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 2-41

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Gaming machines such as pachinko machines are known in the art, in which a game is played by shooting a gaming ball into a gaming area.

[0003] In a pachinko machine, for example, a predetermined winning / losing lottery is held based on the game ball entering a predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area, and a variable display is made on a predetermined display device, and when a stop display is made in a predetermined manner based on the result of the winning / losing lottery, a situation advantageous to the player is created.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, gaming machines such as pachinko machines are provided with movable means for performing predetermined operations (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-184066 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, it has been desirable to control the moving means in a suitable manner.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suitably control the movable means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: A starting ball entry means provided in the game area; a lottery means for executing a lottery when a game ball enters the starting ball entry means; A variable display means for displaying a variable display on a predetermined display means provided in the game area in accordance with the result of the lottery; A movable means provided in the play area and capable of performing a predetermined action; A gaming machine comprising: a second means for controlling the operating state of the movable means based on a predetermined signal from the first means connected thereto; the movable means includes at least a drive unit and a movable unit that is movable by the drive unit, and is configured to repeatedly perform a series of operations on the movable unit while the variable display is being performed on the predetermined display means; the series of operations includes at least a first operation in which the movable part, which is located at an initial position, moves from the initial position to a drive position, and a second operation in which the movable part, which is located at the drive position, moves to the initial position; The second means is a processing means for executing a setting process for setting predetermined information in a storage means based on the predetermined signal from the first means; a determining means for determining whether a switching condition used to switch the operating state of the movable means has occurred based on the information stored in the storage means, the determining means performs the determination each time control for ending the second operation in the series of operations is executed, This gaming machine is Based on the determination by the determination means, A case where the operating state of the movable means is continued in a first state in which the series of operations is performed; transitioning the operating state of the movable means from the first state in which the series of operations is performed to a second state in which the movable means is controlled in a manner different from the first state; This gaming machine is The gist of the invention is that the period of the first state during which the movable part performs the series of operations can be a first period and a second period that is longer than the first period, and the period of the first state is determined randomly by lottery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the movable means can be controlled in an appropriate manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1-1] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 1-2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 1-3] An oblique view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [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 front view of the variable display unit. [Figure 1-8] FIG. 10 is a front view of the variable display unit with the prop unit appearing. [Figure 1-9] (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 1-10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 1-11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 1-12] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 1-13] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 1-14] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 1-15] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 1-16] 10 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Figure 1-17] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 1-18] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 1-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 1-20] 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 1-21] 10 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 1-22] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 1-23] 10 is a flowchart showing the setting process at the end of fluctuation. [Figure 1-24] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 1-25] 10 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 1-26] 10 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing device control process. [Figure 1-27] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 1-28] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 1-29] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 1-30] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 1-31] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 1-32] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative symbols. FIG. [Figure 1-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 1-34] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 1-35] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 1-36]10 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. [Figure 1-37] 10 is a flowchart showing the display setting process during a win. [Figure 1-38] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Figure 1-39] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Figure 1-40] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Figure 1-41] 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 1-42] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs under normal conditions. [Figure 1-43] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Figure 1-44] 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 1-45] 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 1-46] 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 1-47] 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 1-48] 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 1-49] 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 1-50] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the rotating body and the like in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 1-51] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 1-52] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the rotor and other components in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 1-53] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 1-54] This is a cross-sectional view of line KK in Figure 1-50. [Figure 1-55] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a performance using a rotating body. [Figure 1-56] 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the role object performance setting process. [Figure 1-57] This is a flowchart showing part of the role object performance setting process, which is a continuation of Figure 1-56. [Figure 1-58] 10A is a diagram showing the configuration of a device performance pattern determination table for "end" time, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the configuration of a device performance pattern determination table for "until next time". [Figure 1-59] 10 is a flowchart showing the reel appearance setting process. [Figure 1-60] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a reel appearance operation control table. [Figure 1-61] This is an operation process diagram for explaining the operation mode of the reel appearance operation. [Figure 1-62] A diagram showing the configuration of a reel appearance operation control table according to another embodiment. [Figure 1-63] FIG. 10 is an operational process diagram for explaining the operational modes of the reel appearance operation according to another embodiment. [Figure 1-64] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional reel appearance operation control table. [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 block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 2-8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 2-9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 2-10] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 2-11] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 2-12] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 2-13] 10 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Figure 2-14] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 2-15] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 2-16] 10 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 2-17] 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 2-18] 10 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 2-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 2-20] 10 is a flowchart showing the setting process at the end of fluctuation. [Figure 2-21] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 2-22] 10 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 2-23] 10 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing device control process. [Figure 2-24] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 2-25] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 2-26] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 2-27] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 2-28] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 2-29] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative symbols. FIG. [Figure 2-30] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 2-31] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 2-32] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 2-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. [Figure 2-34] 10 is a flowchart showing the display setting process during a win. [Figure 2-35] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Figure 2-36] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Figure 2-37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Figure 2-38] 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 2-39] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs under normal conditions. [Figure 2-40] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Figure 2-41] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of an amusement hall in which pachinko machines are installed. [Figure 2-42] 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 2-43]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 2-44] 10 is a flowchart showing the jackpot signal 1 output process. [Figure 2-45] 10 is a flowchart showing a jackpot signal 2 output process. [Figure 2-46] (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 2-47] This is a diagram for explaining the decorative patterns displayed on the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit). [Figure 2-48] 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 2-49] 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 2-50] 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 2-51] 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 2-52] 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 2-53] 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 2-54] 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 2-55]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 2-56] 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 2-57] 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 2-58] 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 2-59] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the ``normal reach'' effect. [Figure 2-60] 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 2-61] 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 2-62] 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 3-1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 3-2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 3-3] This is an oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [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] 10 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 3-13] A flowchart showing the third start-up winning process. [Figure 3-14] A flowchart showing the second start winning processing. [Figure 3-15] A flowchart showing the first start winning processing. [Figure 3-16] 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 3-17] 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 3-18] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 3-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 3-20] 10 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 3-21] 10 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 3-22] A flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 3-23] A flowchart showing the special diagram 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 3-24] 10 is a flowchart showing a second special display control process. [Figure 3-25] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 3-26] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 3-27] 10 is a flowchart showing a third special display control process. [Figure 3-28] A flowchart showing the third variable display setting process. [Figure 3-29] A flowchart showing the special chart 3 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 3-30] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 3-31] 10 is a flowchart showing a specific prize winning process. [Figure 3-32] 10 is a flowchart showing an end setting process. [Figure 3-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Figure 3-34] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 3-35] 10 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 3-36] 10 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 3-37] A flowchart showing the start-up prize section control processing. [Figure 3-38] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 3-39] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 3-40] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 3-41] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 3-42] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 3-43] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 3-44] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 3-45] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 3-46] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 3-47] 10 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 3-48] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 3-49]10 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 3-50] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-51] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-52] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-53] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-54] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-55] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-56] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-57] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-58] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-59] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-60] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 3-61] 10 is a timing chart for explaining changes in the output states of jackpot signals 1 and 2. [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 of a pachinko machine showing the inner frame and front frame in an open state. [Figure 4-4] This is a front view of a pachinko machine with the front frame removed. [Figure 4-5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the pachinko machine. [Figure 4-6] This is an oblique view of a pachinko machine showing the inner frame and 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 a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display control device. [Figure 4-9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 4-10] 10 is a flowchart showing a start-up process performed by the main control device. [Figure 4-11] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 4-12] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 4-13] 10 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 4-14] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 4-15] 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 4-16] 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 4-17] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether a miss is within reach. [Figure 4-18] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 4-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 4-20] 10 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 4-21] A flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 4-22] A flowchart showing the special diagram 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 4-23] 10 is a flowchart showing a notification command 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]A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 4-28] 10 is a flowchart showing a specific prize winning process. [Figure 4-29] 10 is a flowchart showing an end setting process. [Figure 4-30] 10 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Figure 4-31] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 4-32] 10 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 4-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 4-34] A flowchart showing the start-up prize section control processing. [Figure 4-35] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 4-36] 10 is a flowchart showing the startup process of the dispensing control device. [Figure 4-37] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 4-38] 10 is a flowchart showing the command determination process of the dispensing control device. [Figure 4-39] 10 is a flowchart showing a startup process of the sub-control device. [Figure 4-40] 10 is a flowchart showing main processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 4-41] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 4-42] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 4-43] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 4-44] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 4-45] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 4-46] 10 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 4-47]10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 4-48] 10 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 4-49] 10 is a flowchart showing a notification display setting process. [Figure 4-50] 10 is a flowchart showing a main process of the display control device. [Figure 4-51] 10 is a flowchart showing a command interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 4-52] 10 is a flowchart showing V interrupt processing of the display control device. [Figure 4-53] 10 is a flowchart showing a display content setting process of the display control device. [Figure 4-54] 10 is a flowchart showing a drawing process of the display control device. [Figure 4-55] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display data table. [Figure 4-56] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in a display data table. [Figure 4-57] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in the additional data table. [Figure 4-58] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a drawing list. [Figure 4-59] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the break-even period and the like. [Figure 4-60] A diagram for explaining the decorative patterns displayed on the performance display device. [Figure 4-61] 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 4-62] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (normal reach effect). [Figure 4-63] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (super reach effect). [Figure 4-64] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (special reach effect). [Figure 4-65]A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (miss stop mode). [Figure 4-66] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (start of re-changing performance). [Figure 4-67] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (spiral re-variation performance). [Figure 4-68] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (small win stop mode). [Figure 4-69] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (start of re-lottery effect). [Figure 4-70] 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 4-71] 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 4-72] 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 4-73] 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 4-74] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device (rush stage performance). [Figure 4-75] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (battle stage effect). [Figure 4-76] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (lucky chance stage effect). [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 showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Figure 5-4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame, game board, etc. [Figure 5-5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 5-6] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, 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 an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 5-9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 5-10] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 5-11] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 5-12] 10 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 5-13] A flowchart showing the second start winning processing. [Figure 5-14] A flowchart showing the first 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 reach determination processing. [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 second special display control process. [Figure 5-24] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 5-25] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 5-26] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 5-27] 10 is a flowchart showing an end setting process. [Figure 5-28] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 5-29] 10 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 5-30] 10 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 5-31] A flowchart showing the start-up prize section control processing. [Figure 5-32] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 5-33] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 5-34] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 5-35] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 5-36] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 5-37] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 5-38] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 5-39] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 5-40] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 5-41] 10 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 5-42] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 5-43] 10 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 5-44]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a production display device for normal stage production. [Figure 5-45] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device for a jackpot performance. [Figure 5-46] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device for rush stage performance. [Figure 5-47] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device for battle stage performance. [Figure 5-48] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a production display device for a lucky stage production. [Figure 5-49] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second operation unit (cross key). [Figure 5-50] 10 is a flowchart showing a menu selection process. [Figure 5-51] 10 is a flowchart showing a language setting process. [Figure 5-52] 10 is a flowchart showing a volume setting process. [Figure 5-53] 10 is a flowchart showing a luminance setting process. [Figure 5-54] 10A is a diagram showing a menu screen, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a language setting screen. [Figure 5-55] 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 5-56] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a game history screen. [Figure 5-57] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a communication system between a pachinko machine and a mobile terminal. [Figure 5-58] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an NFC module on a pachinko machine. [Figure 5-59] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an NFC module. [Figure 5-60] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the BT module. [Figure 5-61] FIG. 2(a) is a front view showing the portable terminal, and FIG. 2(b) is a rear view showing the portable terminal. [Figure 5-62]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile terminal. [Figure 5-63] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the mobile terminal side. [Figure 5-64] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side. [Figure 5-65] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the exchanges that take place between the pachinko machine and the mobile terminal. [Figure 5-66] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing performed on the mobile terminal side during BT communication connection. [Figure 5-67] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing performed on the pachinko machine (sub-control device) side during BT communication connection. [Figure 5-68] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for disconnecting a BT communication connection performed on the mobile terminal side. [Figure 5-69] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of disconnecting the BT communication connection performed on the pachinko machine (sub-control device) side. [Figure 5-70] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-71] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-72] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-73] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-74] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-75] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-76] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-77] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-78]10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-79] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-80] 10 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-81] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-82] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the mobile terminal side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-83] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-84] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-85] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-86] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-87] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-88] 10 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-89] 10 is a flowchart showing a performance customization process. [Figure 5-90] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a BGM setting screen. [Figure 5-91] 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 5-92] 10 is a flowchart showing a character setting process. [Figure 5-93] 10A is a diagram showing a character setting screen, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a main character setting screen. [Figure 5-94] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a girl character setting screen. [Figure 5-95] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a background setting screen. [Figure 5-96] 10 is a flowchart showing a background setting process. [Figure 5-97] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a preview performance setting screen. [Figure 5-98] 10 is a flowchart showing a preview performance setting process. [Figure 5-99] A figure showing a super reach effect setting screen. [Figure 5-100] 10 is a flowchart showing a reliability setting process. [Figure 5-101] 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 5-102] 10 is a flowchart showing an appearance rate setting process. [Figure 5-103] 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 5-104] 10 is a flowchart showing a reach effect setting process. [Figure 5-105] 10 is a flowchart showing the preview performance execution setting process. [Figure 5-106] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a plurality of reach effect tables. [Figure 5-107] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a user correspondence area (custom information storage area). [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 start winning processing. [Figure 6-14] 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 6-15] 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 6-16] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 6-17] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 6-18] 10 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 6-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 6-20] A flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 6-21] A flowchart showing part of the special diagram 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 6-22] 10 is a flowchart showing a second special display control process. [Figure 6-23] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 6-24] A flowchart showing part of the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 6-25]A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 6-26] 10 is a flowchart showing an end setting process. [Figure 6-27] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 6-28] 10 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 6-29] 10 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 6-30] A flowchart showing the start-up prize section control processing. [Figure 6-31] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 6-32] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 6-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 6-34] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 6-35] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 6-36] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 6-37] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 6-38] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 6-39] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 6-40] 10 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 6-41] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 6-42] 10 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 6-43] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the specifications of a pachinko machine. [Figure 6-44] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a variable time determination table. [Figure 6-45] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the specifications of the game modes. [Figure 6-46] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a first normal variable time determination table. [Figure 6-47] An explanatory diagram showing the first short fluctuation time determination table. [Figure 6-48] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a first long fluctuation time determination table. [Figure 6-49] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a second normal variable time determination table. [Figure 6-50] An explanatory diagram showing the second short fluctuation time determination table. [Figure 6-51] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a second long fluctuation time determination table. [Figure 6-52] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device in normal mode. [Figure 6-53] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device when a jackpot occurs. [Figure 6-54] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device in time-saving A mode. [Figure 6-55] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device in time-saving A mode. [Figure 6-56] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device in time-saving B mode. [Figure 6-57] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device in time-saving C mode. [Figure 6-58] This is a time chart 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 6-59] This is a time chart 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 6-60] This is a time chart 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 7-1] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 7-2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 7-3] An oblique view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [Figure 7-4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame, game board, etc. [Figure 7-5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 7-6] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, back pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 7-7] FIG. 2 is a front view of the variable display unit. [Figure 7-8] FIG. 10 is a front view of the variable display unit with the prop unit appearing. [Figure 7-9] (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 7-10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 7-11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display control device. [Figure 7-12] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 7-13] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 7-14] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 7-15] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 7-16] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 7-17] 10 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Figure 7-18] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 7-19] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 7-20] 10 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 7-21]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 7-22] 10 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 7-23] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 7-24] 10 is a flowchart showing the setting process at the end of fluctuation. [Figure 7-25] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 7-26] 10 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 7-27] 10 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing device control process. [Figure 7-28] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 7-29] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 7-30] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 7-31] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 7-32] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 7-33] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 7-34] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 7-35] 10 is a flowchart showing the display setting process during a win. [Figure 7-36] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 7-37] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 7-38] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Figure 7-39] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Figure 7-40] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Figure 7-41] 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 7-42] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs under normal conditions. [Figure 7-43] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Figure 7-44] An explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine consecutive preview performances. [Figure 7-45] 10 is a flowchart showing a main process of the display control device. [Figure 7-46] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 7-47] 10 is a flowchart showing a command interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 7-48] 10 is a flowchart showing V interrupt processing of the display control device. [Figure 7-49] 10 is a flowchart showing a display content setting process of the display control device. [Figure 7-50] 10 is a flowchart showing a drawing process of the display control device. [Figure 7-51] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display data table. [Figure 7-52] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in a display data table. [Figure 7-53] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in the additional data table. [Figure 7-54] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a drawing list. [Figure 7-55] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative symbols. FIG. [Figure 7-56] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process of the display control device. [Figure 7-57] 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 7-58]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 7-59] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during exciting mode. [Figure 7-60] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during rush mode. FIG. [Figure 7-61] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the rotating body and the like in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 7-62] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 7-63] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the rotor and other components in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 7-64] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 7-65] A cross-sectional view of line KK in Figure 7-61. [Figure 7-66] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a performance using a rotating body. [Figure 7-67] This is a flowchart showing the continuous preview device operation setting process. [Figure 7-68] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams showing the configuration of a special object appearance and disappearance operation control table. [Figure 7-69] This is an operation process diagram for explaining the operation modes of the reel appearing and disappearing operation. [Figure 7-70] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing time charts relating to successive preview performances. [Figure 7-71] 10(a) to 10(h) are diagrams showing an example of a variable display of decorative symbols. [Figure 7-72] 10(i) to 10(p) are diagrams showing an example of a variable display of decorative symbols. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [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.

[0012] Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention (pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment) has a movable body as the movable means of the present invention, a display control unit as the display control means of the present invention, a movable control unit as the movable control means of the present invention, a judgment function unit as the judgment means of the present invention, and a termination function unit as the termination means of the present invention.

[0013] The "display means" may be any means provided in the game area that is capable of executing one specific effect selected from a plurality of effect display modes in accordance with the results of various lotteries, and that can realize the gist of the present invention. For example, it may be provided in a center frame attached to the game board that constitutes the game area, or on the back side of a translucent game board, or any means that is provided within the range of at least the game area when viewed from the front of the gaming machine.

[0014] The "specific effect" may be any display effect that can be executed by the display means, as long as it can realize the gist of the present invention. For example, it may be a pattern change effect in which a pattern is displayed in a variably changing manner, various reach effects or their development effects performed in a reach state, a win notification effect that notifies the player of a win in a big win state or a small win state that is advantageous to the player, a win type determination effect or promotion effect that determines the type of big win state or small win state, an opening effect performed at the start of a big win state or a small win state, a round effect, promotion effect, or continuation effect performed during a round in a big win state or a small win state, a win effect that occurs over multiple rounds during a big win state or a small win state, an ending effect performed at the end of a big win state or a small win state, a mode determination effect that determines the type of game mode to be applied after the end of a big win state, a support continuation effect that determines whether a support mode advantageous to the player will continue, etc.

[0015] The "moving means" may be any means provided in the game area that is capable of executing one moving mode selected from a plurality of moving modes while a specific effect is being displayed on the display means, regardless of its shape, size, location, moving mode, etc., as long as it is capable of realizing the gist of the present invention. For example, it may be a display device attached to the game board that constitutes the game area or a center frame surrounding it, a decorative member attached to the game board, a variable winning device attached to the game board or an internal area thereof, or a device located on the back side of a translucent game board, as long as it is provided at least within the range of the game area when viewed from the front of the gaming machine.

[0016] The "series of specific actions" may be any action in which the movable means performs a predetermined action multiple times to position the movable means at or near the first position between a first position, which is the initial position, and a second position, which is the most moved position, as long as the gist of the present invention can be realized. For example, the series of specific actions may be an action in which movable means that can slide or vibrate in up / down, left / right, front / back, or diagonal directions performs a plurality of actions to move back and forth between the first position and the second position, or an action in which movable means that can rotate, swing, or tilt around an axis in up / down, left / right, front / back, or diagonal directions performs a plurality of actions to move back and forth between the first position and the second position.

[0017] An "operation condition" may be any condition that causes the movable means to perform a series of specific actions based on the condition being met, and as long as it is possible to realize the gist of the present invention, it may be anything, such as a predetermined variable display effect being performed, a variable display starting, a predetermined period of time having passed since the start of the variable display, a predetermined effect being performed a predetermined number of times, a game ball entering a predetermined ball entry area or a predetermined number of game balls entering, a lottery being held with a predetermined probability based on the balls entering and resulting in a predetermined result, a predetermined operating means being operated or being operated a predetermined number of times, a lottery being held with a predetermined probability based on the operation and resulting in a predetermined result, or a predetermined count value reaching an upper limit.

[0018] The "specific information" is set in accordance with one movable state and can cause the movable means to perform a series of specific operations based on this information. As long as the gist of the present invention can be realized, the setting information may be any type of setting information, such as information that defines the direction of operation, information that defines the distance of operation, information that defines the time of operation, information that defines the number of times the operation is performed, information that defines the conditions for ending the operation, or information in which these are stored in a table format.

[0019] The "termination condition" may be any condition that, when met, causes the movable means to stop moving and ends a series of specific operations, and may be anything that can achieve the gist of the present invention, such as a specified operating means being operated or being operated a specified number of times, a specified period of time passing, the changing display stopping, the stopping of the changing display being confirmed, a specified period of time passing after the stopping of the changing display, a game ball entering a specified ball entry area or a specified number of game balls entering, a specified operation being completed a specified number of times, or a specified number of game balls being launched or paid out.

[0020] Conventionally, there are gaming machines that allow a movable body to perform multiple types of movement modes. When operating a movable body in one movement mode, if corresponding movement data is pre-loaded for each movement in one movement mode, depending on the movement mode, a huge number of reads are required, which places a heavy burden on control. To solve this problem, if movement data corresponding to a series of movements is set and the series of movements is executed based on the movement data, the burden on control is reduced, but an appropriate determination of the end of the series of movements is required.

[0021] FIG. 1-1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 1-2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 1-3 is a perspective view showing the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 in an open state. FIG. 1-4 is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30, etc. FIG. 1-5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 1-6 is a perspective view showing the inner frame 12 and the back pack unit 203 in an open state. However, for convenience, FIG. 1-3 omits nails and various accessories arranged on the game board 30 surface, a glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, etc.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1-3 and the like, 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The right-side frame-constituting portion 11d is also formed with an extending wall portion 83 that protrudes from the vicinity of its rear end in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall portion 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to a locking device 600 (see FIG. 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. The lower receiving portion 85 also 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).

[0026] Furthermore, 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 upper 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In addition, a front frame set 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed. Like the inner frame 12, the front frame set 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.

[0029] The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape, similar to the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 when closed. An approximately oval window portion 101 is formed in the center of the front frame set 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 portion 101 of the front frame set 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed structure of the game board 30 will be described later.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1-1, a lower tray 15 serving as a ball receiving tray is provided at the center of the lower part of the front side of the front frame set 14, and game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. In addition, a ball removal lever 25 for discharging game balls from the lower tray 15 is provided on the front side of the lower tray 15.

[0031] In addition, a performance button 125 is provided on the left side of the lower tray 15 as an operation means that can be operated by a player. The performance button 125 is configured so that it can be pressed (pushed downward) by a player. An operation detection switch (not shown) is provided inside the lower tray 15 as an operation detection means for detecting the pressing of the performance button 125. When the performance button 125 is pressed, an operation detection signal is output from the operation detection switch to the sub-control device 262, which will be described later. As a result, when the player presses the performance button 125, a predetermined performance is performed or the performance content is changed in the performance display device 42, speaker SP, LED boards 48A, 48B, 48C, etc., which are controlled objects, as will be described later.

[0032] A game ball launch handle (hereinafter simply referred to as "handle") 18 protruding forward is provided to the right of the lower tray 15. The handle 18, which serves as an operating means that can be operated by a player, includes, for example, a base fixed to the front frame set 14, a rotary operating unit serving as a first operating unit rotatably attached to the base, a variable resistor serving as an operating amount detection means for detecting the operating amount of the rotary operating unit, and a launch stop switch serving as a second operating unit that can select whether or not to launch game balls into the game area.

[0033] An upper tray 19 is provided above the lower tray 15. The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray that temporarily stores game balls, aligns them in a row, and guides them toward a game ball launching device (hereinafter simply referred to as the "launching device") 60, which serves as a launching means, as described below. When the upper tray 19 is full of game balls, the game balls that are dispensed are guided to the lower tray 15 via a lower tray connecting passage 71 and a discharge port 16, as described below.

[0034] The upper tray 19 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122 as operating means that can be operated by a player. As a result, when the ball lending button 121 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) located on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in an amusement hall or the like, lending balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 in response to the operation. The return button 122 is also operated when requesting the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. However, in pachinko machines in which game balls are directly loaned from a ball lending device, etc. to the upper tray 19 without going through the card unit, so-called cash machines, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are not necessary.

[0035] Furthermore, the upper tray 19 is provided with a ball removal button 123 as an operating means that can be operated by the player. When the ball removal button 123 is pressed, a communication hole (not shown) that is provided downstream of the ball guide path of the upper tray 19 and communicates with the lower tray 15 opens, and the gaming balls stored in the upper tray 19 are guided (dropped) to the lower tray 15. In other words, by operating the ball removal button 123, the player can transfer the gaming balls in the upper tray 19 to the lower tray 15 at any time.

[0036] In addition, various light-emitting means such as lamps are provided around the front of the front frame set 14. These light-emitting means are controlled to change their light-emitting modes, such as lighting up or flashing, depending on changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or a predetermined reach is reached, thereby enhancing the presentation effect during play. For example, a frame lamp 102 incorporating a light-emitting means such as an LED is provided around the periphery of the window portion 101. In addition, error indicator lamps 104 are provided on both sides of the frame lamp 102, which light up in the event of a predetermined error. Furthermore, a number of small through-holes are formed in the upper portion of each error indicator lamp 104 of the frame lamp 102, corresponding to the speaker SP (see Figure 1-3) provided on the back of the front frame set 14.

[0037] A glass unit 137 is attached to the rear side of the front frame set 14. The glass unit 137 is not a conventional pair of rectangular glass plates attached separately at the front and rear, but is round overall and is attached as an assembly.

[0038] Also, as shown in Figure 1-3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the back side of the front frame set 14, below the window portion 101. The ball passage unit 70 is equipped with a lower tray connecting passage 71 that connects from the dispensing mechanism portion 352 described later to the discharge outlet 16 of the lower tray 15, and an upper tray connecting passage 73 that connects from the dispensing mechanism portion 352 to the upper tray 19.

[0039] 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 accumulating in the lower tray connecting passage 71).

[0040] Next, the inner frame 12 will be described with reference to Figures 1-4. A launching device 60 and a launching rail 61 that guides the game ball immediately after it is launched from the launching device 60 are attached to the lower front part of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), i.e., below the window hole 39 (game board 30). In this embodiment, a solenoid-type launching device having a plunger that serves as a driving member is used as the launching device 60.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the full detection switch detects game balls continuously for a predetermined time, control is performed to prohibit the launching device 60 from firing. On the other hand, when the accumulation of game balls in the lower tray communication passage 71 is eliminated and the full detection switch no longer detects game balls (when the full detection switch no longer detects game balls continuously for a predetermined time), the launching device 60 is permitted to fire.

[0042] A ball feeding device 63 is provided above the launching device 60. The ball feeding device 63 guides the game balls guided from the upper tray 19 to the launching position of the launching device 60 one by one using a driving means such as a solenoid.

[0043] In addition, 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).

[0044] Furthermore, a shutter 68 is provided below the dispensing passage 67, and when the front frame set 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.

[0045] On the other hand, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end portions of the entrances of the lower tray connecting passage 71 and the upper tray connecting passage 73. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the entrances of the lower tray connecting passage 71 and the upper tray connecting passage 73 are adjacent to the payout passage 67 at a predetermined distance apart, allowing game balls to pass through the gap between them.

[0046] In addition, since the entrance portion of the lower tray connecting passage 71 and the entrance portion of the upper tray connecting passage 73 are located adjacent to each other, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray connecting passage 73 become full with game balls, the game balls to be paid out will flow toward the lower tray connecting passage 71 (overflowing into the entrance side of the lower tray connecting passage 71) and be paid out through the lower tray connecting passage 71 to the lower tray 15.

[0047] As described above, the game board 30 is attached to the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) behind the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached with its peripheral edge abutting the back side of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38). Therefore, approximately the center of the front part of the game board 30, which becomes the playing area, is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the resin base 38.

[0048] The configuration of the gaming board 30 will now be described with reference to Figures 1-4. The gaming board 30 in this embodiment is configured with a transparent plate as the base (gaming board body), which is a light-transmitting member formed into a flat plate shape from a resin material having optical transparency (translucency), such as polycarbonate, acrylic resin, ABS resin, etc. Here, "transparent" does not only mean that objects present in the rear area of ​​the gaming board 30 can be seen in a completely transparent state, but may also include a so-called translucent state in which at least a portion of light is transmitted so that the presence of objects can be detected.

[0049] With this configuration, a player can view various objects such as lamps and display devices arranged in the rear area of ​​the gaming board 30 from the front of the gaming board 30 through the gaming board 30. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1-4, LED boards 48A, 48B, and 48C, each equipped with a plurality of LEDs as light-emitting means, are arranged at a rear position of a predetermined area of ​​the gaming area, and a player can view the light emitted from the LEDs from the front of the gaming board 30 through the gaming board 30. The LED boards 48A and the like are controlled to light up and flash in a predetermined light-emitting mode corresponding to various game effects, and play a role in enhancing the effects during play.

[0050] Additionally, a rail 50 is attached to the gaming board 30, which is made up of an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52 formed from a strip-shaped metal plate, and which guides gaming balls launched from the launching device 60 to the top of the gaming board 30. As a result, gaming balls launched in response to the rotation of the handle 18 are guided through the launching rail 61 and the rail 50 into the gaming area formed between the gaming board 30 and the glass unit 137.

[0051] 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 ensures that a game ball launched with more than a predetermined force will hit the return rubber 54 and be returned toward the approximate center of the game board 30.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In addition, there is a gap of a predetermined distance between the launch rail 61 provided on the inner frame 12 and the rail 50 (outer rail component 52), and the ball passage unit 70 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 launch device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and travels back up the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball will be discharged to the lower tray 15 via the foul ball passage 72.

[0054] The game board 30 is arranged with a general winning opening (general winning section) 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper starting winning opening 33YA, a lower starting winning opening 33YB, a through gate 34, a variable display device unit 35, a first special display device 43L, and a second special display device 43R, etc., which are fitted into mounting holes formed through the transparent plate.

[0055] Furthermore, in the front area of ​​the game board 30, i.e., in the game area formed on the front side of the game board 30, a large number of nails 49, windmills 57, etc. are arranged to distribute the falling direction of the game ball in a predetermined area or to guide the game ball to a predetermined position.

[0056] The game balls guided to the play area flow down through various routes while their flow direction and rotation direction are changed by nails 49, etc. Then, some of the game balls guided to the play area are guided to windmills 57 while moving relatively along various routes, and the windmills 57 divide the falling route of the balls to the left or right.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, even if the game area is widely expanded in the left-right direction, the provision of the windmill 57, etc. makes it easy to guide the game ball toward the upper start winning opening 33YA, the variable winning device 32, etc. Also, the nails 49, etc. are adjusted in advance on the game board 30 so that winning into the upper start winning opening 33YA, the variable winning device 32, etc. occurs with a moderate probability.

[0058] The game board 30 is also provided with winning detection switches as ball detection means for detecting game balls that have entered various winning ports (ball entry means), such as the general winning port 31. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1-4, a general winning switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning port 31, and a count switch 223 is provided in the variable winning device 32. A first start winning switch 224A is provided in the upper start winning port 33YA, and a second start winning switch 224B is provided in the lower start winning port 33YB. Furthermore, a through gate switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the through gate 34.

[0059] As is well known, when a game ball enters various winning ports, such as the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper start winning port 33YA, or the lower start winning port 33YB, it is detected by various detection switches, and a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or lower tray 15). For example, three game balls are paid out to the upper starting winning port 33YA; one game ball is paid out to the lower starting winning port 33YB; ten game balls are paid out to the general winning port 31; and fifteen game balls are paid out to the variable winning device 32. Here, the upper starting winning port 33YA and the lower starting winning port 33YB constitute the starting ball entry means in this embodiment. Additionally, the game board 30 is provided with an outlet 36, and game balls that do not enter various winning ports, such as the general winning port 31, are discharged out of the game area through this outlet 36.

[0060] The variable winning device 32 comprises a large winning opening 32a into which game balls can enter, a rectangular flat opening / closing shutter 32b which is pivotally supported so as to be tiltable and serves as a movable body for opening and closing the large winning opening 32a, and a large winning opening solenoid 32c which serves as drive means for driving the opening / closing shutter 32b to open and close, and is controlled by a main control device 261 which will be described later. Here, the large winning opening solenoid 32c has a plunger which serves as a drive member which can be projected and retracted into its main body, and a coil spring or the like which serves as biasing means.

[0061] Under this configuration, when the predetermined conditions are not met (the special prize opening solenoid 32c is in a non-excited state), the force of the coil spring causes the plunger to protrude from the main body, causing the opening / closing shutter 32b to assume a vertical position and to abut against an abutting portion (not shown) provided inside the periphery of the special prize opening 32a. As a result, the special prize winning device 32 is in a first state in which the opening / closing shutter 32b is in a closed position, which is the initial position for closing the special prize opening 32a, making it difficult or impossible to see a predetermined area behind the special prize opening 32a, and the game is in a closed state in which game balls flowing down the game area cannot enter the special prize opening 32a.

[0062] On the other hand, when a predetermined condition is met, such as when a big win or small win occurs (described later), the large prize opening solenoid 32c is excited, and the plunger is retracted into the main body against the biasing force of the coil spring, causing the opening / closing shutter 32b to tilt forward about its lower edge as a pivot axis and come into contact in a substantially horizontal state with a predetermined contact portion provided on the outer periphery of the large prize opening 32a. As a result, the variable prize winning device 32 is in a second state where the opening / closing shutter 32b is positioned in an open position as a second position that opens the large prize opening 32a, making a predetermined area behind the large prize opening 32a visible or easy to see, and the game balls flowing down the game area can enter the large prize opening 32a.

[0063] The upper start winning opening 33YA is designed so that game balls can always enter the opening. On the other hand, the lower start winning opening 33YB is provided with an opening / closing device 37Y as an opening / closing type winning assist device.

[0064] The opening and closing device 37Y comprises a pair of left and right movable blades 37Ya as movable bodies that rotate and displace left and right around the axis at the lower end, and a solenoid 37Yb for the start winning opening as a driving means for driving the movable blades 37Ya to open and close.The movable blades 37Ya open and close depending on the establishment of predetermined conditions, so that the state can be changed between an open state in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter the lower start winning opening 33YB, and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the lower start winning opening 33YB.

[0065] As described above, the upper start winning slot 33YA and the lower start winning slot 33YB are provided with a first start winning switch 224A and a second start winning switch 224B as ball detection means for detecting winning game balls, respectively. When a game ball is detected by the start winning switches 224A and 224B, various lotteries are held, such as a win / lose lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot state will be generated, and variable displays and predetermined effects are displayed on the special display devices 43L and 43R and the effect display device 42 described below. Here, if the win / lose lottery is won, a jackpot state or the like is granted.

[0066] The types of jackpots in this embodiment will be described in detail below. As shown in Fig. 1-38, in this embodiment, the types of jackpots include "16R variable probability jackpot A", "16R variable probability jackpot B", "4R variable probability jackpot A", "4R variable probability jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot A", "16R normal jackpot B", "4R normal jackpot A", "4R normal jackpot B", and "JUB (Jump Up Bonus) jackpot".

[0067] In the jackpot state of "16R Probable Jackpot A", a series of specific actions is performed in which "long opening" is considered as one special prize state (one round), and this is repeated 16 times (16 rounds).

[0068] In this embodiment, "long opening" refers to a predetermined opening / closing operation in which the opening / closing shutter 32b of the variable winning device 32 is switched from a closed state, which is the first position, to an open state, which is the second position, and then returns to the first position or its vicinity and becomes closed, provided that the specified time of 30 seconds, which is the second control period, has elapsed or the specified number of 10 game balls has entered the large winning opening 32a.

[0069] In the jackpot state of "16R Special Jackpot B," a "long opening" is considered to be one special prize state (one round), and this is repeated four times (four rounds), after which a series of specific actions are performed in which a "short opening" is considered to be one special prize state (one round), and this is repeated 12 times (twelve rounds).

[0070] In this embodiment, "short opening" refers to a predetermined opening / closing operation in which the opening / closing shutter 32b of the variable winning device 32 is switched from a closed state, which is the first position, to an open state, which is the second position, and stopped, and then returns to the first position or its vicinity and becomes closed, provided that the specified time of 0.4 seconds, which is the first control period, has elapsed or a specified number of three game balls have entered the large winning opening 32a.

[0071] In this embodiment, based on the player's operation of the handle 18, the launching device 60 launches game balls toward the game area at a rate of one every 0.6 seconds. In contrast, in the "short release" mode, the specified opening time of the shutter 32b is 0.4 seconds. That is, in the "short release" mode, the opening time of the shutter 32b is shorter than the game ball launch cycle. Therefore, a single "short release" mode may not result in even a single game ball winning. For this reason, the shutter 32b is rarely closed based on the condition related to the number of winning balls (three winning balls) among the two closing conditions corresponding to the "short release." Once opened, the shutter 32b is usually closed after the specified time (0.4 seconds) has elapsed. This prevents the execution period of the "short release" mode from changing each time it is executed.

[0072] In the jackpot states of "4R Probable Jackpot A" and "4R Probable Jackpot B", a "long opening" is considered to be one special prize state (one round), and a series of specific actions are performed that are repeated four times (four rounds).

[0073] In the jackpot state of "16R normal jackpot A", a "long opening" is considered as one special prize state (1 round), and this is repeated 8 times (8 rounds), and then a series of specific actions are performed in which a "short opening" is considered as one special prize state (1 round), and this is repeated 8 times (8 rounds).

[0074] In the jackpot state of "16R normal jackpot B", a series of specific actions are performed in which "long opening" is considered to be one special prize state (1 round), and this is repeated four times (4 rounds), and then "short opening" is considered to be one special prize state (1 round), and this is repeated 12 times (12 rounds).

[0075] In the jackpot states of "4R normal jackpot A" and "4R normal jackpot B," a "long opening" is considered to be one special prize state (one round), and a series of specific actions is performed that repeats this four times (four rounds).

[0076] In the "JUB jackpot" jackpot state, "short release" is one special prize state (one round), and this is repeated five times, and then "long release" is one special prize state (one round), and a series of specific actions is performed, repeating this 15 times. Note that five "short releases" may be performed in the first round, and "long releases" may be performed in each of the second to sixteenth rounds.

[0077] In addition, when the various "probable jackpots" and "JUB jackpots" mentioned above occur, the "high probability mode (high probability state)" is awarded as the lottery mode after the jackpot state ends. On the other hand, when various "normal jackpots" occur, the "low probability mode (low probability state)" is awarded after the jackpot state ends.

[0078] "High Probability Mode" refers to a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is increased compared to the "Low Probability Mode" that is normally set. The "High Probability Mode" that is set after a jackpot ends will continue until the next jackpot state occurs.

[0079] In addition, after the various types of jackpots mentioned above have ended, a "high support mode (high ball entry state)" is granted as a winning support mode for the opening / closing device 37Y while a predetermined number of variable displays are displayed on the special display devices 43L and 43R, or until the next jackpot state occurs.

[0080] "High support mode" refers to a state in which the ratio of open to closed states per unit time in the opening / closing device 37Y of the lower starting winning port 33YB is higher than in the "low support mode (low ball entry state)" which is normally set.

[0081] For example, the "high support mode" may be (1) a state in which the variable display time of the normal symbol display device 41 described below is shorter than in the "low support mode," (2) a state in which the opening time (prescribed time) of the movable blade 37Ya of the opening / closing device 37Y is longer than in the "low support mode," (3) a state in which the prescribed number of game balls that can win per opening of the movable blade 37Ya is greater than in the "low support mode," (4) a state in which the number of times the opening / closing process of the movable blade 37Ya is executed per time when a winning result is obtained in the opening lottery of the opening / closing device 37Y due to a game ball passing through the through gate 34 is greater than in the "low support mode," and (5) a state in which the winning probability in the opening lottery of the opening / closing device 37Y is higher than in the "low support mode." The high support mode in this embodiment employs the above configurations (1), (2), and (5). Of course, the "high support mode" is not limited to this, and any one of the configurations (1) to (5) or any combination of these configurations (1) to (5) may be adopted. This makes it easier for game balls to enter the lower start winning slot 33YB more frequently, increasing the number of jackpot lottery draws and improving ball holding.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, when the "high support mode" is applied, the fluctuation pattern table is changed to a table for the "high support mode" as described below, so that the fluctuation display time on the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R (performance display device 42) is shorter than in the "low support mode."

[0083] In this embodiment, after the "16R probability variable jackpot A" and "4R probability variable jackpot A" end, a "high support mode" is granted until the next jackpot state occurs. This "high support mode" will be referred to as the "high support mode until the next time."

[0084] After the "16R Probable Variation Jackpot B" and "4R Probable Variation Jackpot B" end, "High Support Mode" is granted while the special display devices 43L and 43R display the variable "20 times," "30 times," "40 times," or "50 times." This "High Support Mode" is hereinafter referred to as the "20 times High Support Mode," "30 times High Support Mode," "40 times High Support Mode," or "50 times High Support Mode," respectively.

[0085] After the "16R normal jackpot A" and "4R normal jackpot A" end, "High Support Mode" is granted while the "30 times" variable display is being displayed on the special display devices 43L and 43R. This "High Support Mode" will be referred to as "30 times High Support Mode S" below.

[0086] After the "16R normal jackpot B" and "4R normal jackpot B" end, "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" will be granted.

[0087] After the "JUB Jackpot" ends, "High Support Mode until next time" will be granted.

[0088] In this embodiment, various game states are generated by combining the various modes described above.

[0089] For example, if "high probability mode" and "high support mode" are applied, it will be in a so-called "probability change state (probability fluctuation state)."

[0090] When the "low probability mode" and "low support mode" are applied, the state becomes what is known as the "normal state."

[0091] When the "low probability mode" and "high support mode" are applied, it becomes what is known as the "time-saving state (time-shortened state)."

[0092] When the "high probability mode" and the "low support mode" are both applied, it becomes a so-called "latent probability state (latent probability change state)." In other words, when it becomes a "latent probability state," the probability of winning a jackpot is simply increased, and on the surface it is no different from the "normal state," so it becomes a state where it is difficult for the player to recognize that the "high probability mode" is applied.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the various "big wins" described above, a "small win" occurs when a predetermined result is obtained in the win / lose lottery. In the small win state, a "short opening" is considered to be one special prize state (one round), and a series of specific actions are performed in which this is repeated five times (five rounds). However, the lottery mode and winning support mode granted after the small win state ends are the original modes before the small win state occurred. For example, if the lottery mode before the small win state occurred was a "high probability mode," the "high probability mode" will be maintained even after the small win state ends.

[0094] In this embodiment, the type of jackpot awarded in the event of winning the lottery differs depending on whether the game ball enters the upper start winning slot 33YA or the lower start winning slot 33YB. If the player wins the lottery triggered by the game ball entering the upper start winning slot 33YA, the jackpot will be assigned to one of the following: "16R probability variable jackpot A," "16R probability variable jackpot B," "4R probability variable jackpot A," "4R probability variable jackpot B," "16R normal jackpot A," "16R normal jackpot B," or "4R normal jackpot B." If the player wins the lottery triggered by the game ball entering the lower start winning slot 33YB, the jackpot will be assigned to one of the following: "16R probability variable jackpot A," "4R probability variable jackpot A," "4R normal jackpot A," or "JUB jackpot." In addition, the "small win" will only occur if you win the lottery triggered by the game ball entering the lower starting winning slot 33YB.

[0095] The first and second special display devices 43L, 43R each consist of two segment display devices and are installed at the bottom of the game board 30. Each segment display device has eight display segments. Each display segment has an individual light source made of an LED, and by controlling the on / off of these individual light sources, it is possible to light up any one display segment or any combination of display segments. This allows each segment display device to individually display a predetermined symbol (including letters and numbers).

[0096] When a game ball enters the upper start winning opening 33YA, a variable display is made on the first special display device 43L, and when a game ball enters the lower start winning opening 33YB, a variable display is made on the second special display device 43R. The display contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later.

[0097] Furthermore, after the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R perform a variable display, the display mode when the variable display stops will definitively indicate whether or not the jackpot lottery has been won. For example, when a gaming ball enters the upper start winning slot 33YA, the corresponding first special display device 43L performs a variable display at high speed, and after a predetermined time has passed, one of the display modes is displayed as a static display (for example, stopped for a few seconds). Then, if the jackpot lottery is won, various numerical values ​​corresponding to the jackpot (see FIG. 1-38) are displayed when the variable display stops, and a jackpot state occurs.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 1-38, for example, if a "16R Probable Jackpot A" is won, "9-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and if a "16R Probable Jackpot B" with a "50-Time High Support Mode" is won, "84" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R. Also, if a "JUB Jackpot" is won, "1.-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and if a "small jackpot" is won, "1-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R. Here, in order to enhance the presentation effect of a "JUB jackpot," it is preferable that the stop patterns for both types of jackpots be confusingly similar, such as the "1.-" stop pattern for a "JUB jackpot" and the "1-" stop pattern for a "small jackpot."

[0099] Of course, the stop modes of the special display devices 43L, 43R corresponding to various winning types are not limited to the above modes. For example, there may be multiple stop modes of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R indicating one winning type, rather than just one. For example, when a "16R variable probability jackpot A" is won, the first or second special display device 43L, 43R may be configured to select and stop and display one of "91", "92", "93", ...

[0100] Even when there are multiple stop patterns of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R indicating one win type, it is preferable that the multiple stop patterns related to the "JUB jackpot" and the multiple stop patterns related to the "small win" are configured to be confusingly similar. For example, the multiple stop patterns related to the "JUB jackpot" may be displayed as "-1," "-2," "-3," "-4," ..., and the multiple stop patterns related to the "small win" may be displayed as "-1," "-2," "-3," "-4," .... In this configuration, one of a pair of a specific symbol (here, "1," "2," "3," ...) with a predetermined display segment (here, ".") lit and a specific symbol not lit is included in the multiple stop patterns related to the "JUB jackpot," and the other is included in the multiple stop patterns related to the "small win," and they are configured to alternate between each other.

[0101] Furthermore, the color displayed in any or all of the display segments may be configured to be changeable as needed.

[0102] Furthermore, if a new game ball enters the start winning slot 33YA, 33YB while the first or second special display device 43L, 43R is displaying a variable display, the corresponding variable display will be displayed after the current variable display has finished. In other words, the variable display will be put on hold (on hold). The maximum number of variable displays that can be held is determined for each model of pachinko machine. In this embodiment, up to four variable displays are held for each game ball that entered the upper start winning slot 33YA and the lower start winning slot 33YB (a total of eight variable displays). The number of held displays is indicated by the first hold lamp 46a and the second hold lamp 46b. Furthermore, if a new game ball enters the start winning slot 33YA, 33YB during a jackpot state, the corresponding variable display will also be held on hold.

[0103] Basically, the variable displays triggered by winning the upper start winning slot 33YA are stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the upper start winning slot 33YA and are consumed in the order in which they entered, while the variable displays triggered by winning the lower start winning slot 33YB are stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the lower start winning slot 33YB and are consumed in the order in which they entered. However, if both the variable displays triggered by winning the upper start winning slot 33YA and the variable displays triggered by winning the lower start winning slot 33YB are reserved (one or more of the first reserved lamp 46a and one or more of the second reserved lamp 46b are lit), the variable displays triggered by winning the lower start winning slot 33YB are consumed preferentially. In other words, unless all variable displays triggered by winning the lower start winning slot 33YB have been consumed, the variable displays triggered by winning the upper start winning slot 33YA will not be displayed. For example, when one first reserved lamp 46a is lit, if a game ball enters the lower start winning opening 33YB and one second reserved lamp 46b is lit, the variable display triggered by the winning of the upper start winning opening 33YA will be postponed, and the variable display triggered by the winning of the lower start winning opening 33YB will be performed first. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the variable display triggered by the winning of the upper start winning opening 33YA will also be referred to as the "first variable display," and the variable display triggered by the winning of the lower start winning opening 33YB will also be referred to as the "second variable display."

[0104] Further, the through gate 34 is configured to allow game balls flowing down the game area to pass through one by one. As will be described in detail later, the through gate 34 is equipped with a through gate switch 225 that can detect game balls passing through the through gate 34, and when the through gate switch 225 detects a game ball, an opening lottery is held to determine whether or not the opening / closing device 37Y (lower start winning opening 33YB) will be opened, and a variable display is performed on the normal symbol display device 41. Then, if the opening lottery is won, the opening / closing device 37Y is opened for a specified time.

[0105] The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a normal pattern display device 41 that displays a variable display in response to passage through the through gate 34, and a performance display device 42 that displays a variable display in accordance with the variable display by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R.

[0106] Furthermore, the variable display device unit 35 is provided with a variable identification lamp 40 which indicates which winning the variable display being performed on the performance display device 42 corresponds to, either the upper starting winning slot 33YA or the lower starting winning slot 33YB.

[0107] The normal symbol display device 41 is configured to be able to light and display a "circle" or "cross" as a normal symbol, and each time a gaming ball passes through the through gate 34, the normal symbol is displayed in a rapidly changing manner, for example, from "circle" to "cross" to "circle" to .... If the changing display stops at the "circle" symbol (winning symbol) for several seconds, the opening and closing device 37Y of the lower start winning opening 33YB will be opened for a predetermined period of time. The display content of this normal symbol display device 41 is directly controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later.

[0108] Also, if a new game ball passes through the through gate 34 during the variable display of the normal symbol display device 41, the variable display for that part will be displayed after the variable display currently being performed has finished. In other words, the variable display will be put on hold (reserved). The maximum number of reserved variable displays is determined for each model of pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, up to four times are reserved, and the reserved number is displayed by lighting up the reserved lamp 44.

[0109] The performance display device 42 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, 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, the 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 first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, and the content is displayed by the display control device 45, which will be described later.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 1-44, the effect display device 42 is provided with, for example, three symbol display areas: top, middle, and bottom. Multiple types of symbols (numbers) are displayed sequentially (variably) in each symbol display area. Then, symbols are displayed in order for each symbol display area (for example, in the order of top symbol display area → bottom symbol display area → middle symbol display area). For example, when the main control device 261 determines the various "probable jackpots" or various "normal jackpots," a display corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L or 43R, and symbols are displayed in a combination corresponding to the jackpot on the effect display device 42 (for example, the symbols displayed in the top symbol display area, middle symbol display area, and bottom symbol display area are the same), and the jackpot state begins. In the case of a "JUB jackpot" or "small jackpot," the combination of symbols displayed in the effect display device 42 does not correspond to a jackpot, as will be described later.

[0111] In addition, when the symbols are displayed in a combination corresponding to a jackpot, the previous step is, for example, to display the same symbols in the upper and lower symbol display areas. In this way, the state in which the same symbols are displayed in the upper and lower symbol display areas and the variable display is still being performed in the middle symbol display area is the reach state.

[0112] Furthermore, even if a reach state occurs, if a jackpot state does not occur, a different pattern from the pattern displayed in the upper and lower pattern display areas is displayed in the middle pattern display area. Also, when various "probable jackpots" or various "normal jackpots" occur, repeated numbers are displayed in the effect display device 42 as described above, but in this embodiment, depending on the type of pattern displayed in the stop state, it is impossible to determine the game state (such as "high probability mode" or not) that will be awarded after the jackpot ends.

[0113] Furthermore, when a "JUB jackpot" or "small jackpot" is achieved, a predetermined specific combination of numbers (hereinafter referred to as a "chance symbol") is stopped and displayed instead of a doublet. For example, in this embodiment, "3", "4", and "1" are stopped and displayed in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas. This prevents the player from distinguishing between a "JUB jackpot", which is more advantageous to the player, and a "small jackpot", which is not as advantageous, when a chance symbol is stopped and displayed, and allows the player to have hope that a "JUB jackpot" will occur, thereby preventing a decline in the player's interest.

[0114] Of course, the specific number combinations stopped and displayed in the upper, middle and lower symbol display areas may be different for a "JUB jackpot" and a "small jackpot." Also, when a "JUB jackpot" or a "small jackpot" is achieved, instead of a predetermined specific number combination, a random miss combination may be stopped and displayed, similar to a miss.

[0115] In addition, the performance display device 42 is configured to display the number of pending variable displays on the special display devices 43L and 43R in correspondence with the pending lamps 46a and 46b (see Figure 1-44, etc.).

[0116] In this embodiment, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the special display devices 43L, 43R and hold lamps 46a, 46b are covered by the front frame set 14, making them invisible to the player. Therefore, the player will be able to understand the game status, lottery results, etc. solely through the display content (pattern display, hold display, etc.) of the performance display device 42.

[0117] Of course, the configuration of the special display devices 43L, 43R and the hold lamps 46L, 46R is not limited to this configuration, and other configurations may be adopted. For example, the special display devices 43L, 43R, etc. may be configured to be visible. However, as described above, the special display devices 43L, 43R are installed in inconspicuous locations that are unlikely to be noticed by players, such as the lower corners of the gaming area, and their display units are small in size and the time for which the distinguishing characters are displayed is relatively short. Therefore, unless one keeps an eye on the special display devices 43L, 43R and observes them carefully, it is virtually impossible to grasp the game status that has been awarded.

[0118] The fluctuation specification lamp 40 is equipped with a blue LED and a red LED, and emits blue light when the performance display device 42 is displaying a fluctuation triggered by a win at the upper start winning slot 33YA, and emits red light when the performance display device 42 is displaying a fluctuation triggered by a win at the lower start winning slot 33YB.

[0119] Next, a detailed description will be given of the configuration of the variable display unit 35. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-7 and 1-8, the center frame 47 is fixed to the front side of the game board 30, and the frame cover 213 is fixed to the back side of the game board 30, thereby forming an integrated variable display unit 35.

[0120] A rectangular opening 213a (see Figure 1-6) is formed in the center of the frame cover 213, and a liquid crystal display device, performance display device 42, is detachably attached to the back side of the frame cover 213. The liquid crystal display unit 42a of performance display device 42 is a well-known device in which a liquid crystal panel made of various translucent materials laminated on the front side of a backlight as a light-emitting means is arranged.

[0121] The center frame 47 has a frame shape with a substantially circular opening 751 formed in the center, and the liquid crystal display unit 42a of the performance display device 42 can be seen through this opening 751.

[0122] The center frame 47 is not made up of a single member, but is made up of, for example, a base member to which various decorative members that have been plated or the like, and lens members made of transparent resin that transmit light such as LEDs, etc., are attached.

[0123] A stage portion 770 is provided along the left-right direction on the upper surface of the lower side portion 47b of the center frame 47. The stage portion 770 has gentle undulations formed along the left-right direction.

[0124] A drop hole 774 that opens forward and through which game balls can fall is formed in the center of the rear wall 772 of the stage 770. A communication passage 775 that leads to the drop hole 774 is provided below (inside) the center of the stage 770. The other side of the communication passage 775 opens to the front side of the lower edge 47b of the center frame 47, and serves as an outlet 776 for discharging game balls that have fallen into the drop hole 774 onto the surface of the game board 30. When the center frame 47 is disposed on the game board 30, the outlet 776 is located above the upper start winning opening 33YA, as shown in FIG. 1-4.

[0125] A guide groove (not shown) that slopes gently downward toward the back is formed in the center of the stage portion 770, in front of the drop hole 774. This allows game balls to fall from the stage portion 770 into the drop hole 774.

[0126] A ball passage (warp flow path) 764 for passing game balls is formed inside the left side portion 47c of the center frame 47. An inlet portion 764a of the ball passage 764 opens at approximately the center in the up-down direction of the left side portion 47c of the center frame 47, while an outlet portion 764b opens toward the upper surface (stage portion 770) of the lower side portion 47b of the center frame 47. This ball passage 764 can guide game balls flowing down the surface of the game board 30 onto the stage portion 770 inside the center frame 47.

[0127] The gaming ball guided onto the stage portion 770 rolls on the stage portion 770, and then falls from the front onto the surface of the gaming board 30, or falls into the above-mentioned drop hole 774. Of these, the gaming ball that falls into the drop hole 774 is guided onto the surface of the gaming board 30 via the connecting passage 775. The gaming ball discharged from the discharge port 776 has a relatively high probability of landing in the upper start winning port 33YA.

[0128] In addition, the variable display device unit 35 has an upper performance accessory unit 761 disposed between the center frame 47 and the frame cover 213. Here, the configuration of the upper performance accessory unit 761 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0129] As shown in Figures 1-7 and 1-8, the upper performance device unit 761 is located on the back side of the upper edge portion 47a of the center frame 47, and under normal circumstances (see Figure 1-7), most of it is covered by the upper edge portion 47a, etc., making it difficult for the player to see.

[0130] The upper prop unit 761 comprises a unit base 810 arranged at the top front of the frame cover 213, a movable prop 811 as a movable body that is movable up and down relative to the unit base 810, and an up and down drive mechanism 1812 for moving the movable prop 811 up and down.

[0131] As shown in Figures 1-9(a) and (b), the vertical drive mechanism 1812 includes a support part 1814 that supports the movable part 811, and a vertical drive motor 1815 that serves as a drive means for driving the support part 1814.

[0132] Although not shown, a guide groove extending in the vertical direction is formed in the unit base 810, and a protrusion to be attached to the guide groove is formed in the support part 1814. This allows the support part 1814 to slide in the vertical direction, and also prevents misalignment in the horizontal direction when moving up and down.

[0133] A rack portion 1814a is formed on the right edge of the support portion 1814. The rack portion 1814a of the support portion 1814 is engaged with a pinion gear 1815a fixed to the rotation shaft of a vertical drive motor 1815.

[0134] With this configuration, the rotation of the vertical drive motor 1815 allows the movable prop 811 to slide vertically.

[0135] Normally, the majority of the movable role object 811 is located in a standby position behind the upper edge 47a of the center frame 47, making it difficult for the player to see (see Fig. 1-7, Fig. 1-9(a)). Then, when the vertical drive motor 1815 rotates forward and the support part 1814 slides downward, the entire movable role object 811 is positioned in front of the display part 42a of the effect display device 42, making it exposed and visible to the player (see Fig. 1-8, Fig. 1-9(b)).

[0136] Furthermore, from this state, the vertical drive motor 1815 rotates in the reverse direction, causing the support part 1814 to slide upward, and the movable prop 811 returns to its normal standby state.

[0137] The vertical drive motor 1815 is a stepping motor whose rotation is controlled by an applied drive pulse signal. In other words, by adjusting the drive pulse signal, the vertical movement amount and movement speed of the movable part 811 can be controlled. At the same time, by monitoring the number of input drive pulse signals, the vertical displacement amount of the movable part 811 from the reference position can be grasped.

[0138] More specifically, a position detection sensor 1816 for detecting the up and down position of the movable prop 811 is attached to the unit base 810. In this embodiment, a known photosensor in which a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are arranged facing each other at a distance is used as the position detection sensor 1816.

[0139] Correspondingly, a light blocking piece 1814b is formed protruding from the support part 1814 near its lower end. Then, when the light blocking piece 1814b is detected by the position detection sensor 1816, it is determined that the movable accessory 811 (support part 1814) is in the reference position. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1-7, the standby position where the movable accessory 811 is in a standby state is the reference position.

[0140] Although not shown here, the unit base section 810 is provided with a paraphernalia control board that receives instructions from the sub-controller 262 and performs drive control of the up / down drive motor 1815 and monitoring control of the position detection sensor 1816.

[0141] Here, the movable accessory 811 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1-50 to 1-54. The movable accessory 811 comprises a base part 817 fixed to the lower end of the support part 1814, and a rotating body 820 rotatably supported on the front side of the base part 817.

[0142] The base portion 817 has a generally circular shape when viewed from the front, and a support shaft portion 818 is formed at the center thereof so as to protrude forward. The support shaft portion 818 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a closed front side and an open rear side.

[0143] A rotating body drive motor 821 is attached and fixed to the back side of base portion 817. A pinion gear 821b is attached and fixed to the front end of a rotation shaft 821a of rotating body drive motor 821. The driving force of rotating body drive motor 821 is transmitted to rotating body 820 via pinion gear 821b.

[0144] An annular cover body 822 is attached and fixed to the front surface of the base part 817. In the center of the cover body 822, a circular opening 822a is formed.

[0145] Rotating body 820 is mainly composed of a rotating base plate 823 and six movable pieces 825 arranged in an annular shape on the front side of the rotating base plate 823.

[0146] The rotating base plate 823 has a cylindrical portion 826 extending in the front-rear direction, and six extending pieces 827 extending radially outward from the outer circumferential wall of the cylindrical portion 826. The six extending pieces 827 are provided at equal intervals (60° intervals) around the circumference of the cylindrical portion 826.

[0147] The cylindrical portion 826 is fitted onto the support shaft portion 818 of the base portion 817. This causes the rotatable platform 823 to be rotatably supported on the base portion 817. Although not shown, the cylindrical portion 826 or the support shaft portion 818 is provided with a restricting means for preventing the rotatable platform 823 (cylindrical portion 826) from falling off from the base portion 817 (support shaft portion 818).

[0148] Each extension piece 827 has a slit 829 formed therein, which penetrates in the front-rear direction and runs along the radial direction of the rotating base plate 823. A cylindrical pinion support shaft 830 is formed on the rear surface near the tip of each extension piece 827, protruding rearward.

[0149] An annular central gear member 831 is fitted onto the cylindrical portion 826 of the rotating base plate 823 from the rear.

[0150] The central gear member 831 is integrally formed with a large diameter gear portion 831a provided on the front side thereof and a small diameter gear portion 831b provided on the rear side thereof so as to form a step in the front-rear direction.

[0151] Additionally, pinion gears 832 are fitted onto the pinion support shafts 830, respectively, and are meshed with large diameter gear portions 831a of central gear members 831.

[0152] Furthermore, an annular presser plate 835 (see FIG. 1-54) is attached to the back side of the rotating base plate 823. The circular opening 835a of the presser plate 835 has a diameter slightly larger than that of the small-diameter gear portion 831b of the central gear member 831 so that the small-diameter gear portion 831b can be inserted therethrough, and also has a diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter gear portion 831a.

[0153] As a result, the presser plate 835 covers the six pinion gears 832 and the large diameter gear portion 831a from behind, and passes through the small diameter gear portion 831b, while being fixed to the tip of the pinion support shaft 830. As a result, the central gear member 831 is held rotatably around the cylindrical portion 826 of the rotating base plate 823.

[0154] A pinion gear 821b of the rotating body drive motor 821 is meshed with the small diameter gear portion 831b of the central gear member 831. As a result, the rotation of the rotating body drive motor 821 is transmitted to the central gear member 831.

[0155] In other words, the pinion gear 821b, central gear member 831, pinion gear 832, etc. constitute a main power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the rotating body drive motor 821 to the rotating body 820, causing the movable piece 825 to slide and driving the rotating base plate 823 to rotate.

[0156] Furthermore, a second drive gear 841 is attached and fixed to the rear end of the cylindrical portion 826 of the rotatable platform 823. As shown in FIG. 1-54 , the second drive gear 841 is engaged with a second transmission gear 842. The second transmission gear 842 is connected to an oil damper 843. A support member 844 is fitted into the oil damper 843 from the rear, and the support member 844 is attached and fixed to the base portion 817.

[0157] This results in a configuration in which the rotating base plate 823 is braked so as not to rotate at a torque below a predetermined level. Here, the second drive gear 841, the second transmission gear 842, etc. constitute a regulating power transmission mechanism that transmits the force of the oil damper 843 to the rotating body 820 and regulates the operation of the rotating body 820.

[0158] Furthermore, the regulating power transmission mechanism is not connected to the main power transmission mechanism, and is configured so that power is not transmitted directly between the rotating body drive motor 821 and the oil damper 843 without going through the rotating base plate 823.

[0159] As can be seen from FIG. 1-50 and the like, the rotating body 820 is formed with a single flower motif, and each movable piece 825 is formed to resemble a single petal.

[0160] Each movable piece 825 is made of a transparent resin material that is translucent. However, fine irregularities (not shown) are formed on the surface of the general part of each movable piece 825. This allows the general part of the movable piece 825 to diffuse and transmit light emitted from the display unit (liquid crystal display unit) 42a of the performance display device 42 located behind it, resulting in a state in which the entire surface is uniformly illuminated.

[0161] A linearly extending rack portion 838 is integrally formed on the back surface of the movable piece 825. The rack portion 838 is inserted into a slit 829 of the extending piece 827 of the rotatable base plate 823. This allows the movable piece 825 to slide along the radial direction of the rotatable base plate 823 (the extending direction of the extending piece 827). Although not shown, the rack portion 838 or the slit 829 is provided with a restricting means for preventing the movable piece 825 from falling off the rotatable base plate 823.

[0162] Rack portion 838 of movable piece 825 is engaged with pinion gear 832 on the back surface of extension piece 827. As a result, movable piece 825 is able to slide and displace along slit 829 of extension piece 827, i.e., along the radial direction of rotation base plate 823, when power from rotating body drive motor 821 is transmitted via the main power transmission mechanism.

[0163] Under this configuration, when the rotating body 820 is in a normal standby state, the movable pieces 825 of each of the six radially arranged extension pieces 827 are slid to the innermost radial position and are in a reduced diameter state (see Figures 1-50 and 1-51).

[0164] Furthermore, when the rotating body 820 is in a contracted diameter state, the base ends of the six movable pieces 825 are each in a state of approximately abutting against the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 826 of the rotating base plate 823, and both side edges on the base end side of each movable piece 825 are in a state of approximately abutting against the base end side edges of the adjacent movable piece 825.

[0165] On the other hand, when a specified performance is performed, the rotating body 820 expands in diameter as the movable pieces 825 of each of the six radially arranged extension pieces 827 simultaneously slide radially outward in the radial direction (see Figures 1-52 and 1-53).

[0166] Further, on the rear side of the base part 817, a motor control board (motor driver) 845 is attached which receives instructions from the sub-controller 262 and controls the rotating body drive motor 821.

[0167] Rotating body drive motor 821 is a stepping motor whose rotation is controlled by drive pulse signals applied via motor control board 845, and the rotation angle changes according to the number of input pulses. In other words, by adjusting the drive pulse signal, the amount of rotational displacement and rotation speed of rotating body 820 can be controlled. At the same time, by monitoring the number of input drive pulse signals, the amount of rotational displacement of rotating body 820 from a reference position can be determined.

[0168] 1-54, a position detection sensor 846 for detecting the rotational position of the rotor 820 (rotating base plate 823) is attached to the front surface of the base portion 817. In this embodiment, a known photosensor in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged facing each other at a distance is used as the position detection sensor 846.

[0169] Correspondingly, a light blocking piece 847 is formed to protrude from the rear side of the rotating base plate 823 (second drive gear 841 in this embodiment). When the light blocking piece 847 is detected by the position detection sensor 846, it is determined that the rotating body 820 is at the reference position.

[0170] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1-50, the reference position is the position where a predetermined movable piece 825 is arranged along the horizontal direction when the rotor 820 is viewed from the front.

[0171] Although not shown, the base unit 817 is provided with a control board that receives instructions from the sub-control device 262 and monitors and controls the position detection sensor 846 .

[0172] Under this configuration, assuming that a 360-pulse excitation signal (drive pulse signal) causes the rotor drive motor 821 to rotate once, the angle change (angle change per step) based on one pulse of the excitation signal is 1°.

[0173] Furthermore, assuming that the gear ratio (gear ratio) between the pinion gear 821b of the rotating body drive motor 821 and the small diameter gear portion 831b of the central gear member 831 is 1:4, in the configuration in which the rotating body drive motor 821 rotates once with an excitation signal of 360 pulses as described above, the rotating body 820 will rotate once with 1,440 pulses (= 360 pulses x 4).

[0174] However, the amount of angle change based on one pulse of excitation signal, the gear ratio between pinion gear 821b and small diameter gear portion 831b, etc. are not limited to the values ​​exemplified above, and different configurations may be adopted.

[0175] As shown in Figure 1-52, when the rotating body 820 stops rotating, the six movable pieces 825 are configured to stop at one of six predetermined stop positions EA1 to EA6 set in the rotation direction of the rotating body 820 (clockwise in this embodiment) (specifically, the first stop position EA1 located on the right side of the rotating body 820, the second stop position EA2 located diagonally downward to the right, the third stop position EA3 located diagonally downward to the left, the fourth stop position EA4 located on the left side, the fifth stop position EA5 located diagonally upward to the left, or the sixth stop position EA6 located diagonally upward to the right).

[0176] Here, we will explain the operation of the rotating body 820 configured as above. As shown in Figures 1-50, 1-51, etc., during normal times when no special effects are being performed, the six movable pieces 825 are each positioned at their radially inner slide limit positions of the rotating body 820. In other words, the rotating body 820 is in its most reduced diameter state.

[0177] In this state, when the rotating body drive motor 821 is rotated forward, the central gear member 831 first starts to rotate clockwise as viewed from the front via the pinion gear 821b.

[0178] At the beginning of rotation, the braking force of the oil damper 843 is applied to the rotating base 823 via the restrictive power transmission mechanism, so that the rotating base 823 remains stationary and does not move.

[0179] Meanwhile, as the central gear member 831 rotates clockwise when viewed from the front, the six pinion gears 832 meshed with the large-diameter gear portion 831a rotate. Power is then transmitted to the six movable pieces 825 via the rack portions 838 meshed with the pinion gears 832, and the six movable pieces 825 slide radially outward in the radial direction of the rotating body 820 along the slits 829 of the extending pieces 827. In other words, the diameter of the rotating body 820 expands.

[0180] 1-52, 1-53, etc., when the six movable pieces 825 reach their respective radially outer sliding limit positions of the rotating body 820 and the rotating body 820 reaches its most expanded diameter, rotational power is transmitted to the rotating base plate 823. When the torque exceeds a predetermined level, the rotating base plate 823 begins to rotate clockwise when viewed from the front.

[0181] Thereafter, when the rotating body drive motor 821 stops, the rotating body 820 stops, and each of the six movable pieces 825 stops at one of the stop positions EA1 to EA6.

[0182] When the special feature performance ends and the normal state is restored, the rotating body drive motor 821 is first rotated in the reverse direction, and the central gear member 831 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the front via the pinion gear 821b.

[0183] Even in such a case, when the central gear member 831 first starts to rotate, the braking force of the oil damper 843 is applied to the rotating base plate 823 via the above-mentioned regulating power transmission mechanism, so the rotating base plate 823 remains stationary and does not move, and only the movable piece 825 moves.

[0184] This causes rotation of each of the six pinion gears 832 meshed with the large diameter gear portion 831a of the central gear member 831. Power is then transmitted to each of the six movable pieces 825 via the rack portion 838 meshed with each of the pinion gears 832, and each of the six movable pieces 825 slides and displaces radially inward of the rotating body 820 along the slits 829 of the extending pieces 827, causing the rotating body 820 to reduce in diameter.

[0185] Thereafter, the rotor drive motor 821 is stopped when each of the six movable pieces 825 has slid to its radially inward sliding limit position of the rotor 820. This causes the rotor 820 to return to its normal, reduced diameter state.

[0186] 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."

[0187] First, the rear configuration of the gaming board 30 will be described with reference to Figures 1-6 and the like. As described above, 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 disposed 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.

[0188] The effect display device 42 is housed in a storage box (symbol omitted) which has an opening formed therein for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) 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). 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). The board boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the insides are visible. An LED control board or the like which drives the LEDs or the like built into the center frame 47 is arranged inside the frame cover 213.

[0189] Below the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the start winning openings 33YA, 33YB, etc. from behind. The back frame set 215 is equipped with a ball recovery mechanism (not shown) for recovering game balls that have moved from the front side to the back side of the game board 30 through different paths such as the various winning openings and the outlet 36. The game balls recovered by this ball recovery mechanism are guided to a discharge passage section 217, which will be described later, and are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 from a discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217.

[0190] Although not shown in the figures, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board that is electrically connected via a cable connector to the general winning switch 221, the count switch 223, and the through gate switch 225. This first board relay board relays between the general winning switch 221, etc., and the main control device 261, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector.

[0191] In contrast, the start winning switches 224A, 224B that detect winnings at the start winning ports 33YA, 33YB are connected directly to the main control device 261 via a connector cable without going through a relay board.

[0192] The detection results detected by the various winning 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). 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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 relay terminal board 240 is provided on the upper left side (upper right side in FIG. 1-5) of the back pack unit 203.

[0195] The external relay terminal board 240 is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals for relaying various types of information transmission to the hall computer of the gaming hall, etc. For convenience, no reference numerals are attached, but for example, a terminal for outputting information regarding the current gaming state (jackpot state, high probability mode, etc.), a terminal for outputting information regarding the opening of the front frame set 14 and the inner frame 12 detected by the opening detection switches 91, 92 described later, a terminal for outputting information regarding various error states such as a winning error, a lower tray full error, a tank ball no error, and a payout error, and a terminal for outputting information regarding the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control device 311 are provided.

[0196] However, in this embodiment, a terminal for outputting information about a "small win" is not provided, and information about the occurrence of a "small win" is not output. In this embodiment, since "small wins" tend to occur relatively frequently during the "high support mode," constantly outputting occurrence information every time a "small win" occurs may result in a significant increase in the output signal. Therefore, when such a malfunction is relatively unlikely to occur, such as during the "low support mode," a configuration may be adopted in which information about the occurrence of a "small win" is output.

[0197] Furthermore, it is preferable that the output of the "JUB jackpot" occurrence information be performed, for example, after the completion of five "short openings" related to the "JUB jackpot," that is, after the situation in which it is no longer possible to distinguish it from a "small jackpot," at the timing of outputting an opening command (jackpot notification effect) described below, when the occurrence of the "JUB jackpot" has been confirmed. If only the "JUB jackpot" occurrence information is output first when it is still no longer possible to distinguish it from a "small jackpot," the player may be able to see the information display device or the like installed in the island equipment of the hall corresponding to the pachinko machine 10 and know in advance that a "JUB jackpot" has occurred, which may diminish the effect of the "JUB jackpot" presentation.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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 is connected, which has, for example, two rows of ball passages for causing gaming balls to flow horizontally and gently slopes toward the downstream side. Further, a case rail 357 for causing gaming balls to flow vertically is connected 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.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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 section 217 into which game balls collected by the above-mentioned ball collection mechanism flow, and a discharge chute (not shown) is formed at the most downstream part of the discharge passage section 217 for discharging the game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. The game balls rotate and flow down while coming into contact with and being affected by the nails 49, windmills 57, etc. in the game area. Then, game balls that have won in each winning port, such as the general winning port 31, are collected via the ball collection mechanism of the rear frame set 215 and further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217. The outlet 36 also communicates with the discharge passage 217, and game balls that do not enter any of the winning ports are also discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 via a discharge chute. In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured as separate bodies and can be opened and closed independently, but the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 may also be formed integrally.

[0202] Also, as shown in Figure 1-5, on the back side of the lower frame set 251, a dispensing control device 311, a launch control device 312, a power supply device 313 and a card unit connection board 314 as dispensing control means are stacked front to back and are removably attached.

[0203] The launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are housed in a circuit board box 313a and fixed to the rear side of the lower frame set 251. For convenience, the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are described as independent control devices, but in reality they are composed of a single circuit board (printed circuit board).

[0204] The dispensing control device 311 is housed in a board box 311a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (the launching control device 312 and the power supply device 313). 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 will remain.

[0205] In addition, the card unit connection board 314 is housed in a board box 314a and fixed to the rear side of the board box 313a (the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313).

[0206] The board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, so that the inside can be seen.

[0207] 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).

[0208] Furthermore, the power supply device 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.

[0209] Also, as shown in Figure 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 Figure 1-1, etc.) exposed on the front side of the front frame set 14, and the inner frame 12 can be unlocked by inserting a key into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 600a and rotating it in one direction, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating it in the other direction. In this embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

[0210] 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.

[0211] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1-4, a front frame open detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame set 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 as shown in Figure 1-5, 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 (lower left in Figure 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, and the front frame open detection switch 91 is arranged so that its detection unit faces forward, and the inner frame open detection switch 92 is arranged so that its detection unit faces rearward. 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 set 14 is closed, the detection part of the front frame open detection switch 91 is pressed by the back of the front frame set 14, turning it to the OFF state, and when the front frame set 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.

[0212] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. Figure 1-10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 (main board) is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 incorporates 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.

[0213] 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.

[0214] In addition, RAM 503 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off by receiving backup voltage from the power supply unit 313, and all data stored in the stack area, working area and backup area 503a is backed up.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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, first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, normal symbol display device 41, etc., which will be described later. With this configuration, the above-mentioned special display devices 43L and 43R and normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the performance display device 42 as a display means is controlled via the sub-control device 262. The sub-control device 262 constitutes the light emission control means in this embodiment.

[0218] Additionally, for convenience, various relay boards and the like are not shown, but various detection switches such as the general winning switch 221, count switch 223, start winning unit switches 224A, 224B, and through gate switch 225, as well as various electrical components such as various boards, are connected to the input / output port 505. In other words, the main control device 261 is provided with multiple terminal sections (board-side connectors) for connecting the connectors of various cable connectors, and these terminal sections etc. form the input / output port 505.

[0219] The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) includes a CPU 551 which is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 552 which stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 551, a RAM 553 which is a memory 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 includes 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 which are used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

[0220] 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 a speaker SP, a performance button 125, a performance accessory unit 761, various illumination units and lamps 102, 104.

[0221] The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on a command (for example, a variation pattern command) sent from the main control device 261, for example, and causes the display to be displayed on the performance display device 42. As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R controlled by the main control device 261 are configured to display whether or not there is a jackpot, and the performance display device 42 controlled by the sub-control device 262 displays information that matches the display of the special display devices 43L, 43R. The sub-control device 262 also controls the drive of the upper performance role unit 761.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] The RAM 513 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 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 as long as data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, 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.

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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.

[0229] The command buffer is made up of a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands sent from the main control device 261.

[0230] 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 unit 261, a launch control unit 312, a payout unit 358, etc.

[0231] The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball lending operation section (ball lending button 121 and return button 122) on the front of the pachinko machine 10 and to a card unit (ball lending unit) placed on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in an amusement hall or the like, and receives commands for ball lending operations from the player and outputs them to the card unit. Note that in cash machines in which game balls are directly loaned from a ball lending device or the like to the upper tray 19 without going through the card unit, the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted.

[0232] The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of gaming balls by the launching device 60, and the launching device 60 is permitted to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the launching device 60 is operated and launches gaming balls with a strength according to the amount of operation of the handle 18 under the conditions that a launch permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, a sensor signal detects that the player is touching the handle 18, and a launch stop switch that stops the launch is not operated. This allows the player to change the movement amount and operation mode of the gaming balls guided into the play area.

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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 calculation processing based on the received command, thereby controlling the VDP 526 (specifically, generating internal commands for the VDP 526). This allows display control in the performance display device 42.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] In addition, the power supply device 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.

[0239] The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control unit 261, the dispensing control unit 311, etc., via 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, the dispensing control unit 311, etc. The launch control unit 312 is supplied with operating power (+12V power supply, +5V power supply, etc.) via the dispensing control unit 311. Similarly, the various switches, motors, etc. are supplied with operating power via the control devices to which they are connected.

[0240] 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).

[0241] 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.

[0242] 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.

[0243] Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be explained.

[0244] 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 Figure 1-11, a jackpot random number counter CD1 is used for the jackpot lottery (win / lose lottery) to determine whether or not a jackpot state will occur, a jackpot type determination counter CD2 is used for determining (lottery) the type of jackpot, a reach selection counter CD3 is used for determining (lottery) whether or not a reach state will occur when the performance display device 42 is changed due to a miss, and for determining (lottery) the type of reach to be generated, an initial value random number counter CINI is used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter CD1, variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are used for determining (lottery) the variation display time of the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R (performance display device 42) and for determining (lottery) the variation pattern (performance pattern) in the performance display device 42, and an ordinary pattern random number counter CD4 is used for the lottery for the ordinary pattern display device 41 (opening lottery to determine whether or not the opening / closing device 37Y of the lower start winning opening 33YB will be opened).

[0245] Counters CD1, CD2, CD3, CINI, CS1, CS2, and CD4 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).

[0246] The RAM 503 is provided with a special variable reserve area in which the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter CD1, the jackpot type determination counter CD2, and the reach selection counter CD3 are stored, and a normal variable reserve area in which the value of the normal symbol random number counter CD4 is stored. The normal variable reserve area has one execution area and four reserve areas (reservation 1 to reserve 4 areas).

[0247] The special variable reserve area also 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.

[0248] In each holding area of ​​the first special variable holding area, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter CD1, the jackpot type determination counter CD2, and the reach selection counter CD3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of game balls into the upper start winning slot 33YA.

[0249] In each holding area of ​​the second special variable holding area, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter CD1, the jackpot type determination counter CD2, and the reach selection counter CD3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of game balls into the lower start winning slot 33YB.

[0250] In each holding area of ​​the normal variable holding area, the values ​​of the normal pattern random number counter CD4 are stored in chronological order in accordance with the passing history of the gaming balls through the through gate 34.

[0251] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to hold the variable display on the special display devices 43L, 43R and the normal pattern display device 41 up to four times each, as described above.

[0252] To explain each counter in detail, the jackpot random number counter CD1 is configured to increment by one 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 jackpot random number counter CD1 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 jackpot random number counter CD1. Note that the initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter CD1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once for each timer interrupt and repeatedly within the remaining time of normal processing. Meanwhile, the jackpot random number counter CD1 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 is stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer. Then, when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA or the lower start winning hole 33YB, the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer is stored in the first special variable reserve area or the second special variable reserve area. Therefore, this process constitutes a part of various lotteries.

[0253] Two types of random number values ​​that result in a jackpot are set: "low probability mode" and "high probability mode." In this embodiment, in "low probability mode," there are two random number values ​​that result in a jackpot, the values ​​being "7, 307," and in "high probability mode," there are 20 random number values ​​that result in a jackpot, the values ​​being "7 to 16, 307 to 316." In other words, in "low probability mode," there is a 1 / 300 chance of winning the lottery (a jackpot state occurs), and in "high probability mode," there is a 1 / 30 chance of winning the lottery.

[0254] In this embodiment, a hit / lose determination table that is referenced when determining whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 corresponds to a jackpot is provided in the ROM 502. In this embodiment, there are two hit / lose determination tables: a first hit / lose determination table that stores "7, 307" and a second hit / lose determination table that stores "7 to 16, 307 to 316."

[0255] In this embodiment, the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 is also used to determine a "small win." The number of random numbers that result in a "small win" is 50, and the values ​​are "101 to 125, 401 to 425." In other words, there is a 1 / 12 probability of winning the lottery (a small win state occurs).

[0256] The jackpot type determination counter CD2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 19, and after reaching an upper limit value (i.e., 19), return to the lower limit value of 0. In this embodiment, the jackpot type determination counter CD2 determines the jackpot type, that is, which of "16R variable probability jackpot A", "16R variable probability jackpot B", "4R variable probability jackpot A", "4R variable probability jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot A", "16R normal jackpot B", "4R normal jackpot A", "4R normal jackpot B" or "JUB jackpot" to be awarded.

[0257] The ROM 502 is provided with a jackpot type determination table that is referenced when determining which jackpot the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 corresponds to. As described above, in this embodiment, the allocation of jackpot types differs between when the gaming ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA and when it enters the lower start winning hole 33YB. In other words, in this embodiment, there are two jackpot type determination tables: a first jackpot type determination table that is taken into consideration when the gaming ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA, and a second jackpot type determination table that is taken into consideration when the gaming ball enters the lower start winning hole 33YB.

[0258] Specifically, when the game ball enters the upper start entry port 33YA, the first jackpot type determination table (see Figure 1-39) is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 is "0,1", it is determined that a "16R guaranteed jackpot A" will be awarded.

[0259] Furthermore, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 is "2", it is determined that a "16R certain variable jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "3", it is determined that a "16R certain variable jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "4", it is determined that a "16R certain variable jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded; and if it is "5", it is determined that a "16R certain variable jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

[0260] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 is "6", it is determined that a "4R certain jackpot A" will be awarded.

[0261] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 is "7", it is determined that a "4R certain variable jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "8", it is determined that a "4R certain variable jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "9", it is determined that a "4R certain variable jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded, and if it is "10", it is determined that a "4R certain variable jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

[0262] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 is "11", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot A" will be awarded.

[0263] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 is "12", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "13", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "14", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded; and if it is "15", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

[0264] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 is "16", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "17", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "18", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded, and if it is "19", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

[0265] In other words, if you win the lottery triggered by winning the upper starting entry slot 33YA, there is a 10% chance of a "16R special jackpot A," a 20% chance of a "16R special jackpot B," a 5% chance of a "4R special jackpot A," a 20% chance of a "4R special jackpot B," a 5% chance of a "16R regular jackpot A," a 20% chance of a "16R regular jackpot B," and a 20% chance of a "4R regular jackpot B."

[0266] On the other hand, when the game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33YB, the second jackpot type determination table (see Figure 1-40) is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 is "0 to 9", the award of "16R probability jackpot A" is determined, if it is "10, 11", the award of "4R probability jackpot A" is determined, if it is "12, 13", the award of "4R normal jackpot A" is determined, and if it is "14", the award of "20 times high support mode" is determined. If the number is "15", then a "4R normal jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if the number is "16", then a "4R normal jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if the number is "17", then a "4R normal jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded, and if the number is "18,19", then a "JUB jackpot" will be awarded.

[0267] In other words, if you win the lottery triggered by winning the lower starting entry slot 33YB, there is a 50% chance of a "16R special jackpot A," a 10% chance of a "4R special jackpot A," a 10% chance of a "4R regular jackpot A," a 20% chance of a "4R regular jackpot B," and a 10% chance of a "JUB jackpot."

[0268] The jackpot type determination counter CD2 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once per timer interrupt), and the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 is stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer. Then, when the gaming ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA or the lower start winning hole 33YB, the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 stored in the jackpot 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. Therefore, this processing constitutes part of various lotteries.

[0269] The reach selection counter CD3 is configured to increment by one within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching its upper limit (i.e., 238). In this embodiment, the reach selection counter CD3 determines whether a reach occurs with respect to a decorative symbol and the final stopped symbol stops just one symbol before or after the reach symbol, a "reach other than a reach before or after" (reach other than a reach before or after), and a "complete miss" (reach other than a reach before or after). In this embodiment, the ROM 502 is provided with a reach determination table that is referenced when determining whether the value of the reach selection counter CD3 corresponds to the occurrence of a reach state and which reach it corresponds to. The reach determination table stores values ​​"0 to 238," with CD3 = 0, 1 corresponding to a reach other than a reach before or after, CD3 = 2 to 21 corresponding to a reach other than a reach before or after, and CD3 = 22 to 238 corresponding to a complete miss.

[0270] The reach selection counter CD3 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once per timer interrupt), and the value of the reach selection counter CD3 is stored in the reach selection counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the gaming ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA or the lower start winning hole 33YB, the value of the reach selection counter CD3 stored in the reach 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. Therefore, this processing constitutes a part of various lotteries.

[0271] Furthermore, of the two fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, one of the fluctuation type counters, CS1, is configured to increment by one in a sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and after reaching its upper limit (i.e., 198), return to its lower limit of 0, while the other fluctuation type counter, CS2, is configured to increment by one in a sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 240, and after reaching its upper limit (i.e., 240), return to its lower limit of 0. In the following explanation, CS1 will also be referred to as the "first fluctuation type counter" and CS2 as the "second fluctuation type counter." This notation is also used in Figure 1-11.

[0272] For example, in the normal state probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table (see Figure 1-42), the first fluctuation type counter CS1 determines the type of decorative symbol reach, such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and other general fluctuation patterns, while the second fluctuation type counter CS2 determines more detailed fluctuation patterns, such as fluctuation time. Therefore, by combining these fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, it is easy to diversify fluctuation patterns. Of course, it is also possible to determine the fluctuation pattern using only the first fluctuation type counter CS1.

[0273] Incidentally, normal reach is a reach pattern in which no special effects are displayed other than the variation of decorative symbols. Super reach is a reach pattern in which characters and the like are displayed on the effect display device 42 in addition to the decorative symbols while the variation of decorative symbols is being displayed (after the reach state is established), 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 such a manner that characters and the like with a different pattern from super reach are displayed in addition to the decorative symbols while the variation of decorative symbols is being displayed (after the reach state is established), thereby creating a sense of anticipation in the player.

[0274] 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. Then, the buffer values ​​of CS1 and CS2 are acquired when the effect display device 42 determines the fluctuation pattern at the start of the decorative pattern fluctuation.

[0275] 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 jackpot random number counter CD1, reach selection counter CD3, and variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are all different prime numbers, and that they are not synchronized under any circumstances.

[0276] In addition, the normal pattern random number counter CD4 is configured as a loop counter that increments by 1 in sequence within the range of 0 to 9, and returns to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 9).The normal pattern random number counter CD4 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once per timer interrupt), and the value of the normal pattern random number counter CD4 is obtained when the gaming ball passes through the through gate 34.

[0277] Then, when a value of the normal pattern random number counter CD4 that indicates a win is obtained, a variable display is performed on the normal pattern display device 41 for a predetermined period of time, and then the pattern corresponding to the win (in this example, a "○") is displayed stationary, and the opening / closing device 37Y of the lower starting winning opening 33YB is opened for a predetermined period of time.

[0278] In this embodiment, in the "low support mode," the winning random number values ​​are two, "0, 1." On the other hand, in the "high support mode," the winning random number values ​​are eight, "0 to 7." That is, in the "low support mode," the opening / closing device 37Y is in the open state with a probability of 1 / 5, and in the "high support mode," the opening / closing device 37Y is in the open state with a probability of 4 / 5.

[0279] 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.

[0280] The NMI interrupt process 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. This NMI interrupt causes the state of the main control device 261 at the time of power cut to be stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

[0281] 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, starts NMI interrupt processing, 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.

[0282] 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.

[0283] FIG. 1-14 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 2 msec, for example.

[0284] In Figure 1-14, first, in step SD301, the process of reading the various winning detection switches is executed. Here, the state of the various winning detection switches (general winning switch 221, count switch 223, start winning switches 224A, 224B, through gate switch 225) connected to the main control device 261 is read, and the state of the switches is determined and the detection information is saved.

[0285] In step SD302, the 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 the upper limit (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

[0286] In step SD303, a random number update process is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter CD1, the jackpot type determination counter CD2, the reach selection counter CD3, and the normal symbol random number counter CD4 are each incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their upper limit values, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values ​​of each counter CD1, CD2, CD3, and CD4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM 503.

[0287] Thereafter, in step SD304, a start winning process is executed in response to a winning into the start winning openings 33YA, 33YB, and in step SD305, a through gate passing process is executed in response to the passage of the gaming ball into the through gate 34. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

[0288] Here, the start winning process of step SD304 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 1-15. The execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area and each reserve area are provided with a jackpot random number memory area for storing the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1, a jackpot type random number memory area for storing the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2, and a reach random number memory area for storing the value of the reach selection counter CD3.

[0289] First, in step SD501, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has entered the lower start winning hole 33YB based on the detection information of the second start winning switch 224B. If the determination in step SD501 is affirmative, it is determined in step SD502 whether or not the value of the lower reserve counter Nb, which counts the number of reserved variable displays triggered by the ball entering the lower start winning hole 33YB, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If the determination in step SD502 is negative, the process proceeds to step SD509. On the other hand, if the determination in step SD502 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SD503, where the lower reserve counter Nb is incremented by 1.

[0290] In the next step SD504, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter CD1, the jackpot type determination counter CD2, and the reach selection counter CD3 updated in the random number update process in step SD303 are stored in the first empty reserve area in the second special variable reserve area. After step SD504, the process proceeds to step SD505.

[0291] In step SD505, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area corresponds to a jackpot. The details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

[0292] In the following step SD506, if it is determined in step SD505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 is a value corresponding to a jackpot, a second jackpot type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area.

[0293] Here, first, in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before, it is determined whether or not the jackpot scheduled flag was set, and if the determination is negative, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the determination is positive, the second jackpot type determination table is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area is one of the values ​​"0 to 9" corresponding to "16R probability variable jackpot A", the "16R probability variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is one of the values ​​"10, 11" corresponding to "4R probability variable jackpot A", the "4R probability variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is one of the values ​​"12, 13" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot A", the "4R normal jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is one of the values ​​"14 to 17" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot B", the "4R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if it is one of the values ​​"18, 19" corresponding to "JUB jackpot", the "JUB jackpot flag" is turned on.

[0294] If a "16R Probable Jackpot A", "4R Probable Jackpot A" or "JUB Jackpot" is won, i.e., if "Until Next Time High Support Mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, a lottery is held with a probability of, for example, 1 / 100 to determine whether or not to perform a non-announcement effect that does not notify the player that the granted "High Support Mode" is "Until Next Time High Support Mode" for a predetermined period of time after the jackpot ends (20 variable displays in this embodiment). If the lottery results in a determination that a non-announcement effect will be performed, a non-announcement effect execution flag is turned on.

[0295] In the next step SD507, if it is determined in step SD505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 is not a value corresponding to a jackpot, a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the reach selection counter CD3 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area. The reach determination process will be described in detail later.

[0296] In the next step SD508, a process for setting a hold control command is performed. A hold control command is a command for notifying the sub-control device 262 in advance of various hold information (information used to determine the content of the variable display) that has been reserved and stored in the second special variable hold area. The hold control command set in this process is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step SD201). The hold control command includes, for example, hold information, such as information indicating the results of the jackpot determination process and the jackpot type determination process, and information indicating whether the variable display will be triggered by a win in the start winning slot 33YA or 33YB.

[0297] Here, the details of the big win determination process in step SD505 will be described with reference to FIG. 1-16.

[0298] First, in step SD5101, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches either of the values ​​"7" or "307" corresponding to the jackpot stored in the first hit / miss judgment table. Note that for convenience, FIG. 1-16 shows a simplified description of the processing of step SD5101, but in reality, it determines whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 is "7," and if the judgment returns a negative result, it determines whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 is "307." If either of these judgments returns a positive result, a positive determination is made in step SD5101, and if both judgments return a negative result, a negative determination is made in step SD5101.

[0299] If the judgment in step SD5101 is affirmative, i.e., if it is judged that a jackpot state will occur, the jackpot expected flag is turned on in step SD5102, and then this processing is terminated.

[0300] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD5101 is negative, then in step SD5103, it is determined whether or not the game is in the "high probability mode" based on the value of a lottery mode flag, which will be described later.

[0301] If the result of step SD5103 is affirmative, i.e., if the game is in "high probability mode," step SD5104 determines whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area is one of the values ​​corresponding to the jackpot stored in the second hit / miss determination table, excluding the above-mentioned "7" and "307," namely, "8-16, 308-316." Note that during this determination process, it is actually determined one by one whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 matches each value corresponding to the jackpot, as described above.

[0302] If the judgment in step SD5104 is positive, i.e., if it is judged that a jackpot state will occur during the "high probability mode", the jackpot expected flag is turned on in step SD5102, and then this processing is terminated.

[0303] If the judgment at step SD5103 or step SD5104 is negative, i.e., if it is not a "jackpot," the process proceeds to step SD5105.

[0304] Also, in step SD5105, it is determined whether or not the value of the big win random number counter CD1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches the value "101 to 125, 401 to 425" corresponding to the small win.

[0305] If the result of step SD5105 is affirmative, i.e., if it is determined that a small win state will occur, the small win expected flag is turned on in step SD5106, and then this process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step SD5105 is negative, this process ends.

[0306] Next, the reach determination process in step SD507 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0307] First, in step SD5301, it is determined whether a win expected flag (a big win expected flag or a small win expected flag) was set in the immediately preceding big win determination process. If the determination in step SD5301 is affirmative, i.e., if a big win state or a small win state occurs, this process is terminated.

[0308] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD5301 is negative, i.e., if a winning state does not occur, step SD5302 refers to the reach determination table and determines whether the value of the reach selection counter CD3 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches either the value "0" or "1" corresponding to a "front or rear miss reach." If the determination in step SD5302 is positive, step SD5303 turns on the front or rear miss flag, indicating the occurrence of a front or rear miss reach, and then ends this processing.

[0309] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD5302 is negative, in step SD5304, the reach determination table is consulted to determine whether the value of the reach selection counter CD3 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches any of the values ​​"2 to 21" corresponding to "reach other than front or rear misses." If the determination in step SD5304 is positive, the non-front or rear miss flag is turned on in step SD5305, and then this processing ends.

[0310] If the determination in step SD5304 is negative, i.e., if the result is a "complete miss," the process ends.

[0311] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1-15, after the processing of step SD508, or if a negative judgment is made in step SD501, in step SD509, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has entered the upper start winning opening 33YA based on the detection information of the first start winning switch 224A. If a negative judgment is made in step SD509, this processing is terminated as is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made, in step SD510, it is determined whether or not the value of the upper reserve counter Na, which counts the number of reserved variable displays triggered by the entry into the upper start winning opening 33YA, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If a negative judgment is made in step SD510, this processing is terminated as is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step SD510, the processing proceeds to step SD511, and the upper reserve counter Na is incremented by 1.

[0312] In the following step SD512, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter CD1, the jackpot type determination counter CD2, and the reach selection counter CD3 are stored in the first empty reserve area of ​​the first special variable reserve area. After step SD512, the process proceeds to step SD513.

[0313] In step SD513, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area is a value corresponding to a jackpot. The jackpot determination process in step SD513 is the same as the jackpot determination process in step SD505 above, except for the small jackpot determination, and the only difference is that the information related to the variable display to be processed is based on winning into the upper start winning slot 33YA, so for convenience, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0314] In the following step SD514, if it is determined in step SD513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 is a value corresponding to a jackpot, a first jackpot type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 newly stored in the first special variable holding area.

[0315] Here, first, in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before, it is determined whether or not the jackpot scheduled flag was set, and if it is determined to be negative, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined to be positive, the first jackpot type determination table is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area is either the value "0, 1" corresponding to "16R probability variable jackpot A", the "16R probability variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is either the value "2 to 5" corresponding to "16R probability variable jackpot B", the "16R probability variable jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if it is the value "6" corresponding to "4R probability variable jackpot A", the "4R probability variable jackpot A flag" is turned on. " is turned on, and if the value is any of "7 to 10" corresponding to "4R special jackpot B", the "4R special jackpot B flag" is turned on, if the value is "11" corresponding to "16R normal jackpot A", the "16R normal jackpot A flag" is turned on, if the value is any of "12 to 15" corresponding to "16R normal jackpot B", the "16R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if the value is any of "16 to 19" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot B", the "4R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on.

[0316] If the "16R Probable Jackpot A" or "4R Probable Jackpot A" is won, that is, if the "High Support Mode Until Next Time" is granted after the jackpot ends, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to perform the non-notification effect, as in step SD506. If the lottery result indicates that the non-notification effect will be performed, the non-notification effect execution flag is turned on.

[0317] In the next step SD515, if it is determined in step SD513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 is not a value corresponding to a jackpot, a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the reach selection counter CD3 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area. Note that the reach determination process in step SD515 is the same as the reach determination process in step SD507, and the only difference is that the information related to the variable display to be processed is based on the ball to the upper start winning slot 33YA, so for convenience, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0318] In the next step SD516, a process for setting the hold control command is performed. After that, this process ends. The process for setting the hold control command in step SD516 is the same as the process for setting the hold control command in step SD508, and the only difference is that the information on the variable display to be processed is based on the ball to the upper start winning slot 33YA, so for convenience, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0319] Next, the through gate passing process in step SD305 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0320] In step SD601, it is determined based on the detection information of the through gate switch 225 whether the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34 or not.

[0321] If a negative judgment is made in step SD601, this processing is terminated as is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step SD601, that is, if it is judged that the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34, in step SD602, it is judged whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc, which counts the number of reserved variable displays made by the normal symbol display device 41, is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If a negative judgment is made here, this processing is terminated as is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step SD602, 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 < 4, the processing proceeds to step SD603, and the normal hold counter Nc is incremented by 1.

[0322] In the next step SD604, a random number related to the winning or losing is acquired. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter CD4 updated in the random number update process in step SD303 is stored in the first free memory area of ​​the normal variable reserve area in RAM 503. After that, the through gate passing process is terminated.

[0323] 1-12, the flow of the main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described. This main processing is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

[0324] First, in step SD101, 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-controllers (sub-controller 262, dispensing controller 311, etc.) to become operable. In the following step SD102, RAM access is permitted.

[0325] Thereafter, data backup processing is performed for RAM 503 in CPU 501. That is, in step SD103, it is determined whether RAM clear switch 323 provided on power supply device 313 is pressed (ON). If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step SD112 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 SD104 to determine whether power failure occurrence information is set in backup area 503a of RAM 503. If it is not set, no backup data is stored, and the process also proceeds to step SD112. If power failure occurrence information is set in backup area 503a, a RAM judgment value is calculated in step SD105. In the following step SD106, it is determined whether the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power failure, 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 failure, the backed up data has been destroyed, and the process also proceeds to step SD112.

[0326] In the processing of step SD112, an initialization command is sent to initialize the sub-controller 262, which is the sub-side control device, and the payout control device 311, etc. Upon receiving the initialization command, the sub-controller 262 executes its own initialization process as described below, and stores the value "0" of the game state determination value Xj, which corresponds to the initial setting of "normal state," in the game state storage area.

[0327] Thereafter, the process proceeds to RAM initialization processing (step SD113, etc.). The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address of RAM 503. Instead of this RAM judgment value, it is also possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether or not a keyword written in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 is correctly saved.

[0328] As described above, in this pachinko machine 10, if 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 SD113, etc.). Similarly, if no power outage occurrence information is set or if a backup abnormality is confirmed based on a RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the process proceeds to RAM 503 initialization processing (step SD113, etc.). That is, in step SD113, the used area of ​​RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the following step SD114, the initial value of RAM 503 is set. Thereafter, in step SD115, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to normal processing, which will be described later.

[0329] On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed (step SD103: 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 SD107, the stack pointer before the power failure is restored, and in step SD108, the power failure occurrence information is cleared.

[0330] In step SD109, a game status check process is executed to ascertain the game status stored in RAM 503 at the time of power outage.

[0331] In the next step SD110, a recovery command is sent to the sub-controller 262, which is the sub-side control device, and the payout control device 311, etc., to restore the gaming state at the time of power failure. The recovery command sent to the sub-controller 262 includes information on the gaming state at the time of power failure identified in the gaming state check process (the gaming state determination value Xj, which will be described later).

[0332] In step SD111, the registers in use are restored from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. After that, in step SD115, interrupt permission is set and the process moves to normal processing, which will be described later.

[0333] Here, the game status check processing of step SD109 will be explained with reference to Figs. 1-19 and 1-20. Fig. 1-19 is a flowchart showing the game status check processing, and Fig. 1-20 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the lottery mode flag, support mode flag, game status specification counter Kj, and game status judgment value Xj, which will be described later. The game status check processing is also executed in the variable display setting processing (step SD807) and ending completion setting processing (step SD1214), which will be described later.

[0334] As shown in FIG. 1-19, in step SD1901, a process is executed to read various information related to the game state at the time of power failure that is backed up and stored in the RAM 503. Specifically, the value of the lottery mode flag, the value of the support mode flag, and the value of the game state identification counter Kj are each read from the RAM 503.

[0335] The lottery mode flag is status determination information for determining whether the lottery mode is a "low probability mode" or a "high probability mode," and the flag value is set to "50(H)" when the lottery mode is a "low probability mode," and "53(H)" when the lottery mode is a "high probability mode." Note that the value "5" of the upper 4 bits of the lottery mode flag is added uniformly for noise prevention purposes and is not intended to determine the game status in particular.

[0336] The support mode flag is status determination information for determining the status of the winning support mode, and the flag value is set to "A0(H)" when the winning support mode is "low support mode." Note that the value "A" of the upper 4 bits of the support mode flag is added uniformly for noise prevention purposes and is not specifically intended to determine the game status.

[0337] In addition, if the winning support mode is "20 times high support mode," "30 times high support mode," "40 times high support mode," or "50 times high support mode," the flag value is set to "A1(H)."

[0338] In addition, if the winning support mode is "30 times - high support mode S", the flag value is set to "A2 (H)", and if it is "Until next time - high support mode", the flag value is set to "A3 (H)".

[0339] The game state identification counter Kj is state discrimination information that counts the number of times a variable display is executed after a jackpot ends and identifies the timing of switching the game state, and is set to a predetermined initial value when a jackpot ends, and is decremented by 1 each time a variable display is executed. For example, as will be described later, if the initial value of the game state identification counter Kj is set to "50," and the value of the counter Kj thereafter becomes "31," the variable display at that time can be identified as the 20th variable display after the jackpot ends.

[0340] In this embodiment, if a "16R special jackpot B", "4R special jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot B" or "4R normal jackpot B" is won, that is, if "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" is awarded after the jackpot ends, the initial value is set to "50".

[0341] In addition, if you win a "16R normal jackpot A" or a "4R normal jackpot A", that is, if you are granted "30 times high support mode S" after the jackpot ends, the initial value will be set to "30".

[0342] Also, if a "16R Probable Jackpot A", "4R Probable Jackpot A" or "JUB Jackpot" is won, that is, if the "High Support Mode Until Next Time" is granted after the jackpot ends, the initial value is set to "0". However, if the non-announcement effect execution flag is turned on and a non-announcement effect is executed, the initial value is set to "30". The non-announcement effect execution flag is turned off after the initial value is set.

[0343] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1-19, in step SD1902, the value of the lottery mode flag read in step SD1901 is added to the value of the support mode flag.

[0344] In the following step SD1903, the logical product of the added value calculated in step SD1902 and a predetermined mask value ("07(H)" in this embodiment) is taken to extract the lower 3 bits of data and set it in a predetermined working area as the game status determination value Xj.

[0345] In step SD1904, it is determined whether the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is "1." In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "20 times high support mode," "30 times high support mode," "40 times high support mode," or "50 times high support mode."

[0346] If the determination here is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1905, where it is determined whether the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is "4." In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "20 times high support mode," "30 times high support mode," "40 times high support mode," or "50 times high support mode."

[0347] If the determination in step SD1904 or step SD1905 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SD1909. On the other hand, if the determination in step SD1905 is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1906.

[0348] In step SD1906, it is determined whether the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is "2" or not. In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "30 times high support mode S" state or not.

[0349] If the result here is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1907, where it is determined whether the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is "5." In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "30 times high support mode S" state.

[0350] If the determination in step SD1906 or step SD1907 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SD1912. On the other hand, if the determination in step SD1907 is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1908.

[0351] In step SD1908, it is determined whether the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is "6" or not. In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "until next time high support mode" or not.

[0352] If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SD1914. On the other hand, if the determination here is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1916, where the value "6" of the gaming state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503, and the process ends.

[0353] If a positive determination is made in step SD1904 or step SD1905, the process proceeds to step SD1909, where it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "31." In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the jackpot has been displayed for the 20th time. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SD1913, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1910.

[0354] In step SD1910, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "21." In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the jackpot has been performed for the 30th time. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SD1913, and if the determination here is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1911.

[0355] In step SD1911, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "11." In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the jackpot has been performed for the 40th time. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SD1913, and if the determination here is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1912.

[0356] In step SD1912, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "1", i.e., whether it is the "50th time (if the initial value is "50")" or the "30th time (if the initial value is "30")".

[0357] If a negative judgment is made here, the process proceeds to step SD1916, the value of the game status judgment value Xj ("1", "4", "2", or "5") is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503, and this process is terminated.

[0358] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD1912 is affirmative, i.e., if the value of the gaming state identification counter Kj is "1," the process proceeds to step SD1913, where the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is changed to "7." Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SD1916, where the value "7" of the gaming state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503, and this process ends.

[0359] If a positive determination is made in step SD1908, the process proceeds to step SD1914, where it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "0." In other words, it is determined whether the winning support mode is the "Until Next Time High Support Mode," in which the non-announcement effects are not performed. If a positive determination is made here, the value of the game state determination value Xj, "6," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503, and the process ends.

[0360] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD1914 is negative, that is, if the mode is the "Until Next Time High Support Mode" in which a non-announcement effect is performed, the process proceeds to step SD1915, where the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is changed to "5." After that, the process proceeds to step SD1916, where the value "5" of the gaming state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503, and this process ends. As a result, even if the mode is the "Until Next Time High Support Mode," for a predetermined number of times (20 times in this embodiment), the same effect as when the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "30 Times High Support Mode S" is performed.

[0361] Next, the flow of normal processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 1-13. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing of steps SD201 to SD210 is executed as a regular processing in a 4 msec cycle, and the counter update processing of steps SD211 and SD212 is executed in the remaining time.

[0362] First, in step SD201, external output processing is executed to transmit control signals based on the control contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R, the variable winning device 32, the opening and closing device 37Y, etc., updated in the previous processing, to each device, and to transmit output data such as commands to each control device on the sub-side. Some more detailed examples are given below.

[0363] For example, based on the detection information of the various detection switches mentioned above, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered various winning ports such as the general winning port 31, and if a prize ball has been entered, a prize ball payout command corresponding to the number of balls entered is sent to the payout control device 311.

[0364] Furthermore, if a command for flashing the error display lamp 104 is set, the command is output to the sub-controller 262 .

[0365] In addition, in the external output process, information for understanding the game status is output to the hall computer of the gaming hall, taking into consideration various information such as the lottery mode flag and the jackpot flag described later. Furthermore, output of error information to the hall computer is also executed in this output process.

[0366] For example, if a winning error is detected, an on signal (pulse signal) is output to the hall computer of the gaming hall via a specified terminal of the external relay terminal board 240, and if there is no winning error, an off signal is output.

[0367] Furthermore, when the decorative pattern is displayed variably by the performance display device 42, a variation pattern command, a pattern command, etc. are transmitted to the sub-control device 262. In response to this, the sub-control device 262, which has input the variation pattern command, the pattern command, etc., determines the variation mode of the performance display device 42 based on such various commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display (variably display) the variation mode on the performance display device 42.

[0368] In step SD202, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. More specifically, like the other counters, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their upper limit values ​​(198 and 240 in this embodiment), they are cleared to 0. The updated values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of RAM 503.

[0369] In the following step SD203, the winning ball count signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step SD204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

[0370] Then, in step SD205, the first display control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R are set, and the big win determination and the change pattern of the decorative symbols in the effect display device 42 are set. The details of this first display control process will be described later.

[0371] In step SD206, a variable winning device control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the variable winning device 32 is set to determine what kind of control is to be performed in the variable winning device 32. As a result, when a big win state or a small win state occurs, the opening and closing process of the opening and closing shutter 32b of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times. The details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

[0372] In step SD207, the second display control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are set to determine what kind of control is performed in the normal symbol display device 41. The details of this second display control process will be described later.

[0373] In step SD208, an opening / closing accessory control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the opening / closing accessory 37Y is set to determine what control is to be performed in the opening / closing accessory 37Y. The details of this opening / closing accessory control process will be described later.

[0374] Thereafter, in step SD209, 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 SD210 whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, the process proceeds to step SD201, and the processes from step SD201 onwards are repeatedly executed.

[0375] 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 SD211, step SD212).

[0376] That is, in step SD211, 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 upper limit (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

[0377] In step SD212, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step SD202). Specifically, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their upper limit values ​​(198, 240 in this example), they are cleared to 0. The updated values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of RAM 503.

[0378] Here, the execution time of each process of steps SD201 to SD209 changes depending on the state of the game, so 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 jackpot random number counter CD1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be randomly updated.

[0379] If power interruption information is set in the backup area 503a of RAM 503 (step SD209: YES), power has been interrupted, and the processing from step SD213 onward is performed as power interruption processing in the event of a power interruption. The power interruption processing begins with prohibiting interrupts in step SD213, saving the contents of each register used by CPU 501 to a stack area in step SD214, and storing the value of the stack pointer in backup area 503a in step SD215. Then, in step SD216, a power interruption notification command indicating that power has been interrupted is sent to other control devices (such as the dispensing control device 311). Then, in step SD217, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address in RAM 503. Then, in step SD218, RAM access is prohibited, and an infinite loop continues until power is completely interrupted and processing can no longer be executed.

[0380] The processing of step SD209 is executed at the end of a series of processing steps SD201-SD208 corresponding to changes in game status, or at the end of one cycle of processing steps SD211 and SD212 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, making storage easier. Furthermore, when restoring the state before the power interruption, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, making restoration easier and reducing the processing load on the main control unit 261. Furthermore, since interrupt processing is prohibited before data storage (step SD213), data at the time of the power interruption is prevented from being changed, and the state before the power interruption can be reliably stored.

[0381] Next, the first display control process in step SD205 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0382] In FIG. 1-21, in step SD801, various winning flags (big winning flag and small winning flag) described later are referenced to determine whether or not the current state is a winning state (big winning state or small winning state).

[0383] In addition, during the winning state (during the big win state, small win state), there is included a round period in which the variable winning device 32 is in an open state, an interval period between round periods in which the variable winning device 32 is in a closed state, an opening period before the start of the first round (a predetermined period from when the variable display on the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R is displayed in a stopped state in a manner corresponding to a win (big win or small win) until the first round is started on the variable winning device 32), and an ending period after the end of the final round (a predetermined period from when the final round ends and the variable winning device 32 is in a closed state until the variable display can start on the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R).

[0384] If the determination in step SD801 is affirmative, i.e., if the game is in a winning state, this processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination in step SD801 is negative, in step SD802, the setting status of the first display flag, which will be described in detail later, is checked to determine whether a variable display is being performed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R (performance display device 42). More specifically, if the first display flag is set (if it is in the on state), it is considered that a variable display is being performed, and if the first display flag is cleared (if it is in the off state), it is considered that a stopped display is being performed, which corresponds to a state in which the variable display is stopped. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the first display flag is turned on when the variable display on the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R begins (see steps SD920 and SD807), and is turned off when the variable display on the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R is stopped (see step SD814).

[0385] If the judgment in step SD802 is negative, that is, if the state is not a winning state and the variable display is not in progress, the process proceeds to step SD803, where it is determined whether the value of the lower hold counter Nb, which counts the number of pending variable displays (second variable displays) triggered by winning at the lower start winning port 33YB, is greater than 0.

[0386] If the judgment in step SD803 is positive, i.e., if at least one second variable display is stored in reserve, then in step SD804, 1 is subtracted from the lower reserve counter Nb. In this embodiment, if the judgment process in step SD803 determines that the second variable display is stored in reserve, then the second variable display will be executed without executing the first variable display. In other words, even if the first variable display is stored in reserve earlier than the second variable display, the second variable display will be consumed first (the first variable display will be put off).

[0387] In the following step SD805, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the second special variable reserve area. This data shift process shifts the data stored in reserve areas 1 to 4 of the second special variable reserve area to the execution area in order, with the data in each area being shifted in the following order: reserve area 1 → execution area, reserve area 2 → reserve area 1, reserve area 3 → reserve area 2, and reserve area 4 → reserve area 3. After step SD805, in step SD806, the second reserve lamp 46b is turned on and off and the variable identification lamp 40 is illuminated red, and then the process proceeds to step SD807.

[0388] Also, if the determination in step SD803 is negative, that is, if no second variable display is stored in reserve, then in step SD808, it is determined whether the upper reserve counter Na, which counts the number of reserved variable displays (first variable displays) triggered by winning into the upper start winning slot 33YA, is greater than 0. If the determination in step SD808 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0389] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD808 is affirmative, in step SD809, 1 is subtracted from the upper reserved counter Na. In the following step SD810, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the first special variable reserved area. This data shift process shifts the data stored in reserved areas 1 to 4 of the first special variable reserved area sequentially to the execution area, shifting the data in each area in the following order: reserved area 1 → execution area, reserved area 2 → reserved area 1, reserved area 3 → reserved area 2, and reserved area 4 → reserved area 3. After step SD810, in step SD811, the first reserved lamp 46a is turned on and off and the variable identification lamp 40 is illuminated blue, and then the process proceeds to step SD807. Note that in this embodiment, there is only one execution area for the special variable reserved area, and the data stored in the first special variable reserved area and the second special variable reserved area are shifted to a common execution area when a variable display based on that data is performed.

[0390] In step SD807, a variable display setting process is performed. Here, the details of the variable display setting process will be explained with reference to Fig. 1-22. First, in the pre-processing of step SD900, a small win determination process, a big win determination process, a game status check process, etc. are executed.

[0391] In the small win determination process, it is determined whether the value of the big win random number counter CD1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is a value corresponding to a small win, and if it is a value corresponding to a small win, the small win winning flag is set to ON. Here, it may be determined whether the variable display corresponds to a small win by determining whether the small win scheduled flag in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is set to ON. In addition, the small win scheduled flag is turned OFF after the small win winning flag is set to ON.

[0392] Similarly, in the jackpot determination process, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is a value corresponding to a jackpot, and if it is a value corresponding to a jackpot, the jackpot winning flag is set to ON. Note that here, it may be possible to determine whether the variable display corresponds to a jackpot by determining whether the jackpot expected flag of the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is set to ON. Furthermore, the jackpot expected flag is turned OFF after the jackpot winning flag is set to ON.

[0393] The above-mentioned small win determination process, big win determination process, big win type determination process, reach determination process, etc. constitute part of the various lotteries in this embodiment, and the functions of the main control device 261 that executes these constitute part of the lottery means.

[0394] The game status check process is the same as the game status check process in step SD109 (see FIG. 1-19), and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0395] In the following step SD901, it is determined whether the small win hit flag is on or not, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a small win or not.

[0396] If it is determined that the winning combination corresponds to a small win, the process proceeds to step SD910. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning combination does not correspond to a small win, the process proceeds to step SD902.

[0397] In step SD902, it is determined whether the big win hit flag is on or not, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a big win or not.

[0398] If it is determined that the winning combination corresponds to a big win, the process proceeds to step SD903. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning combination is neither a big win nor a small win, i.e., if it is a miss, the process proceeds to step SD912.

[0399] In step SD903, it is determined whether any of the above-mentioned various types of special jackpot flags ("16R special jackpot A flag," "16R special jackpot B flag," "4R special jackpot A flag," "4R special jackpot B flag") stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable pending area is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a "special jackpot."

[0400] If the determination in step SD903 is affirmative, that is, if it is a "probable jackpot," then in step SD904, the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "probable jackpot" and set in the fluctuation pattern command. Subsequently, in step SD905, the jackpot symbol (in this embodiment, whether it is an odd number symbol or an even number symbol) is determined by referring to the symbol table corresponding to the "probable jackpot," and the corresponding symbol command (in this embodiment, "BZ1" or "BZ2" described later) is set. Then, the process proceeds to step SD920.

[0401] If the determination in step SD903 is negative, the process proceeds to step SD906, where it is determined whether any of the above-mentioned various normal jackpot flags ("16R normal jackpot A flag," "16R normal jackpot B flag," "4R normal jackpot A flag," and "4R normal jackpot B flag") is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a "normal jackpot." If the determination in step SD906 is positive, that is, if it is a "normal jackpot," then in step SD907, a variable pattern is determined by referring to the variable pattern table corresponding to the "normal jackpot" and set in the variable pattern command. Subsequently, in step SD908, a jackpot symbol (whether an odd symbol or an even symbol in this embodiment) is determined by referring to the symbol table corresponding to the "normal jackpot," and a symbol command corresponding to this (in this embodiment, "BZ1" or "BZ2" described later) is set. Then, the process proceeds to step SD920.

[0402] However, in this embodiment, as described above, depending on the type of symbols displayed on the effect display device 42, it is impossible to determine the game state, such as the lottery mode, that is awarded after the jackpot ends. In other words, there is no clear correlation between the variable patterns or stopped symbols and the jackpot type, such as "odd symbols" being displayed as stopped for a "probable jackpot" and "even symbols" being displayed as stopped for a "normal jackpot." In this embodiment, the various tables are simply divided so that the occurrence rates of predetermined variable patterns and symbols differ depending on the type of jackpot, such as "odd symbols" being more likely to be displayed as stopped for a "probable jackpot." Therefore, for example, when a jackpot occurs, the variable patterns and stopped symbols may be selected based on a single jackpot table, regardless of the jackpot type, such as "probable jackpot" or "normal jackpot."

[0403] If the determination in step SD906 is negative, the process proceeds to step SD909, where it is determined whether the JUB jackpot flag is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a "JUB jackpot." If the determination in step SD909 is positive, i.e., if a "JUB jackpot" has occurred, the process proceeds to step SD910.

[0404] In step SD910, the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "JUB big win" and "small win", and set in the fluctuation pattern command. After that, in step SD911, a symbol command corresponding to the chance symbol (in this embodiment, "BZ6" described later) is set, and the process proceeds to step SD920.

[0405] If the determination in step SD902 is negative, that is, if the result is a "miss," then in step SD912, it is determined whether the front or rear miss flag is on.

[0406] If the determination in step SD912 is affirmative, that is, if it is a "front or rear miss reach," then in step SD913, a fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "front or rear miss reach," and the fluctuation pattern is set in the fluctuation pattern command, and the front or rear miss flag is turned off. Then, in step SD914, it is set in the pattern command corresponding to the front or rear miss pattern (in this embodiment, "BZ3" described later). Then, the process proceeds to step SD920.

[0407] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD912 is negative, then in step SD915 it is determined whether the flag other than front and rear misses is on. If the determination in step SD915 is positive, that is, if it is a "reach other than front and rear misses", then in step SD916 a fluctuation pattern is determined taking into consideration the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "reach other than front and rear misses", and set in the fluctuation pattern command, and the flag other than front and rear misses is turned off. Next, in step SD917 it is set in the pattern command corresponding to the pattern other than front and rear misses (in this embodiment, "BZ4" to be described later). Then, the process proceeds to step SD920.

[0408] Also, if the determination in step SD915 is negative, that is, if it is a "complete miss", in step SD918, the miss fluctuation pattern is determined by taking into consideration the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to "complete miss" and set in the fluctuation pattern command. Subsequently, in step SD919, it is set in the symbol command corresponding to the complete miss symbol (in this embodiment, "BZ5" described later). After that, the process proceeds to step SD920.

[0409] Here, for convenience, the fluctuation pattern table and the fluctuation pattern command will be explained. In this embodiment, a fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the above-mentioned "probable jackpot" (hereinafter referred to as "probable jackpot fluctuation pattern table"), a fluctuation pattern table corresponding to "normal jackpot", a fluctuation pattern table corresponding to "JUB jackpot" and "small jackpot", a fluctuation pattern table corresponding to "reach before and after miss", a fluctuation pattern table corresponding to "reach other than before and after miss", and a fluctuation pattern table corresponding to "complete miss" (hereinafter referred to as "complete miss fluctuation pattern table") are provided in plural numbers according to the game state (the value of the game state determination value Xj is "0" to "7").

[0410] For example, as shown in Figure 1-41(a), the table of fluctuation patterns during a special jackpot is stored at the reference address "100" where the game state determination value Xj is "0" and corresponds to the "normal state."

[0411] Similarly, at "address 101," a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "1" is stored, at "address 102," a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "2" is stored, at "address 103," a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "3" is stored, at "address 104," a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "4" is stored, at "address 105," a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "5" is stored, at "address 106," a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "6" is stored, and at "address 107," a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "7" is stored.

[0412] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1-41(b), the table of fluctuation patterns when a complete miss occurs is stored at the reference address "700" where the value of the game state determination value Xj is "0", which corresponds to the "normal state".

[0413] Similarly, at "address 701", a fluctuation pattern table for when the game status determination value Xj corresponds to a value of "1", at "address 702", a fluctuation pattern table for when the game status determination value Xj corresponds to a value of "2", at "address 703", a fluctuation pattern table for when the game status determination value Xj corresponds to a value of "3", at "address 704", a fluctuation pattern table for when the game status determination value Xj corresponds to a value of "4", at "address 705", a fluctuation pattern table for when the game status determination value Xj corresponds to a value of "5", at "address 706", a fluctuation pattern table for when the game status determination value Xj corresponds to a value of "6", and at "address 707", a fluctuation pattern table for when the game status determination value Xj corresponds to a value of "7".

[0414] Although not shown in the figures, for the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the above-mentioned "normal jackpot", the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "JUB jackpot" and "small jackpot", the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "reach of miss before or after", and the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "reach of other than miss before or after", similarly to the fluctuation pattern table for the above-mentioned special jackpot and the fluctuation pattern table for complete miss, multiple table groups corresponding to the game state determination value Xj values ​​"0" to "7" are stored in consecutive numbers from a predetermined reference address.

[0415] Therefore, when determining the fluctuation pattern in steps SD904, SD907, SD910, SD913, SD916, and SD918, a process is first performed to select a table corresponding to a predetermined gaming state (a gaming state judgment value Xj having a value of "0" to "7") from among a group of multiple tables based on the gaming state judgment value Xj identified in the gaming state check process (step SD900). In this case, the address where the table to be selected is stored can be identified by adding the gaming state judgment value Xj to a reference address (for example, "address 100" for the probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table). In other words, the value of the gaming state judgment value Xj itself serves as an offset value.

[0416] Then, a fluctuation pattern is determined based on the selected fluctuation pattern table (for example, the fluctuation pattern table for a special jackpot corresponding to the "normal state (Xj=0)" stored in "Address 100": see Figure 1-42), and a corresponding fluctuation pattern command is set.

[0417] The fluctuation pattern command in this embodiment is composed of two bytes, and the upper four bits of the upper byte are composed of information that specifies the game state. In this embodiment, the value of the game state determination value Xj is set as is. In addition, the lower four bits of the upper byte are composed of information that specifies the jackpot type, etc., and the lower eight bits of the lower byte are composed of information that specifies the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time, reach type, etc.).

[0418] For example, as can be seen from the probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table (see FIG. 1-42) for the normal state (Xj = 0), in the probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern command for the normal state, the upper four bits of the upper byte are set to "0," which is the value of the game state determination value Xj, and the following lower four bits are set to "F," which indicates a "probability variable jackpot." The remaining eight bits of the lower byte are set to values ​​that specify a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of RAM 503. The sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these fluctuation pattern commands and the fluctuation modes (effect patterns) of the decorative symbols in a table, and upon receiving a fluctuation pattern command, the fluctuation pattern (effect pattern) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command can be executed.

[0419] Next, the symbol commands will be described in detail. The symbol commands are commands for causing the sub-controller 262 to determine the symbols to be stopped. In this embodiment, six categories are designated: a combination of odd-numbered jackpot symbols, a combination of even-numbered jackpot symbols, a combination of symbols with no front-to-back wins, a combination of symbols with no front-to-back wins, a combination of symbols with no front-to-back wins, a combination of symbols with no back-to-back wins, a combination of symbols with no back-to-back wins, a combination of symbols with no back-to-back wins, and a combination of symbols with chance wins. These categories are indicated by, for example, "BZ1," "BZ2," "BZ3," "BZ4," "BZ5," and "BZ6," and any one of these is set as the symbol command. Meanwhile, the sub-controller 262 stores the relationship between these commands and the symbols to be stopped in a table. Then, the sub-controller 262 displays the symbols to be stopped corresponding to the symbol commands.

[0420] An odd jackpot symbol combination is a combination of symbols consisting of the repeated numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, and "BZ1" is set as the symbol command corresponding to the odd jackpot symbol combination. When "BZ1" indicating an odd jackpot symbol is set as the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 determines one of the symbol combinations consisting of the repeated numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 as the stopped symbol.

[0421] An even jackpot symbol combination is a combination of symbols consisting of the repeated numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8, and "BZ2" is set as the symbol command corresponding to the even jackpot symbol combination. When "BZ2" indicating an even jackpot symbol is set as the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 determines one of the symbol combinations consisting of the repeated numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 as the stopped symbol.

[0422] The combination of front and rear miss patterns corresponds to a "front and rear miss reach" in which, after a reach occurs, the final stopping pattern stops just one pattern before or after the reach pattern, and the pattern command corresponding to the front and rear miss pattern combination is set to "BZ3".

[0423] A combination of symbols other than a miss before and after corresponds to a "reach other than a miss before and after" in which the final stopping symbol stops other than before and after the reach symbol after the reach occurs, and the symbol command corresponding to a combination of symbols other than a miss before and after is set to "BZ4".

[0424] The combination of symbols that is a complete miss corresponds to a "complete miss" that does not result in a reach, and "BZ5" is set as the symbol command that corresponds to the combination of symbols that is a complete miss.

[0425] In addition, the symbol command corresponding to the combination of chance symbols is set to "BZ6." Incidentally, there is one type of chance symbol, and in this example, as described above, the decorative symbols stopped and displayed in each symbol display area are "3," "4," and "1" from the top.

[0426]

[0047] Note that, as will be described in detail later, when "BZ3" to "BZ5" are set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 determines the symbol combination stored in the corresponding counter buffer of RAM 553 as the symbol to be stopped. Specifically, when "BZ3", which indicates a symbol combination of front and rear misses, is set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 that receives the symbol command determines the symbol combination corresponding to the front and rear miss reach stored in the front and rear miss reach symbol buffer of RAM 553 as the symbol to be stopped. When "BZ4", which indicates a symbol combination other than front and rear misses, is set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 determines the symbol combination corresponding to the reach other than front and rear miss stored in the non-front and rear miss reach symbol buffer of RAM 553 as the symbol to be stopped. When "BZ5", which indicates a symbol combination of complete misses, is set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 determines the symbol combination corresponding to the complete miss stored in the complete miss symbol buffer of RAM 553 as the symbol to be stopped.

[0427] Also, when "BZ6" is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 selects a chance symbol as a combination of decorative symbols.

[0428] The variable pattern command and the symbol command set as described above are output in the external output process (step SD201) described later. Then, the sub-control device 262 that inputs these commands determines the variable mode of the performance display device 42 based on the commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display (variably display) the variable mode on the performance display device 42.

[0429] In step SD920, a start setting process is performed to indicate that the conditions for performing a variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R have been met. In this start setting process, a first display flag indicating whether or not a variable display is being performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R is turned on, and a first display timer setting process is performed.

[0430] The first display timer is a means for measuring the change time (remaining time of change display) in the special display devices 43L and 43R, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the change display.

[0431] In this embodiment, the variable display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R is set to a value corresponding to the variable pattern of the decorative symbols selected by the variable type counters CS1 and CS2. Based on the setting of this first display timer, when a control signal to start variable display is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the external output process of the next normal process, the variable display is started on the special display devices 43L and 43R. Then, after step SD920 is completed, the variable display setting process is completed.

[0432] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1-21, if the determination in step SD802 is affirmative, i.e., if a variable display is in progress, the process proceeds to step SD812, where a first display timer subtraction process is performed. Each time this process is performed, the value of the first display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, if the variable time is 10 seconds (10,000 msec), the first display timer is set to "2500" and is subtracted by 1 every 4 msec.

[0433] Next, the process proceeds to step SD813, where the value of the first 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, i.e., when the value of the first display timer becomes "0", a positive determination is made in step SD813.

[0434] If the determination in step SD813 is negative, in step SD817, a switching display setting is made to continue the variable display of the special display devices 43L and 43R, and this processing ends. Based on the settings of the switching display setting, a control signal to switch the display is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the external output processing of the next normal processing. This realizes the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R at the timing of the first display control processing, i.e., every 4 ms.

[0435] On the other hand, if the judgment in step SD813 is affirmative, the first display flag is cleared (turned off) in step SD814, and the stop display setting is performed in step SD815 to display a stop display on the special display devices 43L and 43R.

[0436] Based on the settings of the stop display setting, a control signal to display a stop is output to the special display devices 43L and 42R in the external output process of the next normal process. For example, in the case of a "16R probability variable jackpot A", a "9-" is displayed as a stop (for example, lit for only a few seconds).

[0437] Next, in step SD816, the fluctuation end time setting process is performed, and then this process is terminated. The fluctuation end time setting process will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0438] First, in step SD1001, the jackpot hit flag and the small hit hit flag are checked to determine whether the displayed still image corresponds to a jackpot or a small hit. If the displayed still image corresponds to a jackpot or a small hit, the process proceeds to step SD1002, where a hit is set.

[0439] Specifically, the setting process is performed for the big win flag, small win flag, opening flag, first open flag, first variable timer, round number counter Rx, and winning counter Vx, as well as the setting process for the opening command that notifies the start of the big win or small win and the type of win, etc. After step SD1002 is completed, the setting process for the end of the fluctuation is completed.

[0440] The jackpot flag is state determination information for determining whether or not a jackpot state is occurring, and here, "1" indicating the occurrence of a jackpot state is set as the flag value (turned on). Note that instead of the jackpot flag, it may be configured to determine whether or not a jackpot is occurring by determining whether or not the value of the jackpot round number counter Rx is greater than 0. Furthermore, the jackpot hit flag is turned off after the jackpot flag is set on.

[0441] The small win flag is state discrimination information for determining whether or not a small win state has occurred, and here, like the big win flag, "1" indicating the occurrence of a small win state is set as the flag value (turned on). In addition, the small win flag is turned off after the small win flag is set on.

[0442] The opening flag is state determination information for determining whether or not it is in the opening period, and here, "1" indicating that it is in the opening period is set as the flag value (turned on).

[0443] The first open flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the variable winning device 32 is in an open state (during a round period).

[0444] The first variable timer is a measuring means for measuring the opening time (round period) of the variable winning device 32, the interval period between rounds, etc., and is taken into consideration when determining whether a specified time has elapsed since the opening start or end of the opening / closing shutter 32b. In the winning setting process of step SD1002, predetermined values ​​corresponding to various winnings are set by taking into consideration the opening / closing pattern control table (see Figure 1-43).

[0445] For example, if the first time is the "long opening" as in the case of a "16R probability variable jackpot A," the first variable timer is set to "7500," and if the first time is the "short opening" as in the case of a "JUB jackpot," the first variable timer is set to "100." As a result, the maximum opening time (specified time) per opening / closing operation of the opening / closing shutter 32b is set to "30 seconds" or "0.4 seconds." In other words, the main control device 261 as a movement control unit determines and executes an opening / closing pattern, which is one movement mode of the opening / closing shutter 32b that moves during the jackpot performance, from a plurality of opening / closing patterns (number of rounds) stored in the opening / closing pattern control table.

[0446] As shown in Figure 1-43, the opening / closing pattern control table, which serves as specific information, has pre-set setting information such as the number of times the special prize state occurs in various winning states (number of rounds), the opening time of the opening / closing shutter 32b in each special prize state (each round), and the interval time between each special prize state.

[0447] The round number counter Rx is state discrimination information for determining the number of times a special prize state (round) occurs during a jackpot state or a small jackpot state, i.e., the number of times the opening / closing process ("long opening" or "short opening") of the variable prize winning device 32 is executed. In the win setting process of step SD1002, an initial value corresponding to each type of win is set with reference to the opening / closing pattern control table (see FIG. 1-43). For example, in the case of a "16R variable jackpot A," "16" is set as information indicating 16 times, which is the second specific period, and in the case of a "4R variable jackpot A," "4" is set as information indicating 4 times, which is the first specific period. In addition, in the case of a "JUB jackpot," "20" is set as information indicating 20 times, which is the total of five "short openings" and 15 "long openings." Note that the number of rounds is determined by the jackpot type determination process, and after the information indicating the number of rounds is initially set as an initial value, the set information is not increased during the process, and the end determination is made based on the set information.

[0448] The winning counter Vx is a winning counting means that counts the number of game balls that have won the variable winning device 32. In this embodiment, during the switch reading process of the timer interrupt process (see Figure 1-14), it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred in the variable winning device 32 based on the detection information of the count switch 223, and if it is determined that a winning has occurred in the variable winning device 32, the value of the winning counter Vx is incremented by one.

[0449] Additionally, in the winning setting process of step SD1002, the specified number Vo, which is the maximum number of prizes expected to be won by the variable winning device 32 per one opening / closing operation (one round) of the opening / closing shutter 32b, is set with reference to the opening / closing pattern control table (see FIG. 1-43). As mentioned above, the specified number Vo is predetermined for each opening type (operation mode of the opening / closing member per one opening / closing operation), such as "long opening" or "short opening." For example, for "long opening," the specified number Vo is set to "10," and for "short opening," the specified number Vo is set to "3."

[0450] Now, in step SD1001, if it is determined that the stopped display does not correspond to a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step SD1003.

[0451] In step SD1003, it is determined whether the counter value of the support count counter is 0. The support count counter is a means for measuring the duration of the "high support mode" (the number of variable displays), and as will be described later, after the end of a jackpot, a value corresponding to each type of jackpot is set as the counter value.

[0452] Here, if the counter value of the support count counter is "0", this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the support count counter is set (if the counter value is other than "0"), it is assumed that the high support mode is set, and in step SD1004, a process is performed to subtract 1 from the value of the support count counter. In step SD1004, a process is also performed to subtract 1 from the value of the game state specification counter Kj. Then, the process proceeds to step SD1005.

[0453] In step SD1005, it is determined whether the counter value of the support count counter is "0". In other words, it is determined whether the current variable display is the predetermined number of times since the end of the jackpot (after the high support mode is granted). Here, if the value of the support count counter is "0", in step SD1006, the value of the support mode flag is switched to "A0(H)" which indicates "low support mode", and this process ends.

[0454] On the other hand, if it is determined in step SD1005 that the counter value of the support count counter is not "0", this process ends.

[0455] Next, the variable prize winning device control process in step SD206 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 1-24.

[0456] First, in step SD1201, various winning flags (big win flag and small win flag) are referenced to determine whether or not the current state is a winning state (big win state or small win state). If the determination here is negative, this process ends as is.

[0457] If the determination in step SD1201 is affirmative, the value of the first variable timer is decremented by one in the following step SD1202.

[0458] In the next step SD1203, it is determined whether the first open flag is on, i.e., whether the round period is in progress. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SD1204, where it is determined whether the value of the first variable timer is "0," i.e., whether the round period ("30 seconds" for "long open" and "0.4 seconds" for "short open") has ended.

[0459] If the determination in step SD1204 is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1205, where it is determined whether the value of the winning counter Vx is equal to or greater than the specified number Vo, i.e., whether the number of game balls that have won in the variable winning device 32 during the round period has reached the specified number Vo, which is the maximum number of balls expected to win (10 balls for a "long opening" and "3 balls for a "short opening"). If the determination in step SD1205 is negative, i.e., if the timing for closing the variable winning device 32 (the end of the round period) has not yet arrived, the process ends.

[0460] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD1204 or step SD1205 is affirmative, that is, if it is the end timing of the round period, the process proceeds to step SD1206, where the value of the round number counter Rx is decremented by one.

[0461] Then, the process proceeds to step SD1207, where the determination function unit determines whether the value of the round number counter Rx is "0," i.e., whether the number of rounds ("long opening" or "short opening") has reached a predetermined number. In other words, it determines whether the end condition for the series of round opening and closing operations in the winning state is met.

[0462] The timing at which each round period ends varies depending on the behavior of the game balls fired by the player operating the handle 18 and the state of the nails 49 arranged in the game area. Therefore, each round period may end when the specified time (30 seconds for a "long release" or 0.4 seconds for a "short release") has elapsed, or it may end on the condition that a specified number of game balls (10 for a "long release" or 3 for a "short release") enter the big prize opening 32a before the specified time has elapsed. In other words, at least one of the conditions for ending the winning state may be met based on the ball firing operation by the player, and the timing at which this condition is met may vary.

[0463] Alternatively, instead of the above configuration, in the hit setting process of step SD1002, the value of the round number counter Rx may be set to an initial value of "0", and in step SD1206, the value of the round number counter Rx may be incremented by 1, and in step SD1207, it may be determined whether the value of the round number counter Rx has reached the specified number of rounds corresponding to each type of hit (for example, "16" in the case of a "16R guaranteed jackpot A").

[0464] However, in this embodiment, the configuration is such that it is determined whether or not the end condition is met only when the special prize opening 32a is closed (when the opening / closing shutter 32b is in the initial position). This is because the end condition cannot be met when the special prize opening 32a is open, and it is irrational to determine whether or not the end condition is met at this timing, so ultimately it is necessary to make a determination at a timing when the end condition can be met.

[0465] If the determination in step SD1207 is affirmative, the ending setting process is performed in step SD1208, and the process ends. That is, the movement of the opening / closing shutter 32b, which is in the closed position (initial position), is stopped, and the series of round opening / closing operations is ended by the ending function unit.

[0466] In addition, the ending setting process in step SD1208 turns off the first open flag and turns on the ending flag, and also performs processes such as setting an ending command to inform the sub-control device 262 that the ending is about to begin, and setting a value corresponding to a predetermined ending period (ending period for a big win or an ending period for a small win) to the first variable timer.

[0467] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step SD1207, that is, if the number of rounds executed has not reached the specified number, an interval setting process is performed in step SD1209, which results in stop control, and the process ends.

[0468] In addition, the interval setting process in step SD1209 turns off the first open flag, sets an interval command to inform the sub-control device 262 that the interval has started, and sets a value corresponding to a predetermined interval period ("3 seconds" or "1 second") to the first variable timer by referring to the opening / closing pattern control table (see Figure 1-43).

[0469] If the determination in step SD1203 is negative, i.e., if the current period is a predetermined period other than a round period (opening period, interval period, or ending period), the process proceeds to step SD1210, where it is determined whether the value of the first variable timer is "0." In other words, it is determined whether it is the end timing of the predetermined period (opening period, interval period, or ending period).

[0470] If the determination in step SD1210 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in step SD1210 is positive, the process goes to step SD1211 to determine whether the opening flag (see step SD1002) is on.

[0471] If the determination in step SD1211 is affirmative, that is, if it is time for the opening period to end, the opening period end setting process is performed in step SD1212, and then this process ends.

[0472] In the opening end setting process of step SD1212, the opening flag is turned off and the first open flag is turned on, and a round command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that a round is about to begin, and a value corresponding to a predetermined round period (30 seconds for "long opening" and 0.4 seconds for "short opening") is set for the first variable timer, taking into consideration the opening / closing pattern control table (see Figure 1-43).

[0473] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD1211 is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1213 to determine whether the ending flag (see step SD1208) is on. If the determination in step SD1213 is positive, i.e., if it is the end timing of the ending period, the process proceeds to step SD1214 to perform ending end setting processing (setting the end of the winning state), and then this processing ends.

[0474] In the ending end setting process of step SD1214, the winning flag (big win flag or small win flag) and the ending flag are turned off, and a winning end command (a big win end command that conveys information that the big win state is ending, or a small win end command that conveys information that the small win state is ending) is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that the winning state is ending.

[0475] Furthermore, in the ending completion setting process, a lottery mode flag switching process, a support mode flag switching process, a support count counter setting process, a game status notification command setting process, and the like are performed.

[0476] In the lottery mode flag switching process, the lottery mode flag is switched and set based on the various jackpot flags described above. As a result, when the "high probability mode" is set after the jackpot ends (when various "probability variable jackpot flags" or "JUB jackpot flags" are on), the flag value is set to "53(H)", which indicates the occurrence of the "high probability mode". On the other hand, when the "low probability mode" is set (when various "normal jackpot flags" are on), the flag value is set to "50(H)", which indicates the occurrence of the "low probability mode".

[0477] However, if the small win flag is on (if the big win flag is off), the lottery mode flag is not switched, and the flag value for the original mode is set as is. For example, if the "high probability mode" was set before the small win state occurred (the flag value of the lottery mode flag is "53(H)"), the "high probability mode" (the flag value of the lottery mode flag is "53(H)") will remain set even after the small win ends.

[0478] In the support mode flag switching process, the support mode flag is switched and set based on the various jackpot flags described above. As a result, if "20 times high support mode," "30 times high support mode," "40 times high support mode," or "50 times high support mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, the flag value is set to "A1(H)," if it is "30 times high support mode S," the flag value is set to "A2(H)," and if it is "until next time high support mode," the flag value is set to "A3(H)."

[0479] In the support count counter setting process, the support count counter is switched based on the various jackpot flags described above. As a result, if "20 times high support mode," "30 times high support mode," "40 times high support mode," or "50 times high support mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, the support count counter value is set to "20," which corresponds to 20 variable display cycles, "30," which corresponds to 30 variable display cycles, "40," which corresponds to 40 variable display cycles, or "50," which corresponds to 50 variable display cycles. Also, if "30 times high support mode S" is granted, the support count counter value is set to "30," which corresponds to 30 variable display cycles. If "Until next time high support mode" is granted, the support count counter value is set to a virtually unreachable value (for example, "99999," which corresponds to 99,999 variable display cycles).

[0480] The game status notification command is a command for notifying the sub-control device 262 of the game status that will be set after the big win ends. In setting this command, a game status check process is first performed. This game status check process is the same as the game status check process in step SD109 (see Figure 1-19) above, so a detailed description will be omitted here.

[0481] The game status notification command includes a game status determination value Xj relating to the new game status determined by the game status check process. As will be described later, the sub-control device 262 that receives this command switches the game status (game status determination value Xj) that it has determined to the new game status (game status determination value Xj). Note that the game status notification command may be omitted, and instead, for example, the game status determination value Xj may be included in a jackpot end command or the like that notifies the end of the jackpot state.

[0482] In addition, various "jackpot flags" are turned off after various processes such as the switching process of the lottery mode flag are completed. Also, when a win setting (step SD1002) is performed in the setting process at the end of the fluctuation in FIG. 1-23, the lottery mode flag may be reset once (set to "50(H)"), and the "high probability mode" may be interrupted during a jackpot or small win.

[0483] If a negative decision is made in step SD1213, that is, if it is the end timing of the interval period, the round start process is performed in step SD1215, and then this process is terminated.

[0484] In the round start processing of step SD1215, the first open flag is turned on, and a round command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that a round is about to begin.

[0485] Furthermore, in the round start processing, taking into consideration the opening and closing pattern control table (see Figure 1-43), the processing of setting a value corresponding to the opening time for the next round (30 seconds for a long opening, 0.4 seconds for a short opening) to the first variable timer, the processing of setting the specified number Vo for the next round (10 for a long opening, 3 for a short opening), and the processing of resetting the value of the winning counter Vx to 0 are performed.

[0486] Furthermore, based on the on / off status of the first open flag, various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the external output processing of the next normal processing. When the first open flag is on, a control signal to open the opening / closing shutter 32b is output to the variable winning device 32, and the special winning opening 32a is opened. At the same time, control is performed to cause light-emitting means such as an LED provided within the special winning opening 32a to emit light, making the special winning opening 32a easier for the player to see. On the other hand, when the first open flag is off, a control signal to close the opening / closing shutter 32b is output to the variable winning device 32, and the special winning opening 32a is closed. At the same time, control is performed to turn off the light-emitting means such as the LED.

[0487] Next, the second display control process in step SD207 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0488] In FIG. 1-25, in step SD2101, the setting status of the second display flag, which indicates whether or not a variable display is being performed on the normal pattern display device 41, is checked to determine whether or not a variable display is being performed on the normal pattern display device 41. In detail, if the second display flag is on, it is considered that a variable display is being performed on the normal pattern display device 41, and if the second display flag is off, it is considered that a stopped display is being performed, which corresponds to a state in which the variable display on the normal pattern display device 41 has stopped.

[0489] If the determination in step SD2101 is negative, the process proceeds to step SD2102, where it is determined whether the value of the normal hold counter Nc is greater than 0. If the value of the normal hold counter Nc is 0, the process ends.

[0490] Also, if the variable display is not in progress and the value of the normal hold counter Nc is greater than 0, proceed to step SD2103. In step SD2103, 1 is subtracted from the normal hold counter Nc. In step SD2104, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the normal variable hold area. This data shift process shifts the data stored in the first to fourth hold areas of the normal variable hold area sequentially to the execution area side, and the data in each area is shifted in the following order: hold 1 area → execution area, hold 2 area → hold 1 area, hold 3 area → hold 2 area, hold 4 area → hold 3 area.

[0491] Then, in step SD2105, a start setting process is executed. In this process, a process is performed to indicate that the conditions for performing a variable display on the normal pattern display device 41 have been met. In detail, the second display flag is turned on, and a second display timer setting process is performed. The second display timer is a means for measuring the variable time (remaining time) of the variable display performed on the normal pattern display device 41, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display.

[0492] In this embodiment, in the "low support mode", the variable time of the variable display performed by the normal pattern display device 41 is set to 2 seconds, so the second display timer is set to "500". Also, in the "high support mode", the variable time of the variable display performed by the normal pattern display device 41 is set to 0.4 seconds, so the second display timer is set to "100".

[0493] Based on the settings in the start setting process, when a control signal to start variable display is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process of the next normal process, variable display will start on the normal pattern display device 41. As described above, the normal pattern display device 41 is configured to light and display "○" or "×" as the normal pattern, and if "○" is displayed, it will be switched to "×", and if "×" is displayed, it will be switched to "○". Then, after step SD2105 is completed, the second display control process is completed.

[0494] If the determination in step SD2101 is affirmative, i.e., if a variable display is being performed on the normal symbol display device 41, the process proceeds to step SD2106, where the second display timer subtraction process is performed. Each time this process is performed, the value of the second display timer is subtracted by 1.

[0495] Next, the process proceeds to step SD2107, where it is determined whether the value of the second display timer is "0", i.e., whether the variable time has elapsed. If the determination in step SD2107 is affirmative, the second display flag is turned off in step SD2108, and a normal pattern stop display setting is performed in step SD2109 to display a stop on the normal pattern display device 41. Then, based on the setting contents of this normal pattern stop display setting, a control signal to display a stop is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process in the next normal process. That is, if there is a win, the "○" pattern (winning pattern) is displayed as a stop (for example, lit for only a few seconds), and if there is a loss, the "X" pattern is displayed as a stop.

[0496] As mentioned above, whether or not a win has been made is determined based on the value of the normal symbol random number counter CD4 stored in the execution area of ​​the normal variable reserve area.

[0497] Specifically, of the numbers 0 to 9 on the normal symbol random number counter CD4, the winning values ​​are two, "0, 1", in the "low support mode" and eight, "0 to 7", in the "high support mode".

[0498] Next, the process proceeds to step SD2110, where a setting process for the end of the variation is performed, and the process ends. In this process, if the stop display corresponds to a win, a setting process for opening and closing the opening / closing device 37Y is performed. Specifically, the second open flag is turned on, and the opening time is set in the second variable timer.

[0499] The second open flag is state determination information for determining whether the opening / closing device 37Y is in the open state.

[0500] The second variable timer is a means for measuring the opening time (remaining time) of the opening / closing device 37Y, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a specified time has elapsed since the opening started. In this embodiment, the opening time of the opening / closing device 37Y differs between the "high support mode" and the "low support mode," and in the "high support mode," the second variable timer is set to "1000," and in the "low support mode," the second variable timer is set to "100."

[0501] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step SD2107, a switching display setting is made in step SD2111 to continue the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41, and this processing is terminated. Then, based on the setting contents of this switching display setting, a control signal to switch the display to the normal pattern display device 41 is output in the external output processing in the next normal processing. Specifically, if the current lighting is "○", it is switched to "×", and if it is "×", it is switched to "○". This realizes the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41 at the timing of the second display control processing, that is, every 4 ms.

[0502] Next, the opening and closing feature control process in step SD208 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 1-26.

[0503] First, in step SD2201, it is determined whether the second open flag, which indicates whether the opening / closing device 37Y is in the open state, is on. If it is determined that the second open flag is not on (the opening / closing device 37Y is in the closed state), this process is terminated.

[0504] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD2201 is affirmative, i.e., if the second open flag is on, the opening / closing device 37Y is considered to be in the open state, and second variable timer subtraction processing is performed in step SD2202. Each time this processing is performed, the value of the second variable timer is subtracted by 1.

[0505] Next, the process proceeds to step SD2203, where the value of the second variable timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether the specified open time has elapsed. Here, when the specified open time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the second variable timer becomes "0," a positive determination is made in step SD2203. If a negative determination is made here, the process ends.

[0506] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD2203 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SD2204, where an end setting process is performed, and then this process ends. In the end setting process in step SD2204, the second open flag is turned off.

[0507] Furthermore, based on the on / off status of the second open flag, various control signals are output to the opening / closing device 37Y in the external output process of the next normal process. When the second open flag is on, a control signal to open the movable blade 37Ya is output to the opening / closing device 37Y, and the opening / closing device 37Y is in an open state. On the other hand, when the second open flag is off, a control signal to close the movable blade 37Ya is output to the opening / closing device 37Y, and the opening / closing device 37Y is in a closed state. This makes it impossible for game balls to enter the lower start winning opening 33YB.

[0508] Next, we will explain the dispensing control executed by the CPU 511 in the dispensing control device 311. For convenience of explanation, we will first explain the reception interrupt process with reference to Figure 1-27, and then explain the main process with reference to Figure 1-28.

[0509] FIG. 1-27 is a flowchart showing the reception interrupt process executed by the dispensing control device 311. The reception interrupt process is a process executed by interrupting when the dispensing control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the dispensing control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, other processes executed by the CPU 511 in the dispensing control device 311 are temporarily suspended, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, first, in step SD3001, the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is stored in the command buffer of RAM 513. In step SD3002, the command reception flag is turned on to record that the command has been transmitted from the main control device 261, and the reception interrupt process is terminated. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referenced and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer is updated so that the next received command can be stored in the next storage area.

[0510] In this embodiment, the reception process of a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is performed by an interrupt process executed when the command is received, but for example, in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 1-29, before the command determination process (step SD3201) is performed, it may be confirmed whether or not a command has been received, and if a command has been received, the command may be stored in the command buffer of RAM 513 and the command reception flag may be turned on, and if a command has not been received, the process may proceed to the command determination process. In such a case, it is confirmed whet...

Claims

[Claim 1] A determination means for determining whether predetermined lottery conditions have been met, which determines whether predetermined lottery conditions have been met, and based on this determination, a means for determining whether predetermined lottery conditions have been met, which performs a win / fail lottery. A fluctuation display means that performs a fluctuation display for a predetermined period based on the result of the aforementioned lottery, A specific game execution means that, if the result of the aforementioned lottery is a specific result, executes a specific variable display, displays a specific display result after the completion of the specific variable display, and then executes a specific game state, An effect execution means that performs a variation effect using multiple effect elements during the variation display for the predetermined period, A gaming machine equipped with, This gaming machine is A predetermined detection means that can enter a predetermined detection state when a predetermined object to be detected approaches or comes into contact with a predetermined detection unit to a predetermined distance, It comprises at least an information output means capable of performing a predetermined output, In a predetermined input-enabled state, when the predetermined detection means reaches the predetermined detection state, the information output means is configured to output a predetermined number of predetermined pieces of information stored in a predetermined storage unit that correspond to the input of predetermined information to the performance execution means. When input of predetermined information corresponding to the predetermined multiple pieces of information output is detected, the system is configured such that a specific state can occur in which predetermined configurable information can be reflected or output in the performance execution means. This gaming machine is A gaming machine characterized in that, after the aforementioned specific state occurs, if the predetermined state is reached, a non-output state can be generated in which the predetermined plurality of pieces of information are not output by the information output means.

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