area, and the variable display is still being performed in the middle symbol display area, is the reach state. Of course, just because the reach state has occurred does not necessarily mean that a jackpot state will occur, and there are cases in which it will not occur.

[0126] In this embodiment, after a reach state occurs, if the same decorative pattern as the decorative pattern (reach pattern) stopped and displayed in the upper and lower pattern display areas is stopped and displayed on the same effective line in the middle pattern display area (if decorative patterns with the same numbers are stopped and displayed), a jackpot state is awarded. However, in this embodiment, the type of jackpot cannot be determined depending on the type of decorative pattern stopped and displayed.

[0127] In addition, in the case of a "small win" or a "time-saving win", the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the effect display device 42 is different from that corresponding to a big win (double numbers of the same number). For example, the numbers of the decorative symbols stopped and displayed in each symbol display area are a combination that looks like a losing symbol, such as "3, 4, 1". As a result, the combination of decorative symbols stopped and displayed cannot be distinguished as a "small win" or a "time-saving win". Of course, this is not limited to this, and in the case of a "small win" or a "time-saving win", the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the effect display device 42 may be a double number of the same number.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 1-3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the back side of the front frame 14, below the window portion 101. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower tray connecting passage 71 that connects the payout mechanism 352 (described later) to the lower payout outlet 16 of the lower tray 15, and an upper tray connecting passage 73 that connects the payout mechanism 352 to the upper tray 19. In addition, there is a predetermined gap 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 fall through the gap to the lower tray 15. As a result, if a game ball launched from the launching device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns up the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball is discharged to the lower tray 15 via the foul ball passage 72.

[0129] Furthermore, a launching ball passage 74 is provided which connects the upper tray 19 and the ball feeding device 63 and guides game balls stored in the upper tray 19 to the ball feeding device 63. In addition, a communication hole (not shown) which communicates with the lower tray communication passage 71 is formed in the launching ball passage 74, and a first shutter (not shown) which opens and closes the communication hole is provided. The first shutter is normally biased by a biasing means (not shown) toward a closed position which closes the communication hole. Furthermore, the first shutter is configured to be linked to the ball ejection button 123, and to be displaced to an open position which opens the communication hole when the ball ejection button 123 is pressed.

[0130] As shown in Figure 1-2, the lower tray 15 is formed with a discharge port 15a that allows game balls stored in the lower tray 15 to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10, and is provided with a second shutter 15b that opens and closes the discharge port 15a. The second shutter 15b is normally biased toward a closed position that closes the discharge port 15a by a biasing means (not shown). Furthermore, the second shutter 15b is configured to operate in conjunction with the ball removal lever 25, and is configured to be displaced to an open position that opens the discharge port 15a when the ball removal lever 25 is slid to the left, for example.

[0131] The symbol 67 in Figures 1-3 and 1-4 is a payout passage for guiding the game balls paid out by the payout mechanism unit 352 described later to the front of the inner frame 12, and is divided into a passage leading to the upper tray connecting passage 73 (upper tray 19) and a passage leading to the lower tray connecting passage 71 (lower tray 15).

[0132] Furthermore, a shutter 68 is provided below the dispensing passage 67, and when the front frame 14 is open, the shutter 68 protrudes forward due to the force of a spring or the like, thereby almost closing the exit of the dispensing passage 67.

[0133] On the other hand, when the front frame 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end of the entrance side of the lower tray connecting passage 71. Also, the entrance portion (ball inlet portion) of the lower tray connecting passage 71 and the entrance portion (ball inlet portion) of the upper tray connecting passage 73 are located adjacent to each other. Furthermore, when the front frame 14 is closed, the two entrance portions and the payout passage 67 are separated by a predetermined distance, allowing game balls to pass through the gap between them. Therefore, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray connecting passage 73 are 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 will be paid out through the lower tray connecting passage 71 to the lower tray 15.

[0134] In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) that detects gaming balls located in the lower tray connecting passage 71. The presence of this full detection switch makes it possible to know that the lower tray 15 is full of gaming balls (that the lower tray 15 is full of gaming balls and gaming balls are stuck in the lower tray connecting passage 71). In this embodiment, based on the full detection switch continuously detecting gaming balls for a predetermined period of time, an error notification is controlled to inform the user that the lower tray 15 is full using a display or sound on the performance display device 42. Furthermore, when the accumulation of gaming balls in the lower tray connecting passage 71 is resolved and gaming balls are no longer detected by the full detection switch (when they are not detected for a predetermined period of time), the error notification state is canceled.

[0135] Next, the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1-5, 1-6, etc. On the rear of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged in rows 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 referred to as the back pack, this unit will be referred to here as the "back pack unit 203."

[0136] First, we will explain the rear configuration of the gaming board 30. As shown in Figure 1-6, a resin frame cover 213 that covers the center frame 47 from behind is provided protruding rearward on the rear side of the variable display unit 35 (see Figure 1-4) that is arranged corresponding to the through-hole in the center of the gaming board 30. In addition, on the rear side of the frame cover 213, the effect display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device facing forward through the opening of the frame cover 213, the display control device 45, and the sub-control device 262 are detachably attached in a stacked state in the front and rear.

[0137] The effect display device 42 is housed in a storage box 42a which has an opening formed therein for exposing the liquid crystal display unit of the effect display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and is fixed to the back side of the frame cover 213. The display control device 45 is housed in a board box 45a and is fixed to the back side of the effect display device 42 (storage box 42a). The sub-control device 262 is housed in a board box 262a and is fixed to the back side of the display control device 45 (board box 45a). An LED control board and the like which drives the LEDs and the like built into the center frame 47 are disposed within the frame cover 213. The storage box 42a and board boxes 45a, 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the insides can be seen.

[0138] A back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 below the frame cover 213 so as to cover the general winning sections 31A, 31B, the variable winning devices 32A, 32B, and the start winning sections 33WA, 33WB from behind. The back frame set 215 is equipped with a ball recovery mechanism (not shown) for recovering game balls that have won in the various winning sections. The game balls recovered by this ball recovery mechanism are guided to a discharge passage section 217 (described later) and discharged from a discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

[0139] 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 on the back frame set 215 and can be opened rearward.

[0140] 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 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 if the board box 263 has been tampered with.

[0141] Although not shown, the rear frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board electrically connected via cable connectors to the general winning switches 221a, 221b, the special winning slot count switch 222, the ball count switch 223a, the specific winning detection switch 223b, the non-specific winning detection switch 223c, the start winning switches 224a, 224b, and the through gate switch 225. This first board relay board relays between the general winning switches 221a, 221b, etc. and the main control device 261, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector. In contrast, the start winning switches 224a, 224b, which detect winning in the start winning sections 33WA, WB, are connected directly to the main control device 261 via a connector cable without going through a relay board.

[0142] 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 sends a payout command (number of game balls to be paid out) according to the winning status 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).

[0143] In addition, although not shown, a second board relay board that relays various motors and solenoids to the main control device 261 is also provided on the back side of the game board 30.

[0144] Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1-5, the back pack unit 203 is an integrated unit of a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352. The back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable on the left side (right side in FIG. 1-5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened rearward around an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, an external terminal board 240 is provided on the upper left side (upper right side in FIG. 1-5) of the back pack unit 203.

[0145] 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, although not designated by reference numerals, it includes terminals for outputting various information regarding the current gaming state, such as the occurrence of a jackpot state, terminals for outputting information regarding the opening of the front frame 14 and inner frame 12 detected by the open detection switches 91 and 92 described below, terminals for outputting information regarding various error states such as a ball entry error, a lower tray full error, a no-ball tank error, and a payout error, and terminals for outputting information regarding the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control device 311.

[0146] The back pack 351 is integrally molded from, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 is closed on the left and right sides and the top, 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 top and right portions (the left portion in FIG. 1-5) of the board box 263. As a result, when the back pack unit 203 is closed, the sealing member provided on the right portion of the board box 263 and the terminal portion (board-side connector) provided along the upper edge of the main control device 261 are covered.

[0147] The payout mechanism 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover 354. Above the protective cover 354, a tank 355 with an opening at the top is provided, and this tank 355 is successively replenished with gaming balls supplied from the island facilities of the gaming hall. Below the tank 355, a tank rail 356 having, for example, two horizontal rows of ball passages and gently sloping toward the downstream side is connected, and a case rail 357 is connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. A payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and the required number of gaming balls are appropriately paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The gaming balls paid out by the payout device 358 are then supplied to the upper tray 19, etc.

[0148] The dispensing mechanism 352 is also provided with a dispensing relay board 381 that relays dispensing command signals from the dispensing control device 311 to the dispensing device 358, and a power switch board 382 that takes in main power from the outside. The power switch board 382 is supplied with main power, for example, 24 V AC, via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

[0149] Below the rear pack unit 203 (base box 263), a lower frame set 251 is provided, which is pivotally supported on the left side (right side in FIG. 1-5) of the inner frame 12 and can be opened rearward. As shown in FIG. 1-6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage 217 into which game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism described above flow, and a discharge chute (not shown) is formed at the most downstream portion of the discharge passage 217 for discharging game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. That is, game balls that have won in each winning section, such as the general winning section 31a, are collected via the ball collection mechanism of the rear frame set 215 and then discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage 217. The outlet 36 also communicates with the discharge passage 217, and game balls that have not won in any winning section 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.

[0150] 1-5, the power supply and launch control device 310, the dispensing control device 311, and the CR unit connection board 314 are removably attached in a stacked state on the back side of the lower frame set 251. The power supply and 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.

[0151] The dispensing control device 311 is housed in a board box 311a and fixed to the back 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.

[0152] 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, so that the inside can be seen.

[0153] 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 reverse, and the ball jam is resolved (returned to the normal state).

[0154] Furthermore, the power supply circuit 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the circuit board box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is maintained, and when power is restored from the power outage, the state at the time of the power outage can be restored. Therefore, when the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, when the game hall closes), the state before the power outage is stored and maintained, 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.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 1-6, a locking device 600 is provided on the rear side of the right side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 is equipped with a cylinder lock 600a (see FIG. 1-1, etc.) exposed on the front side of the front frame 14. The inner frame 12 can be unlocked by inserting a key into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 600a 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.

[0156] As described above, the right-side frame component 11d of the outer frame 11 has an extended wall 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. 1-5). 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 using the wire or the like. As a result, defensive performance can be improved. Furthermore, the extended wall 83 is configured to cover the right end (the left end in FIG. 1-5) of the rear pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the rear side, so that when the inner frame 12 is closed, the rear pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

[0157] 1-4, a front frame open detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame 14 is provided on the lower right side of the front side of the inner frame 12 (to the right of the launching device 60), and an inner frame open detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided on the lower right side of the back side of the inner frame 12 (to the lower left in FIG. 1-5) as shown in FIG. 1-5. The front frame open detection switch 91 and the inner frame open detection switch 92 each have a detection unit that can be retracted into the switch main body, with the front frame open detection switch 91 being provided with its detection unit facing forward and the inner frame open detection switch 92 being provided with its detection unit facing backward. When the detection unit is protruding 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 part 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 part returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the detection part of the inner frame open detection switch 92 is pressed by the pressing part 86 integrally formed with the receiving part 85 of the outer frame 11, turning it to the OFF state, and when the inner frame 12 is opened, the detection part returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state.

[0158] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. Figure 1-7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 contains 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. However, the CPU, ROM, and RAM may not be integrated into a single chip, and each function may be integrated into a chip.

[0159] RAM 503 includes a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of CPU 501 and the return addresses of control programs executed by 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.

[0160] In addition, 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.

[0161] The backup area 503a is an area for storing values ​​such as stack pointers, registers, and I / Os at the time of power cut (including power cuts; the same applies below) so that the state of the pachinko machine 10 can be restored to the state before power cut when the power is turned back on if the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is performed by the main processing when the power is cut off, and conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is performed by the main processing when the power is turned on (including power on after the power is recovered; the same applies 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 a power outage monitoring circuit 542 (described later) when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing) is immediately executed when a power outage occurs.

[0162] Note that it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas as long as data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, but data stored in the work area is not backed up.

[0163] An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 consisting of an address bus, a data bus, etc. The input / output port 505 is connected to a RAM erasure switch circuit 543, payout control device 311, sub-control device 262, special symbol display devices 43A and 43B, normal symbol display device 41, etc., which will be described later. With this configuration, the above-mentioned special symbol display devices 43A and 43B and normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the effect display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

[0164] 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 general winning switches 221a, 221b, large winning slot count switch 222, ball count switch 223a, specific winning detection switch 223b, non-specific winning detection switch 223c, start winning switches 224a, 224b, through gate switch 225, various boards such as power supply / launch control device 310, payout control device 311, sub-control device 262, information display devices such as hold display devices 46A, 46B, normal hold display device 44, various solenoids provided in variable winning devices 32A, 32B, and a solenoid that operates second start winning section 33WB. 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 these terminal sections and the like constitute the input / output port 505.

[0165] The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) as sub-control means comprises 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 which temporarily stores various data etc. when the control programs stored in the ROM 552 are executed, an input / output port 554, a bus line 555, and also various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit etc. (not shown). The RAM 553 is a memory which temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

[0166] The input / output port 554 is connected to the CPU 551, ROM 552, RAM 553 via a 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 effect button 125, the cross button 126, the illumination unit 102, the error display lamp 104, etc.

[0167] The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on a command signal (for example, a variable pattern command) sent from the main control device 261, and causes the display to be displayed on the performance display device 42. As described above, in this embodiment, the special pattern display devices 43A and 43B controlled by the main control device 261 are configured to notify that a jackpot has been won, and the performance display device 42 controlled by the sub-control device 262 performs a variable display of a decorative pattern as a performance display in accordance with the variable display of the special pattern on the special pattern display devices 43A and 43B.

[0168] 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, is provided with a ROM 512 that stores control programs executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[0169] 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.

[0170] The RAM 513 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply circuit 313 even after the power to 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 it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas, as long as data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which data stored in the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up, but data stored in the work area is not backed up.

[0171] The backup area 513a is an area for storing values ​​such as the stack pointer, registers, and I / O at the time of power cut so that when the power is turned back on, the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power was cut off in the event of a power outage or the like. Writing to this backup area 513a is performed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is performed 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 a power outage or the like. When the power outage signal SK1 is input to the CPU 511, an NMI interrupt process is immediately executed as a power outage process.

[0172] The working area is provided with a payout permission flag that sets permission for the payout control device 311 to pay out prize 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.

[0173] The payout permission flag is a flag that sets permission for the payout of prize balls, and is turned on when a specific command that permits the payout of prize balls is sent from the main control device 261 and the specific command is received, and is turned off when the initial setting process is performed or the state before power was 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 sent when power is restored to the main control device 261.

[0174] 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 before power was cut off is restored, and it is also turned off when the received command is judged by the command judgment process.

[0175] 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 in a regular pattern from the beginning to the end of the storage area, and when commands have been stored in all of the storage area, the buffer returns to the beginning of the storage area and updates the commands. 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 these pointers.

[0176] The CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and RAM 513 is connected to an input / output port 515 via a bus line 514 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 515 is connected to a RAM erasure switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a power supply / launch control device 310 (launch control circuit 312), a dispensing device 358, a CR unit connection board 314, etc.

[0177] The CR unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball dispensing operation unit (dispensing switch 121 and return switch 122) on the front of the pachinko machine 10, the CR unit (card reader unit, ball dispensing unit) located on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in an amusement hall or the like, and the payout control device 311. When information regarding the player's ball dispensing operation to the ball dispensing operation unit or the CR unit is input to the CR unit and the game value balance is stored on a card, which is a recording medium inserted into the CR unit, the balance on the card is deducted and a payout request signal for the number of game balls corresponding to the deducted value is output to the payout control device 311. Note that the recording medium of the CR unit is not limited to a card type, and may be a coin type or a stick type.

[0178] In addition, the dispensing control device 311 is configured to periodically (for example, 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.

[0179] The launch control circuit 312 of the power supply / launch control device 310 permits or prohibits the launch of gaming 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 also 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 rotation operation unit 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 is electrically connected to the CR unit connection board 314.

[0180] Then, the firing control circuit 312 outputs a firing state signal to the main control device 261 on the condition that a touch signal, a firing switch signal, and a CR unit connection signal are input, and the main control device 261 outputs a firing permission signal and a ball feeding signal to the firing control circuit 312 on the condition that a firing state signal is input. When a firing state signal is input, the main control device 261 outputs a firing permission signal at 0.6 second intervals.

[0181] Furthermore, the launch control circuit 312 is configured to drive the ball feeding device 63 and send the gaming ball to the launch position when a ball feeding signal is input. Note that when a preparation ball detection sensor provided in the ball feeding device 63, which is capable of detecting whether or not a gaming ball is present at the launch position, detects that a gaming ball is already present at the launch position, the ball feeding device 63 is not driven (even if the ball feeding signal is received, the gaming ball is not sent to the launch position).

[0182] 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. As a result, the game ball set at the launch position is launched by the launch device 60 with a strength based on the dial position signal.

[0183] 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, etc., and a RAM erasure switch circuit 543 that is connected to the RAM erasure switch 323.

[0184] The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control unit 261, dispensing control unit 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 to drive various switches, motors, etc., 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 unit 261, dispensing control unit 311, etc. Note that operating power is supplied to the various switches, motors, etc. via the control devices to which they are connected.

[0185] The power outage monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power outage 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 a power outage or the like. The power outage 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 outage (power outage) has occurred and outputs a power outage signal SK1 to the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311. By outputting this power outage signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and perform power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing).

[0186] The power supply unit 541 is configured to maintain the output of the 5-volt drive voltage of the control system at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute the power outage process, even after the 24-volt DC stabilized voltage drops below 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 261 and the dispensing control unit 311 can execute and complete the power outage process normally.

[0187] The RAM clearing switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM clearing switch 323 and clears the backup data in 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 to the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM clearing switch 323 pressed (including when the power is turned on after a power outage is resolved), the data in the RAMs 503, 513 of the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 are cleared.

[0188] The display control device 45 executes the variable display of decorative symbols on the effect display device 42 in accordance with instructions from the sub-control device 262. This display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. An input / output port 554 of the sub-control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. The CPU 521, the program ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the VDP 526 are connected to the input port 527 via the bus line 530. The VDP 526 is connected to an output port 529 via the bus line 531, and the output port 529 is connected to the effect display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device.

[0189] The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command sent from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received command, thereby controlling the VDP 526 (generating internal commands for the VDP 526). This allows display control in the performance display device 42.

[0190] The program ROM 522 is a memory that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, and the work RAM 523 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs.

[0191] The video RAM 524 is a memory that stores display data to be displayed on the performance display device 42, and the display content of the performance display device 42 is changed by rewriting the content of this video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory that stores character data such as designs to be displayed on the performance display device 42.

[0192] The VDP 526 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates the LCD driver (liquid crystal drive circuit) built into the performance display device 42. The VDP 526 is also called a "drawing chip" because it is an IC chip, and its actual form should be described as a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP 526 adjusts the timing of the CPU 521, video RAM 524, etc. to mediate the reading and writing of data, and also reads display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the performance display device 42.

[0193] 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 performs a lottery using various counter information during a game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1-8, a hit / miss random number counter CC1 is used as a hit / miss random number generating means for use in a hit / miss lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot state will occur, a type determination counter CC2 is used to determine the type of jackpot (type lottery), a variable selection counter CC3 is used to determine whether or not a reach state will occur in the effect display device 42, an initial value random number counter CINI is used to set the initial value of the hit / miss random number counter CC1, a first variable type counter CS1 and a second variable type counter CS2 are used to determine the variable display time of the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B (effect display device 42), and a normal symbol random number counter CC4 is used in a start-up winning support lottery to determine whether or not the second start-up winning section 33WB will be opened. The variation selection counter CC3 is also used to draw a reach pattern when the decorative symbol of the effect display device 42 is varied. The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are also used to select the effect pattern in the effect display device 42 (such as selecting the variation pattern of the decorative symbol).

[0194] Counters CC1, CC2, CC3, CINI, CS1, CS2, and CC4 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 updated periodically, and the updated value is stored appropriately in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 (except for random number initial value counter CINI).

[0195] RAM503 is provided with a special variable reserve area as a reserve memory means in which the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, and the variable selection counter CC3 are stored, and a normal variable reserve area in which the value of the normal pattern random number counter CC4 is stored.

[0196] The special variable reserve area includes a first special variable reserve area and a second special variable reserve area each having four reserve areas (reserved first to fourth areas), and one execution area.

[0197] In each reserve area of ​​the first special variable reserve area, the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, and the variable selection counter CC3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of the first start winning section 33WA. In this embodiment, the first special variable reserve area provided in RAM 503 of the main control device 261 constitutes "first storage means (first reserve means) capable of storing the fulfillment of the first start condition up to a predetermined upper limit value (four)."

[0198] In each reserve area of ​​the second special variable reserve area, the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, and the variable selection counter CC3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of the second start winning section 33WB. In this embodiment, the second special variable reserve area provided in RAM 503 of the main control device 261 constitutes a "second storage means (second reserve means) capable of storing the fulfillment of the second start condition up to a predetermined upper limit value (four)."

[0199] In this embodiment, there is one execution area for the special variable pending area, and the data stored in the first special variable pending area and the second special variable pending area is shifted to a common execution area when a variable display based on the data is performed.

[0200] The normal variable reserve area has four reserve areas (reserve 1 to reserve 4 areas) and one execution area. In each reserve area of ​​the normal variable reserve area, the value of the normal pattern random number counter CC4 is stored in chronological order according to the passing history of the game ball to the through gate 34.

[0201] By adopting this configuration, the first variable display on the first special pattern display device 43A, the second variable display on the second special pattern display device 43B, and the variable display on the normal pattern display device 41 can each be reserved up to four times.

[0202] To explain each counter in detail, the win / loss random number counter CC1 is configured to increment by one in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 599, and after reaching the upper limit value (i.e., 599) as the closing value, return to 0, which is the lower limit value as the opening value. Normally, when the win / loss random number counter CC1 goes through one cycle, 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 CC1. Note that the initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the win / loss random number counter CC1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once for each timer interrupt and repeatedly within the remaining time of normal processing. Meanwhile, the win / loss random number counter CC1 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 is stored in the win / loss random number counter buffer. Then, when the game ball enters the first start winning section 33WA or the second start winning section 33WB, the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 stored in the win / loss random number counter buffer is stored in a special variable holding area (first special variable holding area or second special variable holding area).

[0203] In this embodiment, the winning probability of the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) does not change depending on the game mode (either the "normal mode," "time-saving A mode," or "time-saving B mode"), and the number of values ​​of the win / loss random number counter CC1 that result in a jackpot state is three, and the value is "7,207,407." In other words, the first win probability is 1 / 200, and the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) is won, resulting in a jackpot state. In this embodiment, the "first lottery means" is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that performs the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery).

[0204] Similarly, the winning probability of the second win / loss lottery (small win lottery) does not change depending on the game mode (either the "normal mode," "time-saving A mode," or "time-saving B mode"), and the number of values ​​of the win / loss random number counter CC1 that result in a small win is 84, and the values ​​are "9 to 50, 409 to 450." In other words, the second win probability is 84 / 600 (≒ approximately 1 / 7), and the second win / loss lottery (small win lottery) is won, resulting in a small win state. In this embodiment, the "second lottery means" is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that performs the second win / loss lottery (small win lottery).

[0205] Furthermore, the third win / loss lottery (time-saving win lottery) is conducted only during the "normal mode" based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning section 33WB. In other words, the third win / loss lottery (time-saving win lottery) is conducted only while the remaining second variable display stored in reserve at the end of the "time-saving A mode" is being executed (while the remaining reserved data is being consumed). Therefore, in this embodiment, the state in which the "remaining reserved data of the second variable display (continuation chance stage presentation)" is being consumed after the end of the "time-saving A mode (battle stage presentation or rush stage presentation)" corresponds to the "predetermined gaming state."

[0206] There are 60 possible values ​​for the win / loss random number counter CC1 that result in a time-saving win, and the values ​​are "211-230, 311-330, 511-530." In other words, there is a 1 / 10 chance of winning the third win / loss lottery (time-saving win lottery), and you will be entitled to "Time-saving B Mode."

[0207] More specifically, if the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 is "211 to 230", a "30-time time-saving win" occurs, if the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 is "311 to 330", a "40-time time-saving win" occurs, and if the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 is "511 to 530", a "50-time time-saving win" occurs.

[0208] As will be described later, the third winning / losing lottery (time-saving winning lottery) is held if the player does not win the first winning / losing lottery (big winning lottery) and the second winning / losing lottery (small winning lottery), which are held based on the ball entering the second starting winning section 33WB.

[0209] The ROM 502 is provided with a hit / miss determination table that is referenced when determining whether the value of the hit / miss random number counter CC1 corresponds to a hit. In this embodiment, there is a first hit / miss determination table corresponding to a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA (a first hit / miss determination table common to "normal mode," "time-saving A mode," and "time-saving B mode"), and a second hit / miss determination table corresponding to a ball entering the second start winning section 33WB (a second hit / miss determination table including a small hit determination common to "time-saving A mode" and "time-saving B mode," and a second hit / miss determination table including a small hit determination and a time-saving hit determination for "normal mode").

[0210] The type determination counter CC2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 19, and to return to 0, which is the lower limit, after reaching the upper limit (ie, 19).

[0211] The ROM 502 is provided with a type determination table that is referenced when determining which jackpot type the value of the type determination counter CC2 corresponds to. In this embodiment, a first type determination table corresponding to a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA and a second type determination table corresponding to a ball entering the second start winning section 33WB are provided.

[0212] If the player wins the jackpot in the lottery, the type of jackpot state to be awarded will be determined based on the value of the type determination counter CC2 (a type lottery will be held), and the player will be awarded the determined type of jackpot state.

[0213] In this embodiment, in "normal mode (same for time-saving A mode)", if a direct hit jackpot is won in the first win / lose lottery (jackpot lottery) triggered by the ball entering the first start-up winning section 33WA, there is a 5% chance that it will become a "15R jackpot" and a 95% chance that it will become a "4R jackpot".

[0214] On the other hand, in "Time-saving B mode," if a direct jackpot is won in the first win / lose lottery (jackpot lottery) triggered by the ball entering the first starting winning section 33WA, there is a 100% chance that it will be a "15R jackpot" (the chance of a "4R jackpot" is 0%).

[0215] In contrast, regardless of the game mode, if a direct jackpot is won in the first win / lose lottery (jackpot lottery) triggered by the ball entering the second start-up winning section 33WB, and if a V-entry jackpot occurs based on the ball entering the specific winning section (V-entry area) 320c of the second variable winning device 32B via a small win, there is a 40% chance that it will be a "15R jackpot," a 10% chance that it will be an "8R jackpot," and a 50% chance that it will be a "4R jackpot."

[0216] The type determination counter CC2 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the type determination counter CC2 is stored in the type determination counter buffer. When the gaming ball enters the first start winning section 33WA or the second start winning section 33WB, the value of the type determination counter CC2 stored in the type determination counter buffer is stored in the special variable reserve area (first special variable reserve area or second special variable reserve area) of RAM 503.

[0217] The variable selection counter CC3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and after reaching an upper limit value (i.e., 238), return to the lower limit value of 0. In this embodiment, the variable selection counter CC3 is configured to draw a lottery among a "reach before or after miss" in which, after a reach state occurs for a decorative pattern, the final stopping pattern stops just one symbol before or after the reach pattern, a "reach other than a reach before or after miss" in which, after a reach state occurs, the final stopping pattern stops other than before or after the reach pattern, and a "miss (complete miss)" in which no reach state occurs.

[0218] The ROM 502 is provided with a reach determination table that stores the correspondence between the value of the variable selection counter CC3 and various reach patterns.

[0219] The variable selection counter CC3 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the variable selection counter CC3 is stored in the variable selection counter buffer. Then, when the gaming ball enters the first start winning section 33WA or the second start winning section 33WB, the value of the variable selection counter CC3 stored in the variable selection counter buffer is stored in the special variable reserve area (first special variable reserve area or second special variable reserve area) of RAM 503.

[0220] Furthermore, of the two fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, one of the fluctuation type counters CS1 is configured to increment by one in sequence, for example, within a range of 0 to 255, and after reaching the upper limit value (i.e., 255), return to the lower limit value of 0; the other fluctuation type counter CS2 is configured to increment by one in sequence, for example, within a range of 0 to 31, and after reaching the upper limit value (i.e., 31), return to the lower limit value of 0.

[0221] In addition, the change time of the change display on the special pattern display devices 43A, 43B and the general change pattern of the change display on the performance display device 42 (reach patterns such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc.) are associated by a change pattern table, so that once the change time of the special pattern display devices 43A, 43B is determined, the change pattern of the performance display device 42 is also determined.

[0222] For example, the variation time may be determined based on the first variation type counter CS1, and the stop display mode on the special symbol display devices 43A, 43B may be determined by the second variation type counter CS2. For example, in the case of a "15R jackpot", one of the stop display modes corresponding to the "15R jackpot" is determined. Note that the counters used to determine the variation time and variation pattern are not limited to the above configuration, and can be changed as appropriate for each model.

[0223] In addition, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once each time the normal processing described below is executed, and are repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal processing. In this embodiment, with regard to the values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, when the gaming ball enters the first start winning section 33WA or the second start winning section 33WB, the values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the fluctuation type counter buffer of RAM 503 are stored in the special fluctuation holding area of ​​RAM 503.

[0224] In this way, by acquiring the values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 at the timing of the start winning, the first fluctuation time of the reserved and stored first fluctuation display and the second fluctuation time of the second fluctuation display can be grasped (pre-read) before the fluctuation starts, and various effects can be performed using this information.In addition, if there is no need for a configuration in which the fluctuation time is read in advance to perform an effect, the buffer values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 may be acquired when the effect display device 42 determines the fluctuation pattern at the start of the fluctuation of the decorative pattern.

[0225] The size and range of each counter are merely examples and can be changed as desired. However, it is desirable that the sizes of the win / fail random number counter CC1, type determination counter CC2, variation selection counter CC3, and variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are all different prime numbers, and that they are not synchronized under any circumstances.

[0226] Furthermore, the normal symbol random number counter CC4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 29, and after reaching an upper limit value (i.e., 29), returns to the lower limit value of 0. The normal symbol random number counter CC4 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter CC4 is obtained when the gaming ball passes through the through gate 34.

[0227] Then, when a value of the normal pattern random number counter CC4 that indicates a win is obtained, the normal pattern display device 41 displays a variable value for a predetermined period of time (after the normal pattern lamp that constitutes the normal pattern display device 41 flashes alternately), and then the display is stopped in a manner (lighting pattern) corresponding to the win, and the second start-up winning section 33WB is opened in a pattern corresponding to the game mode at that time.

[0228] In this embodiment, in the "low ball entry state," the winning random number values ​​are two, "0, 1." On the other hand, in the "high ball entry state," the winning random number values ​​are 28, "0 to 27." In other words, in the "low ball entry state," the second start winning section 33WB will be open with a probability of 1 / 15, and in the "high ball entry state," the second start winning section 33WB will be open with a probability of 14 / 15.

[0229] The ROM 502 is provided with a support determination table that is referenced when determining whether the value of the normal symbol random number counter CC4 corresponds to a winning combination. In this embodiment, a first support determination table corresponding to a "low ball score state" and a second support determination table corresponding to a "high ball score state" are set.

[0230] Next, each control process executed by CPU 501 in main control device 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processes of CPU 501 can be broadly divided into main processing that is started when power is turned on, timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (every 2 msec in this embodiment), and NMI interrupt processing that is started by inputting a stop signal to an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt processing and NMI interrupt processing will be described first, followed by the main processing.

[0231] FIG. 1-11 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261, for example, every 2 msec. First, in step SC301, the process of reading various winning switches is executed. That is, the states of various switches connected to the main control unit 261 (except for the RAM erase switch 323) are read, and the states of the switches are determined and detection information (winning detection information) is saved. On the other hand, if there is no detection information, the process proceeds directly to the next step.

[0232] When there is detection information from any of the winning switches, the value of the corresponding prize ball counter is incremented. Also, in the external output process of the normal process described later, a prize ball command based on the value of each prize ball counter is output to the payout control device 311, and prize balls are awarded (game balls are paid out) based on the prize ball command. Furthermore, when this prize ball command is output, the value of each prize ball counter is reset.

[0233] In step SC302, a random number initial value update process is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches its maximum value, it is cleared to 0.

[0234] In addition, in step SC303, a random number update process is executed. Specifically, the win / lose random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, the variable selection counter CC3, and the normal pattern random number counter CC4 are each incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their maximum values, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values ​​of each counter CC1, CC2, CC3, and CC4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM503.

[0235] Then, in step SC304, a start winning process is executed in response to the entry (winning) of a gaming ball into the first start winning section 33WA or the second start winning section 33WB, and in step SC305, a through gate passing process is executed in response to the passage of the gaming ball through the through gate 34. In the following step SC306, a launch permission command setting process is executed to perform processes such as sending a launch permission signal to the launch control circuit 312 of the power supply / launch control device 310. Furthermore, in step SC307, a remaining ball monitoring process is executed to check whether or not any gaming balls remain in the internal area 320a of the second variable winning device 32B. Then, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

[0236] Here, the start winning process of step SC304 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of Figure 1-13. The RAM 503 is provided with a first hold counter Na that counts the number of holds of the first variable display triggered by a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA, and a second hold counter Nb that counts the number of holds of the second variable display triggered by a ball entering the second start winning section 33WB.

[0237] In addition, the execution area of ​​the special variable hold area and each hold area are provided with various memory areas, such as a win / lose random number memory area that stores the value of the win / lose random number counter CC1, a win type random number memory area that stores the value of the type determination counter CC2, a reach random number memory area that stores the value of the variable selection counter CC3, a first variable type random number memory area that stores the value of the first variable type counter CS1, a second variable type random number memory area that stores the value of the second variable type counter CS2, and a mode memory area that stores game mode information for identifying the game mode at the start of the variable display.

[0238] First, in step SC501, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has entered the second start winning section 33WB based on the detection information of the second start winning switch 224b. If the determination in step SC501 is affirmative, it is determined in step SC502 whether or not the value of the second reserve counter Nb, which is the first counting function section, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If the determination in step SC501 or SC502 is negative, the process proceeds to step SC510. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC502 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SC503, where the second reserve counter Nb is incremented by one.

[0239] In the next step SC504, an addition display process is performed on the second reservation display device 46B (second reservation lamp) corresponding to the increase in the reservation number of the second variable display by 1. In other words, if the second reservation lamp is in an off state, a process is performed to turn it on.

[0240] After step SC504, in the processing of step SC505, which is the information setting function unit, the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter CC1, type determination counter CC2, variable selection counter CC3, and variable type counters CS1 and CS2 (the values ​​stored in the win / lose random number counter buffer, type determination counter buffer, variable selection counter buffer, and each variable type counter buffer) are stored in the first reserve area (win / lose random number memory area, win type random number memory area, reach random number memory area, and first and second variable type random number memory area) among the empty reserve areas in the second special variable reserve area. At the same time, the game mode when this second variable display starts is identified, and the game mode information is stored in the mode memory area. After step SC505, proceed to step SC506.

[0241] In step SC506, a second win / loss determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 newly stored in the second special variable pending area corresponds to each type of win (big win, small win, time-saving win).

[0242] Here, the second pass / fail determination process in step SC506 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1-14(b).

[0243] First, in step SC5111, the second win / loss determination table corresponding to the game mode is referenced to determine whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches any of the values ​​corresponding to the jackpot: "7," "207," or "407." If the determination in step SC5111 is affirmative, in step SC5112, the jackpot expected flag of the corresponding reserve area in the second special variable reserve area is turned on, and then this processing is terminated.

[0244] On the other hand, if the result of step SC5111 is negative, in step SC5113, the second win / loss determination table corresponding to the game mode is referenced to determine whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches any of the values ​​"9 to 50, 409 to 450" corresponding to the small win. If the result of step SC5113 is positive, in step SC5114, the small win expected flag of the corresponding reserve area in the second special variable reserve area is turned on, and then this processing is terminated.

[0245] On the other hand, if the result of step SC5113 is negative, the process proceeds to step SC5115 to execute a process for determining whether the time reduction is valid or not, and then the process is terminated.

[0246] Here, the details of the time-saving decision process in step SC5115 will be explained with reference to FIG. 1-14(c).

[0247] First, in step SC5121, it is determined whether the newly stored variable information in the second special variable reservation area is a variable display to be performed in "normal mode." If the determination in step SC5121 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0248] If the answer in step SC5121 is affirmative, that is, if it is the second variable display performed in "normal mode," the process proceeds to step SC5122.

[0249] In step SC5122, the second win / loss determination table corresponding to the "normal mode" is referred to to determine whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 newly stored in the second special variable pending area matches any of the values ​​"211 to 230" corresponding to a "30-time time-saving win."

[0250] If the answer in step SC5122 is affirmative, in step SC5123, the 30-time time-saving winning schedule flag of the corresponding holding area among the second special variable holding areas is turned on, and then this processing is terminated.

[0251] If the result of step SC5122 is negative, then in step SC5124, the second win / loss determination table corresponding to the "normal mode" is referred to determine whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 newly stored in the second special variable pending area matches any of the values ​​"311 to 330" corresponding to the "40-time time-saving win."

[0252] If the answer in step SC5124 is affirmative, in step SC5125, the 40-time time-saving winning schedule flag of the corresponding holding area among the second special variable holding areas is turned on, and then this processing is terminated.

[0253] If the result of step SC5124 is negative, then in step SC5126, the second win / loss determination table corresponding to the "normal mode" is referred to determine whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 newly stored in the second special variable pending area matches any of the values ​​"511 to 530" corresponding to a "50-time time-saving win."

[0254] If the determination in step SC5126 is affirmative, the 50-time time-saving planned flag for the corresponding reserved area among the second special variable reserved areas is turned on in step SC5127, and then this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5126 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0255] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1-13, in step SC507 following step SC506, if it is determined in step SC506 that the value of the win / lose random number counter CC1 is a value corresponding to a jackpot, a second type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the type determination counter CC2 newly stored in the second special variable holding area.

[0256] Here, the second type determination process of step SC507 will be explained with reference to Fig. 1-15(b). In the second type determination process, first, in step SC5300, it is determined whether or not the big win expected flag was set on in the second hit / miss determination process performed immediately before. If the result of the negative determination in step SC5300 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0257] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5300 is affirmative, in step SC5301, the second type determination table is referred to, and it is determined whether the value of the type determination counter CC2 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches the value "0 to 7" corresponding to "15R jackpot." If the determination in step SC5301 is affirmative, in step SC5302, the 15R jackpot flag of the corresponding reserve area in the second special variable reserve area is turned on, and then this processing is terminated.

[0258] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5301 is negative, in step SC5303, the second type determination table is referred to, and it is determined whether the value of the type determination counter CC2 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area is "8 to 17", which corresponds to "8R jackpot". If the determination in step SC5303 is positive, in step SC5304, the 8R jackpot flag of the corresponding reserve area in the second special variable reserve area is turned on, and then this processing is terminated.

[0259] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step SC5303, i.e., if the value of the type determination counter CC2 is "18, 19", in step SC5305, the second type judgment table is taken into consideration and the 4R jackpot flag of the corresponding reserve area among the second special variable reserve areas newly stored in the second special variable reserve area is turned on, and then this processing is terminated.

[0260] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1-13, in step SC508 following step SC507, a second fluctuation time determination process is performed to determine the second fluctuation time of the second fluctuation display. Here, if the game mode at the start of the second fluctuation display is "normal mode," the second normal fluctuation time determination table for "normal mode" is referenced, and the second fluctuation time is determined based on the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1. If the game mode at the start of the second fluctuation display is "time-saving A mode," the second shortened fluctuation time determination table for "time-saving A mode" is referenced, and the second fluctuation time is determined based on the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1. Also, if the game mode at the start of the second fluctuation display is "time-saving B mode," the second shortened fluctuation time determination table for "time-saving B mode" is referenced, and the second fluctuation time is determined based on the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1. The determined fluctuation time is stored in the corresponding holding area of ​​the second special fluctuation holding area. However, the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1 in the holding area is not erased.

[0261] In this embodiment, the second normal variable time determination table for the above-mentioned "normal mode", the second shortened variable time determination table for the "time-shortened A mode", and the second shortened variable time determination table for the "time-shortened B mode" are provided as tables for "big win", "small win", "time-shortened win" and "miss", respectively.

[0262] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a mode storage area that is referenced when determining the game mode is provided in the RAM 503 of the main control device 261. The mode storage area stores one of the following values: "11" corresponding to the "normal mode," "21" corresponding to the "time-saving A mode," and "31" corresponding to the "time-saving B mode."

[0263] Correspondingly, a mode storage area that the sub-controller 262 refers to when determining the game mode is also provided in the RAM 553 of the sub-controller 262. The game mode information set in the main controller 261 is output to the sub-controller 262 in the next external output process (see step SC201) every time the game mode is switched and set.

[0264] In step SC509 following step SC508, a setting process of the advance command is performed. This advance command includes variable information (information used to determine the content of the variable display) showing the results of the second hit / miss determination process, the second type determination process, and the second variable time determination process, information showing whether the variable information is triggered by a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA or the second start winning section 33WB, and game mode information for specifying the game mode at the start of the second variable display, and is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step SC201).

[0265] After the processing of step SC509, or if a negative determination is made in step SC501 or step SC502, in step SC510, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has entered the first start winning section 33WA based on the detection information of the first start winning switch 224a. If a negative determination is made in step SC510, this processing is terminated.

[0266] On the other hand, if the result of step SC510 is affirmative, then in step SC511, it is determined whether the value of the first pending counter Na, which is the second counting function unit that counts the number of pending first variable displays triggered by a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If the result of step SC511 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step SC511 is affirmative, then the process proceeds to step SC512, where the first pending counter Na is incremented by 1.

[0267] In the next step SC513, an addition display process is performed on the first hold display device 46A (first hold lamp) corresponding to the hold number of the first variable display, which is numerical information (specific numerical information), increasing by 1. That is, if both of the pair of left and right first hold lamps are off, the left first hold lamp is turned on, if the left first hold lamp is on and the right first hold lamp is off, both the left and right first hold lamps are turned on, if both the left and right first hold lamps are on, the left first hold lamp is blinked while the right first hold lamp is turned on, and if the left first hold lamp is blinking and the right first hold lamp is on, processing is performed to blink both the left and right first hold lamps.

[0268] After step SC513, in the processing of step SC514, which is the information setting function section, the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter CC1, type determination counter CC2, variable selection counter CC3, and variable type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the empty holding areas of the first special variable holding area (win / lose random number memory area, win type random number memory area, reach random number memory area, and first and second variable type random number memory area). At the same time, based on the current values ​​of the variable number counters A and B, the game mode when this first variable display starts is identified, and the game mode information is stored in the mode memory area. After step SC514, the process proceeds to step SC515.

[0269] In step SC515, a first win / loss determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area corresponds to a big win.

[0270] Here, the details of the first pass / fail determination process in step SC515 will be described with reference to FIG. 1-14(a).

[0271] First, in step SC5101, the first win / loss determination table is consulted to determine whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area matches any of the values ​​"7", "207", or "407" corresponding to a jackpot. If the determination in step SC5101 is affirmative, then in step SC5102 the jackpot expected flag for the corresponding reserve area in the first special variable reserve area is turned on, and then this process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5101 is negative, this process ends as is.

[0272] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1-13, in step SC516 following step SC515, if it is determined in step SC515 that the value of the win / lose random number counter CC1 is a value corresponding to a jackpot, a first type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the type determination counter CC2 newly stored in the first special variable holding area.

[0273] Here, the first type determination process of step SC516 will be explained with reference to Fig. 1-15(a). First, in step SC5201, it is determined whether or not the big win expected flag was set to ON in the first hit / miss determination process performed immediately before. If the result of step SC5201 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0274] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5201 is affirmative, in step SC5202, the first type determination table is referred to and it is determined whether the value of the type determination counter CC2 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area matches the value "0" corresponding to "15R jackpot." If the determination in step SC5202 is affirmative, the 15R jackpot flag is turned on in step SC5203, and then this process is terminated.

[0275] On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step SC5202, the 4R big win flag is turned on in step SC5204, and then this process is terminated.

[0276] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1-13, in step SC517 following step SC516, if it is determined in step SC515 that the value of the hit / miss random number counter CC1 is not a value corresponding to a jackpot (it is a miss), a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the variable selection counter CC3 newly stored in the first special variable holding area.

[0277] Here, the reach determination process of step SC517 will be explained with reference to FIG. 1-16. First, in step SC5401, it is determined whether or not the big win expected flag was set in the first hit / miss determination process performed immediately before. If the determination in step SC5401 is affirmative, this process is terminated.

[0278] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5401 is negative, i.e., if it is a miss, then in step SC5402 the reach determination table is consulted to determine whether the value of the fluctuation selection counter CC3 newly stored in the special fluctuation reserve area matches either the value "0" or "1" corresponding to the "front or rear miss reach." If the determination in step SC5402 is positive, then in step SC5403 the front or rear flag indicating the occurrence of a front or rear miss reach is turned on, and then this processing ends.

[0279] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5402 is negative, in step SC5404 the reach determination table is consulted to determine whether the value of the variable selection counter CC3 newly stored in the special variable reserve area matches any of the values ​​"2 to 21" corresponding to the "reach other than a miss before or after." If the determination in step SC5404 is positive, the non-front or back flag is turned on in step SC5405, and this process ends.

[0280] Also, if the result of step SC5404 is negative, that is, if the variable display ends without going through the reach state and it is a "complete miss," this process is terminated.

[0281] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1-13, in step SC518 following step SC517, a first fluctuation time determination process is performed to determine the first fluctuation time of the first fluctuation display. That is, if the game mode at the start of the first fluctuation display is "normal mode," the first normal fluctuation time determination table for "normal mode" is referenced, and the first fluctuation time is determined based on the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1. If the game mode at the start of the first fluctuation display is "time-saving A mode," the first shortened fluctuation time determination table for "time-saving A mode" is referenced, and the first fluctuation time is determined based on the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1. If the game mode at the start of the first fluctuation display is "time-saving B mode," the first shortened fluctuation time determination table for "time-saving B mode" is referenced, and the first fluctuation time is determined based on the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1. The determined fluctuation time is stored in the corresponding holding area of ​​the first special fluctuation holding area. However, the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1 in the holding area is not erased.

[0282] In this embodiment, the first normal variable time determination table for the above-mentioned "normal mode," the first shortened variable time determination table for the "time-saving A mode," and the first shortened variable time determination table for the "time-saving B mode" are provided with tables for "jackpot," "reach for a miss before or after," "reach for a miss other than before or after," and "complete miss," respectively. Furthermore, for example, with regard to the "complete miss" variable time determination table, variable time determination tables such as "for one or two reserved items (normal variable time)," "for three reserved items (shortened variable time)," and "for four reserved items (shortened variable time)" may be provided, and the variable time determination table (variable time) to be referenced may be changed depending on the number of reserved variable displays stored in the first special variable reserve area. As a result, when the reserved first variable displays are being executed sequentially, the shortened time of the first variable display for a miss can be set depending on the number of reserved first variable displays scheduled to be executed at that time. Here, for example, when a predetermined variable display is executed and a variable time determination table for "4 reserved items" is referred to, if the variable display corresponds to various types of wins such as a jackpot, the variable time determination table for "jackpot" may be configured to take priority.

[0283] After step SC518, in step SC519, a setting process of the advance command is performed, and this process is terminated. Note that this advance command includes variable information (information used to determine the content of the variable display) indicating the results of the first hit / miss determination process, the first type determination process, the reach determination process, and the first variable time determination process, information indicating whether the variable information is triggered by a ball entering the first start winning section 33WA or the second start winning section 33WB, and game mode information for specifying the game mode at the start of the first variable display, and is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step SC201).

[0284] In this embodiment, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning section 33WA or the second start winning section 33WB, the value of the hit / miss random number counter CC1 and the like are directly stored in the special variable reserve area, and then the hit / miss determination process and the like are executed, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a temporary storage area may be provided to temporarily store the counter values ​​when the value of the hit / miss random number counter CC1 and the like are acquired, and after the hit / miss determination process and the like are executed for the information stored in the temporary storage area, the information may be stored in the reserve area of ​​the corresponding special variable reserve area.

[0285] Next, the through gate passing process in step SC305 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0286] In step SC601, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34 based on the detection information of the through gate switch 225. If a negative determination is made in step SC601, this process is terminated.

[0287] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC601 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34, then in step SC602, it is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc, which counts the number of reserved variable displays performed by the normal symbol display device 41, is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If the determination here is negative, then this processing is terminated as is. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC602 is affirmative, that is, if the passage of the gaming ball through the through gate 34 is confirmed and the value of the normal hold counter Nc is less than 4, then the processing proceeds to step SC603, and the normal hold counter Nc is incremented by 1.

[0288] In the following step SC604, an addition display process is performed on the normal hold display device 44 (normal hold lamp) corresponding to the increase of one in the hold number of the variable display in the normal pattern display device 41. In other words, if both of the pair of left and right normal hold lamps are off, the left normal hold lamp is turned on, if the left normal hold lamp is on and the right normal hold lamp is off, both left and right normal hold lamps are turned on, if both left and right normal hold lamps are on, the left normal hold lamp is blinked while the right normal hold lamp is turned on, and if the left normal hold lamp is blinking and the right normal hold lamp is on, processing is performed to blink both left and right normal hold lamps.

[0289] After step SC604, in step SC605, a random number related to the winning or losing is acquired. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter CC4 updated in the random number update process of step SC303 is stored in the first free memory area of ​​the normal variable reserve area of ​​RAM 503. After that, the through gate passing process is terminated.

[0290] Next, the launch permission command setting process in step SC306 will be described with reference to FIG. 1-18.

[0291] First, in step SC701, it is determined whether or not a firing permission flag indicating that a firing state signal is being received from the firing control circuit 312 is set to ON. The firing state signal is transmitted from the firing control circuit 312 to the main control device 261 when the firing control circuit 312 receives a touch signal from the handle 18, a firing switch signal, and a CR unit connection signal from the dispensing control device 311.

[0292] If the answer in step SC701 is YES, then in step SC702 it is determined whether or not a launch status signal has been received. If the answer in step SC702 is NO, then in step SC703 the launch permission flag is turned off, and then this process ends.

[0293] On the other hand, if the answer in step SC702 is YES, then in step SC704 it is determined whether the value of the launch timer used to measure the interval between launches of game balls is 0. If the answer in step SC704 is NO, then in step SC707 the value of the launch timer is decremented by 1, and then this process is terminated.

[0294] On the other hand, if the answer in step SC704 is YES, in step SC705, the main control unit 261 sends a launch permission signal to the launch control circuit 312. In the following step SC706, the launch permission flag is turned off. After step SC706, this process ends.

[0295] If the answer in step SC701 is negative, then in step SC708 it is determined whether or not a launch state signal has been received. If the answer in step SC708 is negative, then the process ends. On the other hand, if the answer in step SC708 is positive, then in step SC709 the launch permission flag is set to ON.

[0296] In the following step SC710, a ball feeding signal is sent to the launch control circuit 312. Furthermore, in step SC711, the launch timer is set to "300," which corresponds to 0.6 seconds. This causes the game ball to be launched by the launch device 60 after it has been reliably set in the launch position by the ball feeding device 63, and also causes the main control device 261 to send a launch permission signal at 0.6-second intervals while the main control device 261 continues to receive a launch status signal from the launch control circuit 312, causing the game ball to be launched by the launch device 60 at 0.6-second intervals. After step SC711, this process ends.

[0297] When the launch control circuit 312 receives a launch permission signal from the main control device 261, it determines whether it has received all of the touch signal, launch switch signal, and CR unit connection signal from the handle 18 and the payout control device 311, and if a positive determination is made, it drives the launch device 60 (launch solenoid) and performs a launch process to launch the gaming ball.The launch control circuit 312 also performs adjustment control of the launch device 60 regarding the launch strength (launch speed) of the gaming ball based on the dial position signal.As a result, the gaming ball is launched by the launch device 60 with the adjusted strength.

[0298] In addition, when the launch control circuit 312 receives a ball feeding signal from the main control unit 261, it checks the preparation ball detection sensor that detects whether a game ball is set at the launch position on the launch rail 61 where the game ball will be launched by the launch device 60, and if it is confirmed that a game ball is not set at the launch position, it drives the ball feeding device 63 and performs a ball feeding process to set the game ball at the launch position.

[0299] 1-12 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like. By this NMI interrupt, the state of the main control device 261 at the time of power cut is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

[0300] That is, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal SK1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. Then, the CPU 501 suspends the control being executed and starts NMI interrupt processing, and in step SC401, stores the power outage occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power outage occurrence information, and ends the NMI interrupt processing.

[0301] The above-mentioned NMI interrupt process is also executed in the payout control device 311, and the occurrence information of the power outage is stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. That is, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the power outage signal SK1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 suspends the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process, the contents of which are as explained above.

[0302] 1-9, the flow of the main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described below. This main processing is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

[0303] First, in step SC101, initial setting processing is performed when power is turned on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer, and a wait processing is performed for, for example, about one second to wait for the sub-side control devices (sub-control device 262, dispensing control device 311, etc.) to become operable. In the following step SC102, RAM access is permitted.

[0304] Thereafter, data backup processing is performed for RAM 503 in CPU 501. That is, in step SC103, it is determined whether RAM clear switch 323 provided in power supply circuit 313 of power supply / launch control device 310 is pressed (ON). If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step SC112 to clear (delete) the backup data. On the other hand, if RAM clear switch 323 is not pressed, the process proceeds to the following step SC104 to determine whether power outage occurrence information is set in backup area 503a of RAM 503. If it is not set, no backup data is stored, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step SC112. If power outage occurrence information is set in backup area 503a, a RAM judgment value is calculated in step SC105. In the following step SC106, it is determined whether the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power outage, i.e., the validity of the backup. If the calculated RAM judgment value does not match the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power outage, the backed-up data has been destroyed, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step SC112.

[0305] In the processing of step SC112, an initialization command is sent to initialize the sub-controller 262 and the dispensing controller 311, etc. Then, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization processing (step SC113, etc.). The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the working area address of RAM 503. Instead of this RAM judgment value, it is also possible to determine the validity of the backup by whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 is correctly saved.

[0306] As described above, in the present pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall opens for business, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM clear switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to RAM initialization processing (step SC113, etc.). Similarly, if no power outage occurrence information is set or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the process proceeds to RAM 503 initialization processing (step SC113, etc.). That is, in step SC113, the used area of ​​RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the following step SC114, the initial value of RAM 503 is set. Thereafter, in step SC111, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to normal processing, which will be described later.

[0307] On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed (step SC103: NO), the process at power recovery (process at power recovery) is executed on the condition that the power failure occurrence information has been set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. That is, in step SC107, the stack pointer before the power failure is restored, and in step SC108, the power failure occurrence information is cleared.

[0308] In step SC109, a command is sent to return the sub-controller to the gaming state it was in when the power was turned off. In step SC110, the used registers are restored from the backup area 503a of RAM 503. Then, in step SC111, interrupt permission is set and the process proceeds to normal processing, which will be described later.

[0309] Next, the flow of normal processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 1-10. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing of steps SC201 to SC211 is executed as a regular processing in a 4 msec cycle, and the counter update processing of steps SC212 and SC213 is executed in the remaining time.

[0310] First, in step SC201, external output processing is performed to send control signals to each device based on the settings of the special pattern display devices 43A, 43B and the second start-up winning section 33WB, etc., updated in the previous normal processing, and to send output data such as commands to each control device on the sub-side.

[0311] For example, when starting a variable display on the special pattern display devices 43A and 43B, a variable pattern command is sent to the sub-control device 262 to start a performance such as a variable display of a decorative pattern on the performance display device 42. The sub-control device 262 that has input the variable pattern command determines the display mode (variation time, performance pattern, etc.) of the performance display device 42 based on the various commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display the display mode on the performance display device 42.

[0312] The variation pattern command includes information specifying the variation pattern of the decorative symbols, such as normal reach, super reach, and premium reach. Meanwhile, the sub-controller 262 stores a table that contains the relationship between these variation pattern commands and the variation patterns of the decorative symbols. Then, the sub-controller 262 determines the variation pattern of the decorative symbols based on the variation pattern command, and controls the display controller 45, sound, etc.

[0313] Here, we will explain the variation patterns of decorative symbols. "Normal reach" is a reach pattern in which no special effects are displayed other than the variable display of decorative symbols. "Super reach" is a reach pattern in which, during the variable display of decorative symbols (after the reach state is established), characters and the like are displayed on the effect display device 42 in addition to the decorative symbols, thereby creating a sense of anticipation in the player. "Premium reach" is a presentation mode that can only be derived when a jackpot state occurs, and is performed in a manner in which, during the variable display of decorative symbols (after the reach state is established), characters and the like of a different pattern from that of super reach are displayed in addition to the decorative symbols, thereby creating a sense of anticipation in the player. In addition, "complete miss" is a variation pattern in which the variable display of decorative symbols is stopped without entering any reach state.

[0314] Furthermore, the sub-control device 262 determines the stop pattern (combination of stop patterns) of the decorative pattern changing display on the effect display device 42 based on the change pattern and change time information included in the change pattern command, and stops and displays it after the change time has elapsed. In other words, when a jackpot ("15R jackpot", "8R jackpot", "4R jackpot") is won, the changing display stops and displays a combination of decorative patterns (combination of jackpot patterns) consisting of the same numbers 1 to 9.

[0315] A combination of symbols that are not in front or behind corresponds to a "reach that is not in front or behind", where the final stopping symbol stops just one symbol before or after the reach symbol after the reach occurs. A combination of symbols other than a "reach that is not in front or behind", where the final stopping symbol stops other than before or after the reach symbol after the reach occurs. A combination of symbols that are complete misses corresponds to a "complete miss", where no reach even occurs.

[0316] In addition, the main control device 261 may be configured to set a pattern command specifying one of a combination of jackpot patterns, a combination of patterns that are not a front-to-back miss, a combination of patterns that are not a front-to-back miss, and a combination of patterns that are a complete miss, and output this to the sub-control device 262 together with a variation pattern command.

[0317] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1-10, in step SC202, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. More specifically, like other counters, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their upper limit values ​​(255 and 31 in this embodiment), they are cleared to 0, respectively. The updated values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of RAM 503.

[0318] In the following step SC203, the winning ball count signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step SC204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

[0319] Then, in step SC205, a second special display control process is executed. In this process, control is performed on the second special symbol display device 43B, and various wins (big win, small win, time-saving win) are determined, and variable display settings are made on the second special symbol display device 43B and the effect display device 42. Details of this second special display control process will be described later.

[0320] Furthermore, in step SC206, a first special display control process is executed. In this process, control related to the first special symbol display device 43A is performed, and the determination of a big win and the setting of a variable display (variable pattern of decorative symbols in the effect display device 42) in the first special symbol display device 43A and the effect display device 42 are performed. Details of this first special display control process will be described later.

[0321] In step SC207, a variable winning device control process is executed. In this process, control is performed on the first variable winning device 32A and the second variable winning device 32B. The variable winning device control process will be described in detail later.

[0322] In step SC208, a normal display control process is executed. In this process, control is performed regarding the normal symbol display device 41. Details of this normal display control process will be described later.

[0323] In step SC209, a start winning section control process is executed. In this process, control is performed on the second start winning section 33WB, which has the opening and closing blade member 33WBb. The start winning section control process will be described in detail later.

[0324] Thereafter, in step SC210, it is determined whether or not power failure occurrence information is set in backup area 503a of RAM 503. If power failure occurrence information is not set in backup area 503a, it is determined in step SC211 whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this example) has passed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already passed, the process proceeds to step SC201, and the processes from step SC201 onwards are repeatedly executed.

[0325] On the other hand, if a predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal processing, the random number initial value counter CINI and the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the timing of the next normal processing execution (step SC212, step SC213).

[0326] That is, in step SC212, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

[0327] In addition, in step SC213, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step SC202). Specifically, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their maximum values ​​(255 and 31 in this example), they are cleared to 0, respectively. The updated values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of RAM 503.

[0328] Here, since the execution time of each process of steps SC201 to SC210 changes depending on the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using this remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the win / lose random number counter CC1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be randomly updated.

[0329] If power outage information is set in backup area 503a of RAM 503 (step SC210: YES), power has been shut down, and the processing from step SC214 onwards is carried out as power outage processing when power is shut down. The power outage processing first prohibits the occurrence of interrupt processing in step SC214, then saves the contents of each register used by CPU 501 to a stack area in step SC215, and stores the value of the stack pointer in backup area 503a in step SC216.

[0330] Then, in step SC217, a power-off notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is sent to other control devices (such as the dispensing control device 311). Then, in step SC218, a RAM judgment value is calculated and saved in the backup area 503a. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the working area address of RAM 503. Then, in step SC219, RAM access is prohibited, and an infinite loop continues until the power is completely cut off and processing can no longer be executed.

[0331] The processing of step SC210 is executed at the end of a series of processing steps corresponding to changes in game status, which are performed in steps SC201 to SC209, or at the end of one cycle of processing steps SC212 and SC213, which are performed within the remaining time. Therefore, in the normal processing of the main control unit 261, power interruption information is checked at the end of each processing step, so the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of RAM 503 is smaller than when each processing step is in progress, and storage is easier. Furthermore, when restoring the state before the power interruption, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is smaller, so restoration is easier, and the processing load on the main control unit 261 can be reduced. Furthermore, since interrupt processing is prohibited before data storage (step SC214), data at the time of power interruption is prevented from being changed, and the state before the power interruption can be reliably stored.

[0332] Next, the first special display control process of step SC206 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0333] First, in step SC800, it is determined whether the value of the variable interval timer for measuring the remaining time of the variable interval set after the first variable display of the first special symbol display device 43A is "0" or not.

[0334] If the result of step SC800 is negative, i.e., if the time is within the variable interval, then in step SC819 the value of the variable interval timer is subtracted, and then this process ends. That is, for example, if the variable interval is 1 second (1000 msec) and the variable interval timer is set to "249" (or "250" if step SC819 is configured to be performed before step SC800), then in this process the value of the variable interval timer is subtracted by "1" every 4 msec, and becomes "0" after 1 second.

[0335] On the other hand, if the result of step SC800 is positive, i.e., if it is not a variable interval, then in step SC801, the winning status memory area, which will be described in detail later, is referenced to determine whether the current state is other than a big win state or a small win state.

[0336] In addition, the jackpot state includes an opening period from when the display mode corresponding to the jackpot is displayed in a stopped state on the first special pattern display device 43A or the second special pattern display device 43B until the first variable winning device 32A is opened, a round period during which the first variable winning device 32A is in an open state, an interval period between round periods during which the first variable winning device 32A is in a closed state, and an ending period after the final round until variable display can begin on the first special pattern display device 43A or the second special pattern display device 43B.

[0337] The small win state also includes a round period during which the second variable winning device 32B is in an open state and an interval period between round periods during which the second variable winning device 32B is in a closed state.

[0338] In this embodiment, the win status memory area stores "0" when in a state other than the big win state or small win state, and in the big win state, stores "1" during the opening period and interval period, "2" during the round period, and "3" during the ending period. Also, in the small win state, stores "4" during the first round, "5" during the interval period after the first round, and "6" during the second round. That is, in step SC801, it is determined whether "0" is stored in the win status memory area to determine whether the state is in the big win state or small win state.

[0339] If the result of step SC801 is negative, that is, if the game is in a big win state or a small win state, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step SC801 is positive, the process ends in step SC802. If the result of step SC802 is positive, the process ends.

[0340] If the result of step SC802 is negative, proceed to step SC803 and determine whether the second pending counter Nb, which counts the number of pending second variable displays triggered by a ball entering the second start winning section 33WB, is greater than 0.

[0341] If a negative judgment is made in step SC803, in step SC804, it is judged whether or not the special pattern 1 display flag, which indicates that the first variable display is being performed in the first special pattern display device 43A, is set to on.

[0342] If the result of step SC804 is negative, i.e., the state is not a big win or a small win, and the first or second variable display is not in progress, and no second variable display is stored in reserve, proceed to step SC805, where it is determined whether the first reserve counter Na, which counts the number of first variable displays that are reserved due to the ball entering the first start winning section 33WA, is greater than 0.

[0343] In other words, if the second variable display is in progress on the second special pattern display device 43B, or if at least one second variable display is stored in reserve, the first special pattern display device 43A is configured so that a new first variable display cannot be started.

[0344] If the answer in step SC805 is affirmative, the process in step SC806, which functions as an update function unit or a subtraction function unit, subtracts 1 from the first reservation counter Na. In the following step SC807, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the first special variable reservation area. This data shift process shifts the data stored in reservation areas 1 to 4 of the first special variable reservation area sequentially toward the execution area, with the data in each area being shifted in the following order: reservation 1 area → execution area, reservation 2 area → reservation 1 area, reservation 3 area → reservation 2 area, and reservation 4 area → reservation 3 area.

[0345] After step SC807, in step SC808, a subtraction display process is performed on the first hold display device 46A (first hold lamp) corresponding to the decrease of the hold number in the first variable display by one. That is, if both of the pair of left and right first hold lamps are flashing, the left first hold lamp is kept flashing while the right first hold lamp is turned on; if the left first hold lamp is flashing and the right first hold lamp is lit, both the left and right first hold lamps are turned on; if both the left and right first hold lamps are lit, the left first hold lamp is kept lit while the right first hold lamp is turned off; and if the left first hold lamp is lit and the right first hold lamp is turned off, both the left and right first hold lamps are turned off. After step SC808, in step SC809, a first variable display setting process is performed, and then this process ends.

[0346] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in the above step SC805, in step SC811, a standby display setting (such as setting a standby display command to be output to the sub-control device 262) is made to derive a display mode corresponding to a state in which no change display is being performed in both the first special pattern display device 43A and the second special pattern display device 43B (for example, a mode in which only the first and second first special pattern lamps from the right in the bottom row, or only the second special pattern lamp, are lit), and then this processing is terminated.

[0347] In other words, in this embodiment, after the fluctuation stops, the first special pattern display device 43A and the second special pattern display device 43B will maintain their stopped state (in a state indicating the result of the win / lose lottery) for the fluctuation interval, but when the fluctuation interval ends, they will switch to a display state indicating that they are in a fluctuation standby state.

[0348] The display modes indicating that the performance display device 42 is in a variable standby state include a first standby display mode and a second standby display mode, and the sub-control device 262 that receives a standby display command may first set the performance display device 42 to the first standby display mode, in which the brightness of the performance display device 42 is maintained and the stopped display mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern is maintained almost as is, and may also be configured to set a value corresponding to a predetermined time (for example, a value corresponding to 30 seconds) to a standby time measurement timer that measures the time since the first standby display mode was derived. Furthermore, when the value of the standby time measurement timer is subtracted every predetermined time and becomes "0," the performance display device 42 may be configured to dim the brightness and set to the second standby display mode, in which the display mode is simplified (for example, the decorative pattern is not displayed, etc.).

[0349] Here, the details of the first variable display setting process of step SC809 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-20.

[0350] First, in step SC900, it is determined whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is "7" corresponding to the jackpot. In addition, in step SC900, it may be determined whether the first variable display corresponding to the jackpot is by determining whether the jackpot scheduled flag of the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is set on.

[0351] If the answer in step SC900 is affirmative, then in step SC901 it is determined whether or not "31," which corresponds to the "time-saving B mode," is stored in the mode storage area.

[0352] If the answer in step SC901 is affirmative, the 15R big win flag is turned on in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area in step SC902, and then the process proceeds to step SC903.

[0353] If the determination in step SC901 is negative, the process proceeds to step SC904, where it is determined whether the 15R jackpot flag has already been set to ON in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area. If the determination in step SC904 is positive, the process proceeds to step SC903.

[0354] In step SC903, a 15R jackpot pattern setting process is performed. The 15R jackpot pattern setting process is a process for executing a variable display and a performance display corresponding to the variable information stored in the execution area in the first special symbol display device 43A and the performance display device 42 (the same applies to various pattern setting processes described later). Here, the variable pattern table corresponding to the 15R jackpot is taken into consideration to determine the variable pattern (variable display time, stop mode, performance pattern, etc.) of the first special symbol display device 43A and the performance display device 42, and setting of a variable pattern command, etc. is performed.

[0355] Specifically, in the 15R jackpot pattern setting process in step SC903 (the same applies to the various pattern setting processes in steps SC905, SC907, SC909, and SC910 described later), the mode memory area is first checked to determine the game mode. If "11," corresponding to "normal mode," is stored in the mode memory area, the first normal variable time determination table for "normal mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected as the first variable time determination table referenced when setting the first variable time. Also, if "21," corresponding to "time-saving A mode," is stored, the first shortened variable time determination table for "time-saving A mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected. If "31," corresponding to "time-saving B mode," is stored, the first shortened variable time determination table for "time-saving B mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected.

[0356] Then, the selected first variable time determination table is referenced, and the first variable time is determined based on the value of the first variable type counter CS1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable reservation area. The determined first variable time is stored in association with the execution area of ​​the special variable reservation area.

[0357] Furthermore, a reach pattern is determined based on the first fluctuation time and the fluctuation pattern. For example, a first normal fluctuation time determination table for a jackpot is referenced, and if the first fluctuation time is determined to be 22 seconds, a normal reach is set, if it is determined to be 30 or 35 seconds, a super reach is set, and if it is determined to be 40 seconds, a premium reach is set.

[0358] Then, various information including the first variable display, the 15R jackpot, the determined reach pattern, game mode information, and the variable time are set in the variable pattern command. Also, in the 15R jackpot pattern setting process, the special chart 1 jackpot variable flag indicating that the first variable display corresponding to the jackpot is being performed is set to ON.

[0359] Also, in this embodiment, the reach pattern of the performance display device 42 is determined on the main control device 261 side, but in order to reduce the burden on the main control device 261, the main control device 261 does not determine the reach pattern, and the fluctuation pattern command may be configured to include information on whether it is the first fluctuation display or the second fluctuation display, information indicating the fluctuation pattern (information that allows one to determine whether it is a 15R jackpot, 8R jackpot, 4R jackpot, small win, reach that misses before and after, reach that misses other than before and after, or complete miss), information indicating the fluctuation time, etc., and the reach pattern of the performance display device 42 may be determined on the sub-control device 262 side.

[0360] After step SC903, in step SC911, the special pattern 1 display flag is set to on, indicating that the first variable display is in progress in the first special pattern display device 43A, and in step SC912, a value corresponding to the first variable time is set to the special pattern 1 display timer, which measures the remaining time of the first variable display, before terminating this processing.

[0361] Also, if the result of step SC904 is negative, a 4R jackpot pattern setting process is performed in step SC905. Here, the change pattern table corresponding to the 4R jackpot is taken into consideration to determine the change patterns (change display time, stop mode, effect pattern, etc.) of the first special symbol display device 43A and the effect display device 42, and the change pattern command is set. Also, in the 4R jackpot pattern setting process, a special symbol 1 jackpot change flag is set to ON, which indicates that the first change display corresponding to the jackpot is being performed.

[0362] After step SC905, in step SC911, the special chart 1 display flag is set to on, and in step SC912, a value corresponding to the first variable time is set to the special chart 1 display timer, and then this processing is terminated.

[0363] If a negative determination is made in step SC900, then in step SC906, the execution area of ​​the special variable hold area is taken into consideration and it is determined whether the front and rear flag (see reach determination process in Figure 1-16) is on. If a positive determination is made in step SC906, that is, if it is a "front and rear miss reach", then a front and rear reach pattern setting process (setting of variable pattern command, etc.) is performed in step SC907, and then this process is terminated via steps SC911 and SC912.

[0364] If the determination in step SC906 is negative, the execution area of ​​the special variable hold area is taken into consideration and it is determined in step SC908 whether the non-front and rear flag is on. If the determination in step SC908 is positive, that is, if it is a "reach other than a front and rear miss", a non-front and rear reach pattern setting process (setting of a variable pattern command, etc.) is performed in step SC909, and then this process is terminated via steps SC911 and SC912.

[0365] Also, if the result of step SC908 is negative, i.e., if the result is a "complete miss," then step SC910 performs a miss fluctuation pattern setting process (setting a fluctuation pattern command, etc.), and then steps SC911 and SC912 are performed, after which this process is terminated.

[0366] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, a first lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot will be awarded (jackpot lottery) is conducted based on the ball entering the first start-up winning section 33WA, but a second lottery to determine whether or not a small jackpot will be awarded (small jackpot lottery) and a third lottery to determine whether or not a time-saving jackpot will be awarded (time-saving jackpot lottery) are not conducted.

[0367] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1-19, if the result of step SC804 is affirmative, that is, if the first variable display is in progress, the process proceeds to step SC812, where the subtraction process of the special chart 1 display timer is performed. Each time this process is performed, the value of the special chart 1 display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, if the variable time is 6 seconds (6000 msec), the special chart 1 display timer is set to "1500", and it is subtracted by 1 every 4 msec.

[0368] Next, the process proceeds to step SC813, where it is determined whether the predetermined variable time has elapsed, taking into consideration the value of the special chart 1 display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when the predetermined variable time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the special chart 1 display timer becomes "0", step SC813 is determined to be positive.

[0369] If a negative determination is made in step SC813, a switch display setting is made in step SC818 to continue the switch display (variable display) of the first special pattern display device 43A. Based on the settings of the switch display setting, a control signal to switch display is output to the first special pattern display device 43A in the external output process of the next normal process. This realizes the switch display (variable display) of the first special pattern display device 43A at the timing of the first special display control process, that is, every 4 ms. After step SC818, this process ends.

[0370] On the other hand, if the result of step SC813 is affirmative, the special symbol 1 display flag is turned off in step SC814, and the special symbol 1 stop display setting is performed in step SC815 to display the stop on the first special symbol display device 43A. Based on the setting contents of this special symbol 1 stop display setting, a control signal to display the stop is output to the first special symbol display device 43A in the external output process in the next normal process. That is, in the first special symbol display device 43A, the modes corresponding to the types of jackpots and losses set in the first variable display setting process are displayed as stop displays.

[0371] Also, after step SC815, in step SC816, a special symbol 1 stop command is set to the sub-control device 262 to cause the performance display device 42 to display a stop. This ensures that the stop timing of the first special symbol display device 43A and the performance display device 42 is synchronized. However, since the stop mode of the performance display device 42 has already been determined by the sub-control device 262 by the variable pattern command output at the start of the variable display, there is no need to add information regarding the stop mode of the performance display device 42 again. Also, to reiterate, the stop display by the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B is the main display, and the display of the decorative pattern by the performance display device 42 is merely auxiliary (for performance purposes).

[0372] Next, in step SC817, a special chart 1 discrimination information setting process is performed to set the initial winning status and the game mode switching setting, and then this process is terminated.

[0373] Here, the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process of step SC817 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-21.

[0374] First, in step SC1001, the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the special chart 1 big win variable flag is set to on.

[0375] If the result of step SC1001 is affirmative, the special chart 1 jackpot fluctuation flag is turned off in step SC1002, and the jackpot in progress flag indicating that the jackpot state is in progress (the special chart 1 jackpot in progress flag indicating that a jackpot has occurred in the first fluctuation display stored in the first special fluctuation pending area) is turned on in step SC1003.

[0376] Furthermore, in step SC1004, a value corresponding to the various jackpot flags set in the execution area of ​​the special variable holding area ("15" corresponding to a 15R jackpot, or "4" corresponding to a 4R jackpot) is set to a round number counter for determining the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (number of times the first variable winning device 32A is opened).

[0377] In the following step SC1005, "1" is set in the winning status memory area. Furthermore, in step SC1006, a predetermined value (in this embodiment, a value "2000" corresponding to an opening period of 8 seconds) is set in a special variable timer used for control during the winning state (opening / closing control of the first variable winning device 32A). Next, in step SC1007, "8" indicating the maximum number of balls that can enter per round is set in a first winning counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the first variable winning device 32A.

[0378] Furthermore, during the switch reading process of the timer interrupt processing (see Figure 1-11), the value of the first winning counter is determined based on the detection information of the large winning port count switch 222 to determine whether or not a ball has entered the first variable winning device 32A, and is decremented by 1 if it is determined that a ball has entered the first variable winning device 32A.

[0379] Then, in step SC1008, an opening command is set to notify the sub-controller 262 of the start of the winning state, and then this process is terminated. The opening command includes information such as the type of winning, and the sub-controller 262 can also grasp the total number of rounds in the winning state, etc.

[0380] Also, if a negative determination is made in step SC1001, a value corresponding to the fluctuation interval (for example, 1 second) is set in the fluctuation interval timer in step SC1013. In addition, in the effect display device 42, the fluctuation display of the decorative pattern is basically stopped at the timing of the stopped display of the fluctuation display of the special pattern display devices 43A, 43B, and the stopped decorative pattern continues to be displayed until the fluctuation interval ends (until the next variable display of the special pattern display devices 43A, 43B begins). Then, when the variable interval ends and the variable display is reserved and stored, the variable display on the special pattern display devices 43A, 43B and the variable display on the effect display device 42 start simultaneously. On the other hand, when the variable interval ends and the variable display is not reserved and stored, the stopped pattern on the effect display device 42 continues to be derived for a while, and then the display switches to a game standby display (demo screen display).

[0381] After step SC1013, in step SC1014, it is determined whether or not "21" is stored in the mode storage area, that is, whether or not the "time-saving A mode" is in effect.

[0382] If the determination in step SC1014 is affirmative, in step SC1015, the value of the first fluctuation number counter A is decremented by 1. The first fluctuation number counter A is used to measure the duration of the "time-saving A mode" (the number of fluctuations remaining until the upper limit is reached).

[0383] In this embodiment, as will be described later, after the end of all types of jackpots, the "Time-saving A mode" is granted for a period of one or seven variable display cycles, and therefore, at the end of the jackpot, the first variable count counter A is set to "1" or "7."

[0384] In the following step SC1016, it is determined whether the value of the first variation number counter A is "0". If the determination in step SC1016 is negative, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1016 is positive, "11" indicating "normal mode" is set in the mode storage area in step SC1017. In other words, when the total number of times the first and second variation displays performed on the first special pattern display device 43A and the second special pattern display device 43B have been performed reaches "1 time" or "7 times", the "time-saving A mode" ends and the process transitions to the "normal mode".

[0385] After step SC1017, in step SC1018, a time-saving A mode end command is set to notify the sub-control device 262 of a transition to "normal mode" (end of "time-saving A mode"). A configuration may be adopted in which rush stage effects and battle stage effects are continuously executed during the period in which "time-saving A mode" is granted by the function of the sub-control device 262, which is the continuation function unit. Then, this processing ends.

[0386] If the answer is NO in step SC1014, then in step SC1019 it is determined whether or not "31" is stored in the mode storage area, that is, whether or not the "time-saving B mode" is in effect.

[0387] If the determination in step SC1019 is affirmative, in step SC1020, the value of the second fluctuation number counter B is decremented by 1. The second fluctuation number counter B is used to measure the duration of the "time-saving B mode" (the number of fluctuations remaining until the upper limit is reached).

[0388] In this embodiment, when a time-saving win occurs, the "time-saving B mode" is given for a period of "30 times," "40 times," or "50 times" of the variable display, so when a time-saving win occurs, "30," "40," or "50" is set as specific numerical information for the second variable number counter B. This function constitutes the information setting function unit in this embodiment.

[0389] In the following step SC1021, it is determined whether the value of the second variation number counter B is "0". If the determination in step SC1021 is negative, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1021 is positive, "11" indicating "normal mode" is set in the mode storage area in step SC1022. In other words, when the total number of times the first and second variation displays have been executed on the first special pattern display device 43A and the second special pattern display device 43B reaches "30 times", "40 times", or "50 times", the "time-saving B mode" ends and the process transitions to "normal mode".

[0390] After step SC1022, in step SC1023, a time-saving B mode end command is set to notify the sub-control device 262 of a transition to the "normal mode" (end of the "time-saving B mode"), and then this process ends.

[0391] Next, the second special display control process (step SC205) of the normal process (see FIG. 1-10) will be explained with reference to FIG. 1-22. In this embodiment, the second special symbol display device 43B is configured so that the variation interval of the second variable display is not set. Of course, the variation interval of the second variable display may be configured to be set.

[0392] First, in step SC1601, it is determined whether the value in the win status storage area is "0", i.e., whether the state is other than the big win state or the small win state. If the determination in step SC1601 is negative, i.e., if the state is the big win state or the small win state, this process ends.

[0393] On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step SC1601, in step SC1603, it is determined whether or not the special pattern 2 display flag, which indicates that the second variable display is being performed on the second special pattern display device 43B, is set to on.

[0394] If the determination in step SC1603 is negative, that is, if the state is not a big win or small win state and the second variable display is not in progress, the process proceeds to step SC1604, where it is determined whether the second pending counter Nb, which counts the number of pending second variable displays triggered by a ball entering the second start winning section 33WB, is greater than 0. In other words, the display performance related to the second variable display will continue during the predetermined state until the value of the second pending counter Nb is subtracted and becomes "0." If the determination in step SC1604 is negative, the process ends as is.

[0395] On the other hand, if the answer in step SC1604 is affirmative, the update function unit or subtraction function unit performs processing in step SC1605, which subtracts 1 from the second reservation counter Nb. The following step SC1606 executes processing to shift the data stored in the second special variable reservation area. This data shift processing shifts the data stored in reservation areas 1 to 4 of the second special variable reservation area sequentially toward the execution area, with the data in each area being shifted in the following order: reservation area 1 → execution area, reservation area 2 → reservation area 1, reservation area 3 → reservation area 2, and reservation area 4 → reservation area 3.

[0396] After step SC1606, in step SC1607, a subtraction display process is performed on the second hold display device 46B (second hold lamp) corresponding to the hold number in the second variable display being reduced by one. In other words, a process is performed to turn off the second hold lamp. After step SC1607, in step SC1608, a second variable display setting process is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0397] Here, the details of the second variable display setting process of step SC1608 will be explained with reference to FIG. 1-23.

[0398] First, in step SC1701, it is determined whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is "7" corresponding to a jackpot. In step SC1701, it may be determined whether the second variable display corresponding to a jackpot is by determining whether the jackpot expected flag of the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is set on.

[0399] If the determination in step SC1701 is affirmative, in step SC1702, a special 2 jackpot fluctuation flag indicating that a second fluctuation display corresponding to a jackpot is being performed is set to ON. In the following step SC1703, it is determined whether or not a 15R jackpot flag is set to ON in the execution area of ​​the special fluctuation reserve area. If the determination in step SC1703 is affirmative, a 15R jackpot pattern setting process is performed in step SC1704.

[0400] If the determination in step SC1703 is negative, it is determined in step SC1705 whether or not the 8R jackpot flag is set to ON. If the determination in step SC1705 is positive, an 8R jackpot pattern setting process is performed in step SC1706, and if the determination in step SC1705 is negative, a 4R jackpot pattern setting process is performed in step SC1707.

[0401] As in the case of the first variable display setting process described above, the various pattern setting process is a process for executing variable displays and performance displays corresponding to the variable information stored in the execution area in the second special pattern display device 43B and the performance display device 42, and here, by referring to the variable pattern table corresponding to each type of win, the variable patterns (variable display time, stop mode, performance pattern, etc.) of the second special pattern display device 43B and the performance display device 42 are determined, and variable pattern commands are set, etc.

[0402] That is, in each pattern setting process of step SC1704, step SC1706, and step SC1707, if "11" corresponding to "normal mode" is stored in the mode storage area as the second variable time determination table referenced when setting the second variable time, the second normal variable time determination table for "normal mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected. Also, if "21" corresponding to "time-saving A mode" is stored, the second shortened variable time determination table for "time-saving A mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected. If "31" corresponding to "time-saving B mode" is stored, the second shortened variable time determination table for "time-saving B mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected.

[0403] Next, the selected second variable time determination table is referenced, and the second variable time is determined based on the value of the first variable type counter CS1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable reservation area. The determined second variable time is stored in association with the execution area of ​​the special variable reservation area.

[0404] Then, various information including the fact that it is the second variation display, big win type information, game mode information, and variation time is set in the variation pattern command.

[0405] In this embodiment, the effect display device 42 is configured not to perform a reach effect or the like corresponding to the second variable display. However, as described above, since the value of the variable selection counter CC3 is stored in each reserve area of ​​the second special variable reserve area in accordance with the winning history in the second start winning section 33WB, the effect display device 42 may be configured to execute a reach effect or the like corresponding to the second variable display, similar to the case corresponding to the first variable display. For example, it may be configured to determine whether or not a reach effect or the like is executed based on the player's selection using the operating means.

[0406] After step SC1704, step SC1706, or step SC1707, in step SC1710, the special pattern 2 display flag, which indicates that the second variable display is in progress in the second special pattern display device 43B, is set to on, and in step SC1711, a value corresponding to the second variable time is set to the special pattern 2 display timer, which measures the remaining time of the second variable display, and then this processing is terminated.

[0407] Also, if the result of step SC1701 is negative, in step SC1712, it is determined whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is a value corresponding to a small win. Note that in step SC1712, it may be determined whether the second variable display corresponding to a small win is by determining whether the small win scheduled flag in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is set on.

[0408] If the result of the determination in step SC1712 is affirmative, in step SC1713, a small win fluctuation flag indicating that a second fluctuation display corresponding to a small win is being performed is set to ON. Then, in the following step SC1709, after performing a small win pattern setting process (setting of a fluctuation pattern command, etc.), this process is terminated through steps SC1710 and SC1711. In the small win pattern setting process, when "11" corresponding to "normal mode" is stored in the mode memory area as the second variable time determination table referenced when setting the second variable time, the second normal variable time determination table for "normal mode" corresponding to the small win pattern setting process is selected. Also, when "21" corresponding to "time-saving A mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second shortened variable time determination table for "time-saving A mode" corresponding to the small win pattern setting process is selected. When "31" corresponding to "time-saving B mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second shortened variable time determination table for "time-saving B mode" corresponding to the small win pattern setting process is selected.

[0409] Then, the selected second variation time determination table is referenced, and the second variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variation reserve area. The determined second variation time is stored in association with the execution area of ​​the special variation reserve area. Furthermore, information indicating the second variation display, the variation pattern (small win), game mode information, and information including the variation time are set in the variation pattern command.

[0410] If the result of step SC1712 is negative, step SC1717 determines whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable pending area is a value corresponding to a time-saving win. Note that step SC1717 may also be configured to determine whether the second variable display corresponds to a time-saving win by determining whether the time-saving win scheduled flag of the execution area of ​​the special variable pending area is set to on.

[0411] If the result of the determination in step SC1717 is affirmative, a time-saving win fluctuation flag indicating that a second fluctuation display corresponding to the time-saving win is being performed is set to ON in step SC1718. Then, in the following step SC1719, a time-saving win pattern setting process (setting of a fluctuation pattern command, etc.) is performed, and then this process is terminated via step SC1710 and step SC1711.

[0412] In the time-saving winning pattern setting process, if "11" corresponding to "normal mode" is stored in the mode memory area as the second variable time determination table referenced when setting the second variable time, the second normal variable time determination table for "normal mode" corresponding to the time-saving winning pattern setting process is selected. Also, if "21" corresponding to "time-saving A mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second shortened variable time determination table for "time-saving A mode" corresponding to the time-saving winning pattern setting process is selected. If "31" corresponding to "time-saving B mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second shortened variable time determination table for "time-saving B mode" corresponding to the time-saving winning pattern setting process is selected.

[0413] Then, the selected second variation time determination table is referenced, and the second variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variation reserve area. The determined second variation time is stored in association with the execution area of ​​the special variation reserve area. Furthermore, information indicating the second variation display, the variation pattern (a time-shortened win), game mode information, and information including the variation time are set in the variation pattern command.

[0414] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1-22, if a positive judgment is made in step SC1603, i.e., if the second variable display is in progress, proceed to step SC1609 and perform a subtraction process on the special chart 2 display timer.

[0415] Next, the process proceeds to step SC1610, where the value of the special chart 2 display timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether the predetermined variable time has elapsed. At this time, when the predetermined variable time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the special chart 2 display timer becomes "0", step SC1610 is determined to be positive.

[0416] If a negative determination is made in step SC1610, in step SC1615, a switching display setting is made to continue the switching display (second variable display) of the second special pattern display device 43B. Based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, a control signal to perform switching display is output to the second special pattern display device 43B in the external output process in the next normal process. This realizes the switching display (variable display) of the second special pattern display device 43B at the timing of the second special display control process, that is, every 4 ms. After step SC1615, this process ends.

[0417] On the other hand, if the result of step SC1610 is affirmative, the special symbol 2 display flag is turned off in step SC1611, and the special symbol 2 stop display setting is performed in step SC1612 to display a stop on the second special symbol display device 43B. Based on the setting contents of this special symbol 2 stop display setting, a control signal to display a stop is output to the second special symbol display device 43B in the external output process of the next normal process. In other words, the second special symbol display device 43B will stop and display modes corresponding to the various big wins, small wins, various time-saving wins, misses, etc. set in the second variable display setting process.

[0418] Also, after step SC1612, in step SC1613, a special symbol 2 stop command is set to the sub-control device 262 to stop the effect display device 42. This ensures that the stop timing of the second special symbol display device 43B and the effect display device 42 is synchronized.

[0419] Next, in step SC1614, a special chart 2 discrimination information setting process is performed to set the initial winning status and the game mode switching setting, and then this process is terminated.

[0420] Here, the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process of step SC1614 will be explained with reference to FIG. 1-24. First, in step SC1801, the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is referenced to determine whether or not the small win fluctuation flag is set to on. If a positive determination is made in step SC1801, the small win fluctuation flag is turned off in step SC1802, and a small win in progress flag indicating that a small win state is in progress is turned on in step SC1803. Furthermore, in step SC1804, "2" is set in the round number counter for determining the number of rounds executed during the small win state (the number of times the second variable winning device 32B is opened).

[0421] In the following step SC1805, the hit status memory area is set to "4", indicating that the first round of the small hit state is in progress. Furthermore, in step SC1806, it is determined whether the value stored in the mode memory area is "21". If the determination in step SC1806 is affirmative, that is, if the mode is "time-saving A mode" (if the high ball entry state is in effect), in step SC1807, the special variable timer used for control during the hit state (open / close control of variable winning devices 32A, 32B) is set to the value "400", which corresponds to an opening period of 1.6 seconds. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1806 is negative (if the low ball entry state is in effect), in step SC1808, the special variable timer is set to the value "25", which corresponds to an opening time of 0.1 seconds.

[0422] After step SC1807 or step SC1808, in step SC1809, the second winning counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the second variable winning device 32B is set to "4", which indicates the maximum number of balls that can enter per round, that is, four.

[0423] Furthermore, during the switch reading process of the timer interrupt processing (see Figure 1-11), the value of the second winning counter is determined based on the detection information of the ball count switch 223a to determine whether or not a ball has entered the second variable winning device 32B, and if it is determined that a ball has entered the second variable winning device 32B, the value is decremented by 1.

[0424] In the following step SC1810, a second opening process is performed to open the second variable winning device 32B.

[0425] Furthermore, in step SC1811, a subtraction process is performed on the fluctuation count counter. In this embodiment, since the game mode does not change just because a small win has been won, if the "time-saving A mode" or "time-saving B mode" is set, this subtraction process is performed to subtract one from the remaining continuation count of the "time-saving A mode" or "time-saving B mode" even when the small win fluctuation display has ended.

[0426] In addition, this subtraction process of the fluctuation number counter is configured to be skipped and not performed when the current game mode is "normal mode" (when "11" is stored in the mode memory area).

[0427] In other words, in the process of decrementing the fluctuation count counter, it is first determined whether "21" or "31" is stored in the mode memory area, i.e., whether the current game mode is "time-saving A mode" or "time-saving B mode," and only if a positive determination is made is the process of decrementing the value of the fluctuation count counter (first fluctuation count counter A or second fluctuation count counter B) by 1.

[0428] In the following step SC1812, a small win start command is set to notify the sub-control device 262 of the start of the small win state. After that, this process ends. This small win start command includes various information about the small win (for example, the type of jackpot when a V jackpot state occurs), etc., so that the sub-control device 262 can also grasp the progress of the small win state.

[0429] If the result of the determination in step SC1801 is negative, in step SC1813, the execution area of ​​the special variation reserve area is referenced to determine whether or not the special chart 2 big win variation flag is set to on.

[0430] If the result of step SC1813 is affirmative, the special chart 2 jackpot fluctuation flag is turned off in step SC1814, and the jackpot in progress flag indicating that the jackpot state is in progress (the special chart 2 jackpot in progress flag indicating that a jackpot has occurred in the second fluctuation display stored in the second special fluctuation pending area) is turned on in step SC1815.

[0431] In the following step SC1816, by referring to the various jackpot flags set in the execution area of ​​the special variable pending area, a value corresponding to each type of jackpot is set in a round number counter to determine the number of rounds to be executed during the jackpot state (number of times the first variable winning device 32A is opened).

[0432] For example, if the 15R jackpot flag is set to ON, the round number counter is set to "15." If the 8R jackpot flag is set to ON, the round number counter is set to "8." If the 4R jackpot flag is set to ON, the round number counter is set to "4."

[0433] Then, in step SC1817, "1" is set in the winning status memory area. Furthermore, in step SC1818, a value "2000" corresponding to an opening period of, for example, 8 seconds is set in the special variable timer. Next, in step SC1819, "8" is set in the first winning counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the first variable winning device 32A. Then, in step SC1820, an opening command is set, and this process ends.

[0434] On the other hand, if the result of step SC1813 is negative, step SC1821 refers to the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area and determines whether or not the variable flag per time reduction is set to ON.

[0435] If the result of step SC1821 is affirmative, the time-saving winning fluctuation flag is turned off in step SC1822, and the value "31" corresponding to the "time-saving B mode" is set in the mode storage area in step SC1823. As a result, the game mode is internally switched from the "normal mode" to the "time-saving B mode."

[0436] In the next step SC1824, a value corresponding to the type of time-saving winning is set in the second fluctuation number counter B used to measure the duration of the "time-saving B mode" (the number of fluctuations remaining until the upper limit is reached).

[0437] In detail, taking into consideration the various time-saving winning schedule flags set in the execution area of ​​the special variable pending area, if a "30-time time-saving winning" is won, the value of the second variable number counter B is set to "30", if a "40-time time-saving winning" is won, the value of the second variable number counter B is set to "40", and if a "50-time time-saving winning" is won, the value of the second variable number counter B is set to "50".

[0438] Then, this process ends. Note that in this embodiment, at this stage, a command to generate the "time-saving B mode" is not sent to the sub-control device 262. In other words, at this stage, the effect display device 42 and the like does not perform an effect related to the "time-saving B mode", and the player is therefore unlikely to recognize that the "time-saving B mode" has been granted.

[0439] If the result of step SC1821 is negative, step SC1827 determines whether "21" is stored in the mode storage area, that is, whether the current game mode is the "time-shortening A mode."

[0440] If the answer in step SC1827 is affirmative, in step SC1828, the value of the first fluctuation number counter A used to measure the duration of the "time-saving A mode" (the remaining number of fluctuations until the upper limit is reached) is decremented by one.

[0441] In addition, in this embodiment, the first variation count counter A is also used to measure the remaining execution period (remaining reserved consumption period, up to 4 times) of the second variation display that is reserved and stored when the ``time-saving A mode'' ends.

[0442] In the following step SC1829, it is determined whether the value of the first fluctuation number counter A is 0. If the determination in step SC1829 is negative, the present process is terminated.

[0443] On the other hand, if the result of step SC1829 is affirmative, in step SC1830, "11" indicating "normal mode" is set in the mode storage area. In other words, when the total number of times the first variable display and the second variable display performed by the first special pattern display device 43A and the second special pattern display device 43B have been executed reaches "1 time" or "7 times," the "time-saving A mode" ends and the mode shifts to "normal mode."

[0444] After step SC1830, in step SC1831, it is determined whether the value of the second reservation counter Nb is greater than 0. In other words, it is determined whether the second variable display is reserved and stored in the second special variable reservation area.

[0445] If a negative judgment is made in step SC1831, i.e., if the second variable display is not reserved in the second special variable reservation area, in step SC1832, a "time-saving A mode" termination command is set to notify the sub-control device 262 of a transition to "normal mode" (end of "time-saving A mode"), and then this processing is terminated.

[0446] On the other hand, if the result of step SC1831 is affirmative, that is, if the second variable display is reserved in the second special variable reserve area, the process proceeds to step SC1833, and the current value of the second reserve counter Nb (the number of second variable displays currently reserved and stored in the second special variable reserve area, up to a maximum of "4") is set for the first variable number counter A. This sets the period (number of variable displays) during which the "continuous chance stage presentation" is continuously executed.

[0447] Therefore, in this embodiment, the "continuation chance stage presentation" corresponds to the "specific presentation", and the "presentation execution function unit" is constituted by the function of the sub-control device 262 that executes the "continuation chance stage presentation". Also, in this embodiment, the remaining reserved consumption period until the value of the first variation number counter A is subtracted and becomes the specific value "0" corresponds to "in a predetermined state", and the "continuation function unit" is constituted by the function of the sub-control device 262 that continues to execute the "continuation chance stage presentation" during this period.

[0448] In the following step SC1834, a performance start setting process for the "continuation chance stage performance" (for example, setting a performance start command to cause the sub-control device 262 to execute the "continuation chance stage performance") is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0449] If the result of step SC1827 is negative, step SC1835 determines whether "31" is stored in the mode storage area, that is, whether the current game mode is the "time-shortening B mode."

[0450] If the determination in step SC1835 is affirmative, the value of the second fluctuation frequency counter B is decremented by 1 in step SC1836 (after the duration of the time-saving B mode is internally updated), and then the process proceeds to step SC1837. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1835 is negative, the process proceeds directly to step SC1837. In this embodiment, the processing function of decrementing the second fluctuation frequency counter B constitutes an "update function unit."

[0451] In step SC1837, it is determined whether the value of the first fluctuation counter A is greater than 0, i.e., whether the current game mode is "normal mode" or "time-saving B mode," and whether the "continuation chance stage presentation" is in progress. If the determination is negative here, this process is terminated.

[0452] On the other hand, if the answer in step SC1837 is affirmative, the value of the first fluctuation number counter A is decremented by 1 in step SC1838, and then the process proceeds to step SC1839.

[0453] In step SC1839, it is determined whether the value of the first change number counter A is 0. If the determination in step SC1839 is negative, the process ends.

[0454] On the other hand, if the result of step SC1839 is positive, i.e., if it is time to end the "continued chance stage presentation", a presentation end setting process for the "continued chance stage presentation" (for example, setting a presentation end command to the sub-control device 262 to end the "continued chance stage presentation") is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0455] In this embodiment, the first fluctuation number counter A and various functions associated therewith constitute a first counting function unit, and the second fluctuation number counter B and various functions associated therewith constitute a second counting function unit.

[0456] In addition, in this embodiment, the end of the second variable display of the second special pattern display device 43B corresponds to the establishment of a predetermined subtraction condition, and a subtraction function unit is constituted by a processing function that subtracts the first variable number counter A.

[0457] Next, the variable winning device control process in step SC207 for opening and closing the first variable winning device 32A and the second variable winning device 32B will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 1-25.

[0458] First, in step SC1201, it is determined whether the value set in the hit status memory area is "0" or not, thereby determining whether the state is other than a hit state. If the determination in step SC1201 is affirmative, that is, if the state is not a hit state, this process is terminated. Incidentally, at the start of the big hit state or small hit state, "1" or "4" is set in the hit status memory area in the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process and the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process.

[0459] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1201 is negative, that is, if the game is in a winning state (if any of "1" to "6" is set in the winning status memory area), the process proceeds to step SC1202, where the value of the special variable timer is decremented by 1. In the following step SC1203, it is determined whether the value of the special variable timer is "0." If the determination in step SC1203 is positive, it is determined in step SC1204 whether "1" is set in the winning status memory area.

[0460] If the result of step SC1204 is affirmative, then in step SC1205, the value "2" is set in the winning status storage area. In the following step SC1206, the value "7500" corresponding to the time (30 seconds) for which the first variable winning device 32A is to be kept open is set in the special variable timer.

[0461] After step SC1206, in step SC1207, a first opening process is performed to open the first variable winning device 32A, and in step SC1208, a round command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that a round is about to begin. After that, this process is terminated.

[0462] If the result of step SC1204 is negative, step SC1209 determines whether or not "5" is set in the win status memory area. In this embodiment, "5" is set in the win status memory area during the interval period between the first round and the second round in the small win state.

[0463] If a negative determination is made in step SC1209, then in step SC1210, it is determined whether or not "3" is set in the win status memory area. As will be described in detail later, when all rounds in the big win state end and the ending period begins, "3" is set in the win status memory area. If a negative determination is made in step SC1210, that is, when it is not yet time to end the big win state, then in step SC1211, it is determined whether or not "6" is set in the win status memory area. In this embodiment, "6" is set in the win status memory area in the second round of the small win state.

[0464] If the result of step SC1211 is negative, then in step SC1212, the value of the round number counter is decremented by 1. In the following step SC1213, it is determined whether the value of the round number counter is "0." If the result of step SC1213 is negative, that is, if there are still rounds to be played, then in step SC1214, it is determined whether "4" is set in the win status memory area. In this embodiment, "4" is set in the win status memory area in the first round of the small win state.

[0465] If the result of step SC1214 is negative, i.e., if "2" is set in the winning status memory area, the process proceeds to step SC1215, where "1" is set in the winning status memory area. Then, in step SC1216, the special variable timer is set to a value of "250" corresponding to the interval time (1 second).

[0466] In the following step SC1217, "8" is set to the first winning counter. Furthermore, in step SC1218, a first closing process is performed to close the first variable winning device 32A, and in step SC1219, an interval command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that an interval has started. Thereafter, this process ends.

[0467] If the result of step SC1214 is affirmative, i.e., the first round of the small win state has ended, the value "5" is set in the win status memory area in step SC1220. After that, the value "25" corresponding to the interval time (0.1 seconds) is set in the special variable timer in step SC1221.

[0468] In the following step SC1222, the second winning counter is set to "4." Furthermore, in step SC1223, a second closing process is performed to close the second variable winning device 32B, and then this process is terminated.

[0469] Furthermore, if the result of step SC1203 is negative, i.e., if there is still time remaining for the first variable winning device 32A or the second variable winning device 32B to remain open or closed (open time or closed time), the process proceeds to step SC1224, where it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has entered the specific ball entry section 320c provided in the internal area 320a of the second variable winning device 32B. Note that, as will be described in detail later, in this process, it is determined whether or not a specific winning flag, which is set on when a gaming ball that has entered the specific ball entry section 320c is detected by the specific ball entry detection switch 223b, is set on, thereby determining whether or not a gaming ball has entered the specific ball entry section 320c.

[0470] If the result of step SC1224 is negative, step SC1225 determines whether the value of the winning counter (the first winning counter if in a big win state, or the second winning counter if in a small win state) corresponding to the variable winning device 32A, 32B in the current winning state is "0." As mentioned above, at the start of the winning state or the start of the interval, an upper limit of the number of winnings per round (a specified number of "8" or "4") is set for each winning counter. Then, one is subtracted each time a game ball enters the variable winning device 32A, 32B.

[0471] If the result of step SC1225 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step SC1225 is positive, that is, if the trigger for ending the round arrives before the set period for the round has elapsed, the process proceeds to step SC1211. As a result, if the game balls enter the first variable winning device 32A or the second variable winning device 32B up to the upper limit (8 or 4 balls) during one round, the round ends promptly at that point even if the upper limit of the opening period (30 seconds, 1.6 seconds, or 0.1 seconds) has not yet elapsed.

[0472] If the result of step SC1224 is affirmative, that is, if a V-winning jackpot occurs when a gaming ball enters the specific winning section 320c in the small winning state, the specific winning process is performed in step SC1226 to continue the jackpot state, and then this process is terminated. The specific winning process will be described in detail later.

[0473] If the result of step SC1213 is affirmative, i.e., if all rounds in the jackpot state have been played, the process proceeds to step SC1227, where the win status memory area is set to "3." Then, in step SC1228, the special variable timer is set to a value of "2500," which corresponds to the ending time (10 seconds).

[0474] After step SC1228, in step SC1229, the first winning counter is set to "7." When the process of setting the ending from step SC1227 onward is performed following a positive determination in step SC1225, the value of the first winning counter is set to "0." If the value of the first winning counter is left at "0" at the start of the ending period, the variable winning device control process 4 msec later will suddenly determine "YES" in step SC1225, preventing the ending period from being completed. For this reason, a temporary value other than "0" ("7" in this example) is entered into the first winning counter in step SC1229 to complete the ending period. Of course, the ending period may be completed in another way.

[0475] After step SC1229, in step SC1230, a first closing process is performed to close the first variable winning device 32A, and in the following step SC1231, an ending command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that an ending has started. After that, this process is terminated.

[0476] If the answer in step SC1210 is affirmative, that is, if the ending period has ended and it is time to end the big win state, the process proceeds to step SC1232, where an end setting process is performed.

[0477] Here, the end setting process will be explained with reference to FIG. 1-27. First, in step SC1401, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag (either the special chart 1 jackpot flag, the special chart 2 jackpot flag, or the V prize jackpot flag described later) is set to ON. If the determination in step SC1401 is affirmative, in step SC1403, the value "21" corresponding to the "time-saving A mode" is stored in the mode storage area. As a result, the "time-saving A mode" is granted after the jackpot state ends.

[0478] In the following step SC1404, a time-saving A mode start command is set to tell the sub-control device 262 to start "time-saving A mode" (transition to "rush stage effect" or "battle stage effect"). The sub-control device 262 as an effect execution function unit may be configured to execute a rush stage effect or a battle stage effect as a specific effect through its effect execution processing. After step SC1404, in step SC1407, a jackpot flag that is set to on (either the special chart 1 jackpot flag, the special chart 2 jackpot flag, or the V prize jackpot flag) is turned off.

[0479] In the following step SC1408, the value "0" is set in the win status memory area, indicating that the state is not a win state. Furthermore, in step SC1409, a jackpot end command is set to the sub-control device 262 to inform the sub-control device 262 that the jackpot state is ending. After that, in step SC1410, the first fluctuation count counter A is set to the fluctuation count value "1" or "7", which is the upper limit of the "time-saving A mode" corresponding to the jackpot type, and then this process ends.

[0480] Also, if the result of step SC1401 is negative, i.e., if a small win has occurred, then in step SC1411, the ball entry counter that counts the number of game balls present in the internal area 320a of the second variable winning device 32B is checked, and it is determined whether the number of game balls present in the internal area 320a is "0".

[0481] If the result of step SC1411 is positive, the small win in progress flag is turned off in step SC1412, "0" is set in the win status memory area in step SC1413, and a small win end command is set in step SC1414 to inform the sub-control device 262 that the small win state has ended.

[0482] Then, in step SC1415, it is determined whether the value of the first fluctuation count counter A is "0." The duration of the "time-saving A mode" is until the first and second fluctuation displays are displayed "once" or "seven times" in total, or until a big win occurs, so when the second fluctuation display corresponding to a small win ends and a small win begins, the value of the first fluctuation count counter A is decremented by 1 (see step SC1811). In step SC1415, it is determined whether the upper limit of the number of fluctuations in the "time-saving A mode" has been reached (whether "once" or "seven times" have ended).

[0483] If the answer in step SC1415 is affirmative, the value "11" corresponding to "normal mode" is set in the mode memory area in step SC1416, and a time-saving A mode end command is set in step SC1417, after which the process is terminated.

[0484] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step SC1415, it is determined in step SC1420 whether the value of the second fluctuation count counter B is "0." The duration of the "time-saving B mode" is set to the time until the first and second fluctuation displays are displayed a total of "30 times," "40," or "50 times," or until a big win occurs, so when the second fluctuation display corresponding to a small win ends and a small win begins, the value of the second fluctuation count counter B is decremented by 1 (see step SC1811). In step SC1420, it is determined whether the upper limit of the number of fluctuations in the "time-saving B mode" has been reached (whether "30 times," "40," or "50 times" have ended).

[0485] If the answer in step SC1420 is affirmative, the value "11" corresponding to "normal mode" is set in the mode storage area in step SC1421, and a time-saving B mode end command is set in step SC1422, after which the process ends.

[0486] Also, if the result of step SC1411 is negative, in step SC1418, a remaining ball monitoring flag is set to ON to continue monitoring the game balls in the internal area 320a of the second variable winning device 32B, and then this process is terminated. In other words, if game balls remain in the internal area 320a, the small win state is configured not to end even when the timing for the small win state (second round) to end has come.

[0487] Here, the remaining ball monitoring process (step SC307) of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 1-11) will be described with reference to FIG. 1-28.

[0488] First, in step SC1301, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has entered the internal area 320a of the second variable winning device 32B based on the detection information of the ball entry count switch 223a installed near the ball entry opening 320b of the internal area 320a. If the determination in step SC1301 is affirmative, in step SC1302, the value of the ball entry counter that counts the gaming balls present in the internal area 320a is incremented by one.

[0489] In the next step SC1303, a value corresponding to a predetermined time during which the gaming ball currently detected by the ball entry count switch 223a should have been discharged from the internal area 320a is set for the monitoring timer used in the remaining ball monitoring process. In this embodiment, the system is configured so that the time it takes for the gaming ball that entered the internal area 320a to be discharged from the internal area 320a will not exceed two seconds unless there is a malfunction, and in step SC1303, "750" corresponding to three seconds is set for the monitoring timer.

[0490] After step SC1303, or if a negative determination is made in step SC1301, in step SC1304, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has entered the specific ball entry section 320c based on the detection information of the specific ball entry detection switch 223b. If a positive determination is made in step SC1304, a specific winning flag is set to ON in step SC1305. In the following step SC1306, the value of the ball entry counter is decremented by 1.

[0491] After step SC1306, or if a negative determination is made in step SC1304, in step SC1307, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the non-specific ball entry section 320d based on the detection information of the non-specific ball entry detection switch 223c. If a positive determination is made in step SC1307, the value of the ball entry counter is decremented by 1 in step SC1308.

[0492] After step SC1308, or if a negative determination is made in step SC1307, step SC1309 determines whether the value of the goal counter is "0." If a negative determination is made in step SC1309, step SC1310 determines whether the value of the monitoring timer is "0." If a negative determination is made in step SC1310, step SC1311 subtracts 1 from the value of the monitoring timer, and then this process ends.

[0493] On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step SC1310, that is, if it is judged that game balls still remain even when all game balls should have been discharged from the internal area 320a of the second variable winning device 32B, error processing (for example, lighting the error indicator lamp 104, displaying an error on the data lamp, notifying the hall computer, etc.) is performed in step SC1312, and then this processing is terminated.

[0494] If the answer in step SC1309 is YES, then in step SC1313, it is determined whether or not the remaining ball monitoring flag, which may be set when ending the small win state, is ON. If the answer in step SC1313 is NO, then this process ends.

[0495] On the other hand, if the result of step SC1313 is affirmative, the remaining ball monitoring flag is turned off in step SC1314. In the following step SC1315, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag (V winning jackpot flag) is set to on. If the result of step SC1315 is affirmative, that is, if a gaming ball enters the specific ball entry section 320c in the small winning state and a V winning jackpot has occurred, this process is terminated.

[0496] On the other hand, if the result of step SC1315 is negative, since the process to end the small win state has not yet been performed, the small win in progress flag is turned off in step SC1316, "0" is stored in the win status memory area in step SC1317, an...

Claims

[Claim 1] A winning / losing lottery means for executing a winning / losing lottery based on whether a predetermined lottery condition is met, determined by a determining means for determining whether the predetermined lottery condition is met; A variable display means for displaying a variable display for a predetermined period based on the result of the winning / losing lottery; a specific game execution means for executing a specific variable display when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a specific result, displaying a specific display result after the specific variable display ends, and then executing a specific game state; A performance execution means for performing a variable performance using a plurality of performance elements during the variable display for the predetermined period; A gaming machine equipped with This gaming machine is a predetermined detection means that can be in a predetermined detection state when a predetermined detection target is in a predetermined state of approaching or contacting a predetermined detection unit within a predetermined distance; and an information output means capable of executing at least a predetermined output, In a predetermined input enabled state, when the predetermined detection means is in the predetermined detection state, the information output means is configured to output a plurality of predetermined information stored in a predetermined storage unit and corresponding to the input of the predetermined information to the performance execution means, When input of predetermined information corresponding to the output predetermined plurality of pieces of information is detected, a specific state that can reflect or output predetermined configurable information in the performance execution means can occur, This gaming machine is A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured to be able to generate a non-output state in which the predetermined plurality of pieces of information are not output by the information output means when the predetermined state occurs after the specific state occurs.

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